Scope and Content Note
The papers of Henry Thomas Mayo (1856-1937) span the years 1866-1972, with the bulk of the items concentrated in the period from 1900 to 1918. The collection consists largely of correspondence and military records documenting Mayo's distinguished career in the United States Navy. The papers contain the following series: Family Papers, General Correspondence, Military File, and Miscellany.
The Family Papers are divided into correspondence and a biographical file. The correspondence contains Mayo's letters to his wife, sons, and sister during his frequent tours of duty. These letters provide accounts of his daily routines at sea, descriptions of foreign countries and inhabitants, and narratives of significant events and activities in his career. Notable topics include his exploration and hydrographic survey of Puget Sound and his operations as commander in chief of the United States Atlantic Fleet during World War I. Of special note are letters outlining his role in the "Tampico Incident," a military crisis that developed when Mayo demanded an apology and gun salute from dictator Victoriano Huerta after Mexican soldiers arrested American marines in Tampico, Mexico. These actions precipitated the occupation of Veracruz Llave and Tampico by the United States and catapulted Mayo to fame.
The correspondence also includes Mayo's daily letters to his wife describing his participation in the 1883 Arctic relief expeditions aboard the gunboat Yantic, searching unsuccessfully for Adolphus W. Greely's missing exploration party. Many of these early letters were transcribed in later years by Mayo's son Chester, who apparently disposed of numerous originals. The correspondence also includes Caroline Mayo's letters to family members, as well as some letters sent to the Mayos from various relatives.
The biographical file contains material relating to Mayo's personal life and naval career, including his unpublished memoirs, written with the help of his son Chester, recollections of specific events by Mayo and his wife, and some genealogical materials regarding the Mayo family. Also included are later biographical writings of Chester Mayo and Walter and Janet Whitehill, whose correspondence, 1953-1972, with Chester Mayo is responsible for the collection's extended date span.
The General Correspondence contains incoming and outgoing letters, primarily between Mayo and naval officers, colleagues, and family friends. Most of this correspondence relates to his military assignments, his role in the Tampico incident, and wartime operations. Also included are a few letters from foreign naval officials, thanking Mayo for his role in the Naval Allied Conference of 1917 and other activities during World War I. In addition, the series includes letters regarding personal business matters, invitations from friends and organizations, and correspondence with the public.
The Military File contains a variety of materials that document the significant events and activities of Mayo's naval career. Notable are reports, memoranda, and messages concerning Mayo's role at Tampico. Original correspondence with Mexican officials such as Ignacio Morelos Zaragoza, commander of the Mexican Federal Forces, are contained in these files. Also included are official orders, memoranda, and correspondence, some of an unofficial nature documenting the routine activities Mayo performed as a naval officer. Letters from Mayo in the correspondence subseries of the Family Papers help to fill some of the gaps in the Military File.
The Miscellany series contains souvenirs and programs, printed materials, and transcripts of speeches given by Mayo. Also included are photographs of Mayo, naval officers, family and friends, and images of a defeated Italy during World War I. Of special note are scrapbooks, probably maintained by Caroline and Chester Mayo, filled with newspaper clippings, programs, invitations, and other materials documenting significant events in Henry Mayo's naval career and life.
Frequent and prominent correspondents not mentioned previously include William S. Benson, Luis Caballero, George Creel, Josephus Daniels, Edward W. Eberle, José Guerra, and Clarence A. Miller