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severly 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. I am also particularly indebted to General Lord Hill, for his assistance and conduct upon this, as upon all 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 ardous day to the cordial and timely assistance received from them.
The operation of General Balow 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 un- fortunately have succeeded.
I send with this dispatch, two eagles taken by
the troops in this action, which Major Perry 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.
(Signed) Wellington
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 Morning- ton, the Duke of Wellington says of Buonoparte— “That he did his duty—that he 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.”
