However, on his return to the king after carrying a despatch, he was able to curb his own excitement and that of his horse, and to make the formal military salute as he reported, in a calm and quiet voice, that he had carried out the orders with which he had been charged.
It was with great gratification that he heard the king say that evening, as he and his staff supped together at the inn at Lissa: "You have done exceedingly well today, Captain Drummond.

I am very pleased with you.

You were always at my elbow when I wanted you, and I observed that you were never flurried or excited; though indeed, there would have been good excuse for a young soldier being so, in such a hurly burly.

You are over young for further promotion, for a year or two; but I must find some other way of testifying my satisfaction at your conduct." And, indeed, when the list of promotions for bravery in the field was published, a few days later, Fergus's name appeared among those who received the decoration of the Prussian military order, an honour fully as much valued as promotion.
For a time he lost the service of Karl, who had been seriously although not dangerously wounded, just before the Austrians were driven out of Leuthen.
The news of the battle filled the Confederates with stupefaction and dismay.

Prince Karl was at once recalled, and was relieved from military employment, Daun being appointed to the supreme command.
The Prince withdrew to his government of the Netherlands, and there passed the remainder of his days in peace and quiet.