01= -< 2 Z ^P*0 I 23 G><0 *S ^/MAINfl 3\\V Irn T' r an ^ * n squares against charging squadrons of cavalry. What, then, might not be achieved by such innate valour by such consummate disci- pline ? The entire confidence which he reposed in his men was warmly reciprocated on their part. With such a chief to lead them, they would have bravely confronted the whole French army, had it been moving in mass against them. The flight of the panic-stricken Dutch-Belgians produced no effect upon them beyond that of exciting their derision and contempt. The 28th, 32d, and 79th regiments of Kempt's brigade, when deployed, occupied a line parallel to, and about fifty yards distant from, the hedge along the Wavre road, its right resting on a high bank lining the Charleroi road, and its left terminating at a point in rear of that part of the AVavre road which begins to incline for a short distance towards the left rear. In their right front, immediately overlooking the intersection of the Charleroi and Wavre roads, stood (as before stated)* the reserve of the 1st battalion 95th rifles ; they had two com- panies, under Major Leach, t posted in the sand-pit adjoining the left of the Charleroi road ; and one company, under Captain Johnston, J at the hedge on the knoll in rear of the sand-pit. Their commanding officer, Colonel Sir Andrew Barnard, and Lieut. * See page 334, vol. i. t Now Lieut. Colonel Jonathan Leach, C.B. J Major William Johnston died in April, 1836. FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. 9 Colonel Cameron,* were with these advanced com- isthof i- June. panics, watching the enemy s movements. Pack s line was in left rear of Kcmpt's brigade, and about 150 yards distant from the Wavre road. Its left rested upon the knoll between the Wavre road and a small coppice on the reverse slope of the position ; but the centre and right extended across a consider- able hollow which occurs on the right of that cop- pice. The front of the interval between the two brigades became, after the retreat of the Dutch- Belgians, completely exposed and uncovered. The French left central attacking column had continued its advance in a direction contiguous to, and parallel with, the high road, until the skir- mishers in its front were suddenly checked by the companies of the 95th British rifles posted in the sand-pit, which obstacle had hitherto been in a great measure concealed from their view by the particular formation of the ground, combined with the height of the intervening corn. Influenced by the discovery of this impediment, and by the ap- pearance of the abatis upon the high road, the column inclined to the right so as to clear the sand-pit ; and, as their skirmishers were pressing on in that direction, the companies of the 95th be- came turned, and were forced to fall back upon the other company stationed along the little hedge in rear of the pit. So vigorous and effective was * Now Major General Sir Alexander Cameron, K.C.B. ]0 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN 18th of the fire maintained from this hedge hy the British riflemen, both upon the skirmishers and upon the column itself, that the latter was induced to swerve still further to the right, out of its original direction. The retreat of Bylandt's brigade having removed all impediment to the advance of the central at- tacking columns, the three companies of the 95th soon found themselves outflanked by the French skirmishers, and gradually retired upon their re- serve. The light companies of the other regiments of Kempt' s brigade, which had moved out to skir- mish, fell back in like manner, accordingly as the French columns advanced. With a view to secure the left flank of the attacking force, and at the same time to connect the movements with those on the opposite side of the high road, the French pre- sented a strong line, or rather a mass, of skirmishers, in the interval between that road and the left cen- tral column. As the columns now rapidly approached the crest of the Anglo-allied position, the greater part of the batteries along the French ridge that is, all those which had been cannonading that portion of the line embraced by the attack gradually sus- pended their fire. The partial cessation of their thunder was immediately succeeded by loud and reiterated shouts from the columns of " Vive VEm- pereur /" whilst at short intervals were heard the cheering exhortations of ' * En avant ! en avant !" mingled with the continued roll of drums beating FRANCE A\D BELGIUM IN 1815. 11 the " pas de charge." The left central column was 18th < . . . . Jane - advancing in a direction which would have brought o o it in immediate contact with the right of the 28th British regiment and the left of the 79th High- landers, and had arrived within about forty yards of the hedge lining the Wavre road, when Picton moved forward Keinpfs brigade close to the hedge, where it was joined by its light companies, who came running in, followed by some of the most daring of the French skirmishers, who, however, were quickly driven back. Suddenly the column halted, and commenced a deployment to its right, the rear battalions moving out rapidly to disengage their front. Picton, seizing upon the favourable moment, ordered the brigade to fire a volley into the deploying mass, and its brief but full and con- densed report had scarcely died away, when his voice was heard loudly calling " Charge ! charge ! Hurrah !" Answering with a tremendous shout, his devoted followers burst through the nearest of the two hedges that lined the Wavre road. In D doing this, their order was in some degree broken ; and, when making their way through the further hedge, a fire was poured into them by such of their opponents as had their front uncovered. The enemy's skirmishers that had previously fallen back upon the flanks of the column instantly darted for- ward, and by their rapid and close-telling fire as- sisted in the endeavour to augment the apparent disorder of Kempt's line. The 79th Highlanders ) HISTORY OF THE WAR IN isth of suffered greatly, and experienced some delay in _ clearing the hedges. The Ensign (Birt whistle*) carrying the regimental colour of the 32d, was severely wounded. Lieutenant Belcher, f who com- manded the left centre subdivision, took the colour from him. In the next moment it was seized by a French officer whose horse had just been shot under him. A struggle ensued between him and Lieutenant Belcher ; but, while the former was at- tempting to draw his sword, the covering colour- serjeant (named Switzer) gave him a thrust in the breast with his halbert, and the right-hand man of the subdivision (named Lacy) shot him, just as Brevet Major Toole,t commanding the right centre subdivision, called out, though too late, (for the French officer fell dead at Lieutenant Belcher's feet,) " Save the brave fellow !" The delay in crossing the hedges was but momentary ; order was speedily restored ; and then, levelling their bayonets, the brigade disclosed to view the glorious sight of a British line of infantry at the charge. It was during this brief struggle that a severe and irreparable blow was inflicted upon the entire British army, and a whole nation plunged into grief and mourning for the loss of a chief, the brilliancy of whose career had so excited her admiration, and the * Now Major John Birtwhistle, Unatt. t Captain Robert Tresillian Belcher retired from the service on the 13th May, 1821. $ Major William H. Toole died on the 17th of August, 1831. FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. ]3 fame of whose exploits had so exalted her pride.* i8tb of The truly brave and noble Picton was struck by a '_ musket-ball on the right temple. His death, which was instantaneous, was first observed by the Earl of Uxbridge's aide-de-camp, Captain Horace Sey- mour,f whom he was, at the moment, desiring to rally the Highlanders. Captain Seymour, whose horse was just then falling, immediately called the attention of Picton's aide-de-camp, Captain Tvler, to the fact of the general having: been / O wounded, and, in the next moment, the hero's life- less corpse was, with the assistance of a private soldier of the nearest regiment, borne from off his charger by that officer. Thus fell the gallant soldier, who, as the leader of the 3d or " fighting division" in the Peninsular war, had already ac- quired an imperishable renown in the history of the British army. As his life was spent in fighting the battles of his country, his death was an end suited to his stirring career. His brave spirit passed away amidst the roar arid din of the bloody con- flict, and his eyes closed on his last of fields in the very moment of the advance of his troops to victory 4 * It is said that one of Napoleon's first inquiries, on the morning of this clay, wns, " Quest hi division de Picton?'' t Now Colonel Sir Horace B. Seymour, K.C.H. t What nobler instance of patriotism could be afforded than the fact, that in order to secure his being present at the great battle which he fore- saw would take place, he concealed from everyone the circumstance of bis having been wounded at Quatre-Bras. This was not discovered until his 4 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN isth of The French column, surprised in the midst of _ its attempted deployment, and appalled by the bold and determined onset of Kempt's line, appeared as if struck by a panic, fell into irremediable con- fusion, and fled with precipitation from its pursuers. Just as the British brigade bore down the slope, its front was partially crossed from the right by French cuirassiers, followed by the 2d-I&itish life guards ; the former, dashing in amongst their own thickly- scattered infantry-skirmishers, who threw them- selves down to allow both fugitives and pursuers to ride over them, and then, in many instances, rose up and fired after the latter. But although the greater part of the cuirassiers turned about and boldly faced their opponents, whereby several iso- lated individual contests occurred, the 2d life guards soon obtained the mastery, and compelled them to resume their flight, whilst the 95th rifles speedily closed upon the disordered mass of infantry through which this portion of the cavalry had passed, and amongst which the greatest confusion and consternation prevailed. Many flew wildly corpse was laid out at Brussels, shortly after the action. It then appeared that the skin, on one side, just above the hip, was raised into a very large bladder, and distended with a mass of coagulated blood, unaccompanied by any abrasion. It had evidently been occasioned by the action of a round shot, causing extensive contusion, and its very dark colour showed that the wound must have occurred previously to the 18th of June. Such was Picton; such his stern sense of duty ; such his boundless zeal for the honour of his profession ; such his complete devotion to the cause of his sovereign and country ! FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. 15 they scarcely knew whither : others delivered them- 18th f J J . June. selves up j and several were seized as prisoners. On its right, the brigade was supported in the charge by the 1st light battalion of the King's Ger-v/ man legion, which crossed over for that purpose from the opposite side of the high road. Immediately after passing through the hedge, the extreme left of the 28th regiment had unexpectedly found itself almost in contact with a well-formed French column still advancing against the Allied position. The right wing of the regiment was too deeply engaged with the column directly before it to admit of its attention being drawn off to any other quarter ; but the left wing, having a clearer front, boldly brought forward its right shoulders, thus detaching itself from the right wing, and fired into the left flank of the advancing column at the very moment when the head of the latter was charged by the right regiment (the Royals) of Pon- sonby's brigade of heavy cavalry. Kempt, be- \f coming aware of the prolongation of the French attack along the line to his left, and of the conse- quently exposed state of this flank, and possessing no infantry-support or reserve of any kind, felt himself under the necessity of restraining his men from further pursuit, and ordered the brigade to halt and re-form. The left wing of the 28th, how- ever, having its whole attention fixed upon the column charged by the Royals, followed these dra- goons some distance down the slope, and assisted Q HISTORY OF THE WAR IN isth of them in securing a great number of prisoners, after which it fell back, and rejoined the right wing of the regiment. The 95th rifles continued advancing, and driving the French skirmishers before them, beyond the knoll by the sand-pit. From this extremely gallant and most decisive attack by Kempt's brigade, we must proceed to describe the no less brilliant charges performed by * both Somerset's and Ponsonby's cavalry-brigades ; but to afford a more ready comprehension of this period of the action, it will be necessary, in the first instance, to revert to the attack and defence of La Haye Sainte. The French skirmishers thrown out by the left brigade of Donzelot's division advanced boldly and resolutely against the orchard of La Haye Sainte. The first shot tore away the bridle of Major Baring's horse close to his hand, and the second killed Major Bb'sewiel, the next in command. The three companies of the 2d light battalion of the King's German legion, which, as before stated, were posted in the orchard, together with two com- panies of the 1st light battalion of the King's Ger- man legion under Captains Wynecken* and von Goeben,t and a company of Hanoverian riflemen under Major von Spbrken, which were extended on the right of the farm, presented a gallant resistance * Now Lieut. Colonel Christian Wynecken, K.H. in the Hanoverian service. t Captain Augustus Alexander von Goeben was killed in this battle. FRANCE AXD BELGIUM IN 1815. J to the enemy ; but the latter continued to press isth of June. forward with superior force, and the main body of the French brigade having formed two columns of attack, which were rapidly advancing, one into the orchard, and the other towards the buildings, Major Baring fell back with his men upon the barn. At this moment, Colonel von Klencke reached the farm with the Liineburg field-battalion, which Wellington, on observing the French advance, had detached from the left of Kielmansegge's brigade as a re- inforcement to the troops at La Haye Sainte. Baring immediately endeavoured to recover the orchard, and had already made the enemy give way, when he perceived a strong line of cuirassiers forming in right front of the inclosure. At the same time, Lieutenant Meyer* came to report to him that the enemy had surrounded the garden in which his company was posted, and that it had become no longer tenable. Baring ordered him to fall back into the buildings, and to assist in their defence. The skirmishers upon the right, on the sudden appearance of the cavalry, ran in upon the orchard to collect together, but coming in contact with the newly-arrived Hanoverians, the latter got into disorder j and the effect produced by the sight of the advancing line of cuirassiers in then* front, as also by the shouts of the French infantry gaining possession of the garden in their rear, was such, that * Xow Captain Charles Meyer, in the Hanoverian service. VOL. II. C g HISTORY OF THE WAR IN isth of notwithstanding all Baring's exertions to halt and collect his men, the whole of these troops hetook themselves to an indiscriminate flight towards the main position of the Allied army, a course which they seemed to imagine constituted their only chance of safety. They were speedily undeceived. The cavalry overtook them in the midst of their confused retreat, rode over, sabred, and still further dispersed them ; whilst, to add to the severity of their loss, they became exposed, after the cavalry had passed on, to a flank fire from the enemy's in- fantry lining the hedge of the garden. A portion of them succeeded in gaining the main position, whilst the remainder, securing themselves in the buildings, augmented the little garrison under Lieutenants Carey* and Grseme,t and Ensign Frank, J who bravely and successfully maintained possession in defiance of the vigorous attacks on the part of the French light troops. The Ltine- burg Hanoverian battalion, however, suffered most severely : many were killed and wounded ; among the latter was the commanding officer, Lieut. Co- lonel von Klencke, and among the prisoners taken was Major von Dachenhausen, Some on the left saved themselves by a precipitate retreat into the * Now Captain Thomas Carey, K.H.,onthe retired list of the Hanoverian service. t Now Major George Drummond Graeme, K.H., in the Hanoverian service. t Now Captain George Frank, K.H., on the retired list of the Hanoverian service. FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. 