Between 1844 and 1846 , he served as Fleet Surgeon aboard the Raritan during the Mexican -- American War .
Was present at the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma , the blockade of Vera Cruz , and the battles of Alvarado and Tabasco .
Between 1844 and 1846 , he served as Fleet Surgeon aboard the Raritan during the Mexican -- American War and was present at the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma , the blockade of Vera Cruz , and the battles of Alvarado and Tabasco .