The U.S. Army Topographical Engineers in the Mexican War -1846-1848
By: Adrian G. Trass – “From The Golden Gate to Mexico City”
Adrian Trass also wrote ”Engineers At War” a history of engineers in Vietnam, a book I have read and found very informative. Having read “Engineers at War” I thought I would read another book by Col. Trass.
This book is interesting especially if you live or work in Texas, it describes the structure and duties of the U.S. Army Topographical Engineers during the 1840’s, there is little in the book about surveying. The members of the Topographical Engineers, for the most part ended up being scouts during the war with Mexico. I will say that the members of this branch of the Army were very well schooled and did an excellent job carrying out their duties collecting important information for the conduct of the war. In general the topographers collected some position data and a great deal of logistical information such as, land description, location of water, firewood, grass, river fords, etc. and also generated some maps.
Many of the topographers became quite famous(Generals) as conventional solders during the Civil War (on both sides) , the names are very familiar.
Even thought there wasn’t as much survey related information as I expected, I found the book interesting. Included as appendix are the actual reports submitted to Washington as part of the topographer’s duties, these reports are very interesting descriptions of the land and peoples of southern Texas , a real look back to the unspoiled landscape.
T.W.