19 high road. The few that were collected together ISA of again during the remainder of the day constituted L but a very insignificant portion of the original strength of the battalion. The Earl of Uxbridge, on perceiving the advance of the French cavalry by La Haye Sainte, on the British right of the Charleroi road, (the same alluded to as having dispersed the Hanoverian Liineburg battalion and Baring's skirmishers of the legion,) as also the approach of the infantry-columns which constituted the attack upon the Allied left wing on the opposite side of that road, decided upon a si- multaneous charge by the heavy cavalry-brigades of Lord Edward Somerset and Sir William Pon- / sonby ; the former against the enemy's cavalry, the latter against his masses of infantry. The reso- lution was scarcely formed when he proceeded to carry it into instant execution. Riding up to Lord Edward Somerset, he ordered him to prepare to form line, keeping the Blues in support ; and gal- loping on to Ponsonby's brigade on the opposite side of the high road, he ordered that officer to wheel into line as soon as he saw the other brigade do so, and to hold the Scots Greys in support. He then returned to the household-brigade, and imme- diately put the whole in motion. As this was the first grand attack made by the French on that day in fair open field, Lord Ux- bridge felt very desirous, in meeting it, to establish, if possible, the superior prowess of the British 20 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN i8th of cavalry, and thus to inspire it with confidence, and June. cause it to be held in respect by its opponents. He, therefore, with a view to excite the courage and heighten the enthusiasm of his followers, led \ the advance in person, placing 1 himself in front of the left of Somerset's brigade, so as to be at about the centre of the line when the brigades should unite, on the continuation of the advance, in front of the Allied position. Nobly and faithfully did these brave dragoons fulfil his anxious expec- tations. For the purpose of ensuring efficient support to his cavalry attacks, Lord Uxbridge had, before the commencement of the battle, intimated to the generals of brigade that as he could not be present everywhere to give orders, he expected they would always take upon themselves to conform to, and support, offensive movements in their front ; and having on this occasion light cavalry-brigades on either flank of the charging force, he felt in a great degree justified in placing himself in front line, particularly as he had assigned to each of the advancing brigades its own immediate support. Though greatly palliated by the adoption of these precautionary measures, this was perhaps not alto- gether a prudent act on the part of the commander of the entire cavalry of an army ; since, in the charge of an extended line of cavalry against an enemy close at hand, the carriere once begun, the leader becomes so completely identified and mixed FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. g] up with that line itself, that his virtual command isth of is rapidly limited to that of a squadron-officer ; whereas, when accompanying a second line, he is enabled to draw off, or reinforce, as circumstances may render expedient. His eager desire, however, to render this first charge a brilliant affair, com- bined with his own chivalric nature, led him to assume the post of honour and of danger, in order to animate by his example as a bold and deter- mined soldier. At the same time, he trusted to the dispositions he had already made, and to the alert- ness of his brigadiers, for due support to his attack, but which, from fortuitous circumstances, as will be seen by the sequel, was not forthcoming at the moment it was most urgently required. The French line of cavalry, as it advanced, pre- sented an imposing appearance. These veteran warriors bore with them an air of confident supe- riority and anticipated triumph, joined with a sort of gaiete de cceur, inspired no doubt by the reflec- tion that they were about to encounter and over- throw their most implacable enemies, the British. Their advance, like that of the infantry on their right, had been to a certain extent triumphant ; and as the flight of the Dutch-Belgians had led that infantry to imagine that victory was already within its grasp, so the dispersion of the Hanove- rians was hailed by these dragoons as a happy pre- lude to their grand attack. They had now as- cended the brow of the ridge on which the Anglo- 22 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN isth of allied infantry was posted, prepared for their re- ception : a vigorous fire was opened upon them by four guns of Ross's British horse-battery on the t of the high road, as also by Lloyd's British foot-battery still further to the right ; but a few seconds sufficed to restore the order of their ad- vance : in the next moment their trumpets sounded the charge ; when, amidst shouts of " Vive VEm- pereur!" this gallant line, glittering in all the splendour reflected from burnished helmet and cuirass, rushed on to the attack. On the other hand, the British household-brigade, presenting a beautiful line, and animated by an equal degree of enthusiasm, had already been put into charging speed; and just as the cuirassiers came close upon the squares, and received a fire from their front faces, the two lines dashed into each other with indescribable impetuosity. The shock was terrific. The British, in order to close as much as possible upon the cuirassiers, whose swords were much longer, and whose bodies were encased in steel, whilst their own were without such defence, seemed for a moment striving to wedge themselves in be- tween the horses of their infuriated antagonists. Swords gleamed high in air with the suddenness and rapidity of the lightning-flash, now clashing violently together, and now clanging heavily upon resisting armour ; whilst with the din of the battle- shock were mingled the shouts and yells of the combatants. Riders vainly struggling for mastery FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. 23 quickly fell under the deadly thrust or the well- IB* of delivered cut. Horses, plunging and rearing, . staggered to the earth, or broke wildly from their ranks. But desperate and bloody as was the strug- gle, it was of brief duration. The physical supe- riority of the British, aided by transcendant valour, was speedily made manifest ; and the cuirassiers, notwithstanding their most gallant and resolute resistance, were driven down from off the ridge, which they had ascended only a few minutes be- fore with all the pride and confidence of men accustomed and determined to overcome every obstacle. This first collision at the charge did not occur, however, throughout the entire extent of the opposing lines. Somerset's line was not parallel to that of the cuirassiers, and as its right was thrown somewhat forward, this came first in con- tact with the enemy, and the collision, in conse- quence of the rapidity of the charge on both sides, followed in instantaneous succession in the direction of the Allied left until intercepted in its further progress by a natural obstruction consisting of the hollow-way through which the cross-road leads into the Charleroi road. The cuirassiers on the right of the French line were suddenly thrown out of their speed by coming unexpectedly on this hollow-way, into which they consequently descended abruptly and confusedly ; and as they began to urge their horses up the opposite bank, they beheld the 2d British life guards, which formed the left 24 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN 18th of of Somerset's brigade, in full speed towards them. June. , All idea of resistance, in such a situation, was abandoned as hopeless. They immediately filed away down this hollow-way to their right, and struck across the Charleroi road into the field in front of the 95th British rifles, followed by the 2d life guards, who were in equal disorder from having to pick their way as they best could down the steep banks adjoining the intersection of the two roads. These cuirassiers, after having rushed in upon the French infantry- skirmishers, thickly and confusedly congregated in that quarter, reined in their steeds, and fronting their pursuers, engaged them indi- vidually in hand to hand combat.* They were soon, however, made sensible of their inferiority in this species of contest, and either submitted to the victors, or fled with precipitation ; whilst at the same time, Kempt's brigade was charging gloriously down the exterior slope of the Allied position, and closing upon the infantry with which these horse- * Among the combatants on this part of the field was one whose prowess acquired for him considerable reputation. This was Corporal Shaw, of the 2d life guards, a noted pugilist, possessing great physical strength, com- bined with the most resolute courage. When in the midst of the cuirassiers, he rendered himself conspicuous by the bold and dexterous manner in which he encountered all who came in his way. Rapid and deadly were the blows which he dealt around him, and it is said that no less than nine of his opponents were laid prostrate within an incredibly short space of time. His career, however, was suddenly cut short. A cuirassier, who had proceeded some little distance, so as to clear the left of the 2d life guards, turned round, and taking a very deliberate aim with his carbine, deprived Shaw of that life which his powerful arm and gallant daring had made proof against the swords of all who ventured to approach him. FRANCE AXD BELGIUM IN 1815. 25 men had become intermingled, in the manner pre- isth O f viously described.* '__ No sooner did Ponsonby perceive the household- cavalry in motion, than, in pursuance of the orders he had received, he led on his own brigade ; but not being sufficiently aware of the state of affairs on the opposite side of the Wavre road, and not wishing to launch his line against the enemy's masses until the favourable moment had arrived, he commanded a temporary halt, and rode up to the hedge, in order that he might, by personal observation, ensure the correct timing of the charge. He was accompanied by Colonel Muter, commanding the Inniskilling dragoons, whom he desired to return, and place himself in front of the centre squadron, and to order and conduct the movement, the moment he should observe him hold up his cocked-hat as a signal. It is necessary to * remark that the Scots Greys, who stood in support some short time previously to this advance, just where the enemy's round shot, after passing over the ridge in front, descended in quick succession and occasioned some losses in their ranks, were ordered to some lower ground in left rear of the other two regiments, which new position they had scarcely reached when the latter were advanced, as above, and the Greys immediately conformed to this movement. * See page 14. >6 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN 18th of During the advance of Alix's French division, June. (the 1st,) its rear brigade, which consisted of the 54th and 55th regiments, inclined to its right, moved out of the mass, and formed two columns of two battalions each, in support, en echelon to the leading brigade, consisting of the 28th and 105th regiments. In like manner, the rear brigade of Marcognet's division, (the 3d,) consisting of the 21st and 46th regiments, broke into two columns of two battalions each, in support, en echelon to, but more immediately in rear of, the leading brigade, consisting of the 25th and 45th regiments. Y While Kempt's brigade was bravely charging down the slope on the right, the heads of the leading brigades of Alix's and Marcognet's divi- sions, with conspicuous gallantry, and amidst shouts of triumph, crowned the crest of the Allied position on the left, crossing the Wavre road and the straggling hedge, by which their order had been in some degree disturbed. Alix's leading brigade, having passed clear of Kempt's left, found itself unopposed by infantry in its front, but the head of Marcognet's column, after passing close ->* by the right of Captain von Rettberg's Hanoverian foot-battery, from which it had received a very destructive fire during its advance, beheld Pack's brigade approaching to meet it. The three Scotch regiments, the 1st Royals, the 42d and 92d Highlanders, under the animating sounds of their FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. native pibroch, moved steadily on with the noble mien and gallant bearing of men bent upon upholding, at any sacrifice, the honour and glory of their country. The 44th regiment, which formed the left of the brigade, having its front covered by Best's Hanoverians, remained in sup- port upon the summit or knoll immediately above, and on the left of, the hollow in which the rest of the brigade had been posted. That portion of the French column which had by this time crossed the hedge was in perfect order, and pre- sented a bold and determined front. It was op- posed to the 42d and 92d Highlanders, but principally to the latter regiment. As the brigade approached the column, it received from it a fire, which, however, it did not return, but continued to advance steadily until it had arrived within twenty or thirty yards distance, when the 92d and 42d Highlanders, who were more directly in front of the column, threw into the mass a concentrated fire, most destructive in his effects. The French were staggered by the shock, but speedily reco- vering themselves, began to reply with great spirit to the fire of their opponents, when the latter received the order to charge ; but at this very moment Ponsonby's brigade came up. Colonel Muter had just before perceived the raised cocked- hat,* when he instantly ordered and conducted the * This signal tvas not made by Sir William Ponsonby himself, but by his aide-de-camp Captain Evans, (now Colonel Sir De Lacy Evans, K.C.B. ; HISTORY OF THE WAR IN l * advance of the brigade. It will be recollected that the Scots Greys had been ordered to support the Royals and Inniskillings ; but having, as was before explained, moved down into lower ground on the left, to get more under cover from the enemy's cannonade, and subsequently advanced in left rear of those two regiments, they beheld in their direct front the head of Marcognet's division establishing itself on the height. Their course o o from that moment was obvious. They soon got up into line, or nearly so with the remainder of the brigade, and joined in the general charge. Upon Ponsonby's brigade coming up with the infantry, it passed through the latter as well and as quickly as it could : in some instances intervals were made for the dragoons by the wheeling of companies ; in others, by that of subdivisons or of sections ; but generally the passage was effected in rather an irregular manner ; and, under the circumstances, this was unavoidable. V As the Scots Greys passed through, and min- gled with the Highlanders, the enthusiasm of both corps was extraordinary. They mutually cheered. " Scotland for ever !" was their war-shout. The smoke in which the head of the French column was Lieut. General in the Spanish service.) The former was mounted on a secon- dary untrained horse, which became restive, and startled by the fire and noise that prevailed at the very moment the general had decided upon advancing the brigade. His cloak being loose, flew off; and he dismounted for an instant for the purpose of restoring it to its place, and it was while he was thus engaged that he directed Captain Evans to make the signal in question. FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. 