Chapter 25

Note.—I expect the hairs were stolen for fishing purposes, silk-worm gut not yet having come into use.—S. M. Milne.

1779. Salisbury, October 6th. Gen. Johnston.—Officers' uniform "royal facings, gold embroidered button holes, although the men have white, and caps with black bearskin fronts, handsomely embroidered and ornamented."

Note.—These caps had just superseded the tall cloth fronted old established Grenadier caps, fronted with blue cloth, displaying the "White Horse" and theStarof the Order of the Thistle.—S. M. Milne.

1781. Blandford, October 6th. By Gen. Warde.1782. Durham, September 12th. Lord Adam Gordon.—"Hasthreestandards one good and two bad. I do not recollect, in the thirty five years I have known the regiment, ever to have seen it finer; if the horse furniture was scarlet, instead of blue, it would shew better, in my humble opinion."1783. Musselburgh, May 27th. Gen. Mackay.1784. Manchester, June 3rd. Gen. Johnstone.—"New standards given out in 1783. Royal facings with gold embroidered button holes, two epaulettes, as grenadiers have, and black bearskin caps."

1781. Blandford, October 6th. By Gen. Warde.

1782. Durham, September 12th. Lord Adam Gordon.—"Hasthreestandards one good and two bad. I do not recollect, in the thirty five years I have known the regiment, ever to have seen it finer; if the horse furniture was scarlet, instead of blue, it would shew better, in my humble opinion."

1783. Musselburgh, May 27th. Gen. Mackay.

1784. Manchester, June 3rd. Gen. Johnstone.—"New standards given out in 1783. Royal facings with gold embroidered button holes, two epaulettes, as grenadiers have, and black bearskin caps."

Note.—At this periodallother heavy cavalry officers had only one epaulette!—S. M. Milne.

1786. Gloucester, May 31st. Gen. Phillipson.1788. Ashford Common, May 9th. Gen. Douglas.1790. York, May 10th. Gen. Tonyn.—"two standards and belts in 1783."1791. Musselburgh, May 25th. Lord Adam Gordon.1792. Manchester, June 7th. Gen. Hyde.1801. Dorchester, September 28th. Gen. Garth.—"Fivestandards in good order."

1786. Gloucester, May 31st. Gen. Phillipson.

1788. Ashford Common, May 9th. Gen. Douglas.

1790. York, May 10th. Gen. Tonyn.—"two standards and belts in 1783."

1791. Musselburgh, May 25th. Lord Adam Gordon.

1792. Manchester, June 7th. Gen. Hyde.

1801. Dorchester, September 28th. Gen. Garth.—"Fivestandards in good order."

Note.—The regiment had been increased to eight, or perhaps ten, troops.—S. M. Milne.

1802. Croydon, October 11th. Major-Gen. Cartwright.—Reviewed by "His Majesty" on Ashford Common,September 24th, 1801. "White stable jackets are made with the regiment, and paid for by the men, price 11/-. In marching order the men wear their fur caps—the horse cloth is placed on the saddle, cloak before water deck over the saddle bags, and collar chain in the horse shoe case,—in watering order the men wear Russia duck trousers, and make use of the bridoon as a bridle—reason assigned for placing the 'chain' in the horse shoe case is that when worn on the neck it stains the colour (grey) of the horse—no overalls are in use in the regiment, four standards are in use."1803. Croydon, May 25th. Gen. Gwynn.1803. Canterbury, December 16th. Gen. Staviley.1804. Canterbury, June 11th. Gen. Staviley.—"Fourstandards in use."1807. "FiveStandards."1814. Piershill had "five standards."

1803. Croydon, May 25th. Gen. Gwynn.

1803. Canterbury, December 16th. Gen. Staviley.

1804. Canterbury, June 11th. Gen. Staviley.—"Fourstandards in use."

1807. "FiveStandards."

1814. Piershill had "five standards."

Regimental Standards, the property of Capt. D. W. Milne Home, of Wedderburn, used by the Regiment during the service of his ancestor, Gen. David Home, of Wedderburn, who died 1809.No. 1. Original of dark blue silk; Scottish Crown and Thistle with Motto surmounting Regimental Motto. Regimental Badge of the White Horse and "II.D." ("Second Dragoons") at opposite corners.No. 2. Original of rose-coloured silk, with Scottish Crown over Thistle and Rose, surmounting Motto on Scroll. Regimental Badges and "II.D." as above.No. 3. Original of dark blue silk, with Imperial Crown over Scottish Thistle on rose-coloured ground in garter, with Motto "NEC SUNT TIBI MARTE SECUNDI." Regimental Badges and "II.D."

Regimental Standards, the property of Capt. D. W. Milne Home, of Wedderburn, used by the Regiment during the service of his ancestor, Gen. David Home, of Wedderburn, who died 1809.

No. 1. Original of dark blue silk; Scottish Crown and Thistle with Motto surmounting Regimental Motto. Regimental Badge of the White Horse and "II.D." ("Second Dragoons") at opposite corners.

No. 2. Original of rose-coloured silk, with Scottish Crown over Thistle and Rose, surmounting Motto on Scroll. Regimental Badges and "II.D." as above.

No. 3. Original of dark blue silk, with Imperial Crown over Scottish Thistle on rose-coloured ground in garter, with Motto "NEC SUNT TIBI MARTE SECUNDI." Regimental Badges and "II.D."

1815.Note.—I could not find any Inspection Return, but I gather from other returns of this year, in France, that no cavalry regiments took their standards to the Waterloo campaign at all, nor, for that matter, toFranceafterwards!! (paceLady Butler!)—S. M. Milne.

Newspaper cutting kindly sent byCaptain Lindsay—

"For Those in Peril."The medal struck by Napoleon to commemorate the invasion of England, which has come into the sale-room again, would have fetched a far higher price when it was first cast could his contemporaries have had guarantee of the falseness of the prophecy which it expresses. Those were the days when the Volunteer movement was born; those the days when Pitt promised an importunate squad that they should not be sent out of the country—except in case of actual invasion. At about this time a notable prayer was published. It begins by invoking a blessing upon 'a' in this house, and a' within two miles ilka side this house, the cow, the kail-yard, and the muckle town o' Dumbarton.' The Scots Greys lying in Hamilton Barracks are commended to favour. 'They are braw chiels—they are not like the English whalps, that dash their foot against a stone, and damn the soul of the stone, as if a stone had a soul to be saved.'"

