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The Richard Coulter journal is a lengthy, detailed account of the experiences of a private soldier participating in the American invasion of Mexico, 1846-1848.

The Richard Coulter journal is a lengthy, detailed account of the experiences of a private soldier participating in the American invasion of Mexico, 1846-1848. Educated, observant and possessing a biting wit, Coulter has left an unusually insightful document, which he attempted to make as comprehensive as possible. He took great pains to describe all aspects of a soldier's life during the war, from mustering in to life in the camps, interactions with Mexican civilians, descriptions of the cities and countryside, the battles and their aftermath, strategy, morale, and attitudes. His particular disdain for Generals John W. Geary and Thomas Childs reaches a level of vitriol seldom seen, and often borders on the comic.

The original of the Coulter journal is now lost. It appears likely that this typescript was prepared in the 1930s or 40s for Richard Coulter, Jr.

This journal transcript details Thomas J. Barclay's service in the Mexican American War.

Thomas Barclay's Mexican War journal covers the entire period of his service in the 2nd Pennsylvania Infantry. This journal gives an intimate, common soldiers' view of the Mexican War, opinions of his superior officers, camp life, the Mexican citizenry (referred to as "greasers"), and the Mexican landscape.

The original manuscript of the journal has been lost, and it is known to exist only in the form of a typescript, prepared some time early in the twentieth century.