..^- c:/i/. ^'^'^cn'^^ r^Z^eAn^Ti^i l/'ruf/tcr.jf/y ^- yrja/i7V« - J TO FIELD MARSHAL HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, FREDERICK DUKE of YORK ai^d ALBANY, K.G. G.C.D. Commander in Chief of his Majesty s Forces. &c. &c. &c. BRUSSELS, 17th MARCH, 1S17. Sir, The internal economy and discipline of His Majesty's Armies, having arrived at the highest state of perfection under the auspices of Your Royal Highness, the World must acknoA^lctlge to howgreat an extent you have contributed to the splendid and glorious results of the last campaign. «v f\ o ~ n f\ C vi ) Impressed with the most profound respect towards Your Royal Highness, I have the honor to Dedicate this Narrative to you, being satisfied, that any Work, however humble, which treats of the Battle ofWATErji^oo, and the immortal Hero under whom it was achieved, will meet the sanction and countenclnce of Your Royal Highness. I have the honour to be with the highest respect^ Sir, Yorr Royal Highnesses Most faithful, devoted and Obedient Humble Servant, Arthur Gore, Captain SOtb Regt. of FooU TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. The unparalleled consequences of the Battle of \A aleiloo, and the avidity v*hicli lias been evinced throughout Great Britain, to obtain every possible inforraath5ft* respecting that memorable event, hare induced me to offer tot* the Public, a Translation of Craan's Account of it, which comprises more genu- ine intelligence, and gives a clearer and more correct idea of the occurrences of that important epoch, than any other hitherto published. The very great and extraordinary merits which the Topographical Plan accompanying this Work has been generally allowed to possess, and the hifh and flattering encomiums with which it has been ho- noured by several of the first and most exalted Per- sonages in Great Britain and in Europe, supersedes, on my part, the necessity of comment— however, I ( viii ) will venture to observe, that to those who had eithec Relatives or Friends upon the Field, it will prove peculiarly interesting as it distinctly points out the position uhere each Regiment was respectively en- gaged. I have also undertaken this Narrative, which I re- spectfully submit to the Public, not only from the motives already stated, but from a personal esteem for the Author, and a desire to cive publicity to every circumstance connected with that glorious campaign, which, after so many years cf bloodshed, has given Peace and Tranquility to Europe ! > A G. AN IIISTOmCAL ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO. Indications and References explanatory oC THE PLAN. In order to avoid repetition, the indications alpha- tetically arranged, point oirt at once the position and formation of the respective corps, a particular de- scription of which, the nature of this Work will not admit. In referring to the plan, it will ])e necessary to pay considerable attention to the distinctive marks, characterised l)y the Roman and Italic Alphabets, used in the reference, and alto to regard particular- ly the dotted lines, which lead from position to po- sition. % THE ANGLO-ALLIED ARMY WAS UNDER THE CO:\BLlND OF HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON. The Fii-st Corps of the Army, Avas coniniandecl by His Royal Highness, General the Prince of Orange, and occupied the centre of the position of tlie Allied Army. THE TROOPS OF THE CENTRE IN POSI- TION, BETWEEN THE ROADS OF CHAR- LEI^OI AND NIVELLES. ... , -..iii'jM-j.r.r (A) The first division, British Foot Guards, was commanded by Major G'eh. Sir Georgis Cooke, and occupied the right front of the centre. (a) Tl^.e, first, brigade was commanded by Major General Maitland, and consisted of the second and \ ( 3 ) third battalions ofthe First Regiment of Foot Guards. This brigade suffered consitJerably on the sixteenth ot June, in the battle of Quatro-Kras. (b) The second brij;ade was ccir.manded l)\' Major General Sir J. Byng, and (Consisted ofthe s^econd bat- talions of the Coldstream t^egimeuf, and ofthe third Regiment of Foot Guards. Seven companies of the Coldstream occupied the chateau and gardens of Go- mont : the four light coni^ianies ofthe division were advanced in the wood and orchards, (see h and i). A brigade of Royal British Artillery, under the com- mand of Cajtain Sandliam, and a brigade of the King's German Horse Artillery, conjuiar-ded by Major Kuhl- n^an, were attached to tliis division ; also, a second British briijade, under the command of Captain Sin- clair. (B) The third division was commanded l)y Lieut. General Coun!. Aitcn, and forn.ed the left face of the centre. This division was composed of ( 4 ) (c) The second brigade, of the King's German Le- gion, under the command of Col. Ompteda, ccRsistingof the first and second battalions of Light Infanirv, and the fifth and eighth battalions of the line. The second battalion of Light Infantry, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Baring, occupied the farm of la Haie-Sainte, which it defended with great bravery. (ci) The first Hanoverian brigade, commanded by Major-General Count Kilmansegge, consisted of the field battalions of Lunenberg, first battalion of the Duke of York, and the battalions of Grubenhaugen, Yerden, Bremen, and the Light Infantry of Spor- cken, (e) The fiuh Britisli brigade, whicli suiTered consi-» derably on the IGth of June at Quatre Bras, was com- manded by Majcr-GeneralSir Colin Halkett,a(ul com-* posed of the second battalions of the thirtieth, sixty- ninth, and seventy-third regiments, and the thirty- third regiment. This division, and the first division of ( 5 ) Guards, were much exposed to the charges of the French cavalry, which they severally repulsed ; a British brigad'e of guns, under the command of Ma- jor Lloyd, and a brigade of King's Gcrraan Ilorfie Artillery, under the command of Captain Cleeve, were attached to this division. (f) The Corps of the Duke of Brunswick command- ed by Major-Gen. Olferman, consisted of a bngade of Light Infantry, under the command of Lieutenant- Colonel de Butler, a lirigade of Infantry of the Line, under tiie command of j\Iajor de ^Munchausen, a regi- ment of Hussars de la niorf, and a squadron of lan- cers. Two battalions were placed in the centre of the British guards, having in their front two Itrigades of Artillery, under the command of Major de Lubeck. A battalion under the command of [Major de Bulow, was detached in the wood of Gomoiit, wliere (he com- bat was supported on both sides witli great fury. ( 6 ) Cg) Three battalions of tlie first regiment of the con- tingent of Nassau-Usingen, under the command of General Kruse. The Prince of Orange was wounded in leading on this regiment to the charge, against the moj/entic garde. See (OR). (li) Three con)panles of the Coldstream regi- ment, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel IMacdonald, v/ere posted in the chateau, and garden of Gomont, the walls of which were loop-holed. This detachment was reinforced by four companies of the same regiment, commanded by Colonel Woodford. Notwithstanding the chateau was in flames, and at- tacked on all side?, it was bravely and successfully > defended during the day. (i) The wood and orchards of Gomont were de- fended by tl'.e four light companies of the first division of Guards, tlie first battalion of the second regiment of Nassau, in the service of the Netherlands, and a bat- talion of the Duchy of Brunswick, under the command, ( 7- ) of 3Iajor de Bulovr. This part of Gomont was occu- pied, after two hours hard fighting, hy the division of Jerome Napoleon. (j ) A French battery which was ordered to advance and raze the wall of the garden of Goiaont, but was dislodged. (k) The first brigade of heavy cavalry, was com- manded by ?.Iajor-General Lord E. Somerset, and com- posed of thefirst and second regimens of Life Guards^) t'le first regiment of Dragoon Guards, and tlie Horse Guards (Blue). This brigade charged the cuiras- siers repeatedly, and repulsed them at the foot of the hill (B) on the chaussee. f (1) The lliird brigade of light cavalry was com- manded l)y Major-General Sir William Dornberg, and composed of the first and second re^^iment of C 8 ) dl'ajoon'^ of tlie King's Gsrinan L3gIon, and the tfrenty-thlrd iirilish light dragoons. (m) The seventh brigade of light cavalry, was com-' ■n^anded hy Colonsl F. Arendschild, and composed of the third regiment of Hassars, King's German Legion, and the thirteenth British light dragoons. (n) The fifth brigade of light cavalry, was com- manded by Miijor-Generril Sir C. Grant, and compos- ed of the seventh ahnd fifteenth British hussars. (o) The division of cavalry of the kingdom of the TCetherlands, under the command of Lieutenant Ge- neral Baron Colaert, consisted of three brigades, and repulsed the enemy in several charges. (p) A hriijf^de of heavy cavalry, commanded hy Ma- jo r-Gciieral Trip, ccnsisting of the first and third re- ( ) i giments Dutch, and the second Carabiniers (Bel- gian.) • c, ,r.. (q) The second brigade of light cavalry, under the command of Major-General Ghigny, waacomposed of the fourth Dutch light dragoons, and the eighth regi- ment of Belgian hussars — a brigade of light artillerj', of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, under the com- mand of Captain Petter, was attached to this division; it was posted nearly in front of the first regiment of Nassau, (g). (r) The First brigade of light cavalry, under the command of Major-General Van Merle, consisted of the sixth regiment of Dutch hussars, and the fifth Bel- gian light dragoons. ( 10 ) p^>^iZi_^ ARTILLERY ATTACHED. Besides the artillery attached to cacli division, there were also attached to the British cavalry, tlie brigade* of jMajcr EuU, LieuteRant-Ccloncl Smith, Lieu- tenant-ColoneJ' Sir Robert Gardner, Major Ramsay, ^nd Captain fiercer, also a rocket brigade, command- ed by Major Whinyates. Three brigades of artillery were in reserve, 'under the comma nd of Sir Hew D. RosH, Major Bean, and Captain Sinclair. These brigades occupied successively the positions, of those dismounted in the centre, and upon the left. The dinorent batteries of the centre, were placed irregularly, according to the nature, and undulation of the ground. ( n ) EXTREME RIGHT OF THE ANGLO-AL- LIED ARMY AT BRAINE-LA-LEUD. TJ?E Sr.CO.VD CORPS OF TIIC AUMY, FOUMIXG THE niGIlT WING, COMMANDED BY LIEUTEX AN T-G EX E- JiAL LORD IIIEL. (C) The plateau, where the second Eritish division was placed en pctcnrc^ under L]"-e command oF JL;eu- tenant General Sir Henry Clinton : it v.as composed as folio.vs : (s) The tliird British brigade under the ccjmmr'nd of IMajor- General Adarasj, consisted of the first batta* lion? of the. fifty-second, and seventy-iirst regiments &f tlic line and nine companies of the niBety.-fiflh re^n- rcent, or rifle corps. (Now called rifle brigaJo.) (i) Tlie first brigade of the King's German Le- gion, commanded by Colonel Dnplat, was comi^osed ( 12 ) ©f the first, second, third, and fourth battalions of the line of the King's German Legion. (u) The third Hanoverian brigade, commanded by Colonel Ilalkett, consisted of the second and third bat- talions of the Duke of York, and the battalions of mi- litia Saltzgitter, and Bremervorde; a brigade of Royal British Artillery, commanded by Captain Bol- ton, and a brigade of King's Geruian Horse Artillery^ under the command of Major Symper, were attached to the second division. (\) The fourth British brigade, under the com- mand of Colonel Mitchell, belonging to the fourtJi division, composed of the third battalion of the fourteenth regiment, and the first battalions of the twenty-third, and fifty-first regiments of the line. A brigade of Hanoverian Artillery, commanded by Captain de Retbcrg, uas attached to the second divi- sioQj which about three o'clock in the afternoon, took C 13 ) up a new Jiliijnmcnt on the right of the centre, as it did not appear necessary to maintain longer that position. (D) The defence of Craine-la-LeuJ was entrusted to the third division of the Netherlands, unJer the coniinandofLieiitenant-General Baron Chasse. — The first brigade, under the command ofColonel Detaier!?, composed of the thirty-fifth battalion of Belgian light infantry, the second battalion of the Butch lino, and the fourth, sixth, seventeenth, and nineteenth battalions of Dutch Militia, occupied that position; the seventeenth battalion, a little in advance, kept open the communication with the second British di- vision, under the command of Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Clinton. (E) The second brigade, commanded by IMajor- General D'Aubremc, was composed of the thirty- sixth battalion of light infantry, and the third batta- ( H ) lion of the Belgian line, the tTvclfth and thirteenth battalions of the line, and the third and tenth batta- lions of Dutch J.Iilitia. — These troops occupied a commanding position upon an height at the farm of Vieux Foriez. — A brigade of foot Artillery, under the conimand of Captain Lux and a light brigade, commanded by Major Van dcr Sinissen, Avere attach- ed to this" division. (w) Uotwcen the hours of two and three o'clock in the afternoon, the third division advanced towards the centre : tlie second brigade by Mcrbc-Braine ; the tir.st brigade nas ordered to occupy the original position of the second British division. Four battalions moved forward in s^iuare. Tko third division took up a second position along tiie chauSBce of NivelleSj in rear of.the right wing of the army. i ro ) DETACHED DIVISIONS, FORMING THE LEFT WING. THE EXTREME LEFT OF THE ANGLO-ALtlED ARMY ABOVE LA HAYE. (F) A part of the second division of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, under the orders of Lieuten- ant- General Baron de Perponcher, and the second brigade, commanded by the Prince of Saxe-Weymar, con: posed of the first and second battalions of the regiment of Orange Nassau, with the secondand third battalions of the second regiment of Nassau Usingen, occupied the positions at the extrenie left, of Pape- lotte, Smohain, and la Haye. The firpt battalion of the second regiment before mentioneJ, was posted at Gomont, (sec i.) f 15 ) (x) Tlie first brigade, commanded by Major-Gc- neral Count de Byland of the same division, consist- ed of the seventh battalion of the Belgian line, the twenty-seventh regiment of light infantry, the fifth, seventh, and eighth battalions of Dutch Militia. The fiftli battalion of P>Iilitia placed in reserve, suffered considerably on the sixteenth of June at Quatre-Bras, A brigade of guns, under the command of Captain Byleveld, was attached to the division. (G) The fifth British division was under the com- mand of Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Picton. — a