The Mexican War diary of George B. McClellan

"The Mexican War Diary of George B. McClellan" by George B. (George Brinton) McClellan is a firsthand record from the mid-19th century, chronicling McClellan's time as a youthful officer in the Mexican-American War between 1846 and 1847. The diary provides a look into the battles fought and the everyday realities experienced by soldiers, offering an understanding of McClellan's disposition combined with the historic situations of that era. Beginning with his leaving West Point, the initial entries detail McClellan's trip headed to join General Taylor’s forces in Mexico, illustrating the difficult means of travel and the many problems encountered at Brazos de Santiago – specifically the brutal climate and shortages of necessities. As the writer arrives in Mexico, he records thoughts about the territory, the local population, and the difficult conditions of military service, mixing youthful excitement accompanied by critical commentary about the army’s structure and actions of the volunteer soldiers; the diary provides a historical depiction of McClellan's formative experiences during his influential period.