It rained incessantly during the night of the 17th, occasionally in
torrents; whilst loud and frequent peals of thunder fell ominously
on the ear of the toil-worn soldier, startling him from the fitful
slumber, which was all the rest the chill and comfortless bivouac on
the Field of Waterloo could afford him in that tempestuous night.
Scarcely had the morning dawned when the numerous groups, stretched
around the smouldering remains of the bivouac fires, or couched in
the hollows, or lying under such slender cover as the few trees and
brushwood within range of the positions of their respective Regiments
afforded, were seen gradually in motion; and as the eye of an observer
wandered along the space which lay between the main bodies of the
hostile Armies--a space varying in no greater width than from one
thousand to fifteen hundred yards--the Officers in command of the
several Picquets might be seen, on either side, withdrawing their
Vedettes and Sentries from the very limited and almost conversational
distance that had separated them from their opponents during the night,
concentrating their Detachments, and establishing their Main Posts more
within the immediate range of the respective positions occupied by the
grand Armies.
As the morning advanced, the dense vapoury masses which had so long
rolled slowly and heavily over the plain, gradually began, as if
relieved by the constant discharge of their contents, to soar into
a higher region, where, during the whole day, with little or but
imperceptible motion, they hung spread out into a broad expansive
vault, through which the rays of the sun were unable fully to
penetrate, until just at the moment of its sinking from the scene of
strife, when it shed the full blaze of its setting splendour upon the
victorious advance of the Anglo-Allied Army. The drying and cleaning of
firearms soon became general, and the continuous discharge of muskets,
at rapid and irregular intervals, fell upon the ear like the rattle of
a brisk and widely extended skirmish.
All at once, the scene became more animated and exciting. Drums,
bugles, and trumpets were heard over the whole Field, sounding the
"Assembly"; and never was the call to arms, in either Army, responded
to with greater zeal, alacrity, and cheerfulness. While the Regimental
inspections, tellings off, and preparatory arrangements of detail were
proceeding, Staff Officers were seen galloping in various directions;
and, shortly afterwards, the different Brigades, which, by their
bivouacs had but faintly and irregularly traced the Line of Battle
taken up by each Army, were moved and distributed in the precise order
prescribed by the illustrious Chiefs who had on that day, and for the
first and only time, met to measure swords.
* * * * *
The Field of Waterloo is intersected by two high roads (_chaussées_)
conspicuous by their great width and uniformity, as also by the
pavement which runs along the centre of each. These two roads, the
eastern one leading from Charleroi and Genappe, and the western from
Nivelles, form a junction at the Village of Mont St Jean, whence their
continuance, in one main road, is directed upon the capital of Belgium.
In front of the above junction; and offering, as it were, a natural
military position for the defence of this approach to Brussels, a
gentle elevated ridge of ground is intersected, at right angles, by
the Charleroi road, about 250 yards north of the Farm called La Haye
Sainte, and follows a westerly direction until about midway between the
two high roads: whence it takes a south-westerly course, and terminates
abruptly at its point of intersection with the Nivelles road, about
450 yards north of Hougomont, a Country Seat, with Farm, Offices,
Gardens, Orchards, and Wood. On the east side, the ridge extends itself
perpendicularly from the Charleroi road until it reaches a point,
distant about seven hundred yards, where, elevating itself into a Mound
or Knoll, it overlooks the Hamlet of Papelotte; and thence, taking a
north-easterly course, expands into an open plateau.
This ridge constituted the position of the First Line of the Duke of
WELLINGTON's Army, which Line is more distinctly defined by a road,
entering on the east side, from Wavre, by Ohain, and winding along the
summit of the ridge until it joins the Charleroi high road just above
La Haye Sainte; from which point of junction a cross road proceeds
along the remaining portion of the ridge, and thus connects the two
high roads with each other.
The undulations of the ground in rear of this position were admirably
adapted to the disposition of the Second Line and Reserves, presenting
a gently inclined reverse slope along nearly the whole extent of the
ridge, with fine open and convenient stations for Cavalry, perfectly
concealed from the Enemy's observation.
The Right of the main position is bounded by a valley, which has its
source very considerably in rear of the Centre of the French position,
by which it is intersected; and thence, sweeping round the southern
and western inclosures of Hougomont, proceeds in the direction of
Merbe Braine. Into this valley a ravine directs its course in rear
of, and parallel with, the principal portion of the Right Wing of the
Anglo-Allied position, at a distance from the latter varying from 200
to 250 yards; and between this ravine, which is intersected by the
Nivelles road, and Merbe Braine, rises a sort of plateau, upon which
was posted a portion of the Second Corps, commanded by Lieutenant
General Lord HILL, destined to act, as circumstances might require,
either in reserve to the First Line, or _en potence_ to it in repelling
any attack upon that Flank of the Anglo-Allied Army.
* * * * *
Upon the extreme Left of the First or main Line was stationed VIVIAN's
Light Cavalry Brigade, comprising the 10th and 18th Hussars, and the
1st Hussars of the King's German Legion. The two former Regiments were
in Line, in rear of the Wavre road, and withdrawn a little from the
crest of the ridge: the Right of the 10th resting upon a lane, which,
leading up from Smohain, crossing over the position, and descending
along its reverse slope, proceeds in the direction of the Village of
Verd Cocou. The 1st Hussars of the King's German Legion were also in
Line, and formed in reserve. The Left of the Brigade was completely
_en l'air_, upon high, open, and flat ground; the main ridge widening
considerably in that direction, as previously explained. A Picquet,
consisting of a Squadron of the 10th Hussars (under Captain TAYLOR),
occupied the Village of Smohain, down in the valley which, having its
source a little to the westward of La Haye Sainte, takes an easterly
and therefore parallel course with that part of the ridge which formed
the Left Wing of the British position. The Advanced Post of this
Picquet was on the further side of the Village, and its Vedettes formed
a chain on the rising ground beyond, within half-carbine shot of some
French Cavalry, standing dismounted in Close Columns. A party was
detached from the Picquet as a Patrol on the road to Ohain.
[Illustration:
BATTLE OF WATERLOO
at 3/4 past 11 o'clock a.m.]
The Village of Smohain, as also the Farms of La Haye and Papelotte,
with adjacent houses and inclosures, were occupied by a portion
of the Second Brigade of PERPONCHER's Division of the troops of
the Netherlands. The Regiment of Orange Nassau, consisting of two
Battalions, held Smohain and La Haye: while the Farm of Papelotte was
occupied by the Light Company of the 3rd Battalion of the 2nd Regiment
of Nassau, which, together with the 2nd Battalion of this Regiment,
and four guns of Captain BYLEVELD's Dutch-Belgian Battery of Horse
Artillery, were posted upon the exterior slope, immediately under
the brow of the main ridge, and a little to the westward of the lane
leading directly up the slope from the Farm of Papelotte.
The Advanced Posts of these troops were at the foot, and their Line of
Sentries extended along the brow, of the opposite slope of the valley;
this Line receded towards the western limit of the Hamlet of Papelotte,
where it joined the general Line of Picquets along the bottom of the
exterior slope of the position of the Anglo-Allied Left Wing.
On the right of VIVIAN's Brigade, and having its own Right resting upon
a narrow lane, forming a slight hollow way, lined with hedges, stood
VANDELEUR's Brigade of Light Cavalry, consisting of the 11th, 12th, and
16th British Light Dragoons, in Columns of Squadrons, by Regiments,
Left in front. The lane on which its Right rested descending the
interior slope of the position, joined the other lane which led from
VIVIAN's Right to Verd Cocou.
* * * * *
The extreme Left of the Infantry of the main Line of the position was
formed by the Fifth Hanoverian Brigade, under Colonel VINCKE, belonging
to PICTON's Division. It was formed in Columns of Battalions, those of
Hameln and Hildesheim (under Majors STRUBE and RHEDEN) in First, and
those of Peine and Gifhorn (under Major Count LUDOLPH VON WESTPHALEN,
and Major HAMMERSTEIN) in Second, Line; and was posted somewhat under
the crest of the ridge, upon the reverse slope, and in rear of the
junction of a lane leading up from Papelotte, with the Wavre road.