"For Those in Peril.

"The medal struck by Napoleon to commemorate the invasion of England, which has come into the sale-room again, would have fetched a far higher price when it was first cast could his contemporaries have had guarantee of the falseness of the prophecy which it expresses. Those were the days when the Volunteer movement was born; those the days when Pitt promised an importunate squad that they should not be sent out of the country—except in case of actual invasion. At about this time a notable prayer was published. It begins by invoking a blessing upon 'a' in this house, and a' within two miles ilka side this house, the cow, the kail-yard, and the muckle town o' Dumbarton.' The Scots Greys lying in Hamilton Barracks are commended to favour. 'They are braw chiels—they are not like the English whalps, that dash their foot against a stone, and damn the soul of the stone, as if a stone had a soul to be saved.'"

The following, all kindly transcribed by Captain Lindsay from the originals still at Binns, by generous permission of the present owner:—

Holograph.

Charles by the Grace of God etc. to the High & Mighty prince etc.Most high and most mighty prince our deare Brother Cousin and freind. Knowing the esteem your highness has of men of valour and being persuaded by the repeated assurances of your good will towards us, we have been induced to recommend to your Highness the bearer hereof our most faithfull and well beloved subject Thomas Dalyell Lieut:Generall of foot who now desires to go to Polland in order to dedicate himself to your highnesse's service in your armys, and seeing he has behaved himself with all the fidelity bravery and conduct in ye post of Lieutenant Generall in our armys we doubt not that by his good & faithfull service he shall deserve your highness's favour, Wherefor we earnestly intreat your highns you would receive him kindly into your service and allow him your favour and protection, and whatever advantage he shall receive from this our recommendation we shall entirely owe it to your highness and shall loose no ocasion or opportunity to aknowlege it and so we recomend your highness to ye care of the eternall and almighty God. Given at Colloign the seventeenth day of Aprile yeare of God 1656 and of our reign the seventh yearYour highnessMost dear brother & cousinCh: R.

Charles by the Grace of God etc. to the High & Mighty prince etc.

Most high and most mighty prince our deare Brother Cousin and freind. Knowing the esteem your highness has of men of valour and being persuaded by the repeated assurances of your good will towards us, we have been induced to recommend to your Highness the bearer hereof our most faithfull and well beloved subject Thomas Dalyell Lieut:Generall of foot who now desires to go to Polland in order to dedicate himself to your highnesse's service in your armys, and seeing he has behaved himself with all the fidelity bravery and conduct in ye post of Lieutenant Generall in our armys we doubt not that by his good & faithfull service he shall deserve your highness's favour, Wherefor we earnestly intreat your highns you would receive him kindly into your service and allow him your favour and protection, and whatever advantage he shall receive from this our recommendation we shall entirely owe it to your highness and shall loose no ocasion or opportunity to aknowlege it and so we recomend your highness to ye care of the eternall and almighty God. Given at Colloign the seventeenth day of Aprile yeare of God 1656 and of our reign the seventh year

Your highnessMost dear brother & cousinCh: R.

Holograph the 2nd.

Charles by the Grace of God etc. to ye Most illustrious & prince etc. Lord John Razivile prince of ye holy Roman Empire ... of ye great Dutchy of Lithuania and Great Generall of ye Armys of Polland our most dear frend and Cousin.

Most illustrious and prince our most dear cousin and freind. Seeing our most faithfull and well beloved subject ye noble and brave Lietenant Generall Tho: Dalyell resolves to go to Polland in order to serve in ye army of ye most high and mighty prince our dearest Brother the King of Polland and has behaved himself in ye post of Luetenant Genall in our army always undoubted fidelity conduct and courage we have thought fitt to recommend him who has served us so well to your Excellence that he may have your favour and protection and earnest entreat your excellence that you would so make use of your power and authority that he may not be disappointed in his design but by your interest may get such a post in your armys as one of his courage and conduct deserves, in doing of which your highness will not only intirely oblige him, but likewise do us such a favour as we shall take all occasions to acknowledge.—Given at Colloign the 17th day of August.Your excellence'sGood CousinCh: R.(The date of thismustbe 1665.)

Your excellence'sGood CousinCh: R.

(The date of thismustbe 1665.)

The Translation of General Thomas Dalyell's Russian Commission. Copy of this translation 1762. Original is lost, but there is an enrolment of this deed in the Russian Records.

"By the Grace of God We the Great Sovereign Czar and Great Prince Alexis Michaelovitch, self-upholder of All the Russias, the great, the little and the white, of Muscovy, Kiovia, and Novo Grodia, Czar of Cazan, Czar of Astracan, Czar of Siberia; Lord of Pscovia and Great Prince of Litovia, of Smolensk, of Twerr Wolsynia, Podolia, Jugovia, Permia, of Wiatca, Bulgaria and of others; Lord and Great Prince of Novegorode, of the country of Nizovia, Chernigovia, Rezania, Polovia, Rostovia, Jaroslavia, Belozeria, Udovia, Obdovia, Condia, Witebia, Mstislavia and Ruler of all the Northern Countries; Lord of the Iberian Nation, which is under the Castalinian and Georgian Czars; and of the Cabardinian Country which is under the Chercassian and the Mountainious Princes; and of many other Kingdoms and Nations of the East, West and North, to our Forefathers belonging, Lord, possessor and Heir.—"Declare by this patent of our Czarian Majesty to the Great Sovereign Kings, to the Ministers of State, Dukes, Counts, and to all free Gentlemen, whom it may concern"That Thomas Daliel Leutenant Generall, formerly came over hither in order to serve our Great Czarian Majesty; and whilst he was with us in our Dominions, he did serve our Great Sovereign and Czarian Majesty: He stood against our Enemies and fought valiantly. The Military men that were under his command, he regulated, disciplined and led them to the Battle himself: and he did and performed everything Faithfully, and becoming a Noble Commander."And for those his faithful services, We the Great Lord and Czarian Majesty were pleased to order the said Leutenant General to be a General, he being worthy of that honour through his Merit: and he accordingly served our Czarian Majesty as General, and he stood against our Enemies and fought them courageously. In consequence of which, we our Czarian Majesty granted him a stipend according to his Dignity for his Table and for his pay. And now he the General has petitioned our Czarian Majesty that we would please to give him Leave to return in to his own country. Therefore we the Great Sovereign and Czarian Majesty were pleased to order that the said Noble General, who is worthy of all Honor, Thomas, the son of Thomas Dalyel should have leave to go in to his own country. And, by this patent of our Czarian Majesty, we do testify of him That he is a man of Virtue and Honor, and in the Military operations of great experience. And in case he should be willing again to serve our Czarian Majesty he is to let us know of it before hand; and he shall come in to the Russian Dominions of our Czarian Majesty with our safe passports. And in Testimony of his services, We ordered to give him this Patent of our Czarian Majesty, under our Great Seal of State."Given at our Court in the Mitropolis City of Moscow in the year from the Creation of the World 7173 Jany 6th. (A.D.1665.)

