Scope and Content Note
The papers of John L. Saunders (1802-1860) span the years 1844-1857, with the bulk of the material concentrated in the period 1844-1847. The collection consists of correspondence, orders, and other papers covering primarily the period of Saunders's command of the USS St. Mary's during the Mexican War. Much of the material relates to United States naval operations off the Mexican coast, the blockade of the ports of Tampico and Veracruz Llave, and the transportation of American agents and dispatches. Principal correspondents include George Bancroft, Franklin Chase, David Conner, Robert Field Stockton, and Zachary Taylor.