On the immediate right of VINCKE's Brigade, and having its own Right
upon the Knoll which presents the highest and most commanding point
along the position of the Left Wing of the Anglo-Allied Army, the
Fourth Hanoverian Brigade, under Colonel BEST, was drawn up. It formed
part of the Sixth Division, and was composed of the Landwehr Battalions
of Lüneburg, Verden, and Osterode, which were deployed in Front Line;
and of Münden, which was in reserve. A Battery of Hanoverian Foot
Artillery, under Captain RETTBERG, was attached to this Brigade, and,
from the peculiarly favourable circumstances of the ground, which
formed a sort of natural fieldwork, was most advantageously placed.
Upon the exterior slope of that portion of the ridge which lies between
the before mentioned Knoll and the Genappe high road, BYLANDT's Brigade
of PERPONCHER's Division of the troops of the Netherlands was deployed
in Front Line. It consisted of the 27th Battalion of Dutch Light
Infantry, the 7th Battalion of the Belgian Line, and of the 5th, 7th,
and 8th Battalions of Dutch Militia. Of the above, the 5th Battalion
of Dutch Militia was posted in reserve, along with the remaining four
guns of Captain BYLEVELD's Battery of Horse Artillery attached to this
Brigade, in rear of the straggling hedge which lines the Wavre road,
between the Knoll and the Charleroi high road.
Upon the interior slope of the ridge, and at a distance of about two
hundred yards from the Wavre road, was posted the Ninth Brigade of
British Infantry, under Major General Sir DENIS PACK, in a Line of
Battalion Columns, at deploying intervals. It consisted of the 3rd
Battalion 1st Royal Regiment, the 1st Battalion 42nd Royal Highlanders,
2nd Battalion 44th Regiment, and of the 92nd Highlanders. The Left
Regiment, the 44th, was stationed on the Knoll, in rear of the Right
of BEST's Hanoverian Brigade; and on the right of the 44th stood, in
succession, the 92nd, 42nd, and 1st Royals.
Upon the right, but more in advance, of PACK's Brigade, and at a
short distance in rear of the hedge along the Wavre road, stood the
Eighth Brigade of British Infantry, under Major General Sir JAMES
KEMPT, also in Line of Battalion Columns, at deploying intervals, and
comprising the 28th Regiment, the 32nd Regiment, the 1st Battalion 79th
Highlanders, and the 1st Battalion 95th Rifles. The Right of the 32nd
Regiment rested upon a high bank of the Charleroi road; on its left
stood the 79th Highlanders, and the 28th formed the Left Regiment of
the Brigade.
In the immediate front of the Right of the Brigade, and at a distance
from the Wavre road of about 120 yards, there was a Knoll having on its
right a large Sand Pit, adjoining the Charleroi road; and partially
facing the small Garden in rear of La Haye Sainte. On the Allied side
of the Knoll was a single hedge, extending about 150 yards from the
Charleroi road in a direction parallel to the Wavre road. In the Sand
Pit were posted two Companies of the 1st Battalion 95th British Rifles;
the Knoll and hedge were occupied by another Company of the same
Regiment. These Advanced Companies had placed an _abatis_ across the
high road, near that part of it which is joined by the hedgerow. The
remaining Companies lined a portion of the Wavre road, commencing from
the point of its intersection with the Charleroi road.
These two Brigades, namely, the Eighth and Ninth British, together with
the Fifth Hanoverian Brigade, constituted the Fifth Division, under
Lieutenant General Sir THOMAS PICTON.
* * * * *
Along the continuation of the ridge on the right of the great Charleroi
road, the Third Division, commanded by Lieutenant General Sir CHARLES
ALTEN, was disposed in the following order:--
The Second Brigade of the King's German Legion, commanded by Colonel
OMPTEDA, which formed the Left of the Division, consisted of the 1st
and 2nd Light Battalions (under Lieutenant Colonel VON DEM BUSSCHE, and
Major BARING), and of the 5th and 8th Line Battalions of the King's
German Legion (under Lieutenant Colonels LINSINGEN and SCHRÖDER).
The 1st Light Battalion was formed in Column of Companies at quarter
distance, Left in front. It stood a little in rear of the cross road
which unites the great Nivelles road with that of Charleroi, on which
last its Left Flank rested. To the right of this Column stood the
5th Line Battalion, formed in Column at quarter distance upon one of
its centre Companies. In rear of these two Columns, and fronting the
deploying interval between them, stood the 8th Line Battalion, in
Second Line, in Column of Companies, at quarter distance, upon one of
its centre Companies.
[Illustration]
[Illustration:
LA HAYE SAINTE]
The 2nd Light Battalion, under the command of Major BARING, occupied
the Farm of La Haye Sainte.
The buildings of this Farm are so disposed as to form three sides of a
square, the north side comprising the Farm House itself, with a portion
of the stabling; the west side the remainder of the stables and cow
houses; and the south side principally a large Barn: a brick wall,
extending along the great road, unites the north and south buildings,
and thus forms the fourth boundary of the large quadrangular farm yard.
On the south, or French, side of the Farm, and down in the valley,
which here separates the Allied and French positions, lies an Orchard,
about 240 yards long and 80 wide, having for its eastern boundary, the
great road, in direct prolongation of the wall which incloses the farm
yard on that side. This Orchard is inclosed within a hedgerow; as is
also a Kitchen Garden, on the north side of the Farm, excepting the
boundary of the latter along the road side, which is a continuation of
the eastern wall.
A large gate and a doorway, the former almost facing the east end of
the Barn, and the latter quite close to the east end of the dwelling
house, lead from the yard into the great road; another gate, at the
south end of the stabling which forms the western side, as also a large
door from the west end of the Great Barn, lead both into a small narrow
portion of the Orchard, whence there is an outlet into the open fields
on the right. From the front door of the dwelling house, which faces
the farm yard, there is a passage to the back or north side of the
house, whence a door opens into the Kitchen Garden.
Since daybreak, the little garrison, amounting to scarcely 400 men,
had been busily engaged in strengthening their Post to the fullest
extent of the means within their reach, which, however, were extremely
limited. Among the difficulties which they had to overcome, it may
be remarked that, on the preceding evening, immediately after taking
possession of the Farm, the soldiers had broken up the Great Barn door,
on the west side, for firewood; and that, about the same period, the
Carpenters of the Regiment were detached to Hougomont, in compliance
with an Order received to that effect. Unfortunately, also, the mule
laden with the Regimental trenching tools had been lost the day before,
so that not even a hatchet was forthcoming. Loop holes were pierced
through the walls; and a barricade was thrown across the high road,
in prolongation of the south wall. The Battalion was composed of six
Companies, of which Major BARING posted three in the Orchard, two in
the Buildings, and one in the Garden.
On the right of OMPTEDA's Brigade stood the First Hanoverian Brigade,
under Major General Count KIELMANSEGGE, consisting of the Field
Battalions of Bremen, Verden, Duke of York, Grubenhagen, and Lüneburg.
The last mentioned Battalion was formed in Column, at quarter distance,
upon one of its centre Companies; the head of the Column in line with,
and at a deploying interval from, that of the Right Column of OMPTEDA's
Brigade. Next, on the right, at the proper interval for deployment,
stood the two Battalions Verden and Bremen, in Contiguous Columns of
Companies, at quarter distance; the former Right in front, the latter
Left in front. The two Battalions York and Grubenhagen were formed
in Second Line, in rear of the centre of the interval between the
Battalions Lüneburg and Verden, in Contiguous Columns of Companies, at
quarter distance, York Right, and Grubenhagen Left, in front.
