In addition to what Docm said. Most people probably look at the Napoleonic wars with a romantic view, but it was (as stated) truly horrible, and any soldier would kill an officer if he had the chance. Here is a little quote from a story revolving around the battle of Quatre Bras.
"Lance points plunged into chests, shoulders and faces, probing and darting amid the kilted ranks. Scots muskets coughed lead, tumbling many lancers from their saddles, but the Highland losses were heavy. The Black Watch commander, Sir Robert Macara, was killed by a lance through the chin with the point screwing upward into the brain."
Pretty nasty if you ask me.