{"value"=>"<p>The diaries record Phelps' experiences in the Seminole war; garrison life in the West during the time of the Canadian border troubles at Ft. Makinac and Ft. Brady; his service in the Mexican War and afterwards at Ft. Brown, Texas during the era of the filibusterers; the expedition to Utah to suppress the Mormons; his Civil War service; and his life in retirement at Brattleboro and Guilford, Vermont. His interest in meteorology is reflected in numerous observations on the weather, winds, cloud formations, and temperature and humidity readings.</p>"}