On the right of KIELMANSEGGE's Hanoverian Brigade, was posted the
Fifth British Brigade, commanded by Major General Sir Colin HALKETT,
and comprising the 2nd Battalion 30th, the 1st Battalion 33rd, 2nd
Battalion 69th, and 2nd Battalion 73rd, British Regiments. Its position
was more forward than that of the other portion of ALTEN's Division,
with which its front was in an oblique direction, its right shoulders
having been brought forward so as to preserve the parallelism between
the general Line and the crest of the main ridge. The 2nd Battalions
73rd and 30th Regiments formed Contiguous Columns of Companies, at
quarter distance, the former Right, the latter Left, in front; and at
a deploying interval for two Battalions from the head of the Column
formed by the Bremen Battalion. The other two Battalions of this
Brigade, the 1st Battalion 33rd and 2nd Battalion 69th Regiments, were
formed in Contiguous Columns of Companies, at quarter distance, in
Second Line, and in right rear of the 73rd and 30th Regiments; the 33rd
Right, and the 69th Left, in front.
In rear of the centre of the interval between the Right of
KIELMANSEGGE's, and the Left of HALKETT's Brigade, was posted, in
Second Line, the 1st Battalion of the 1st Regiment of Nassau, forming
part of the Nassau Brigade, commanded by Major General KRUSE. The
Battalion was in Column on a central Company. The remainder of this
Brigade, consisting of the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the same Regiment,
was formed in Contiguous Columns, in a Third Line, as a Reserve.
* * * * *
On the right of HALKETT's Brigade, the First British Division,
commanded by Major General COOKE, was posted. It consisted of the
First and Second Brigades of Guards, and was disposed in the following
manner:--
The First Brigade commanded by Major General MAITLAND, and comprising
the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards, formed
the Left Brigade of the Division. The 3rd Battalion stood in Columns of
Companies, at quarter distance, on the crest of the ridge; and between
it and the head of the Right Column of HALKETT's Brigade, there was
a deploying interval for one Battalion. The 2nd Battalion was placed
in Right Rear of the 3rd, also in Column of Companies, at quarter
distance: it was on the reverse slope, and immediately under the crest
of the ridge.
[Illustration:
HOUGOMONT]
The Second Brigade, comprising the 2nd Battalion of the 2nd or
Coldstream Regiment, and the 2nd Battalion of the 3rd Regiment of Foot
Guards, and commanded by Major General Sir JOHN BYNG, was posted on the
crest of the ridge, between the First Brigade and the Nivelles road.
The 2nd Battalion 3rd Foot Guards was on the left, the 2nd Battalion of
the Coldstream Guards on the right, and more in advance on the brow of
the hill; and the disposition was such, that the four Battalions of the
Division were placed _en échiquier_.
The Buildings of Hougomont, its Gardens and Orchards, were completely
overlooked from the commanding ground occupied by the Second Brigade,
which formed the Reserve to the troops therein posted, consisting
(including those in the Wood) of the four Light Companies of the
Division, the 1st Battalion of the 2nd Regiment of Nassau, a Company of
Hanoverian Field Riflemen, and a Detachment of a hundred men from the
Field Battalion Lüneburg of KIELMANSEGGE's Brigade.
The principal dwelling house or Château of Hougomont was a substantial
brick building, of a square form. Adjoining its north-east angle was
the Farmer's House, the east end of which abutted on the Great Garden;
and in the angle between this house and the Château was a narrow
tower, of the same height as the latter, to which its interior served
as a staircase. At the south-east corner of, and communicating with,
the Château stood a very neat little Chapel.
On the north, or British, side of the Château, was a spacious Farm
yard, bounded on the west by a large Barn and a Shed, and on the
east by Cow Houses and Stabling adjoining the Garden. There was a
continuation of the Stabling along the north side, and a gateway;
and near the centre of the yard there was a drawwell of which the
superstructure formed a dovecot.
On the south, or French, side of the Château, and inclosing the latter,
was the Court yard; of which a Barn on the west, the Gardener's House,
some Stables and other Offices on the south, and the Garden Wall on
the east, formed the boundaries. There was a communication between the
Court and the Farm yard, by means of a doorway in the small portion of
wall connecting the Château with the great Barn; and through the whole
length of the latter building there was also a carriage way leading
from the one Court into the other. A gateway, passing through a portion
of the Gardener's House, led out from the Court yard to the south, or
French, side; and from this gate a narrow road conducted across the
open space between the Buildings and the Wood, through which it took
its course in the same direction until it gained the fields beyond the
inclosures. There was also a pathway from this road, commencing at the
corner of the little Garden, and traversing the Wood in the direction
of the south-east angle of the general boundary of the inclosures,
whence it continued towards La Belle Alliance.
The approach to Hougomont from the Nivelles road was lined, nearly as
far as the Château, by fine tall elms: it conducted to the gate of
the Farm yard facing the British Line; and, sweeping along the west
side, it led also to the South Gate of the Court yard. On the east side
of the Buildings was a large Garden, laid out with all the formality
which characterises the Flemish style. It was inclosed on the south
and east sides by a high brick wall, and on the north side, facing the
British Line, by a hedge. Adjoining the east side of the Garden, but
considerably wider and longer than the latter, was the Large Orchard,
and along the north side was the smaller Orchard--the latter bounded by
a hedge and hollow way, and the former inclosed within high and compact
hedges, partially lined by a ditch on the inner side. A prolongation of
the southern hedge of the Great Orchard formed the boundary of the Wood
facing the south Garden Wall, and in the narrow space between these two
boundaries was a row of apple trees, which, together with the hedge,
served to conceal, in a great measure, the Garden Wall from the view
of an Enemy, approaching through the Wood. There was a small Garden in
front of the Gardener's house, formed by the continuation of the south
Garden Wall until it met another wall issuing perpendicularly from the
South Gateway leading out of the Court yard. There were two inclosures
on the west side, of which one served as a Kitchen Garden.
The Wood extended in length, southwards, about 350 yards, and its
greatest width was about 280 yards. It was bounded on the west by
another Orchard; and on the east by two large inclosures, of which the
one nearest the Great Orchard was a grass field fenced with hedges, and
lined by a ditch on the inner side.
Although the site of the buildings of Hougomont was but slightly
elevated above the valley, which, as already remarked, winds along
the south and west inclosures, there was a gradual but uninterrupted
ascent of the ground from thence as far as the eastern portion of the
fence which divides the two inclosures, beyond the great Orchard; where
it attained a height not much inferior to that of either the French
or Allied Front Lines, between which it was centrically situated. On
the south, or French, side of that hedge, the ground inclined at first
gently, and then rapidly, into the valley; but on the west, throughout
the extent of the Wood, and on the north of the Allied side, across the
Great Orchard, the descent was everywhere very gradual.
Such was Hougomont--a decidedly important point in the Field of Battle,
from its prominent position in the immediate front of the Right of
the British line; and rendered ever memorable by the truly heroic and
successful stand maintained throughout the day by the troops allotted
for its defence.
* * * * *
From the first moment of the occupation of this Post, measures were
concerted and adopted for strengthening the means of defence which
it presented. During the night, the Garden Walls were pierced with
numerous loopholes; and, in order to enable the men to fire down from
the tops of the Walls upon their assailants, platforms constructed out
of such materials as the place afforded were raised wherever the depth
of the wall on the inner side rendered such a measure desirable. In
many places, however, and especially on the eastern side, the ground
formed embankments against the wall, sufficiently elevated to obviate
the necessity of any additional aid for such purpose. The outer gates
were closed up, with the exception of the one from the Farm yard, which
faced the Anglo-Allied position, and which was left open in order to
facilitate the communication with the latter. The different flanking
fires which were offered by the relative situations of the Garden
Walls, and the fences of the Orchards, Woods, and other inclosures,
imparted to the Post a strength, of which, in the course of the action,
due advantage was taken. In short, every precaution was adopted which
the means at hand suggested for contributing to the security of the
place; and the preparations that were in progress indicated, on the
part of the troops stationed in this quarter, an intention to give the
Enemy a warm reception, and a resolution to maintain a vigorous defence.
When, on the previous evening, the Light Companies of the Division were
thrown into Hougomont, it was so arranged that those of the Second
Brigade, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel MACDONELL, should
occupy the Buildings and the Gardens: and that those of the First
Brigade, under Lieutenant Colonel Lord SALTOUN, should hold the Great
Orchard and the Wood; in which latter the Hanoverians and Nassauers
were principally stationed.
