Magruder graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1830, and his
military career encompassed service under three flags within a period of
35 years. In the Mexican War he was brevetted major for gallantry at
Cerro Gordo and lieutenant colonel for Chapultepec, where he was
severely wounded. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Colonel Magruder, a
native of Virginia, entered the Confederate Army and was soon placed in
command of the Department of Texas, where he served until the close of
the war. He then entered the army of Maximilian in Mexico as major
general and was in active service until Maximilian's capture and
execution. When he returned to the United States he settled in Houston
and died there in 1871.
A silver service (fig. 8) consisting of four goblets, pitcher, and tray,
presented to Brevet Major General John Porter Hatch, U.S. Volunteers, is
interesting because it was given in recognition of services during the
Mexican War, the Indian expeditions of 1857-1859, and the Civil War. The
gift is from Hatch's fellow citizens of Oswego, New York.
[Illustration: Figure 8.--SILVER SERVICE given to Maj. Gen. John Hatch by
the citizens of Oswego, New York. Gift of Mark Burckle Hatch. In Division
of Political History. (Acc. 59476, cats. 16024-16026; Smithsonian photo
38259.)]
The silver tray measures 15 by 20 inches and is decorated with four
small waterscapes and a flower design. It is raised on four short scroll
feet. The inscription reads:
Genl. John Porter Hatch Presented by Citizens of Oswego, Jany
1863
The pitcher (14 inches high and 7 inches in diameter) has a design of
grapevines and birds. The spout is in the form of a face, and the handle
represents entwined vines. It is inscribed:
Presented by citizens of Oswego, N.Y. to their esteemed fellow
citizen Genl. John Porter Hatch as a testimonial of their
appreciation of the gallantry and heroism displayed by him in the
service of his country especially on the battle fields of Mexico
and in the Army of the Potomac Jany 1863.
The mark is "Tiffany & Co., 7899, G. & W., English Sterling 925-1000,
550 Broadway N.Y."
The four silver goblets are also decorated with grape vines and birds,
and they have gilt interiors. They are 8 inches high and 3-1/4 inches in
diameter. Each goblet has the inscription:
Testimonial of the Citizens of Oswego, N.Y. to Genl. John P.
Hatch, Jan. 1863.
Below this inscription each goblet is marked with one of the following:
Mexico 1846-7
New Mexico 1857-8-9
Shenandoah Valley, May 25, 1862
South Mountain, Sep. 14, 1862