While working on a biography for General McClellan, William S Myers encountered McClellan's unpublished diary from his time in the Mexican War (1846-1848). The diary begins with McClellan's departure from West Point with the newly formed Engineer Company, Captain Alexander Swift commanding. Lieutenant Gustavus W Smith and 2nd Lt. McClellan were the other officers in the company. McClellan had not yet graduated West Point when war was declared (May 1846) but was now on his way to Texas (Sept 1846). No sooner had they arrived than word of Taylor's victory at Monterrey was received. As such, the Engineer Company was left to drill along the Rio Grande. Capt. Swift, McClellan, and about a score of the men became seriously ill during this time. It was not until December that the company was utilized.
Major General Robert Patterson's forcers were ordered to join General Taylor at Victoria. The road from Matamoros to Victoria being of uncertain quality, the Engineer Company was dispatched to make it passable for Patterson's artillery pieces. As Swift was still seriously ill, command of the company fell to Lt. GW Smith. Over the next two weeks, McClellan, Smith, and the Engineer Company earned the title of the Pick and Shovel Brigade. In several cases, the company either enabled or expedited passage over rough ground or difficult fords. The column arrived in Victoria on January 4, 1847. While in Victoria, McClellan had the opportunity to meet General Taylor.
On January 13th, the company departed and set to widening the 'mule track' that led to Tampico. They arrived on the 19th and McClellan found the city to be delightful. It was filled with foreigners and had shops and restaurants of many cultures. When the company sailed for Veracruz on February 24th, he was sorry to leave Tampico.
On March 9th, US troops landed on the beaches south of Veracruz, the Engineer Company included. They were key in establishing the batteries that would pound Veracruz into submission. During this time, he had dealings with Captain Robert E. Lee and Lt. P. G. T. Beauregard. Once Veracruz was captured, the army moved in land and soon came upon General Santa Anna at Cerro Gordo. McClellan and part of the Engineer Company were attached to General Pillow's 2nd Brigade. McClellan and his men had no orders and stood around while Pillow's command wallowed in confusion after a Mexican artillery barrage. The battle was won elsewhere while McClellan was able to contribute nothing.
One thing that comes across clearly in McClellan's account is his disdain for volunteer soldiers. They lacked discipline, required vastly more material support, died at an alarming rate, were commanded by incompetent officers, and were of little use in battle. He held that the Congress should expand the regular army. That he was exposed to two of the worst political generals (Patterson & Pillow) surely colored his view. Patterson had served during the War of 1812 and had some experience in the Pennsylvania Militia, but was hardly Major General material. Major General Pillow had been President Polk's law partner and had limited military experience via the Tennessee Militia.
A surprising amount of his entries talk about drinking (e.g. brandy, eggnog, etc.) and the type of meals they are having. He doesn't discuss the local customs or people, but does wax poetic about some of the scenery. An interesting look at the man who would lead the Union Army during the Civil War. Recommended.
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