The bivouac on the Field of Quatre Bras, during the night of the 16th,
continued undisturbed until about an hour before daylight, when a
Cavalry Patrol having accidentally got between the adverse Picquets
near Piermont, caused an alarm in that quarter that was quickly
communicated to both Armies by a rattling fire of musketry, which,
rapidly augmenting, extended itself along the line of the Advanced
Posts. Among the first who hastened to ascertain the origin and nature
of the engagement was PICTON, who, together with other Staff Officers,
as they arrived in succession, on discovering that no advance had been
attempted or intended on either side, soon succeeded in restoring
confidence. Similar exertions were successfully made on the part of
the French Officers, and as day began to break upon the scene, both
parties resumed their previous tranquillity. In this untoward affair,
the Picquets furnished by KIELMANSEGGE's Hanoverian Brigade, and by the
3rd Brunswick Light Battalion were sharply engaged, and a Picquet of
the Field Battalion Bremen suffered considerably.
It was not long before WELLINGTON, who had slept at Genappe, arrived
at Quatre Bras, where he found Major General Sir HUSSEY VIVIAN, whose
Brigade of Light Cavalry, consisting of the 10th British Hussars (under
Colonel QUENTIN), of the 18th British Hussars (under Lieutenant Colonel
the Hon. HENRY MURRAY), and of the 1st Hussars of the King's German
Legion (under Lieutenant Colonel VON WISSELL), was posted on the left
of that point with two strong Picquets thrown out; one, of the 18th
Hussars, under Captain CROKER, on the Namur road, and the other, of the
10th Hussars, under Major the Hon. FREDERICK HOWARD, in front--with a
Picquet from the latter, under Lieutenant ARNOLD, on the right of the
Namur road.
VIVIAN, on being asked what account he could give of the Enemy,
communicated to the Duke the result of his observations, which were
necessarily very limited, as, with the exception of the firing that
had taken place, as before mentioned, along the line of Picquets,
the French had continued perfectly quiet, and had as yet given no
indication of any offensive movement.
The Duke then took a general survey of the Field, and while sweeping
the horizon with his telescope, he discovered a French Vedette on
some rising ground, in the direction of Fleurus, and a little to the
right of the high road leading to Namur, apparently belonging to some
Picquet thrown out from NEY's extreme Right on the previous night,
after the battle had ceased; or to some detached Corps placed in that
quarter for the purpose of observation, and for the maintenance of
the communication between NAPOLEON and NEY. The Duke had received no
intelligence of BLÜCHER; and, probably, judging from the advanced
position of the Vedette in question that whatever might have been
the result of the Battle of Ligny, the Prussians could not have made
any forward movement likely to endanger NEY's Right, he came to the
conclusion that it was quite possible that, on the other hand, NAPOLEON
might have crossed the Namur road, and cut off his communication with
BLÜCHER, with the design of manoeuvring upon his Left and Rear, and
causing him to be simultaneously attacked by NEY. His Grace therefore
desired VIVIAN to send a strong Patrol along the Namur road to gain
intelligence respecting the Prussian Army.
A Troop of the 10th Hussars, under Captain GREY, was accordingly
despatched on this duty, accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel the Hon.
Sir ALEXANDER GORDON, one of the Duke's Aides de Camp. As the Patrol
advanced along the road, the Vedette before mentioned began to circle,
evidently to give notice of the approach of an Enemy, and then retired.
This induced the Patrol to move forward with great caution, so as
to guard against the possibility of being cut off. Nevertheless it
continued, but with all due precaution, advancing along the road, until
after passing a few scattered cottages, comprising a hamlet called
Petit Marbais, it reached, about a mile and a half further on, some
rising ground, about five miles from Quatre Bras, and beyond which was
another height. A Vedette was observed posted upon the latter, but who
had evidently not yet discovered the approach of Captain GREY's Troop.
Down in the intervening hollow was an isolated house, at the door of
which stood a dismounted Sentry, and some horses were standing in an
adjoining yard.
Captain GREY directed Lieutenant BACON to patrol towards the house,
while he remained with the remainder of the Troop, concealed from the
Enemy's view, a disposition favoured by the nature of the ground, and
the trees in the hedges, on both sides of the road. When Lieutenant
BACON's party moved forward, it was discovered by the Vedette, who
began circling, and fired his carabine. The French Picquet posted in
the house instantly rushed out; several of the men had their jackets
and accoutrements off; and the Post could easily have been captured,
had the special duty on which the British Patrol was engaged admitted
of an attack. The French turned out very quickly and galloped to the
rear along the high road, while BACON's party was recalled. A few
French Cavalry galloped up to the Vedette on the Heights, but evinced
no disposition to advance.
It had now become sufficiently evident that, commencing from this
point, the French were in possession of the Namur road; but the
principal object which Sir ALEXANDER GORDON had in view was yet to be
attained. The Patrol now retired a little until it reached a cross
road, which a peasant pointed out as the Prussian line of retreat.
Pursuing this track, the Patrol, within an hour, reached Tilly; where
General ZIETEN, who had been placed in temporary command of the
Cavalry, was covering the retreat of the Prussian Army.
After remaining here about a quarter of an hour, during which
Sir ALEXANDER GORDON obtained from General ZIETEN the most ample
information respecting the movements of the Prussians, the Patrol
commenced its return, at a quick pace, striking into a cross road,
which joined the high road at a point nearer to Quatre Bras than the
one whence it had quitted it. The Patrol reached Quatre Bras at about
half past seven o'clock; and Sir ALEXANDER GORDON immediately reported
to the Duke that the Prussians had retreated towards Wavre, that the
French occupied the ground on which the Battle had been fought; but
that they had not crossed the high road, along which the Patrol had
proceeded almost into the immediate vicinity of their Advanced Posts.
