Random Shots from a Rifleman

Cover created by Transcriber and placed into the Public Domain.
ADVENTURES IN THE RIFLE BRIGADE IN THE PENINSULA, FRANCE, AND THE NETHERLANDS, From the Year 1809 to 1815;
By CAPTAIN JOHN KINCAID, First Battalion.
One vol. post 8vo. price 10 s. 6 d. boards.
To those who are unacquainted with John Kincaid of the Rifles,—and few, we trow, of the old Peninsula bands are in this ignorant predicament, and to those who know him, we equally recommend the perusal of his book: it is a fac simile of the man,—a perfect reflection of his image, veluti in speculo . A capital Soldier, a pithy and graphic narrator, and a fellow of infinite jest. Captain Kincaid has given us, in this modest volume, the impress of his qualities, the beau ideal of a thorough-going Soldier of Service, and the faithful and witty history of some six years' honest and triumphant fighting.
There is nothing extant in a Soldier's Journal, which, with so little pretension, paints with such truth and raciness the domestic economy of campaigning, and the downright business of handling the enemy.
But we cannot follow further;—recommending every one of our readers to pursue the Author himself to his crowning scene of Waterloo, where they will find him as quaint and original as at his debut . We assure them, it is not possible, by isolated extracts, to give a suitable impression of the spirit and originality which never flag from beginning to end of Captain Kincaid's volume; in every page of which he throws out flashes of native humour, a tithe of which would make the fortune of a Grub-street Bookmaker. — United Service Journal.
We do not recollect one, among the scores of personal narratives, where the reader will find more of the realities of a Soldier's Life, or of the horrors that mark it; all is told gaily, but not unfeelingly. — New Monthly Magazine, July.
His book has one fault, the rarest fault in books, it is too short. — Monthly Magazine, April.
His book is one of the most lively histories of Soldiers' Adventures which have yet appeared; their entire freedom from affectation will sufficiently recommend them to a numerous class of readers. — Athenæum.