brigade of Royal British Artillery, commanded by Major Rogers, and a brigade of Hanoverian Artil- lery, under the command of Captain Braun, were at- tached to this division. (y) The fifth Hanoverian l)rigade, consisted of the four battalions of Militia of Hamehi; Grifforn^ ( IT ) Hildesheim, and Peine, under the command of Col. Vincke, (z) Th6 ninth brigade (Scotch) was under the command of Major- General Sir Dennis Pack, and consisted of the third battalion of the first regiment of Royal Scotch, the first battalions of the forty-se- cond, and ninety-second Highlanders, and the second battalion of the forty-fourth regiment. This brigade charged with the bayonet the French column T. (see 772). (aa) The eighth British brigade, commanded by Major-General Sir James Kempt, consisted of the first battalions of the twenty-eighth and thirty-second regiments, and the first battalion of the serenty-ninth regiment of Highlanders, the first battalion of tlie ninty-Sfth, (rifle corps) and one company of the same ( 18 ) regiment, (see m). This Lrigade and the ninth suf- fered considerably at Quatre Bras. m (bb) Tenth British brigade, commanded by Major- Gencral Sir J. Lambert, (belonging to the sixth divi- sion) composed of the first battalions of the fourth, twenty-seventh, and fortieth regiments of the line. This brigade was particularly charged in retaking the farm of La Haie-Sainte. (cc) The second brigade of heavy cavalry, com* inanded by Major-General Sir William Ponsonby, consisted of the first regim.ent of Koyal Dragoons, se- cond regiment, North British Dragoons, (or Scotch Grey's) and the Lixth, or Inniskilling Dragoons. This brigade made a desperate charge upon the French Artillery, (see??;, o.) (dd) The fourth brigade of iight cavalry, under ( 19 ) tlie command of ?tIajor-General Sir J. Vandeleur, composed of the eleventh, twelfth, and sixteenth regiments of British light dragoons, charged T^ (ee) The sixth brigade of light cavalry, command- ed by Major-General Sir Hussey Vivian, was com- posed of the first regiment of Hussars, King's Ger- man Legion, and the tenth and eighteenth -regiments of British Hussar?. In the afternoon, the fourth, and sixth British brigades, moved to the right of the cen- tre, (see 3^.) ( 20 ) h^ PRUSSIAN ARMY, UNDER THE COMMAND OF HIS HIGHNESS, PRIXCE BLUCIIER, DEEOUCIIING BY LASNE, AND O'HAIN. (H) The first corps of the Army, under the com- mand of General Von Zietheii, arrived at eight o'clock in the evening', with four Lrigades of infantry, each consisting of three regiments; the first brigade under the command of General Steinmetz, the second brigade under General Pircii (..Junior) ; tlie third bri- gade under General Jagow ; t!ie fourth brigade under General Henkel, and a corps of cavalry, composed of six regiments, under General Yon Roeder. This corps had suficred considerably' on the fifteenth and s'.xleenth of June at Ligny, C 21 ) 4 (ff) At the momont of the general advance of the Allied Army, the advanced guard of the first corps, retook Smohain and Papelotte, in concert with the troops of Nassau, when they established a battery against La l^i&e near (fi*). ^oo) '^^^® three other brigades advanced at the same time upon La Belle Alliance. (hh) The cavalry under the command of General Von Roeder pursued the French, already in full retreat. (I) The arrival of the fourth corps, under the com ; mand of Lieutenant General Vou Bulow. Tlie six- teenth brigade, under Colonel Hiller; the fifteenth brigade, under General Von lioslhin ; the thirteenth brigade, under Lieutenant General Von Ilacke, anJ the fourteenth brigade under Major- General Von < 22 ) Ryssel. — A numerous artillery, and a corps of Iicary cavalry, witli tluit of the second corps, formins: to- gether fourteen regiments, wa? commanded by His Iloyal Highness, Prince William of Prussia. ^/ Jf M The fifteenth and sixteenth brigades arrived at four o'clock, with a corps of cavalry, in a covwed position, in the wood of Peris, near Fricherraontj they immediately debouched, and advanced upon Plancenois. — The Prince Bliicher had before ad- vanced at three o'clock in the afternoon to reconr noitre the field of battle with two regiments of dra- goons, which were engaged with the French cavalry, in rear of Frichermont. > (K) General Von Bulow, without awaiting his rein-t forcoments, made every necessary arrangement to attack Planceuoig. ( 23 ) (L) Tho two other brigades of the fourth cofps feavin^ successively arrived Avith a part of the second corps, commanded by General Perch (Senior), form- ed in the plain. Some troops arrived by the Abbey of d'Ay wiers. (kk). jl ^flti The cavalry, supported fiy the artillery, at- tacked the right of the first French corps, and was engaged with the cavalry (tt). The French turned some guns against thenij (N) to which they were considerably exposed. Jl£ (^ The remainder of the fourth corps, with a part of the second, attacked Planccnois, defended in front, by the sixth French corps. — About six o'clock in the evening, the engagement became general, and during that momentous crisis, t he troops on both sides fought with increased and unexampled fury. ( 24 ) (11) This column bravely resisted the diflerent attacks made upon it, and turned the village at night. Cmm) Attack of the village in front, which was taken and retaken three times. This position wag oLstinately disputed. j u ^IV; THE FRENCH ARIMY, Commanded my NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. THE BIGHT WING OF THE TRENCH ARMY RESTING L'PON SMOHAIN. N 1. N 2. N 3. Three different positions on the aide of the chaussee of Charleroi and Brussels, which Napoleon occupied successively during the battle, at the hours often o'clock in the morning, and at three and seven in the afternoon. (N) Extreme right of the first corps, commanded by Licutenant-General Count d'Erlon, consisting of four divisions of infantry, and one division of ca* valrv (tt) supported by eighty pieces of caonoiv twelve pounders. 9 ( 25 ) (nn) The fouitli division of the first corps was com- manded by Lieutenant-General Duruttc, and com- posed of four regiments, the twenty-ninth, eighty-fifth, ninety-fifth of tlie line, and a regiment of light infan- try. It attacked and retook several times, the farm of Papelotte, defended by the troops of Nassau, (F) which was ultimately destroyed by fire. This division was attacked at niglit, in flank, by the Prussians. (oo) The third division, commanded by Lieutenant- General Marcognet, was composed of four regi- Fiients, the twenty-fifth, forty-fifth, one hundred ajid fifth of the line, and a reginient of light infan- try. It was at the head of the strong column (T) which attacked the left wing of the Allied Army. (pp) The second division consisted of four regi- ments, the seventeenth, nineteenth, fifty-first of the Sine, and the thirteenth regiment of liglit infantry, un- der the command of Lieutenant-General — ( 27 ) This division was ordered to carry La Hale- Saijite, where it met with great opposition. The nineteenth regiment was almost entirely de- stroyed. (qq) The first division, consisting of four regi- ments of the line, and a regiment of light infan- try, under the command of Lieutenant- General supported the second division, in the attack upon La Haie-Sainte, which it afterwards carried with considerable loss. (rr) The first division of Cuirassiers, under the command of General Delort, was composed of two brigades. The first brigade consisted of the fifth, and tenth regiments, under Brigadier General Cal- mer; the second, of the sixth and nineteenth regi- ments, under General (ss) A division of Cuirassiers, under the command ( 28 ) j ! of General Vatliier de St.-Alphoiisc— The first bri- gade consisted of the first and second refjimc nts, un- der General Dubois; the second, of the fourth, and twelfth regiiucnts, under General Travcre. The third corps of cavalry, composed of tv. o di- visions, under the command of Lieutenant-General Milhaud, formed, afier the fall of La Haie-Sainte, intlie hollow (V), on one side of the farm. (tt) A division of light cavalry, under the com- mand of General Jacquenot, consisting of the third and fourth regiments of Lancers, the third regiment of light dragoons, and the seventh regiment of hus- sars. It was aliached to the firi-t corps of infantry, and, during its retreat, \vp.9 repeatedly charged and much harrassed by the Prussian cavalry. i 29 ) LEFT WING OF THE FRENCH ARMY, COVERED BY THE WOOD OF GOMONT. (O) The extreme left of the second corps, under the command of Lieutenaut-General Count Reille, was composed of four divisions of infantry, and one divi- sion of cavalry (zz), supported by upwards of sixty pieces of cannon twelve pounders. The first division of infantry, under the command of Jerome Napoleon, occupied this position, and consisted of four regi- ments, the first, second, and third of the line, and the first of light infantry, supported by the second division (uu). The first attack was made on the wood and chateau of Gomont, at half-past eleven o'clock, (see h.) (uu) The second division, commanded by LioHten- t: 30 ) ant-General Bachelu, consisted of four regiments; the twelfth light infantry, seventy-second, one hundred and eighth, and — regiments of the line, (see O). (vv) The third division was commanded by Lieu- tenant-General Foy, and composed of four regiments of the line, and one of light infantry; a part of this division moved upon Gomont, (i) the remainder was employed against La Haie-Sainte. (ww) The fourth division, under the command of Lieutenant-General Girard, consisted of four re- giments, the fourth liglit infantry, twelfth, and two regiments of the line. This division having suffered considerably at the battle of Ligny, was not much exposed on the eighteenth of June. (xx) A division of heavy cavalry, under the com- C 31 ) maiul of Lioutenant-General I'Heretler, composed of four regiments, the eighth and eleventh of cuirassiers, and the second and seventh dragoons. (y\') A division of heavy cavalry, under the com- mand of Lieutenant-General Roussel d'Urhal, com- posed of four regiments, tlie first and second carabi- neers, and the second and third of cuirassiers. These tn divisions formed the fourth corps of cavalry, un- der the command of Lieutenant-General ICellerman, and advanced tov.ards the centre of the Allied Army ^) J/" (zz) A division of light cavalry, under the com- mand of Licutennnt-General Pirc, attached to the second corps cf infantry, compx>?ed of four regi- ments, the first and sixth light dragoons, and the fifth and sixth re'riments of lancers. This divi- ( o2 ) sion posted during the day in observation at IMon Plaisir, moved in the afternoon towards Planccnois in order to cover, in concert with the old guard, the retreat of the army. IV THE FRENCH TIEST^RVE, STATIONED BETWEEN PLANCENOIS AND MON- PLAISIR. (P) The sixtli corps, composed of two divisions, ^vith tl»irty pieces of Artillery — twelve pounders, under the command of Lieutenant-General, the Count Lobau, was placed in reserve. The first division, under the command of General Baron Simmer, consisted of the fifth, eleventh, twenty-seventh, and eighty-fourth re- giments of the line; the second division, commanded by General Baron Jeannin, was composed of the 6ftli light infantry, the tenth, and one hundred and seventh regiments of the line. The third division of tlte sijcth cgrps, commandai s ( 34 ) by General Barou Teste, was detached at Wavrc, to support the third corps, under General Vandamme. (ce) a division of cavalry, composed of the fourth eleventh, and tnelftii regiments of lio;ht dragoons, under the command of General d'Aumontj was at- tached to the sixth corps. (ae) The sixth corps occupied in the defence of Plancenois, supported by the Young; Guard on the right. (Q) The Young Guard, was under the command of General Duhesme : the division, consisting of four regiments, was commanded by General Barrois. The first brigade, commanded by General Chartron, was composed of the first regiment of tirailleurs, and the first of voltigeurs ; the second brigade, commanded by General Mcllinet, chief of the staff, consisted of the ( ^o ) thiril regiment of tirailleurp, and the third of volli- geurs. (a) The Young Guard, supporting the right of the «ixth corps, in danger of being outflanked by tlie Prussians, (b) The farm of Cailliou, Head Quarters of Napo- leon, where his baggage remained protected by the se- cond battalion of the first reginaent of chasseurs of the Old Guard, under the command of Lieutenant- Colonel During. The park of artillery of the guard, twelve pounders, was posted near the farm of Cailliou, in reserve. (R) The Old foot Guards, under the command of General Drouot ; (Major-General of the Staff of the Guards) advanced towards La Belle Alliance, at three o'clock in the afternoon. ( -G ) (c) The grenadiers of tlie Old Guard, were under the orders of Licuteiiant-Cieneral Friant, and com- posed of the flrsi^t, second, third, and fourth rei^inients. The division was conunanded by General Petit. (d) The chasseurs of the Old Guard were under the orders of Lieutenaut-General Morand, and com- posed of the first, second, third, and fuurth regiments. General Michel commanded the division. The artil- lery of the Guard, under the comntand of General Doguerau, vvasemplo)ed at Plancenois. (e) The horse grenadiers of the Guard, were under the command of Lieutenant-General Gu}ot, also the dragoons of the Guard, under Colonel Hofmejer, General Letort having fallen on the sixteenth. (/) The Lancers of the Guard were under the command of General Colbert, and the light cavalry, ( S7 ) under General Lefebvre-Desnouelte?, advanced to- wards the centre of the Allied Ara;y, i;pon which they ina4e numerous charassage of the Sanibre, at IMar- chienne au Pon(, by Napoleon Buonaparte in per- son, about four o'clock in the mornings, on the fifteenth of June 1813, and a. Lobbes and Thuin to the left, by a jart of the second corps, under the orders of General lieille, which succeeded in forcing the advanced Posts of the Prussians to retire on Fontaine L'Evcque and Charleroi, from whence they ■were dislodged. Napoleon havini^ obtained possession of this im- portant position, ordered Marshal Ney to advance with the first and second carp's of tlie army, under Generals d'Erlon and Reille, supported by four di- visions of cavalry, under Lieutenant-Generals Pine, Desnouettes.V.lniy and Colbert, and a formidable artillery on Gfe»*Hte», at the same time that a corps ( rii ) of obserration wane, and obliged these troops to fall back on a part of the seonJ division of the kiagdo n cf the Xetherlaiid-i, under the command of Lieutenaut- General de Perponcher, at Quatre Bras (or the