"Declare by this patent of our Czarian Majesty to the Great Sovereign Kings, to the Ministers of State, Dukes, Counts, and to all free Gentlemen, whom it may concern

"That Thomas Daliel Leutenant Generall, formerly came over hither in order to serve our Great Czarian Majesty; and whilst he was with us in our Dominions, he did serve our Great Sovereign and Czarian Majesty: He stood against our Enemies and fought valiantly. The Military men that were under his command, he regulated, disciplined and led them to the Battle himself: and he did and performed everything Faithfully, and becoming a Noble Commander.

"And for those his faithful services, We the Great Lord and Czarian Majesty were pleased to order the said Leutenant General to be a General, he being worthy of that honour through his Merit: and he accordingly served our Czarian Majesty as General, and he stood against our Enemies and fought them courageously. In consequence of which, we our Czarian Majesty granted him a stipend according to his Dignity for his Table and for his pay. And now he the General has petitioned our Czarian Majesty that we would please to give him Leave to return in to his own country. Therefore we the Great Sovereign and Czarian Majesty were pleased to order that the said Noble General, who is worthy of all Honor, Thomas, the son of Thomas Dalyel should have leave to go in to his own country. And, by this patent of our Czarian Majesty, we do testify of him That he is a man of Virtue and Honor, and in the Military operations of great experience. And in case he should be willing again to serve our Czarian Majesty he is to let us know of it before hand; and he shall come in to the Russian Dominions of our Czarian Majesty with our safe passports. And in Testimony of his services, We ordered to give him this Patent of our Czarian Majesty, under our Great Seal of State.

"Given at our Court in the Mitropolis City of Moscow in the year from the Creation of the World 7173 Jany 6th. (A.D.1665.)

[N.B.—The inscription on the seal contains all the titles, as in the first paragraph of the Patent.]

"The foregoing Translation being entirely and truly conformed with the original Patent in Russian Dialect and Character, it is certified by the underwritten Counsellor of the Embassy and Chargé D'Affaires of His Imperial Majesty of all Russia in London

"the 30th day of March 1762.

"SignedTheodore Luders."

N.B.—The record of this in Russian is titledRecueil des Chartes de l'Etat et Traités publiés aux frais du Chancelier de l'Empire Comte Roumianzow. Volume iv., page 143. Moscou, 1828.

The following is transcribed from the original MS. in the General Register House, Edinburgh, under date 1685:—

The order of the March of the troopsatt Generall Dalyell his funerallThe officers are all to have Black scarffs and the troops areto march with there armes in the posture appointedfor these occasiones and the trumpettes drums andcollors are to be ordered as is useuall in the like caises.The march is to begin from the Abbay church in this manerMajor Wedersburnes troop of dragoonsEarle of Drumlangrig's troop of horsesThe one halfe of the regiment of ffoot guardssix peece of Cannon guarded by theCompany of Matrossesthe other halfe of the regiment of ffoote guardsThe Magistrates of Edinburghmy Lord Chancellor (if his Lordship pleases)wt the Nobility and GentryThe horse of Wair led by two ffoot mena gentleman with the Generalls BatonThe hearse adorned as shall be thought fittwith the corpesHis Majesties Life guarddureing the procession there are guns to be fyredfrom the Castle from tyme to tymeatt the first convenient place beyondthe West port the troopes are to sett andgive thre salvies in order as they marchthe castle in the meantyme fyreing a whole roundThereafter the horse and dragoons are to martch forwards to theburiall place in the same order they martched through the townand after the corps are pastthe ffoot and Cannon are to return

A large thin folio volume lettered outside: "Papers connected with the Royal Scots Dragoons, 1696 to 1704-6." The first writing in the book (it is really a guard book for insertions) is—

The following old papers and letters were given to me by Sir William Wallace, Bart., and with his permission I now present them to the Royal Scots Greys.—Geo. Cleghorn, Weens, Roxburghshire. Late a Captain in the regiment. April, 1870.

The two following letters from General Dalyell do not relate to the Greys, but are charming specimens of written language. It may be well to remember that the great Duke of Marlborough was almost devoid of education.

General Dalyell to the Earl of Lauderdale.

My Lord, ...I moist confes I could not hev thoight this cuntray so il prinsiplit as I find tham, and am confedent if foren forsis or armis cum this laind vil all go in Rebelion, and it simis this laist if it had not bein mistymed had bein muth moir terible, and no piple heve with moir egernes soight after marterdom then thir Roigis to karay thair desyn on deye; mane of the vimen upbraden thair husbends and childen for not deyen on the pleis; and that vhith is to me strange to see even thois vho profesis muth for his Maieste so mersefule inclynit to thois damnet crue.My Lord,I am your Lordships humble serventDalyell.Kilmanoh,the 27 decembr 1666

My Lord, ...

I moist confes I could not hev thoight this cuntray so il prinsiplit as I find tham, and am confedent if foren forsis or armis cum this laind vil all go in Rebelion, and it simis this laist if it had not bein mistymed had bein muth moir terible, and no piple heve with moir egernes soight after marterdom then thir Roigis to karay thair desyn on deye; mane of the vimen upbraden thair husbends and childen for not deyen on the pleis; and that vhith is to me strange to see even thois vho profesis muth for his Maieste so mersefule inclynit to thois damnet crue.

My Lord,

I am your Lordships humble serventDalyell.

