Manuscripts
Fred H. Tobey diary
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Manuscripts regarding the U.S. Army in the American Southwest
Manuscripts
This group of items consists of four manuscripts written by George H. Pettis regarding his experiences in the 1st Regiment of Infantry, California Volunteers in the American Southwest in the 1860s and 1870s. Two of the manuscripts are about the Civil War in New Mexico, and mention specifically Confederate Captain John Baylor, and the Union General H. H. Sibley, Captain Isaac Lynde, and General Edward Richard Sprigg Canby. The other two manuscripts discuss Pettis' experiences in the Indian Wars in New Mexico and Texas including the Battle of Adobe Walls in 1874. He talks about Kit Carson, Colonel James H. Carleton, Fort Bascom, Fort Craig, and Fort Fillmore. He also talks in detail about the Navajo, Apache, Jicarilla, Kiowa and Ute Indians.
mssHM 68406-68409
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John C. Palmer diary
Manuscripts
Palmer's diary gives detailed descriptions of the towns in Mexico in which his regiment passed and in which they camped, such as Monclova and Saltillo, Mexico, as well as the people he encountered along the way including some friends he knew before the war. Palmer often complains about marching, the camp conditions, the treatment of the volunteers by the regulars, and his commanding officers. He specifically mentions Captain Albert Pike, Major Solon Borland, Major General Zachary Taylor, Brigadier General John Wool, Colonel Archibald Yell, and General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. Palmer gives a detailed description of his experience in the Battle of Buena Vista and of the battlefield the morning after the battle
mssHM 63638
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William Given letter
Manuscripts
The letter addressed to a Colonel Baker describes Given's life in in Clarksville, Tenn. where his regiment was on duty, building bridges, forwarding supplies, etc. The letter discusses military life, the Battle of Fort Donelson (Tenn.), 1862, and Given's personal views about the war and the government
mssHM 63654
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Jacob Medtart Smith diary
Manuscripts
Smith's diary, which begins in August 1846, gives brief descriptions of the towns in Mexico in which his regiment passed and in which they camped, such as Monclova and Saltillo, Mexico. He gives detailed information regarding his regiment's marches and the miles they covered and the death of several of his fellow soldiers. Smith mentions Major Solon Borland, Major General Zachary Taylor, Brigadier General John Wool, Colonel Archibald Yell, and General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. Smith gives a brief description of his experience in the Battle of Buena Vista and ends his diary with his regiment's march back to the United States to be mustered out of the army in July 1847
mssHM 63639
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Joseph H. Potter orderly book
Manuscripts
Manuscript orderly book kept by Colonel Joseph H. Potter, commander of the 24th U.S. Infantry, at Fort Supply, Oklahoma. The orders describe assignments to posts, transfers, and duties from January 3 to April 30, 1885.
mssHM 83974
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H. B. Lansing diaries
Manuscripts
Lansing's diaries give a detailed account of his life in California as a gold miner. He talks about his life in the mining camp, his friends and business partners, his home sickness, his desire to "sell out" and go home, as well as the specifics of mining for gold (buying and selling of claims, equipment problems, bad weather, boils on his hands, etc.). Lansing also describes in detail how he and his friends spend their leisure time: gambling, bowling, drinking and going to dances. Lansing mentions the Chinese he works with in the mines, Joaquin Murieta and the hanging of several Mexicans for murder. Lansing works in and travels to several different places in California including San Andreas, Sonora, Chinese Camp, Murphy's Camp and Yackee (Yaqui) Camp. Lansing also gives a daily tally of the gold he finds in his diggings by dollar amount. The first volume covers all of 1853 and second volume only covers January to May 1855.
mssHM 70409-70410