29 enshrouded had not cleared away, when the Greys & ( - f J J June. dashed into the mass. So eager was the desire, so strong the determination, of the Highlanders to aid their compatriots in completing the work so gloriously begun, that many were seen holding on by the stirrups of the horsemen, while all rushed forward, leaving none but the disabled in their rear. The leading portion of the column soon yielded to this infuriated onset ; the remainder, which was yet in the act of ascending the exterior slope, appalled by the sudden appearance of cavalry at a moment when, judging by the sound of mus- ketry-fire in front, they had naturally concluded that it was with infantry alone they had to contend, were hurled back in confusion by the impetus of the shock. The dragoons, having the advantage of the descent, appeared to mow down the mass, which, bending under the pressure, quickly spread itself outwards in all directions. Yet, in that mass were many gallant spirits, who could not be brought to yield without a struggle ; and these fought hravely to the death ; not that they served to im- pede, but only to mark more strongly the course of the impetuous torrent as it swept wildly past them, presenting to the eye of the artistic observer those streaks which, arising incidentally from such partial and individual contests, invariably characterize the track of a charge of cavalry. Within that mass too, was borne the imperial eagle of the 45th regi- ment, proudly displaying on its banner the names 30 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN isth of of Jena, Austerlitz, Waeram, Eylau, and Fried- June. ^ land fields in which this regiment had covered itself with glory, and acquired the distinguished fe title of "The Invincibles."* A devoted band en- circled the sacred standard, which attracted the observation, and excited the ambition, of a daring and adventurous soldier, named Ewart, a serjeant of the Greys. After a desperate struggle, evincing on his part great physical strength combined with extraordinary dexterity, he succeeded in capturing the cherished trophy. The gallant fellow was di- rected to proceed with it to Brussels, where he was received with acclamations by thousands who came forward to welcome and congratulate him.f k Without pausing for a moment to re-form, those of the Greys who had forced their way through, or on either flank of, the mass, rushed boldly onward against the leading supporting column of Mar- gnet's right brigade. This body of men, lost in amazement at the suddenness, the wildness, of the charge, and its terrific effect upon their country- men on the higher ground in front, had either not taken advantage of the very few moments that intervened, by preparing an effectual resistance to cavalry, or, if they attempted the necessary forma- tion, did so when there was no longer time for its completion. Their outer files certainly opened a * This eagle now adorns the chapel of Chelsea Hospital, t Early in the following year, Serjeant Ewart was appointed to an Ensigncy in the 3rd Royal Veteran battalion. FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. 31 fire which proved very destructive to their assail- lath of ants ; but to such a degree had the impetus of the |__ charge been augmented by the rapidly increasing descent of the slope, that these brave dragoons pos- sessed as little of the power as of the will to check their speed, and they plunged down into the mass with a force that was truly irresistible. Its foremost ranks driven back with irrepressible violence, the entire column tottered for a moment, and then sank under the overpowering wave. Hundreds were crushed to rise no more ; and hundreds rose again but to surrender to the victors ; who speedily swept their prisoners to the rear, while the Highlanders secured those taken from the leading column. Along the remainder of the line, the charge of the " Union brigade" was equally brilliant and suc- cessful. On the right, the Royal dragoons, by in- \f clining somewhat to their left, during the advance, brought their centre squadron to bear upon the head of the leading column of Alix's division, which */" had crossed the hedges lining the Wavre road, and being unchecked, was rapidly advancing across the crest of the ridge. Suddenly its loud shouts of triumph ceased as it perceived the close approach of cavalry up the interior slope of the Anglo-allied position. Whether it was actuated by a conscious- ness of danger from the disorder necessarily occa- sioned in its rear by the passage through the banked-up hedges, by a dread of being caught in 32 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN isth of the midst of any attempt to assume a formation '__ better adapted for effective resistance, or of being entirely cut off from all support, it is difficult to decide, but tbe head of this column certainly ap- peared to be seized with a panic. Having thrown out an irregular and scattering fire, which served only to bring down about twenty of the dragoons, it instantly faced about, and endeavoured to regain the opposite side of the hedges. The Royals, how- ever, were slashing in amongst them before this object could be effected. The rear ranks of the column, still pressing forward, and unconscious of the obstruction in front, now met those that were hurled back upon them, down the exterior slope, by the charge of the Royals, who continued press- ing forward against both front and flanks of the mass. The whole was in a moment so jammed together as to have become perfectly helpless. Men tried in vain to use their muskets, which were either jerked out of their hands, or discharged at random, in the attempt. Gradually, a scattering flight from the rear loosened the unmanageable mass, which now rolled back helplessly along its downward course. Many brave spirits, hitherto pent up in the midst of the throng, appeared dis- posed to hazard a defiance ; and amongst these the swords of the Royals dealt fearful havoc : many threw down their arms, and gave themselves up in despair, and these were hurried off by the con- querors to the rear of the British line. FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. A go The 28th French regiment,* which formed aV isthof direct support to the 105th regiment,* comprising ^ the column thus attacked, though astounded hy the scene before it, and almost driven back by the panic-stricken^fugitives, still retained a considerable semblance of order. Amidst the crowd that was now precipitating itself on this supporting column, to seek its shelter and protection, was an officer, the bearer of the eagle of the 105th regiment. This standard, which had been presented to the corps by the Empress Maria Louisa, was accom- panied at the moment by a party apparently form- ing a guard for its defence. Captain Clark,f commanding the centre squadron of the Royals, on discovering the group, instantly gave the order, " Right shoulders forward attack the colour !" and led directly upon the eagle himself. On reaching it, he ran his sword through the body of the standard-bearer, who immediately fell, and the eagle dropped across the head of Captain Clarke's horse. He endeavoured to catch it with his left hand, but could only touch the fringe of the colour, and it would probably have fallen to the ground, and have been lost in the confusion of the moment, had it not been saved by Corporal Stiles, who, having been standard-coverer, and therefore posted * These two regiments, consisting of two battalions each, constituted the left brigade of Alix's division, commanded by General Quiot. t Now Colonel Alexander Kennedy Clark Kennedy, C.B., K.H., Unatt. VOL. II. 4 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN isth of immediately in rear of the squadron-leader, came up at the instant, on Captain Clark's left, and caught the colour as it struck, in falling, against o his own horse's neck.* So great were the confusion and dismay created in the second column hy the rush towards it of the disorganized remnant of the leading body, mixed up as it was with the dragoons, still pressing ea- gerly forward, as also by the signal overthrow of the columns on their right by the Inniskillings, that the entire mass speedily yielded to the pres- sure, and commenced a disorderly flight, pursued by the Royals to the foot of the valley by which the two positions were divided. The Inniskillings, forming the centre regiment of the brigade, did not come quite so soon into contact with the French infantry as did the flank regiments. The columns in their immediate front were the two formed by the 54th and 55th French V regiments, of two battalions each, which, as previ- ously explained, advanced in support, and in right rear, of Alix's leading brigade. Only the left, and * As a reward for this distinguished service, Lieut. Colonel Clark has since been appointed a companion of the order of the Bath. Upon receiv- ing the eagle from Corporal Stiles, he vainly endeavoured to break it off from the pole, with the intention of placing it in the breast of his coat, in order to secure it, whilst in the midst of the enemy's troops. Seeing this, Corporal Stiles remarked, " Pray, sir, do not break it ;" whereupon Colonel Clark said, " Very well, carry it to the rear as fast as you can it belongs to me." This eagle has also been deposited in Chelsea Hospital. Corporal Stiles was appointed, in the following year, to an Ensigncy in the 6th West India regiment. FRANCE AXD BELGIUM IN 1815. 35 part of the centre, squadron of the Inniskillins IB* of June. had to pass through British infantry as they ad- vanced ; the front of the right squadron was clear. The Irish " hurrah /" loud, wild, and shrill, rent the air, as the Inniskillings, bursting 1 through the o * o o hedge and bounding over the road, dashed boldly down the slope towards the French columns, which were about a hundred yards distant ; an interval that imparted an additional impetus to their charge^ and assisted in securing for it a result equally bril- liant with that obtained by the other two regiments. The right and centre squadrons bore down upon the 55th French regiment ; while the left squadron alone charged the 54th regiment. These columns, like those on their right and left, were not allowed time to recover from their astonishment at the un- expected, sudden, and vehement charge of cavalry launched against them. A feeble and irregular fire was the only attempt they made to avert the impending danger. In the next instant, the dra- goons were amongst them, plying their swords with fearful swiftness and dexterity, and cleaving their way into the midst of the masses, which, rolling back, and scattering outwards, presented an extraordinary scene of confusion. In addition to the destruction effected by this regiment, the number of prisoners which it secured was im- mense.* * Just as the Inniskillings were on the point of advancing across the Wavre road to charge, an individual in plain clothes, on their left, called 36 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN isth of The household-brigade continued its charge June. down the slope on the right, and partly on the left, of La Haye Sainte, with the most distinguished gallantry and success ; and bringing their right shoulders forward, the 1st life-guards pressed se- verely on the rear of the cuirassiers, as a very considerable portion of them rushed tumultuously towards that part of the high road beyond the or- chard of La Haye Sainte which lies between high banks, and which was thus completely choked up with the fugitives. Many of those who found their retreat so seriously impeded, again faced their opponents, and a desperate hand-to-hand contest ensued, which, however, was suddenly terminated by a destructive fire, poured down upon the 1st life-guards from the top of the banks, by the light troops of Bachlii!a__4ivision, that crowned the heights through which the road has been excavated. out, '' Now's your time !'' This was the late Duke of Richmond, who was induced by his intimacy with the Duke of Wellington, and the interest which he naturally felt in the progress of the campaign, to repair to the field of battle ; not in a military capacity, for he held no rank in the army, but merely en amateur. He was accompanied by his son, the present Lord William Lennox, then a Cornet in the Blues, and extra aide-de-camp to Major General Maitland. The latter had, a few days before the battle, met with a violent accident, by a fall from his horse in the park of Eughien : his right arm was severely fractured, the sight of his right eye destroyed, and his life despaired of ; but hearing, when on the sick list at Brussels, that his brother aide-de-camp, Captain Lord James Hay, had been killed at Quatre-Bras, he decided on accompanying his father to the field on the 18th. Here he presented himself to General Maitland, who, however, would not permit his lordship to remain with him, deeming a boy of fifteen, with a maimed arm, bandaged eye, and weak frame of body, but ill calcu- FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. 37 The King's dragoon guards, leaving this struggle isth of on their right, and rattling across the pave, boldly _ ascended the enemy's position. They were joined on their left, by the 2d life-guards, whose course had been by the left of La Haye Sainte. With < these were now mingled Royals and Inniskillings, while further to the left were the Greys the whole line, without even any semblance of regularity, madly pursuing their wild career, as if intoxicated with the excess of triumph. Then it was that Lord Uxbridge, who had so gallantly led the charge in person, and incited all by his example, eagerly sought for the support on which he had confidently calculated, when, to his great surprise and mortification, he discovered that there was none at hand. Ponsonby's own immediate support, < which Lord Uxbridge himself had ordered to be formed by the Greys, had necessarily been em- ployed in front line, on the left, in the manner described ; a fact of which, from his own position lated to prove an efficient aide-de-camp. Lord William then accompanied his father, who rode about the field, unmindful of the frequently heavy fire to which he became exposed, conversing with his friends, and passing his remarks as if on actual service. After witnessing the brilliant cavalry- charge on the left, his Grace proceeded towards the right, but finding the fire had become very heavy, and the ground strewed with the slain, he and his son returned leisurely to Brussels. Two other members of the noble house of Lennox were present on the field, and distinguished themselves by their zeal and efficiency as staff-officers Captain the Earl of March, (the present Duke of Richmond,) who was extra aide-de-camp to his Royal Highness the Prince of Orange, and Lieutenant Lord George Lennox, who was aide-de-camp to the Duke of Wellington (retired from the ser- vice, as Lieut. Colonel, in July, 1832;. 