W. D. Lighthall's 'An Account of the Battle of Chateauguay' provides a detailed and vivid description of the historic battle, offering a valuable insight into the military tactics and strategies employed during the War of 1812. Lighthall's writing style is precise and informative, making it an essential read for those interested in Canadian history and military warfare. The book captures the intensity of the battle and its significance in shaping the course of Canadian history, showcasing Lighthall's meticulous research and dedication to historical accuracy. The narrative is compelling and engaging, drawing the reader into the heart of the action and shedding light on the bravery and sacrifices of those involved in the conflict. W. D. Lighthall's 'An Account of the Battle of Chateauguay' is a must-read for history enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive and captivating account of a pivotal moment in Canadian history that is often overlooked.

Listen to a short interview with Jon Latimer Host: Chris Gondek - Producer: Heron & Crane In the first complete history of the War of 1812 written from a British perspective, Jon Latimer offers an authoritative and compelling account that places the conflict in its strategic context within the Napoleonic wars. The British viewed the War of 1812 as an ill-fated attempt by the young American republic to annex Canada. For British Canada, populated by many loyalists who had fled the American Revolution, this was a war for survival. The Americans aimed both to assert their nationhood on the global stage and to expand their territory northward and westward. Americans would later find in this war many iconic moments in their national story--the bombardment of Fort McHenry (the inspiration for Francis Scott Key's Star Spangled Banner); the Battle of Lake Erie; the burning of Washington; the death of Tecumseh; Andrew Jackson's victory at New Orleans--but their war of conquest was ultimately a failure. Even the issues of neutrality and impressment that had triggered the war were not resolved in the peace treaty. For Britain, the war was subsumed under a long conflict to stop Napoleon and to preserve the empire. The one lasting result of the war was in Canada, where the British victory eliminated the threat of American conquest, and set Canadians on the road toward confederation. Latimer describes events not merely through the eyes of generals, admirals, and politicians but through those of the soldiers, sailors, and ordinary people who were directly affected. Drawing on personal letters, diaries, and memoirs, he crafts an intimate narrative that marches the reader into the heat of battle.

Charles de Salaberry (1778-1829) was a brilliant military figure who played a vital role in the War of 1812. A French-Canadian, he attained both rank and honour in the British army. He was a hero of Chateauguay and instrumental in the formation of the Canadian Voltigeurs and a respected advocate of French-Canadian rights. This book paints a vivid picture of a man whose pride and honour were part of an ancient family tradition, whose accomplishments were unique in the history of Lower Canada.

The War of 1812 was an extremely complicated war motivated by British seizures of American vessels and goods, American desire to expand into Canada, and impressment of American sailors into the British Navy. However, these are merely the immediate causes. To fully understand the War of 1812, one must delve deeper into history. This book does just that, as it covers the period leading up to the war (1803-1812) and the events of the war itself (1812-1815) through the use of a dictionary consisting of more than 1,400 cross-referenced entries covering descriptions of engagements, ships, weaponry, the compositions of regiments, significant political and military figures, and a full list of key places, issues and terms. Also included are a chronology of events, an introductory essay, and a comprehensive bibliography, subdivided by topic and fully annotated.