This latter circumstance was very remarkable, and served to satisfy
WELLINGTON that, either NAPOLEON's victory had not been followed up
with a vigour and an effect, by which the safety of his own Army
would have been perilled, or, that it had not been of a character
sufficiently decisive to have enabled the French Emperor to avail
himself of such a vantage ground.
Having ascertained that the contingency for which, as has already
been explained, he was fully prepared, had actually taken place; he
instantly decided upon retrograding his troops to a position in front
of the point of junction of the roads leading from Charleroi and
Nivelles upon Brussels, in which he might rely upon the co-operation of
a sufficient portion of BLÜCHER's forces from Wavre with his own, by
which he would be enabled to confront NAPOLEON and his main Army with
ample means, and thus attain that great aim and end of all strategy, of
"operating with the greatest mass in a combined effort upon a decisive
point."
Hence, a change in the direction of the previously ordered movements
became necessary, and the following instructions were issued:--
"To General Lord HILL.
"17th June 1815.
"The Second Division of British Infantry to march from Nivelles on
Waterloo, at 10 o'clock.
"The Brigades of the Fourth Division, now at Nivelles, to march from
that place on Waterloo, at 10 o'clock. Those Brigades of the Fourth
Division at Braine le Comte, and on the road from Braine le Comte to
Nivelles, to collect and halt at Braine le Comte this day.
"All the baggage on the road from Braine le Comte to Nivelles to
return immediately to Braine le Comte, and to proceed immediately
from thence to Hal and Bruxelles.
"The spare Musket Ammunition to be immediately parked behind Genappe.
"The Corps under the command of Prince FREDERICK of Orange will move
from Enghien this evening, and take up a position in front of Hal,
occupying Braine le Château with two Battalions.
"Colonel ESTORFF will fall back with his Brigade on Hal, and place
himself under the orders of Prince FREDERICK."
Shortly after the departure of the before mentioned Patrol of the 10th
Hussars, along the Namur road, the Duke received some despatches from
England, to which he gave his attention; and now that he had satisfied
himself as to the real state of things, and issued his Orders for the
movements of his distant troops, as also for the retreat of those
present in the Field, he laid himself down on the ground near Quatre
Bras, covered his head with one of the newspapers he had been reading,
which had accompanied those despatches, and appeared to fall asleep.
After remaining some time in this state, he again rose, mounted his
horse, and rode a little distance down the Field in front of Quatre
Bras. He then looked about through his telescope, and expressed to
those about him his astonishment at the perfect stillness of the Enemy,
remarking at the same time, "What if they should be also retiring? It
is not at all impossible."
A second Officer, Lieutenant MASSOW, had been despatched from the
Prussian to the Anglo-Allied Head Quarters; and it was about this
time that he reached the Duke, with a verbal communication respecting
the retreat upon Wavre, and the position intended to be assumed in
that quarter. It was of a nature which, taken altogether, was so far
satisfactory, that WELLINGTON immediately sent a verbal message by
this Officer to BLÜCHER, acquainting him with his intended retrograde
movements, and proposing to accept a battle, on the following day, in
the position in front of Waterloo, provided the Prince would detach two
Corps to his assistance.
* * * * *
The following is the manner in which the retreat of the Anglo-Allied
Infantry, then in full operation, was executed. It was an important
matter to mask the retreat as much as possible, so as to gain time
for the free and unimpeded movement of the Army along the high road
leading to the position in front of Waterloo. For this purpose, the
Light Troops continued to maintain the line of Outposts, until their
respective Supports, which had remained stationary sufficiently long to
conceal the retreat of the troops in their rear, began also to retire.
The First and Fifth British Divisions, and the Second Dutch-Belgian
Division, as also the Brunswick Corps, effected their retreat in
excellent order, notwithstanding the delay that was created by the
narrowness of the bridge and street of Genappe. Their retreat was
covered by ALTEN's Division, to which were added for this purpose, the
1st Battalion of the 95th British Rifles, the 2nd and 3rd Brunswick
Light Battalions, the Brunswick Advanced Guard Battalion, and the Light
Companies of BYNG's Brigade of Guards.
The main body of ALTEN's Division commenced its retreat about eleven
o'clock. OMPTEDA's Brigade of the King's German Legion was withdrawn
to Sart à Mavelines, which it immediately occupied, as also the Wood
of Les Censes in its front. HALKETT's British Brigade then retired
secretly until it reached some favourable ground, a little distance
in rear of OMPTEDA's Brigade, upon which it was immediately drawn
up. KIELMANSEGGE's Hanoverian Brigade was withdrawn still further to
the rear, and occupied a third position. Thus posted, the Division
was ordered, in the event of being attacked, to retire by Brigades
alternately.
It was a little before midday when the Light Troops of ALTEN's Division
began to retire. They occupied the advanced line, commencing from
the southern extremity of the Wood of Bossu on the right, extending
along Gemioncourt and the inclosures of Piermont, and crossing the
Namur road on the left: from which line they gradually and slowly fell
back upon OMPTEDA's Brigade, in a manner evincing admirable skill,
steadiness, and regularity.
