Letter from Joseph Willcox, 1st Battalion, 81st Regiment of Foot, to his brother, 23 January 1817

Sent from Valenciennes near Paris where Willcox was serving with the Army of Occupation, the letter retrospectively relates the story of Waterloo as heard by his unit, who were not present, being charged with the defence of Brussels. He makes interesting reference to both rumours of a British defeat and the reactions of the Belgian civilians. He also expresses his desire to return home from his army service in France.

The letter was signed by Lieutenant-Colonel Mackenzie, so Willcox got the 1d concessionary soldiers postal rate.