The Waterloo Roll Call: With Biographical Notes and AnecdotesDalton, Charles
History
The Waterloo Roll Call: With Biographical Notes and Anecdotes
Dalton, Charles
Great Britain. Army -- Registers; Waterloo, Battle of, Waterloo, Belgium, 1815
This regt. was for many years known as the “Slashers.” This name is
said to have been first given in the early part of the American War,
when the regt. had swords, which they used to some purpose. The 28th
might have been appropriately called “Prescott’s Own,” as the
Col.-in-Chf., Gen. Robert Prescott, had been closely associated with
this regt. for 50 years or longer, and was lt.-col. commanding for
about 12 years. From 1789 until his death in Dec., 1815, he was
col.-in-chf., and took the deepest interest in all that concerned his
old corps. He had more than one godson in the regt., whose fathers had
fought under him in America, whom he advanced in their military career
by his own personal interest. And the 28th were equally attached to
their old colonel, who had seen much service in America and the West
Indies, where he held high commands. Like many others, before and
since, who have filled responsible situations in countries where the
native or “barbarian” element is largely represented, Gen. Prescott
was fully imbued with the idea of his own great importance. An amusing
instance of this is found in an order issued by him when commanding
the troops in Canada:—
LIEUT.-GENERAL PRESCOTT’S ORDERS.
“St. Pierres, 16th _June_, 1794.
“Whereas Vice-Adm. Sir John Jervis has given orders, I am told,
frequently here on shore, and particularly by note dated off Point
Petre, June 11th, 1794, which must have arisen from great ignorance or
great presumption and arrogance.
“If from ignorance, poor man! he is to be pitied, but if from
presumption and arrogance, he is to be checked.
“It is, therefore, Lt.-General Prescott’s orders that in future no
attention whatever is to be given to such notes or orders, and his
signature to such to be as little regarded as that of John Oakes or
Peter Styles.”
A martinet he lived and a martinet he died. His last whisper on his
death-bed was an inquiry as to whether there was a Hessian sentry at
his door. Although he did not die in harness the veteran “Slasher”
died under the colours of the 28th, as on the death of the late Robert
Prescott (grandson of the above) the old colours of the 28th were
found among his effects and returned to the regt. They had doubtless
been worked by the fair fingers of the old general’s wife.
Footnote 1:
Succeeded to the command of the 8th Brigade after Quatre Bras.
Lt.-Col. 56th Regt. 9th May, 1816. Had served throughout the Par. War
with above regt., and received the gold cross with two clasps.
Maj.-Gen. 1819. D. at Blackheath 5th Nov., 1830, aged 57.
Footnote 2:
7th son of Alexander Nixon, of Mullynesker, High Sheriff of Fermanagh
1761, by Mary, dau. of Alex. Montgomery. Served in Egypt and in the
Pa. C.B. for Waterloo. Quitted the service 1816. D. s. p.
Footnote 3:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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