The Battle of Waterloo
John Robert Hume, Deputy Inspector of Medical Staff, describes in awestruck tones the courage on the treatment table of the Earl of Uxbridge, was hit by French cannon-fire in the closing moments of the Battle of Waterloo. “By God, sir, I’ve lost my leg!” he exclaimed to the Duke of Wellington. “By God, sir, so you have!” replied the Duke.
“I found on inspection that a grape shot had struck him on the right knee, externally fracturing the head of the tibia end, cutting the outer hamstring in two. The capsular ligament was filled with fragments of bone and cartilage like gravel. His lordship was perfectly cool, his pulse was calm and regular as if he had just risen from his bed in the morning and he displayed no expression of uneasiness though his suffering must have been extreme. Most remarkable was his excessive composure, though he had been personally present in almost every one of the many charges made by the cavalry during the battle.
“I announced to Lord Uxbridge that, the operation being found necessary, the sooner it was performed the better. He said, ‘Very well, I am ready.’ “I took the knife in my hand. Lord Uxbridge said, ‘Tell me when you are going to begin.’ I replied, ‘Now, my Lord.’ He laid his head upon the pillow and, putting his hand up to his eyes, said, ‘Whenever you please.’
“He neither uttered groan or complaint [during the amputation] nor gave any sign of impatience or uneasiness. The stump was dressed in the usual manner and his Lordship, having drank a very small quantity of weak wine and water, was undressed and made as comfortable as the miserable bed upon which he was stretched would allow him to be. His skin was perfectly cool, his pulse which I was curious enough to count gave only 66 beats to the minute, and so far was he from exhibiting any symptoms of what he had undergone in his countenance that I am quite certain, had anyone entered the room, they would have inquired of him where the wounded man was.”