VOICE FROM WATERLOO

The author of this work was born on the Isle of Wight about 1792. He fought at Waterloo as a Sergeant Major in the 7th Hussars, 5th Cavalry Brigade, and during the battle had his horse killed under him. After leaving the army he settled in Mont St Jean and became one oif the first guides to the battlefield in 1835; he also founded a Waterloo museum. He died in June 1849 and was buried on the battlefield in the garden at Hougoumont; later his remains were re-interred in the crypt of the Waterloo Memorial in Evere Cemetery on the outskirts of Brussels along with the remains of sixteen officers.
The editor, Dr Stanley Monick, has arranged this book as he did Horror Recollected in Tranquillity, dividing it into three parts – Part A Introduction, Part B Cotton’s account, Part C Notes and finally a comprehensive 32-page index. The Introduction is a major work in itself, extending to 100 pages or nearly half the book. After reviewing Cotton’s narrative which Monick rates as one of the most popular histories of the Waterloo campaign, noting that no less than 13 editions were produced between its first (1846) publication and its last (1913), he sets out in detail the military/historical background beginning with a description of all the armies involved – British, Dutch-Belgian, French and Prussian. This is followed by a discussion on tactics – infantry, artillery (including the order of battle of the allied artillery) and cavalry. There is a section on weapons – artillery, muskets, carbines and swords – and ammunition, and finally biographical outlines of more than fifty commanders and senior officers from both sides who feature in the narrative.
Cotton’s account of the battle takes up 57 pages and is a general history rather than personal reminiscence. Although much involved in the fighting, Cotton makes little reference to his own experiences. His work was warmly received when it first appeared and is a well-written and graphic account. There are many footnotes: both in the original text and those added by the editor which are explained in detail in Part C. This book belongs on the shelves of anyone interested in the Napoleonic wars and in the structure of the armies of the time – especially the British.