Letter signed by James T. Ames (1810-1883), to Mariano Arista[?] (1802-1855), as President of the Republic of Mexico. Chicopee, Massachusetts, 5 August 1852. 1 page, 4to. 

A presentation letter sent by James T. Ames, agent fo the Ames Manufacturing Company to "His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Mexico," undoubtedly Mariano Arista (1802-1855) who was serving as the 19th President of Mexico from 1851 to 1853. 

The letter reads in full: "When Captain Eñrique A. Mejia visited us last March we promised to send on his return a specimen of our manufacture, but not having had time to complete it before he left, we now avail ourselves of the departure of Mr. P.P. Velez, and send by him a Sword, which please do us the honor to accept, as a sample of our advancement in the manufacture of arms."

Before his Presidency, Arista commanded Mexican forces at the Battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma in the early period of the Mexican-American War. The losses resulted in his court-martial, although he was ultimately acquitted. He was then appointed Minister of War and Marine, serving in the role from June 1848 until he was elected President in 1851. HIs presidency was fraught with financial instability and frequent revolts. In 1853, insurgents overthrew his administration and brought Santa Anna back into power. 

A fascinating Ames presentation letter. 

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