In order more effectually to mask the movements on the Allied side of
the Namur road, the whole of the Cavalry was drawn up in two lines
immediately contiguous to, and in rear of, that road; the Heavy Cavalry
forming the Second Line, and Picquets being thrown out from the First
Line, to relieve those of the retiring Infantry.
The main body of ALTEN's Division now commenced its further retreat;
but not by alternate Brigades, this mode having been directed only in
the event of an attack; the latter retired successively in the order
in which they stood, preserving their relative distances, so that
they might commence the alternate system of retreat, if attacked. To
facilitate the passage of other portions of the Army through the narrow
defile of the bridge and town of Genappe, this Division retired by
Bezy, and crossed the Genappe, lower down the stream, by the bridge of
Wais le Hutte.
* * * * *
In the early part of the morning, NEY had, like his opponent, been
ignorant of the result of the Battle of Ligny; but he was aware that
the Anglo-Allied Army had been considerably reinforced during the
night, principally by the arrival of its Cavalry.
The Marshal calculated that if NAPOLEON had gained a victory, and
crossed the Namur road, the longer WELLINGTON remained in the position
of Quatre Bras, the greater the danger he incurred of having not only
his communication with BLÜCHER effectually cut off, but also his main
line of retreat upon Brussels intercepted; and that in such a case it
was wiser not to advance against the British General, as the latter
might then retire, and thus elude the effect of a combined operation
between NAPOLEON's and his own forces. He also judged that if, on the
other hand, the French Emperor had been defeated, an attack made on his
own part, upon the Anglo-Allied Army, might subject himself to the risk
of having to contend against a combined operation between WELLINGTON
and BLÜCHER; and thus expose both his own and NAPOLEON's forces to the
probability of being defeated in detail.
In this uncertainty, NEY sent a message by General Count FLAHAUT,
who happened to be still with him, and who was returning to rejoin
the Emperor wherever he might be found, expressive of his anxiety to
learn the result of the action of the preceding day. In the mean time,
he kept his troops in a state of perfect quietude; his main body was
posted in reserve on the Heights of Frasne, between which and the
Outposts there were intermediate Columns of Support; but no movement
whatever was attempted.
NEY at length received the information he had solicited, in a despatch
from SOULT, wherein the result of the Battle of Ligny was briefly
described. It also stated that NAPOLEON was proceeding, with the
principal portion of his forces, to the Mill of Bry, close to which the
high road leads from Namur to Quatre Bras, and that therefore it would
not be practicable for the Anglo-Allied Army to act against him (NEY);
but that, should such a case happen, the Emperor would march directly
upon it by that road, while NEY should attack it in front, and in this
manner that Army would at once be destroyed. The despatch required from
NEY a report of the exact position of his forces, and an account of all
that was going on in his front.
Hence it is evident that NEY's opinion, that a victory at Ligny ought
to be followed up by a combined attack upon WELLINGTON, perfectly
coincided with NAPOLEON's views; but while NEY was thus justified
in remaining inactive during the early part of the day, the fact of
the Emperor's not moving directly upon Genappe with the morning's
dawn, and his excessive delay in breaking up his bivouac at Ligny,
are inexplicable. A glorious opportunity had presented itself for the
attainment of his original design of defeating both Armies in detail,
but which was completely lost by a most extraordinary and fatal want of
energy and vigour in seizing upon the advantages which the victory of
Ligny had placed within his reach.
NEY, having ascertained that NAPOLEON's forces were in motion, had
commenced the advance of his own troops, when a second despatch reached
him, dated, "in front of Ligny, at noon," intimating that the Emperor
had just posted a Corps of Infantry and the Imperial Guard in advance
of Marbais, that he wished him to attack the Enemy at Quatre Bras, and
force him from his position; and that his operations would be seconded
by the Corps at Marbais, to which point his Majesty was proceeding in
person.
Upon discovering that the Anglo-Allied Infantry had retired, and that
the troops around, and in rear of, Quatre Bras, consisted of Cavalry
covering the retreat, NEY brought forward his own Cavalry in advance,
and appeared to regulate its movements so that its attack might be
directed against the Front of the British simultaneously with that
of the Cavalry which he now perceived advancing along the Namur road
against its Flank.
About this time, the 10th Hussars were moved across the Namur road,
and down the slope in front where they were halted, in _echelon_
of Squadrons; and while they were thus posted, WELLINGTON and his
Staff came to the front of the Regiment. From this spot the Duke was
attentively watching, through his telescope, the dispositions and
movements of the French, whom he could discover as soon as they reached
the Quatre Bras side of Little Marbais; when all at once at a distance
of about two miles, masses were seen forming on the side of the Namur
road, conspicuously glittering in the sun's rays; by which the Duke was
at first induced to believe that they were Infantry, whose bayonets
were so brilliantly reflected; but it was soon discovered that they
were _Cuirassiers_.
After a short time, these were observed to advance, preceded by
Lancers, and it was not long before the Picquet of the 18th British
Hussars, posted on that road, began skirmishing, as did also the
Picquet of the 10th British Hussars, more in the front of the position,
and likewise, still further to the right, in front of Quatre Bras, a
Picquet consisting of a Squadron of the 11th British Light Dragoons,
detached from Major General VANDELEUR's Brigade, which comprised the
11th Light Dragoons (under Lieutenant Colonel SLEIGH), the 12th Light
Dragoons (under Colonel the Hon. FREDERICK PONSONBY), and the 16th
Light Dragoons (under Lieutenant Colonel HAY). The 10th Hussars then
fell back again into their proper place in the line. VIVIAN now took up
a new alignment, throwing back his Left so as to present a front to the
Enemy's advance, and to protect the left of the position. VANDELEUR's
Brigade was then in Right Rear of VIVIAN's and close to Quatre Bras.
