On the 30th of November, the 42d and 92d regiments marched into Meulan agreeable to orders, where being joined by the 28th, the three corps formed into one brigade, under Sir Charles Belson, of the 28th regiment, were ordered to move to Pont-Oise on the 1st December, and thence by Beauvais, Abbeville, Montreuil, and Boulogne, to Calais.
On our arrival before the gates of Calais, on the 17th December, we were not a little surprised to find them closed upon us, and that it was not the intention of the authorities to open them, unless our Commandant would agree to make every company march at the distance of one hundred yards from the one preceding it,—the men reverse their arms,—keep their colours cased,—and prevent the bands playing on entering the town. Irritated at such conduct, instant admittance was demanded. This being refused, a second message was dispatched to the Governor, giving him a quarter of an-hour to deliberate. This brought the hot-headed fool to his senses. On the gates being opened, the leading battalion entered, and was instantly followed by the others at the usual distance, with colours flying, bayonets fixed, and the bands playing the Downfall of Paris, all the way to the place of embarkation.
On our way from Meulan to the coast, the following General Order was issued to the different regiments. I insert it because it shews the number of British battalions which were then in France, the number retained in the country by the Duke of Wellington, and the number that he sent home.
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head Quarters, Paris, Nov. 30, 1815.
No. 1. The British troops which are to remain in France, are to be formed as follows:—
2. The 1st and 2d Dragoon Guards, and 3d Dragoons, are to be the first brigade of cavalry.
3. The 7th and 18th Hussars, and 12th Light Dragoons, are to be the second brigade of cavalry.
4. The 11th and 13th Light Dragoons, and 15th Hussars, are to be the third brigade of cavalry.
5. The third battalion 1st Guards, and second battalion Coldstream Guards, are to be the first brigade of infantry.