Mexican War Diary

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005

Pocket Diary, approximately 150 pages total with 91 pages inscribed, small octavo, November 26, 1846 - July 8, 1847, various Mexican locations. A very scarce soldier's daily account of Mexican War service. Written in a meticulous hand, the diary opens with a complete alphabetical roster of the approximately 100 enlisted men and non-commissioned officers comprising "Boon Company". Although penned anonymously, a clue as to the writer's identity is found in some Richardson Family birth records entered in the back of the diary. Among these is one John Napoleon Richardson, born in 1822. The Boon Company roster includes a John N. Richardson, who is likely the author of this chronicle containing battle content, geographical descriptions, and personal narrative. Typical entries include: "(12/1/46)...Marched from the creek 15 miles to a beautiful piece of prairie which was part of Santa Anna's homested...Santa Anna had his cannon placed at the head of the ravine on a high point...(12/2/46)...Tennessee and Indiana troops were encamped besides other troops making in all about 8000...(12/9/46)...the long roll beat and we were formed in line of battle...unfortunately in forming the line of battle two men were shot by the accidental discharge of two difrent guns one was shot in the head and killed instantly the other in the breast still alive...(12/16/46)...saw 200 guerrillas who were making demonstrations of an attack upon out train...a Capt. of the Indiana regiment had been wounded by the mexicans the day before and robed of his clothing...(1/16/47)...there was a young man hanged by order of General Scott the young man was very drunk when taken out to the scaffold...(1/18/47)...General Scott dispatched General Lane with 1000 footmen and 300 horsemen to go in pursuit of the guerrillas...General Wilsons loss was 250 men killed and wounded this battle took place at a town called Santa fee the loss of the guerrillas was not ascertained...(4/2/47)...the treaty of peace Reached this city ratified by the American congress...the American troops were withdrawn without the gates...(4/6/47)...over two hundred soldiers deserted taking some of the best horses belonging to the Draggoons with three pieces of Artillery...(4/21/47)...General Scott left this city in the midst of the surrounding multitude in tears...the General wept bitterly and the streets was thronged with officers and soldiers and mexicans all taking a friendly grip of the hand with the old veteran hero of America and Mexico...". Worn leather covers, yet internally sound. Overall Fine condition.

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