“let us lift up our hearts in grateful thanksgiving to the only true God!” That noble temple of the Almighty was already thronged.  Voices, so late stricken in terror, now soared aloft in celestial sounds to the throne of Heaven!—­all was congratulation.  But, alas, profound regrets soon mingled with my joyful sensations, as I cast my eyes around, and encountered only mangled objects, who, chilled and exhausted, were crowding into the town (and are still arriving on this, the 6th day).  We were addressed, with solicitations, by enfeebled heroes, to be shown to hospitals.  We found it impossible to return to our villa, from the confusion of military baggage, &c. &c., while the English, even females of rank, with eager curiosity were hastening to the scene of carnage!  The noise of their chariot-wheels, mingling with the moans of the dying, and the cries of parents and relatives in search of their sons and their kindred, formed a scene that must have moved the coldest heart, and that never can be effaced from my memory!

In traversing La Grande Place, I was attracted to a kind of military vehicle, by the voice of plaintive distress appealing for my succour, reiterating the word compatriote.  On approaching, I beheld a handsome and interesting-looking female, in equestrian costume;—­by her side were two servants, and two very fine saddle-horses.  A tent, and some baggage-wagons, belonging to some regiment, appeared to be included in her train.  She announced herself to me as the wife of Captain ——­, aid-de-camp to General C——­:  by some mistake of orders, fatal to her peace of mind, the baggage of her husband’s regiment had not been included in the general orders for following the army.  Anguish was expressed on her fine countenance.  She knew only that we were victorious; but she knew not whether her husband was to be numbered with the dead, or with the living.  She was without resource, and unacquainted with the French language.  She appealed to my protection, and pointed to her servants to corroborate her statement.  Fatigued in mind as I was, yet how impossible to hesitate an instant!  I immediately conducted her to the librarian, who gave me a room; and I sent for refreshments, and fain would have persuaded her to attempt seeking some repose; but her mental sufferings were too great to permit her to remain tranquil.  She declared that nothing should prevent her following the army to Paris, beseeching me to obtain permission for her to ride on with the first detachment that quitted the city.  I was obliged to comply, for there is no reasoning with the anxious mind of an attached wife! and I presented myself before our choleric commandant.  Being in black, I was mistaken for a hapless widow, and all pressed to offer me service.  I found Captain W——­, who immediately interested himself, and I had the supreme pleasure of not only obtaining an escort, but of receiving the certain assurance of her gallant husband’s safety.  She spent the evening