The Anglo-Allied Infantry having, some time previously, entirely
crossed the Genappe, with the exception of the Light Companies of the
Second Brigade of Guards on the right, and of the 1st Battalion 95th
British Regiment (Rifles), on the left, which troops had been directed
to remain until the last moment, and were now retiring to Genappe
(where they were subsequently drawn up at the entrance of the town),
and the Duke having satisfied himself that a formidable body of the
French Cavalry was endeavouring to fall upon him and to molest his
retreat, it became a question with his Grace, at that moment, how far
it might be advisable to offer any serious resistance to the advance of
the Enemy; but Lieutenant General the Earl of UXBRIDGE, the Commander
of the Anglo-Allied Cavalry, having remarked that, considering the
defiles in the rear, and the distance to which the great mass of the
Infantry had already retired and from which it could offer no immediate
support, he did not think the Cavalry was favourably situated for
making such an attempt, the Duke assented to the correctness of this
view, and requested his Lordship at once to carry into effect the
retreat of the Cavalry.
UXBRIDGE immediately made the following dispositions for this purpose.
The First or Household Brigade of Heavy Cavalry commanded by Major
General Lord EDWARD SOMERSET, and consisting of the 1st Life Guards
(under Lieutenant Colonel FERRIOR), of the 2nd Life Guards (under
Lieutenant Colonel the Hon. EDWARD P. LYGON), of the Royal Horse
Guards, or Blues (under Lieutenant Colonel Sir ROBERT CHAMBRE HILL),
and of the 1st (or King's) Dragoon Guards (under Colonel FULLER),
together with the Second Brigade of Heavy Cavalry, commanded by Major
General the Honourable Sir WILLIAM PONSONBY, consisting of the 1st, or
Royal Dragoons (under Lieutenant Colonel CLIFTON), of the 2nd Royal
North British Dragoons, or Scots Greys (under Colonel HAMILTON), and
of the 6th, or Inniskilling Dragoons (under Colonel MUTER), formed the
Centre Column, which was to retire by the Brussels high road.
VANDELEUR's and VIVIAN's Brigades constituted the Left Column, which
was to effect its retreat by a Bridge over the Genappe at Thuy, still
lower down the stream than that by which ALTEN's Infantry Division had
crossed.
The Right Column was formed of part of the Third Light Cavalry Brigade,
commanded by Major General Sir WILLIAM DÖRNBERG, the 1st and 2nd Light
Dragoons of the King's German Legion (under Lieutenant Colonels BÜLOW
and DE JONQUIÈRES), while the remaining Regiment, which was the 23rd
British Light Dragoons (under Colonel the Earl of PORTARLINGTON), was
employed as a portion of the Rear Guard of the Centre Column. The 15th
British Hussars (under Lieutenant Colonel DALRYMPLE), belonging to the
Fifth Cavalry Brigade, under Major General Sir COLQUHOUN GRANT, was
also attached to the Right Column; while of the two remaining Regiments
of the Brigade, the 2nd Hussars of the King's German Legion (under
Lieutenant Colonel LINSINGEN), and the 7th British Hussars (under
Colonel Sir EDWARD KERRISON), the former had been left in occupation
of a line of Posts on the French frontier, extending from Courtrai,
through Menin, Ypres, Loo, and Fürnes, to the North Sea, and the latter
formed a part of the Rear Guard of the Centre Column. This Right Column
was to pass the Genappe by a ford higher up the stream than the town of
Genappe.
These skilful dispositions had scarcely been arranged, when the
Picquet of the 18th Hussars, on the left, came in at a good round
trot, followed by two or three Squadrons of French Cavalry, upon which
VIVIAN's Battery of Horse Artillery, opened a fire whereby their
advance was checked. The Enemy, however, was observed to be very
active in bringing up his Artillery, which soon opened upon the Hussar
Brigade. VIVIAN, having received the Earl of UXBRIDGE's instructions
to retire, accompanied with an intimation that he would be supported by
VANDELEUR's Brigade, then in his rear, and observing that the French
Cavalry was pressing forward in great numbers, not only in his front,
but also on his flank, he put his Brigade about, and retired in line,
covered by the Skirmishers. The French followed, with loud cries of
"_Vive l'Empereur!_" and just as the Brigade reached a sort of hollow,
their guns again opened, throwing shells, which mostly flew over the
heads of the 18th Hussars, against which Regiment they appeared to
be principally directed. In the mean time, VANDELEUR's Brigade had
been drawn up in support, on rather a commanding position, and VIVIAN
approached it in the full expectation that it would open out for the
passing through of his own men, and take the Rear Guard in its turn;
but on the Hussars arriving within fifty or sixty yards of the Fourth
Brigade, VANDELEUR put it about, and retired--VIVIAN not being aware
that VANDELEUR had previously received Orders to retire and leave
the road clear for the retreat of the Cavalry in his front. VIVIAN
immediately occupied the ground thus vacated, and, with a view to check
the Enemy's advance more effectually, ordered the 18th Hussars to
charge, as soon as the French approached within favourable reach.
