Robert Indiana kept a series of illustrated journals during the late 1950s and 1960s, in which he discusses the development of his work as well as his daily life on Coenties Slip.

This first entry on this journal page is for March 21, 1959. No works are discussed, Indiana simply records "Rusty: More photograph's [sic]" and "Pictures at an exhibition."

The second entry on the page is for March 21, 1960. It includes a sketch of The Bride (later reworked as In Praise of Dead Generals), with with work's medium (oil on canvas), and dimensions (60" x 48"). Indiana notes his progress on the painting, recording that the image was now set, and that he added cadmium red light, and a raw sienna gesso stripe. He also mentions a visit by Ellsworth Kelly to lower Coenties Slip, but only to visit the Youngermans (Jack and his wife the actress Delphine Seyrig).