cross roads), which had advanced from Nivelles, on Iiear- ing of the approach of the French, and succeeded in holding tl.at position until the arrival of the troops on t!ie foilowing mjrning'. The occiipT*i( n of Quatre Bras was most important, as the possession of it kept oJDen a communication, by Ihe Namur road, uiih 3Iarshiil Blucher'* aruiVj IV moving into posiiion on the beiglita, in rear of F'om- breflfe, Lij,Miy and St. Amantl, ^hicli villages, were occupied by the advanced posts of the Prussians. Napoleon having moved from Charleroi on the morning of the 16th formed his army in order of battle on the plains of Fleurus ; extending from that town beyond the village of Ligny, having his centre upon an hillock, called the Tomb, in front of that of the Prussian position. The greater proportion of his cavalry was posted in rear of the right wing, under cover of an elevated ground, and the artillery was placed along the line in the most commanding and advantageous positions. The attack commenced about two o'clock in the day, when the rig'it w iiig of the Prussian army, afier an obstinate resistance of some hours, was obliged to fall back, being press- ed ip front by the division under General Lefol, outflanked by the fourth corps under Lieutenant-Ge- i)eral Girard, at St. Amand ( 1), and also threatened ia ( ^ ) the rear by the first corps, under Count d'Erlon, wliich Napoleon had ordered from Frasne by a road kadiag directly to that village. This advantage ob- tained by the enemy, compelled Marshal Blucherto form his right wing en potcnce {9) upon tbecentre which rested on the mill of Bassy, (3) in order to cover the village of Bry to his rear. Napoleon, with his usual promptitude, availing himself of the successes he had obtained over the right of the Prussian line, ordered his guards, supported by the cavalry and artillery of the left, to advance, and the fourth corps to support the attack on the Prussian right of the vil- lage of Ligny, where the most strenuous exertions were made to defeat his intentions. Finding it impracticable to possess himself of this position, without a very considerable sacrifice of lives, owing to the skill and bravery with which it was de- fended, he changed his mode of attack, and directed a strong column to be formed, of a part of the right ( vi ) ■^ing of liis army, and to advance under coror of a hollow road to the left of the village. This^niove- ment, favored by a destructive fire from the ^ batteries at tlie tomb, which enveloped the Castle, ^^^arm y^AMMNpf^ and the right of the village in flames, compelled the Prussians to retire, when this irosl important post fell into the hands of the enemy. This success enabled him to employ a consideral)le part of his forces against the Prussian centre, and the heights being charged by the guard-^, at the same time that an attack was made on the left by a heav^ column of infantry, supported by the Cuirassiers, and a formidable artillery, the position was carried and the Prussian army bbliged to fall back on the village of Bry. Marshal Blucher finding it impossible to op*- pose, in such open ground, an enemy numerically Superior to him, and likewise seeing no prospect df the arrival of the fourth corps, under Lieutenant C vii ) iSeneral Von Bulow, advancing by Genibloux, with- drew his troops from Bry, which the French occupied at ten o'clock at night, and reformed them on a pla- teau ( 4 running nearly parallel with his former position, between tliat village andMarbais. Having remained a short time to allow his army some rest after tlie extreme fatigue of tlie day, he retreated through the villages of Tilly and Bruviere on Wavre, where^ he was joined by the fourtli corps. The troops which had supported, during the day, the batteries of Sombre fFe and Tongrenelle, employ- ed with consiJerable effect against the right of the French army, continued to occupy their positions until two o'clock the following morning, when they retrograded by Gembloux on Wavre, followed a short time afterwards, by the corps of Marshal Grouchy and Vandamme. « At the game time that Napoleon was engaged ( viii ) with the Prussian army at I^ig^ny, IMarshal Ncy attacked the Allies at Qnatre-Bras, defended by the fifth British division, under the command of Lieutenant General Sir Thomas Picton, the second di\ision of the kingdom of the Netherlands, under Lieutenant General Baron de Perponcher, and the troops of Brunsnick, under tiieir illustrious Duke, supported by the first division of the British guards, commanded by Major General Sir George Cooke, which succeeded in driving the enemy from the Mood of Bossu, while the third British division, under Lieutenant General Count Alten, charged his centre upon the plain. After an obstinate contest of seven hoi:rs, the French were forced to give way, and the Allies remained in possession of the field. During that period, the troops were not only exposed to a most galling and destructive fire of artillery; but to the repeated charges of a numerous cavalry, supported by heavy columns of infantry, whose \ a- ( ix ) riou«? attacks were generally repulsed, notwithstand- ing the great superiority of their numbers. After many fruitless efforts to carry this position, 3Iarshal Ne\ orJereJ the first division to advance to his support from Frasne ; but to his great surprise and mortification, discovered that it had been with- drawn by Napoleon. Had not the Dike of Wellington succeeded in holding Quatre Bras, Marshal Ney would most un- doubtedly have profited by the occasion, and pushed on to Brussels. This movement would have inter- posed the French army between the Allies and thft Prussians, and prevented all direct communication ; besides, the road from SombrefFe to Quatre- Bras was perfectly open, nothing now existing, to prevent Na- poleon from availing hiuiself of the advantages which he had obtained. lb ( r ) Tlic very expended Canloiiinents of llio Allied Arr.n (MitlicfiriccntliorjunCiliavciraUiraliN led (o many observatioPiS from pers-cus iinacquainicd Avilh llie cause ; but, ])y rcfening to tlie map of llie Ne- tlicrlands, it \\ ill he seen, that so vuliierrlde a fron- tier could not ]jc defended at all points ; on \^llicll ac- count the Duke of Wellington ^^as oLli^cd to await the commencement of hostilities, before he could at- tempt to concentrate his troops, it being utterly im- possible for him to anticipate at what point the first attack might be made. Such a step would have only favoured the designs of the enemy, and enabled him to penetrate still far- ther into llie country ; moreover, the difilcully of *ob- taining forage and previsions, for so large an army, at any one point, must be 0[;parent to all. INTRODUCTION. OiJ the GixteGiUh of June, the Allied Army, under the command of Field Marslral liis Grace the DuLe of AVli.i-inotox, gloriously mainlaiiicd the impor- tant position of Quatre-Bra«, after a most sanguinary and well dispulcd contest. This advantage, fi)lly equivalent to a victory, con- tributed ia no small desree to the unparalleled suc- cesses of the eighteenth of June. From the cbstinato defence of this iniportant ^loint h2 C xii ) of communication, tlio difTeient corps composing): the Ami), had time to arrive succesi^ivelY from titeir dis- tant cantonments, at the respective points of concen- tration, at the same time the troe;)s >vhich had l,een engaged at Quatre-Bras, by a retrograde movement reinforced them, a manoeuvre which the Field Mar- shal thought prudent, in conseciuence of the defeat of the Prussian Army at Ligny. Nothing could exceed the coolness and intrepidity of the troops engaged at Quatre-Bras, uhere a s^ma]l body of men, assen)bled in haste, and exposed for a considerable tiaie, w itliout either Aitillcry or Cavalry displayed the most surprising bravery, in resistirg'the impetuous attacks of a superior Army, perfectly or- ganised, and supported by every species of force, in which the Allies were deficient. It was there that the firmness and abilities of & ( xiii ) great General were required to extricate himself from so perilous and critical a situation. It was there, surrounded by many experienced Generals, that, the Young- Hero, the Hereditary- Prince, shone so conspicuously, adding to the inhe- rent valor of the House of Orange, the talents of a Veteran — talents matured in the war of the Penin- sula, under that great Captain, the immortal Wel- lington. The illustrious and valiant Duke of Brunswick, terminated his glorious career, with many brave men^ in this obstinate combat. The reverses sustained by the Prussian Army on the sixteenth of June, on the heights of Ligny, deter- mined Marshal Blucher to concentrate his troops at Wavre, where he \vonld ho roimorced by the fourth corps, under llie command of Lieutcnant-Ceueral ( xiv ) Count Billow, nhicli Imd not l)een previously en- gaged. This retrograde movement obliged tlio Didce of Wellington, notwithstanding his fcuccess at Qiialre- Bras (and witliout lieing compelled by the enemy) to make, as before observed, a corresponding nuina'iivre, and retire on Waterloo, where tlie ground oHered a position, which this modern Fahius (5) considered ■well adapted for the defence of Drussels, upou this side. That part of the Army whicli had been engaged at Quatre-Bras, liaving bivouaced the night cfthe -.six- teenth, in advance ol" the Field of battle, His Grace made the nece;: aiy di;;positions to support it, and renew ilie conflict on the mcrniug of the seventeenth, but seeing no inclinalion on the part of the enemy to attack hini, he ordered the arn;y to retire at mid-day by tienappe {^b), with the intention of co-operating witk- C XV ) Marshal Bluclier, which chan<:^e of position he effect- ed in the most admirable order, notwithstanding, hig rear f;uard was closely pressed, and much harassed by tlie French cavalry, whose various charges were Lravely and vigorously repulsed by tlie British dra- goons and Life Guards. (7) About four o'clock in the afternoon of the seven- teenth of June, the Army arrived on the plains, in front of Waterloo, a village, partially cntourcd in the Forest of Soignies, where the Duke of Wellington established his Head-Quarters. The French Army commanded by Napoleon in person, followed tliis movement, but the unusual se- verity of the weather prevented him from making any serious attack. The rain fell in torrents, accompanied by thunder and lightning, which continued incessantly during ( xvl ) the nls^ht ; notwithstanding, some light Artillery ad- Vance»l on La Belle Alliance, anil commenced a can- nonade, whicli was but of short duration ; when the French army bivouaced a part in advance of Ge- nappe, the remainder on the heights between Plancc- noir, and the farm of Mon-Plaisir. The Head-Quarters of Napoleon were established at the farm of Cailliou, in the hamlet of the Maisoii du Roi. The Anglo- Allied army Livouaced between Smo- hain and Brain-la-L.eud, generally upon the heights it occupied the following- morning, rendered memor- able by the most brilliant of victories — A victory deservedly celebrated for its great importance, and decisive results. AN IIISTOT^ICAL ACCOUXT OF THE BATTLE OF Yf ATERLOO. 4r. &c. S>'c. I.v \vluit auTiil sii'ipensa must the portentous night of the scventeeiitlj of June, have passed away, uhile up- wards of one hin\(hed and iifty thousand nien, ssepavat- ed alone by a triiling- ravine, av. aitedbut IJie break of day to decide by the sword such great and impor- tant interests. ▲ ( 5 ) Tlic ffiiilc, lujl o})cii i/IiUMs of Waterloo r.flcrdcd no r.l;cl(ci- fioin tl.e iiicldr.cr.cy c.f (liC v.callicr, r.iid vned, the rain still con- tiiuud to rcill,l;Ml ceased at intervals, uhithv.crr cm- '-ployed on both slides in p-reparing for tliccoaibat. Napoleon and bis^ legions, little expected to find the British Arnry, on the following morning, in order of battle; tlieir only frar Avas. that the Euglish vould escape them by eflecting a retreat duris'.g the i;ight. If pclf-deceivir.g gascei.ade cfTuced from their ir.e- morles the fatal lessons Imttat^ly tanght them in the Peiiinsula — if the battles of 'j'alavera, Aibuera, Sa- lamanca, Yitloria, Orthcf^, and Tlioulousc. Averc not sufficient to dis^ij-ate their egotism, that of Quatre- C ^ ) Bras, ou^ht to have amply conviiiced them of thefi' «rror. The tactic- an.l intreoi-lity of the Frencli Army, require no eulos,iuni, but, lot them do justice to the coura.'^e and unshaken lirmness of their most perse- vering- enemy, whose pretended inferiority on land, was an assertion, now unquestionably refutedi The Duke of V/ellington determined not to yield an inch of ground, had taken up a po- itiou in front of the Farm of Blount St. Jean, upon the heightj stretching from the plateau (A) commanding the cha- teau of Gomont, to (F) an elevated ground rising progressively above the Farms of La Ilaye and Papelotte, a deep ra^iijc, gradually descending on this h=ide towards 05IM*5^ protected the left vAing. In front and rear of the lijio, which the heights deli- neate, are several other ravine-, occasionally varying in depth, rendering the posiiion sufticienily strongs A i^ ( 1 ) cxceptir.g- towards tlie cejilrc, ^vliicli presents some weak points. The rij;]it niiig was proicciecl by a long- ravine dcsccndini;; towards Mcrbe-Ijrainc, a liauilet separated from Braine-la-Leud, by an exten- sive Plateau, v.lucli, as it afiorded no position in front, rendered tlic occit[)atio)i of tliis village neces^ry, in order to keep opeji a communication nith t\^o iimall corps of ob^er^ation, pos(ed on the roads leading from jMons a))d oSiveiles, to repell any attack on tliat side, one of uhicli, commanded by I/ieutenant-Gene- ral Sir Charles Colville, wa^ placed near Tubi-e, about three miles and a half in advance of Hal, and ten from the field of action. The other at Clabbcck and Braine-le-chatcau, situated at an equal distance, from Tnbise a)\d Braine-la-Leud, under the command of His Royal Highness, Prince Frederic of the Ne- therlands, a youngs Prince, who has exliibited suffici- ent proofs of talent, m his excelle)it arrangements, to justly entitle him to the reputation he has acquired, that of a consummate General. ( r> ) The army occupiocl a very extended line, the prin- cipal position crossed the roads, leading from Ciiar- leroi and Nivelles to Brussel?, which join at the farm of Mont St. Jean ; presenting the form of a fork, of which, the handle points along a part of tlie Foreist of Soigne% to Waterloo : a village, about two miles in rear of the army. In reference to the action, the ab- solute centre of the Allied position rested upon the road from Charleroi, contiguous to a tree (B) remar- kable from the Duke of Wellington and his stalT having been frequently near