Kilmanoh,the 27 decembr 1666

Lieut.-General Dalyell to the Duke of Lauderdale.

Edeinburgh, 4 June [1680]May it pleis your Greis,The trust his Maieste hes honorit me with of his forsis in this kingdom forsis me to reyou the acompt of the troupe bestaued on the Erle of hume, whois karithais so od that it uil onle rander the troup euslis to his Maiesty bot thingis may probable fal out to ingadg them against his Maiestes forsis, yai his Liutinant the Mr of Rois ken hardle stay on his imploiment nather is his quarter cliret nor his troup payit as is doon be the reist of the forsis. I kno the foilt is myn that he is not trayit be a court of uar: this I shun it for the honor of his famile and leist it migh damp his loialte. Remiting it to your greis to taik what couers you pleis to precrayne[?] in it*****May it pleis your Greis of ever mois humble servantT. Dalyell.

Edeinburgh, 4 June [1680]

May it pleis your Greis,

The trust his Maieste hes honorit me with of his forsis in this kingdom forsis me to reyou the acompt of the troupe bestaued on the Erle of hume, whois karithais so od that it uil onle rander the troup euslis to his Maiesty bot thingis may probable fal out to ingadg them against his Maiestes forsis, yai his Liutinant the Mr of Rois ken hardle stay on his imploiment nather is his quarter cliret nor his troup payit as is doon be the reist of the forsis. I kno the foilt is myn that he is not trayit be a court of uar: this I shun it for the honor of his famile and leist it migh damp his loialte. Remiting it to your greis to taik what couers you pleis to precrayne[?] in it

*****

May it pleis your Greis of ever mois humble servantT. Dalyell.

In the Record Office under the date 30th October, 1684, is the following order, which is of particular interest as incidentally illustrating that the Dragoon was neither Cavalry nor Infantry, but the chosen hero of modern story—the Mounted Infantryman.

For the preventing of all disputes that might arise concerning the Rank of our Royall Regiment of Dragoons or of any other Regiment of Dragoons that shall be employed in our Service; Wee have thought fit hereby to declare Our Pleasure—

That our own Royall Regiment of Dragoons, and all other Regiments of Dragoons to be employed in our Service shall have precedency both as horse and Foot as well in Guarrison an in the Field as in all Counsells of Warr and other Military occasions; and the Colonells and Officers of the said Regiments of Dragoons shall command as Officers of Horse and Foot according to the nature of the place where they shall be (that is to say) that in the Field the said Regiments shall take place as Regiments of Horse, according to the date of their commissions; and that in Guarison they command as Foot Officers, and their Regiments take place amongst the Foot according to their respective seniorities from the time they were raised.An Account of Moneys disburst for the Ld Tiviots Regt of Dragns on their March from Scotland to Deptford & Greenwich to embark for Flanders in March 1693/4 and on their March from Harwich where they landed again from Flanders in Decr 97, to Berwick upon Tweed in their way to Scotland.

An Account of Moneys disburst for the Ld Tiviots Regt of Dragns on their March from Scotland to Deptford & Greenwich to embark for Flanders in March 1693/4 and on their March from Harwich where they landed again from Flanders in Decr 97, to Berwick upon Tweed in their way to Scotland.

£ s dFeb 93/4For 4 wagons for the Regt from Harwich to Southwark, being one wagon to two troops—300 miles at 8d a mile for each waggon comes to40:0:027 Apr 94For 1 Waggon for 2 Troop from S'wark to Gravesend. 20 miles0:13:4For 1 waggon for a Troop from do. to Dartford and Crayford 140: 9:4For 1 wagn for 2 Troops from do. to Croydon & Bromley 100: 6:8For 1 wagn for two troops from do. to Putney & Wandsworth 5.0: 3:4For wagons from the several places above mentioned to Deptford & Greenwich for Flanders2: 0:0For fire and candle on their March from 8 Feb 93-4 to the last of March following15: 6:058:18:8

MUSTER ROLL of Major Andrew Agnews—Troop of Dragoons begin: the first of December and ending the last of Jany—both inclusive, 1702-3Andrew AgnewMajor & CaptPatt: RobinsonLieutWilliam CrawfoordCornetJames DouglasQr MrThos: TaittSarjantsAnd: FfordyceJohn VanmorganHoyboyesHenrick BastineWilliam PattanDrummersDavid JollyWalter GrahamCorpllWilliam MurrayCorpllRobert DouglasCorpllTho: AgnewJames AgnewAnthony AlisoneJames AlexanderDuncan BlairHalbert BrounJohn BlackburnJames BannermanGeorge CannonJohn CraigJohn CampbellAlexander GordonNathaniell GordonSamuell GordonWalter GrahamThomas GrahamJames GrayJohn HallingJohn HunterWilliam HartleyAndrew HartleyWilliam JohnstouneDavid KennedyDavid KiddyAlexander LawsoneJames MurdochThomas ManwellAndrew McffadrickJohn McMichanJames McdonaldStephen OliphanttJohn PortteousQuintine RobisoneThomas RonnanJohn SimpsoneJohn SmithJames StewarttRobertt StewarttWilliam ShirilawWilliam SimpsoneGeorge SteillJohn TaylorJames TellfoordJohn WeirGeorge WrighttGeorge DuncanArchibald fflemingJames fforbesJames KnoxJohn LawrenceJohn MooreJohn BuchananJohn ThomsoneWilliam Stewartt

Att Tyell y 1st of Dec 1702

Mustered in in Major Andrew Agnews Troop in her Majesties Royall Regiment of Scots Dragoons Commanded by the Right Honorable the Viscount of Teviott ye Capt, Lieut, Cornett and Qr Mr with their led horses two sarjants three Corplls two Hauttboyes two drummers with fifty four private dragoons Mounted. These comenceing the first of Decr to ye last of Janry both inclusive being sixty two daies.G. Marshall

G. Marshall

The following, by kind permission of the Editor of theGlobe, and the author, Colonel R. M. Holden, F.S.A.Scot., is reprinted from theGlobeof 14th June, 1906:—

