Beschreibung:

MEXICAN-AMERÿICAN WAR]. PALMER,JOJHN ., Lieutenant. Autograph diary of his experiences in the American Army during the Mexican-American War, [Texas and Mexico], l0 October l846 -- 7 June l847. 132 pages, 4to, very closely written in Palmer's neat, readable hand in a blank journal book, bound in original blind- and gilt-stamped morocco, worn, spine defective, front joint cracked, front free endleaf loose, minor browning. ON THE LINES AT THE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA: AN EXTENSIVE MEXICAN WAR DIARY Soldier's diaries of the Mexican-American War are very uncommon; Palmer's is a quite extensive record of his service with the volunteer forces raised in the fall of l846 after the American Army's initial success at Monterrey in September. Palmer, from Kentucky, served with the 1st Arkansas Cavalry regiment under the command of Col. Archibald Yell, which crossed the Rio Grande on l0 October l846, as part of a force commanded by General John E. Wool. Wool's army had departed San Antonio some weeks before. Palmer recounts their march south to Parras, including reconnaisance missions, disagreements with General Wool, visits to various towns, and rumors of Mexican forces in the area. On the 30th, Wool and his escort "went in and performed the ceremony of the military occupation of Monclova [capital of Coahilo province]....They...took possession of the Town Hall during which time the streets and Plaza were crowded with Mexicans, almost white with fear..." An extended interlude of garrison duty in Parras follows, during which Palmer befriends a Mexican rancher nearby, whom he visits frequently. In late February, a large Mexican Army under Santa Anna (about 20,000 strong) moved towards Taylor's and Wool's combined forces. Paÿlmer's descriptive account of the key Battle of Buena Vista (February 22-23) is the highlight of Palmer's journal. Wool, "left to establish the position South of Buena Vista, had only some 4,750 men....It was, by and large, a green army....only 700 of the nearly 4,800 men had seen previous combat [not including Palmer's unit]...." (John D. Eisenhower, So Far From God: The U.S. War with Mexico, New York, l989, p.l83). General Zachary Taylor made no (printable) reply to a surrender note from Santa Anna which told him he was "surrounded with twenty thousand men" and facing "a rout and being cut to pieces with your troops" ( ibid. , p.186). Palmer writes, in part: "Distant cannonading was heard at an early hour this morning. At eight o'clock we were ordered out to join Gen. Taylor. We mounted our horses and rode 'like mad' for six miles...." The Mexican army assault, though, came on the following day: "The night is to be passed by us in a state of watchfulness, our horses to remain saddled...." The next day, "on the top of the hill Taylor with May's squadron joined us. The Mississippi Rifles follow. We are immediately marched to the field....The Grape shot is flying in amongst us; but we obey orders. When we reach the top of the hill....[we] are ordered to the left to check a movement the enemy are making on the Arkansas and Kentucky Cavalry. While we remain the enemy is quiet, but our presence is needed elsewhere, and the Kentuckians and Arkansas boys are forced to retire. We move to the right....The enemy attempts to outflank us upon the left, and unite some forces near town with them on the field, and so surround us. Taylor tells May that he must stop that flank movement or all is lost. 'Take your squadron, Steen's and Capt. Pike's, and keep them from getting upon our rear, I look to you to save us.' May [in temporary command of the Alabama regiment and other troops] rode up to the line and said ' The day may yet be gained. The dragoons must do it. Forward!' Two pieces of artillery join us, and we take up a position on the left where we are exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy's batterys...and the Musketeers on the Mountains. Our artillery opens upon the Lancers and Infantry, and is mowing them down when they send out a