News About the Battle of Waterloo

Things are not always what they seem. As a Jewish proverb says, "Many see, but few understand."

The Battle of Waterloo, one of the most famous battles in history, occurred on the mainland of Europe on June 18, 1815. It pitted the French army, commanded by Napoleon, against the Anglo-German-Dutch forces lead by the Duke of Wellington and the Prussian forces commanded by General Gephard Blucher. Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo ended the twelve-year period of wars known as the Napoleonic Wars.

There is an interesting story about how the news about Waterloo reached England.

News about the English victory was carried first by a ship that sailed from Europe across the English Channel to England's southern coast. The news was then relayed from the coast by signal flags to London. When the report was received in London at Winchester Cathedral, the flags atop the cathedral began to spell out Wellington's defeat of Napoleon to the entire city: "Wellington defeated . . ." However, before the message could be completed, a heavy fog moved in. The rest of the message was hidden from London.

Based on incomplete information, the citizens of London thought Napoleon had won. That would have been a devastating defeat for England. Gloom filled the nation as the bad news quickly spread everywhere.

But when the mist began to lift, the flags high up on Winchester Cathedral completed the news. The flags spelled out this triumphant message: "Wellington defeated the enemy!"

English fears were unfounded! Joy immediately replaced the gloom. All over England people danced in the streets, rejoicing at this great victory over one of the most dangerous enemies the nation had ever faced.

How Does This Apply to Our Lives?

Too often we suffer unnecessarily when we encounter problems and disappointments in our own lives. We allow our understanding about life, and about our future, to be colored by what we see at the moment.

Remember, things are rarely as bad as they seem to be at first. Winston Churchill, who confronted many difficulties during World War II, said, "When I look back on all these worries I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which never happened."

Also recognize that you can become so absorbed with the current difficulties that you forget God's blessings in the past. There is no one reading this message who has not been blessed by God. So remember His past blessings. Coping with the present, and the future, will be much easier.

If you're interested, there is more information about:
The most important event of all time and
The most important Book of all time.

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Contributed by Rich McLawhorn email:REM@mail01.scdps.state.sc.us