The Washington times., 1914-10-11

the capture Of that city Oy Gen. Win
field Scott. cCmmander-in-chief Of the
army of Mexico. The idea of organiZ-
ing the officers who served in Mexico
into a club originated with Gen. John
&. Magruder, later a general in the Con-
federacy and familiarly known as
Prince John Magruder. The FIRST pres
ident was Gen. John A. Quitman. The
original home which was opened for
entcrtairme mt Of members and guests
in Mexico City was in The handsome
residence Of Senor Boca Negra, former
ly minister to the United States from
Mexico. located near the headquarters
of General Scott, an honorary member.
The first copy Of the constitution was
printed in the office Of The American
Star in Mexico City. When the CLUB
left lfexico City with the rest Of the
army. 1t adjourned for five years. The
first meeting afterward was while Gen.
Robert Patterson was president. He
served in that office for twenty years
and entertained the club annually dur
ing that period. These Mexican war
veterans were entertained at the White
House on two occasions, by President
Pierce and President Grant. both Of
whom were members. OF the 25O mem
bers. there are only seven who served
in Mexico. Gen. J. H. Watmough, Rear
Admiral John H. Upshur. and Gen. II.
G.. Gibson, all OF Washington, belong to
that group. The other FOUR are Admiral
Stephen B. Luce, Of Newport: Col.
George Porterfield. of Charles Town, W.
Va; Capt Francis T. Bryan, Of st.
Louis. and Capt John J. Martin, Of
Georgia
There are many distinguished people
who belong to this organization. many
with names familiar to you, Susan.
Judge Alexander Hagner, q name long
allied with social circles here; Admiral
Charles ]. Badger, Lieut.. Loyal Far
ragut, son Of Admiral FarraEut: Capt.
John J. Knapp. father-in-law Of Matt
land Marshall, you know, are all MEM
bers and will attend the banquet. Col.
Henry May and Frederick May, Col.
Charles McCaw1ey, Postmaster General
Burleson, J. William Henry and his
brother. Malcolm, Col. Joseph Garrard.
recently stationed at Fort Myer; John
Ecker, whom you Will recall as the hus-
band of Grace Dunlop. Of Georgetown:
John Upshur Moorhead. Gen. William
w. Wotherspoon, u. S. Grant, Cd, Capt.
W. ]. Maxwell, U. S. N, Robert Fitch
Shepard are active members, so you can
be sure that q gathering of such repre-
sentative men will be very interesting
indeed. Looking over the list Of men,
bers. past and present, / saw many
names that have had prominent place
in history. Gen. Robert E. Lee, Gen.
John A. Logan. Gen George B. McClel-
Ian. General Rucker. and Gen. w. ].
Sherman all belonged and took an ac-
tive part during their respective life
time. Such collection of men who
have accomplished something, who have
done things worth while. always inter-
csts me. AS you know so many Of
these men or members of their families,
! know you will enjoy hearing about
this club. They will have good time
night General Gibson. al
though in his eighty-seventh year, can
make wonderful speech hear, and he |
will preside, of course.
=
This letter should have just time to |
reach you before you start for Wash
ngton, and how I am longing TO see
you. It is shame you can only be here .
for such a little minute. but. bless your
heart even minute is a treat, and I |
am waiting anxiously. Give my love to
your mother and believe me- Ever
tondly. JEAN ELIOT.