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severely wounded, Major General Maitland, and Major Byng, set an example which was followed by all; and there is no officer, nor description of troops, that did not behave well. 1 am also particularly indebted to General Lord Hill, for his assistance and conduct upon this, as upon ail former occasions.
I should not do justice to my feelings or to Marshal Blucher and the Prussian army, if I did not attribute the successful result of this arduous day to the cordial and timely assistance received from them.
The operation of General Bulow upon the enemy’s flank, was a most decided one; and, even if I had not found myself in a situation to make the attack, which produced the final result, it would have forced the enemy to retire, if his attacks should have failed; and would have prevented him from taking advantage of them, if they should unfortunately have succeeded.
I send, with this dispatch, two eagles, taken by the troops in this action, which Major Percy will have the honour of laying at the feet of his Royal Highness—I beg leave to recommend him to your lordship’s protection.
I have the honor, &c.
To his brother he afterwards wrote,—̞“Never had I fought so hard for victory,—and never, from the gallantry of the enemy had I been so near being beaten. In a letter to his mother, Lady Mornington, the Duke of Wellington says of Buonoparte— “That he did his duty—that be fought the battle with infinite skill, bravery, and perseverance;—and the victory is solely to be ascribed to the superior physical force, and constancy of British soldiers."
