Socorro CO. NM - Letter Lt. Col. Charles A. May to Col. John Munroe

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1850 / April 25th: The following is a two-page letter written by Lt. Col. 
Charles Augustus May, United States Second Dragoons, from Socorro, New 
Mexico, to Colonel John Munroe, in Santa Fe.  

May had a history of heart trouble and complains of poor health in his 
letter.   He obviously knew Munroe from the Mexican-American War campaign.  
May lead a bloody cavalry charge with 80-dragoons against a line of heavy 
Mexican artillery in the battle of Resaca de la Palma.  May lost a large 
percentage of his men but turned the tide of battle, enabling General Zachary 
Taylor's infantry to take the enemy position.   

Munroe, born in Scotland, graduated from the United States Military Academy 
in 1812, ranking 4th in his class.  The highest rank he reached was that of a 
Lieutenant Colonel of the Fourth Artillery.  He was breveted a major in 
February 1838 for uniformly meritorious and efficient conduct during the 
campaigns against the Florida Indians.  He was made a lieutenant colonel in 
September 1846 for gallantry and meritorious conduct in several conflicts at 
Monterey, Mexico and a colonel in February 1847 for gallantry and meritorious 
conduct in the battle of Buena Vista, Mexico.  He died on April 28, 1861.   

Socorro, New Mexico 
April 25th, 1850

My dear Col - 

                   I thank you very kindly for your note and newspapers - I 
have been very ill with another attack of my old enemy, and I doubt if I 
shall ever get rid of it in this country. 

                   I shall not however think of applying to leave until new 
dragoon officers arrive and I hope in the mean time the warm weather may 
restore me to my former health -- this place is very dull and very quiet but 
we are constantly looking out for an attack of the Indians. 

                   I regret very much to hear that Thomas is to be married, 
for there are many reasons why he should not think of it.  

                   We have report that the uniform has been changed, if so 
can you let me know to what.  [Unreadable] is going on as usual.  

           Please remember me to Col. McCall and say to him I shall not 
forget his [passing?] my Post without giving me a shake of his hand.  I heard 
he is to be Inspector General, and I sincerely hope it is true, for I know no 
officer more capable and whose appointment would be acceptable to the Army 
General - 

                                                                   Please 
excuse this hasty scrawl and believe me 
                                                                              
                       Ever your attached [?] 
                                                                              
                                 Friend 
                                                                              
                 C. [Charles] A. [Augustus] May 

Colonel Munroe 
               Santa Fe