NAPOLEON, having taken the precaution of posting a Cavalry Corps of
Observation upon his Right Flank, no longer delayed sending the Order
to NEY for the commencement of the Grand Attack upon the Centre and
Left Wing of the Anglo-Allied Army. About the same time, WELLINGTON,
considering that some of the Battalions along the Right Wing of his
Front Line were too much exposed to the Enemy's cannonade, which had
from the commencement been principally directed against them, and which
was now conducted with increased vigour, withdrew them more under
shelter of the crest of the ridge. It might then be about half past
one, or perhaps a quarter before two o'clock.
The simultaneous advance of D'ERLON's four Divisions of Infantry,
amounting to more than 16,000 men, was grand and imposing. As the
heads of the Columns cleared their own line of Batteries ranged along
the crest of the intervening ridge, and as the points on which they
were directed for attack opened out to their view, loud and reiterated
shouts arose from their ranks of "_Vive l'Empereur!_" which, as the
masses began to descend the exterior slope of their position, were
suddenly drowned in the roar produced by the discharge of seventy four
pieces of French cannon over their heads. The effects of the latter
upon PICTON's Division, and upon BYLANDT's Dutch-Belgian Brigade,
which, as before stated, was deployed upon the exterior slope of the
Anglo-Allied position, were severely felt.
Light Troops now issued forth from each Column, and soon spread out
into a line of Skirmishers extending the whole length of the valley.
As DONZELOT's Division, which was on the left, approached La Haye
Sainte, one of its Brigades moved out to attack that Farm, while the
other continued its advance on the right of the Charleroi road; and
it was not long before a sharp fire of musketry along and around the
hedges of the Orchard of La Haye Sainte announced the first resistance
to D'ERLON's formidable advance. Shortly afterwards a dropping fire
commenced among the hedges and inclosures of Papelotte, La Haye, and
Smohain; which were occupied by the Nassau Battalions under Prince
BERNHARD of Saxe Weimar. The Right Brigade of DURUTTE's Division was
thrown out against the troops defending these inclosures; while the
Left Brigade continued to advance across the valley, so as to form a
Support to MARCOGNET's Division on its left, and, at the same time, to
connect this attack with the advance of the latter against the main
Front Line of the Allied Right Wing.
DURUTTE's Skirmishers pressed boldly forward against those of Prince
BERNHARD's Brigade; and it was not long before they succeeded in
gaining possession of the Farm House of Papelotte, driving out the
Light Company of the 3rd Battalion of the 2nd Regiment of Nassau,
commanded by Captain RETTBERG; but the latter, on being reinforced with
four additional Companies, resumed the offensive, and gallantly retook
the Farm. The contest in this quarter was now limited to a persistent
skirmish; which extended itself along La Haye and Smohain, occupied by
the Regiment of Orange Nassau. With this _tiraillade_ on either Flank
of D'ERLON's Corps, the central Columns pursued their onward course,
and began to ascend the exterior slope of the Allied position.
[Illustration]
Immediately on the departure of D'ERLON's Corps from the French
position, BACHELU's Infantry Division, which constituted the Right
of REILLE's Corps, was moved forward to the immediate Height between
La Belle Alliance and La Haye Sainte (where it is intersected by the
hollow way formed by the Charleroi road), in order to maintain that
point, to be at hand as a Reserve to the attacking force, and to keep
up the connection between the Right and Left Wings of the Front Line of
the French Army.
The three central Columns continued their Advance up the exterior slope
of the Allied position. The nature of the ground still admitted of the
play of the French Batteries over their heads, and great was the havoc
produced by this fire upon PICTON's devoted ranks. As the heads of
the Columns neared the deployed Line of BYLANDT's Brigade, the shouts
of "_Vive l'Empereur!_" were renewed. The Skirmishers in advance had
scarcely opened their fire upon the Brigade, in order to prepare for,
and give increased effect to, the succeeding charge of the Columns;
when the Dutch-Belgians, who had already evinced a considerable degree
of unsteadiness, began firing in their turn, but with very little
effect: immediately after which they commenced a hurried retreat, not
partially and promiscuously, but collectively and simultaneously--so
much so, that the movement carried with it the appearance of its having
resulted from a word of command. The disorder of these troops rapidly
augmented; but, on their reaching the straggling hedge along the crest
of the position, an endeavour was made to rally them upon the 5th
Battalion of Dutch Militia. This attempt, however, notwithstanding the
most strenuous and praiseworthy exertions on the part of the Officers,
completely failed. The reserve Battalion and the Artillerymen of
Captain BYLEVELD's Battery, though they seemed to stem the torrent for
a moment, were quickly swept away by its accumulating force. As they
rushed past the British Columns, hissings, hootings, and execrations
were indignantly heaped upon them; and one portion, in its eagerness
to get away, nearly ran over the Grenadier Company of the 28th British
Regiment, the men of which were so enraged, that it was with difficulty
they could be prevented from firing upon the fugitives. Some of the
men of the 1st, or Royal Scots, were also desirous of shooting them.
Nothing seemed to restrain their flight, which ceased only when they
found themselves completely across and covered by the main ridge
along which the Anglo-Allied Army was drawn up. Here they continued,
comparatively under shelter, during the remainder of the battle, as a
Reserve; in which capacity alone, considering their losses and their
crippled state, they could now be rendered serviceable.
