The apartments in the palace are in high style and taste, though far inferior in magnificence to those of the palace at Amsterdam; but in convenience and elegance I think they have a decided advantage. Laken, as well as Amsterdam, was furnished from Paris by Bonaparte. His favourite apartments are shewn, as a kind of trophies, by the servants of the present royal owner; his bed-room, and above all, his bath. A Dutch young lady, who was of our party, was persuaded to pull the gold tassel of the bath bell, which Napoleon must often have handled; but with great-horror, and perfect gravity, immediately rubbed her hand to wipe off the pollution.

We saw the grand museum, to which purpose the ancient palace of the Spanish government of this country is converted; the library appears very good, and the paintings are numerous, by the first masters of nearly all the schools. We likewise saw a private collection, belonging to an old gentleman, and were much pleased with it. The proprietor, M. Bourtine, went through the rooms with us him

self. We went to the theatre, which is much superior to that of Antwerp; and saw part of a French comedy. The King, who had just arrived from Holland, was present, which gave us an opportunity of observing how he was received by his new subjects. Nothing could be more loyal and flattering than their reception of him; and many allusions were made to the brave prince and his glorious wound: a most blessed wound for the House of Orange.

I delivered a collection of Numbers of the Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, to Mr. Van Mons, a Brussels savant. Even his conversation was all of Waterloo, and, that interminable theme, the Scotch regiments. One Highland sergeant, formerly billeted in Mr. Van Mons' house, came back, with the basket hilt of his sword so bruised, that he could not get his hand out of it, till relieved by a blacksmith! He made very light of his wounds, and only hoped soon to be “at the enemy again." They had not disarmed

him at least.

In crossing the grand market place of Brussels from Mr. Van Mons' house, I was much surprised to see women riding after the fashion of the other sex. One was sitting on a tall horse, haranguing a crowd as a mountebank doctress, attended by a man who beat a drum. Her fluency of speech was great.

Indeed I frequently saw women addressing the public in long speeches, recommending their wares, or glossing over their impositions.

A foolish report was current in Brussels, that the Netherlands were to be exchanged with England for Hanover. The arrangement however, seemed to give very general satisfaction. Nothing can exceed the attachment of the Flemings in general to the English, and the change of sentiment of the former friends of the French since the battle. All benefit from France is now at an end, and loyalty has become the best policy. It will much improve as public affairs become better arranged. The men were every where training to arms for the House of Orange, who have risen

immensely in public esteem since the Prince's wound.

I learned from my friends, that they had soon found out my wounded relation in the Guards, formerly mentioned; who told them that he was shot in the famous wood at Quatre Bras; and when carried to the rear, had recollection enough to be sensible that three attempts were made by the enemy's tirailleurs to take his life. He spent the night in a cottage, which was soon filled with the wounded; several of whom died before the morning. Fortunately for him, the enemy's troops did not move early next day; and having set off some hours before the retreat, he passed Waterloo without being overtaken. He was held upon his horse by his servant, assisted by several soldiers of his own company who were not so severely wounded, and was repeatedly laid down on the road-side, exhausted with pain and loss of blood. Had the enemy driven back the British, it is evident he must have remained in the hands of the former.

He has himself, since I have seen him, confirmed the above account.

CHAP. III.

VISIT TO THE FIELD.

Forest of Soigné-Village of Waterloo-Station of Lord Wellington-Description of the field -Discouraging bivouack-Spirit of an Irish officer-Splendid charge by the Life GuardsNumbers of the two armies-Exclamation of Bonaparte-Three first attacks-Effect of their failure on Bonaparte-Infantry attacks, a kind of breathing to the British troops-Impatience of the latter to be led on-Their constancy and firmness Farm house of La Haye Sainte-Sir William de Lancey-Colonel Miller, and Captain Curzon-Horrors of the field