Through Spain with Wellington

The letters of Peter Le Mesurier (1789-1813) cover his service in the 9th Foot, from leaving for Portugal as an ensign in 1808 at the very start of the Peninsular War, up until Le Mesurier's death at the Battle of the Nive in December 1813. The 'Fighting Ninth' saw more action than any other regiment, and this correspondence covers most of the key events of the Peninsular War; finally, grimly, 'book-ended' by the young lieutenant's death, just as Wellington invades France. He fought through Spain and Portugal: Salamanca, Corunna, San Sebastian, Vitoria, these battles are spectacularly bloody and of will fascinate those interested in the Napoleonic Wars. The letters bring fresh insights and a wealth of telling detail - Le Mesurier had a fine eye: 'The Portuguese of our Division behaved uncommonly well when the cannon shots were thinning their ranks; not a man stirred.' With background information and commentary provided by expert Adrian Greenwood, this is a worthy addition to any Napoleonic enthusiast's bookshelf.