Brussels Independence 30th Anniversary 1862

Wednesday Sept 17.
Went to Groenendael in the cars and then walked to Waterloo. Climbed the mount on which stands the proud ion looking defiantly towards France. The battle took place in reality at Mont St. Jean, but as Wellington dated his dispatches from the field, it has always been called that of Waterloo. Visited the slaughter pens of la Haze Sainte and Goumont.
Most historians agree in stating the English were being driven from the field when the Prussian general Blucher came to their assistance. Had it not been for the carelessness of perhaps treachery of Grouchy the French would not now look back with shame to June 18. 1815. We returned by the forest of Soignes.

Wednesday 26
Since the 22nd Brussels has been turned upside down owing to the fetes which celebrate the 30th anniversary of Belgium independence. Mrs Williams and almost all the Southerners we know here, came to our gallery to see the king and his suite pass by. Leopold is now in his 74 year but looks much better than could be expected after his severe illness. The Duchess of Brabant sat next to the King, the Duke on the front seat with the Count of Flanders. The children of the Duke, the Count of Hainault and the princess Louise Marie Amelie followed in the next carriage. The sea of heads in the street kept rolling to and fro and when the King appeared so great was the enthusiasm that his carriage was almost dragged along by the crowd.