* * * * *
The abrupt termination of the ridge along which the Allied Front Line
was posted, at its point of junction with the Nivelles road, was in the
direct rear of the buildings of Hougomont.
On the other side of the road, this termination presented a sudden
and bold, though short, slope down into the long valley which, after
sweeping by Hougomont, proceeds in the direction of Merbe Braine. A
portion of the slope, including the summit, was covered with brushwood,
and its base was bounded by a horse path, partially lined with a
stunted hedge; forming, altogether, excellent cover for Light Infantry.
On the other side of the valley, the ground ascends, at first abruptly,
and then gradually, to the summit of that portion of the main ridge
upon which the Left of the French Army rested; and from the point of
junction of the Avenue conducting to Hougomont with the great Nivelles
road, a narrow road leads directly up the opposite slope, and stretches
across the ridge or plateau in the direction of Braine l'Alleud.
[Illustration]
Along a portion of this road, principally consisting of a hollow
way, were posted in advance, some Light Troops of the Anglo-Allied
Army. They formed a part of the Fourth Brigade of the Fourth Division
(under Colonel MITCHELL), attached to the Second Corps, commanded
by Lieutenant General Lord HILL. The Brigade consisted of the 3rd
Battalion of the 14th British Regiment (under Lieutenant Colonel TIDY),
of the 23rd Fusiliers (under Colonel Sir HENRY ELLIS), and of the 51st
British Light Infantry (under Lieutenant Colonel RICE), which troops
were disposed in the following manner.
Along that portion of the Hougomont Avenue which is nearest to the
Nivelles road was extended the Light Company of the 23rd Regiment.
On its right was an _abatis_, which had been thrown across the great
road; and close upon the right of this artificial obstacle, a Company
of the 51st Regiment was posted. Four more Companies of this Regiment,
and the Light Company of the 14th, were extended along the hollow
way alluded to as stretching across the ridge, on the extreme Left
of the French position. The remainder of the 51st stood in Column of
Support, about two hundred yards in rear of the hollow way. The 23rd
Regiment was stationed on the left of the Nivelles road, on the reverse
slope, and immediately under the crest of the main ridge, in rear of
the Second Brigade of Guards. The 14th Regiment was posted in Column
on the southern descent from the plateau, on which was assembled the
Second British Division; and from the view which it possessed of
the ground occupied by the 51st, it was well placed as a Reserve to
the Light Infantry. In a ravine, descending from the immediate Right
of the Skirmishers of the Brigade down into the valley, was posted a
Squadron of the 15th British Hussars (under Captain WODEHOUSE), from
which a Picquet was detached to the right of the _abatis_, as also an
intermediate one for keeping up the communication; and some Vedettes
were thrown out to the right, having in their front a continuation of
the ravine, possessing a more marked and distinct character.
* * * * *
The troops posted upon the plateau already described as situated on the
west of the Nivelles road and in front of the Village of Merbe Braine,
and which, together with Colonel MITCHELL's Brigade, constituted the
extreme Right of the Anglo-Allied Army, under the command of Lord
Hill, were available either as a Reserve to the main Line of Battle,
or as a defence against any hostile attempt upon the Right Flank. They
consisted of the main body of the Second Infantry Division, commanded
by Lieutenant General Sir HENRY CLINTON. This was composed of the Third
British Light Brigade, under Major General Sir FREDERICK ADAM; of the
First Brigade of the King's German Legion, under Colonel DU PLAT; and
of the Third Hanoverian Brigade, under Colonel HALKETT.
ADAM's Brigade, consisting of the 52nd Regiment (under Colonel Sir
JOHN COLBORNE), of the 71st Regiment (under Colonel REYNELL), of the
2nd Battalion of the 95th Regiment (under Lieutenant Colonel NORCOTT),
and two Companies of the 3rd Battalion of the latter Corps (under
Lieutenant Colonel Ross), was, previous to the commencement of the
Battle, posted between the Village of Merbe Braine and the Nivelles
road, near where the latter is intersected by the cross road leading
to Braine l'Alleud: but as soon as the first attack was made upon
Hougomont (with which the Battle opened), it was advanced beyond this
cross road, and stood, in Battalion Columns of Companies, at quarter
distance, on the plateau; whence it overlooked the Nivelles road, and
had a full view of that portion of the main Front Line to which the
troops of CLINTON's Division formed a Reserve.
DU PLAT's Brigade of the King's German Legion, consisting of the
1st Line Battalion (under Major ROBERTSON), of the 2nd (under Major
MÜLLER), of the 3rd (under Lieutenant Colonel WISSELL), and of the 4th
(under Major REH), stood in Open Column, near the foot of the slope
descending towards the Nivelles road.
HALKETT's Brigade, consisting of the Landwehr Battalions Bremervörde
(under Lieutenant Colonel VON DER SCHULENBURG), Salzgitter (under Major
HAMMERSTEIN), Osnabrück (under Major Count MÜNSTER), and Quackenbrück
(under Major VON DEM BUSSCHE HÜNEFELD), was posted in Contiguous Close
Columns of Battalions, on the north side of the plateau, near the
village of Merbe Braine.
* * * * *
The Second general Line of the Anglo-Allied Army consisted entirely of
Cavalry, British and German. Posted partly on the reverse slope of the
main ridge, and partly in the hollows in rear, it was entirely screened
from the Enemy's observation. The Brigades were formed, for the most
part, by Regiments, in Close Columns of Squadrons, at deploying
intervals.
Commencing from the right, near to the Nivelles road, stood the Fifth
Brigade, under Major General Sir COLQUHOUN GRANT, consisting of the
7th and 15th Hussars, and of the 13th Light Dragoons (under Colonel
DOHERTY.)
On the left of GRANT's Brigade was posted the Third Brigade under Major
General Sir WILLIAM DÖRNBERG, consisting of the 23rd Light Dragoons,
and of the 1st and 2nd Light Dragoons of the King's German Legion.
The Cumberland Hanoverian Hussars (under Lieutenant Colonel HAKE)
were attached to, and formed in rear of, this Brigade. They properly
belonged to Colonel ESTORFF's Hanoverian Cavalry Brigade: as did also
the Prince Regent's Hussars (under Lieutenant Colonel FERDINAND Count
KIELMANSEGGE), and the Bremen and Verden Hussars (under Colonel AUGUST
VON DEM BUSSCHE); which Regiments were detached with the force at Hal.
Still more to the left, and in rear of the Right of ALTEN's Division,
stood the 3rd Hussars of the King's German Legion, under Colonel Sir
FREDERICK VON ARENTSSCHILDT.
Immediately on the right of the Charleroi road, and in rear of ALTEN's
Division, the First or Household Brigade, under Major General Lord
EDWARD SOMERSET, was drawn up. It comprised the 1st and 2nd Life
Guards, the Royal Horse Guards (Blue), and the 1st Dragoon Guards.
On the left of the Charleroi road, and in rear of PICTON's Division,
stood the Second Brigade, under Major General Sir WILLIAM PONSONBY;
consisting of the 1st Dragoons (Royals), the 2nd Dragoons (Scots
Greys), and the 6th Dragoons (Inniskillings).
The Fourth and Sixth Brigades, under Major Generals Sir JOHN VANDELEUR
and Sir HUSSEY VIVIAN, were posted upon the extreme Left of the main
Line of the position, as previously explained.
* * * * *
The Reserves consisted of the Dutch-Belgian Cavalry Division, under
Lieutenant General Baron COLLAERT; of the Brunswick Corps, comprising
both Cavalry and Infantry, the command of which, since the fall of the
Duke, had devolved upon Colonel OLFERMANN; and of the Tenth British
Brigade, under Major General Sir JOHN LAMBERT. The latter formed part
of the Sixth Division, commanded by Lieutenant General the Hon. Sir
LOWRY COLE; and had only just reached the Field, after having performed
forced marches from Ghent.
