Sergeant Nicol

Unique documentation from a rare Napoleonic first-hand account

This book-the first hand experiences of an ordinary British soldier of the Napoleonic era-is a Leonaur original. It has never been available in book form before and as part of an obscure collection of manuscript material, out of print for almost a century, it is unlikely to be familiar to most modern readers. This is the well-written account of Daniel Nicol, a Scot and soldier of the Gordon Highlanders. Nicol provides us with fascinating details about his transportation through the Mediterranean and the complex activities of the Royal Navy. He then takes us on a thrilling journey through the little reported 1801 campaign in Egypt, from the opposed landing at Aboukir to the gallant action of his regiment at Mandorra-where the battle is described in detail. After intense campaigning in the desert, Nicol's narrative turns to the campaign in Spain where he fought at the battle of Talavera. The final part of this book covers the author's capture and imprisonment by the French and provides invaluable insights into the experiences of a prisoner of war in the Napoleonic epoch. A rare find!