Jesse M. Abbott Ph.D. Graduate Department of History University of Waterloo

Topic: Soldiers on the Niagara Frontier

Duncan McLaren introduced guest speaker Jesse Abbott whose topic was the life of soldiers on the Niagara Frontier in the war of 1812. Jesse’s presentation, which consisted of a portion of his thesis presented to the University of Waterloo for his Doctor of Philosophy in History, looked mainly at the role alcoholic consumption played in the conduct of soldiers.
Jesse’s research indicated that although heavy drinking was common in that period, the reputation of some groups, especially the Irish, meant that all soldiers were labelled the same. He said that drinking and bad behaviour was not as common as many officers indicated.
He pointed out that the class system was much in evidence in the army. Soldiers faced flogging as a form of discipline for various incidents of bad behaviour and were generally held in disrespect and often believed to have joined the army to escape accepted life responsibilities. On the other hand, officers were often allowed to bring their wives and children to the battle area.
But alcohol certainly was in common use. Soldiers were granted daily rum rations including sometimes prior to going into battle. Rum was also provided to help cope with the severe climate. Jesse said that if army rations ran out, soldiers were often able to obtain spirits from outside sources and regularly gambled for spirits.
He said that at the time, Britain recruited soldiers as young as 13 and their lack of experience
and the style of fighting — solid lines of men firing muskets — sometimes contributed to the lack of discipline.
Jesse concluded his presentation with a quote from Dylan Thomas who said, “an alcoholic is someone you don’t like who drinks as much as you do.”
Following a question-and-answer period, Duncan thanked Jesse and presented him with an LCBO gift certificate.