COLLAERT's Division was stationed in rear of the Centre, and within the
angle formed by the junction of the high roads leading from Charleroi
and Nivelles. It comprised the First Brigade, commanded by Major
General TRIP, and consisting of the 1st Dutch Carabiniers, the 2nd
Belgian Carabiniers, and the 3rd Dutch Carabiniers; the Second Brigade,
commanded by Major General GHIGNY, and consisting of the 4th Dutch
Dragoons, and the 8th Belgian Hussars; and the Third Brigade, commanded
by Major General VAN MERLEN, and consisting of the 5th Belgian Light
Dragoons, and the 6th Dutch Hussars.
The Brunswick Corps was posted between the northern portion of the
Village of Merbe Braine and the Nivelles road, on which its Left
rested; and comprised the following troops:--a Regiment of Hussars, a
Squadron of Lancers, the Advanced Guard Battalion (which was at this
time detached to the right of Merbe Braine); a Light Infantry Brigade,
under Lieutenant Colonel BUTTLAR, consisting of the Guard Battalion,
and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Light Battalions; and an Infantry Brigade,
under Lieutenant Colonel SPECHT, consisting of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
Line Battalions.
LAMBERT's Brigade was posted near the Farm of Mont St Jean; and
consisted of the 4th Regiment (under Lieutenant Colonel BROOKE), of the
27th Regiment (under Major HARE), and of the 40th Regiment (under Major
HEYLAND).
In order to afford greater security to the Right Flank of the
Anglo-Allied Army, and also to keep open the communication with the
detached forces near Hal, and at Tubize, namely, the Corps of Prince
FREDERICK of Orange, and the Sixth British and Sixth Hanoverian
Brigades, under Lieutenant General Sir CHARLES COLVILLE; it was deemed
essential to occupy the small town of Braine l'Alleud, about three
quarters of a mile westward of Merbe Braine: and whence a road leads to
Tubize, which is distant between eight and nine miles.
With this view, the Third Division of the Netherlands, commanded by
Lieutenant General Baron CHASSÉ, was placed under the orders of General
Lord HILL; a part of whose Corps, as previously explained, formed
the extreme Right of the Anglo-Allied position. The First Brigade,
under Colonel DITMERS, occupied the town itself. It consisted of the
35th Battalion of Belgian Light Infantry, the 2nd Battalion of the
Dutch Line, and of the 4th, 6th, 17th, and 19th Battalions of Dutch
Militia. The 17th Battalion, detached a little to the left, kept up
the communication with CLINTON's British Division. The Second Brigade,
under Major General D'AUBREMÉ, occupied a good position about half a
mile in advance of Braine l'Alleud, upon a height on which stood the
Farm of Vieux Foriez.
* * * * *
It was at a very early hour of the 18th, that Lieutenant Colonel
TORRENS, Deputy Quartermaster General, reached Braine le Comte, and
delivered to Sir CHARLES COLVILLE the Order (see page 285), for his
falling back upon Hal. That General immediately put in motion his
two Brigades. These consisted of the Sixth British Brigade, under
Major General JOHNSTONE, and the Sixth Hanoverian Brigade, under
Major General Sir JAMES LYON, accompanied by Major BROME's British
Foot Battery. The remaining Brigade (the Fourth British, under
Colonel MITCHELL), as also the other Foot Battery, belonging to the
Fourth Division (Captain RETTBERG's Hanoverian), were on the Field
of Waterloo. On reaching Tubize, COLVILLE fell in with the Advance
of Prince FREDERICK's Corps: and as that was the point of junction
with the road leading by Braine le Château and Braine l'Alleud to
the position in front of Waterloo; he halted there, and despatched
Lieutenant Colonel WOODFORD, Assistant Quartermaster General to the
Division, to report his proceedings to the Duke. His Grace expressed
himself perfectly satisfied; and desired Lieutenant Colonel WOODFORD
to remain upon the Field of Waterloo, in order that he might be
prepared to return to Sir CHARLES COLVILLE with any instructions which
circumstances might induce the Duke to transmit to him.
* * * * *
The Artillery of the Anglo-Allied Army, commanded by Colonel Sir GEORGE
WOOD, was distributed in the following manner:--
On the extreme Left was a British Horse Battery[9] of six guns, under
Lieutenant Colonel Sir ROBERT GARDINER, with VIVIAN's Hussar Brigade.
Upon the exterior slope of the main ridge, and above the Hamlet of
Papelotte, were four guns of Captain BYLEVELD's Dutch-Belgian Horse
Battery, attached to PERPONCHER's Division. The remaining four guns
of this Battery were on the crest of the main ridge, in rear of that
Division. On the highest point of the position of the Left Wing, and in
front of the Right of BEST's Hanoverian Brigade, was posted Captain
RETTBERG's Hanoverian Foot Battery of six guns. In front of KEMPT's
Brigade stood Major ROGERS's British Foot Battery of six guns. Major
LLOYD's British, and Captain CLEEVES's King's German, Foot Batteries,
of six guns each, were with ALTEN's Division. Major KUHLMANN's King's
German Horse Battery, and Captain SANDHAM's British Foot Battery,
of six guns each, were attached to COOKE's Division. All the above
Batteries were posted in Front Line; as was also Lieutenant Colonel Sir
HEW ROSS's British Horse Battery (from the Reserve), of six guns, which
was posted on the height immediately in rear of La Haye Sainte, and
near the intersection of the Wavre road with the Charleroi high road,
in which latter two of its guns were stationed. Major SYMPHER's King's
German Horse Battery, and Captain BOLTON's British Foot Battery, of six
guns each, were attached to CLINTON's Division.
The remaining Horse Batteries were with the Cavalry. They were
(exclusive of Lieutenant Colonel Sir ROBERT GARDINER's already
mentioned) Major BULL's of six howitzers; Lieutenant Colonel WEBBER
SMITH's of six guns; Major WHINYATES's of six guns, and provided
with rockets; Captain MERCER's of six guns; and Major RAMSAY's of
six guns. Captain PETTER's Dutch-Belgian Horse Battery of eight
guns, was attached to COLLAERT's Cavalry Division. The Dutch-Belgian
Horse Battery under Captain VAN DER SMISSEN, and Foot Battery under
Captain LUX, of eight guns each, were with CHASSÉ's Division at Braine
l'Alleud. The Brunswick Horse Battery, under Captain HEINEMANN; and
Foot Battery, under Major MOLL, of eight guns each, were with the
Brunswick Corps. The British Horse Battery under Major BEANE, and Foot
Battery under Captain SINCLAIR (belonging to the Sixth Division), as
also the Hanoverian Foot Battery under Captain BRAUN, all three having
six guns each, were in reserve near Mont St Jean.
The whole of the Batteries were engaged in the Front Line, more or
less, during the course of the Battle.
* * * * *
This disposition of WELLINGTON's forces, so completely in accordance
with the general features of the ground which he had selected with
consummate judgment as the Field on which he was prepared to give
battle to his imperial rival in the great art of war, was admirably
calculated for either offensive or defensive measures. The opposite
line of Heights, which the Enemy would naturally crown with the main
Line of his forces, was fully within the effectual range of cannon
shot; and no hostile movement could be made against any part of the
position, that would remain undiscovered within the range of musketry.
The formation of the ground in rear of the ridge, along the brow of
which his Front Line was posted, was such as effectually to screen from
the Enemy's observation any movements of the Supports and Reserves,
preparatory to either a contemplated attack, or to the assembling of
the necessary means of resistance at any threatened point. In rear
of the main Front Line the ground was practicable for the movements
of all Arms, the country was perfectly open, and the two high roads
added still further to the facility of communication between the front
and rear. The occupation of the Posts of Hougomont and La Haye Sainte
presented important advantages in aid alike of offensive and defensive
operations.
The Right Flank was rendered secure, not only by the position of
CLINTON's Division, commanding the valley skirting the Village of Merbe
Braine, but also by the occupation of the Town of Braine l'Alleud,
whence CHASSÉ's Division could co-operate so as to render any attempt
of the Enemy to turn that Flank a most hazardous experiment.
