The late Jon Latimer’s detailed study of the American invasion of the Niagara frontier during the War of 1812’s last year is a lavishly illustrated book that provides a treasury of information regarding the American and British officers, the men they led, the uniforms they wore, and the weapons they used. Large topographical diagrams for each battle, clarifying British and American formations and movements, are a most useful reference.
That said, Latimer might have better contextualized his detailed military accounts with some consideration of the Niagara frontier itself. Oddly the Lake Champlain theatre creeps into his study, yet the disaffection within the war-torn Niagara peninsula receives only brief attention via mentions of Joseph Willcocks and of raiding parties. A conclusion that jumps to matters surrounding the Treaty of Ghent also leaves the reader wishing Latimer had instead provided a conclusion equally meticulous as his battle narratives to better assess what consequences the last year of conflict had upon the local Niagara communities, the war, Great Britain, and the United States.
Original printed pages
