I have frequently told your highness, and every day’s experience shews me that I am right, that the only chance of peace for Europe consists in the establishment in France of the legitimate Bourbons.  The establishment of any other government, whether in the person of——­, or in a regency in the name of young Napoleon, or in any other individual, or in a republic, must lead to the maintenance of large military establishments, to the ruin of all the governments of Europe, till it shall suit the convenience of the French government to commence a contest which can be directed only against you, or others for whom we are interested.  In this contest we shall feel the additional difficulty, that those who are now on our side will then be against us, and you will again find yourself surrounded by enemies.  I am convinced that the penetration of your highness will have shewn you the danger of all these schemes to the interests of the emperor, and that you will defeat them all by adhering to that line of conduct (in which you will find us likewise) which will finally lead to the establishment in France of the legitimate government, from which alone can Europe expect any genuine peace.

May 20, 1815.

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Effects of Waterloo.

I may be wrong, but my opinion is, that we have given Napoleon his death-blow:  from all I hear, his army is totally destroyed, the men are deserting in parties, even the generals are withdrawing from him.  The infantry throw away their arms, and the cavalry and artillery sell their horses to the people of the country, and desert to their homes.  Allowing for much exaggeration in this account, and knowing that Buonaparte can still collect, in addition to what he has brought back with him, the 5th corps d’armee, under Rapp, which is near Strasbourg, and the 3rd corps, which was at Wavre during the battle, and has not suffered so much as the others, and probably some troops from La Vendee, I am still of opinion that he can make no head against us—­qu’il n’a qu’a se pendre.

June 23, 1815.

* * * * *

Some of the regiments (the new ones I mean) are reduced to nothing; but I must keep them as regiments, to the great inconvenience of the service, at great expense; or I must send them home, and part with the few British soldiers I have.

I never was so disgusted with any concern as I am with this; and I only hope that I am going the right way to bring it to an early determination some way or other.

June 25, 1815.

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Waterloo described to a Soldier.

Notre Bataille du 18 a ete une de geans; et notre succes a ete complet, comme vous voyez.  Que Dieu me favorise assez pour que je n’en aie plus, parceque je suis desole de la perte de mes anciens amis et comrades.

Mon voisin et collaborateur (Bluecher) est en bonne sante quoique un peu souffrant d’une chute qu’il a faite d’un cheval blesse sous lui dans la bataille du 16.