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Merry Hearts Make Light Days
A rare personal memoir by a British officer of the war in North America, this journal also provides an interesting and often humorous look at early 19th century Canadian society.
John Le Couteur writes about his experiences at the Royal Military College, and garrison life in the United Kingdom and in Canada, from 1808-17. A member of the 104th foot, a unit raised in New Brunswick, Le Couteur survived an epic march from Fredericton to Quebec in the winter of 1812-13. His unit fought in major actions in the Niagara Peninsula in 1813-1814.
A gifted writer and keen observer, blessed with a lively sense of humour, Le Couteur describes military and social life in Fredericton, Montreal and Kingston. Illustrated with his own sketches and watercolours, the memoir is extensively annotated by Donald E. Graves, who also provides a lengthy introduction placing Le Couteur in the context of his times.
John Le Couteur writes about his experiences at the Royal Military College, and garrison life in the United Kingdom and in Canada, from 1808-17. A member of the 104th foot, a unit raised in New Brunswick, Le Couteur survived an epic march from Fredericton to Quebec in the winter of 1812-13. His unit fought in major actions in the Niagara Peninsula in 1813-1814.
A gifted writer and keen observer, blessed with a lively sense of humour, Le Couteur describes military and social life in Fredericton, Montreal and Kingston. Illustrated with his own sketches and watercolours, the memoir is extensively annotated by Donald E. Graves, who also provides a lengthy introduction placing Le Couteur in the context of his times.
300 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1993
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 20, 2025
If ever there was an account of the War of 1812 that is as good as this, I have not read it.
This is an amazing journal by a young soldier, John Le Couteur, who is only 17 when the war and his journey begin; one that takes him from England to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, marching in the cold of winter all the way to Kingston, and then beyond to the Caribbean, back to Quebec and after the war, back home. He relates the scenes in first hand accounts of themes we know well from history lessons, and brings to light the ways and customs, experiences and the life from those days.
Le Couteur's resilience and his humanity in the face of some horrific battles and encounters, and his ability to maintain a light heart through the worst of times, is an inspiration.
However, this journal stands out, is made whole and easier to read today, by the carefully researched, wonderfully written notes of great Canadian historian and author, Donald E. Graves.
The fabulous contemporary photos that show the places where Le Couteur stayed and the illustrations, primarily provided by Library and Archives Canada, with Kingston, for instance, featuring prominently, means a self-guided historical walk is not far away.
This is an amazing journal by a young soldier, John Le Couteur, who is only 17 when the war and his journey begin; one that takes him from England to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, marching in the cold of winter all the way to Kingston, and then beyond to the Caribbean, back to Quebec and after the war, back home. He relates the scenes in first hand accounts of themes we know well from history lessons, and brings to light the ways and customs, experiences and the life from those days.
Le Couteur's resilience and his humanity in the face of some horrific battles and encounters, and his ability to maintain a light heart through the worst of times, is an inspiration.
However, this journal stands out, is made whole and easier to read today, by the carefully researched, wonderfully written notes of great Canadian historian and author, Donald E. Graves.
The fabulous contemporary photos that show the places where Le Couteur stayed and the illustrations, primarily provided by Library and Archives Canada, with Kingston, for instance, featuring prominently, means a self-guided historical walk is not far away.
February 23, 2021
As a Canadian, I found his story remarkable! So much in fact, that I wrote an article about him in the first issue of the 2nd York Gazette—a newsletter that the Canadian cultural and reenactment group I work at publishes. I call him the "Odysseus of 1812".
After reading this book, you might agree! His travels across the ocean and on land, plus his fighting in war against the Americans at places like Fort Erie in 1814, make him worthy of the title. His journal captures life in the period, especially as a young officer seeing events unfold from a professional and educated point of view.
You can sympathize with the pain of having to sail from Britain to New Brunswick, then through Québec to Upper Canada and fight there, plus his trip to the Caribbean to get home only to go back to Québec for a short time and to go back to Britain for the final time. What a trip, you might say!
If you are interested in the War of 1812, Canadian history, military history, or are a Canadian, I highly recommend this book.
(Link to my article: https://www.2ndyork.com/post/2nd-york... )
After reading this book, you might agree! His travels across the ocean and on land, plus his fighting in war against the Americans at places like Fort Erie in 1814, make him worthy of the title. His journal captures life in the period, especially as a young officer seeing events unfold from a professional and educated point of view.
You can sympathize with the pain of having to sail from Britain to New Brunswick, then through Québec to Upper Canada and fight there, plus his trip to the Caribbean to get home only to go back to Québec for a short time and to go back to Britain for the final time. What a trip, you might say!
If you are interested in the War of 1812, Canadian history, military history, or are a Canadian, I highly recommend this book.
(Link to my article: https://www.2ndyork.com/post/2nd-york... )
February 17, 2022
It is fortunate that Le Couteur was not only an excellent observer of the events around him, but also a talented writer. A glimpse into the past - he matter-of-factly discusses how a young lady he was attracted to would have made a fine wife, but he was too junior an officer to be able to propose. (He ended up marrying his cousin.) Highly recommended
September 24, 2017
Interesting memoir featuring the war of 1812.
February 19, 2018
We are lucky that John LeCouteur kept such great journals. This book is a great resource for information on the 104th (New Brunswick) Regiment of Foot, and on the War of 1812 in general.
December 5, 2012
It was an interesting read describing some of the times and difficulties during the War of 1812. It's a little funny how often it is referenced in some of the films and documentaries now on TV for the 200th anniversary.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews