Mexican War Journal and Letters of Ralph W. Kirkham

Elma Dill Russell Spencer Series in the West and Southwest #11

by Robert Ryal Miller (Editor)

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168 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 1993

Reviews

[Ernest Hogan]

It's hard to find books about the Mexican War, the Mexican/American War, the war that created Chicanos. This one is first-hand, primary source account, a journal and letters written from the scene. Lieutenant Kirkham's reaction to Mexico and Mexicans are very much like those of contemporary Americans. Also the details of a Napoleanic-style war of conquest is quite different from our postmodern wars.

I wonder why Hollywood never made any movies with John Wayne taking the Halls of Montezuma. Also, after American conquered Mexico, why did it only keep half? A brown majority would have changed things. President Francisco Villa might have made Spanish the official language in the early 20th century. Democracy can be a dangerous thing.

[Hope A]

My expectations were low, but this was a touching and interesting account of the war. Kirkham’s devotion to his wife, God, and fellow men make for an endearing, if occasionally sober, read