Note 2 — REGIMENTAL LISTS.
Reading edition
Afterwards Gen. Sir James Macdonell, G.C.B. and K.C.H., Col.-in-Chf. 71st Highland L.I. Was 3rd son of Duncan Macdonell, of Glengarry, and bn. at the family seat in Inverness-shire. Served in the Pa. and also at Maida, for which he recd. the gold medal. Macdonell’s gallant defence of Hougomont is a matter of history. More than once was the place nearly taken by the French. “The French, however,” says Siborne, in his graphic account of the battle of Waterloo, “succeeded in forcing the gate; but the defenders betook themselves to the nearest cover, whence they poured a fire upon the intruders, and then rushing forward a struggle ensued which was distinguished by the most intrepid courage on both sides. At length Lt.-col. Macdonell, Capt. Wyndham, Ensigns Gooch and Hervey, and Sergt. Graham, of the Coldstream Guards, by dint of great personal strength and exertions, combined with extraordinary bravery and perseverance, succeeded in closing the gate against their intruders.” The struggle for the possession of Hougomont went on the whole day until the French retreat set in late in the evening. C.B. and K.M.T. for Waterloo. D. 15th May, 1859.