THE WATERLOO BALLThe Congress of Vienna was about to break up, not in the best possible humour, when the announcement fell like a thunderbolt that Napoleon had escaped from Elba, which had been assigned to him on his abdication in 1814, that he had landed in France, had entered Paris, and had re-ascended the throne. The Allied Sovereigns soon silenced their differences in a harmonious resolution to combine against the disturber of the peace. Napoleon was declared the common enemy of Europe, his sovereignty was ignored, and preparations for war at once entered upon. It is estimated that by June a million of men were ready to fall upon France.The Duke of Wellington established his headquarters at Brussels, where he had with him in and about the city over 25,000 men. The city was filled with fashionable non-combatants of all nations, including numbers of British who had long been cut off from the Continent, and had been drawn thither by curiosity, or from having relations in the army. The whole place teemed withintrigue, for there were still a large number of officials who had served under Napoleon, and were ready to return to him. However, everything outwardly remained quiet, and there was no sense of immediate danger. Parties were common, "and all went merry as a marriage bell." Among the social entertainments none was so much talked about as the now historic ball which was given by Charlotte, Duchess of Richmond, wife of Charles, fourth Duke of Richmond and Lennox, K.G., who, with their family, had occupied a villa in Brussels since the Duke relinquished the Lord-Lieutenancy of Ireland in 1813. The Duchess was a daughter, by his beautiful wife, Jean, of the fourth Duke of Gordon, known by the Highlanders as the "Cock of the North." The daughter of a soldier, the wife of a soldier, and the mother of one, her Grace was in close touch with the army. In her youth there were few more attractive girls than Lady Charlotte Gordon when she used to appear in the feather bonnet and Gordon tartan plaid, in compliment to the 92nd Highlanders and Gordon Fencibles, which her father had raised.The much-talked-of ball took place on the 15th June, 1815, ninety years ago yesterday. At three o'clock in the afternoon of that day a messenger arrived with important news for the Duke of Wellington that Napoleon at the head of his army had crossed the Sambre that morning, and had forced the Prussians to retire through Charleroi and Fleurus to a position near Ligny. The Duke immediately sent off orders for his troops to hold themselves in readiness to move, but not to advance. The latter he delayed until the evening, when reports from Mons had satisfied him that the attack was not a feint, and that Napoleon really had taken the Charleroi road. The critical state of affairs did not prevent the Iron Duke from attending the ball. On the contrary, he not only went himself, but he encouraged his officers to attend, thinking that their presence there would have a reassuring effect on the people of Brussels. In the room, the coachmaker's store improvised for the occasion, were assembled some two hundred guests, including ladies well known in English society, and most of the Duke of Wellington's staff—the Prince of Orange, the Duke of Brunswick, Lord Hill, Sir Thomas Picton, Sir Henry Clinton, the Earl of Uxbridge, Lord Edward Somerset, Sir Hussey Vivian, Sir William Ponsonby, Sir Denis Pack, and others. The news had spread that the French army was about to cross the frontier, and it caused a very natural sensation, but the dancing was not interrupted. Indeed, we are told that it was maintained with unusual spirit, as if to make the most of the enjoyment which was so soon to be interrupted. An interesting incident occurred which does not appear to have been recorded. During an interval in the dancing, a party of non-commissioned officers of the 92nd Highlanders, headed by their pipers, proudly marched into the room, having been specially invited to give an exhibition of the reel to her Grace's British and foreign guests; never did these Gay Gordons dance with greater grace, or to a more appreciative audience.The imperturbable Duke of Wellington remained at the ball till past midnight, constantly receiving messages and giving orders privately to the staff. He then quietly withdrew for the desperate encounter which was destined to be the crowning scene in a military career of unequalled brilliancy. The other officers gradually left the room and joined their regiments, many in their dancing pumps. The Duchess of Richmond and her daughters took no further part in the ball; her husband and two of her sons had accompanied the troops. But the girls generally are said to have shown great heartlessness. After saying farewell to their partners, many of them for the last time, they continued dancing for some hours. Meanwhile, drums, bugles, and pipes sounded the assembly through the silent streets; the soldiers came swarming out like bees, and Brussels was soon astir at the unwonted bustle. What followed is well known. Two days later Napoleon's pride was crushed by the most glorious victory ever won by British arms; and, alas, the voice of many a gallant soldier who, but a few hours before, had been a welcome guest at the historic ball in Brussels, was silent in the grave.The identity of the famous ball-room in Brussels has been the subject of much controversy. For many years it was assumed that the house had been pulled down and the ground built over. The villa occupied by the Duke and Duchess of Richmond has disappeared in the sense that it has been absorbed in the Hospital of the Augustinian Sisters; but it was established by the late Sir William Fraser to his own and the general satisfaction of the public, that the ball was never held in the villa. It took place in the store-room, hired for the occasion, of Mons. Simon, the coachmaker, he who built the famous carriage which Napoleon used in the campaign. It was separate from the villa, and still stands in the Rue de la Blanchisserie, in the lower part of the town, being part of the building which had returned a few years back to its original purpose of a coachmaker's factory and depôt. The room is a long barn-like one, with smooth, old-fashioned pillars, and a polished floor, and has been likened to the Lower School at Eton under Long Chamber—the same square, solid pillars, a low ceiling, and brick, whitewashed walls.

THE WATERLOO BALL

The Congress of Vienna was about to break up, not in the best possible humour, when the announcement fell like a thunderbolt that Napoleon had escaped from Elba, which had been assigned to him on his abdication in 1814, that he had landed in France, had entered Paris, and had re-ascended the throne. The Allied Sovereigns soon silenced their differences in a harmonious resolution to combine against the disturber of the peace. Napoleon was declared the common enemy of Europe, his sovereignty was ignored, and preparations for war at once entered upon. It is estimated that by June a million of men were ready to fall upon France.

The Duke of Wellington established his headquarters at Brussels, where he had with him in and about the city over 25,000 men. The city was filled with fashionable non-combatants of all nations, including numbers of British who had long been cut off from the Continent, and had been drawn thither by curiosity, or from having relations in the army. The whole place teemed withintrigue, for there were still a large number of officials who had served under Napoleon, and were ready to return to him. However, everything outwardly remained quiet, and there was no sense of immediate danger. Parties were common, "and all went merry as a marriage bell." Among the social entertainments none was so much talked about as the now historic ball which was given by Charlotte, Duchess of Richmond, wife of Charles, fourth Duke of Richmond and Lennox, K.G., who, with their family, had occupied a villa in Brussels since the Duke relinquished the Lord-Lieutenancy of Ireland in 1813. The Duchess was a daughter, by his beautiful wife, Jean, of the fourth Duke of Gordon, known by the Highlanders as the "Cock of the North." The daughter of a soldier, the wife of a soldier, and the mother of one, her Grace was in close touch with the army. In her youth there were few more attractive girls than Lady Charlotte Gordon when she used to appear in the feather bonnet and Gordon tartan plaid, in compliment to the 92nd Highlanders and Gordon Fencibles, which her father had raised.

