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.

In his journal entry for May 17, 1961, which takes up two pages, Indiana records that it was a "glorious sun-beaming day," and that he used the "beautiful light" to repaint Le Premiere Homme. The entry also includes sketches of two works which were later destroyed. On the first page is a sketch of an 8 by 10-inch painting titled Nine Grand, and on the second an 11 by 12-inch painting titled Wombs, which he indicates he started that day.

Indiana also records a call from gallerist Rolf Nelson, who informed him that the sculptures in the garden at the David Anderson Gallery (remaining from the Indiana / Forakis show) would be removed the following day, and that Moon, which had been on display, would be going to a show at the Museum of Modern Art (The Art of Assemblage), which would travel to Dallas and San Francisco. He notes calling Stephen Durkee later, and learning that he would also be included in the show, and that Richard Smith had been invited to a party at Willem de Kooning's, about which he comments "first I knew about it."