Sea of Mud is a new book published by Texas A&M University Press. I acquired it recently, but it was such an enjoyable read that I thought I would include it as my first review. Gregg Dimmick, a doctor out of Wharton County, authored this book and has done a fine job. His interest apparently started with some archeological digs he participated in, and he translated that interest into this book. What resulted was an excellent account of the Mexican Army's retreat from Texas after the Battle of San Jacinto.

Dimmick describes the way the Mexican Army was organized and the various personalities within it. His writing is crisp and happily devoid of most deconstructionist cant. I was especially interested in the primary documentation he included (all retranslated or translated for the first time for this book). The conflict between General Filisola and his subordinate, General Urrea, is well documented, and Dimmick attempts to lead the reader through the maze of contradictory accounts from both sides. It's fascinating to see the extent to which these Generals and their followers went to slime the other side and absolve themselves of any blame for the disaster.

Throughout the book, Dimmick describes the gradual, but quickening erosion of the Mexican Army based on poor supply, poor decisions, and really crappy weather. The archeological aspect comes into play at the end of each section of the book. There Dimmick displays pictures and descriptions of various artifacts he and his fellows excavated along the Mexican Army's route of retreat. These items are fascinating pieces of history and I would give my eye teeth to have some of them. They found everything from musket pieces to cannister rounds to howitzer shells primed to fire (one of which Army EOD detonated - how fun would that be to see?). Fortunately for history, they decided not to call the Army for the rest of the howitzer shells they found and instead washed out the gunpowder at a car wash.

This book was one of the most interesting books I've come across, especially since it deals with a topic not often mentioned in the past. Highly recommended. ( )