Letter from Joseph Muter to his brother James 10 July 1815

by Joseph Muter

Brussels, 10th July 1815

My Dear James,

I received yours of the 7th June, and had before apprized you, that I should not want the £100. I am happy to hear that prospects of recovering from your Uncle are so brilliant - he appears to have behaved infamously - you’ll be anxious to hear how I have got on - badly enough I assure you - there has been an exfoliation of bone, inflammation of the periosteum & a formation of matter in different places - the pain excessive & much fever - some extraneous matter such as glove pad came out lately. Last night is the first, on which, I have had any sleep, and I shall now go on well - in 8 days I shall be able to join; the Regt has seen nothing since the Battle. You’ll have observed with pleasure, that the two Brigades mentioned; as having particularly distinguished themselves, mine was one; I say mine because Sir Wm Ponsonby was killed at the beginning of the action - my wound was received at 6pm in leading the Brigade to the charge- my horse was hit at the same moment - my hurt looked slight but the consequences have been dreadful, the bones having been injured - I have reason to hope I should not lose the use of any joint. I received letters from George & [?] Alex, & am delighted with them - I will write, as soon, as I can use my right hand - at present I feel much inconvenience in writing, because I can not use my right elbow, even to steady my paper, so this, or an extract must serve for you, Annfield and Kirkside. I shall expect that George will quite put me to the Blush, both in extent (or variety) & in depth of learning. Our Brigade charged, upset and completely destroyed 3 heavy columns of infantry at least 9000 - the old Inniskillings behaved most gallantly. The Regt was on the 4th, 12 miles from Paris. Let us hear soon; if on receipt hereof, to Brussels - if not for some days; British Army under Duke of Wellington, France My love to Betsy, Annfield, Kirkside, childrens; compts to mr Henderson if in [?] Edinbr, my best Regards to Mr, Mrs Robertson and family and to all friends - I ever am Dear James your most affectionate brother and sincere friend, Jos Muter