Several instances of extraordinary heroism were displayed by lord Uxbridge[40], especially when, between one and two o’clock, he was leading on to the charge the admiring men of the two heavy cavalry brigades. It was perhaps not less prudent than gallant to kindle a daring spirit in our cavalry, and rouse them to the highest pitch of emulation by the dashing valour of their chief. There was not a man amongst us who did not feel certain that Uxbridge would have led the charge, even if the whole French army had been moving in mass against him; yet it is well known that there was one looking on, who did not wear a black stock nor carry a musket[41], that would have been better pleased if our chivalric leader had been a little more cautious to support, and more successful in keeping the cavalry well in hand. “But on the British heart were lost The terrors of the charging host; For not an eye, the storm that view’d, Changed its proud glance of fortitude.” [Illustration: (end of chapter; image of a soldier)] FOOTNOTES: [29] Both those officers told me this on the field, in 1842. [30] I was told by an officer who accompanied this column, that seventeen men were killed by the first shot. [31] Why this attack was not made simultaneously with that upon Hougoumont, and at the same time a demonstration upon the allied centre, to prevent troops being drawn from it to support the points assailed, I am at a loss to say. [32] Soult, Ney, Napoleon and Wellington were all born in 1769. [33] Many females were found amongst the slain, although not of the same class as the heroine alluded to. As is common in the camp, the female followers wore male attire, with nearly as martial a bearing as the soldiers, and some even were mounted and rode astride. [34] Picton appears to have had a presentiment that this campaign would close his glorious career. What a pity he did not survive to see the effect of his charge! [35] Ewart got a commission the following year. Like Shaw, the life-guardsman, he was a man of herculean strength, and of more than ordinary stature, being six feet four inches, and of consummate skill as a swordsman. He died in 1845, having attained the age of seventy-seven. [36] It was here, and at this period, that a gentleman in plain clothes called out to the dragoons, “Go along, my boys! now’s your time!” It was the late duke of Richmond, come out merely as an amateur, and to see how his ball-guests, and his sons, three of whom were on the field, were faring. He was not attached to the staff of this army: otherwise he would have been second in command, as, besides being colonel of the 35th, he was full general. [37] The Greys and Royal dragoons having each captured an eagle at Waterloo, they were both ordered to wear an eagle on their colours, accoutrements and buttons. [38] Styles received a commission; and captain Clarke, now colonel Kennedy, the order of the Bath and the Hanoverian Guelphic order.