blishment in France of the
legitimate government, from which alone can Europe expect any genuine
peace.

_May 20, 1815._

* * * * *

_Effects of Waterloo._

I may be wrong, but my opinion is, that we have given Napoleon his
death-blow: from all I hear, his army is totally destroyed, the men are
deserting in parties, even the generals are withdrawing from him. The
infantry throw away their arms, and the cavalry and artillery sell their
horses to the people of the country, and desert to their homes. Allowing
for much exaggeration in this account, and knowing that Buonaparte can
still collect, in addition to what he has brought back with him, the 5th
corps d'armee, under Rapp, which is near Strasbourg, and the 3rd corps,
which was at Wavre during the battle, and has not suffered so much as
the others, and probably some troops from La Vendee, I am still of
opinion that he can make no head against us--qu'il n'a qu'a se pendre.

_June 23, 1815._

* * * * *

Some of the regiments (the new ones I mean) are reduced to nothing; but
I must keep them as regiments, to the great inconvenience of the
service, at great expense; or I must send them home, and part with the
few British soldiers I have.

I never was so disgusted with any concern as I am with this; and I only
hope that I am going the right way to bring it to an early determination
some way or other.

_June 25, 1815._

* * * * *

_Waterloo described to a Soldier._

Notre Bataille du 18 a ete une de geans; et notre succes a ete complet,
comme vous voyez. Que Dieu me favorise assez pour que je n'en aie plus,
parceque je suis desole de la perte de mes anciens amis et comrades.

Mon voisin et collaborateur (Bluecher) est en bonne sante quoique un peu
souffrant d'une chute qu'il a faite d'un cheval blesse sous lui dans la
bataille du 16.

_Letter to Doumouriex, June 26, 1815._

* * * * *

_If Buonaparte is to be put to Death, he will not be his Executioneer._

General----has been here this day to negociate for Napoleon's passing
to America, to which proposition I have answered, that I have no
authority. The Prussians think the Jacobins wish to give him over to me,
believing that I will save his life.---- wishes to kill him; but I have
told him I shall remonstrate, and shall insist upon his being disposed
of by common accord. I have lik