Napoleon I, Emperor of the French, 1769-1821 -- Elba and the Hundred Days, 1814-1815; Waterloo, Battle of, Waterloo, Belgium, 1815
As the Scots Greys passed through, and mingled with, the Highlanders;
the enthusiasm of both Corps was extraordinary. They mutually cheered.
"Scotland for ever!" was their war shout. The smoke in which the
head of the French Column was enshrouded had not cleared away, when
the Greys dashed into the mass. So eager was the desire, so strong
the determination, of the Highlanders to aid their compatriots in
completing the work so gloriously begun, that many were seen holding on
by the stirrups of the horsemen; while all rushed forward, leaving none
but the disabled in their rear. The leading portion of the Column soon
yielded to this infuriated onset; the remainder, which was yet in the
act of ascending the exterior slope, appalled by the sudden appearance
of Cavalry at a moment when, judging by the sound of musketry fire in
front, they had naturally concluded that it was with Infantry alone
they had to contend, were hurled back in confusion by the impetus of
the shock. The Dragoons, having the advantage of the descent, appeared
to mow down the mass; which, bending under the pressure, quickly
spread itself outwards in all directions. Yet, in that mass were many
gallant spirits, who could not be brought to yield without a struggle;
and these fought bravely to the death: not that they served to impede,
but only to mark more strongly the course of the impetuous torrent
as it swept wildly past them, presenting to the eye of the artistic
observer those streaks which, arising incidentally from such partial
and individual contests, invariably characterize the track of a charge
of Cavalry.
Within that mass too, was borne the Imperial Eagle of the 45th
Regiment, proudly displaying on its banner the names of Austerlitz,
Jena, Friedland, Essling, and Wagram--Fields in which this Regiment
had covered itself with glory, and acquired the distinguished title
of "The Invincibles." A devoted band encircled the sacred Standard,
which attracted the observation, and excited the ambition of a daring
and adventurous soldier, named EWART, a Sergeant of the Greys. After
a desperate struggle, evincing on his part great physical strength
combined with extraordinary dexterity, he succeeded in capturing the
cherished trophy. The gallant fellow was directed to proceed with it to
Brussels, where he was received with acclamations by thousands who came
forward to welcome and congratulate him.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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