[Letter] 1847 June 8 [to] Dr. W.B. Stevens / Henry Coppée.

The letterhead, headed "Secretaria Partigular," features a representation of an eagle smashing enemy artillery and holding a snake in its beak. The collection also contains other letters written during the Mexican War by James Polk, Zachary Taylor, and Robert E. Lee.

Revealing that he has had timely notice of the army's plans to decamp, Coppée declares himself "well and in good spirits-- but hoping most sincerely that the war will end soon." He shies away from being premature in his desire to return to the U.S. and discusses rumors of where the Mexicans will make their "final cast," characterizing them as "deluded men" who cannot withstand the charge of U.S. soldiers. Coppée closes by accounting the items he has found on the battlefield including paper like this. Coppée served as an army captain in the Mexican War resulted in the United States' acquisition of California and New Mexico. Prior to assuming the duties as the first President of Lehigh from 1866 to 1875, Coppée worked on the railroad, fought in the Army during the Mexican War, and taught at West Point and the University of Pennsylvania. During his term in office, many buildings including the President's house, Packer Hall, and the University Center were constructed; Coppée also delivered lectures on history, logic, rhetoric, political economy and Shakespeare.