3Q HISTORY OF THE WAR IN isth of as leader of that line, he had been quite unaware. The direct support of Somerset's brigade, con- sisting of the JBlues, had, during the charge, come up with, and joined, the front line. The regiment was kept well in hand; and, by its comparatively good order, facilitated the drawing off of the re- mainder of that brigade from further pursuit. But it was on the left of the high road, in rear of Ponsonby's line, that support was most needed. His Lordship could not account for the circum- stance of neither of the light cavalry-brigades, posted on the extreme left, having come up in sup- port of Ponsonby's advance, in conformity with the general instructions conveyed to his brigadiers on the subject of affording mutual support. The fact is, that Vandeleur's brigade, which was the nearest, was then in motion for the purpose of affording its aid, but its progress was unfortunately impeded by its having previously to make a retro- grade movement in order to pass a hollow-way which separated it from the troops on its right. In vain did Lord Uxbridge sound to halt and rally neither voice nor trumpet, was heeded. In a few seconds more, the advanced line was seen crowning the enemy's position. The King^s__dragoon guards were suddenly exposed to a severe fire from the batteries and from Bachelu's columns of infantry on their right ; and perceiving a strong and well formed body of cuirassiers on the point of ad- vancing from the hollow beyond the ridge they FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. 39 had so rashly ascended, they, with such of the isthof Royals and Inniskillings as had joined them, at 1_ length commenced a hasty retreat. The Greys, along with many of the Royals and Inniskillings, dashed in amongst the batteries, and then, wheel- ing sharply to their left, rode along the line of cannon in that direction, sabring the gunners and stabbing the horses, until they became sensible of the approach of a body of French lancers moving down obliquely from the left upon the arena of this memorable conflict. They now fell back, but, with their horses blown and exhausted, it was not long before they were overtaken by the lancers. These formed the advance of Jaquinot's light cavalry- \s brigade, which had been unaccountably i*emiss in not having afforded a prompt and close support to the attacking columns of infantry. Both' the British heavy cavalry-brigades were now in full retreat. Somerset's regained the po- sition without any serious molestation, but Pon- sonby's dragoons, particularly the Greys, who were * upon the extreme left, suffered severely from Ja- quinot's lancers and chasseurs, the greater part of them being in a state of the utmost confusion and exhaustion, whilst the latter were infinitely supe- rior in numerical force, were in good order, and mounted on horses perfectly fresh. On their right the lancers charged in open column ; the remainder, extending in open lancer-order towards their left, rapidly spread over the plain, darting upon the ^Q HISTORY OF THE WAR IN i8th of stragglers and wounded of the British cavalry who came within their reach ; and, at the same time, giving confidence to such of their own scattered infantry as were still retreating in disorder and confusion. At length, the support so imminently needed by Ponsonby's brigade arrived upon its left flank. \XVandeleur, having passed the hollow-way and ra- vine which intercepted his progress towards the scene of action, had reached that part of the crest of the position occupied by Best's Hanoverian bri- gade, through which it now advanced to the front in open column of divisions. The 12t.h light dra- goons, being the leading regiment, moved quickly down the slope : the 16th regiment remained higher up the acclivity ; while the llth were drawn up in reserve upon the brow of the hill. The 12th and 16th wheeled into line to their right. Lieut. Co- lonel the Hon. Frederick Ponsonby, who com- manded the 12th, perceiving the confusion that prevailed amidst the French infantry in the valley, as also the extremely critical situation of a great number of scattered red-coated dragoons nearly on the crest of the French position, instantly charged amass of unsteady infantry whch intervened be- tween him and these dragoons. This infantry comprised the rearmost supporting column~~5f~-Mar- cognet's division, and was~the only one of the attacking columns yet intact. It was now destined to share their fate. Already alarmed by the dis- FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. order into which the entire of the infantry on its left had heen thrown, and now attacked so sud- denly and unexpectedly on its right, it was pene- trated by the charge of the 12th. These dragoons having forced their way through the column, whereby their order was naturally much broken, came upon the right flank of the lancers who were in pursuit of Ponsonby's brigade. Quick- ening their speed, they dashed in amongst the French cavalry, and acting almost perpendicularly upon their flank, they ' rolled up' such as were immediately in their front. The 16th light dra- goons, with Vandeleur at their head, very gal- lantly charged obliquely upon the front of the lancers, whose further advance was completely checked by this double attack. On their extreme right, the 16th rather clashed with some of the retiring dragoons, but the two regiments, carrying every thing before them, succeeded in driving the French light cavalry down again to the foot of the valley, which they had been ordered, previ- ously to their charge, not to pass. Some few of both the 12th and 16th did, nevertheless, madly rush up the opposite height, where, by this time, fresh troops had arrived, who made them suffer for their temerity. Merle's Dutch-Belgian light cavalry-brigade had, in the mean time, come up to the brow of the main position, on the left of Vandeleur's brigade, but only a small portion of it went down the slope, 42 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN isth of following the 12th light dragoons. It did not ap- "__ pear to take any active part in the attack. Pro- bably it was deterred by the brisk fire kept up by Durutte's skirmishers from behind a bank and hedge, low down the slope, and from which the 12th light dragoons had previously suffered. Vivian, who had come forward in person from the extreme left, and proceeded some way down the slope for the purpose of making his observa- tions, upon perceiving Ponsonby's brigade charging in disorder up the French heights, immediately sent back word for the 10th an.d 18th British hus- sars to move through the hollow -way to their right, leaving the remaining regiment of his brigade, the ^ 1st hussars of the King's German legion, to keep a look-out to the left. Very shortly afterwards, two guns detached in advance from his horse-bat- tery, drew up on the brow of the main ridge, but had scarcely opened a fire when a well-directed shot from one of the French batteries passed throuo-h the ammunition-boxes of one of the Km- D bers, causing an explosion, which drew forth a shout of triumph on the part of the French artil- lerymen. The charge of Vandeleur's brigade having succeeded, without the active aid of even its own immediate support, the llth light dragoons, the advance of the 10th and 18th hussars was not required, but they continued in their new position, on the right of the lane leading to Verd-cocou, and the two guns rejoined their battery. FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. 43 Major Whinyates's rocket-troop, having been isth of brought up to the crest of the main ridge, from its previous position in reserve near Mont St. Jean, its rocket-sections were moved down to the foot of the exterior slope, whence they discharged several rockets at the French troops then formed, or in the act of re-forming, upon the opposite heights. Immediately after the execution of this service, which was gallantly and skilfully con- ducted, the troop rejoined its guns on the crest of the position. In the general melee which resulted from the \ charge of the British heavy dragoons, and the overthrow of such masses of infantry, augmented as it was by the subsequent charges of, firstly, the French lancers, and, then, the two regiments of British light cavalry, severe losses were sustained on both sides ; and the British army was deprived of some of its brightest ornaments. The gallant leader of the " Union brigade," when endeavouring to return to the Allied position, after using the most strenuous but fruitless exertions to restrain his men in their wild pursuit, and to withdraw them from a contest in which they had already gained undying fame, became a sacrifice to his chivalrous and patriotic zeal. Intercepted by a party of the lancers in the soft ground of a newly ploughed field, out of which his exhausted steed had not the power to extricate itself, he fell beneath their deadly thrusts. Sir William Ponsonby had 44 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN isth of highly distinguished himself as a cavalry officer in June ' Spain ; and, independently of his merits as a sol- dier, which were justly appreciated by the whole service, his amiable disposition and private virtues endeared him to all his brother officers. His equally gallant namesake, Colonel the Hon. Fre- derick Ponsonby, immediately after his brilliant charge with the 12th light dragoons, first through a column of infantry, and then upon the right flank of the lancers, was endeavouring to withdraw his regiment from further pursuit, when he was disabled in both arms, and carried by his horse up to the crest of the French position, where, re- ceiving a sabre cut, he was struck senseless to the ground ; and it was very generally supposed at the time that he had been left dead on the field.* * Upon recovering, some time after his fall, and raising himself up a little to look around him, he was observed by a lancer passing by, who, in a savage and cowardly manner, struck his lance through his back, exclaiming "Ah! coquin, tu n'es\ pas mart!" Not long afterwards he was plundered by a tirailleur ; but the latter was no sooner gone than he was accosted by a French officer, who had just brought up and halted some troops near the spot. He experienced great kindness from this individual, who, upon his complaining of thirst, held his brandy-bottle to his lips, directing one of his men'to lay him straight on his side and place a knapsack under his head. He then passed on into the action, and Sir Frederick Ponsonby never knew to whom he was indebted, as he believed, for his life. Late in the day he was passed over by two squadrons of Prussian cavalry, in full trot, whereby his sufferings were much increased. On the following morn- ing he was discovered by some English, and removed to the village of Wa- terloo. To the inexpressible delight of his corps, and of all who enjoyed his acquaintance and friendship, he gradually recovered from his dreadfully severe wounds, notwithstanding their great number, as well as their ex- tremely critical and almost hopeless nature. FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. Lieut. Colonel Hay, who commanded the 16th light dragoons, was desperately and dangerously wounded. Colonel Hamilton, the commanding officer of the Scots Greys, after gallantly leading his regiment through the enemy's columns, across the valley, and up the opposite heights, was last seen far in advance, where it is presumed, from his never having again appeared, he fell in the midst of the French lines, a sacrifice to his distinguished but indiscreet valour. Colonel Fuller, who com- manded the 1st, or King's, dragoon guards, was killed when pursuing the cuirassiers, he boldly led his regiment up the French height immediately upon the Allied left of the Charleroi road. In addition to the above mentioned, the British ca- valry engaged in this affair sustained a very heavy loss in both officers and men. With the exception of the bodies of the slain, of such of the wounded as were too far from their respective lines to be removed, of loose horses, some wildly careering about, others quietly grazing, and many staggering, plunging, or convulsively pawing the ground around them, from the agony of their wounds, the arena of this terrible conflict, which had ceased but a few minutes before, was now perfectly clear. The retiring crowds of French infantry had disappeared behind the foremost ridge of their position, to collect and re-form their scat- tered remnants. The British cavalry were simi- larly employed Somerset's brigade on the right / 45 ^ of June, 18th of of the Charleroi road, near the orchard of the l_farm of Mont St. Jean; Ponsonby^s on the oppo- site side of the road, in rear of a coppice bordering the hollow below that farm; and Vandeleur's on the interior slope of the position, more to the right than where it had been posted during the earlier part of the day. Pack's and Best's brigades closed to their right upon Kempt, so as to fill up the in- terval occasioned by the retreat of Bylandt's Dutch- Belgian brigade ; and the knoll in front of Kempt's brigade was again occupied by three companies of the 95th regiment ; as was also the farm of La Haye Sainte by the 2d light Jbattalion_JLing > s German legion, reinforced by two companies of the TsTTight battalion of that corps. Major Ge- V neral Sir_John_Lambert's infantry-brigade, which had been kept in reserve near Mont St. Jean, was put in motion at the time Ponsonby^ dragoons advanced to the charge7~an3~TTwas now placed on the left of the Charleroi road, in column, at quarter distance, in rear and in support of the 5th division. The importance of the result of this signal defeat of the French attack was fully commen- surate with the glory by which its achievement was distinguished. The object of that attack, which was to force the centre and left wing of the Anglo- allied army, and to establish a very considerable body of troops in the vicinity of Mont St. Jean, was completely frustrated : 3,000 prisoners were FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. ' 47 taken ; 2 eagles were captured : and between 30 18th of June. and 40 pieces of cannon were put hors de combat for the greater part of the remainder of the day. Thus terminated one of the grandest scenes which distinguished the mighty drama enacted on the ever-memorable plains of Waterloo ; a scene presenting in bold relief, genuine British valour crowned with resplendent triumph ; a scene, which should be indelibly impressed upon the minds as well of living British warriors, as of their succes- sors in ages yet unborn. Britons I before other scenes are disclosed to your view, take one retro- spective glance at this glorious, this instructive spectacle. Let your imagination carry you to the rear of that celebrated position, and a little to the left of the Charleroi road. Behold, in the fore- ground, on the right, a British line of cavalry advancing to the charge, exulting in the consci- ousness of its innate courage, indomitable spirit, and strength of arm. Whilst you are admiring the beautiful order and perfect steadiness of their advance, your eyes are suddenly attracted by the glittering splendour of a line of horsemen in bur- nished coats of mail, rising above the brow, and now crowning the summit of the ridge. They are the far-famed cuirassiers of France, led on, by a Kellermann ; gallant spirits, that have hitherto overcome the finest troops that could be brought against them, and have grown grey in glory. Trumpets sound the charge ; in the next instant 48 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN 18th of your ears catch the low thundering noise of their ' horses' hoofs, and your breathless excitement is wound to the highest pitch as the adverse lines clash together with a shock, which, at the moment, you expect must end in their mutual annihilation. Observe the British, how they seem to doubt, for a second, in what manner to deal with their oppo- nents. Now they urge their powerful steeds into the intervals between the necks of those of the cuirassiers. Swords brandished high in air, gleam fitfully in rapid succession throughout the lines, here clashing together, there clanging against hel- met and cuirass, which ring under their redoubled strokes. See ! the struggle is but a moment doubtful the cuirassiers, seemingly encumbered by their coats of mail, are yielding to superior strength, dexterity, and bravery combined men and horses reel and stagger to the earth gaps open out in their line numbers are backing out others are fairly turning round their whole line now bends, and breaks asunder into fragments in the next moment they appear, as if by a miracle, to be swept from off the crest of the position, and being closely and hotly pursued by the victors, the whole rushing down the other side of the ridge, are snatched from your view. Your attention is now irresistibly drawn to that part of the fore- ground immediately facing you ; where you have barely time to catch sight of a line of British in- fantry just as it forces its way through the hedge FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. 