The weather, during the morning, had become oppressively hot; it was
now a dead calm; not a leaf was stirring; and the atmosphere was close
to an intolerable degree; while a dark, heavy, dense cloud impended
over the combatants. The 18th Hussars were fully prepared, and awaited
but the command to charge, when the Brigade guns on the right commenced
firing, for the purpose of previously disturbing and breaking the order
of the Enemy's advance. The concussion seemed instantly to rebound
through the still atmosphere, and communicate, as an electric spark,
with the heavily charged mass above. A most awfully loud thunder
clap burst forth, immediately succeeded by a rain which has never,
probably, been exceeded in violence even within the tropics. In a very
few minutes the ground became perfectly saturated; so much so that it
was quite impracticable for any rapid movement of the Cavalry. The
Enemy's Lancers, opposed to the Sixth British Brigade, began to relax
in their advance, and to limit it to skirmishing; but they seemed more
intent upon endeavouring to envelope, and intercept the retreat of, the
Hussars. VIVIAN now replaced the 18th Hussars by the 1st Hussars of
the King's German Legion, as Rear Guard, with Orders to cover well the
Left Flank and Left Front of the Brigade. He had already sent off his
Battery of Horse Artillery, to cross the Genappe by the Bridge of Thuy,
and despatched an Aide de Camp to VANDELEUR, to request he would move
his Brigade as quickly as possible across that Bridge, so that he might
meet with no interruption in his retreat, in the event of his being
hard pressed.
Of the Centre Column, the Heavy Brigades of Lord EDWARD SOMERSET and
Sir WILLIAM PONSONBY had retired along the Charleroi road, and were
taking up a position on some high ground, a little in rear of Genappe,
on either side of that road. The detached Squadron of the 11th Light
Dragoons (under Captain SCHREIBER), was withdrawn and directed to
retire through the above town. The 23rd Light Dragoons were also
withdrawn, and posted upon the ascent between Genappe and the position
occupied by the two Heavy Brigades. The 7th Hussars continued on the
south side of Genappe, as Rear Guard.
Neither the Centre, nor the Right, Column experienced any serious
molestation in its retreat while on the French side of the Genappe:
large bodies of Cavalry were seen in motion, but their Advanced Guards
limited their attacks to skirmishing.
At length the 7th Hussars retired through Genappe, after having
thrown out their Right Squadron, commanded by Major HODGE, as Rear
Guard, to cover the retreat of the Centre Column, regulating its
proceedings in conformity with such Orders as it might receive from
Major General Sir WILLIAM DÖRNBERG, who had been desired to superintend
the movements of the Skirmishers. Major HODGE led out the Right Troop,
under Captain ELPHINSTONE, to skirmish, while Lieutenant STANDISH
O'GRADY, who commanded the Left Troop, held the high road, from which
he had occasionally to send assistance to the former, and frequently
to advance, to enable the Skirmishers to hold their ground, as their
movements were difficult, through ploughed fields so soft that the
horses always sank up to their knees, and sometimes to their girths. In
this manner, every inch of ground was disputed, until within a short
distance of Genappe.
Here DÖRNBERG informed Lieutenant O'GRADY that he must leave him; that
it was of the utmost importance to face the Enemy boldly at this spot,
as the Bridge in the town of Genappe was so narrow that the Squadron
would have to pass it in file; that he was to endeavour as much as
possible to obtain time for drawing off the Skirmishers, but not to
compromise his Troop too much. Lieutenant O'GRADY then called in his
Skirmishers, and advanced with his own Troop boldly up the road at a
trot. The Cavalry immediately opposed to him, went about, followed by
him for some distance; and he thus continued alternately advancing
and retiring, until he saw all the Right Troop safe on the road in
his rear. He then began to retire at a walk, occasionally halting and
fronting, until he turned the corner of the town of Genappe: when he
filed the men from the left, and passed through the place at a gallop.
Upon the arrival of the Squadron at the opposite entrance of Genappe,
it was posted between this point and the main body of the 7th Hussars,
which had been drawn up on the road in a column of divisions, prepared
to check the advance of the Enemy on his debouching from the town.
The British Left Cavalry Column continued its retreat, which was
towards the little Bridge of Thuy, by deep narrow lanes, converted
by the tremendous pour of rain into perfect streams. VIVIAN withdrew
the 10th and 18th Hussars from the position he last occupied, but on
their approaching the Genappe an interruption occurred in consequence
of VANDELEUR's Brigade not having effected its passage across the
Bridge; and the delay became so great that he was induced to put about
the 18th Hussars, with a view to their affording a Support to the 1st
German Hussars, should they require it. In a short time after this,
VANDELEUR's Brigade resumed its progress: the 10th Hussars followed;
and, as the 1st Hussars, with which Regiment VIVIAN himself was at the
moment, continued to maintain a vigorous and effective skirmish, he
ordered the 18th to resume its retrograde movement; having previously
directed that some men of the 10th Hussars should be dismounted on
reaching the opposite bank of the Genappe, and be prepared with their
carbines to defend the passage, should the retreat of the remainder of
the Brigade be severely pressed. After skirmishing some time, VIVIAN
despatched a Squadron of the 1st German Hussars to the Bridge, and the
moment he began to do so, the French Cavalry again pushed forward with
so much boldness and rapidity as to interpose between the Left Squadron
and the main body of the Regiment, and to compel that Squadron to
pass the Genappe lower down than the Bridge over which the Brigade
passed the little stream. Having ascertained that all was ready, VIVIAN
galloped down the road to the Bridge with the remainder of the 1st
German Hussars. The French followed them, loudly cheering, but as soon
as the Hussars cleared the Bridge, and the Enemy's Dragoons reached it,
some of the dismounted men that had been formed along the top of the
opposite bank, in rear of a hedge, overlooking the Bridge and a hollow
way, through which the road led from it up the ascent, opened a fire
upon the foremost of the French Lancers that had come up to the other
end of the Bridge, while the remainder of the 10th, and the whole of
the 18th Hussars, were drawn up along the rising ground or bank. The
good countenance here shown by VIVIAN's Brigade, combined with the
soft and miry state of the ground after the thunderstorm had set in,
completely checked the pursuit by the Enemy's Cavalry, which now turned
towards the high road.
