Under Wellington's Command

by G.A. Henty

The dashing hero of this book, Terence O'Connor, was the hero of Mr. Henty's previous book, "With Moore at Corunna," to which this is really a sequel. He is still at the head of the "Minho" Portuguese regiment. Being detached on independent and guerilla duty with his regiment, he renders invaluable service in gaining information and in harassing the French. His command, being constantly on the edge of the army, is engaged in frequent skirmishes and some most important battles.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Adventure

402 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1899

About the author

George Alfred Henty, better known as G.A. Henty, began his storytelling career with his own children. After dinner, he would spend and hour or two in telling them a story that would continue the next day. Some stories took weeks! A friend was present one day and watched the spell-bound reaction of his children suggesting Henty write down his stories so others could enjoy them. He did. Henty wrote approximately 144 books in addition to stories for magazines and was known as "The Prince of Story-Tellers" and "The Boy's Own Historian." One of Mr. Henty's secretaries reported that he would quickly pace back and forth in his study dictating stories as fast as the secretary could record them.

Henty's stories revolve around fictional boy heroes during fascinating periods of history. His heroes are diligent, intelligent, and dedicated to their country and cause in the face, at times, of great peril... Henty's heroes fight wars, sail the seas, discover land, conquer evil empires, prospect for gold, and a host of other exciting adventures. Along the way, they meet famous personages... In short, Henty's heroes live through tumultuous historic eras meeting leaders of that time. Understanding the culture of the time period becomes second nature as well as comparing/contrasting the society of various cultures.

Reviews

[Katja Labonté · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. This book is to be read immediately after “With Moore at Corunna” because it is a direct continuance of the story. I think it is quite as humorous as the first book and even more exciting. Ryan + Terence make an excellent duo. ;) Again, there are many mentions of drinking/whiskey and smoking, very humourous, but also removing a star, along with quite a bit of lying and stealing. There are also a few euphemisms. Personally, though, I love this series for the light-hearted fun and banter and the excitement. With a little editing, they are very enjoyable.

A Favourite Quote: “‘It is really only the first drudgery that is difficult, in learning a language. When once one makes a start one gets on very fast; especially if one is not afraid of making mistakes. I never care a rap whether I make blunders or not, so that I can but make myself understood.’”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘We are not quite sure where the French are and, of course, we get no information from the people here; either their stupidity is something astounding, or their sympathies are entirely with the French.’
“‘My experience is,’ Terence said, ‘that the best way is to get as much information as you can from them, and then to act with the certainty that the real facts are just the reverse of the statements made to you.’”

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel was written in 1899, and tells the story of Terence O'Connor's service during the Peninsular War. He is a captain in the British Army, but most of his service is spent as a colonel of a Portuguese regiment. The book details his adventures in which he is captured twice, escapes, and serves valiantly in several major battles. It's an okay read, but he is such a perfect officer that his exploits become a bit tedious. His service ends when he loses a leg at Salamanca.

The author is known for his books for young people, and you can tell that in this book with the hero being almost a super soldier. Perhaps that was the only type of hero the auhor thought his audience wanted to read about in 1899? He also has an aversion to Britain's ally, Spain, as to their fighting ability. To be fair, though, some of their generals were lacking in military fervor and ability at times.

[Gareth Madeley · Rating 1 out of 5]

In the first 100 pages, the main character is said to be the best officer ever, but I feel like Henty is try to eat his cake and have it. Terrence O'Conner is a Colonel, but acts like a Captain, leading a rearguard with a company rather than leading his whole regiment (putting his own ego before his men/regiment). He is captured by the French and gives them his parole (a promise not to escape) with the intention of ungiving it (which isn't how parole works), and during this capture he leads his fellow prisoners against the Spanish, who are *checks notes* allied to the British and Portuguese, in support of the French who are *checks notes again* the enemies of the British, Portuguese and Spanish. But he's the hero everyone!

[Viva · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have liked some of GA Henty's book but this one was just a slog. Despite the introduction saying that he didn't want to bog this book down into a documentary with a lot of history, that's exactly what he did, with tactics and strategy of the Peninsular War. In contrast I really liked CS Forester's books in the same era where the writing was character focused but still with a good overall background so the reader knows the setting. I decided to dnf this so save my eyes for a more entertaining book.

[Terence]

As I have been reading Cornwall's Sharpe series about the Peninsular war, I found a copy of G.A. Henty Under Wellington's Command in my grandfather's old books. I vividly remember reading One of the 28th in Grade 7, so I wanted to compare the two series. It was uncanny how much the authors, writing a century
apart weaved heroes, Terence O'Connor of Mayo Fusiliers and Richard Sharpe and his riflemen into the same battles and adventures of daring do. I would recommend both series for those who are interested in Historic Fiction.