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Rating: 
Summary: One of the few first hand British Soldiers experience
Review: A gripping book of one of the first hand accounts of the American Revolution. It is always interesting to read the "enemies" point of view during the time of the Revolution. John Peeble was an astute observer of not only the people of the American continent, but also the landscape and culture of early American society. A great mix of viewpoints of american battles, the Tories, the everyday hardship of being a soldier in an unfamiliar and sometimes hostile land. A MUST READ FOR THE SERIOUS STUDENT/TEACHER OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION AND COLONIAL EXPERIENCE.
Rating: 
Summary: A great first hand account of the American Revolution
Review: This is an outstanding account of the American Revolution by an overlooked point of view, being that of a British Officer. John Peebles, an officer in the famed Royal Highland Regiment was unfortunately one of the few soldiers of the British to keep an everyday diary of his life during the American Revolution. His diary begins in Europe when his regiment is mustering up soldiers to fight overseas in America. It is fascinating to see how the British Army was preparing for war against "the colonists". Peeble's also keeps a quick summary of the things that happened everyday during his tour of duty, from the mondane of standing watch, eating rations, doing paperwork, etc, to the truely gripping accounts of battle. Peeble's had a keen observation of his enemy and of the conduct of his superiors and those that were in his regiment.Peeble's did his duty for his country and King admirably, however as the years go on (1776-1782) you can begin to see his change of feelings for the war. He begins to question why Great Britain is fighting and he is beginning to have grudging respect for the American "rebels". I am sure that he was one of the vast majority of British soldiers who, after a few years was questioning their country's resolve to end the Revolution. However, Peeble's did his duty and fought without question. From the everyday account of camp life, battle, observations of Torries, rebels and common folk in the colonies, Peebles provides an invaluable account of what life was like during the Revolution from the opposing point of view. At the end of the diary the editor does and excellent service and provides the follow up to the key figures of Peeble's diary furnishing what happened to the Generals, soldiers and people of importance after the war. Overall this is an excellent read and is a MUST have for the serious student and enthusiast of the American Revolution.
Rating:
Summary: A great first hand account of the American Revolution
Review: This is an outstanding account of the American Revolution by an overlooked point of view, being that of a British Officer. John Peebles, an officer in the famed Royal Highland Regiment was unfortunately one of the few soldiers of the British to keep an everyday diary of his life during the American Revolution. His diary begins in Europe when his regiment is mustering up soldiers to fight overseas in America. It is fascinating to see how the British Army was preparing for war against "the colonists". Peeble's also keeps a quick summary of the things that happened everyday during his tour of duty, from the mondane of standing watch, eating rations, doing paperwork, etc, to the truely gripping accounts of battle. Peeble's had a keen observation of his enemy and of the conduct of his superiors and those that were in his regiment. Peeble's did his duty for his country and King admirably, however as the years go on (1776-1782) you can begin to see his change of feelings for the war. He begins to question why Great Britain is fighting and he is beginning to have grudging respect for the American "rebels". I am sure that he was one of the vast majority of British soldiers who, after a few years was questioning their country's resolve to end the Revolution. However, Peeble's did his duty and fought without question. From the everyday account of camp life, battle, observations of Torries, rebels and common folk in the colonies, Peebles provides an invaluable account of what life was like during the Revolution from the opposing point of view. At the end of the diary the editor does and excellent service and provides the follow up to the key figures of Peeble's diary furnishing what happened to the Generals, soldiers and people of importance after the war. Overall this is an excellent read and is a MUST have for the serious student and enthusiast of the American Revolution.
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