LATE SERGEANT OF THE 2ND BATTALION OF THE LONDON: JAMES MADDEN AND CO. 8, LEADENHALL STREET. MDCCCXLV. IN the various histories which have been published, recording the events of the late war, the greatest praise has invariably been given to those regiments whose officers were of high birth and aristocratic connexions; while other corps, not possessing these fortuitous advantages, have had the mortification to find their services pass altogether unnoticed. This cannot be imputed to fault in the historian, as he derived his information from the official dispatches; the onus, then, must rest with the General commanding; and, without imputing to him any corrupt motive, we may state it to have been but 709361 natural for him to make the most honourable mention of those regiments, whose officers he was desirous of recommending to the special notice of head-quarters. However, favoritism always has existed, and doubtless, always will. I shall endeavour, therefore, in the following pages, simply to place on record some of the exploits of the regiment in which I served, as well as of some others with whom we occasionally co-operated; but who, like ourselves, had not the honour to be noticed in dispatches, for the reasons I have before stated. As I have no written data to go on, but trust entirely to memory, if any inaccuracies shall be detected, I hope it will be imputed to that circumstance, rather than to any wilful intention on my part, to record events which I do not know or believe to be true. T. M. CONTENTS. Loyal Volunteers-Motive for joining them-Sham Fight in Epping Forest-Become acquainted with the 73rd, in the Tower-Brother with them-Their Departure-Dis- appointment at not being allowed to join them—Oppor- tunity presents itself-Journey to Colchester-Enlistment -Join Regiment at Harwich-Embarkation-Fair Wind- "Blue Peter" hoisted-The Storm-Put in at Yarmouth Roads-The Bum Boats-The Settlement-Arrive off the Dilapidated State of Fortifications-All hands to repair them-Severe Duty-The Dream-Departure-Progress through Germany-Close on French Camp-Join the Ger- man Troops-Cross the Elbe-Battle of Gordo-Escort Prisoners to Danenberg-Fatigue Duty-The Church- The Wounded-Return through Germany-Arrival at Rostock-Description of Operations of Allied Armies- Capture of Leipsic-Embark for England-Bad Weather -Take refuge in the Harbour of Gottenberg-Detained Three Weeks-Departure-Arrival at Yarmouth-Storm -Not permitted to Land-Women and Children sent on |