The much-talked-of ball took place on the 15th June, 1815, ninety years ago yesterday. At three o'clock in the afternoon of that day a messenger arrived with important news for the Duke of Wellington that Napoleon at the head of his army had crossed the Sambre that morning, and had forced the Prussians to retire through Charleroi and Fleurus to a position near Ligny. The Duke immediately sent off orders for his troops to hold themselves in readiness to move, but not to advance. The latter he delayed until the evening, when reports from Mons had satisfied him that the attack was not a feint, and that Napoleon really had taken the Charleroi road. The critical state of affairs did not prevent the Iron Duke from attending the ball. On the contrary, he not only went himself, but he encouraged his officers to attend, thinking that their presence there would have a reassuring effect on the people of Brussels. In the room, the coachmaker's store improvised for the occasion, were assembled some two hundred guests, including ladies well known in English society, and most of the Duke of Wellington's staff—the Prince of Orange, the Duke of Brunswick, Lord Hill, Sir Thomas Picton, Sir Henry Clinton, the Earl of Uxbridge, Lord Edward Somerset, Sir Hussey Vivian, Sir William Ponsonby, Sir Denis Pack, and others. The news had spread that the French army was about to cross the frontier, and it caused a very natural sensation, but the dancing was not interrupted. Indeed, we are told that it was maintained with unusual spirit, as if to make the most of the enjoyment which was so soon to be interrupted. An interesting incident occurred which does not appear to have been recorded. During an interval in the dancing, a party of non-commissioned officers of the 92nd Highlanders, headed by their pipers, proudly marched into the room, having been specially invited to give an exhibition of the reel to her Grace's British and foreign guests; never did these Gay Gordons dance with greater grace, or to a more appreciative audience.

The imperturbable Duke of Wellington remained at the ball till past midnight, constantly receiving messages and giving orders privately to the staff. He then quietly withdrew for the desperate encounter which was destined to be the crowning scene in a military career of unequalled brilliancy. The other officers gradually left the room and joined their regiments, many in their dancing pumps. The Duchess of Richmond and her daughters took no further part in the ball; her husband and two of her sons had accompanied the troops. But the girls generally are said to have shown great heartlessness. After saying farewell to their partners, many of them for the last time, they continued dancing for some hours. Meanwhile, drums, bugles, and pipes sounded the assembly through the silent streets; the soldiers came swarming out like bees, and Brussels was soon astir at the unwonted bustle. What followed is well known. Two days later Napoleon's pride was crushed by the most glorious victory ever won by British arms; and, alas, the voice of many a gallant soldier who, but a few hours before, had been a welcome guest at the historic ball in Brussels, was silent in the grave.

The identity of the famous ball-room in Brussels has been the subject of much controversy. For many years it was assumed that the house had been pulled down and the ground built over. The villa occupied by the Duke and Duchess of Richmond has disappeared in the sense that it has been absorbed in the Hospital of the Augustinian Sisters; but it was established by the late Sir William Fraser to his own and the general satisfaction of the public, that the ball was never held in the villa. It took place in the store-room, hired for the occasion, of Mons. Simon, the coachmaker, he who built the famous carriage which Napoleon used in the campaign. It was separate from the villa, and still stands in the Rue de la Blanchisserie, in the lower part of the town, being part of the building which had returned a few years back to its original purpose of a coachmaker's factory and depôt. The room is a long barn-like one, with smooth, old-fashioned pillars, and a polished floor, and has been likened to the Lower School at Eton under Long Chamber—the same square, solid pillars, a low ceiling, and brick, whitewashed walls.

From the "Military and Biographical Notices of the Fallen Heroes" (pamphlet):

ROYAL SCOTS GREYS

"Honour to the Memory of the Brave."

The following is a list of the officers and men killed in action on the 18th June, 1815, belonging to the 2nd N. B. Dragoons (Scots Greys) given by Sir James Steuart, their Colonel:—

OFFICERSLieut.-Col. HamiltonCapt. C. L. BarnardLieut. T. TrotterCaptain T. ReynoldsLieut. J. CarruthersCornet T. C. KinchantCornet Edward WestbyCornet L. ShuldhamNON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERSName and Rank.Place of Birth.Troop Sergt.-Major John WeirMauchlineSergt. George RennieGlasgowSergt. Arthur PollockBlantyreSergt. James ShudrackRigegatePRIVATESName.Place of Birth.Alacorn, WilliamStichillArthur, JohnCumbernauldBaisby, WilliamHortonBlack, AlexanderDunfermlineBrooks, JohnHeaton NorrisBrown, SamuelNuttsfordBrown, ThomasAlnwickBrice, WilliamBo'nessButler, GeorgeCailtonChristie, WilliamAuchterardenCoupland, JohnKirkmahocCraig, JohnBaronyCraig, RobertRutherglenCraig, WilliamPaisleyCreighton, DavidDalmellingtonDawson, ThomasAmblesideDawson, JoshuaOttleyDodds, JohnBerwick-upon-TweedDonaldson, RobertBaronyDougal, JohnBaronyGeorge EllingworthBrothertonFergusson, JamesBaronyForbes, DuncanIrvineFrost, JohnTutburyGray, AlexanderPaisleyHall, JohnCambletonHarness, JohnGlaistowJameson, JohnBaronyJohnson, GarirnOld MonklandKerr, AlexanderAyrKidd, JohnKinrossKnight, AndrewInvereskLeach, WilliamNorwichLiddle, JamesAirdrieLove, JamesDalseyLyle, RobertKilbarchanMackie, RobertBlantyreMackie, AlexanderGlasgowMain, JohnWorcesterMcAlla, GeorgeCarnwarthMcArthur, JohnBaronyMather, GavinHamiltonMacauly, HughPaisleyMacCulloch, JohnKilmarnockMcFarlan, AndrewGlasgowMiller, WilliamEghamMiller, JohnOld MonklandMitchell, WilliamKilmarnockMcKechney, DanielGreenockMcLauchlan, JohnDumfriesMcLauchlan, JamesSanquharMcPherson, AngusMordantMuirhead, RobertGlasgowMurdock, WilliamAuchinleckMurray, PeterTippermuirPicter, DavidStewartonPriestley, LukePortshamRayburn, JohnPaisleyRobertson, ThomasNeelstonRobertson, JohnPaisleyRolland, DavidStrathblaneRose, JamesGlasgowSawyer, JohnRutherglenScott, JohnMuiravonsideSenior, JohnEarleySimmons, JohnBurnburySmith, JamesKilmarnockStoddard, DavidNewbattleStorie, WilliamRenfrewSutherland, WilliamCambuslangTaylor, RobertBaronyTaylor, ThomasFordingTruwant, JohnDewnyTurnor, GeorgeYetholmTurnor, JohnOrwichUrie, JohnGortalsWalker, AlexanderTengleWotherspoon, PeterAbernethnyWhitton, JohnPeckingtonWylie, AndrewSteuartonYoung, RobertPaisley

