One of the distinguished Stanhopes of Chevening, James Stanhope’s military service took him to the Peninsular War where, between 1809 and 1813, he witnessed and recorded several battles, including Corunna and Barossa. At Waterloo he fought on the ridge while under attack from Napoleon’s cavalry. This collection of letters and journals, skilfully contextualized by editor Gareth Glover, offers fascinating insights and detailed descriptions of conversations, conditions and events during the Napoleonic Wars.