Allan McLane on 'USS Potomac' to Robert M. McLane, April 13, 1847

USS Potomac (From Wiki Commons)

[Allan McLane on USS Potomac near Veracruz (aka Vera Cruz), Mexico, to Robert Millgan McLane at Baltimore, April 13, 1847, Box 3, Louis McLane Correspondence (1795-1894), MSS 57083, Library of Congress.] 

My dear Bob,

Prepare for a severe blow. Information has just reached me that Johnstone* has been killed. Disappointed at Scott's mention of him, he went on with the advance of the Army, & upon its coming up with the Enemy, near the National Bridge was killed -- how, or when I cannot ascertain.

This sad intelligence reached me off the Island of Sacrificias, having been sent down by the Consul; & has been told to me while the letter bag is leaving the ship's side. Wait for more definite information, I will proceed immediately to the City, & from headquarters hear the truth. Sending you the result without delay. Poor Lily. You had better prepare her for the worst. 

God bless you dear Bob.
Allan

[Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891) -- badly wounded but not killed while reconnoitering the Mexican defense at Cerro Gordo, April 12, 1847. Age forty, this was not even the half-way point of his life; married to Lydia "Lily" Milligan Sims McLane Johnston (1822-1887), sister of Robert "Bob" Milligan McLane (1815-1898); the latter was married to Georgine Urquhart McLane (1813-1899); Allan = Allan McLane (1823-1891), another brother, serving on the frigate USS Potomac
Scott = Major General Winfield Scott
*Walter Scott-inspired spelling preferred by Joseph E. Johnston's favorite nephew, John Preston Johnstone/Johnston, who was subsequently killed in the same war] 

[Many thanks to William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]