The Left Cavalry Column, after VIVIAN's Brigade had remained in its
position for some little time, continued its retreat without further
molestation (the Enemy having contented himself with merely detaching
a Patrol to watch its movements) along a narrow cross road, running
nearly parallel with the Charleroi high road, and leading through
the Villages of Glabbaix, Maransart, Aywiers, Frischermont, Smohain,
and Verd Cocou. Here VIVIAN's Brigade arrived in the evening, in the
vicinity of the Forest of Soignies, and bivouacked; while VANDELEUR's
Brigade passed the night somewhat nearer to the ground which had been
selected for the position to be taken up by the Anglo-Allied Army.
The Right Cavalry Column, consisting only, as previously stated, of the
1st and 2nd Light Dragoons of the King's German Legion, and of the 15th
British Hussars, effected its retreat in good order, protected by its
Skirmishers, as far as the ford, which it crossed above Genappe. At
this point, the French Cavalry suspended its pursuit, and proceeded,
in like manner as that on the right had done, to join the main body on
the high road; while the British Right Cavalry Column continued its
retreat unmolested towards the position of Waterloo, in rear of which
it bivouacked.
A large body of French Cavalry, consisting of from sixteen to eighteen
Squadrons, was now entering Genappe by the Charleroi road, followed by
the main body of the French Army under NAPOLEON.
The Earl of UXBRIDGE, who was desirous of checking the Enemy's
advance, so as to gain sufficient time for the orderly retreat of the
Anglo-Allied Army, and to prevent a compromise of any portion of the
rearmost troops, decided upon embracing the advantage which the narrow
Defile of Genappe seemed to present in aid of his design. The town
consists mainly of houses lining the high road, on the Brussels side of
the Bridge. The road then ascends a ridge, the brow of which is about
six or seven hundred yards distant, and here Lord UXBRIDGE had halted
the Heavy Brigades of Lord EDWARD SOMERSET and of Sir WILLIAM PONSONBY,
and posted them so as to cover the retirement of the Light Cavalry. At
first, he formed them in line; SOMERSET's on the right, and PONSONBY's
on the left, of the high road; but observing by the Enemy's formidable
advance, that the Light Cavalry would soon be compelled to fall back,
his Lordship drew up SOMERSET's Brigade in a Column of half Squadrons
upon, but close to, the right of the road itself, so as to admit of
troops retiring by its left; and formed PONSONBY's Brigade into a
Column of Half Squadrons upon the left of the high road, and somewhat
to the rear. The 7th Hussars were formed at some little distance in the
rear of Genappe, and the 23rd Light Dragoons were drawn up in support
of that Regiment, and about midway between it and the Heavy Cavalry on
the Height. The Squadron of the 7th Hussars, under Major HODGE, it will
be recollected, was halted between the main body of that Regiment and
the town of Genappe.
Thus posted, the Centre retiring Cavalry Column remained about twenty
minutes, when loud shouts announced that the French had entered the
town. Presently a few horsemen appeared galloping out of the street,
and dashed at speed into Major HODGE's Squadron. They were found, on
being taken, to be quite inebriated. In a few moments afterwards,
the French Column showed its head within the town; the leading Troop
consisted of Lancers, all very young men, mounted on very small horses,
and commanded by a fine looking, and, as it subsequently appeared, a
very brave man. The Column remained about fifteen minutes within the
town, its head halted at the outlet facing the British Rear Guard, and
its flanks protected by the houses. The street not being straight,
and the rear of the Column not being aware that the front had halted,
continued pressing forward, until the whole mass became so jammed that
it was impossible for the foremost ranks to go about, should such a
movement become necessary.
Their apparent hesitation and indecision induced Lord UXBRIDGE, who
stood upon some elevated ground adjoining the right of the road, to
order the 7th Hussars to charge. The latter, animated by the presence
of the Commander of the Cavalry, who was also their own Colonel, rushed
forward with the most determined spirit and intrepidity; while the
French, awaiting the onslaught, opposed to them a close, compact, and
impenetrable phalanx of lances; which, being securely flanked by the
houses, and backed by a solid mass of horsemen, presented a complete
_chevaux de frise_. Hence, it is not surprising that the charge should
have made no impression upon the Enemy; nevertheless, the contest
was maintained for some considerable time; the Hussars cutting at
their opponents, and the latter parrying and thrusting, neither party
giving way a single inch of ground; both the Commanding Officer of
the Lancers, and Major HODGE, commanding the leading Squadron of the
Hussars, were killed, gallantly fighting to the last.
