I'm having trouble finding any primary sources describing the life as as soldier, in the battlefield or at camp. Do you know where I can find information about it? Also, what was the reason behind joining the army back then for them? Was it the money? the pride of being in the army?
Thanks.
I would suggest looking at resources pertaining to the Napoleonic Wars such as "The Letters of Private Wheeler 1809-1828", edited by B.H.Liddell Hart, or "25 years in the Rifle Brigade" by William Surtees. The latter author started his career in 1799.
If you wish information on just the War of 1812 you may have to dig much deeper.