The Journals of Marine Second Lieutenant Henry Bulls Watson 1845-1848 (Occasional Papers Series)

The Mexican War journals and other papers of Marine Second Lieutenant Henry Bulls Watson came to the division’s attention by way of the late Mr. Ralph W. Donnelly. The journals, three in number, cover the periods 11 January 1845 to 20 May 1846, 21 May 1846 to 5 May 1848, and 9 July 1846 to 22 December 1846 when Lieutenant Watson commanded the Marine guard on board the Sloop of War Portsmouth. Two are “typical” journals, the third is what Watson termed his “military journal,” containing his daily reports, in letter form, passports issued, and other material, while in command of the Marine security guard and local volunteer force at Yerba Buena (San Francisco).