it during the engage- ment. The French army occupied the heights running parallel, in front of the position of the Allies, at a distance of twelve hundred and sixty yards. The intervening ground gradually desccndj to tlie centre, which, from its uneveness, afforded a partial cover to the troops as they advanced. ( ) The scene iii rcjr o? tliis position, even beyond (he wootl ot" Calloij and Neuve Coiir, pre-^ents the form of an ampiutheatre. In tiic termor stood a trigo- iionietrical observatory, (since fallen) which NapoleoH is said to have ascended, but the assertion is un- founded. / The strength of the French army present at Waterloo, v.as upwards of seventy-eight thousand effective men, of wliich fifteen thousand were cavalry. It was composed of the first and second corps of th« arnjy, eight divisions. The sixth corps incomplete, wanting two divisions, with two divisions of the old and one division of tlie young guard, formed the rc^- serve. (S) The cavalry consisted of two corps, or foUr divisions of heavy dragoons, two of tlie guard, and three divisions of light cavalry attached to the dif- ferent corps of infantry. The left of the first corps of infantry, (N) corn* ( 7 ) inatulcJ ])v Lieutenant General Count d'flrlon. rer^teJ on La Belle Alliance, \vliile its right cxtcr.clcd to- ^vai'd- Sir.clir.in, The artillery attaclied to this corps consisted of eighty pieces t.f cannon, iiicluding Ih3 reserve. The light cavalry, (tt) also attached, ^as in the rear of llic right dank. The second corps of infuntry. (O) command- ed hy Lieutcrant General Cobnt Reille. had its right on La Belle Alliance. Avhilc the left Avas co- hered l>y tlio nood of tliC chateau of Gomont. The artillery of this corps amounted to upwards of sixtv pieces t-f cannon. The division of light cavalry (7.z) of this corps, was placed in oh- ser; ation at Illon-Plaisir,' The tv.o coips of hcavjr ca\alry, of mImcIi »uo divisions (?s-rr), command- ed by IjientenaT'.t General INIiihant : t\^o division* (xx-yy), by Lieutenant General Kellerman, were placed in the second line at equal distances. The sixth corps (P), commarided by J.icutcnant General ( s ) Count do Lobau, witli tliirly pieces of cnnnon, aMcl the division of [\>j;\\i cavalry (c?), y\n^ in reserve, in rear of the riylit v,'i)ii»' uilli tlie youii^- guard (Q), under Lieutenant (General Duhesme, for tlie delbiice of Plance)iois, A'vhich, from ii,rornuitio)\ ohtai)\ed by au intercepted letter, was expected to he attacked by fifteen thousand Prussians. The old guard (!l) was posted on the heights in rear of the t^econd corps. The horse guards (r, f^, part on the riglit, the re- mainder on the loft of the Charleroi road, the park of artillery of the guard in reserve, amounting to upwards of forty pieces of cannon — twelve-pounders, occupied a position near the Ivlaisondu Roi, and the batro-age of Napoleon remained at the Farm cf Cailliou (if)' The Duke of Wellington, on the 11th of T^pril, formed his army into two corps, with ?rlillery at- tached to each. The fifth and sixth British di\ Isions, with the contingent cf Erunswick, forn.cd the re- ( ) serve. The first corps was commanded by His Royal Highness the Prince of Orange, the second by Lieutenant-Gcneral Lord Hill. The Allied cavalry was under the orders of Licutenant-General the Earl of Uxbridge (9). The different corps concentrated on the field of buttle, amounted to about fifty-three thousand infantry, and tliiitetn thousand cavalry, including artillery-men, &c. &c., and those attached to a park of one hundred and fii\y pieces of cannon. The different troops, composing; this army, were ys follow s : — Thirteen thousand infantry, three tiiousaud cavalry, and four brigades of artillery of the king- dom of the Netherlands, six thousand infantry and cavalrv, and Iwo brigades of artillery of the Ducliy of Brunswick, with ihree thousand infantry of the contingent of Nassati-Usingen. The Brifi^.h troops, including the Hauo\erian and King's German Le- gion, formed the greater proportion. The fqllowing was the position of the x\llicd B C 10 ) Army at mid-clay. Tlic centre was principally under tlio ovdir;; of his Royal Highness the Prince of Orange. The right of the first division (A) British foot gumds, commanded by Major-General Sir George Cooke, rested on the ro:»d leading- from fNivelles-, liaving- tl;c chatca.i of (Joir.ont a short distance in fror/t of the riglit face. Tiic tiiird British divi- sion (D;, iuider the command of Lieutenant General Count Alter-, extended from iav lell of tlie guards to the road leading from Charleroi, having the Farm of La Haie-Sainte, situated in a hollow, in front of the left face. TJetween the brigades of the third division was placed the contingent of Nassau-Usingen (g^, under General Kruse ; a part of the Brunswick troops (0, commanded by ]Mi«jor General Olfernian, •with two brigades of artillery, and its cavalry upon each flaPik, were posted in the Hrst line with the royal guards ; the remainder in reserve. The different bat- ( 11 ) terics of the centra were placed according to the na- ture of the fi^roiini. Lord Hill commanded the right wini'-; but his corps (the second) was incomplete, a part being' detached in observation on the road from Mons. In con>enuence, the third division (D) of the kingdom of the Netherlands, commanded by Lieut.- General Baron Chassc, of the fir.-t corps, was placed unJer his Lordship's orders, and posted at Braine- la-Leud, occupying the height (E) at tlie Farm of Vieux-Foriez. To secure the right Hank of the centre, the second British division, comraanded by Lieutenant General Sir H. Clinton, with its artillery, and the fourth brigade of the fourth division, were posted, en polencc, in rear of the right, upon a pla- teau (C) difficult of access, beipig protected by a ra- vine, which extends to Merbe-Braine. The natural strength of this position rendered any attempt, on the part of the enemy, to turn the right extremely ha- Kardous. The left wing of the army was formed of two B 2 ( 1^3 ) division*!. Tlie fiflli Hri*.is!i di^Isioji (O), coni- niam!v-(l b) Li\'iUc'ii;int-(iL'neral Sir T.hor.ia'^ Picton, and t'le tcnlli brigaric (bl)}, detached iVoin (lie si\t!i Briti-ion of tlie kingdom of the Netherlands, commanded by Lieutenant- General de Perponclier, were separated by a part of the fifth nriti^Ii divi-ion. The defv-nce of Sraohain, at the extreme left, \^as entrusted to Colonel, the Prince of Saxe-Weymar, commanding the second brigade, composed of the troop;? of Nassau, (in the service of the King of tiie Netherlands). The artillery v.as ranged at equal distances within the hedge of the Ohain road. The defence of La Ilaie-Sainte. an important po- sition and the key of the centre, was confided to the se- cond brigade of the King's German Legion, com- manded by Colonel Ompteda, w ho caused the Farm and Orchards to be occupied by the second bat- ( 15 ) talion of lijht infantry, under Lioiitanant-Colonel Baring-. Tlie nails of (he chateau of Goraont were loop- holed, and the grounds and orcb.ards being- divided and surrounded by high liedges, contributed in a great meas^ure to strengthen this point. The defence of this most iaiportcnt position, the k?v of the right of the Allied Army, was entrusted to the first division of British guards. Three companies of the Cold- stream Regiment, undel* Lifeutenant-Coionel iM*Don- nell, forming part of the' brigade of Major-General Sir J. Byng, were placed under cover in the chateau and garden, and successively reinforced by four com- panies of the same regiment, and the four light com- panies of the division. These dilFereut detachments were led by Colonels Woodford and Hepburn, and Lieutenant-Colonels Home and Lord Saltoun. The four light companies, supported by the first battalion of the second regiment of Nassau, and one battalion ( n ) of light infantry of the Dacjy of Bruns-vick, occupied the wood and orchards. Between nine and ten o'clock on the morning of the eighteenth, the weather proving n»ore favourable, Napoleon advanced towards the Farm of Rossoninie, and placed hiniscif r.c::r it, on a hillock at ihe edge of the main road, leadiiif:^ ^I'^'^i Charlcroi to Brussels, (N 1) reniarkalde fur its position and commanding view (10). It was from that height he continued to direct the different movements of his army, until three o'clock in the afternoon, having alwaysfour squadrons of his guard near him. > At half-past eleven o'clock in the morning, the tiraileursofthe6rstFrcnchdivision (O) undertime com- A mand of Jerome Napoleon (11) commenced theattack on the Wood of Gomont, at the same time that the advanced posts hecame engaged in front of Papeiotte. The first gun was lircd from the plateau of Mont St. ( 15 ) Jean by the brigade, undor Captain Cleeve, of tlie King's German Artillery, between tlio left of the di* vision of the Guards, and the ri^ht of Count Alten's division, wlien the cannonade became general. At mid-day tiie roar of the guns was tremendous ! Whilst on b()(h. sides two hunched mouths of fire, vomiicd destruction into tlie tirm and undaunted columns, the division cf Jerome Napoleon advanced on Go- mont. The intrepid volti<^eurs quickly passed the ravine, and entered tlie wood, but the defence was as obslinate as the attack was vigorous. Notv/ithstanding, the enemy gained ground. After a sanguinary con- test of two hours, tlic advanced posts in the wood and adjoining field were obliged, by the impetuosity ?nd superior number of the assailants, gradually to fall back, a part on the chntf^au, the remainder behind the hedge of the orcluird, and, ultimately, by the hol- low road \\hich runs along it. As every inch of ground was bravely disputed, the French perceived, when too late, that a well directed fire through the ( 10 ) loop-liolcs of (he f^ardcn wall, masked by a hedn^e, had greatly Increased their loss; still tliey returned to ll:c altack with redoubled fury, with tlie hope of carrNii)g the chateau of Gomont — but in vain! Although they succeeded in forcing: the gate of the farm yard, they A\ere instantly repulsed by tl-e bayonet; and this important point, defended with heroic bravery, ^vas held during the day, notwith- standing (he chateau was in ilanies, and nearly sur- rounded by the enen.y ( 1 2;. A part of the divisions of General Bachelu and Foy, in supporting the right of the division of Jcron.e Napoleon, upon the plain, suf- fered considerably by the continual discharges of grape shot from the advanced batteries of the centre, which repeatedly dispersed them. During this pe- riod, the second brigade (F) of the second division of the kingdom of tlie Netherlands, was vigorously and repeatedly attacked by the fourth di\ision under lieutenant-General Durutte, and bravely maintain- ( 17 ) ed the point of junction by Fricliermont and Smo- hain. Napoleon seeing that all efforts were ineffectual to •arry the chateau of Goniont, at the same time that his right wing was exposed to a most destructive fire from the opposite batteries, ordered a formidable at- tack against the left wing of the Allied Army, no doubt with the double intention of forcing back the left on the centre, and of preventing all communication with the Prussians. General Count d'Erlon, having formed a strong column (T) of a part of the second and third divi- sions of the first corps, led it on in person, under cover of eighty pieces of cannon; favoured by a deep ravine, he approached rapidly at the head of this column, (j/i) and crowned the heights. Althouglj exposed to a galling 6re, the enemy ( 18 ) cliarjved, without hesitation, the first hrig-ade of the se- cond division of the Kingdom of the ISetherlands, which, having deployed into lino, in order to occupy more ground, could not resist this formidable mass, and fell back with considerable loss. It immediate- ly rallied on the fifth battalion of Militia, in reserve, and advanced. In the mean time, whilst the eighth British brigade (aa), commanded by Major-General Sir James Kempt, vigorously resisted this attack, the ninth Bri- tish brigade (z) under the command of Major-Gene- ral Sir Dennis Pack, charg^cd the right flank of the columa with the bayonet : this gallant charge of the Scotch, defeated the enemy, who had already pierc- ed the line. The brave and ever to be lamented Sir Thomas Picton, so beloved, so venerated by the Bri- tish Army, fell in the meridian of his glory in this sanguinary conflict — thus terminating- a life eminent- ( 19 ) ly distino^nished, and long devoted to the service of his country. The brigade of heavy cavalry (cc) consisting of the Royal Dragoons, Scotch Grey's, and Inniskiiling's, commanded by Major-General Sir William Pon- sonby, rushed upon these regiments, which had so daringly ad\aiiced, and put a considerable num- ber to the sword. The eagles of the forty-tifth, and one hundred and fifth regiments were taken by the Scotch Groy's and Inniskilling's : the column beinir repulsed by the infantry and heavy cavalry, v.as charged on each flank by the brigades of light ca- valry (dd), commanded by Major-General Sir J. Vandeleur, and that of Major-General Ghigny, form- ing a part of the di\ision (o) of the Kingdom of the Ketherlands, under the command of Lieutenant-Ge- neral Baron Colaert : upwards of two thousand uieu •were made prisoners. The bra\e General Porisonhy, at the head of his brigade, ciij-pciscd the enenjy a fee- ( 20 ) eond time in the low ground (;/), and charging with unexampled intrepidity the batteries (o), on the right of the first Frencli corps, sabered the gunners, and dismounted tliiriy pieces of cannon; but the cui- rassier?, under Lieutenant-General IVlilhaud, having advanced to the mein road, to support the attack of the infantry, under Count d'Erlon, which had proved unsuccessful, ih.e brigade of Major-General Tra- vere, on one side, and the fourth regiment of lancers, on the other, falling at once on those brave dragoons (p), who, unable to resist so impetuous, and so formi- dable an attack, were obliged to retire with consi- derable loss. The gallant General Ponsonby, having been dismounted, was killed by the lancers. Whilst this incomparable charge of the fallen hero, and the reverses sustained by the infantry, had thrown the right wing of the French army into con- fusion, a desperate attack was directed against La llaie-fcainte. In this attempt, a long time uusuc- t 21 ) cessful, a brigade of the second French division was almost entirely destroyed, but immediately reinforced by a part of the first division, supported by the cuirassiers of Lieutenant-General Kellerraan. Upon this occasion, the household brigade (k), under Lord Edward Somerset, made several brilliant and gallant charges in support of this important post, defended with obstinacy, and protected by the Artil- lery of the centre and left. The second battalion of the light infantry of the King's German Legion, after having expended its ammunition, defended this farm with the bayonet, but was at length obliged to retire, when La Haie- Sainte fell into the hands of the enemy. This advan- tage secured to him the means of concentrating, by degrees, his heavy masses of cavalry in a hollow, in rear of that farm (U) almost secure from the fire of the Artillery. r 22 ) From this moment commenced the repealed cliarges of the cuiraisicrs, lancers, &c. on tlie ce!)