PICTON, who had been calmly watching the French movements, and whose
quick and practised eye detected the increasing unsteadiness and
wavering disposition of the Dutch-Belgians, appeared to expect but a
feeble resistance on their part; and upon his Aide de Camp, Captain
TYLER,[10] remarking to him that he was sure they would run, he
said, "Never mind; they shall have a taste of it, at all events." He
had certainly not anticipated the possibility of their retiring so
precipitately as they did the moment the French came within musket
range of their ranks.
Now, however, that these troops had completely cleared away to the
rear, and left him no other means wherewith to brave the coming storm
than could be afforded by the shattered remnants of KEMPT's and PACK's
Brigades which had survived the sanguinary Fight of Quatre Bras, PICTON
immediately deployed his force, and assumed an attitude of patient
but determined resistance. When the disparity in relative numbers of
the assailants and defenders is considered, the attempt to make head
with such odds, against the advancing masses of an Enemy elated by his
triumphant progress, was, it must be admitted, a daring and critical
undertaking. Each Brigade presented a thin two deep Line. Their united
strength did not amount to more than about 3,000 men; whilst of the
French force, the central attacking Columns alone, which were now
advancing directly upon these two Brigades, consisted of nearly 12,000
men. PICTON had, moreover, no Infantry Reserve whatever, from which he
could obtain support in case of success, or upon which he could fall
back in case of disaster.
He was not, however, one to be daunted by the approach of heavy
Columns, formidable as they might appear in point of numbers, when he
could meet them with a well trained British Line, though it should be
but two deep, and present but a fourth of the numerical force of its
opponents. It is true, that nearly all the Regiments in KEMPT's and
PACK's Brigades had lost half their numbers in the Battle of the 16th;
but PICTON well knew that they had not lost that indomitable spirit,
which, under his guidance, had immortalised them on that memorable
Field of Battle. There, he had triumphantly led them both in Line
against heavy Columns of Infantry, and in Squares against charging
Squadrons of Cavalry. What, then, might not be achieved by such innate
valour--by such consummate discipline? The entire confidence which he
reposed in his men was warmly reciprocated on their part. With such
a Chief to lead them, they would have bravely confronted the whole
French Army, had it been moving in mass against them. The flight of the
panic-stricken Dutch-Belgians produced no effect upon them beyond that
of exciting their derision and contempt.
The 28th, 32nd, and 79th Regiments of KEMPT's Brigade, when deployed,
occupied a Line parallel to, and about fifty yards distant from, the
hedge along the Wavre road, its Right resting on a high bank lining
the Charleroi road, and its Left terminating at a point in rear of that
part of the Wavre road which begins to incline for a short distance
towards the left rear. In their right front, immediately overlooking
the intersection of the Charleroi and Wavre roads, stood (as before
stated) the Reserve of the 1st Battalion 95th Rifles; they had two
Companies, under Major LEACH, posted in the Sand Pit adjoining the left
of the Charleroi road; and one Company, under Captain JOHNSTON, at the
hedge on the Knoll in rear of the Sand Pit. Their Commanding Officer
Colonel Sir ANDREW BARNARD, and Lieutenant Colonel CAMERON, were with
these Advanced Companies, watching the Enemy's movements.
PACK's Line was in left rear of KEMPT's Brigade, and about 150 yards
distant from the Wavre road. Its Left rested upon the Knoll between the
Wavre road and a small coppice on the reverse slope of the position;
but the Centre and Right extended across a considerable hollow which
occurs on the right of that coppice. The front of the interval between
the two Brigades became, after the retreat of the Dutch-Belgians,
completely exposed and uncovered.
The French Left central attacking Column had continued its advance in
a direction contiguous to, and parallel with, the high road, until the
Skirmishers in front were suddenly checked by the Companies of the 95th
British Rifles posted in the Sand Pit; which obstacle had hitherto
been in a great measure concealed from their view by the particular
formation of the ground, combined with the height of the intervening
corn. Influenced by the discovery of this impediment, and by the
appearance of the _abatis_ upon the high road, the Column inclined
to the right so as to clear the Sand Pit; and as their Skirmishers
were pressing on in that direction, the Companies of the 95th became
turned, and were forced to fall back upon the other Company stationed
along the little hedge in rear of the Pit. So vigorous and effective
was the fire maintained from this hedge by the British Riflemen, both
upon the Skirmishers and upon the Column itself, that the latter was
induced to swerve still further to the right, out of its original
direction.
The retreat of BYLANDT's Brigade having removed all impediment to the
advance of the central attacking Columns, the three Companies of the
95th soon found themselves outflanked by the French Skirmishers, and
gradually retired upon their Reserve. The Light Companies of the other
Regiments of KEMPT's Brigade, which had moved out to skirmish, fell
back in like manner, accordingly as the French Columns advanced. With
a view to secure the Left Flank of the attacking force, and at the
same time to connect the movements with those on the opposite side of
the high road, the French presented a strong Line, or rather a mass,
of Skirmishers, in the interval between that road and the Left central
Column.
