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Thoughts on mutiny of Mexican Army under Pedro de Ampudia; Troops marching to Unca.

Comments on colleagues, love, camp meetings.Local fatigue with discussing the possibility of war with Mexico.Accounts of a Peruvian brigadier general in Charleston and his tall tales of Mexico and Egypt.Soldiers from Fort Moultrie sent to Texas.Local suicide by poison.

Has written twice since leaving Canada and expects mail to take six to eight weeks, although he has determined sending mail via New York, Charleston, and New Orleans will be more efficient. His brother served with General [John Ellis] Wool in Chihuahua, Mexico, and has since gone to Monclova where they hoisted the American flag in the plaza unopposed despite volunteer forces being raised. Comments on health of troops, speed of movements, and Mexican climate. Describes San Antonio, manufacturing of wool blankets, and how the army sends mail, with one recent Express Mail "composed of Four Mounted Horseman" attacked by fifteen Lipan Apache. Notes strength of Native Americans in the area and the number of soldiers that would be required to wage war against them.

Regarding the raising of troops for the Mexican War. Informs Wright, who is governor of New York, of the particular requirements for his state.

Difficulty of procuring supplies with "sufficient alacrity and energy." He will call on their departments for supplies.

Mild illness in the military camps. Remarks on General [Antonio López de] Santa Anna (1794?-1876), the Mexican Army, and his faith that the Americans will hold Monterey. Believes [Pedro de] Ampudia (1803-1868) may be imprisoned, "as it is known to be a positive fact and constant practice amongst the Mexicans to incarcarate their defeated Generals." Comments on General Santa Anna and his political and military position. Assures his mother that her worries about his "want of the common necessaries of life" are unfounded. Remarks on Spanish dry goods stores and the Mexican man who cooks for them and his desire to settle in Atlanta. Misses the company of women, noting difficulties interacting with local ladies. "…the Girls here are very shy and the ladies man is put to considerable trouble even to get a glimpse of his fair one, He must get up Sunday morning at four Oclock, station himself in a corner of the Cathedrel and await the coming of his ladie love for the purpose of attending Mass." Notes the rich women's beauty and his concerns over priests' influence. Discusses laboring women, their work in markets, and their race. "… though you would at first glance pronounce them mulatoes, upon close examination you would decide upon the Indian." Mentions [La]fayette McLaws (1821-1897) and [James] Longstreet (1821-1904).

Has succeeded in securing 140 boats.

Journal detailing service in the Westmoreland Guards of the Second Pennsylvania Volunteers, from Pittsburgh to Mexico City and back.

The Thomas J. Barclay journal is described in its own finding aid.