Ben Hughes

A bit dry but a fascinating time where thousands of British men traveled to South American to help free them from Spanish rule. Some prospered and did very well for themselves. Some tried to make money off the opportunity. More died or were impoverished. Their impact as infantry units was massive as they fought Spanish regiments sent from Spain and beat them. They played key roles in many of the campaigns.

Looking back perhaps the saddest part of the story is how in the countries they helped show more free the people who were most helped have forgotten them as they have been written out of their history books.


Behold with price you hallowed isle
Where freedom's root has thriven
Your march is sanctioned by her smile,
And cheer'ed by that of heaven
To plant the tree
Of Liberty
Is ever hail'd on high:
Then falter none
But sally on
To conquer or to die.

-George Chesterton in 1818. Written on the way to fight the Spanish with Bolivar and sung by British volunteers. show less

This is a fascinating fact filled book, but it is primarily about The slavery business as practiced by the British during the 1600's, the trade and trade routes from Africa to the Caribbean, with the American colonies, and back to England.
It document the horrendous living conditions on the slave ships and on the plantations. It also catalogues the multitude of alliances and betrayals between England, France, Spain, and the Dutch.
Sadly based on the title you would think it would be about the show more earthquake in Port Royal Jamaica. While this is covered it is down so in the very end of the book. show less