As the Columns now rapidly approached the crest of the Anglo-Allied
position, the greater part of the Batteries along the French
ridge--that is, all those which had been cannonading that portion of
the Line embraced by the attack--gradually suspended their fire. The
partial cessation of their thunder was immediately succeeded by loud
and reiterated shouts from the Columns of "_Vive l'Empereur!_"; whilst
at short intervals were heard the cheering exhortations of "_En avant!
en avant!_" mingled with the continued roll of drums beating the _pas
de charge_.
The Left central Column was advancing in a direction which would have
brought it in immediate contact with the Right of the 28th British
Regiment and the Left of the 79th Highlanders, and had arrived within
about forty yards of the hedge lining the edge of the Wavre road, when
PICTON moved forward KEMPT's Brigade close to the hedge; where it was
joined by its Light Companies, who came running in, followed by some of
the most daring of the French Skirmishers, who, however, were quickly
driven back. Suddenly the Column halted, and commenced a deployment to
its right, the rear Battalions moving out rapidly to disengage their
front.
PICTON, seizing upon the favourable moment, ordered the Brigade to
fire a volley into the deploying mass; and its brief but full and
condensed report had scarcely died away, when his voice was heard
loudly calling "Charge! charge! Hurrah!" Answering with a tremendous
shout, his devoted followers burst through the nearest of the two
hedges that lined the Wavre road. In doing this their order Was in
some degree broken; and, when making their way through the further
hedge, a fire was poured into them by such of their opponents as had
their front uncovered. The Enemy's Skirmishers that had previously
fallen back upon the Flanks of the Column instantly darted forward;
and by their rapid and close telling fire assisted in the endeavour to
augment the apparent disorder of KEMPT's line. The 79th Highlanders
suffered greatly, and experienced some delay in clearing the hedges.
The Ensign (BIRTWHISTLE) carrying the Regimental Colour of the 32nd,
was severely wounded. Lieutenant BELCHER, who commanded the left centre
subdivision, took the Colour from him. In the next moment it was
seized by a French Officer, whose horse had just been shot under him.
A struggle ensued between him and Lieutenant BELCHER; but, while the
former was attempting to draw his sword, the covering Colour Sergeant
(named SWITZER) gave him a thrust in the breast with his halbert, and
the right hand man of the subdivision (named LACY) shot him, just as
Brevet Major TOOLE, commanding the right centre subdivision, called
out, though too late (for the French Officer fell dead at Lieutenant
BELCHER's feet), "Save the brave fellow!" The delay in crossing the
hedges was but momentary; order was speedily restored: and then,
levelling their bayonets, the Brigade disclosed to view the glorious
sight of a British Line of Infantry at the charge.
It was during this brief struggle that a severe and irreparable blow
was inflicted upon the entire British Army, and a whole nation plunged
into grief and mourning for the loss of a Chief; the brilliancy of
whose career had so excited her admiration, and the fame of whose
exploits had so exalted her pride. The truly brave and noble PICTON
was struck by a musket ball on the right temple. His death, which was
instantaneous, was first observed by the Earl of UXBRIDGE's Aide de
Camp, Captain HORACE SEYMOUR; whom he was, at the moment, desiring
to rally the Highlanders. Captain SEYMOUR, whose horse was just then
falling, immediately called the attention of PICTON's Aide de Camp,
Captain TYLER, to the fact of the General having been wounded; and, in
the next moment, the hero's lifeless corpse was, with the assistance of
a private soldier of the nearest Regiment, borne from off his charger
by that Officer. Thus fell the gallant soldier, who, as the Leader of
the Third or "Fighting Division" in the Peninsular War, had already
acquired an imperishable renown in the history of the British Army. As
his life was spent in fighting the battles of his country, his death
was an end suited to his stirring career. His brave spirit passed away
amidst the roar and din of the bloody conflict, and his eyes closed on
his last of Fields in the very moment of the advance of his troops to
victory.
The French Column, surprised in the midst of its attempted deployment,
and appalled by the bold and determined onset of KEMPT's Line, appeared
as if struck by a panic, fell into irremediable confusion, and fled
with precipitation from its pursuers. Just as the British Brigade
bore down the slope, its front was partially crossed from the right
by French _Cuirassiers_, followed by the 2nd British Life Guards;
the former, dashing in amongst their own thickly scattered Infantry
Skirmishers; who threw themselves down to allow both fugitives and
pursuers to ride over them, and then, in many cases, rose up and fired
after the latter. But although the greater part of the _Cuirassiers_
turned about and boldly faced their opponents, whereby several isolated
individual contests occurred; the 2nd Life Guards soon obtained the
mastery, and compelled them to resume their flight: whilst the 95th
Rifles speedily closed upon the disordered mass of Infantry through
which this portion of the Cavalry had passed, and amongst which the
greatest confusion and consternation prevailed. Many flew wildly they
scarcely knew whither; others delivered themselves up; and several were
seized as prisoners.
On its right, the Brigade was supported in the charge by the 1st Light
Battalion of the King's German Legion; which crossed over for that
purpose from the opposite side of the high road.
Immediately after passing through the hedge, the extreme Left of the
28th Regiment had unexpectedly found itself almost in contact with a
well formed French Column still advancing against the Allied position.
