Montgomery, John Berrien (1794-1872) to Edward R. Archer
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01896.034 Author/Creator: Montgomery, John Berrien (1794-1872) Place Written: Bay of Panama Type: Letter signed Date: 28 April 1860 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 26 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Response to Archer's request for a letter of recommendation needed to present to the Board of Examing Engineers for promotions. According to an Act of Congress, a letter of recommendation is needed from the ship's commander that the assistant engineer served on when going before the board. However, such a letter was not possible due to the sudden detachment from the U.S.S. Frigate "Roanoke" at Boston which Archer had served on under Montgomery's command until that time. "...[I]t gives me now, great pleasure in assuring you of my entire approval of your whole conduct as an officer and a gentleman..." Montgomery was noted for commanding the "Portsmouth" during the Mexican-American War and for raising the flag over Yerba Buena (San Francisco) on July 9th, 1846. He later commanded the Pacific Squadron and was promoted to rear admiral.
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