(re ; and a contest, iiiiexcunpled in the annals of war, continued, without intermission, for tliree hours, every descrip- tion of force being amalgamated on the spot. At three o'clock in the afternoon, Napoleon moved forward the Old Guard toa position in rear of La Belle Alliance (S) and advanced himself to a hillock (No. 2.) similar in appearance to his first position, on the side of the main road in advance of the guard. After the disasters sustained by his right wing, he rode thro'Tgh the ranks, rallied and re-formed his bro- ken troops, and re-animaled them by his presence. He then ordered the Artillery of General Nourri, attached to the sixth corps, to replace the guns dis- mounted on the ri^ht of the line, when the fire from that point re-commericed. ( 23 ) At this momrnt, troop?! were perceived to doboucTj from the wood, called Bois de Paris, in rear of Fri- chermont, which Napoleon, on his return to the hil- lock (N 2; ccr.ccivod to be tlie advanced ji^aard of Marshal Crouciiy. This report was quickly spread throughout the aniu, and communicated by General Labedoyerc to the left wing, inefiTectualiy employed agiiinst the chateau of Gomont; but far different! the corps of Marshal Groucliy, composed of thirty-six thousand infantry and six thousand cavalry, was en- gaged at Wavre, witli the third Prussian corps, un- der General Von Thielman. The fatal mistake was soon discovered. The troops which were seen to de- bouch from the wood proved to be two regiments of Prussian dragoons, escorting their intrepid Field IVIarshal; this indefatigable warrior, impatient to await the arrival of his troops, had advanced to re- connoitre the ground. It has never been explained, why Napoleon ne- ( 2-1 ) glcctcd to guard the c eboucJies of the wood ; howover, in making- his dispositions of attack, this important point was evidently overlooked. The Count Lohau, with the sixth corps, supported by the Young Guard, was ordered to defend Plon- cenois to the last extremity, part of the artillery of this corps having been sent to the right of the French line, to occupy the position of the guns dismount- ed by the brigade of General Ponsonby, zcas r^- 'placed hy that of the guard. The cavalry of Ge- neral d'Aumont was stationed upon a plain, in front of the village. At three o'clock the eight regiments of the old foot guards were formed iu squares (S) on both sides of the Charleroi road- Four regiments of the Horse Guards, and aiJ the heavy cavalry, advanced towards the plateau of Mont St. Jean. The intention of Napoleon to break, if possible. C 25 ) the centre of the Allied Army, before the arrival of the Prussians, did not escape the vigilant and pene- trating eye of the British Chief, who, finding his right in no nay threatened, ordered, about three o'clock, the second division, under the command of Lieaten- ant-General Sir Henry Clinton, with the artillery and fourth brigade of the fourth division, to ad- vance to the support of the guards from the plateau above Merbe-Braine (C) towards the right of the cen- tre (u) resting upon Gomont, the brigade of Ma- jcr-General Adam to the left, and the brigades of Colonels Ilalkett and Duplat, more to. the right. A brigade of guns, attached to the division of light ca- valry, under Lieutenant-General Pirc, stationed at jNIon-Plaisir, having advanced (j) to raze the wall of the garden of Gomont, was dislodged by the fourth British brigade, under Colonel Mitchell, supported by the cavalry of Brunswick. The third division of the kingdom of the Netherlands, commanded by Lieu- D ( '26 ) tenant General Cliassc, niarcliecl from Urainc-la- Lcutl uj)on ti)c centre. The first brigade, commanded by Colonel Detmers, which had occupied the village, moved towards the plateau, lately occupied by the second division (C) at the same time that four battalions advanced in v, square, beins: threatened by the enemy's cavalry. A short time afterwards, the two battalions, whicli had received orders to remain in their Hrst position, re- jo-ned the division. The second brigade, under Ma- jor-General Daubreme, which, with the artillery at- tached, had occupied the plateau above Braine-la- Leud, at the ."arm of Vieux-Foriez (E) advanced by Merbe-Braine, and the whole division took up, at six o'clock, a second position, in reserve along the road (W) leading from Nivellcs. About this time, the engagement became general, La llaie-Sainte, having fallen into the hands of the ( 27 ) enemy, tlie heavy cavalry, cuirassiers, carabiniers, dragoons, and cavalry of the guard, rughed simul- taneously forward, and gained the plateau of the cen- tre, with the evident and brave determination to afford each other support. From this moment, the most desperate and succes- uive charges were made upon the squares of the Al- lieir, formed in echelon, some in advance, others a little to the rear, upon a declivity, gradually descend- ing from the crest of this position ; where, notwith- standing they were repeatedly attacked on every side, and harrassed without intermission, they remained im- moveable, presenting \\'\i\\ unt^liaken firmness, an im- penetrable bulwark to the violent shocks of the daring and intrepid cuirassiers ; whose broken squa- drons, although frequently charged by the Allied ca- valry, reformed with unexampled quickness, and re- tiirned to the assault. ( 23 ) The engagement at this time, assumed a most seri- ous aspect. The enemy's cavalry, ru!;hing on with increasing impetuosity, amounting almost io frenzy, obliged the gunners and men altachcd to the artil- lery of the centre, to retire for temporary protection into the squares, whilst they furiously passed through the intermediate spaces. Four tiuies were the guns taken and retaken, when our vigilant artillerymen quickly re-assumed their posts, and, with a ^^ell direct- ed fire, assisted in the overthrow of these retreating sqiiadrons. In many instances, individuals left their ranks, and rode round the squares, >\ith the intention of drawing the fire on themselves, to enable the cavalry to cliarge with a greater probability ofsuccess : to enumerate the oiany proofs of cool indifference to life ( 13), among the dauntless cuirassiers, is impossible ; however, the fol- lowing ciicumstance which occurred, will give the reader an idea of their unexampled intrepidity. ( 2* ) After the thirtieth and seventy-third re;!jimcnts had sustained several charges of the cuirassier?, tlie offi- cer in command, finding every attempt to break them had proved unsuccessful, resorted to finesse, and, rid- ing up to the front of tha square, made an offer of his sword to Major-General Sir Colin Ilalkett. One of the staff immediately near hira, observed, that he 1^ ished to surrender, but far different was the o^inioa of the General, uho liad before experienced tkis rwe de guerre. General Ilalkett rebutted v\ith silent in- difference tliis unworthy stratagem, Avhich so con-^ founded and enraged his wily antagonist, that he once more called on to the charge his disappointed band: but no efforts could shake the steady confi- dence in tiieir General, which inspired our men to repel this attack. During these moments of extreme anxiety and in- certitude, the Duke of Wellington, the Prince of Orange, the Earl of Uxbridge, I-ord Ijill. and many ( so ) other (listingiiislied oflieGis, shewing them.selve* wherever the attack was mo^t violent, animated the soldiers by their example, established coiiiidence, and assisted to re-form the squares, considerably weaken- ed by the destructive fire to w hich they were exposed ; and frequently, by leading different regiments to the charge, contributed, in every degree, to the success of of the day. The household brigade under Lord Edward So- merset, covered itself with glory ; in one of the many- brilliant charges it made, the cuirassiers v»ere com- pletely overthrown, and many driven head-long over an height (B), into a sand-pit on the main road, lead"- ing from Charleroi. The caral)iniers of the kingdom of the Netherlands, under the command of Baron Trip, forced the cuiras- siers in sexeral charges, to retire into the hollow, in rear of La Haic-Saiiite (U). The light cavalry af C 31 ) the centre being frequently opposed to some of the cliosen bvigades of heavy dragoons, gave such proofs cf heroism, and ability, as are seldom to be met with. In reUirning from a charge at the head of his brigade (r) o{ the kingdom of ihe Netherlands, the brave Ge- neral Van Meric was killed. (14) The squares of the British Guards, under Generals r>Iaitland and Byng, presented an impenetrable ram- part of bayonets; their destructive file firing, dismay- ed, and caused the utmost disorder in the superb ranks of the horse grenadiers and the carabiniers, by whom they were principally charged. General Cooke commanding: this gallant division, lost his arm. 'o The courage and firmness of the other troops of the centre, w as not less conspicuous, nor less to be ad- mired, than that of the guards. The third division, commanded by Lieutenant-General Count Alten, (uho was afterwards severely wounded), being much ( 52 ) c^po^eth, from the nature of the position it occupied, was repeatedly charged. The square formed by the thirtieth, and seventy-third British regiments, s-orae- what ill advance, immediately under the command, atid forming a part of the brig^ade of ]Major-General Sir Colin Halicett, was charged eleven times by the lancers of the guard and cuirassiers. (1j) It is not difficult to judge, from the foregoing cir- cumstances, the degree of rage and ungovernable fury which animated their attacks, and led, after a close combat of three hour?, to no one result, but a hor- rible and bloody carnage ! The omnipotent and just hand of providence forsook, not for a moment, her favorite Chief; ever present Mhere the danger was most imminent, or where the battle raged with the greatest fury, h« was preserved, notwithstanding tlw principal part of hi^ staff was either killed, or wounded — preserved, i ( 33 ) not only to the wishes of his grateful country, but of Europe, in whose cause he lias always been tri- umphant ! In the mean time, a part of the fourth Prussian corps, under the command of Lieutenant-General Count Bulow," approached by Lasne, after having surmounted the greatest difficulties in passing the de- files of St. Lambert. Between four and five o'clock in the afternoon, the fifteenth brigade, under General Von Losthin, and the second regiment of Silesian hussars, with a bat- tery of twelve-pounders, were advancing by the wood of Paris. The sixteenth brigade, under Colonel Von Hiller, followed immediately after with the artillery of reserve, and all the cavalry, under the orders of His Hoyal Highness, Prince W^illiam of Prussia. Mar- shal Blucher, without awaiting his reinforcements, determined to attack the enemy, and therefore order- £ ( 54 > c<^ thps:'{\vo brigades to debouch from the \roo(l^ th». fineenth by the left, the sixteenth to the right. The eightcrr.tli regiment of the line, and (ho third regiment of the Militia of Silesia, were detached at Frichermont to Keep open a communication with the left of the Allied Army. The French turned some guns (N) against the Prussians, but no affair of moment took place there. Mtirshal Blucl;er having reconnoitered the position of tl)e enemy, resolved, that his first and principal attack should be made against the reserve, in conse- quence, l:e ordered General Bulo>v to advance on the, plateau (K) in front of Planccnois, witli the greater part of the cavalry. The fourth corps then ft)rmed between the wood of Hanson, and the chateau of Fricliermout (L), being joined, almost immediately, by tlie thirteenth brigade, ( 55 ) iHidor Lieutenaiit-General Von Hacke, and the fonN leenth brigade, under Major- General Von Ryssel, from which they had been for a short time detached, received orders to move to the attack of the village of Plancenois (M) which General Count Lobaa with the sixth corps, supported by tho Young Guard, defended with great obstinacy, notwithstanding his corps was few in num- ber. That village was taken and retaken twice, and, although the efforts of the fourth Prussian corps were unremitted, they frequently proved ineffectual. Count d'Erlon having rallied a brigade of his first corps, supported the left of the sixtli, and advanced vtith the intention to separate the^wo armies, and, if pos- sible, prevent all communication with the Duke of Wellington. Napoleon had already sent four regiments of the Young Guard, under General Duhesme to support the right of the sixth corpp, which the sixteenth Prus- sian brigade, had frequently attempted to turn, >vhen ( 36 ) they succeeded In entering the village a second time, ftttd retook the church-yard, which was occupied by tlie fifteenth regiment of the line, and the first regiment of the militia of Silesia. Two battalions of the Old Guard were again sent from their position in roar of of La Belie Alliance (S) to support the Young Guard, at the same time that the famous batt«ry of twelve- pounders of the former, received orders to ad^ varice and fire over the village, to hold the Prussians in check; by which movement, a partial success wat obtained, and every possible exertion was neces- sary to be used, to enable them to maintafn their position. The second and eighth regiments of Prussian hus- sars, vlgoroui^ly repulsed the attacks of some light cavalry of the first and sixth corps. The fifth bri- gade, and two battalions of the second corps having arrived, under the command of Lieutenant-General Pirch, moved to the right of the village (M). ( 37 ) This reinforcement enabled the Prussians to renew the attack, with their usual ardour and intrepidity. Napoleon still persisted in ordering his troops to advance, notwithstanding he knew his reserve had not only been attacked, but was placed in a most dangerous and untenable position ; his retreat in case of failure, almost certain of being cut off; and the arrival of ^Marshal Grouchy extremely, doubtful. — Although Marshal Ney and many of his most ex- perienced generals considered the fortune of the day more than compromised, every attack having proved