Retrospect of a Military Life, During the Most Eventful Periods of the Last War

Originally published in 1841, this memoir by Qtr.-Mr.-Gen. Sgt. James Anton of the 42nd or Royal Highlanders is widely regarded as a leading source for the Peninsular and Waterloo period.

“Since so many military memoirs have issued from the press during the last twenty-five years, it may be thought a rather presumptive undertaking on the part of a Soldier to usher another work of this kind into public notice. Yet amidst all the failures we daily witness in the book-making world, we still see fresh adventurers succeed to fill up the chasm occasioned by the unsuccessful speculations of their predecessors; and, although friendly hints may be given that this or that pursuit is overdone, the adventurers still pursue their course, and the usual results follow. Misfortune overwhelms the many, fortune favours the few, and the latter gives a stimulus to fresh adventure, while the former seldom serves as a warning to guard against the risk. […]

“Stimulated more by a desire to merit the esteem of my friends, and the good opinion of all who wish to maintain strict discipline in the army, than to reap any substantial reward for the labour of my pen, I come forward to offer this my mite for the use of those who may be pleased to cater for the public information, and lay before them some incidents which may have escaped the observation of more distinguished writers….”