Although the Left of the main Front Line rested upon an open plain
or elevated plateau, and was therefore completely _en l'air_: yet
the Village of Smohain, the Farms of La Haye and Papelotte, together
with the scattered houses and numerous enclosures on the abrupt slope
descending into the valley in front, by being well garnished with
Infantry, offered the means of protracted resistance; while Cavalry was
at hand, on the high ground, to cover the latter if forced to retire,
and to frustrate the complete development of the Enemy's disposition
of attack. The latter description of force was also available in
maintaining a vigilant look out for any direct flank attack; which,
however, was the less to be apprehended in consequence of the
preconcerted Prussian co-operation in that quarter.
* * * * *
The position also afforded ample security for a retreat. The two
broad high roads uniting at a point in rear of the centre, greatly
facilitated the retirement of unbroken masses upon Mont St Jean; while
the Village itself, and the numerous buildings and inclosures which
lined the great road as far as the Forest of Soignies, presented the
ready means of securing the further retreat of those masses, which, it
may be assumed, would have constituted a main Central Column.
On the right, the Villages of Merbe Braine, Le Mesnil, and L'Estraye,
connected with Braine l'Alleud and with one another, as also with the
Forest, by several cross roads, and intersected by numerous inclosures,
were well calculated for the retirement of the extreme Right of the
Army, by the advantages which they afforded for covering such retreat
with Light Troops.
On the left, the ground was more open, but the distance between the
position and the Forest was infinitely less, the latter stretching
southward to the Village of Verd Cocou; and the troops retiring in
this direction, being much closer to the high road, would have their
Right in a great measure protected by the well defended retreat of the
Central Column.
The Forest itself, consisting almost entirely of tall trees,
unaccompanied by underwood, was passable for all Arms; it was
intersected by numerous roads and lanes in every direction; and its
southern extremity, adjoining the high road, was thickly skirted with
houses and gardens, adding considerably to its capabilities for a
vigorous stand against the further advance of an Enemy.
The retrograde march of the detached forces from Tubize and Hal upon
Brussels, and their junction with the remainder of the Anglo-Allied
Army in the position of Uccle, between that capital and the Forest of
Soignies, will readily present itself to the minds of military men
studying the dispositions and movements to which a retreat would have
probably given rise; but this is a subject which, embracing as it
naturally would, the consequent operations of the Prussians, opens a
wide field for discussion, into which it is unnecessary to enter.
* * * * *
The general direction of the Front Line of the French Army was nearly
parallel with that of the Anglo-Allies. The high road from Charleroi
to Brussels, which intersected the Allied position near its Centre,
also passed through the Centre of the French line. The point of this
intersection was La Belle Alliance, a small Farm house and Inn; and the
distance from the one position to the other, taken along the high road
between these two points, was 1400 yards.
About two hundred yards in the French rear of this house is a summit,
the altitude of which exceeds, by about thirteen feet, that of any
point along the Anglo-Allied position. A ridge issuing from it, and
extending in a north easterly direction towards Frischermont, formed
the position of the Right Wing of the Front Line of the French Army.
On the west side, a road leading from the summit, descends rather
rapidly as a hollow way down into and across the long valley that takes
its course towards Hougomont, then ascends until it reaches another
ridge, along which it winds round that Post, at a distance varying from
300 to about 440 yards, until it joins the Nivelles _chaussée_; and
that winding road indicates pretty nearly the ground occupied by the
Left Wing of the French Front Line.
* * * * *
The Right Wing of this Line consisted of the First _Corps d'Armée_,
commanded by Lieutenant General Count D'ERLON, comprising four
Divisions of Infantry, and one of Light Cavalry.
Its Left Division, which was the Second, commanded by Lieutenant
General Baron DONZELOT, rested its Left upon La Belle Alliance. The
First Brigade of this Division, under General Baron SCHMITH, consisted
of the 13th Regiment of Light Infantry and the 17th Regiment of the
Line; the former comprising three, and the latter, two, Battalions. The
Second Brigade, under General AULARD, consisted of the 19th and 51st
Regiments of the Line, each comprising two Battalions. These Brigades
were deployed in two Lines, the second at a distance of sixty yards in
rear of the first.
On the right of the Second Division was the First, commanded by
Lieutenant General ALIX. Its First Brigade, under General Baron QUIOT,
consisted of the 54th and 55th Regiments of the Line, each comprising
two Battalions. Its Second Brigade under General Baron BOURGEOIS,
consisted of the 28th and 105th Regiments of the Line, each comprising
two Battalions. The Brigades were deployed in two Lines, the second at
a distance of sixty yards in rear of the first.
On the right of the First Division stood the Third, commanded by
Lieutenant General Baron MARCOGNET. Its First Brigade, under General
NOGUÈS, consisted of the 21st and 46th Regiments of the Line; and its
Second Brigade, under General GRENIER, of the 25th and 45th Regiments
of the Line; all four Regiments comprising two Battalions each. These
two Brigades were, in like manner, deployed in two Lines, the second at
a distance of sixty yards in rear of the first.
On the right of the Third Division, nearest to the extremity of the
ridge, and immediately opposite the Farms of Papelotte and La Haye,
was posted the Fourth Division, commanded by Lieutenant General Count
DURUTTE. Its First Brigade, under General Chevalier PEGOT, consisted of
the 8th and 29th Regiments of the Line; and its Second Brigade, under
General BRUE, of the 85th and 95th Regiments of the Line; all four
Regiments comprising two Battalions each. These two Brigades were also
deployed in two Lines, the second at a distance of sixty yards in rear
of the first.
The Cavalry attached to this Corps, which was the First Division,
commanded by Lieutenant General Baron JAQUINOT, was posted in a
valley on the right of the Infantry: having in its front the Village
of Smohain, which it held in observation, as also the Château of
Frischermont, on the right of the valley; at the same time throwing
out Patrols in the direction of Ohain. It was deployed in three Lines.
Its First Brigade, under General BRUNO, consisting of the 3rd and 7th
_Chasseurs_; and its Second Brigade, under General GOBRECHT, of the
3rd and 4th Lancers.
The Artillery attached to the Infantry Corps, consisting of five
Batteries of eight guns each (including a Reserve Battery of eight
twelve pounders), was ranged along the front of the different Divisions
respectively; and the Battery of Horse Artillery--six guns--attached to
the First Division of Cavalry, was posted on the right of the latter.
* * * * *
The Left Wing of the Front Line of the French Army was formed by the
Second Corps, commanded by Lieutenant General Count REILLE, comprising
three Divisions of Infantry and one of Light Cavalry.
Its Right Division, which was the Fifth, commanded by Lieutenant
General Baron BACHELU, rested its Right upon La Belle Alliance, and was
ranged along the descent from thence down into the valley, which, more
westward, winds past Hougomont. The First Brigade of this Division,
under General HUSSON, consisted of the 2nd Regiment of Light Infantry
and the 61st Regiment of the Line, the former comprising two, and
the latter, three, Battalions; and the Second Brigade, under General
Baron CAMPY, of the 72nd and 108th Regiments of the Line, the former
comprising two, and the latter, three, Battalions. The Brigades were
deployed in two Lines, the second at a distance of sixty yards in rear
of the first.
On the Left of the Fifth Division, and upon the Height facing the
southern boundary of Hougomont, stood the Ninth Division, commanded
by Lieutenant General Count FOY. Its First Brigade, under General
Baron GAUTHIER, consisted of the 92nd and 93rd Regiments of the Line,
comprising two Battalions each. Its Second Brigade, under General
Baron JAMIN, consisted of the 4th Regiment of Light Infantry, and of
the 100th Regiment of the Line, each comprising three Battalions. These
two Brigades were, in like manner, deployed in two Lines, the second at
a distance of sixty yards in rear of the first.
On the left of the Ninth Division, and along the ridge of the western
boundary of Hougomont, stood the Sixth Division, commanded by Prince
JEROME NAPOLEON. Its First Brigade, under General Baron BAUDUIN,
consisted of the 1st Regiment of Light Infantry and of the 3rd
Regiment of the Line, the former comprising three, and the latter two,
Battalions. Its Second Brigade, under General Baron SOYE, consisted
of the 1st and 2nd Regiments of the Line, comprising three Battalions
each. These two Brigades were also deployed in two Lines, the second at
a distance of sixty yards in rear of the first.