The Right Wing of the Regiment was too deeply engaged with the Column
directly before it to admit of its attention being drawn off to any
other quarter; but the Left Wing, having a clearer front, boldly
brought forward its right shoulders, thus detaching itself from the
Right Wing, and fired into the Left Flank of the advancing Column at
the very moment when the head of the latter was charged by the Right
Regiment (the Royals) of PONSONBY's Brigade of Heavy Cavalry. KEMPT,
becoming aware of the prolongation of the French attack along the Line
to his left, and of the consequently exposed state of this Flank; and
possessing no Infantry Support or Reserve of any kind, felt himself
under the necessity of restraining his men from further pursuit, and
ordered the Brigade to halt and reform. The Left Wing of the 28th,
however, having its whole attention fixed upon the Column charged by
the Royals, followed these Dragoons some distance down the slope, and
assisted them in securing a great number of prisoners; after which it
fell back, and rejoined the Right Wing of the Regiment. The 95th Rifles
continued advancing, and driving the French Skirmishers before them
beyond the Knoll by the Sand Pit.
* * * * *
From this extremely gallant and most decisive attack by KEMPT's
Brigade, we must proceed to describe the no less brilliant charges
performed by both SOMERSET's and PONSONBY's Cavalry Brigades; but to
afford a more ready comprehension of this period of the action, it
will be necessary, in the first instance, to revert, to the attack and
defence of La Haye Sainte.
The French Skirmishers thrown out by the Left Brigade of DONZELOT's
Division advanced boldly and resolutely against the Orchard of La Haye
Sainte. The first shot tore away the bridle of Major BARING's horse
close to his hand, and the second killed Major BÖSEWIEL, the next in
command. The three Companies of the 2nd Light Battalion of the King's
German Legion, which, as before stated, were posted in the Orchard,
together with two Companies of the 1st Light Battalion of the King's
German Legion under Captains WYNECKEN and GOEDEN, and a Company of
Hanoverian Riflemen under Major SPÖRKEN, which were extended on the
right of the Farm, presented a gallant resistance to the Enemy; but the
latter continued to press forward with superior force, and the main
body of the French Brigade having formed two Columns of Attack, which
were rapidly advancing, one into the Orchard, and the other towards the
Buildings, Major BARING fell back with his men upon the Barn.
At this moment, Colonel KLENCKE reached the Farm with the Lüneburg
Field Battalion; which WELLINGTON, on observing the French advance, had
detached from the Left of KIELMANSEGGE's Brigade as a reinforcement to
the troops of La Haye Sainte. BARING immediately endeavoured to recover
the Orchard; and had already made the Enemy give way, when he perceived
a strong Line of _Cuirassiers_ forming in right front of the inclosure.
At the same time, Lieutenant MEYER came to report to him that the Enemy
had surrounded the Garden in which his Company was posted, and that it
had become no longer tenable. BARING ordered him to fall back into the
Buildings, and to assist in their defence. The Skirmishers upon the
right, on the sudden appearance of the Cavalry, ran in upon the Orchard
to collect together: but coming in contact with the newly arrived
Hanoverians, the latter got into disorder; and the effect produced
by the sight of the advancing Line of _Cuirassiers_ in their front,
as also by the shouts of the French Infantry gaining possession of
the Garden in their rear, was such, that notwithstanding all BARING's
exertions to halt and collect his men, the whole of these troops betook
themselves to an indiscriminate flight towards the main position of
the Allied Army, a course which they seemed to imagine constituted
their only chance of safety.
They were speedily undeceived. The Cavalry overtook them in the midst
of their confused retreat, rode over, sabred, and still further
dispersed them; whilst, to add to the severity of their loss, they
became exposed, after the Cavalry had passed on, to a flank fire from
the Enemy's Infantry lining the hedge of the Garden. A portion of
them succeeded in gaining the main position; whilst the remainder,
securing themselves in the Buildings, augmented the little garrison
under Lieutenants CAREY and GRÆME, and Ensign FRANK, who bravely and
successfully maintained possession in defiance of the vigorous attacks
on the part of the French Light Troops. The Lüneburg Hanoverian
Battalion, however, suffered most severely: many were killed and
wounded; among the latter was the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant
Colonel KLENCKE, and among the prisoners taken was Major DACHENHAUSEN.
Some on the left saved themselves by a precipitate retreat into the
high road. The few that were collected together again during the
remainder of the day constituted but a very insignificant portion of
the original strength of the Battalion.
The Earl of UXBRIDGE, on perceiving the advance of the French Cavalry
by La Haye Sainte, on the British right of the Charleroi road (the
same alluded to as having dispersed the Hanoverian Lüneburg Battalion
and BARING's Skirmishers of the Legion), as also the approach of the
Infantry Columns which constituted the attack upon the Allied Left Wing
on the opposite side of that road, decided upon a simultaneous charge
by the Heavy Cavalry Brigades of Lord EDWARD SOMERSET and Sir WILLIAM
PONSONBY; the former against the Enemy's Cavalry, the latter against
his masses of Infantry. The resolution was scarcely formed when he
proceeded to carry it into instant execution. Riding up to Lord EDWARD
SOMERSET, he ordered him to prepare to form Line, keeping the Blues in
support: and galloping on to PONSONBY's Brigade on the opposite side of
the high road, he ordered that Officer to wheel into Line as soon as he
saw the other Brigade do so, and to hold the Scots Greys in support. He
then returned to the Household Brigade, and immediately put the whole
in motion.
