could deepen the public impression of Waterloo. But any one who felt as he ought, may tell the tale, as it was told to him," encouraged by the assurance, that an intelligible account of what he could not fail to see and hear, must possess intrinsic value enough to plead his apology for laying it before the public.

My information was drawn from the most authentic sources, either on the memorable spot, or subsequently in Paris, where it was my good fortune to be much in the society of military men.

As I have referred occasionally to the accounts of the battle by the Duke of Wellington, Marshal Blucher, General Alava, Bonaparte, and Marshal Ney, it has been judged right to append these important documents.

The engraved Plan is a copy of one Published in Brussels, from accurate sur

vey; and by far the most satisfactory which I have seen.

My description is necessarily limited and partial. Is is a tourist's passing sketch, not a circumstantial military detail. I have not a doubt, that much as I have heard, I have still a great deal more to hear. If, therefore, in the very inadequate account which I have ventured to give of some striking incidents, I have omitted any of the actors immediately concerned, I have no other plea than the imperfection, so far, of my knowledge. At the same time, the mere possibility of such omission would be no good reason for suppressing any part of the well vouched positive information which I did obtain.

It was to be expected that I should hear more of the minuter history of the regiments of my own country, than of those in which I did not enjoy the ad

vantage of a single acquaintance; and I am quite aware, that my narrative has thereby contracted a strong national character. But at the same time, I have attempted to convey, what I strongly feel, an unqualified impression of the valour and constancy of the MEN of Waterloo, without distinction of British or Continental; and have recited with unfeigned delight, several anecdotes to the exclusive honour of the warriors of England and Ireland; besides having reason to know that I have said nothing of the soldiers of Scotland, but what is borne out by the universal testimony of friends and foes. I have, therefore, submitted this observation more in the spirit of explanation than apology.

Edinburgh, 30th Oct. 1815..