8Officers killed8Officers wounded4Sergeants killed84Privates killed89Privates wounded

Memorandum relative to the Cavalry at Waterloo from a pamphlet printed at the time:—

Corps, Etc.OfficersRank and FileKilledWoundedMissingKilledWoundedMissingTotalEffective ForceGeneral Staff12463———61—1st Life Guards24—24494832272nd Life Guards1—1164097155232Royal Horse Guards1411961201062391st Dragoon Guards74—120115—2465291st or Royal Dragoons491868891973952nd or Royal N.B. Dragoons68—9689—1993916th Dragoons15172111272173977th Hussars—73621091519638610th Hussars26—2040269439011th Light Dragoons25—1034257639812th Light Dragoons23—4561—11140213th Light Dragoons19—11691910939015th Hussars23—214857938916th Light Dragoons24—818—3238718th Hussars—2—13721710439623rd Light Dragoons—51142633793971st Light Dragoons K.G.L.311—3099101534982nd Light Dragoons K.G.L.24—19543825181st Hussars K.G.L.—1—153106182nd Hussars K.G.L.———————4873rd Hussars K.G.L.48—4078—130640

The Editor is indebted to Colonel Williams, commanding the Greys, for the following:—

Major Ker Fox, late 19th Hussars, to Colonel Williams, 14th December, 1905.

Dear Sir,—In looking through some family papers the other day I came across the enclosed letter written to an ancestor of mine, nearly 150 years ago, by a trooper in the North British Dragoons...."Revd. Sir—Experiencing your wellwishes for me when presant & Expecting A Continuance of the same emboldens me to send you word of my welfare being assured that it will be acceptable. I have long since Designed to do what I am now about, That I might be answered By the good account that you and all my acquaintances are well. I have the greatest reason to bless God that I am still Alive For truely Sir since we have been Abroad many have fallen By Death some by the fatigues of War & number in ye Field, yet to me has the Lord been Sufficient having as yet saved my health & covered me from all the Dangers Ive been exposed to. I might here tell you of our transactions During this Campaign but being persuaded you are no stranger to them I will only say that our Fatigue has been great, For ever since the 20th of last March that our Regiment left winter quarters we have moved up & down. First from Paderborn to Bergen where we fought the French & the Battle being as it were Drawn on both sides we could not live there being then no forage on the ground & what was in the houses the French had it forraged into their Maggazins so that for want of forrage we were forced to Leave the Frontiers of the enemy & march for Hess Castle where we abode 3 weeks, till the Forrage appear'd in the Field, the French came down after us with one Army & Formed another near Lipstadt where we open'd the Campaing. It is strange indeed to hear the various accounts of the enemy amongst us for the perhaps not 3 miles Distant from others their Number will by talk Increas or decreas 50000 in a Day, here they were given out for 190000 Men which I beleve Did not amount to more than 100000. Which was by far the supperior Number for ours was never 80000. So that at the eve of the Battle & for some weeks before All was Hush non knew aney thing till directly put in Execution. So great was the conduct of our Brave Prince Ferdinand, Orders for marching on the 1st of August was no sooner given than the French began to cannonade the Princes Quarters thinking to draw our army there when they would have flank'd us. But the Prince Left the Place, & March'd us to the Left. That with the Blessing of God altered the whole for they were briskly Repulsed & By the same means there great numbers was put to a Wofull Flight. It is true the sight and presence of the Field is terrable, But the Victory soon Dispell'd it. Altho many suffer'd on Both sides, Here the face of affairs were chang'd And we are almost so far advanc'd After them as where we fought at Bergen. There is scarce a Day but we gain some Advantage over them & with Little Loss on our side, so that if God continues his Favours on our army the enemy will soon Leave Germany. Marbourg surrendered the 1st Days Seige & Never a Man lost on our side. About 4 days ago we forc'd the out Posts of their flying Camp & got 800 prisoners. We Rejoiced here yesterday for the Good News from England & Saxony By fireing all the Cannon & small arms in the Field 3 times. The French Ly about 6 miles from us, we march foreward the morrow, so that if they dont Abandon their Campment we expect another engadgement soon. I have here Dear & Revd Sir I am afraid taken to much time in telling you the thing you have long since been acquaint with; But I hope you will excuse Me in so Doing and Remember me with my comerades at the Throne of Grace, Being confident of your care, I pray that God give your endevours the Blessing of Turning Many that Dwell in Darkness to Him, And that your Reward may be great, is the ernest Prayer Rev. Sir of your Most Obedient Servant—William KnoxDragoon."If you Please Turn oer"I will be obliged greatly if you would Answer this soon Derecting to Wm Knox Dragoon in the Royl. North British Dragoons Col. Prestons Troop With the Grand Alied Army—Germany. And Remember me earnestly to all my Worthy Friends that are your Hearers."N.B.—I had this By me since the 17th and has had no opertune of sending it away before this Date. We are now just by the French and its Beleved that we wont seperate Before we engadge again, we having been close to them these 7 days. A small River only parts us. The French head quarters is at Geeshen and ours at Stroffsdorf. Their Campment is strong and ours is the same. We saddle every Night & doe not unsadle till we see the enemy's Camp when the fog is off in the morning. Our Piquets and advanc'd Posts Lys by theirs all night & Returns to Camp when assured they are still."Kroffsdorf Camp 25th Sept 1759."

