Gilman, O. W. Manuscript Collection
Coverage:
circa 1847–1855
Source:
Diary, 1 item
Description
Soldier. A diary that contains an account by O. W. Gilman regarding his experiences in the Mexican War from May 8, 1847, to December 14, 1847, and diary entries (1855) by Harriet (“Hattie”) L. Gilman of Buffalo, New York. Gilman’s Mexican War account was most likely written into this book from his original journal within the few years after his return from the war. The war account comprises approximately twenty pages of entries, beginning with Gilman sailing from Fort Hamilton, New York, bound for Texas and Mexico. Gilman gives numerous details of the march, burning sands and scorching heat, including incidents of men who either drown in the Rio Grande or are killed by snipers. Also included are details of the visit to their camp by General Zachary Taylor.