Archibald H. Gillespie
| Archibald H. Gillespie | |
|---|---|
| Born |
October 10, 1812 New York City |
| Died | August 16, 1873 (aged 63) San Francisco, California |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Marine Corps
|
| Years of service | 1832- 1854 |
| Rank | Major |
| Battles/wars | Mexican-American War |
Major Archibald H. Gillespie (October 10, 1812 – August 16, 1873) was an officer in the United States Marine Corps during the Mexican-American War.
Born in New York City, Gillespie was commissioned in the Marine Corps in 1832. He commanded the Marine Guard on board the USS Fairfield, USS Vincennes, USS North Carolina, and USS Brandywine.
In 1846, Lt. Gillespie was sent by President James Polk with secret messages to the U.S. Consul Thomas O. Larkin in Monterey, California, Commodore John D. Sloan commanding the Pacific Squadron and John C. Frémont. Traveling across Mexico, he caught a ship to California where he delivered his messages to Thomas Larkin and Sloat. Finding that Fremont was on his way to Oregon he borrowed a horse and hurried north where he caught up with him near the Oregon border. After delivering his messages, Gillespie turned around and headed back to California where he helped Fremont take over the Bear Flag revolt of June 14, 1846 in California. He joined the Fremont volunteers in the California Battalion as its second in command after it was formed under Commodore on July 18, 1846.
Gillespie accompanied Fremont and Stockton to San Diego on board the USS Cyane where he participated in the peaceful occupation of San Diego and Los Angeles.
Captain Gillespie, Fremont's second in command of the California Battalion, was left with from 30 to 40 men to occupy Los Angeles after it had surrendered to Fremont and Stockton's men on August 13, 1846. Fremont was sent back north to recruit more men and Stockton, with his Marines and blue coats returned to their ships of the Pacific Squadron.
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