William S. Johnson papers, 1847 Jan. 24-1966 Oct.; (bulk, 1847 Jan. 24-7 Apr. 1848).

ArchivalResource

Johnson, William S., ca. 1818-1880. William S. Johnson papers, 1847 Jan. 24-1966 Oct.; (bulk, 1847 Jan. 24-7 Apr. 1848).

William S. Johnson papers, 1847 Jan. 24-1966 Oct.; (bulk, 1847 Jan. 24-7 Apr. 1848).

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/75300927

Journal, 27 Jan. 1847-10 July 1848 documenting Johnson's service with Company H, South Carolina Volunteers (Palmetto Regiment) during the Mexican-American War, with partial transcription published in 1966; entries begin with Johnson's departure from Mobile, Alabama, and end with his return to Columbia, S.C.; includes a detailed description of Mexico City (following entry, 21 Oct. 1847), a list of cities and villages the Palmetto Regiment passed on their march from Veracruz to the City of Mexico along with distances between each city (following entry, 29 Feb. 1848), and sketches of the floor plan and elevation of the Iturbide Palace in the City of Mexico which was converted into a hospital at which Johnson was treated between 30 Dec. 1847 and 29 Feb. 1848. Six letters, 24 Jan. 1847 - 7 Apr. [1848] written to Johnson from friends in South Carolina; including letter, 14 Jan. [1848], Columbia, S.C., from Anna C. Maybin re her disappointment over his not being sent home with other members of the Palmetto Regiment, report of a parade given to Generals [John] Quitman and [James] Shields "in consequence of their association with the Palmettoes, who are looked upon as deserving the greatest honor for the hard fought battles near Mexico," and her desire that he "would bring ...a pair of the most beautiful birds and as many varieties of flower seeds as you can collect... a root or two of the most beautiful roses, together with any kind of curiosity that you think will be acceptable." Letter, 7 April [1848], Columbia, S.C., from Anna C. Maybin re her family's joy over receiving a letter from Johnson, the recent arrest, trial, and release of a man in Columbia identified as "Coleman" who was accused of forging passes in an attempt to assist in the escape of four slaves into free states, the popularity of the theater although "most of the talk here is hard times," the burials of members of the Palmetto Regiment, and her joy over his collecting flower seeds. Also includes transcriptions and excerpts from Johnson's diary published in South Carolina Historical Magazine, 67 (no. 4, Oct. 1966): pages 203-228, Private Johnson Fights the Mexicans, 1847-1848, edited by John Hammond Moore; and undated newspaper clipping, taken from the National Observer, titled A Glimpse of History: Soldier's Life in Mexico.

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