As this was the first grand attack made by the French on that day in
fair open Field, Lord UXBRIDGE felt very desirous, in meeting it, to
establish, if possible, the superior prowess of the British Cavalry;
and thus to inspire it with confidence, and cause it to be held in
respect by its opponents. He, therefore, with a view to excite the
courage and heighten the enthusiasm of his followers, led the advance
in person, placing himself in front of the Left of SOMERSET's Brigade,
so as to be at about the centre of the Line when the Brigades should
unite, on the continuation of the advance, in front of the Allied
position. Nobly and faithfully did these brave Dragoons fulfil his
anxious expectations.
For the purpose of ensuring efficient support to his Cavalry attacks,
Lord UXBRIDGE had, before the commencement of the Battle, intimated
to the Generals of Brigade that as he could not be present everywhere
to give Orders, he expected they would always take upon themselves to
conform to, and support, offensive movements in their front; and having
on this occasion Light Cavalry Brigades on either Flank of the charging
force, he felt in a great degree justified in placing himself in Front
Line, particularly as he had assigned to each of the advancing Brigades
its own immediate Support.
Though greatly palliated by the adoption of these precautionary
measures, this was perhaps not altogether a prudent act on the part
of the Commander of the entire Cavalry of an Army; since, in the
charge of an extended Line of Cavalry against an Enemy close at
hand, the _carrière_ once begun, the Leader becomes so completely
identified and mixed up with that Line itself, that his virtual command
is rapidly limited to that of a Squadron Officer; whereas, when
accompanying a _Second_ Line, he is enabled to draw off, or reinforce,
as circumstances may render expedient. His eager desire, however, to
render this first charge a brilliant affair, combined with his own
chivalric nature, led him to assume the post of honour and of danger,
in order to animate by his example as a bold and determined soldier. At
the same time, he trusted to the dispositions he had already made, and
to the alertness of his Brigadiers, for due support to his attack; but
which, from fortuitous circumstances, as will be seen by the sequel,
was not forthcoming at the moment it was most urgently required.
The French Line of Cavalry, as it advanced, presented an imposing
appearance. These veteran warriors bore with them an air of confident
superiority and anticipated triumph, joined with a sort of _gaieté de
coeur_, inspired no doubt by the reflection that they were about to
encounter and overthrow their most implacable Enemies, the British.
Their advance, like that of the Infantry on their right, had been to a
certain extent triumphant; and, as the flight of the Dutch-Belgians had
led that Infantry to imagine that victory was already within its grasp,
so the dispersion of the Hanoverians was hailed by these Dragoons as
a happy prelude to their grand attack. They had now ascended the brow
of the ridge on which the Anglo-Allied Infantry was posted, prepared
for their reception: a vigorous fire was opened upon them by the four
guns of Ross's British Horse Battery on the right of the high road, as
also by LLOYD's British Foot Battery still further to the right; but
a few seconds sufficed to restore the order of their advance: in the
next moment their trumpets sounded the charge; when, amidst shouts of
"_Vive l'Empereur!_" this gallant Line, glittering in all the splendour
reflected from burnished helmet and cuirass, rushed on to the attack.
On the other hand, the British Household Brigade, presenting a
beautiful Line, and animated by an equal degree of enthusiasm, had
already been put into charging speed; and just as the _Cuirassiers_
came close upon the Squares, and received a fire from their front
faces, the two Lines dashed into each other with indescribable
impetuosity. The shock was terrific.
The British, in order to close as much as possible upon the
_Cuirassiers_, whose swords were much longer, and whose bodies were
encased in steel, whilst their own were without such defence, seemed
for a moment striving to wedge themselves in between the horses of
their infuriated antagonists. Swords gleamed high in air with the
suddenness and rapidity of the lightning flash, now clashing violently
together, and now clanging heavily upon resisting armour; whilst with
the din of the battle shock were mingled the shouts and yells of the
combatants. Riders vainly struggling for mastery quickly fell under
the deadly thrust or the well delivered cut. Horses, plunging and
rearing, staggered to the earth, or broke wildly from their ranks. But
desperate and bloody as was the struggle, it was of brief duration. The
physical superiority of the British, aided by transcendant valour, was
speedily made manifest; and the _Cuirassiers_, notwithstanding their
most gallant and resolute resistance, were driven down from off the
ridge, which they had ascended only a few minutes before with all the
pride and confidence of men accustomed and determined to overcome every
obstacle. This first collision at the charge did not occur, however,
throughout the entire extent of the opposing Lines. SOMERSET's Line was
not parallel to that of the _Cuirassiers_, and as its Right was thrown
somewhat forward, this came first in contact with the Enemy, and the
collision, in consequence of the rapidity of the charge on both sides,
followed in instantaneous succession in the direction of the Allied
Left until intercepted in its further progress by a natural obstruction
consisting of the hollow way through which the cross roads lead into
the Charleroi road. The _Cuirassiers_ on the right of the French Line
were suddenly thrown out of their speed by coming unexpectedly on
this hollow way, into which they consequently descended abruptly and
confusedly; and as they began to urge their horses up the opposite
bank, they beheld the 2nd British Life Guards, which formed the Left of
SOMERSET's Brigade, in full speed towards them. All idea of resistance,
in such a situation, was abandoned as hopeless. They immediately
filed away down this hollow way to their right, and struck across the
Charleroi road into the field in front of the 95th British Rifles;
followed by the 2nd Life Guards, who were in equal disorder from having
to pick their way as they best could down the steep banks adjoining the
intersection of the two roads.