The French had by this time established a Battery of Horse Artillery
on the left of Genappe and upon the opposite bank of the river, from
which they opened a brisk fire upon the British Cavalry in support, and
several shot struck the main body of the 7th Hussars, upsetting men
and horses, and causing great impediments in their rear. The French
Lancers now advanced, and drove the 7th Hussars upon their Reserve; but
here the 7th rallied, renewed their attack, and forced back the Lancers
upon the town. The latter having been reinforced, rallied, in their
turn, and drove back the Hussars. These, however, again rallied, and
resolutely faced their opponents, with whom they gallantly continued
a fierce encounter for some time longer, when to terminate a conflict
which was most obstinate and sanguinary without being productive of
any favourable result, but in which the bravery of the 7th Hussars
shone most conspicuously, and became the theme of admiration of all
who witnessed it, Lord UXBRIDGE decided upon withdrawing that Regiment
and charging with the 1st Life Guards. As soon as the Hussars went
about, in pursuance of the Orders received, the Lancers followed them.
In the _mêlée_ which ensued, the French lost quite as many men as did
the Hussars; and when at length the latter were able to disengage
themselves, the former did not attempt to follow them. The 7th retired
through the 23rd Light Dragoons, took the first favourable turn off
the road and reformed in the adjoining field.
During this contest, the French, having become sensible of the evil
that might arise from the closely wedged state of the Cavalry in the
town, began to clear the rear of the most advanced portions of the
Column, so as to admit of more freedom of movement in case of disaster.
A Battery of British Horse Artillery had taken post close to a house on
the Height occupied by the Heavy Cavalry, and on the left of the road;
and it was now replying to the French Battery on the opposite bank of
the river.
So exceedingly elated were the French with having repulsed the 7th
Hussars in this their first serious encounter with the British Cavalry,
that immediately on that Regiment retiring, the whole Column that
was in Genappe raised the war cry, and rent the air with shouts of
"_En avant!_--_En avant!_" evincing the greatest impatience to follow
up this momentary advantage, and to attack the Supports; for which,
indeed, the opportunity appeared very favourable, as the ranks of the
latter were suffering considerable annoyance from the well directed and
effective fire of the French guns on the opposite bank of the river.
They now abandoned the secure cover to which they had been indebted
for their temporary success, and were advancing up the ascent with all
the confidence of a fancied superiority, when the Earl of UXBRIDGE,
seizing upon the advantage presented for attacking them while moving
up hill, with their Flanks unsupported, and a narrow Defile in their
rear, and being also desirous of affording the 1st Life Guards an
opportunity of charging, brought forward that Regiment through the 23rd
Light Dragoons, who opened out for its passage to the front. The Life
Guards now made their charge, most gallantly headed by Colonel Sir
JOHN ELLEY, Deputy Adjutant General, who, at the moment of contact
with the Enemy, began by cutting down two men right and left. It was
truly a splendid charge; its rapid rush down into the Enemy's mass,
was as terrific in appearance as it was destructive in its effect; for
although the French met the attack with firmness, they were utterly
unable to hold their ground a single moment, were overthrown with
great slaughter, and literally ridden down in such a manner that the
road was instantaneously covered with men and horses, scattered in all
directions. The Life Guards, pursuing their victorious course, dashed
into Genappe, and drove all before them as far as the opposite outlet
of the town.
This brilliant and eminently successful charge made a deep impression
upon the Enemy, who now conducted his pursuit with extreme caution. The
23rd Light Dragoons, which had supported the 1st Life Guards in their
charge, became again the last Regiment in the Rear Guard, and continued
so during the remainder of the retreat. PONSONBY's Brigade had deployed
to the right of the high road, and the guns were so disposed as to take
advantageous positions, retiring _en échiquier_.
The Enemy, after quitting Genappe, tried to get upon the Flanks of the
Centre retiring Column, chiefly upon the Right Flank; but the Royals,
Greys, and Inniskillings, manoeuvred beautifully; retiring by alternate
Squadrons, and covered by their own Skirmishers, who completely beat
the French Light Cavalry in that kind of warfare. Finding that from
the deep state of the ground, there was not the least danger of his
being turned by the Enemy, Lord UXBRIDGE gradually withdrew PONSONBY's
Brigade to the high road. He kept the Light Cavalry, protected by the
Household Brigade, as the Rear Guard, and slowly retired into the
chosen position in front of Waterloo, the guns and rockets constantly
plying the Enemy's Advance, which, although it pressed forward twice
or thrice, and made preparations to attack, never ventured to come to
close quarters with its opponents; and the Column received from it no
further molestation.
On arriving at the foot of the Anglo-Allied position, the 23rd Light
Dragoons moved off to the (Allied) right of the high road, and into
the hollow in which lies the Orchard of the Farm of La Haye Sainte.
Here they were drawn up, prepared to meet the French Advanced Guard,
should it follow them, or to fall upon its Flank, should it venture to
continue its march along the road. The latter, however, halted upon the
Height which intervenes between La Haye Sainte and La Belle Alliance,
and opened a fire upon the Centre of the Duke of WELLINGTON's Line,
above the former Farm, from two Batteries of Horse Artillery.
PICTON, who was then upon the rising ground in rear of La Haye Sainte,
and who was intently watching the Enemy's advance along the high road,
perceived Columns of Infantry advancing from La Belle Alliance. He
immediately took upon himself to unite the two Batteries nearest at
hand, which were those under Major LLOYD of the British Artillery, and
Major CLEEVES of the King's German Legion (although not belonging to
his own Division), and to place them in position on the high ground
close to the Charleroi road. The guns immediately opened a brisk
cannonade upon the French Columns, of which they had obtained a most
accurate range just as their leading Divisions had entered the inclosed
space between the high banks which line the high road where it is cut
through the Height before mentioned as intervening between La Belle
Alliance and La Haye Sainte. This mass of the Enemy's Infantry suffered
severely from the fire, to which it stood exposed about half an hour:
for the head of the Column having been unable to retrograde, in
consequence of the pressure from its rear, and prevented by the high
bank on either side of the road from filing off to a flank, could not
readily extricate itself from so embarrassing a situation.
