Frasers of Philorth > Volume 1

THE FRASERS OF PHILORTH, LORDS SALTOUN. 271
position of Quatre-bras being in consequence exposed on the left, we were
obliged to fall back, and accordingly, on the 1 7th, retired, and took post in
position at Water-leud. On the 18th Napoleon attacked us with the whole
of his army. The action was extremely severe, and our loss much greater
than in any of the battles in the Peninsula. . . . The infantry formed squares,
and about five o'clock had completely repulsed and destroyed the finest
cavalry by their steadiness in square, and the excellence of their fire. About
half-past six Napoleon made his last desperate attack, at the head of his Old
Imperial Guards, upon our brigade. It was a thing I always wished for, and
the result was what I have often said it would be ; to do them justice they
came on Like men, but our boys went at them like Britons, and drove them
off the field in less than ten minutes.
" From that moment the day was our own, and the French were com-
pletely routed, and fled, leaving their artillery, stores, baggage, and an
immense number of prisoners. The Prussians are in hot pursuit, and have
taken a great many prisoners.
"On the 19th we marched to Nivelles, 20th to a village near Binche,
yesterday to Bavay, and to-day we are bivouacked here. Our baggage is a
long way in the rear, and I do not know when I shall get a clean shirt, I
have got my tooth- brush, so I am not quite a beast.
" I am sure you will be very sorry for poor Stables, he was killed on the
18th.
" In short, we have lost in the First Regiment twelve officers killed and
twenty-two wounded. I was in great luck again, as I had two horses killed
under me, and a ball through my cap, but the head remains as good as ever.
I have been very much applauded, and so forth, and been reported for good
conduct, and every one says that I am sure of a medal. I am so glad Eng-
land had the first of it, I was always certain of the event, if he and the
Duke ever met, and now we consider the whole thing as over."
On the 25th he wrote : — " I like your quizzing about our soldiers. . . . We
have tolerable proof now of what they are worth, and the oldest French
soldiers say they never saw such a battle as the one at Water-leud. I think
I told you that our Peg 4 and Napoleon's Guards came in contact, and I can
assure you we handled them most handsomely."