These _Cuirassiers_, after having rushed in upon the French Infantry
Skirmishers thickly and confusedly congregated in that quarter, reined
in their steeds, and fronting their pursuers, engaged them individually
in hand to hand combat. They were soon, however, made sensible of
their inferiority in this species of contest, and either submitted
to the victors, or fled with precipitation; whilst at the same time,
KEMPT's Brigade was charging gloriously down the exterior slope of
the Allied position, and closing upon the Infantry with which these
horsemen had become intermingled, in the manner previously described.
No sooner did PONSONBY perceive the Household Cavalry in motion,
than in pursuance of the Orders he had received, he led on his own
Brigade; but not being sufficiently aware of the state of affairs
on the opposite side of the Wavre road, and not wishing to launch
his Line against the Enemy's masses until the favourable moment had
arrived, he commanded a temporary halt, and rode up to the hedge in
order that he might, by personal observation, ensure the correct timing
of the charge. He was accompanied by Colonel MUTER, commanding the
Inniskilling Dragoons; whom he desired to return and place himself in
front of the Centre Squadron, and to order and conduct the movement,
the moment he should observe him hold up his cocked hat as a signal.
It is necessary to remark that the Scots Greys, who stood in support
some short time previously to this advance, just where the Enemy's
round shot, after passing over the ridge in front, descended in quick
succession and occasioned some losses in their ranks, were ordered to
some lower ground in left rear of the other two Regiments; which new
position they had scarcely reached when the latter were advanced as
above, and the Greys immediately conformed to this movement.
During the advance of ALIX's French Division (the First), its rear
Brigade, which consisted of the 54th and 55th Regiments, inclined
to its right, moved out of the mass, and formed two Columns, of two
Battalions each, in support, _en échelon_ to the leading Brigade,
consisting of the 28th and 105th Regiments. In like manner, the rear
Brigade of MARCOGNET's Division (the Third), consisting of the 21st
and 46th Regiments, broke into two Columns, of two Battalions each, in
support, _en échelon_ to, but more immediately in rear of, the leading
Brigade, consisting of the 25th and 45th Regiments.
While KEMPT's Brigade was bravely charging down the slope on the right,
the heads of the leading Brigades of ALIX's and MARCOGNET's Divisions,
with conspicuous gallantry, and amidst shouts of triumph, crowned the
crest of the Allied position on the left, crossing the Wavre road and
the straggling hedge, by which their order had been in some degree
disturbed. ALIX's leading Brigade, having passed clear of KEMPT's
Left, found itself unopposed by Infantry, in its front; but the head
of MARCOGNET's Column, after passing close by the right of Captain
RETTBERG's Hanoverian Foot Battery, from which it had received a very
destructive fire, during its advance, beheld a short but compact line
of Highlanders directly in its front.
This was the remnant of the 92nd Regiment which had so gallantly
fought, and so greatly suffered, at Quatre Bras. It did not at that
moment consist of more than 230 men, whilst the opposing Column
numbered about 2,000. PACK, who was in front of the 92nd, on seeing the
head of the French Column making its way through the hedge, resolved in
his own mind that not a moment must be allowed to it for observation
and reflection, as otherwise the French would succeed in establishing
themselves in great force on the summit of the British position. He
instantly decided upon a measure, which, in daring and determination,
was fully commensurate with the emergency of the occasion. Addressing
himself to the Highlanders, he said, in an energetic tone, "92nd, you
must charge--all in front of you have given way!" With loud cheers,
and under the animating sounds of their native pibroch, the 92nd moved
steadily on with the noble mien and gallant bearing of men bent upon
upholding, at any sacrifice, the honour and glory of their country.
That portion of the French Column which had by this time crossed the
hedge was in perfect order, and presented a bold and determined front.
As the 92nd approached the Column, it received from it a fire; which,
however, it did not return, but continued to advance steadily until
it had arrived within twenty or thirty yards distance, when the head
of the French Column appeared panic struck, and facing about in the
greatest confusion, endeavoured to escape; the Highlanders, at the same
moment, throwing into the mass a concentrated fire, most destructive
in its effects. The 92nd immediately charged; but at this very moment
PONSONBY's Brigade came up.
Colonel MUTER had just before perceived the raised cocked hat, when he
instantly ordered and conducted the advance of the Brigade. It will
be recollected that the Scots Greys had been ordered to support the
Royals and Inniskillings; but having as was before explained, moved
down into lower ground on the left, to get more under cover from the
Enemy's cannonade, and subsequently advanced in left rear of those two
Regiments, they beheld in their direct front the head of MARCOGNET's
Division establishing itself on the height. Their course from that
moment was obvious. They soon got up into Line, or nearly so, with the
remainder of the Brigade, and joined in the general charge.