unsuccessful, he continued obstinately blind, im- pressed with the feeling that victory was yet w ithin his grasp, and that success would ultimately crown his efforts. About seven o'clock in the afternoon, he ordered four regiments of his guards to advance • towards Mont St. Jean, and moved himself with the entire staff of his army (N 3) to the hollow road ( oS ) wliicli intersects the rising ground, or plateau, in front of La Ilaie-Sainte. Four batteries of the artillery of the guard were in position on his right and left, but not finding the fire to have su(licient effect, lie dismounted, and as- cending the^height, pointed several guns himself (16). A battery, which had been previously posted in advance of the gardens of Li llaie-Sainte, caused great des- truction in the third British division, in position, but a short distance from it (17). Seeing the greater part of his cavalry fatally en- gaged upon the plateau, occupied by the British guards and Count Alten's division, he ordered Mar- shal Ney, at the head of the third and fourth re- giments of chasseurs, and the third and fourth re- girtients of grenadiers of the old guard, to make a fourth attack upon the centre. This column of ve- terans advanced to the support of the cuirassiers> ( S9 ) whose broken squadrons, as they successively return*, ed from the charge, re-formed in the hollow in reap of La Haie-Sainte (U). The Duke of AVellino;ton being informed of llie progress of Count Bulow, and of the advance of the first Prussian corps, under Lieutenant-General Von Ziethen, made every necessary disposition to repel this formidable attack, and avail himself of the first favourable moment to act ofTansively alonj his ^vhole lijie. The different brigades continued to occupy the same positions, excepting some battalions of the Duchy of Brunsvi'ick, which moved upon La Haie-Sainte. These brave troops, during the con- test, amply avenged the death of their gajlant and illustrious Duke. About half past seven o'clock in the evening, the middle guard advanced in column left in front, with supported arms and drums beating, evincing tho ( 40 ) fnoj^t unparalleled coolness, and deploying as it ap- proaclied (t.r.r.r.) the British position, opened to the view, two guns between caeh interval, and upon the flanks of the battalions, which were severally loaded with grape; cool and undismayed, the Allied troops awaited the assault of this formidable band, w hen a dreadful and destructive fire of grape and musketry commenced the work of death on both sides. The Prince ufOrange, yielding to the natural impetuosity of youth, placed himself at the head of the first regi- ment of Nassau-Usingen, and, whilst bravely lead- ing it on to the charge, unfortunately received a wound by a musket ball, which, passing through the left shoulder, obliged him to quit the field. It i? un- necessary to make any comment on the conduct of his Royal Highness during that memorable day. The Nation, over which he is destined to reign, and the troops who witnessed his gallantry, will bear ample testimony to posterity of his worth. C 41 ) The third division of the kingdom of die Xctbci- laiidi, under t!ic command of Ldeutenant-Generul Chassc, v/hicii haxl lalieii i:p a second position, in re- serve, at tix o'cu)t!i<, irpoix the Charloroi road, advan- ced most oppcrtuiieiy aii!i a liglit brigade of guns (u))y unier ^lajor Van der Smisscn, to the support of th^ third Erit.isu divifrion, t'len uarniiy engaged with the Imperial Guards, to v.hosc defeat it materially contributed. The at:ack of the moycnne guarde, hav- ing equally failed at all poii^.ts, the l)aitery before mentiofjcd (u:), and that of Capiaia Napier (u), made dreadful havoc in their columns ; iMsrshal Ney had his horse shot under him, General ?.Iichel was kill- ed, and General jFrlant woun-^e^. /Astonished by a re- sistance SO: ueexpected, and ^seeing their ranks ma- terially thinned by the dreadful tire to which they were exposed, they wavtred, but retired not — when the intrepid Wellington, cbscriing their liesitation, ordered the line to advance, and,, rushir.g on with the bayoniet, swept liic field before him. F ( 42 ) The bri^acles of cavalry, under ]^Iajor-General9 Vandelciir and Vivian, havin^^ moved from the left of the Army to the extreme right, charged the enemy in flank, wliilst the Allied cavalry advanced to the front, tluoiioh the intervals of the squares. Although the Frenc!j guards were repulsed, they retired a short distance in order, but being closely pursued by the infantry and cavalry, were ultimately thrown into the greatest confusion. At the same time that the orchards and wood of 4^1 Gomont were retaken, and the attack upon the cha- teau of Gomont abandoned. La Haie-Sainte Avas re- occupied by the Allied troops. The first Prussian corps, commanded by Lieutenant-General Von Zie- then (li) having arrived by O'Hain, formed a junc- tion, about eight o'clock at night, with the extreme left of the army, and in concert with the troops of Nassau-Usingen, drove the enemy from Smohain and Papelotte, and advanced with the utmost rapidity up- ( 43 ) on La Belle Alliance, while the Prussian cavalry, under General Von Roeder, who had succee le I in turning the right flank of the enemy, closely pursu- ed, and harrassed him in his retreat. The roar of cannon in the rear at Plancenois, the cavalrv panic-struck, or destroyed, the middle guard defeated, and the survivors flying in disorder, alto- gether contributed to spread terror and confu-i^.n throughout the French army. Although the victory was decided in the centre, the sixth corps, .supported by the Young, and two battalions of the Old Guard, still continued to defend Plancenois, with the solitary hope of securing tiie retreat. The first corps of the Prussian army, having formed a junction with the right of the corps, already engag- ed. Prince Bluchcr caused a tliird and decisive attack to be made on tlie French position, in order to cut ofi' that part of the army which defended it. The six- r '2 C ^ii ) tccnlli brigade, having- s!!cccccle{] in tiiniir.G: ihc vil- Ja«;e, the oilier brigades nis])cd on with .such in/.peluo- Eity, that further resistance was impossible. Tiie wj'ole of th.e Piiit:picMi army liaving driven back the reserve of (lie enemy, furred it to retire to- wards the Charleroi read, where it came in contact ^ilh its left ^ving, alreadv in the greatest disorder, and in full retreat, and crowned its snccess l)y a prompt and vigorous ]>urs(iil. During this period, Napoleon retired on La ]jclle Alliance, and orciarcd four regiiiients of tlic Old Ctjard, which l:ad not j)een previously engaged, to cr)\er !.is letieat: but tl:e at- tempt Avas vain, against troops tlurhed with victory, >vho had already resisted tlie jiov/fM-ful euorts of near- ly the entire of his forces. TCotuiilistanding, their defence was desperate, and their retreat v/ell conduct- ed, overpowered by ii umbers, juul obliged to retire, they were almost entirely destroyed. ( 45 ) Those v.iio cscap5>d, having formed tlieinselves into l;vo pquarcs (/.), near Rossomi.ie, Napoleon liircxv hi'P.self for protection into tlie second, when the first being much pressed by the fugitive?, ivas charge.i by a resrimcnt cf British cavalrv. and nearly annihilated. One f^cneral cry was lieard, " sairconsVAigle ;"" wlicn the soldiers Jiaving- formed a group round the stan- dard-l)ear?r. succeeded in caiTvinL'; it off, favoured by the decline of the day. The division of General Pire, and all tlie light cavalry had i)cen posted in the rear, to assist in covering the retreat of the army, and rally, ifpossib'e, the {lying troops; but, unable to stem the torrsnt, it soon participated in that flight uhich it was intended to suppress. All the material uas abandoned — his army had ceased to exist. No- thing remained but a confused unorganized mass, v.iiich rushed with terrified impetuosity on the ?.Iaisoii du Roi, with the hope of gaining Gennppe. Two hundred pieces of cannon, an iuimense number of cri- ( 46 ) soncrs, among whom were many General Officers, fell into the hands of the victorious Army. Marshal Blucher ordered all his cavalry under General Gneysenau to advance, who pursued the enemy from one bivouac to another ; the darkness of the night, and encumbrances of the road, alone pre- vented their total destruction. Many more prison- ers, sixty pieces of cannon, and the carriage and equi- pages of Napoleon, taken upon the road to, and at Genappe, added to the trophies of that memorable day! Napoleon, amidst the confusion and disorder which existed, followed by a part of his staff, succeeded in rnaking his escape, and repassed the Sambre at Char- leroi, on the nineteenth of June, at four o'clock in the morning. (18) Whilst the Prussian troops were occupied in pur- C 47 ) suit of the Frencli, the Anglo-allied army remainoi) upon the field of battle, and fulfilled the painful, yet gratifying' task, of administering- to the ease and com- fort of the wounded of both armies. To give an account or even a partial idea of the loss of the French army, is totally impossible ; the wreck which every where presented itself to the eye on the morningof the nineteenth, formed a mass of destruc- tion so horrible, and e?c^Aded, that human nature €ven now shudders to contemplate. The loss of the Anglo-allied army has been esti- mated at from fifteen to twenty thousand men, and that of the Prussians at three thousand. ( 19) Thus terminated the battle of Waterloo, ever jneraoraple in^ tije annals of the world. Peace to the manes of the brave ! and glory to the ( -IS ) «urvivini;- heroe.: Avho maintained the sacred cause of freedo:'.! and of Europe ! V/liilst the eveiitd of tliat momentous day, are fresh in our recollection, and our minds are carried back to a remembrance of the painful anxiety, m itli ^Y:•.icll every feeling heart \va.5 possessed for the fiitc ofthosd brave iv.en, whose lives v.ere at issue to insuro the re|5o5e and safety of another land, ^vhere a virtuous and wise' Monarch reign^B^Protector of a free and independent constitution, thfl oest bulwark of a Na- tion's rights; let us not forget the meed of praise which is justly duo to the inhabitants of Brussels, and of every city and villr.ge throughout the kingdom of the Netlierlands, to v.iiich the wounded strangers Avcre conveyed, but more particularly to the kind and symv.a*hizing Fair, ^hoee unremitted^ attest ions, and modest benevolence, can never be {•liSsiOlJj^ from the breasts of those who experienced their hospitality — whose suflbrings were solaced by their hand, r I > 1 s. f* EXPLANATORY NOTES. EXPLANATORY NOTES. (*) The most illustrious and most Noble Lord ArthiK, Dulce, Mar- quis, and liarl of Wellington, of Wellington, T.Iat-quis of Douro, in Somerset, Viscount Wellington of Talaveia and Wellington, and Baron Duuro of Wellesley in the said County of Somerset ; a Mem- bar of His Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, in Great Bri- tain and Ireland; Field Marshal of His Armies, Colouel of the Royal Regiment of Horse Guards (Blue); Kniglit of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath, and Commander in Chief of tlie Cautionary Army in France; Prince of Waterloo, and a Field Marshal in the Nether- lands; Dukeuf Ciudad-Rodrigo, Grandee of Spain, of the Firtt Clasi> g2 b.w.^ ( 52 ) and Cnp^ain-flcncral of the Kingdom nf Spain; Dulf of Viforia, Marquis of Tones-Vcdras, Count of Vinuira. anil Maislial-r.encral ia rortiigal. Knit;lu of tlu- Most lllustri'ius Order of ilie Golden Fleece, KiiiglitoflheSp.-inibli Mililarj OrderofSainl Ferdinand; Knight Grand Cross of the Imperial Military Order of Maria Theresa; Kni-ht Grand Cross of the Imperial Cider of Saint George of ItnsMa; Knie;li( Grand Cross of the Order of the Holy Ghost of France ; Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Black Lagleof Russia ; Km-ht Gr.nd Cross of the Torlu'^uese Royal and Military Ordi i of llie Tower ai,d Sword ; Kni, lit Grand Cro.-s of the R.iy;.l and Mi:ilary Order of the Sword of Sweden; Ki.ight Grand Cross of the Oi der of the ElephaiU of Uen- niark ; Knight Grand Cross of ihc Saxon Order of the Croun of Rue ; Kiiii^ht Grand Cross of th;> Rovil and Military Ord.-r oi William of (he Nclherhtnds ; Knight Gra:;d Cross of the Ai.unciade of Sardinia ; of Maximilian Josepn of I5:ivaria, and of tlie Order of Fidelity of the Crand Duch> of Baden, &c. &c. Doctor of Civil Laws, &c. &c. Ilis Grace is Brother to the Most Xoble the Marqnis of Wellesl^y; was born in Ireland, May the 1st, lieO, and elevated to the Feerajje for his important victories obtained over tiie French armies in the Penin.nla ; for which his Grace, the Oifitcrs, and I\Ien under his roni- pjand, reCL-iyed the thanl.s of the Corlcs of Spain, who conferred \\Av. ( 55 ) upon him the Iionor? before mentionp'l, and whic'i have been since . conlirraed by rerilinan'.i the Severn!), King of S,iain. His Grace has also received I he repeateil thanks i^f both Houses of Parliament of the UnileJ Kingdom of Great Hritain and Ireland ; b.it parucul.irly on the 23d June, ISIJ, for iiis mo>t glorious and decisive victories obtained ever the Frencii armies in the Netherlands, comnan.led by Marshal Xey at Qtiatre-Bras, on the IGlh of June, and by Xipoleoii Bonaparte at Waterloo, on the memorable ISth of Juae folldwing, Anno Doiniui 1S13. (1) Some peasants who remained during the artion in the vii'a'^e, stated to me that it was taken, and retaken, fiiur difTerent times ; both parties f.jjhtirg with such inveteracy-, thattllo^e wliosearnis were des- troyed, cio-ed with their antagonists, rcsor'-ioi^ to every p.issib'e exer- tion of which personal prowess is capable, to prove the conliict fatal. Quarter was scarcely given on either fide. In the southern tower of the castle of Ligny isa vaulted apartment to which thtre is no visible entrance, but by an ai)e.ture from above ; into this place ths French threw several woiindt-d Prussians, and fired upon them t'ir.»u^h fhis opening. Inhuman as this act must appear, the feeling mind ( 54 ) ivill revieir each scene of bloodshed "witli addilional horror, uhcii it is known that ihe French were by no means singular in evincing their hatred, and that sucli merciless revenge was prompted by a spirit of retaliation ; yet notvviihstanJin^ Iheir deadly animosity to each other, there have been instances worthy of record, when the nobler passions predooiinated ; one of which I am happy to relate. ^ Immediately previous to the capture of I-igny, a Prussian officer stationed at the farm of Dupont in that village, bein^ attacked by a party of Frencli Tirailleurs, defended it with such bravery that he alone survived when the enemy succeeded in forcing the gate of the Farm Yard. Aware of the