Merry Hearts Make Light Days: The War of 1812 Journal of Lieutenant John Le Couteur, 104th Foot

by J. Le Couteur, Edited by Donald E. Graves

This published journal of Lt. John Le Couteur of the 104th Regiment of Foot is simply one of the most insightful and humorous primary accounts ever written. This Journal technically spans the years between 1794 to 1817, but the majority of the books focuses on Le Couteur’s experiences during the War of 1812 in Canada. A veteran of several of the most notable actions Le Couteur provides valuable insight on the major battles as well as the daily lives of the officers, soldiers, sailors, and civilians of Upper and Lower Canada. Though this book was compiled by Le Couteur from his daily journal entries during the war he later added anecdotes, correspondence, and excerpts from official documents that he had in his possession. At certain points the author’s memory plays tricks on him, but the editor, Donald E. Graves has endeavoured to fix these oversights and explain some of the historical context of the events that Le Couteur describes using extensive well researched footnotes with citations. While not wholly directed at the naval experience, this book offers invaluable insight on the period as well as the lives of the officers who fought in the War of 1812.