49 that runs along the crest of the ridge, to charge a 18th f column advancing up the other side. At the mo- ment the shouts that proclaim its triumph reach your ear, you are struck by the majestic advance, close to your left, of another line of British horse- men. These halt just under the brow of the ridge. In their left front your eye now also em- braces a line of British infantry moving quickly up the steep ; whilst at the same time you see the heads of two hostile columns issuing through the hedge, and crowning the ridge amidst shouts of " Vive VEmpereur !" The one nearest to you, finding no immediate opposition to its further ad- vance, is rapidly establishing itself on the height : the other is met by the advancing line of infantry. A struggle ensues ; the furthest column is con- cealed from your view by the smoke in which it is suddenly enshrouded ; but at the very moment when doubts arise in your mind as to the result, the cavalry rushes forward, and, passing through intervals opened out for it by the infantry, charges both these heads of columns, cutting them up, as it were, root and branch ; and then bounding through the hedge, the whole disappear as if by magic. Now let your imagination, keeping pace with the intensity of feeling excited by such a scene, carry you up to the summit of the ridge. Behold, at once, the glorious spectacle spread out before you ! The dragoons are in the midst of the enemy's columns the furious impetuosity of their on- VOL II. E 5Q HISTORY OF THE WAR IN 18th of slaught overcomes all resistance the terror- ' stricken masses, paralyzed by this sudden appa- rition of cavalry amongst them, have neither time nor resolution to form squares, and limit their de- fence to a feeble, hasty, straggling fire from their ill-cemented edges a flight, commencing from the rearmost ranks, is rapidly augmented by the out- ward scattering occasioned bv the continuallv in- ./ . creasing pressure upon the front the entire slope is soon covered with the dispersed elements of the previously attacking force parties of infantry are hurrvinor over the brow of the ridge to aid others w of the cavalry in securing the prisoners 3,000 of these are swept to the rear, and 2 eagles are glo- riously captured. From the momentary contem- plation of these trophies, your eyes instinctively revert to the course of the victors, whom you now perceive in the middle distance of the view a broken line of daring horsemen, rushing up the opposite heights. Their intoxicating triumph ad- mits of no restraint. They heed not the trum] call to halt and rally, but plunging wildly amidst the formidable line of batteries ranged along the French position, they commence sabreing the gun- ners, stabbing the horses, and seem to clear the ground of every living being. But physical ef- forts, however powerfully developed and sustained, have their limit : exhausted nature vields at length ; and their fiery steeds, subdued, not by force but by exhaustion, retire with lagging, faltering pace. FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. 51 You look in vain for a support there is none isth of but your eye is suddenly caught by the fluttering u " e ' lance-flags of a column of the enemy's cavalry, approaching from the left, and you become ner- vously alive to the danger that awaits the valiant band of heroes, who are only now made sensible of the necessity of retiring to collect and rally their scattered numbers. Seeing no support ready to receive them, and becoming aware of the near approach of hostile cavalry, they make a last and desperate effort. Those who are best mounted, and whose horses are least blown, succeed in re- gaining the Allied position unmolested ; but a very considerable number are overtaken by the lancers, with whom they now contend under a fearful dis- advantage in point of speed and order. But mark ! a rescue is at hand a gallant line of friendly ca- valry throws itself against the right flank of the lancers, the further portion, or left, of that line first dashing through and scattering an unsteady mass of infantry, the sole remaining column out of the entire attacking force that has yet kept toge- ther. The tide of destruction now sets in strongly against the lancers. Their pursuit is checked. The heavy dragoons are relieved from the pressure. A melee ensues : but you are not kept long in sus- pense ; for in another moment this newly-arrived force, making good its way, succeeds in driving the lancers in confusion down to the foot of the valley. 52 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN lath of The arena in your front is speedily cleared of both friends and foes the discharge of rockets, which now attracts your attention, appears like a display of fire -works in celebration of the glorious triumph the affair has terminated. But stay to witness the concluding part of the scene. Observe the splendidly attired group entering upon the right, just above La Haye Sainte. It is headed by one whom you cannot for a moment mistake the illus- trious Wellington. Lord Uxbridge, returning from his brilliant charge, now joins the Duke, while the whole corps diplomatique et militaire ex- press in the strongest terms their admiration of the grand military spectacle of which they have been spectators. Among them are representatives of nearly all the continental nations, so that this glo- rious triumph of your valiant countrymen may be said to have been achieved in the face of congre- gated Europe. Honour, imperishable honour, to every British soldier engaged in that never-to-be- forgotten fight ! When Britain again puts forth her strength in battle, may her sovereign's guards inherit the same heroic spirit which animated those of George, Prince Regent, and inspire them with the desire to maintain in all their pristine purity and freshness the laurels transmitted to them from the field of Waterloo ; and when the soldiers of the three united kingdoms shall again be found fighting side by side against the common enemy, FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. 53 may they prove to the world that they have not isth of degenerated from the men of the " Union brigade," * o o * _______ who by their heroic deeds on that great day, so / / ' faithfully represented the military virtues of the British empire ! * Sir William Ponsonby's brigade was thus designated from the circum- )f stance of its having consisted of an English regiment the Royals, a Scotch regiment the Greys, and an Irish regiment the Inniskillings. HISTORY OF THE WAR IN CHAPTER XII. Continuation of the contest at Hougomont Attempted flank attack upon this post completely defeated by Captain Cleeves's foot-battery of the King's German legion The principal buildings of Hougomont, including the chateau, set on fire by the French Napoleon prepares a grand cavalry- attack upon Wellington's right wing Renewed attack upon La Haye Sainte Tremendous cannonade along the French heights French grand cavalry-attack Its failure Its renewal Second failure Ney, on being reinforced by Kellermann's corps of heavy cavalry, and Guyot's heavy cavalry-division of the guard, renews his attack This is most successfully resisted Ney directs another attack upon La Haye Sainte, and advances a heavy column of Bachelu's infantry against the centre of the Anglo-allied right wing Wellington draws Chasse's Dutch-Belgian division from Braine-la-leud towards the principal scene of action, and moves Clinton's division into the front line Contest at La Haye Sainte The 5th and 8th line-battalions of the King's German legion, on advancing to charge French infantry in rear of La Haye Sainte, are suddenly assailed in flank by French cavalry, and the 8th battalion is almost entirely destroyed Artillery in the Anglo-allied front line reinforced Attack by a column of French heavy cavalry upon the Anglo-allied right completely defeated by Major Mercer's battery of British horse-artillery A strong column of French infantry, supported by cavalry, advances against the centre of the Anglo-allied right wing It is charged by Somerset's heavy cavalry-brigade Conduct of Trip's Dutch-Belgian carabinier-brigade Gallant charge by the 3d hussars of the King's German legion Renewed attack by the column of French heavy cavalry in front of Major Mercer's horse-battery It is repulsed as before Wellington reinforces the right of his front line by du Plat's in- fantry-brigade of the King's German legion, accompanied by Captain Sympber's horse-battery of the same service It is attacked by French cuirassiers These are driven off" by the battalions of du Plat's brigade Renewed charge by the cuirassiers equally unsuccessful Failure of French cavalry attack upon the right centre of the Anglo-allied line Adam's British light infantry-brigade advances into the front line, on the right of Maitland's brigade ; crosses the ridge, and takes up a position on the ex- terior slope Here it is repeatedly attacked by French cavalry Advance of Halkett's Hanoverian brigade The French assail the post of La Haye Sainte with the utmost vigour It falls into their possession Napoleon FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. 55 directs Ney to follow up this advantage with a vigorous attack upon the centre of the Anglo-allied line, and at the same time to renew the assault upon Hougomont Ney's views and dispositions Attack upon Allen's division The 5th line-battalion of the King's German legion, led by Ompteda, gallantly charges French infantry, but is furiously assailed in flank by a regiment of cuirassiers, and nearly destroyed : Ompteda is killed Gallant repulse of an attack made upon portions of Maitland's and Adam's brigades Renewed but unsuccessful attack upon Hougomont Adam's brigade withdrawn to the reverse slope of the main position General view of the Anglo-allied line. MUCH as the attention of both commanders had been absorbed by the contest described in the last chapter, the attack and defence of Hougomont had nevertheless been renewed and maintained with unabated vigour. The assailants, who continued in possession of the wood, having been strength- ened by powerful reinforcements from both Jerome's and Foy's divisions, now opened so rapid and in- discriminate a fire upon the garden wall that it might almost be supposed they entertained the hope of battering it down with their shower of bullets. They failed to make any impression upon the little garrison , though they obtained partial successes on the flanks, which again were counteracted on the part of the defenders by the aid of detachments from the main body of Byng^s_brigadeof guards, as also by the natural advantages of thelocalities. Thus, upon the right, a retreat of the guards from the hedge which lines the avenue and road leading to the chateau, if followed up by the French, would draw upon the latter a murderous fire from the banks, brushwood, and other cover, in rear of the 56 isth of avenue, together with a flank fire from behind the '_ buildings ; and, upon the left, if the enemy suc- ceeded in forcing back the defenders from the front to the rear hedge of the orchard, his left flank must be exposed to a severe fire from the troops lining the eastern garden-wall, while they suffered at the same time from the new fire directed against their front by the retreating party, formed under cover of the hollow-way by which that rear hedge is bounded. It was abou^two o'clock^hen Byng, perceiving the increased pressure upon the troops in the or- chard, and the great diminution which had taken place in their numbers, desired Coloneljlepburn,* who commanded the 2d battalion of the 3d foot grjards, to move down thlTslope with the remainder of his men as a reinforcement. Colonel Hepburn on reaching the hollow-way found it occupied by Lord Saltoun with a very small force, and his Lordship having scarcely a man remaining of his own battalion, gave over to the Colonel the com- mand of that part of Hougomont, and rejoined K Maitland's brigade. After a short time, Hepburn and his battalion made a sudden and vigorous rush into the great orchard from the hollow-way in its rear. The French skirmishers gave way ; and, as they crowded together while retreating through the gap that leads into the wood, they suffered severely * Major General Hepburn, C.B., died in June, 1835. FRANCE AXD BELGIUM IN 1815. 57 from the concentrated fire poured upon them by 18th f the guards ; who quickly established themselves the front hedge of the orchard. This happened nearly at the same time in which \/, the French were repulsed in their grand attack/' upon the centre and left of the Duke of Wel- lington's line. It jmight be about half-past Jwo ,-'' o'clock. The battle was then limited to a general cannonade, the roar of which was incessant, and its effects, now that the range on both sides had been very accurately obtained, were most galling and destructive to the troops posted along the in- terior slope of either position. Alten's light troops again spread themselves out to the front as soon as Kellermann's cuirassiers had been swept from off the exterior slope of the Anglo-allied position. They had not been out long before their attention was directed to a heavy column of infantry, appa- rently advancing from the vicinity of La Belle Alliance towards La Haye Sainte. It was Ba- chelu's division, which had fallen back a little after the failure of d'Erlon's attack, to which it had acted as a reserve. Lieut. Colonel Vigoureux,* V of the 30th British regiment, who commanded these light troops of Alten's division, immediately threw them forward to meet the column. They poured a well concentrated and most galling fire upon the mass, which immediately brought its right * Colonel Charles A. Vigoureux, C.B., died on the 25th of February, 1841. ' HISTORY OF THE WAR IN JO 18th of shoulders forward, and took the direction of Hou- ' gomont, either in consequence of that fire, or in accordance with orders previously given. The ground over which it wound its course descended sufficiently to render the movement indistinct to the British batteries on the position ; but the cir- cumstance having been communicated to Captain Cleeves, whose foot-battery of the King's German legion was posted on the most commanding point of the ridge, on the right of the Charleroi road, this officer lost not a moment in making his ar- rangements. He permitted the column to continue its march unmolested until it reached a point im- mediately in his front, on which he had directed his guns so as to concentrate upon the mass, at the proper moment, the whole fire of his battery. The column continued its march, and had cleared more than two thirds of the distance between La Belle Alliance and Hougomont, when, having well en- tered within Captain Cleeves's line of fire, three rounds from each gun were thrown into it with astonishing rapidity, and awful effect. In a mo- ment the greater portion of the column appeared to be dispersed, and flying back in confusion to- wards the lower ground for shelter ; leaving an immense number of dead and dying to attest the fatal accuracy of the fire from the battery. As no hostile force of either cavalry or infantry appeared in its immediate vicinity, Bachelu soon succeeded in rallying his division, and renewing the advance. FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. 