fate which he considered would inevita- bly await him,should he fall into the hands of the French soldiers, and availing himself of the only place of refuge, which presented itself at the moment, he quickly descended into a well, but not unobserved by his watchful opponent in command, who addressed him to the^ following cllVct : — " Come ud brave soldier, you have done your *' duty, and if any individual here is dastardly enough to attcmptyour " life, he shall ouly succeed when I have ceased to exist." Previous to the commencement of the action, Napileon left the Mill of Fleurus, at which place he made every ueceisary arrange- ( 55 ) • mont for the approaching contest, and advanced to a Roman Tomb upon the plain, accompanied by his Slafi", and a Land Surveyor named Simon, whom be bad fixed on for a gaide. From (his point the first gun was fired as a signal for the general attack. During the Engagement, the position of Head Quarters was much exposed to the fire from the Prussian Arlillery on the iieights ; Simon, unused to such perilous surveys, was induced to dismount, with the hope of greater safety, which Napoleon perceiving, thus ob- served, " I think, Sir, you seem alarrncd — dissipate your fears — no» thing can hurt you as long as you remain close to me." (2) •' F.N PoTENCc," is a term in Tactics, and used when either win;; of an Army is thrown back, receding from the line direct, and forming an angle upun the right or left centre. (3) It was to the front and right of this Mill, in the fork of the cart road branching off to the Castle and Village of Ligny, that Marshal Blucher, having bad his horse shot under him in heading a charge of Cavalry, remained, without being recognised, in the power «f the enemy, but was retaken immediately afterward. ( 56 ) ' Ills Itig!)nc53 sulTcred considtralily by the bruises lie rereired from Ihe coiilending jiariicf, wlio frcquenil) rode over liim during (be eoLlest. (4) Plateau, the table or summit of a hill or rising; ground. Marshal Blucher was again attacked in this bivouac by the Fourth Corps, under General Girard, when he lost twenlj--four pieces of cannon, and had a considerable number of men made prisoners. This unexpected movement, on the part of tlie French Army, decided the IVIarshal to commence liis retreat upon Wavre sooner than he' bad at first c»ntemplated. (5) Fabius Maximus, one of the greatest Captains of ancient Home, was fi\e times elevated to the dignity of Consul, and obtained from his extraordinary merits, extreme prudence, and superiorgudg- nicnt, the title of the Shield of Rome. Hannibal, who was deservedly," considered one of the first Generals of the day, notwithstanding the splendid Victory he obtained at Cannes, over the Roman Army un- der Varron, declined advancing upon Rome, defended by the remains of that very Army which he had almost annihilated ; in consequence of its bavin;; bicn placed under Fabius, to v\ hose skill and abililUa ( 57 ) ie was by ho means a stranger. His procrastinating mode of war- fare fatigued and diipiiited the army of Hannibal, as Fabius alwayj avoided to give battle or sacrifice tlie lives of his soldiers, un. less certain of victory. The pre-emifleDt qualities of the moderu Fabius are by no meauit confined in similarity to those of the ancient. The young Scipio, contemporary of Fabius, was named Pro-Cou- sul at the early age of twenty -four years, at which time he assumed, iipon the death of his uncle?, the command of the array in Spain, and by his virtues, consummate skill, and the superiority of his manoeuvres, i-e-conquered that country, and obtained for himself and bis army the -love and affection of the people. He was afterwards elevated to the dignity of Consul, as a reward for his wisdom and transcendent la* Jents, and ultimately, after displaying the most profound and iaex< baustible resources in tiie art of war, he defeated Hannibal on tiie field of Zama, obliging that General and the Senate of Carthage to lue for peace upon any terms which the RomaDs might thinJh it |)rudent to grant tLcm. (6) The Duke of Wellington having ghewo a part of hii army '-• ( 58 ) order of battle on llie moriiin;,' of (lie spvcnfffiitl), oritrrd, 'sbbtit tlcvrn odock, tite troops to rr tire by the roadi of CennjTpe and ■Nivelles, and the third Eritish division, under Liiuleuant General Count Altin. to eovcr this movement. In consequence this division fell back on Qiiatre-Bras from the positicm it had occupied during the "night, in advance of the I'icld of Eatllo, upon the Chaileroi road, and rr-advanced in t!ie direction of JTanuir, as far as the Ciibaref, called Le Paiadis, in the village of Thjle, in front of ihe right of the French position. This adn-iirable mara^uvre completely deceived Marshal Ney, who threw back the right wing of hif army upon the wood 6f Delhutte, in order to be prepared to repel this altark, at ■ the same time that he expected his left w ir g to be engaged by a force which he fancied lay concealed in the wood of Eossu. — Cn the con- trary, the third divis-ion having occupied the village for an hour, die- filed to the rear of Le Paradis, in the direction of Geiiappc, covered by (he houses and adjoining wood ; nor did Marshal ISt y discover, for (ome time, (he error into v\Iiich he had fallen. Some partial skirmishirg took place between the advanced posts ia front of the left of the Allied position, at an early hour in the morn- ing, and immediately previous (o the contemplated retreat npotj "Waterloo. C -^^0 ) (7) Duriu°;the retreat tlirou^h Genappe, the covering Squadron of the Seventh Hussars, uncr^i*Tw command of ]^Iajor Hodge, of the lame regiment, particularly signalised itself. It was formed opiioslte the Hotel TOr trWip^CTjjJJben a re:^iment of French Lancers en- tered (hat Village. The Landlord, uiio was conversing with Major Hodge and another Officer, observed — " Gentlemen, joa had better retire;" to which the gallant Major replied — " We do not fear them," and instantly charging, drove them back. Notwithstanding, the repeated defeats which the enemy experienced, he returned to the attack with fresh troops, which still failed to make any attempt on these brave men — but some flanking squadrons having passed the Bridge at Wais, to his left, and the Ford* of the Djlc at Vieux-Gc- nappe, to the right, he was obi iged to retire a short distance, hut not until his gallant party had sabered a considerable number of tlic Lancers, among whom was tiie Colonel, who lost his arm. Having reformed his squadron opposite the post-house at the other It has been asserted that there is a Bri'l^e over the D3le at Vieux-Genappe — a temporary one exists, which is only used l)y (he Inhabitants at harvest time. The w idth of the i iver is not more than •ix feet, and from one foot and an half to three feet in depth. 11 2 c 00 ) tide of llicvillij;!'. he agiin awaited tbc^ Lancers, but opening tv tiic right and left .I's they approached, he found himself .iliarLcd by A squadron of Cuiraisiers, whosr powerful liojacsjijd hca^y armour rendered him perfectly incompetent to4 eriui iioj|jrs aj ^HpSfthcm. This br.iTe and distinguished Officer fell, cohered with wounds, aJ also several of his men, in this heroic but unequal contest. It was at this moment that a squadron of the Life Guards, led on by Major Kelly, made that splendid and heroic charge which nbtained for liim, upon the lucid, the particular and immediate thanks of the Earl of JUxbridge, and has given to that branch of tiie Army the re- putation it so deservedly merits.— Major Kelly personally engaged Ihe Officer cotnmaDding the Squadron, and slew him. General Duhesme, who commanded the Young Guard, was irhu- inanly sab (red by an advanced j)arfy of the Prussians, on the ni-^ht of the ISih of June, when standing at the door of tiie Hotel Roi d"Es- pagne, in which numerous cuts are still to be seen. General Count Lobau, who commanded the Sixth French Corps, in reserve, was made prisoner on the. confines of the village. ( Gl ) It vrai h;re also t!iat t!it great Wellin::;to:) an J the v-n^rable war- rior Bluchcr acciJ-'nt.iIly met on rfie ISlli, at half pa?! ten o'clici: at ni(r!it, after the glorioiu tcrrainalion of (he day, and not at i.i Belle Alliance, as has been erroneously staled. (8) The high rejratation which the laleFrenchlmperial Gaards, (sty- led " Invincihles") held in Europe. darin;5t'je Cimpai^ns in Egypt, (lerrnany, Russia, the Peninsula, and at Waterloo, has induced n.e to give the foil )wing Note upan the internal osconomy and organiza- tion of that force, and the distinction? which existed between the respective Corps of which it wai cjnip3seJ, unJer the late Dyaasiy. FRENCH IMPEHIAL GUARD. Nolwith^tandino; the four Regimints of each Arm, both the Chas- seurs, and the Gren:tdiers, were always styled the Old Guard, yet tiie title of MoYENNG, or .Middle Gaard, was given to the Third and Foarlh flejim-nts of each arnr, because the SoUicrs of the Fir^t and Second Regiments were required to have served tun years, and those of the Third and Fourth, six years, before they entered into Ihat service. The pay aUj differed in propirt ion, but did not afl'-ct ( 02 ) the Officers and Non-Commisiioncd Officers of (he Old and Middle Guard. The Imperial Guard, l)y a succcssioo of dilTcrent circum stances, was latterly not only considerably reduced in Dumber;, but experienced a material change in (he organization. THE OLD GUARD— INFANTRY. In 1812, the Old Guard, besides a numerous Staff, T^as composed of Thirty five Ret,iments of Infantry ; of w hith, Thirteen Regiments, called Tirailleurs, and the same number Voltigeurs, formed wiia{ ■was denominated the Young Guard. There ^vas also attached to the Guard, a lit^imcut of Plpilles or Orphans.* All tiie Regiments were composed of Eight Companief, formed in two Battalions of Eight Hundred Men each. The Guard had also two Regiments of Toot Artillery, the one attached to the Old, the other to the Young Guard, and a Corps, of Mariners, composed of Eight Companies. • This Regiment, and the Second Ileginient of Red Lancers, were Dutch ; the first wai styled Pipilj.ls, in consequence of its being orined by youths taken from the Orphan Houses in Holland. ( 63 y CAVALRY OF THE GUARD. The Cavalry consisted of a regiment of Horse Grenadiers, one of Dragoons, one of Light Dragoons' , two of Lancers, a squadron of Mamelukes, four squadrons of Gendarmes d'Elite, a regiment of Horse Artillery, and two regiments of the Train attached, with a Park of from forty to fifry Pieces of cannon — twelve-pounders, inde* pendent of some pieces — eight-pounders, attached to the Corps. "When Xapoleon was forced to quit France for the Island of Elba, about ^ght hundred men followed hira, under the command of Ge- neral Cambrone ; the remainder who survived the Campaigns of 1813 and 1814, were dismissed, or placed in Regiments of the Line, by Louis XVIIl. who di d not retain in his service more than two thousand six hundred men of each arm, which were named the Royal Corps of Cbaiseurs and Grenadiers of France, THE OLD GUARD RE-ORGANISED. On the return of Napoleon from the Island of Elba, he ordered the This Regiment was the mobt ancient of the Guard ; it was formed in Egypt under Napoleon. ( Gi ) OIJ Cujird t» be re-o»ganiscd, and fonned upon these two Curpt, vrhicli were tlicn increased to four irgiincnis of Chasseurs, and four of Grenadiers a ricD, as before ineniioned. The eight companieg of both regiimnls were to have been composed cf two hundred men each, but there was not sufficient liuie to complete the thiid and fc.urfh rep;!nirnt5 ; iudceJ, many men of the latter had no other Uniform at the Baltic of ^Vatei loo, than a great coat and a forag- iog cap. The eight hundred men vho returned from the Island of Elba, foimcd the cauke, or four companies of Officers and" Non-Commls- «ioned Officers of the Guard, \\ ho were placed at the head of the first and second battalions of the fust rogiir.cnts of Grenadiers and Chasseur?. All these Soldiers were decc rated with the Cross of the Legion of Jloaour'. » There was but one eagle for each Arm— one for the four regiments cf Grenadiers, and one for the four regiments of Chass^eurs. • Lvcry soldier who had obtained the Decoration of the Legion of Hononr, received a pension of two hui.drcd and fifty francs a year, An_d became a Member of the Electoral College of the District ia which he Mas (]uartcred. C Gj ) The Guards, but particularly the GUI Guard, enjoyd rmny ad- Vantages not only in respect tn rank, but p.iy. The Si.ifT nas ex treinely numerous. To be Colonel in Chief of a regiment, it was necessary to bave (he rani: of General of Division ; and the Major Ctimmanilant, that of General of En.^n'.Ie. An officer, on entering the Guards, from the Line, served ri-giinentally one step below that vhicii he held in the Army; a Ca;)l;iin as First Lieutcmnt, and so throughout the Ofiiccrs. A Serjeant from (lie Line served a« a Pri- vate Soldier in the Old Guard, but vras nl-^avs advanr<.'i! a= oppor- tunity offcrfd. It was, iii ^eot'rai, rerruit,rd frorn tlie Line l>v deserv- ing men, and those who had seen (he moit service. Independent ot Ihc honour of beirg in that brancli of the Army, it was (-.referable to any other. The Old Guard was alone intended for the personal safi'ty of the ICmiifvor; it could not receive orders except from the immediate officers of the Corps, and those attached to the Imperiial Household ; nor was it obliged to report or e.vplain any circuoistaDce which niiijht occur, but to such autiioriiies. The pay was equally advantageous. Besides the indemnity for lodjrin^ti, half the erpeacc of clothing Sec. the officers received every year, on Jie fifteenth of August, called Xai'oleon's moxtii, a "ra-* tw'ny of one moniii's pay, besides whicii, almost all the odSccri and 1 JfMHeof tlie men rcreived ilotalions cither in money or lanJ, nliiclipver titcy prrferrcd. Every soldier of the first regiment of each arm had 20 sols, of the second Iti, and of the third and fourth rr;^iments 14 golsperday. The cavalry was subject to the same regulations, and paid accordingly. The g;rcnadiers ar.d chasseurs had the same clothinc;; they both wore large bearskin caps, and (hose of the former were only distinguished, by a brass plate in front, on wbich the Im* perial Eagle vras impressed. THE YOUNG GUARD. Tije troops ^vhich composed the Young Guard were distinguished by the denomination of Voltigeurs and Tirailleurs of the Guard.