On the left of the Infantry, was posted the Light Cavalry attached to
the Corps, namely, the Second Cavalry Division, commanded by Lieutenant
General Baron PIRÉ. Its First Brigade, under General Baron HUBERA,
consisted of the 1st and 6th _Chasseurs_; and its Second Brigade,
under General MATHIEU, of the 5th and 6th Lancers. It stood across the
Nivelles high road, in three deployed Lines, rather under the crest
of the ridge, on its reverse slope; and threw out Picquets in the
direction of Braine l'Alleud, as also more to its left, thus keeping up
a vigilant look out around this Flank of the Army.
* * * * *
The Second general Line of the French Army was formed in the following
manner:--
In the Centre, close along the west side of the Charleroi high road,
stood the Sixth Corps, commanded by Lieutenant General Count LOBAU.
Only two of its Divisions, the Nineteenth and Twentieth, were present;
the Twenty First was with the Army under Marshal GROUCHY. Each of the
two Divisions formed a Close Column of Battalions by Grand Divisions;
the head of the Column of the Nineteenth Division being distant about
a hundred yards in rear of the right of the Second Corps, and an
interval of about two hundred yards was preserved between the rear of
the Nineteenth Division and the head of the Column of the Twentieth
Division.
The former was commanded by Lieutenant General Baron SIMMER; and its
First Brigade, under General Baron DE BELLAIR, consisted of the 5th
and 11th Regiments of the Line, the former comprising two, the latter,
three, Battalions. Its Second Brigade, under General SIMMER, consisted
of the 27th and 84th Regiments of the Line, comprising two Battalions
each.
The Twentieth Division was commanded by Lieutenant General Baron
JEANNIN: its First Brigade, under General BONY, consisted of the 5th
Regiment of Light Infantry, and of the 10th Regiment of the Line; and
its Second Brigade, under General TROMELIN, of the 107th Regiment of
the Line; all three Regiments comprising two Battalions each.
There were three Batteries of Foot Artillery, of eight guns each,
attached to the Divisions, including one of reserve; as also a Horse
Battery of six guns. They were posted on the Left Flank of the Corps.
On the right of these two Divisions of the Sixth Corps, and separated
from them by the high road only, were stationed the Third Light Cavalry
Division, commanded by Lieutenant General Baron DOMON, and the Fifth
Light Cavalry Division, commanded by Lieutenant General Baron SUBERVIE
(belonging to the First Cavalry Corps, commanded by General Count
PAJOL). They were formed in Close Column of Regiments by Squadrons.
The First Brigade of the former, under General Baron DOMMANGET,
consisted of the 4th and 9th _Chasseurs_; and the Second Brigade, under
General Baron Vinot, of the 12th _Chasseurs_. The First Brigade of the
Fifth Division, under General Count COLBERT, consisted of the 1st and
2nd Lancers; and the Second Brigade, under General MERLIN, of the 11th
_Chasseurs_.
The two Batteries of Horse Artillery attached to these two Divisions,
comprising six guns each, were posted on the Right Flank of the Column.
The Right Wing of the Second French general Line was composed of the
Fourth Cavalry Corps, commanded by Lieutenant General Count MILHAUD,
which was posted on a parallel ridge, in rear of the two central
Divisions of the First Infantry Corps, and distant from them about two
hundred yards. It was deployed in two Lines, the second at a distance
of sixty yards in rear of the first.
The Corps consisted of two Heavy Cavalry Divisions--the Thirteenth,
commanded by Lieutenant General WATHIER ST ALPHONSE, and the
Fourteenth, under Lieutenant General Baron DELORT. The First Brigade
of the Thirteenth Division, under General DUBOIS, consisted of the 1st
and 4th _Cuirassiers_; the Second, under General Baron TRAVERS, of
the 7th and 12th _Cuirassiers_. The First Brigade of the Fourteenth
Division, under General Baron FARINE, consisted of the 5th and 10th
_Cuirassiers_; and the Second, under General Baron VIAL, of the 6th and
9th _Cuirassiers_.
The two Batteries of Horse Artillery attached to this Corps, comprising
six guns each, were stationed, one in the Centre, and the other on the
Left Flank.
The Left Wing of the French Second general Line, composed of the Third
Cavalry Corps, commanded by Lieutenant General KELLERMANN (Count DE
VALMY), was posted about two hundred yards in rear of the Centre of the
Second Infantry Corps. It was deployed in two Lines, the second at a
distance of sixty yards in rear of the first.
The Corps consisted of two Heavy Cavalry Divisions: the Eleventh,
commanded by Lieutenant General Baron L'HERITIER; and the Twelfth,
under Lieutenant General ROUSSEL D'HURBAL. The First Brigade of the
Eleventh Division, under General Baron PICQUET, consisted of the 2nd
and 7th Dragoons; and the Second, under General GNITON, of the 8th and
11th _Cuirassiers_. The First Brigade of the Twelfth Division, under
General Baron BLANCARD, consisted of the 1st and 2nd Carabiniers; and
the Second, of the 2nd and 3rd _Cuirassiers_.
The two Batteries of Horse Artillery attached to this Corps, comprising
six guns each, were posted one upon each Flank.
* * * * *
The Third general Line, forming the Grand Reserve of the whole Line of
Battle, and comprising the entire force of the Imperial Guards, Cavalry
and Infantry, under the command of Lieutenant General Count DROUOT, was
thus formed.
The Infantry of the Imperial Guard constituted the Centre of the
Reserve. It consisted of four Regiments of Grenadiers, four Regiments
of _Chasseurs_, two Regiments of _Tirailleurs_, and two Regiments of
_Voltigeurs_; each Regiment divided into two Battalions. The 1st and
2nd Regiments of Grenadiers, and the 1st and 2nd of _Chasseurs_, formed
the Old Guard, under Lieutenant General Count FRIANT; the 3rd and 4th
Regiments of Grenadiers, and the 3rd and 4th of _Chasseurs_ formed the
_Moyenne_, or Middle, Guard, under Lieutenant General Count MORAND;
the four Regiments of _Tirailleurs_ and _Voltigeurs_ constituted the
Young Guard under Lieutenant General Count DUHESME. This force was
posted somewhat in advance of the Farm of Rossomme, in six Lines of
four Battalions each, at a distance of twenty yards from one another,
and so disposed that the Charleroi high road alone separated the two
Right, from the two Left, Battalions of each Line. To each description
of the Infantry of the Imperial Guard; the Old, the Middle, and the
Young, Guard, two Batteries, of eight guns each, were attached. These
were stationed on either Flank; and the Reserve Artillery of the Guard,
consisting of twenty four guns, was posted in rear of these Lines.
The Right Wing of the Third Line, or Reserve, consisted of the Light
Cavalry of the Imperial Guard, commanded by Lieutenant General LEFÈBVRE
DESNOUETTES, namely, the _Chasseurs_ and Lancers of the Guard. It was
posted at a distance of about two hundred yards in rear of the Fourth
Cavalry Corps and deployed in two Lines, the second at a distance of
sixty yards in rear of the first. The two Batteries of Horse Artillery
belonging to the Corps, comprising six guns each, were posted in its
centre.
The Left Wing of the Third Line, or Reserve, consisted of the Heavy
Cavalry of the Imperial Guard, commanded by Lieutenant General Count
GUYOT, namely, the Grenadiers and Dragoons of the Guard. It was
stationed in rear of the Third Cavalry Corps, and deployed in two
Lines, the second at a distance of sixty yards in rear of the first.
Its two Batteries of Horse Artillery, comprising six guns each, were
posted in the centre.
This admirable order of battle, at once grand, simple, and imposing,
and presenting to its skilful designer the most ample means of
sustaining, by an immediate and efficient support, any attack, from
whatever point he might wish to direct it, and of possessing everywhere
a respectable force at hand to oppose any attack upon himself, from
whatever quarter it might be made, was no less remarkable for the
regularity and precision with which the several masses, constituting
thirteen distinct Columns, advanced to their destined stations, than
for the unusual degree of warlike pomp and high martial bearing with
which the Lines drew up in this mighty battle array. The movements
throughout were executed under the cheering and spirit stirring sounds
of bugles, drums, and trumpets, sending forth the long cherished
national military airs of the Republic and of the Empire. The weather
had cleared up a little, and to the Anglo-Allied Army, the crowning of
the opposite Heights by the French Lines, with all its accompanying
circumstances, presented a magnificent spectacle.