Upon PONSONBY's Brigade coming up with the Infantry, it passed through
the latter as well, and as quickly as it could: in some instances
intervals were made for the Dragoons by the wheeling of companies;
in others, by that of subdivisions or of sections: but generally the
passage was effected in rather an irregular manner; and under the
circumstances this was unavoidable. Of the remaining Regiments of
PACK's Brigade, the 44th, which formed the Left, having its front
covered by BEST's Hanoverians, remained in support, on the summit or
Knoll immediately above, and on the left of, the hollow in which the
rest of the Brigade had been posted. The 1st Royal Scots, and the 42nd
Highlanders on the right of the 92nd, moved forward immediately after
the advance by the latter, and crossing the hedge, assisted PONSONBY's
Cavalry in securing prisoners.
As the Scots Greys passed through, and mingled with, the Highlanders;
the enthusiasm of both Corps was extraordinary. They mutually cheered.
"Scotland for ever!" was their war shout. The smoke in which the
head of the French Column was enshrouded had not cleared away, when
the Greys dashed into the mass. So eager was the desire, so strong
the determination, of the Highlanders to aid their compatriots in
completing the work so gloriously begun, that many were seen holding on
by the stirrups of the horsemen; while all rushed forward, leaving none
but the disabled in their rear. The leading portion of the Column soon
yielded to this infuriated onset; the remainder, which was yet in the
act of ascending the exterior slope, appalled by the sudden appearance
of Cavalry at a moment when, judging by the sound of musketry fire in
front, they had naturally concluded that it was with Infantry alone
they had to contend, were hurled back in confusion by the impetus of
the shock. The Dragoons, having the advantage of the descent, appeared
to mow down the mass; which, bending under the pressure, quickly
spread itself outwards in all directions. Yet, in that mass were many
gallant spirits, who could not be brought to yield without a struggle;
and these fought bravely to the death: not that they served to impede,
but only to mark more strongly the course of the impetuous torrent
as it swept wildly past them, presenting to the eye of the artistic
observer those streaks which, arising incidentally from such partial
and individual contests, invariably characterize the track of a charge
of Cavalry.
Within that mass too, was borne the Imperial Eagle of the 45th
Regiment, proudly displaying on its banner the names of Austerlitz,
Jena, Friedland, Essling, and Wagram--Fields in which this Regiment
had covered itself with glory, and acquired the distinguished title
of "The Invincibles." A devoted band encircled the sacred Standard,
which attracted the observation, and excited the ambition of a daring
and adventurous soldier, named EWART, a Sergeant of the Greys. After
a desperate struggle, evincing on his part great physical strength
combined with extraordinary dexterity, he succeeded in capturing the
cherished trophy. The gallant fellow was directed to proceed with it to
Brussels, where he was received with acclamations by thousands who came
forward to welcome and congratulate him.
Without pausing for a moment to reform, those of the Greys who had
forced their way through, or on either Flank of, the mass, rushed
boldly onward against the leading supporting Column of MARCOGNET's
right Brigade. This body of men, lost in amazement at the suddenness,
the wildness, of the charge; and its terrific effects upon their
countrymen on the higher ground in front, had either not taken
advantage of the very few moments that had intervened, by preparing an
effectual resistance to Cavalry; or, if they attempted the necessary
formation, did so when there was no longer time for its completion.
Their outer Files certainly opened a fire which proved very destructive
to their assailants; but to such a degree had the impetus of the
charge been augmented by the rapidly increasing descent of the slope,
that these brave Dragoons possessed as little of the power as of the
will to check their speed, and they plunged down into the mass with
a force that was truly irresistible. Its foremost ranks driven back
with irrepressible violence, the entire Column tottered for a moment,
and then sank under the overpowering wave. Hundreds were crushed to
rise no more; and hundreds rose again but to surrender to the victors;
who speedily swept their prisoners to the rear, while the Highlanders
secured those taken from the leading Column.
Along the remainder of the Line, the charge of the "Union Brigade" was
equally brilliant and successful. On the right, the Royal Dragoons, by
inclining somewhat to their left, during the advance, brought their
Centre Squadron to bear upon the head of the leading Column of ALIX's
Division, which had crossed the hedges lining the Wavre road, and
being unchecked, was rapidly advancing across the crest of the ridge.
Suddenly its loud shouts of triumph ceased as it perceived the close
approach of Cavalry up the interior slope of the Anglo-Allied position.
Whether it was actuated by a consciousness of danger from the disorder
necessarily occasioned in its rear by the passage through the banked
up hedges, by a dread of being caught in the midst of any attempt to
assume a formation better adapted for effective resistance, or of being
entirely cut off from all support, it is difficult to decide, but the
head of this Column certainly appeared to be seized with a panic.
