Written aboard the U.S.S. Mississippi, Perry discusses visiting Captain George E. Lambert of HMS Endymion regarding two prisoners who were taken aboard the Palsot for attempting to reconnoiter the enemies' powder magazine and brought to Vera Cruz. Perry mentions the departure of the Morris, a ship carrying provisions for Connor's ship, the McLane, and suggests he stock up on water while in Tampico, Mexico. The war with Mexico brought Perry the principal wartime command of his career. He was initially sent to the Gulf of Mexico as vice commodore of the American squadron with orders to relieve the ailing Commodore David Conner.