Note 1 — REGIMENTAL LISTS.
Reading edition
Came of a military race. 2nd son of Gen. Mercer, R.E. Bn. 1783. Served in South America in 1807–1808. His troop came in for the hottest part of the battle on Waterloo Day, and suffered considerably in loss of men and horses. Sir George Wood, R.A., paid the battery a visit on that memorable afternoon, and was surprised to find so many cannon balls whizzing round his ears. “D——n it, Mercer,” he exclaimed, “you seem to be having a hot time of it here.” Hot it was for all parties concerned, but the gallant way in which the gunners worked their guns kept the French cavalry from reaching the infantry squares behind Mercer’s battery. In after years Gen. Mercer published his Journal of the Waterloo Campaign, which is a delightful book in every respect. Attained the rank of gen. and col.-comdt., and d. at Cowley Cottage, Exeter, 9th Nov., 1868.