Note 1 — REGIMENTAL LISTS.

The star of the Dawsons was not propitious on the morning of the 18th June, 1815. Whilst one brother had been sent to the rear on the evening of 17th June as officer in charge of the baggage guard of 18th Hussars, the eldest brother, John Dawson, 2nd Earl of Portarlington, had betaken himself that same evening to Brussels or elsewhere. The consequence of this step was that “on the morning of Waterloo, by an unfortunate mistake, he was prevented from joining his regiment in time to command it in the brilliant exploits it performed on that memorable day.” His anguish was extreme. He joined the 18th Hussars, and served with Sir H. Vivian’s brigade in the destructive and successful charge made by that corps towards the close of the battle. In this charge Lord Portarlington had a horse shot under him. No one who knew this nobleman doubted his courage for a moment, but his absence from duty on such an occasion necessitated his retirement from the 23rd Dgns. in Sept., 1815. The Prince Regent showed much kind feeling for Portarlington, and did his best to uphold the unfortunate officer in the eyes of the world. Lord Portarlington purchased a half-pay ensigncy in 86th Foot 21st Oct., 1821. Became lieut. on h. p. 10th Sept., 1825. Capt. h. p. 9th Aug., 1831. This rank was a curious anomaly, as his lordship’s name had been retained in the Army List as a “colonel” ever since Waterloo, and he was also awarded the Waterloo medal. But the one misfortune of his life was ever before him, and the remorse from knowing that he alone was the author of it weighed upon him to such an extent that he took to dissipation, lost a large fortune, and d. at a humble lodging in an obscure London slum, 28th Dec., 1845. In early life he had served in the Pa., and was present at the battle of Talavera. He d. unm.