IN almost every history of campaigns and of battles, ancient and modern, it has been the endeavour of the writer to direct the sympathy of his readers exclusively to the heroes who have led their fellow-creatures to victory and to slaughter; and the mind has been withheld from the consideration of the mass of misery which war has inflicted upon the hundreds of thousands of unnoticed soldiers, equally susceptible of every feeling of pain, and more exposed to hardships and privations than the commanders - who alone reap the laurels, and the few solid emoluments of the field of battle.
It is hoped that this little Work, however humble its pretensions, may be found useful in counteracting the pernicious influence of the generally received maxim, that there is something peculiarly honourable in the profession of arms - that it is more glorious to be employed as an instrument of terror and destruction, than in promoting the arts that gladden the life of man - in being mere tools in the hands of others, either to oppose or minister to ambition - to resist the violence of oppression, or rivet the chains of despotism, just as they shall be directed by their superiors.
The Publishers have made repeated inquiries after the Author of the Journal of a Soldier, but without effect. The last time he was seen about Edinburgh, he was employed on the Calton Hill, with a number of poor labourers thrown out of regular employment, who were supported at the rate of five shillings a week by the subscriptions of the public. From this miserable employment he found means to remove himself, and it is supposed emigrated to South America. In all probability he never heard of the success of a production which does him so much credit, and which might have been the means of alleviating the indigence which was the conclusion of so many toils and sufferings, in what is called the service of his country.
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Last update 10/8/02