Dear Sir,—In looking through some family papers the other day I came across the enclosed letter written to an ancestor of mine, nearly 150 years ago, by a trooper in the North British Dragoons....

"Revd. Sir—Experiencing your wellwishes for me when presant & Expecting A Continuance of the same emboldens me to send you word of my welfare being assured that it will be acceptable. I have long since Designed to do what I am now about, That I might be answered By the good account that you and all my acquaintances are well. I have the greatest reason to bless God that I am still Alive For truely Sir since we have been Abroad many have fallen By Death some by the fatigues of War & number in ye Field, yet to me has the Lord been Sufficient having as yet saved my health & covered me from all the Dangers Ive been exposed to. I might here tell you of our transactions During this Campaign but being persuaded you are no stranger to them I will only say that our Fatigue has been great, For ever since the 20th of last March that our Regiment left winter quarters we have moved up & down. First from Paderborn to Bergen where we fought the French & the Battle being as it were Drawn on both sides we could not live there being then no forage on the ground & what was in the houses the French had it forraged into their Maggazins so that for want of forrage we were forced to Leave the Frontiers of the enemy & march for Hess Castle where we abode 3 weeks, till the Forrage appear'd in the Field, the French came down after us with one Army & Formed another near Lipstadt where we open'd the Campaing. It is strange indeed to hear the various accounts of the enemy amongst us for the perhaps not 3 miles Distant from others their Number will by talk Increas or decreas 50000 in a Day, here they were given out for 190000 Men which I beleve Did not amount to more than 100000. Which was by far the supperior Number for ours was never 80000. So that at the eve of the Battle & for some weeks before All was Hush non knew aney thing till directly put in Execution. So great was the conduct of our Brave Prince Ferdinand, Orders for marching on the 1st of August was no sooner given than the French began to cannonade the Princes Quarters thinking to draw our army there when they would have flank'd us. But the Prince Left the Place, & March'd us to the Left. That with the Blessing of God altered the whole for they were briskly Repulsed & By the same means there great numbers was put to a Wofull Flight. It is true the sight and presence of the Field is terrable, But the Victory soon Dispell'd it. Altho many suffer'd on Both sides, Here the face of affairs were chang'd And we are almost so far advanc'd After them as where we fought at Bergen. There is scarce a Day but we gain some Advantage over them & with Little Loss on our side, so that if God continues his Favours on our army the enemy will soon Leave Germany. Marbourg surrendered the 1st Days Seige & Never a Man lost on our side. About 4 days ago we forc'd the out Posts of their flying Camp & got 800 prisoners. We Rejoiced here yesterday for the Good News from England & Saxony By fireing all the Cannon & small arms in the Field 3 times. The French Ly about 6 miles from us, we march foreward the morrow, so that if they dont Abandon their Campment we expect another engadgement soon. I have here Dear & Revd Sir I am afraid taken to much time in telling you the thing you have long since been acquaint with; But I hope you will excuse Me in so Doing and Remember me with my comerades at the Throne of Grace, Being confident of your care, I pray that God give your endevours the Blessing of Turning Many that Dwell in Darkness to Him, And that your Reward may be great, is the ernest Prayer Rev. Sir of your Most Obedient Servant—William KnoxDragoon.

"If you Please Turn oer

"I will be obliged greatly if you would Answer this soon Derecting to Wm Knox Dragoon in the Royl. North British Dragoons Col. Prestons Troop With the Grand Alied Army—Germany. And Remember me earnestly to all my Worthy Friends that are your Hearers.

"N.B.—I had this By me since the 17th and has had no opertune of sending it away before this Date. We are now just by the French and its Beleved that we wont seperate Before we engadge again, we having been close to them these 7 days. A small River only parts us. The French head quarters is at Geeshen and ours at Stroffsdorf. Their Campment is strong and ours is the same. We saddle every Night & doe not unsadle till we see the enemy's Camp when the fog is off in the morning. Our Piquets and advanc'd Posts Lys by theirs all night & Returns to Camp when assured they are still.

"Kroffsdorf Camp 25th Sept 1759."

Frampton, North Berwick,25th November, 1906.Dear Colonel Williams,I do not know whether you ever heard of the following, or not—if not, then perhaps it may serve its purpose....During a big day at Aldershot, "the Greys," one of the cavalry regiments engaged, was missed from the scene of action in the Long Valley. A.D.C.'s, gallopers, and mounted orderlies were sent all over the place to find them.The commanding officer had simply dismounted his men, and got them into the "Cocked Hat" wood, and told them they might get their pipes out and take it easy. When at length found, an A.D.C. rode up to the colonel, and said that the general had missed the regiment, and was extremely put about in consequence, and told the commanding officer that he (the general) wished the regiment to retire behind the crest of some rising ground.It is reported that the commanding officer at that time, not being very good at handling his regiment, thought he saw his way out of the difficulty, and with great dignity said, "Young man, go back to your general, and tell him that the Greysneverretire." ...Montague Johnstone.

Frampton, North Berwick,25th November, 1906.

Dear Colonel Williams,

I do not know whether you ever heard of the following, or not—if not, then perhaps it may serve its purpose....

During a big day at Aldershot, "the Greys," one of the cavalry regiments engaged, was missed from the scene of action in the Long Valley. A.D.C.'s, gallopers, and mounted orderlies were sent all over the place to find them.

The commanding officer had simply dismounted his men, and got them into the "Cocked Hat" wood, and told them they might get their pipes out and take it easy. When at length found, an A.D.C. rode up to the colonel, and said that the general had missed the regiment, and was extremely put about in consequence, and told the commanding officer that he (the general) wished the regiment to retire behind the crest of some rising ground.

It is reported that the commanding officer at that time, not being very good at handling his regiment, thought he saw his way out of the difficulty, and with great dignity said, "Young man, go back to your general, and tell him that the Greysneverretire." ...

Montague Johnstone.

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