LEGION.—A Roman body of soldiers, about 6000 men. The 10th legion was a favourite one with Cæsar. Ancient Britain was generally protected by three legions.
LEIPSIC, BATTLE OF.—This battle fought, October 16th, 17th, and 18th, 1813, between the allied army of Russia, Prussia, and Austria on the one side, and Napoleon on the other, was one of the greatest, bloodiest, and most decisive of modern times. The French numbered 160,000 men, and the Allies 260,000 strong. This great battle was lost by the French, chiefly owing to the seventeen German battalions, then Saxon allies, turning upon them in the heat of the action; 80,000 perished on the field, of whom more than 40,000 were French, who also lost sixty-five pieces of cannon and many standards. This victory of the allied army was followed by that of the capture of Leipsic, and the rear guard of the French army next day. The King of Saxony and his family were also made prisoners.
LEPANTO, BATTLE OF.—The great naval battle between the combined fleets of Spain, Venice, and Pius V, and the whole maritime force of the Turks. Don John of Austria commanded the allied fleet, which consisted of 206 galleys and 30,000 men. The Turks had 200 galleys. After a dreadful engagement they lost 150 galleys, and 30,000 men in killed and prisoners. Fought, October 7th, 1571.
LEUCTRA, BATTLE OF.—One of the most famous in ancient history, fought July 8th, 371 B.C. In this battle 4000 Spartans, with their King, were slain, and not more than 300 Thebans. After this battle the Spartans lost their position in Greece, which they had held for 500 years.
LEWES, BATTLE OF.—Between Henry III of England and Montfort, Earl of Leicester. Fought, May 14th, 1264. The Royal army was overthrown, and the King, his brother and son Prince Edward, were taken prisoners.
LEXINGTON, BATTLE OF.—The first battle fought between Great Britain and her revolted colonies of America; gained by the British, who destroyed the stores of the colonists, but they lost in battle 273 men killed and wounded. Fought, April 19th, 1775.
LEYDEN, SIEGE OF.—A memorable siege sustained against the armies of Spain; 6000 of the inhabitants died during the siege, of famine and pestilence, A.D. 1574. A University was afterwards founded in commemoration of this event.
LIEUTENANT.—An officer who supplies the place of a superior in his absence. In military affairs the second commissioned officer in a company of infantry, cavalry or artillery. In ships of war, a lieutenant is next in rank to the captain.