Jonathan Leach (1) (1785–1855)

I will miss Captain Jonathan Leach, with whom I have spent fifteen or so minutes a night for over a month, perhaps longer, reading his memoirs of 21 years in the 95th. He comes across as a thoroughly decent man, ethical, thoughtful, modest, honorable. From a lieutenant sent to Antigua--one of a small percentage who did not die of fever--in the early 1800's (France and England and even Spain tussling over who would get what in the Caribbean) to Waterloo and beyond, duty in Scotland and Ireland (which he implies was a bore and not to his taste). Probably the most remarkable thing about Leach is that he did not die. He was in all the significant battles, and, once a Captain, generally leading a company and sometimes, when the commanding officers of the battalion of which he was part died, he would command. Not promoted beyond his abilities, a rare thing, and one wonders at that given his lasting power, however, what does come through is that Leach did not want responsibility, he wanted to be there on the ground in the thick of things. When not in battle he was also one of the few who was up and about early, found ways to enjoy himself--hunting, racing, dancing, playing various games--he simply, if that is possible, loved the life, both the thrilling and the boring parts, loathed slavery, loved scenic beauty, was interested in seeing the sights wherever he was, cared for his men. The very last line intrigues -- that all his closest friends died in Antigua. He was young then, and perhaps after that, he did not fear death so much and appreciated life to the fullest. The writing is very matter-of-fact and straight up, sometimes funny, sometimes sad, the work is balanced increasing one's faith in his accounts. Only for those truly interested in the period, and in particular the Peninsular Wars. ****… (mer)

Enjoyed it, but with a few mixed feelings, probably because I read this coming off of Benjamin Harris and Harry Smith, who offer more personalized storytelling. Both mention Leach respectfully in their memoirs, which led me to this. Where Smith seems to be writing for his family and Harris is simply reminiscing, Leach is writing for his contemporary military men. He offers a good sketch of the entire peninsular campaign and is pretty comprehensive with dates and destinations, and down-time sports, but he does not think it's the place of a regimental officer to describe battles that have been described elsewhere, preferring to give mere outlines (though his description of Waterloo is good); he doesn't think it's gentlemanly to describe his own actions lest he seem egoistic; he doesn't think it's seemly to describe the actions of others, lest he seem flattering. Leach admits near the end that, even if the names of Peninsular Battles are remembered, the individuals who fought will be forgotten. All the more reason I wish he would name names and immortalize his comrades even just in his little corner of history. Generally enjoyable memoir though. Esp interesting is the description of his time in the West Indies, accounts of which seem relatively rare, and the glimpse of politicking after Waterloo.… (mer)