59 A similar result followed ; whereupon all further ieth of attempt to effect the contemplated movement was '_ abandoned ; and thus a most serious flank attack ^^^ upon Hougomont was completely frustrated by the skilfully managed fire of a single battery. Bachelu now took post again, upon the right of Foy, leaving a considerable interval between his division and yz the Charleroi road. Foiled in his varied and repeated attacks upon Hougomont, Napoleon had now recourse to incen- diary projectiles. For this purposejhe,iiad~ordered a battery of howitzers to be formed, from which shells were thrown so as to descend into the build- ings. The great barn, the outhouses on the north side of the chateau, the farmer's house, and finally the chateau itself, were speedily set on fire. Dense volumes of smoke, enveloping the whole post and its defenders, were wafted slowly towards the Anglo-allied line ; the roofs of the buildings soon fell in ; and, shortly before three o'clock, the flames burst forth with great brilliancy. Many of the wounded had been carried, or had crawled, into the buildings ; but although their comrades entertained the most distressing apprehensions for their safety, the stern sense of duty and of honour prescribed that of the post itself as paramount to every other consideration. Invested as the place was by an enemy so overwhelmingly superior in numbers, and so unceasingly on the alert to seize upon any advantage that might offer, not a man could be HISTORY OF THE WAR IN \J isth of spared to assist in extricating the sufferers from their perilous situation. Obedience to the natural dictates of humanity was necessarily sacrificed to that which was due to the severe demands of dis- cipline. Thus several perished in the flames. Others, who had contrived to crawl into the open courts, could scarcely breathe in the scorching and suffocating atmosphere. Many who had sought shelter, or had been laid in the chapel, and whose terrors were excited as they heard the crashing fall of burning timbers, or the frequent explosion of shells around them, at length beheld the flames pe- netrating the door of the sanctuary. The prayers that had been fervently, though silently, offered up from that holy place, had surely been accepted the fire, reaching the feet of the wooden image of the Saviour of mankind, that stood above the entrance, seemed to feel the sacred presence ; for here its progress terminated ; and this, without the aid of human efforts.* The conflagration did not occasion a moment's relaxation in the heroic exertions of the brave de- fenders of Hougomont. The courage and devo- tedness of the men kept pace with the zeal and intelligence of their officers ; and no sooner did new difficulties arise than they were met and over- come by the most judicious arrangements, com- bined with the most consummate gallantry. * See note at page 344, vol. i. FRANCE A*D BELGIUM IN 1815. 61 It was now about half-past three o'clock. The isthof Anglo-allied line continued compact and unshaken _ in its original position. Its advanced posts of La Haye Sainte and Hougomont had successfully resisted the most formidable assaults. The left wing had sustained considerable loss in meeting and repelling the attack by the French right wing, but the losses endured by the latter in that attack were infinitely more severe : whole columns of in- fantry had been completely overthrown and dis- persed ; squadrons of the most splendid and most devoted cavalry, had shared a similar fate ; whilst from thirty to forty pieces of cannon had been rendered useless for nearly the remainder of the day. Hence, the French Emperor did not deem it advisable to renew, at least so soon, an attack upon the left of the Anglo-allied army. He de- cided on forming a grand attack upon its right and centre ; and since Reille's infantry had already suffered very considerably in its assaults upon Hougomont, he determined upon employing his cavalry for that purpose; more especially as the ground in front of that part of the Allied line appeared well adapted for the movements of this description of force. To gain possession of La Have Sainte and Hougomont, as a preliminary step, was undoubtedly the most judicious course; but hitherto his endeavours to obtain that vantage- ground had altogether failed, and he was now com- pelled to limit his plan, combining with the pro- 62 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN 18th of jected attack, renewed assaults against those posts, June. - which, even if again unsuccessful, would at least serve to divert, in some degree, the enemy's atten- tion. Napoleon also contemplated a more im- portant diversion, by causing a demonstration to be made with Fire's light cavalry against Welling- ton's right flank. In pursuance of this plan, renewed efforts were made by the attacking force against Hougomont ; and two scended upon La Haye Sainte. Meanwhile, Major Baring having applied for a reinforcement, two companies were detached to his v post from the 1st light battalion of the King's German legion. To these and a part of his own battalion, he intrusted the defence of the garden ; and, abandoning altogether the orchard, he placed the remainder of his force in the buildings, distri- buting their defence among the three officers who had so courageously maintained them during the previous attack. The French columns advanced against this post with the most undaunted resolution and the most conspicuous gallantry. The well- aimed bullets of the German rifles, though they told quickly and fearfully amidst their masses, ar- rested not their progress for a moment. They rushed close up to the walls, and, seizing the rifles as they protruded through the loop-holes, endea- voured to wrest them from the hands of the de- fenders. They also made a most furious assault FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. 53 against the gates and doors, in the defence of ISA of June. which many lives were sacrificed. The greatest struggle was at the western opening to the large barn, the door of which was wanting. The French, determined to make good an entrance, encountered the brave Germans, equally resolute to prevent them. The foremost Frenchmen, dashing boldly on to force their way, were struck down by the deliberate fire from the rifles the instant they reached the threshold, and seventeen of their dead bodies already formed a rampart for those who continued to press forward to carry on the struggle. It was nearly four o'clock when certain move- ments made by the lancers on the French extreme left, led the Duke to suspect an attack from that quarter ; and which, considering the almost isolated position of his detached forces at Braine-la-leud and Vieux Foriez, might, if successful, be attended with very serious consequences to himself. He y drew Lord Uxbridge's attention to that point ; and' the latter immediately despatched Grant, with the 13th light dragoons and the 15th hussars of his it O - - - brigade, to attack the feeders ; detaching, at the same time, the 2d light dragoons of the King's ^^ German legion, from Db'rnberg's brigade, towards Braine-la-leud, for the purpose both of facilitating the attack, by manoeuvring on the left of the lancers, and of watching the enemy's dispositions in that direction. The fire of artillery along both lines had been 4 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN 18th of maintained with the utmost vigour. At this ruo- _ ment, however, a most furious cannonade was di- >\ rected against that part of the Anglo-allied line which was situated between the two high roads. While some of the French light batteries took post in advance, others, of the imperial guard, com- prising 12-pounclers, opened a firejromjhejieights in^e^r^I^nTnhnve, T.a^Bellg^Ailknce ; and as the batteries upon the main French line were ranged along the arc of the chord formed by the f Allied line, the French artillery was enabled, by y / its very great numerical superiority in guns, to concentrate an overwhelming fire upon any part of \ the Duke's position. The Allied infantry posted ' in columns along the interior slope of the ridge, were entirely screened from the observation of the French, who could not distinguish any portion of their enemies beyond the devoted British and Ger- man artillerymen at their guns, which, despite the severity of the fire from their opponents, were worked with the most admirable coolness and in- trepidity, and with a precision beyond all praise. The thunder of the artillery continued pealing forth in an uninterrupted roll, and the scene be- came awfully grand. The guns having once ob- tained the required range, were fired without inter- mission. Instantaneous flashes met the eye, all along the heights, succeeded by volumes of smoke bounding forth along the ground in front, and en- veloping the batteries in clouds. The earth trem- FRANCE A\D BELGIUM IN 1815. 65 bled beneath the dread concussion. The oldest > i3th of soldiers had never witnessed a cannonade con- ducted with such fury, with such desperation. The Allied columns of infantry were lying down upon the ground to shelter themselves as much as pos- sible from the iron shower that fell fast and hea- vilyround shot, tearing frightful rents directly through their masses, or ploughing up the earth beside them ; shells, bursting in the midst of the serried columns, and scattering destruction in their fall, or previously burying themselves in the soft loose soil to be again forced upwards in eruptions of iron, mud, and stones, that fell amongst them like volcanic fragments. During this terrible conflict of artillery, Ney was making his preparatory dispositions with the cavalry which Napoleon had desired him to launch against the Anglo-allied right wing. He first formed for attack, Milhaud's ^corps of cuirassiers, consisting of 21 squadron? light cavalry-division of the guard, comprising 7 squadrons^oJLlailfierg^and 12 squadrons to follow and support in all 40 squadrons constituting a magnificent array of gallant horsemen. As they began to advance, the first line, of cuirassiers, shone in burnished steel, relieved by black horse-hair-crested helmets ; next canie__the red lancers of the guard, in their gaudy uniform, and mounted on richly caparisoned steeds, their fluttering lance-flags heightening the bril- VOL. II. F 66 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN isth of liancy of their display ; whilst the thi^d line, com- prising the chasseurs of the guard, in Ineir rich costume of green and gold, with fur-trimmed pe- lisses ti la hussard, and black bear-skin shakos, completed the gorgeous, yet harmonious, colouring of this military spectacle. Though formed in Successive lines of columns, in the hollow space on the immediate left of La Have Sainte, where they were sheltered in some degree from the cannonade that raged so furiously above them, the rear lines obliqued to their left, on the advance, and became echelonned to the first line, so as to present a ge- neral front, extending from the Charleroi road on their right, to the Hougomont inclosures on their left. As they ascended the ridge, the French artillery suspended their fire, and the Allied bat- teries commenced pouring a destructive shower of grape-shot amidst their devoted ranks. Fiercely and fatally did this iron hail rattle against the helmed and steel-clad cuirassiers, here glancing off, there penetrating the armour, wounding or laying prostrate many a gallant warrior, at the very mo- ment when the brightest visions of glory had opened on his ardent imagination. This iron sleet, however, caused no perceptible check to their pro- gress ; and, with shouts of "Vine VEmpercur!" they accelerated their pace until, having arrived within about forty yards of the guns, they received the last and well-prepared discharge. Its effects were terrific : but though their order was somewhat FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. g-j broken, their courage was not shaken. The charge i8th of was sounded ; a cheer followed ; and, in the next '_ instant, they rushed up to the very cannon's mouth. In accordance with previous instructions given by the Duke of Wellington himself, the artillerymen withdrew, upon the close approach of . the cavalry, and sought shelter either beside, or in rear of the infantry-squares ; or, where occasion required, they threw themselves under the pro- jecting bayonets of the outer kneeling ranks for protection. The cuirassiers, on crowning the crest of the ridge, and finding themselves so unex- pectedly in possession of a line of batteries, shouted loudly forth their triumph ; and then, renewing their onward charge, were, in a moment, lost to the view of the lancers and chasseurs of the guard. These troops, carried away by the enthusiasm of the moment, and the eager desire to share in the fancied victory, advanced with the same fiery im- petuosity, and the whole force was now fairly ^ across the ridge. The Allied infantry, distributed ? J in chequered squares along the interior slope, were fully prepared to meet the attack. Some little apprehension had been entertained for the safety of the right of the front line, where the Bruns- wickers, who, as before remarked, were mostly young, raw troops, had taken up the ground pre- viously occupied by Byngrs^brigade of guards, which had^been entirely absorbed by the defence of Hougomont^ ^tIT~the~ exception of two corn- gg HISTORY OF THE WAR IN isth of panics which, with the colours, had been with- June. . . drawn, as a reserve, to a more sheltered position on the right of the Nivelles road. As the French O '^cavalry advanced, the 23d British regiment of infantry was led up to the front line, and into an interval between the Brunswick squares. This regiment had nearly reached the brow of the ridge when it was suddenly ordered to halt and prepare to receive cavalry ; and the chasseurs of the guard appearing the next moment in its front, a fire from this face was opened so hastily that scarcely a shot could have told upon the enemy. It instantly recovered this somewhat nervous precipitation, and presented a bold and determined stand, as did also the Brunswickers, who acted on this occasion in a manner that would have reflected credit on the most experienced veterans. The cannonade had necessarily ceased along the right wing of the Anglo-allied front line, and along the French batteries to which it was opposed. Hence the vehement cheering on the part of the French cavalry became the more distinctly audible and the more highly exciting. A sullen silence was maintained throughout the Allied squares, which were all at the " prepare," front ranks kneeling, and the second at the charge, thus forming a chevaux-de-frise, over which the rear ranks were ready to fire, as occasion might de- mand. As the cavalry now rushed down upon the squares, the front faces of the latter opened their ' FRANCE AND BELGIUM IX 1815. fire when the former had approached