This is the story of two young Welsh cavalry officers who served for much of the Napoleonic Wars with the 15th (King's) Hussars. Major Edwin Griffiths and his nephew; Lieutenant Frederick Phillips; wrote home regularly; and they were not afraid to voice their true feelings about their situation or colleagues and superiors in their private correspondence. The book is a thoroughly researched and engaging history of the 15th Hussars throughout the wars; crammed full of interesting asides regarding the life and loves of a cavalryman in the Napoleonic age. As you read this book; you will learn to care passionately for these gregarious young men; partake in their exertions; share their joy; but also feel their pain when one of them fails to come safely through the final great battle; Waterloo.
#681670 in Books 1995-09-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.10 x .89 x 5.90l; .90 #File Name: 1851588078288 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. excellent pre-Revolutionary war history of New England and Canadian territory.By STEVEN K. LANEAs a history book; this has a lot of information regarding that period of the 13 colonies just prior to the War of Independence in 1776. A period of history that not much has been written about. Was surprised to find out how much Scottish influence is in the Canadian territory to the north of New England. Was also surprised to find Scots were fighting on both sides; English and Patriot during the Revolutionary War. The book is written in a style I am not used to so it isn't an easy (or fast) read for me. But is does explain what happened to many of the Scottish families that left the Highlands after the battle at Cullendon. I am only half way through the book at this point but am learning many things about how the Scots have influenced American life.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. How the Mac got into AmericaBy SassenachA fascinating account of how the greed of Scottish Highland clan chiefs in thre 18th and 19th centuries turned them into grasping landlords; and how; as a result great swathes of North America are peopled with folk whose name starts with "Mac".Did you know that there was an early settlement of Gaelic speakers in North Carolina ? In Mohawk Valley in NY state? That Cape Breton Island is another "Nova Scotia"? Or that a whole area called Glengarry exists in the province of Quebec? That the two great fur trading companies of Canada were both founded and run by Highlanders and their families - nepotism being the rule ?I knew that British Columbia only became part of Canada because the Canadian Pacific Railway was built; but I did not know the central role played by Highlander businessmen and their finance in its construction. I knew that there was a town called Selkirk near Winnipeg because I'd flown over it and driven through it 60 years ago - but I did not know that this is a legacy of the initiative of the Earl of Selkirk to finance the immigration of Highlanders into his Red River colony; before Manitoba was thought of - or that they got there by walking from Hudson's Bay.Nor did I know how widespread Gaelic language-speakers were on the North American continent; and for how long the language lasted as a first language in many parts.All these stories Hunter weaves together in a thoroughly researched and interesting narrative. More interesting perhaps to readers who know something of both Scotland and North America; so don't need maps to keep them straight. Like me.Sassenach of Fife.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A new sense of pride and understandingBy Shawn MarchinekA dance called America by James Hunter is a gem to read. This is the story of the highlanders in America after the clearances. So much of Scottish Highland history books ends with the 1745 and clearances. But after the glens were cleared; where did the people go.Mr. Hunter answers this question and more. In this book; he explains the highland impact on the North American continent. He first tells of the Darien settlement in Georgia and Cape Fear in North Carolina. As the Clan Chiefs focused less on leading the clans and more on renting their land to sheep herders; the Tacksmen or gentry of the clans began to lead many of the displaced people to found these new colonies in the Americas.He goes on to explain the settlement of the Mohawk Valley in New York State and the continued migration north after the American Revolution to Glengarry in Ontario.As the clearances continued; clansmen moved to Cape Breton Island and we learn about the involvement of Thomas Douglas; Earl of Selkirk in the new colonies. He strove to help poor highlanders struggling in the coastal crofts of Scotland to settle in his new Red River Colony in what is today modern Manitoba; Canada.As Mr. Hunter explains; these Highlanders' success and failures in America; we see the rise of the North West Fur Company and the Hudson Bay Company; which were rivals and dominated by Scots. As these two giants merge into one; we see a Canadian; John A. Macdonald; rise and work with other Highlanders and Canadian Americans of Scottish roots to help forge the lands including Red River; Glengarry; and Cape Breton Island into the nation of Canada.The legacy of the victims of the Highland clearances is the success of the new nations that were helped in building by the clansmen and their descendents in America and Canada.Mr. Hunter gives a richly detailed account of these lands and the men who created and lived there. James Hunter not only tells the tales; but he gives his own personal accounts of visiting these areas; cities; and lands of today to help us actually visualize the environment through his vivid descriptions.A dance called America is a must for anyone interested in Scottish history and the Scots impact on the world. My Grandmother was a McDonald and this book helps me to understand her pride in being of Scottish blood and passing that pride and understanding to me. Thank you Mr. Hunter.