— The former were attached to the C hasscurs, the latter to the ,Gre« r)adicrs. On the returjo of Napoleon, it was his intention to haTC re-organiz- ed six regiments for each arm, but be had not time to etTect it. Ma« jors commanding these Regiments were paid in every respect as the Majors of the Old Guard, but the rest of the officers were considered ( 67 ) and paid as tliose of the Line. The soldiers enjo3ed the same pay auJ privileges as the Grenadiers of the Line. THE CAVALRY OF THE OLD AND YOUNG GUARD. Th; Cavalry of the Guard had the same distinctions and privileges as the Foot Guards, aot only in respect to rank but pay, wlucli was regulated in the same proportion as before observed. Each regiment was conoposed of twenty troops one hundred strong; of which, the tan senior were called the Old, and the remaining the Young Guard. The soldiers of the former alone wore ai^ui- lettes. The Young Guard a Cheval, acted as skirmishers to the Light Ca- ralry, Gre:r.idiers an! Dragoons, or to whatever descriptiou uf troops they were attached, m^ .^^Hp^thc Red Lancers, (Dutcii,) the Old Guard wore a scarlet BBiforo; the Yjuu^ Guard was clothed in blue. The Col:;uel in I 2 ( CS ) cltiff of fach re^iinenl, as in (lie Infantry, was a General of Divijion, and (he ^lajor Coinnianflanl, Gi'neral of Brigade. A chef dVsca- dn II, of llu' Line, wlio held the rank of I. ieut. -Colonel in the army, on entering t'lc Imperial lloiso Guards, obtained t!ie po^: of Cai)tainf and a Serjeant or Corporal eould not enter, unless he had served (en years, and then only as a private soldier ; however, he na? cerlain of pvoinolion if his conduct was approved. T!ie pay oftiie soldiers of the Yourq Guard was the same as that of the Line, On the departure of Napoleon for the Itiand of T-lba, Louij Win. oiiligid a considerable number of tliem to be inrorpo^ rated wiih the line. Tiie regiments of the Old Guard, then forming' but eight troops, were called the Royal Corps of France, l lie same ^ as t!ie Infantry, but their pay was decreased. The First Kegl. o£ Light Horse, Polish Lancers, returned to rolunJ, e.\cepting Lieut,- Cnlonel Jion. Had not the Earl of Uxbridge, now Marquis of Anglesea, met this lignal misfortune, it is more than probable that Napoleon Bonaparte 4nd the wbolc of his Staff would have been made prisoners. ( ''2 ) Licufcnnnl-Cprn'ral Sir Thomaa Picton fi'U between fhc two Inr^d threes marked in tlie frune lucJ^^.- rov., and ihs g.Ulant Sir WiHiani Ponsoiil))' in (lio lioilow between i(,aiul the centre of the lighl wiu^ of the French arinv, (10) Vvhen Napoleon left Paris lo take the command of liis armVj lie olifcrved lo one of liis Generals " .le vais mc mesnrer avcc ce grand Wellin^^ton." U; on lie morning ot the ISth of June, when he approatliid ihj hi'luck rear i' e hamlet of tlic Maison dii Rot, (N(>. 1) ««nd sair the Allied Army in order of battle before him, !ie sarcastically observed, " Ha ! je les tiens done, ces Anglais."' " Ila 1 I have f;ot thess Enj,lisli at last." * • • • He was attended by a pca?anf, named Jean Baii^te de Coster, who formerly resided in a cottage upon the main road, at the .coinmer,ccir.cnt of the passage leading to Planrenois, but at present at Joli-Rois, between Mon(>Saint Jean and Waterloo. Implicit con- fidence is not U> be j^ivcn to every account uhich he has bible for him, in Ms sila- r.tion, to hecoine acquainted v.i;!! the operations of the Allied Army on the IStli of June. ( 73 ) rrom the nuraberless interrogatories which have been put to !:im by the curious wiio have vibited t lie field, he may have been led to decide on subjects connected with various circumstances of the dr:y (^rather than be thought ignorant of them) to which lie muat have been a total •tranger. Divest, ho^vever, his account of extraneous embellish* inents,and he will prove the most intelli;^ent of ihe many guides wha present themselves, independent of the interest excited bj his having waited on Napoleon during tliat memorable day. (11) Jerome Bonaparte, ci-devant Kinj of Westphalia, youngest bi other of Napoleon Bonaparte, was styled Jerome Napoleon, io con- sequence of bis having, ia concert with the other members of his fami- ly, relinquished the name of Bonaparte. (12) To make any comment on the ofEcer who commanded the detachments ;engagcd in the defence of this chateau, equivalent to bis merits, is i.upossible ; but, as a ci rcurastance has come to my knowledge, not generally known to t he public, it would be an injus- tice to him auJ the brave soldier who supported him, v.ere I to 'Withhold it. When the li^ht troops nhich had occupied the wood and orciiardi K C 71 ) of Goinont uere forced lo retire within tlie walls of ihe chateau, the rreiicli follov\ed ^d iiuiucdiaiet^ after, tliat lliey liau nearly succeed- in entering the yard, bat Lieutenant Colonel ?.rDonucH, assist d by a corporal ofliis re;;iirte.it, (who lias since n ccived a pmsion foi liia gallantry,) cjijiosed themselves personally to the enemy, and i re- Teuted iiis entrance, Dot only by thek strenuous and syi ited exertions, but by bodily strength and athletic powers, succeeded in ahullin^ and securing the ,",ate. Several French soldiers scaled the walls of thegnrden, but I'ley i:i- star.tly fell victims to their temerity. Their exertions to obtain liiij position were not alone confined to the front and left of tie garden, strengthened by a ten feet wall, as a detachinent from the tliird divi- sion of Lieutcnaiit-Ceneral Foy, having passed through the orchard, to the rear of the garden, cut down about eight feet of the hedge which encloses it on that side ; but being warmly received by a party of the guards stationed in the shrubliery, and also exposed loa heavy fire of musketry from the troops of the right v. ing, it uas forced to relinquish the attempt, and retired after lUsiainiug a congi^, derable loss. (_13) The intrepid conduct of the Cuirassiers was not only p'^rticnlarly marked durinn; the engas^rment, but the nnme. rous instances of extreme indifference witli which they subuiiited to have their wounds dressed cannot be better exemplified than by the following facts : — A ;)rivafe soldier of the Cuirassicri being wounded in the left side b} a mu.-kel ball, •\v!iich had penetrated the cuirats, it was necess- ry to make an incisiT)ii in order to extra'.t it. ^V)len tlie operation i^as over, the soldier c,'>olly demanded from the surgeon, if he had found the hall, on beiiv^ answered in ihe afurmalive, he rejoined, " had you cut an inch deeper, you would have found the Eiapcror." An uncomnion instance of entliusiasin and patience under sufiering ii strongly depicted in the following account: — A soldier, of (he same arm, bcin» obliged to submit to have his le" amputated, said, " Well, if it must go, off with it."' During the operation not even a sigii was heard to escape liim, but when it was finished, he desired to see his leg, and tiirowinp; it into the air exci.iimed, " Tiiank Cod, I have still a le;;; left— I can yet serve " my couiilry." k2 ( 7G ) A singular example of rash drterminatlon i? pourtrayeH in ibe ao- aexed circuinsiance, to which I was oiystlf an eye witnfst. In one of t'le charges of the Cuirassiers, a private soldier having had his horse ^hot under him, fell also severely mounded, close to the bayonets of one of tiic squares, which liaving moved a few pace* lo the front, p'accd him in the centre of it ; there, deplorin» his fate, he begged of dilTerent offirers to put a period to his existence. — A soldier falli"^ at the moment by his side, he seized liie arms, ami quickly disengaging the bayonet, raised his cuirass, and plunged it into his body, rolling it about \>ith a degree of dcsperalion and ferocity, easier to be i'r.ngined tlian described. Not feeling that his immediate dissolution was likely to follow this act, he with- drew the bayonet, and re-plungcd it in his throat. (14) This distinguished oiricer, much esteemed for his gallantry, and high sense of honor, was struck by a cannon shot in returning frem a charge, after leaving to the world a strong and unequivocal proof of the noble feelings by which his genf>r;il conduct was influenced. — A ihort time previous to his receiving the fatal blow, which put a period to his existence, he met, while engaged with the enemy, a French Ge- ( 77 ) neral, with whom he had lived, under the latedynasfy of France, id •Irict terms of friendship, and whom it was either in his power to have put to the sword, or made prisoner; but deprecating liie idea of taking advantage nf a situation in which accident had placed biin, saluted h im, and said, " This, General, is ray side of the field, that is yours — take care of yourself — adieu." ■^Vhen General Van Merle fell, his Aid-de-Camp dismounted, and wished to remain with him, but he declined it, staiing, that his ser- vices would prove more useful with his brigade Iban to bim, as he felt that he could not survive an hour. It appeared to me, as if this gallant soldier was irapressed with a presentiment of his approaching fate. 'While taking somo refresh- ment with him, and Major-General Ghigny, after the action had com- menced, the latter remarked, that the fire from the enemy's Arlillerj was considerably encreasing : General Van Merle then observed, that bis Military career would terrainate on that day, and also, in a letter, addressed to his wife, found upon the table in his closet, similar feel- ings were expressed. About the same lime fell severely wounded Colonfl Sir Williaai De- lancy, Deputy Quarter-Master General to the. British Army. ( '^s ) This incomp.irable ofiircr was drservedly cslcpmcd by Vac I)uke of Wellingldii, v.lut honored him with his particular confi- dence and rpfxard. On recrivin:^ Ills uound, the officer- immediately near him, wished to have him removed to tlic village of IMont SU Jean, but he declined it for a considerable time, exclaiming " no, no, leave me where I am, I know I must die ; therefore, let inc at least' hare the satisfaction of dying upon the field." lie was afterwards removed to AVaterloo, where, after lingering some days, be died deservedly regretted by the whole army. (15) This q-illant officer, was n-uch esteemed by the Duke of Wellington in the war of the Peninsula. For his intrepidity, and cool unbiassed judgment in the moment of danger, he iias ever been conspicuous, but on that day, he surpassed even himself! he was thrice wounded, once most severely and dan- geroujly, and had four horses shot under hira, at the head of his bri- gade, and in Icadii'g on successively two squadrons of cavalry to the charge. ( 79 ) The majority of the SlaiTof the Duke of Wfilington, wns eithpt lilltd or wounded upon the right ai:d rear of the advanced square of General Flalivett's brigade, his Grace being frequently with it during the action. It was supported by the square cf the thirty-third ai.d six- ty-ninth re^iincnts, which covered the interval bcCwccn the former and the Guards; though not equally subject to the charges of the Tronch cavalry, these regiments suffered con5ideral>Iy from the lieavy cannonade to whicli they were exposed, and by their cool, intr.-pid conduct, honourably supported the character of the British soldier. Amons; the many brave officers who fell on that day there is no inronch of tiie British and Prussian cavalry, he retired by Oenappe, Qnatre Bra«, Cosselies, and Charlc- roi, to Marcinclle, where he entered a public house called La Gan- jjptte, keptby Pierre Diesbec'c, and demanded a guide, evincin<; a itronj desire that the Landlord should accompany him. lie remained nearlv two hours walking in the garden, accompanied by ^Marshal Bertrand and several Gi^nera' OfTicers, witli whose assistance he oner; more atterripled to rally his troop*, but the flyiof; soldiers paid no other attention to him than by crying »* Vive I'Empereur !" mais rile ne»c rend pas." " The Imperial CiiarJ ;:now8 how to die, but not to siirreiidcr." A few minutes after the brave general wa^ dan(;eron-lv wounded, and the greater part of the veterans who sur- rounded him, fell victims to an enthusiastic heroism which every sol- dier must admire, but all regret. ( S3 ) Finding bis efforts ineffectual, and having obiained a guide, be left JMarcinellc b> a icad >vliicli leads fitm ilie chausste to liie rear of ihe public house, aud proceeded in the direction of PLilippcville, and fiom ilieiice by Post to Paris. His former ^uide Jean Batiste de Coster was dismissed at this Vil- lage, and received om; Napoleon, according to his assertion, from jlarslial Berirand, as a reco n^pciice for exposing his life during the T\hule of the preceding day. The farm house of Cailliou, in the rear of the centre of the French Army, as well as the Chateau of Goiaont iipuU the right, and the farm tf Papclolte upon the left of the Allied Army, were destroyed by fire. — Some hundreds of wounded men perished in the two former. (19) This calculation ai'plies solely to the Battle of Waterloo, and thiir subsequent loss in follov>ing up the retreat cf the Freiich army. Tiiut which they must base su>taiiicd fium the comuieuccmcnt uf hos- tilities to the disastrous teimiuatioii of tiie Battle of L'gny, car.not be esiiiuated at IcsS than tv>tiiij-fi\e liiousaud men, independent of prisou- er= ; and the loss of the Ficnch am j at Lij,ny alone, must have been, from its cipoitd position, at the vcr} least, twenty thousand oica, « ( 84 ) I regret to say, that my local rrsearclies among the historians and topographers of the Low Countries, dif) no( afford the grnnnds of in- formation, which 1 anxiou^ly sought after, to enable me to give an aboriginal account of the various places, such as Fleurus, Ligny, "Waterloo, &c. rendered memorable from tiie peculiar circumstances ^hich occurred there, in a war which has proved the most important of the many that have taken place during the laat and present centuries. FINIS. ERRATA. TITLE PAGE. For Heaven read God. 10 1 19 3 21 5 22 5 23 6 23 . H TRANSLATOIi's PREFACE. or to give publ ing publicitj/. PAGE. riNE. 8 9 For to give puhlicitj/, read to join in giv- INDICATIONS. Eead Borse artillery attached. For (m), read (m). For la Iluie, read la Haj/e, For ( j ', read (J). For (Ml, read ii). For ^W), read (M). E ir R A T A. TAGE. riNE. 51 II For Crt), read (;7). 58 15 For (o , read (o). 42 6 For {jjy) read (yy). 42 17 For Moycr.ne Guavdcy read Moycnno Garde. translator's introduction. 2&S 18 & 5 For Gossdks, read Gosstlks. G 5 For JMorlar, read Ilozcilzer. 6 5 For Faini de la Cour, read Z/ieFarm, &c. battle of WATERLOO. 3&42 15&1j For O'JIai/i, read Ohain. 5 G For Soignes, read Soigne. 11; 14 For TircilcurSy read Tirailleurs. For (W) read (w). For Moyenne Guardc, read IMoyciine Garde. For /Ac Protector, read Proleclor. For olliUred, road ohlitcraicd. i^G IG 41 9 48 9 48 17 ERRATA. MOTES. CO 2 For approached, read approached /iffff. 60 4 For oppose, read withstand. 67 13 For Among, read Of. 80 U The number of the note (17), has been omitted. 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