within about th of thirty paces of them. The effect of this fire was to create disorder and confusion in the leading- o squadron or half squadron (as the case might be), which would then open out from the centre, and, obliquing to the right and left respectively, pass on by the flanks of the square attacked, to the fire from which it would consequently become com" pletely exposed. The succeeding, repeated the manoeuvre of the leading, divisions ; and their dis- order became greater and greater as the conti- nually augmenting obstacles in their front, the upset riders and horses, increased in multitude. Here, as at Quatre-Bras, the French cavalry did not rush to the shock against a single British square. The horsemen of the leading divisions who escaped the opposing fire, failed to maintain the direction of their speed with unabated vigour, and to dash against the square, heedless of per- sonal danger, and intent only upon securing the sole chance that offered for the success of their immediate followers. That portion of the cavalry which passed through the intervals between the foremost squares, directed their advance upon those that were in rear, and the squares being generally en tchiquier, the opening out and dividing of the attacking squadrons in the manner described, soon commingled the horsemen of different regiments, and added considerably to the disorder already caused by the dropping fire which assailed them in 70 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN isth of all directions. The Anglo-allied cavalry, having '__ the advantage of perfect order, now advanced to the charge, and, after encountering some little re- sistance on different points, speedily succeeded in relieving the squares from the presence of the enemy, whom they pursued over the crest of the ridge and down the exterior slope. No sooner was Ney's cavalry driven from the position, than the Allied artillerymen flew from their shelter to their guns, and the French batteries recommenced their fire. The former dealt destruction amidst the retiring masses, as soon as, and wherever, they were uncovered by the Allied cavalry ; but some of the British regiments, giving too much rein to their ardour, carried their pursuit rather too far, v ^A/particularly the 23d British light dragoons, which, crossing the hollow on the right of La Have Sainte, drove back the cuirassiers and lancers on their own batteries upon the heights beyond, and thus created confusion amongst the French gunners ; who, how- ever, made them pay for their temerity as they withdrew again towards their own position. 1 Towards the Allied right, the lancers, pursued }y the 1st light dragoons of the King's German legion, instantly re-formed, and, resuming their charge, became themselves the pursuers ; but on advancing over the ridge, they were not only ex- posed again to the fire from the squares, but were at the same time most unexpectedly assailed by a brisk discharge of round-shot from Captain Bol- FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. / 7J ton's British foot-batterv, which had iust beeri/ isthof J V June. rapidly advanced to its left front, and very judi- ciously posted on some favourable ground close to, and on the right of, the Nivelles road, and in direct rear of the main ridge. Its fire was directed with great precision at the French cavalry in the inter- vals between the squares in its front, and by its valuable assistance the enemy was soon compelled to retire again across the ridge. It will be readily conceived that such assistance was most essential, when it is recollected that, at this time, the 7thA hussars, the 1st light dragoons of the King's Ger-/ ) man legion, the Brunswick hussars, and the squa-l/ dron of Brunswick lancers, were the only cavalry- regiments posted in rear of that portion of the front line extending from the Nivelles road on the right, to the position of Halkett's British infantry brigade on the left, in rear of which latter stood the 23d light dragoons. The manner in which those regiments charged and repelled the French cavalry opposed to them, merits the highest com- mendation. The French cavalry evinced the greatest alacrity, nay, impatience, in again getting into order actu- ated, no doubt, by a sense of shame and indig- nation at finding its efforts frustrated, and its valour fruitless, although in possession of the enemy's guns, and at liberty to act at its own discretion against his squares. The advance was speedily renewed, but evidently conducted with more cau- 72 HISTORY OF THE WAR IX isth of tion, though not with less enthusiasm. Again did this brilliant array of horsemen boldly face the iron shower of grape, and gallantly crown the crest of the Anglo-allied right wing. But now, instead of attacking indiscriminately, as before, one portion was allotted to that service, whilst the remainder was kept in more compact order to stem the onset of the Allied cavalry, by which, on the former occasion, they had been so signally repulsed. The charges were repeated against the squares, in the same style, and upon the same system, as before, and with an equally fruitless result. This portion of the attacking force became gradually exhausted and out of order, but the remainder appeared well formed up, and moving forward to charge the second line, comprising Allied cavalry, which, however, did not wait for the attack, but instantly advanced to meet it. The latter consisted of V/Somerset's brigad^on the left, (greatly diminished by the effects of its former charge, on the occasion of the French attack of the Allied- left and centre,) of the 23d British lioht dragoons, in rear of Halkett's British infantry-brigade, of Trip's Dutch- Belgiancarabirner-brigade, in rear of the 23d, of the Brunswick hussars and lancers, more to the right, of the 1st light dragoons of the King's German legion, close tcfftle Nivelles road, and of the 7th JLw4isli_Jiussars, on the interior slope of that portion of the ridge which was immediately in left rear of Hougomont a force scarcely amount- FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. 73 ing to half the number of squadrons with which iflthof the French cavalry had commenced this attack. The charge was executed under great excitement, and with the utmost steadiness and gallantry. The struggle was desperate and sanguinary, but the French cavalry, assailed in front, by the same de- scription of force, and on their flanks, by the fire from the squares, at length went about, and were followed, as before, over the ridge and down the exterior slope. In rear of the right of the Anglo- allied line, where, as previously observed, the ca- valry was then so very weak in numbers, the 1st light dragoons of the King's German legion had deployed into line, in order to occupy more ground and show a greater front. As the French lancers were attacking the squares, and advancing through the intervals between them, notwithstanding the renewed fire from Bolton's battery, the regiment hastened forward to charge them. The Germans had not proceeded far when it was discovered that a body of the enemy's cavalry had penetrated to the open space on their left. With great presence of mind and admirable promptitude, Major von Reizenstein,* who perceived the danger to which the regiment was exposed by the already meditated attack upon its left flank, drew off a great part of it, and, with a right-shoulder-forward movement, * Colonel Augustus von Reizenstein, C.B., K.C.H., of the Hanoverian service, died on the Gtli of November, 1830. 74 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN isth of advanced to meet these new assailants, who were now coming on at full speed. The mutual impe- tuosity of the charge, and violence of the shock, were terrific. The two lines dashed at and through each other, and those of the horsemen that were yet firm in their saddles, wheeling sharply round, again rushed to the fierce encounter with the most resolute bravery ; and the dispersed riders, after rapidly exchanging cuts and thrusts, en passant, sought out their respective corps. As the cavalry retired, the infantry that had attacked La Have Sainte desisted from their fruit- less endeavours to force the gallant little garrison. Not long afterwards, Major Baring, on finding that the ammunition of his men had, by the constant firing, been reduced to less than one-half, became apprehensive of its speedy exhaustion ; and des- patched an officer to request a supply, which was promised to him. In the mean time, the Germans set about diligently repairing the injuries they had sustained, and making the best preparation in their power to meet the next attack. Upon the first advance of the French cavalry, by the Allied left of Hougomont, a body of in- fantry skirmishers crept along the boundary hedge of the great orchard on that side, and by thus turning the flank of the 3rd guards, who were at the same time assailed with renewed vigour in front, compelled them to retire into the hollow-way in rear of the inclosure ; but, as the cavalry with- FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. 75 drew, so did the light troops on the left of the istt of orchard, and Lieut. Colonel Hepburn, advancing '__ his men from their cover, drove back the French skirmishers in the orchard, and again occupied its front hedge. The contest at this time, between the Allied left, and the French right, wing, was limited to a ./ continued cannonade, with light troops skirmishing in the valley which separated the two positions. The Nassau troops, under Prince Bernhard of Saxe- Weimar, maintained their ground with great spirit along the villages and inclosures upon the extreme left of the Anglo-allied army. Grant, who, it will be recollected, had been de- tached with the 13th light dragoons and the 15th hussars, to attack the 5th and 6th French lancers, upon the extreme left of the French line, in con- sequence of certain menacing dispositions on their part, was first made aware that these had been merely a diversion, to draw off a portion of the Allied cavalry from the real point of attack, by the shouts which suddenly proceeded from their ranks, when, on turning round to ascertain the cause, he perceived the French in possession of the batteries along the crest of the position, and charging the squares posted on the interior slope. Observing a repetition of the attack, and the want of cavalry on that part of the position which he had quitted, he most judiciously took upon himself to return to it with both regiments ; and, as will 76 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN i8th of appear in the sequel, he arrived there at a most critical moment, when his absence might have pro- duced the most fatal consequences. As a precau- tionary measure, the right squadron of the 15th hussars, under Captain Wodehouse, was left in its original position, to observe the extreme left of the ^ French line ; and the 2d light dragoons of the King's German legion continued to keep a look- out between that point and Braine-la-leud. Napoleon, perceiving the necessity of affording an immediate support to Ney's attack sent an \f order to KeUermann to advance for that purpose, with his corps of heavy cavalry, consisting of the two divisions commanded by I/Hfiritier and Rous- sel-d'Urbal, and comprising (at the commencement of the battle) 7 squadrons of_dragoons, 11 squa- drons of cuirassiers, and 6 squadrons of _cara- 4>iniers. In the mean time, Ney, with a similar object in view, had ordered forward Guyot's heavy cavalry-division of the guard, comprising 6 squa- drons oT^horse_grenadiers, andJLiquadrons of dra- goons. These 37 squadrons, combined with the force which had already attacked, and which had originally consisted of 40 squadrons,* constituted a stupendous array of cavalry, in comparison with that which was then posted in rear of the right wing of the Anglo-allied army, and which re- ceived no accession beyond the j5_ squadrons that * See page 65. FRANCE AND BELGIUM IX 1815. 77 Grant was in the act of withdrawing, as hefore ISA of explained, from the extreme right. Guyot's divi- sion of the guard having been placed by Napoleon at Ney's disposal, when he first desired him to form the grand cavalry-attack, the Marshal was entitled to employ it if he thought proper ; but it is doubtful whether Napoleon, after having sent forward Kellermann's corps, was desirous that the combined force should be thus prematurely en- gaged, and himself deprived of his only cavalry- reserve. Still, when we consider the limited ex- tent of the field of battle, and the consequent faci- lity with which he might have either suspended the employment of the heavy cavalry of the guard, or countermanded Kellermann's advance, it is rea- sonable to infer that the French Emperor was not altogether displeased with the grand experiment which was about to be made, and which encouraged ^ the most sanguine expectations of a glorious triumph. The coming attack was, like the former one, preceded by a violent cannonade. As before, the French batteries concentrated their fire upon the Allied artillery and squares. The entire space immediately in rear of the crest of the ridge that marked the front line of the Duke's right wing, was again assailed with a tempest of shot and shell. Again were whole files torn away, and compact sections rent asunder. But the extraordinary skill and the untiring energies of the British and Ger- 78 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN isth of man gunners, combined with the heroic forbearance ' and the admirable steadiness of the squares, fully impressed upon the mind of Wellington the con- viction that, however formidable and dispropor- tionate the force which his powerful adversary could wield against him, it might yet be made to suffer an exhaustion, moral as well as physical, that would render it totally unavailable and help- less at the moment when its extremest tension and fullest application would be so urgently required to extricate the Emperor from that perilous crisis which, by his Grace's masterly arrangements, was gradually approaching its consummation. To act exclusively on the defensive, to maintain his ground in defiance of every assault and every stra- tagem, and yet to harass and weaken his enemy to the extent of his power, constituted the grand point on which hinged the practical development of those arrangements. A defeat and dispersion of his army before the arrival of the Prussian troops, would lead to new measures, to additional sacrifices perhaps to irretrievable disasters. But his resolve was fixed and irrevocable ; for he knew that he could fearlessly rely upon the devotion, the endurance, and the valour, of his British and Ger- man soldiers. And this implicit confidence was nobly reciprocated ; for, as the troops remarked the serenity of his countenance and demeanour when rectifying any confusion or disorder, or felt as if spell-bound by the magic influence of a few FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. 