Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington

Believe me, nothing except a battle lost can be half so melancholy as a battle won: the bravery of my troops hitherto saved me from the greater evil; but to win such a battle as this of Waterloo, at the expense of so many gallant friends, …

Uxbridge: By God, sir, I've lost my leg! Wellington: By God, sir, so you have!

Up, Guards, and at them again.

Who will attack first tomorrow? I or Bonaparte? -Bonaparte. -Well, Bonaparte has not given me any idea of his projects, and as my plans will depend on his, how can you expect to tell me what mine are?

Napoleon has humbugged me, by God; he has gained twenty-four hours' march on me.

I believe I forgot to tell you I was made a Duke.

If anyone wishes to know the history of this war, I will tell them that it is our maritime superiority gives me the power of maintaining my army while the enemy are unable to do so.

It is quite impossible for me or any other man to command a British Army under the existing system. We have in the service the scum of the earth as common soldiers; and of late years we have been doing everything in our power, both by law …