AUTOBIOGRAPHY
OF AN
ENGLISH SOLDIER
IN THE
UNITED STATES ARMY
The Lakeside Classics
Hardback book by George Ballentine
Edited by William H. Goetzmann
Over 350 pages with Illustrations
Copyright © 1986 by R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company
According to the PUBLISHER'S PREFACE:
" SEVERAL years ago we became aware of the fact that none of our Lakeside Classic selections included a firsthand account of America's war with Mexico.
We felt that since much of this series deals with our country's westward movement, there should be coverage of the event that provided a good deal of the territory for this expansion. "
" The text is the autobiography of George Ballentine, a Scotsman, who emigrates to America expecting to use his skill as a weaver. Unable to find work in New York City, he enlists in the United States Army and in less than two years becomes part of General Winfield Scott's invasion force that lands in Vera Cruz and fights its way to the Mexican capital and war's end. Ballentine, who has previously served in the British Army, provides excellent descriptions of the incredible hardships and privations of peacetime and wartime army life, particularly for an enlisted man. "
Contents includes:
" List of Illustrations
Historical Introduction
I. Strange Acquaintances in New York
II. First Experiences as an American Soldier
III. Fort Adams then Florida
IV. The Soldier at Sea
V. Scant Lodgings at Fort Pickens
VI. Whiskey and Sharks
VII. Indian Paradise
VIII. A Rough Voyage to Tampico
IX. Joining General Scott
X. A Magnificent Spectacle
XI. The Siege of Vera Cruz
XII. The Bombardment and the Havoc
XIII. Moving Westward
XIV. Victory at Cerro Gordo
XV. Aftermath of Battle
XVI. On to Jalapa
XVII. The Country and Its People
XVIII. Horse Artillerymen
XIX. The march to the Capital
XX. Guardhouse Luxuries
XXI. Routing the Enemy
XXII. Ravages of War
XXIII. Return to the States
Index "
This book is in very good condition with minor wear.
No torn or ripped pages.
No markings or writing.
The top edges of the pages are gold-colored.
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