79 simple and homely words from his lips, they enter- isth of tained no doubt as to the result of their glorious exertions. When the tremendous cavalry force which Ney had thus assembled, moved forward to the attack, the whole space between La Have Sainte and Hougomont appeared one moving glittering mass ; and, as it approached the Anglo-allied position, undulating with the conformation of the ground, it resembled a sea in agitation. Upon reaching the crest of the ridge, and regaining temporary pos- session of the batteries, its very shouts sounded on the distant ear like the ominous roar of breakers thundering on the shore. Like waves following in quick succession, the whole mass now appeared to roll over the ridge ; and as the light curling smoke arose from the fire which was opened by the squares, and by which the latter sought to stem the current of the advancing host, it resembled the foam and spray thrown up by the mighty waters as they dash on isolated rocks and beetling crags ; and, as the mass separated and rushed in every direction, completely covering the interior slope, it bore the appearance of innumerable eddies and counter currents, threatening to overwhelm and en- gulph the obstructions by which its onward course had been opposed. The storm continued to rage with the greatest violence ; and the devoted squares seemed lost in the midst of the tumultuous onset. In vain did the maddening mass chafe and fret away 80 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN isth of its strength against these impregnable barriers, '_ which, based upon the sacred principles of honour, discipline, and duty, and cemented by the ties of patriotism and the impulse of national glory, stood proudly unmoved and inaccessible. Disorder and confusion, produced by the commingling of corps, and by the scattering fire from the faces of the chequered squares, gradually led to the retreat of parties of horsemen across the ridge : these were followed by broken squadrons, and, at length, the retrograde movement became general. Then the Allied dragoons, who had been judiciously kept in readiness to act at the favourable moment, darted forward to complete the disorganization and over- throw of the now receding waves of the French cavalry. The Allied artillery had barely time to fire a few rounds into the retiring masses, when the enemy's formidable support rapidly advanced to renew the attack ; and, as if it had been made aware that the right of the Anglo-allied line was the weakest part, from the want of a sufficient cavalry-support, its efforts appeared particularly directed to that point. A body of heavy dragoons was drawn up in line, and advanced up the ridge leaving the Hougomont inclosures immediately on its left. At this moment, however, Grant had most opportunely returned with the 13th light dra- goons and 15th hussars from the extreme right ; and instantly forming the 13th, which was the FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. Q-I leading regiment, in line to the front, moved it up isthof to the crest of the ridge, over which it gallantly _ charged and routed the French dragoons, driving them about three hundred yards down to the low ground near the north-east angle of the great orchard of Hougomont. The 15th hussars were also formed to the front, on the left of the 13th light dragoons, and charged a mass of cuirassiers, which was driven back a like distance, upon large bodies of cavalry. As these were observed com- mencing offensive operations, both in front and on the flank, the two regiments, first the 13th, and then the 15th, were compelled to retreat to the main position, and take post in rear of the squares ; but this they did with so much order and regularity that their presence and example imparted new life and confidence to the young Brunswickers, whose steadiness, on the right of the line, had been se- verely tested in the course of the grand cavalry- attack. Notwithstanding these reverses, and the decided failure of their former attempts, the French horsemen most gallantly and resolutely renewed their advance, and again plunged, in masses, amidst the Allied squares. Failing in their direct attack, they rode through the intervals between the squares in all directions, exhibiting extraordinary coolness and intrepidity. Some of the most daring ap- proached close up to the ranks, to draw forth the fire from a square, and thus secure a better chance of success for the squadron prepared to seize the VOL. II. G 82 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN 18th of advantage and to charge. Small parties of despe- June. rate fellows would endeavour to force an opening at some weak point, by cutting aside the bayonets and firing at the defenders with their pistols. But / ' the squares were proof against every assault and \_every stratagem. More cavalry crossed over the summit of the ridge ; and the greater part of the interior slope occupied by the Allied right wing seemed covered with horsemen of all kinds cui- rassiers, lancers, carabiniers, chasseurs, dragoons, and horse-grenadiers. The French, enraged at their want of success, brandishing their swords, and exciting one another by shouts of " Vive VEmpereur!" reiterated their attacks with redou- bled but fruitless vigour. Like the majestic oaks of the forest, which are poetically said to strike their roots deeper and more tenaciously into the earth, as the fury of the storm increases, so stood the Anglo-allied squares, grand in the imposing attitude of their strength, and bidding defiance to the tempestuous elements by which they were as- sailed on every side. At length the attack evinced symptoms of exhaustion : the charges became less frequent and less vigorous ; disorder and confusion were rapidly augmenting ; the spirit of enthusiasm and the confidence of superiority, were quickly yielding to the feeling of despondency, and the sense of hopelessness. The Anglo-allied cavalry again advanced, and once more swept the mingled host, comprising every description of mounted FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. gg troops, from off the ground on which they had so 18th o fruitlessly frittered away their strength. On this occasion, a hody of cuirassiers, having been intercepted in its direct line of retreat by a party of British light dragoons, was induced to surrender ; but taking advantage of the weakness of their escort, they suddenly broke away, and galloped down the Nivelles road, by which they hoped to return to the French lines. They were fatally deceived. As they passed the high bank, covered with brush-wood, on the right of the road, where a detachment of the ^st j*egiment was sta- tioned as one of the supports to the light troops extended in front of the extreme right, they were fired upon, though but partially, in consequence of their close pursuit by the light dragoons. This attracted the attention of Captain Ross* of that regiment, who was posted with his company more in advance, and close to the abatis which had been thrown across the road near the head of the avenue leading to Hougomont. Captain Ross, being thus prepared, also fired upon the cuirassiers, where- upon their commanding officer, finding all further retreat effectually cut off by the abatis, surrendered to Captain Ross, declaring that he would not give himself up to the dragoons. At this spot eighty of the cuirassiers and twelve of their horses were Now Lieut. Colonel John Rosa, Unatt. Q4 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN isth of killed ; and the remainder, about sixty, were dis- June. mounted, taken, or dispersed. Shortly before this, Ney, perceiving the ill suc- cess of his cavalry attacks, determined on com- bining them with such infantry as he had at his disposal. Between d'Erlon's and Reille's corps there was now a great interval, and the only troops of which he could make use for the above object, consisted of Bachelii!s_division, on the right of the latter, as Donzelot's division, on the left of the former, was still required for the attack upon La Haye Sainte, and which he now ordered to be vigorously renewed, whilst he advanced a heavy column of Bachelu's infantry towards the centre of the Allied right wing. Wellington, who had, from the first, anticipated that the attacks of ca- valry would be followed up by others, in which that arm would he combined with infantry, was fully prepared to meet this contingency, having, as soon as he had ascertained that the enemy was not dis- osed to attempt any serious movement against his right flank, despatched an Qrder__tp_Chasse to eva- cuate Braine-la-leud and its vicinity, and to proceed, with his Dutch-Belgian division, towards the prin- cipal scene of action, along the low ground through Merbe-braine. By this means, his Grace, who contemplated reinforcing his first line with troops from his second, would be enabled to supply their place in the latter with others of equal strength. FRANCE AND BELGIUM IX 1815. 85 Chasse's movement, executed with much judgment, ISA of . ' ' i i June. was in a great measure, if not entirely, concealed from the enemy's observation, and was very skil- fully covered by the 2d light dragoons of the King's German legion, who continued hovering near the left flank of the French army. In the mean time, the attack upon La Haye Sainte had been renewed with the same fury as before. Major Baring, on perceiving the advance of the enemy's columns, sent an officer to the po- sition with this intelligence, and repeated his re- quest for ammunition. The light company of the 5th line-battalion of the King's German legion was sent to his assistance, but the supply of ammu- nition, of which he stood so much in need, was not forthcoming ; and he therefore, after waiting half an hour longer, during which the contest was un- interrupted, despatched another officer on the same errand. This application proved equally unsuc- cessful. He received, however, a reinforcement of two flank companies from the 1st regiment of Nassau. The great struggle was again at the open entrance to the barn, and the French, finding all their efforts to force an entrance so obstinately and successfully frustrated, had recourse to the expe- dient of setting the place on fire. A thick smoke was soon observed issuing from the barn. The greatest consternation pervaded the little garrison, for although there was a pond in the yard, there were no means at hand for conveying the water to gg HISTORY OF THE WAR IN the point of danger. Major Baring, whose anxiety . 11 was extreme, glancing his eye at the large camp- kettles home by the recently-arrived Nassauers, instantly pulled one from off a man's back : several officers followed his example, and filling the kettles with water, carried them, in the face of almost certain death, to the fire. The men hesitated not a moment. Every kettle was instantly applied to the same good office, and the fire was fortunately extinguished, though at the sacrifice of many a brave soldier. Several of the men, although co- vered with wounds, rejected all persuasion to retire. Their constant reply was, " So long as our officers fight, and we can stand, we will not stir from the spot."* At length the enemy, wearied out by this most resolute and gallant defence, once more with- drew. At the commencement of this attack, while one portion of the enemy's force was principally di- rected against the western entrance of the great barn, the other, leaving the buildings on its right, advanced higher up the slope, as if intending either * One of the men, named Frederick Lindau, bleeding from two wounds in his head, and carrying in his pocket a large bag full of gold, which he had taken from a French officer, stood at the small barn-door facing the yard, defending from thence the open western entrance. Major Baring, observing that the cloth bound round his head did not suffice to stop the strong flow of blood, called out to him to withdraw ; but the latter, as heedless of his wounds as of his gold, replied, " None but a scoundrel would desert you so long as his head remains upon his shoulders !" This brave fellow was after- wards taken prisoner, and lost his treasure. FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. to penetrate the farm by the garden, or to cut off ieth of . .. . . .. June. its communication with the main position. The Prince of Orange, conceiving this to be a favour- able opportunity for attacking the French co- lumn, ordered thejiih___and 8th line battalions of Ompteda's brigade of the King s ijerman legion to deploy and advance. The line was quickly formed, and the battalions, bounding across the narrow sunken road, rushed forward at a charging pace, driving the enemy before them. But a body of cuirassiers, that had unsuccessfully charged the left squares of Kielmansegge's Hanoverian brigade, whilst those battalions were advancing, came upon the right flank of the latter, unexpectedly for both parties. The 5th line battalion, which was on the ^ / right, having been supported in sufficient time by A Somersefs_heavy cavalry -brigade, suffered little loss ; but the 8tl\Jme_battalion being on the left, and more in advance, in the act of charging when the cuirassiers appeared was completely surprised, and almost entirely destroyed. The commanding officer of the battalion, Colonel von Schroder, was mortally wounded : several other officers fell : Ensign de Moreau,* who carried and defended the King's colour, having been severely wounded, as also the Serjeant who afterwards held it, the enemy succeeded in carrying off the prize. Major von * Now Captain William de Moreau, K.H., on the retired list of the Hanoverian army. 88 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN isth of Petersdorff,* the next in command, collected the June. . i scattered remnant of the battalion, and posted it in rear of the hollow- way. The moment the Anglo-allied right wing became cleared of the presence of the French cavalry, it was again exposed to a furious cannonade. Se- veral of the guns along the main ridge were by this time disabled. Major Bull, who had been obliged at an earlier period to withdraw his how- itzer-battery to the second line, for the purpose of repairing casualties and completing ammunition, advanced again to his former post in the front line, along with Major Ramsay's horse-battery, during '/ the second general charge of the French cavalry. These batteries suffered severely from Fire's guns, stationed on the extreme left of the French line. Bull directed Lieutenant Louis f to turn his two right guns towards them, and it was not long before this officer succeeded in silencing them ; a service which, as they enfiladed the Allied right flank, was of considerable advantage, during the remainder of the battle, to all the batteries and troops in this part of the field. A reinforcement of artillery was particularly required in front of Cooke's divi- sion and the Brunswick infantry, against which the enemy was evidently preparing fresh attacks : * Lieut. Colonel Charles von Petersdorff, C.B., K.C.H., in the Hanove- rian service, died on the 13th March, 1834. t Now Lieut. Colonel Matthew Louis, Royal Artillery. FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN 1815. 89 Lieut. Colonel Dickson's Britisli__JiQrse=hai.tery, isthof commanded by Major Mercer, and Major Sym- _ '_ pher's Jiorse-battery^jpf the King's German legion, were therefore ordered up into the front line j the former, to the left of Lieut. Colonel Smith's horse- battery, in front of the Brunsvvickers, and the latter, further to the left. Major Mercer's battery had barely time to get into action T^wften a heavy column of cavalry, composed of horse-grenadiers and cuirassiers, were seen ascending the ridge, and advancing at a rapid rate directly towards the spot upon which it had taken post. The guns, which were 9-pounders, were each loaded with a round ^ and a case shot ; and were run close up to a bank of two or three feet in height, which descended from the narrow cross-road along the ridge, and which thus formed a sort of genouillere to the bat- tery. In front, the summit of the ridge consisted of a flat surface, of forty or fifty yards in width, whence the ground descended rapidly towards the plain that divided the two armies. The column continued to advance until it came quite close upon these guns, the muzzles of which were nearly on a level with the cross-road, when it suddenly recoiled from the very destructive fire with which it was received. The horsemen of the leading squadrons faced about, and endeavoured to force their way to the rear ; confusion ensued, and the whole mass broke into a disorderly crowd. Several minutes