* * * * *
NAPOLEON has frequently been blamed for having thus consumed some very
precious time in a mere ostentatious display of his forces. Public
opinion, however, should not suffer itself to be too easily influenced
by the apparent justness of such censure, and it would be ungenerous to
the established renown of the French Leader not to attach due weight to
the following circumstances. In the account of the Battle attributed
to the Emperor's own dictation, one cause of delay in commencing
offensive operations is represented to have been the soft and miry
state of the ground after the excessive rain which had fallen during
the night; in consequence of which it was found impossible to manoeuvre
the Artillery and the Cavalry, and it was considered advisable to wait
until the ground had, in some degree, resumed its natural consistency.
When, therefore, the manoeuvring of these two Arms was pronounced to
be practicable, though attended with some difficulty, which, however,
it was added, would gradually disappear; the employment of the
interval in an orderly and a deliberate formation of a well-defined
order of battle, was a measure scarcely questionable _at the moment_,
however much the _subsequent_ course of events may have proved that it
militated against the chances of success on the part of the French.
The additional impulse which this imposing spectacle was calculated
to impart to the moral force of his troops, is also well worthy of
consideration. His soldiers, as they contemplated the extended double
Front Line of Infantry, disposed as if about to enfold the Enemy in
a deadly embrace, and the fluttering of gay lance flags on either
extremity, indicating that its Flanks were duly protected; as they
glanced at the Second general Line, a double one of Cavalry, superbly
mounted, and proudly mailed in glittering helmet and cuirass; and,
as they scanned the well disposed Reserves and serried Centre; their
reliance on their own strength and in the resources of their Leader
was unbounded, their anticipations of success were heightened, and
their eager longing for the contest was greatly augmented. And while
adverting to the grand spectacle in a moral point of view, it would be
well to consider whether it may not have also been designed to exert
a powerful influence on that portion of the Anglo-Allied forces with
which the Emperor was tampering, in the full expectation of seeing
them again range themselves under his victorious Eagles: but which
WELLINGTON, with judicious foresight and prompt address, broke up as a
united body, and distributed among his British troops; thus securing
himself against the possible enactment of a scene similar to that which
so powerfully contributed to NAPOLEON's disaster on the plains of
Leipzig.
But supposing it to be admitted upon these grounds that the delay
of the attack, having once been determined, was judiciously and
advantageously employed, we ought also to consider whether the delay
itself may not have been superinduced by motives of far higher import.
Although the miry state of the ground has been put forward as the
ostensible cause, can we for a moment imagine that NAPOLEON was the
man to have allowed himself to be deterred by such an obstacle from
commencing the attack at an earlier hour; had he, at the moment, been
sufficiently acquainted with the actual state of things to foresee that
the delay, together with the possibility of a lengthened contest, and
of the approach of aid to the British General from the Prussian side,
tended to render his situation one of extreme peril?
May we not rather be justified in inferring, that his object was
to gain time for the due execution and successful development of
GROUCHY's operations! The despatch which the Emperor had received from
GROUCHY, dated Gembloux, 17th June, at 10 P.M. (see page 300), clearly
explained that General's intentions, which were, that should the mass
of the Prussian forces retire upon Wavre, he would follow them in that
direction, so as to prevent them from either reaching Brussels or
forming a junction with WELLINGTON; but that if, on the other hand,
they should fall back upon Perwès, he would advance towards that town
in pursuit of them. In the former case, NAPOLEON's delay was likely
to facilitate the combined operation; because in order to prevent the
junction with WELLINGTON, GROUCHY required sufficient time to throw
himself between the Prussians and the Emperor: and, in the latter case,
the delay would be immaterial, because then the Prussian co-operation
with WELLINGTON was not to be apprehended; and the battle with the
Anglo-Allied Army would have to be fought by the Emperor, unsupported
by GROUCHY.
It may, perhaps, be argued that NAPOLEON, by commencing his attack
much earlier, would not have been under the necessity of employing
a considerable portion of his Reserve against the Prussians in
defence of his Right Flank, at a time when he so urgently needed
them for following up and strengthening his attacks upon the Duke
of WELLINGTON's line. There existed, however, no such striking
disparity, in point of numbers, between WELLINGTON's forces, and his
own, as to warrant his throwing away a chance amounting, according to
the information he had already received, almost to a certainty, of
being enabled to bring his greatest mass to bear against each Army
separately: and which would doubtless have been the case as regards
the Anglo-Allied Army, had GROUCHY, by the adoption of more vigorous
and energetic measures, manoeuvred in such a manner as to sufficiently
impede the Prussian co-operation by posting one of his Corps so as to
command the Defiles of St Lambert and Lasne, and holding the other in
reserve, to be employed by either the Emperor or himself, according to
circumstances.
Whether NAPOLEON was really actuated by any such motives, must
remain a doubtful point. These remarks, however, are offered for the
consideration of those who censure him for his delay in commencing the
Battle of Waterloo.
* * * * *
The strength of the Anglo-Allied Army in the Field was as follows:--
+--------------------+---------+--------+----------+-----+
| |Infantry.|Cavalry.|Artillery.|Guns.|
| +---------+--------+----------+-----+
|British | 15,181 | 5,843 | 2,967 | 78 |
|King's German Legion| 3,301 | 1,991 | 526 | 18 |
|Hanoverians | 10,258 | 497 | 465 | 12 |
|Brunswickers | 4,586 | 866 | 510 | 16 |
|Nassauers | 2,880 | -- | -- | -- |
|Dutch-Belgians | 13,402 | 3,205 | 1,177 | 32 |
| +---------+--------+----------+-----+
| Total | 49,608 | 12,402 | 5,645 | 156 |
+--------------------+---------+--------+----------+-----+
GRAND TOTAL.
Infantry 49,608
Cavalry 12,402
Artillery 5,645
-------
Total 67,655 men, and 156 guns.
* * * * *
The French Army consisted of:--
Infantry 47,579
Cavalry 13,792
Artillery 7,529
-------
Total 68,900 men, and 246 guns.
* * * * *
The martial sounds already adverted to as having accompanied the march
of the French Columns into position, had scarcely been wafted towards
the Anglo-Allied Army, when mounted Officers were discerned galloping
along the opposite Heights, and taking up the necessary alignments;
and, presently, the simultaneous flashing of bayonets over dark masses,
on various points, and the roll of drums, now become more distinctly
audible, announced the arrival of the heads of the Columns destined to
constitute the Front Line. As this gradually developed itself, and was
seen extending on either side, from La Belle Alliance, and apparently
almost overlapping both Flanks of the Allies, the scene became truly
imposing and highly exciting. The two Armies were now fairly in
presence of each other; and their mutual observation was governed by
the most intense interest, and the most scrutinizing anxiety.
In a still greater degree did these feelings actuate their Commanders,
while watching each other's preparatory movements, and minutely
scanning the surface of the arena on which tactical skill, habitual
prowess, physical strength, and moral courage, were to decide, not
alone their own, but in all probability, the fate of Europe. Apart
from national interests and considerations, and viewed solely in
connection with the opposite characters of the two illustrious Chiefs;
the approaching contest was contemplated with anxious solicitude by
the whole military world. Need this create surprise when we reflect
that the struggle was one for mastery between the far famed Conqueror
of Italy, and the victorious Liberator of the Peninsula; between the
triumphant Vanquisher of Eastern Europe, and the bold and successful
Invader of the South of France! Never was the issue of a single Battle
looked forward to as involving consequences of such vast importance--of
such universal influence.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 9: For the sake of uniformity, and to prevent misconception,
I have adopted, throughout this work, the terms "Horse Battery" and
"Foot Battery," employed in all the Continental Armies, although in the
British service the distinction is better known by the terms "Troop"
and "Brigade."]