“Brussels, June 19th, 1815.
“MY DEAR LORD,
“I am very sorry to have to acquaint you that your brother Fitzroy is very severely wounded, and has lost his right arm. I have just seen him, and he is perfectly free from fever, and as well as anybody could be under such circumstances. You are aware how useful he has always been to me, and how much I shall feel the want of his assistance, and what a regard and affection I feel for him; and you will readily believe how much concerned I am for his misfortune. Indeed, the losses I have sustained, have quite broken me down; and I have no feeling for the advantages we have acquired. I hope, however, that your brother will soon be able to join me again; and that he will long live to be, as he is likely to become, an honour to his country, as he is a satisfaction to his family and friends.
“Believe me, etc.
“Wellington.”
(Gurwood, vol. XII, page 489.)
To Marshal Prince Schwarzenberg.
“Joncourt, June 26th, 1815.
... “Our battle on the 18th was one of giants; and our success was most complete, as you perceive. God grant I may never see another! for I am overwhelmed with grief at the loss of my old friends and comrades.
“My neighbour and fellow-labourer (Blücher) is in good health, though he suffers a little from the fall of a horse, wounded under him in the battle of the 16th....
“Wellington.”
(Gurwood, vol. XII, page 510.)
The following extracts will prove the early and complete conviction of the Duke, that all had been decided at Waterloo.