[BIOGRAPHY]. A group of five pamphlets on various participants in the war.

[1] [EASTMAN, EDWARD]. TILDEN, William P. “Shall the Sword Devour Forever?” A Discourse Suggested by the Death of Lieut. Edward Eastman, of the U.S. Army, Who Died at Camargo October 26, 1846, Aged 28. By William P. Tilden, Pastor of the Second Congregational Church, Concord, N.H. Published by the Bereaved Friends. Concord: Granite Freeman Press, 1847. [1-3] 4-15 [1, blank] pp. 8vo (22 x 14 cm), original printed wrappers in later marbled wrappers. Fine. With ink number 18 on upper wrapper and printed sticker of the Worcester Public Library on verso of upper wrapper.

First edition. Garrett & Goodwin, p. 374.

A flattering view of Eastman, who, ironically died while tending the wounded rather than in actual combat. He was a printer by trade. To illustrate the horrors of war, the address includes a brief discussion of a Mexican woman who was shot down while ministering to the wounded at Monterrey on both sides and buried the next day by the Americans. (pp. 9-10). An address with an unusual point of view, although it is clear that Tilden did not know Eastman personally.

[2] [OLINDA, ABRAM VAN]. SHARTS, John. Eulogy on the Death of Capt. Abram Van Olinda Who Fell at the Battle of Chapultepec, September 13, 1847. Delivered in the First Presbyterian Church, Albany, on Friday, July 7, 1848. Albany: Printed by Joel Munsell, 1848. [1-3] 4-24 pp. 8vo (24 x 15.5 cm), stitched as issued. First leaf moderately soiled, lower margin chipped, otherwise fine, untrimmed and partially unopened.

First edition. Eberstadt 701. Sabin 79869.

Does not include many personal details about the subject.

[3] [PIERCE, FRANKLIN]. Please Read and Circulate. Vindication of the Military Character and Service of General Franklin Pierce, by His Companions in Arms in Mexico. (Called out by the Aspersion and Innuendos of a Portion of the Whig Press) [caption title]. [Washington?, ca. 1852]. [1] 2-16 pp. 8vo (24.5 x 15 cm), pinned. Creased where formerly folded, slightly soiled, right margin of second leaf chipped.

First edition. Eberstadt 513.

A campaign biography compiled because Pierce’s “military character has been wantonly assailed, his services deprecated, and his courage, even, called into question.” Consists of excerpts from newspaper articles and personal letters. Includes numerous accounts of his actions during the war.

[4] [QUITMAN, JOHN ANTHONY]. Obituary Addresses on the Occasions of the Death of Hon. John A. Quitman, of Mississippi, and of the Hon. Thomas L. Harris, of Illinois, Delivered in the Senate of the United States, on the 8th and 17th of January, 1859. Baltimore: Printed by John Murphy & Co., 1859 [wrapper title]. [1-2] 3-16 pp. 8vo (23.5 x 14.5 cm), original self-wrappers. Spine professionally reinforced, creased where formerly folded, top margin slightly darkened and chipped. With ink number on title page and Bowdoin College ink withdrawal stamp on p. [2].

First edition. Sabin 67366.

Quitman was a prominent officer during Scott’s advance on Mexico City and performed many deeds of arms during the campaign to take the city. Includes an address by Sam Houston.

[5] [WOOL, JOHN E.]. A Sketch of the Life and Public Services of Major General John E. Wool U.S. Army. With a Portrait. From the Democratic Review, November, 1851. New York: Kettell & Moore, 170 Broadway, 1851. [1-3] 4-30 pp., steel-engraved frontispiece portrait of Wool from a daguerreotype. 8vo (21 x 14 cm), disbound. Slightly soiled, second signature browned, light water stain in top margin, but overall very good, the plate excellent. With ink No 2 on title page.

First separate edition. Eberstadt 961. Garrett & Goodwin, p. 252.

“A very good account of Wool’s famous march to Chihuahua and dwelling on the organizing ability which he displayed during the war” (Eberstadt).