“When the enemy attacked sir Thomas Picton I was there, and they got as far as the hedge on the cross-road, behind which the —— had been formed. The latter had run away, and our troops were on our side of the hedge. The French were driven off with immense loss. This was the first principal attack. At about two in the afternoon, as I have above said, they got possession of the farm-house on the high-road, which defended this part of the position; and they then took possession of a small mound on the left of the high-road going from Brussels, immediately opposite the gate of the farm; and they were never removed from thence till I commenced the attack in the evening: but they never advanced farther on that side. “These are answers to all your queries; but remember, I recommend to you to leave the battle of Waterloo as it is. “Believe me, etc. “WELLINGTON.” (_Gurwood_, vol. XII, p. 609-610.) The fair inference is, that the Duke, on seeing the orchard and garden of La Haye-Sainte in possession of the enemy about two o’clock P.M., thought the farm was also in their hands, which certainly was not the case till about five o’clock. The farm-house in question, La Haye-Sainte, was lost from a deficiency of _proper_ ammunition; its gallant defenders were riflemen. Who was to be blamed for that deficiency, it is difficult now to ascertain: the Duke, it appears, thought the officer commanding on the spot was censurable on this account. Let me be allowed to record my regret, that on this and many other occasions, valuable lives and important posts were often lost, owing to our having three different sizes for ball cartridges. If there were but one size, as I think there might be, for cavalry, infantry and rifles, the mutual supply of ammunition would be at all times practicable, and, in critical moments, of the utmost value. _To His Royal Highness the Duke of York._ “ORVILLÉ, June 28th, 1815. ... “I would beg leave to suggest to your Royal Highness the expediency of giving to the non-commissioned officers and soldiers engaged in the battle of Waterloo, a medal[109]. I am convinced it would have the best effect in the army; and, if the battle should settle our concerns, they will well deserve it.... “WELLINGTON.” (_Gurwood_, vol. XII, page 520.) _To Earl Bathurst._ “PARIS, September 17th, 1815. “MY DEAR LORD, “I have long intended to write to you about the medal for Waterloo. I recommend that the men should all have the same medal, hung on the same ribbon as that now used with the medals.... “WELLINGTON.” [Illustration: (end of Note; decorative separator)]