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Loading... Journal of the Waterloo Campaignby General Cavalie Mercer
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"An outstanding picture of the haste, confusion, and uncertainty of both the campaign and the battle, written by a man who definitely was there!"--Col. John R. Elting, author of Swords Around a Throne: Napoleon's Grande Armee Journal of the Waterloo Campaign remains one of the most famous personal accounts of the climactic three days which ended the military career and empire of Napoleon Bonaparte. Captain Cavalié Mercer (1783-1868), commander of G Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery in Wellington's army, was a skilled writer who recorded the day's events each evening. As a result, readers can experience through Mercer's keen eye the turbulence and graphic immediacy of the entire campaign: the news of Napoleon's return from Elba; the landing of Wellington's forces in Belgium; the lulls and hard marching; the battle at Quatre Bras (where Mercer fired a few rounds at Napoleon himself); Wellington's retreat; the ferocious fighting at Waterloo; and Mercer's own bold contribution to the larger Allied victory. No library descriptions found. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)940.27History and Geography Europe Europe Early Modern 1453-1914 Napoleonic period 1789-1815LC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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The Battle of Waterloo itself is only one chapter--Mercer specifically notes the fog of battle and the impossibility of seeing any more than what is immediately around a position. Especially interesting are the scenes of the occupation of Paris in the final third of the book. Wellington does not fare well and comes across as temperamental and vindictive.
Napoleonic Library copy missing a few pages throughout; had to find and read online. ( )