Archibald H. Gillespie

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Major Archibald H. Gillespie (14 August 1810 – 16 August 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 onboard the USS Fairfield, USS Vincennes, USS North Carolina, and USS Brandywine.

In 1845, Lt. Gillespie was sent by President James Polk with secret messages to the U.S. Consul in Monterey, Alta California, Commodore John D. Sloat, and John C. Frémont. He joined the Fremont volunteers and participated in the first American occupation of southern California, following the Bear Flag revolt of 14 June 1846. Gillespie's men briefly occupied Los Angeles before being driven out by Californio forces led by José Mariá Flores. Later, Gillespie's forces fought in the Battle of San Pasqual, the Battle of Dominguez Rancho, and the Battle of Rio San Gabriel with US Marines and volunteers striving to wrest Alta California from Mexico.

Returning to Washington, D.C., in 1847, he subsequently served there and at Pensacola, Florida, until resigning from the Marine Corps 14 October 1854. For his distinguished service in California, he was promoted to Captain, and then Major, by brevet. He died 16 August 1873 in San Francisco, California.

USS Gillespie (DD-609) was named for him, as was Gillespie Field airport in El Cajon, California.

This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.