During the heat of this conflict, Captain ALEXANDER KENNEDY CLARK,[61] commanding the centre squadron of the ROYAL DRAGOONS, having led his men about two hundred yards beyond the second hedge on the British left, perceived in the midst of a crowd of infantry the EAGLE of the French 105th regiment, with which the bearer was endeavouring to escape to the rear. Against this body of men, Captain Clark instantly led his squadron at full speed, and plunging into the midst of the crowd, overtook and slew the French officer who carried the EAGLE; and several men of the ROYAL DRAGOONS coming up at the moment, the EAGLE was captured, and Captain Clark, giving it to Corporal Stiles,[62] directed him to carry it to the rear.[63] Another EAGLE was captured by the Greys; and the three regiments, animated by this tide of success, pursued their advantage too far. They crossed the ravine; carried several batteries; and continued their course even to the rear of the enemy's position. The latter, recovering confidence from the disorder too apparent in the movements of this insulated and unsupported brigade, fell upon it with a large body of lancers and some cuirassiers. The three regiments being broken and dispersed in the pursuit, were forced back, and they sustained considerable loss. Their gallant leader, Major-General SIR WILLIAM PONSONBY was killed,[64] and the command of the brigade devolved on Colonel Muter[65] of the Inniskillen dragoons. In this attack the ROYALS took an immense number of prisoners: their conduct excited great admiration, and has been commended by historians. The following is an extract from one of the numerous accounts of the battle of Waterloo:--"The Marquis of Anglesey, galloped up to the second brigade (1st, 2nd, and 6th dragoons), and the three regiments, wheeling into line, presented a beautiful front of about one thousand men. The noble Marquis ordered a charge, which was most gallantly executed. They took the enemy in flank and a most tremendous fight commenced. Every man fought with unparalleled heroism, for every man had his own individual task to perform. The ROYALS, fired with a noble emulation, rushed into a column of four thousand men, where they captured the Eagle of the 105th regiment and bore it off in triumph. The greater part of this column then threw down their arms, and were immediately conducted to the rear. The Greys also captured an Eagle. Thus the great attack of the enemy on the left was finally overthrown, and two thousand men made prisoners."