During the whole of this fire, the Allied Batteries were replied
to, though very ineffectually, by the two Batteries of French Horse
Artillery posted on the Height in question.
It was now twilight: the approaching darkness was greatly accelerated
by the lowering aspect of the sky. Picquets were hastily thrown forward
by both Armies, and to so great a height had the mutual spirit of
defiance arisen, that the near approach of opposing parties, advancing
to take up their ground for the night, led to little Cavalry affairs,
which, though unproductive of any useful result to either side, were
distinguished, on different points of the Lines, by a chivalrous
bravery which seemed to require a prudent restraint.
In one of these affairs, Captain HEYLIGER of the 7th Hussars, made a
very brilliant charge with his Troop; and when the Duke of WELLINGTON
sent to check him, his Grace desired to be made acquainted with the
name of an Officer who had displayed so much gallantry. A very spirited
charge was also made by the Right Troop of the 2nd Light Dragoons of
the King's German Legion, under Lieutenant HUGO; who was allowed by his
Commanding Officer to volunteer for that service, and who, from the
vicinity of Hougomont, boldly rushed up the Height intervening between
that point and Mon Plaisir, and gallantly drove back a portion of the
French Advanced Guard of Cavalry; recapturing at the same time three
carriages filled with British sick and wounded.
* * * * *
The manner in which the Duke of WELLINGTON withdrew his Army from the
position of Quatre Bras to the one of Waterloo, must ever render that
retreat a perfect model of operations of this nature, performed in the
immediate presence of a powerful Enemy. Those dispositions which have
been described as having been made by him for the purpose of masking
the retirement of the main body, of affording perfect security to
the passage of the Defile in his rear, and of ensuring the orderly
and regular assembly of the several Corps on the ground respectively
allotted to them in the new position, evince altogether a degree of
skill which has never been surpassed.
In such operations, the covering of the Army by its Cavalry and Light
Troops necessarily forms an important feature; and a glance at the
manner in which this duty was fulfilled by the Earl of UXBRIDGE,
with the Cavalry, Horse Artillery, and a few Light Battalions, at
his disposal, is sufficient to show that the exemplification of such
feature on this occasion was exceedingly beautiful. Indeed, so orderly
and so perfect were all the arrangements connected with this retreat,
from its commencement to its close, that the movements partook more of
the appearance of a Field Day upon a large scale, than of an operation
executed in the actual presence of an Enemy; and this was particularly
observable as regarded the protection afforded by the Cavalry and
Horse Artillery, which manoeuvred to admiration, and in a style that,
combined with the brilliant charge by the 1st Life Guards at Genappe,
evidently impressed the Enemy with a due sense of the efficiency of the
gallant troops immediately in his front. It may here also be remarked,
that the judicious dispositions made by Lord UXBRIDGE in covering this
retreat, and the high degree of confidence with which he inspired the
Cavalry, afforded well grounded anticipations of the success likely to
attend his measures when conducting that Cavalry in the open battle
field, on which, it was foreseen, its prowess would so very soon be
tested. The British and German portion of the Cavalry was in excellent
order, and seemed already to have imbibed, in a high degree, that
gallant bearing and chivalrous spirit, which it beheld and admired in
its distinguished Chief.
In the course of the evening, the Duke received from Prince BLÜCHER a
reply to the request he had made for his support in the position he was
now occupying. It was highly characteristic of the old man, who had
written it, in the following terms, without previously conferring with,
or addressing himself to, any one:--"I shall not come with two Corps
only, but with my whole Army; upon this understanding, however, that
should the French not attack us on the 18th, we shall attack them on
the 19th."
* * * * *
The Duke, who, as has already been explained, had, from the
commencement of the Campaign, considered it very possible that NAPOLEON
would advance by the Mons road, still entertained apprehensions of
an attempt on the part of his opponent to turn him by Hal, and seize
Brussels by a _coup de main_. For this, however, he was fully prepared,
having made his dispositions for the security of that Flank, in the
manner pointed out in the following instructions, which he issued to
Major General the Hon. Sir CHARLES COLVILLE:--
"17th June 1815.
"The Army retired this day from its position at Quatre Bras to its
present position in front of Waterloo.
"The Brigades of the Fourth Division, at Braine le Comte, are to
retire at daylight tomorrow morning upon Hal.
"Major General COLVILLE must be guided by the intelligence he
receives of the Enemy's movements in his march to Hal, whether he
moves by the direct route or by Enghien.
"Prince FREDERICK of Orange is to occupy with his Corps the position
between Hal and Enghien, and is to defend it as long as possible.
"The Army will probably continue in its position in front of Waterloo
tomorrow.
"Lieutenant Colonel TORRENS will inform Lieutenant General Sir
CHARLES COLVILLE of the position and situation of the Armies."
The respective lines of Picquets and Vedettes had scarcely been taken
up along the low ground that skirted the front of the Anglo-Allied
position, and the last gun had just boomed from the Heights, when
"heaven's artillery," accompanied by vivid flashes of lightning, again
peeled forth in solemn and awful grandeur; while the rain, pouring down
in torrents, imparted the utmost gloom and discomfort to the bivouacs,
which the opposing Armies had established for the night, upon the
ground destined to become celebrated in history, even to the remotest
ages.