Having thrown out an irregular and scattering fire, which served only
to bring down about twenty of the Dragoons; it instantly faced about,
and endeavoured to regain the opposite side of the hedges. The Royals,
however, were slashing in amongst them before this object could be
effected. The rear ranks of the Column, still pressing forward, and
unconscious of the obstruction in front, now met those that were hurled
back upon them down the exterior slope by the charge of the Royals,
who continued pressing forward against both Front and Flanks of the
mass. The whole was in a moment so jammed together as to have become
perfectly helpless, Men tried in vain to use their muskets, which were
either jerked out of their hands, or discharged at random, in the
attempt. Gradually, a scattering flight from the rear loosened the
unmanageable mass, which now rolled back helplessly along its downward
course. Many brave spirits, hitherto pent up in the midst of the
throng, appeared disposed to hazard a defiance; and amongst these the
swords of the Royals dealt fearful havoc: many threw down their arms,
and gave themselves up in despair; and these were hurried off by the
conquerors to the rear of the British Line.
The 28th French Regiment, which formed a direct Support to the 105th
Regiment, comprising the Column thus attacked, though astounded by
the scene before it, and almost driven back by the panic stricken
fugitives, still retained a considerable semblance of order.
Amidst the crowd that was now precipitating itself on this supporting
Column, to seek its shelter and protection, was an Officer, the bearer
of the Eagle of the 105th Regiment. This Standard, on which were
inscribed the victories of Jena, Eylau, Eckmühl, Essling, and Wagram,
was accompanied at the moment by a party apparently forming a guard
for its defence. Captain CLARK, commanding the Centre Squadron of the
Royals, on discovering the group, instantly gave the Order, "Right
shoulders forward--attack the Colour!" and led directly upon the Eagle
himself. On reaching it, he ran his sword through the body of the
Standard Bearer who immediately fell, and the Eagle dropped across the
head of Captain CLARK's horse. He endeavoured to catch it with his
left hand, but could only touch the fringe of the Colour, and it would
probably have fallen to the ground, and have been lost in the confusion
of the moment, had it not been saved by Corporal STILES; who, having
been Standard Coverer, and therefore posted immediately in rear of the
Squadron Leader, came up at the instant, on Captain CLARK's left, and
caught the Colour as it struck, in falling, against his own horse's
neck.
So great were the confusion and dismay created in the second Column by
the rush towards it of the disorganised remnant of the leading body,
mixed up as it were with the Dragoons still pressing eagerly forward,
as also by the signal overthrow of the Columns on their right by the
Inniskillings, that the entire mass speedily yielded to the pressure,
and commenced a disorderly flight, pursued by the Royals to the foot of
the valley by which the two positions were divided.
The Inniskillings, forming the Centre Regiment of the Brigade, did
not come quite so soon into contact with the French Infantry as did
the Flank Regiments. The Columns in their immediate front were the
two formed by the 54th and 55th French Regiments, of two Battalions
each; which, as previously explained, advanced in support, and in
right rear, of ALIX's leading Brigade. Only the Left, and part of the
Centre, Squadron of the Inniskillings had to pass through British
Infantry as they advanced; the front of the Right Squadron was clear.
The Irish "_hurrah!_" loud, wild, and shrill, rent the air as the
Inniskillings, bursting through the hedge and bounding over the road,
dashed boldly down the slope towards the French Columns, which were
about a hundred yards distant; an interval that imparted an additional
impetus to their charge, and assisted in securing for it a result
equally brilliant with that obtained by the other two Regiments. The
Right and Centre Squadrons bore down upon the 55th French Regiment;
while the Left Squadron alone charged the 54th Regiment. These two
Columns, like those on their right and left, were not allowed time to
recover from their astonishment at the unexpected, sudden, and vehement
charge of Cavalry launched against them. A feeble and irregular fire
was the only attempt they made to avert the impending danger. In the
next instant the Dragoons were amongst them, plying their swords with
fearful swiftness and dexterity, and cleaving their way into the midst
of the masses; which, rolling back, and scattering outwards, presented
an extraordinary scene of confusion. In addition to the destruction
effected by this Regiment, the number of prisoners which it secured was
immense.
The Household Brigade continued its charge down the slope on the right,
and partly on the left, of La Haye Sainte, with the most distinguished
gallantry and success; and bringing their right shoulders forward, the
1st Life Guards pressed severely on the rear of the _Cuirassiers_, as
a very considerable portion of them rushed tumultuously towards that
part of the high road beyond the Orchard of La Haye Sainte which lies
between high banks, and which was thus completely choked up with the
fugitives. Many of those who found their retreat so seriously impeded,
again faced their opponents, and a desperate hand to hand contest
ensued; which, however, was suddenly terminated by a destructive fire
poured down upon the 1st Life Guards, from the top of the banks, by the
Light Troops of BACHELU's Division that crowned the Heights through
which the road has been excavated. The King's Dragoon Guards, leaving
this struggle on their right, and rattling across the _pavé_, boldly
ascended the Enemy's position. They were joined on their left, by the
2nd Life Guards, whose course had been by the left of La Haye Sainte.
With these were now mingled Royals and Inniskillings, while further to
the left were the Greys--the whole Line, without even any semblance of
regularity, madly pursuing their wild career, as if intoxicated with
the excess of triumph.
Then it was that Lord UXBRIDGE, who had so gallantly led the charge in
person, and incited all by his example, eagerly sought for the Support
on which he had confidently calculated; when, to his great surprise and
mortification, he discovered that there was none at hand. PONSONBY's
own immediate Support, which Lord UXBRIDGE himself had ordered to be
formed by the Greys, had necessarily been employed in Front Line on the
left, in the manner described; a fact of which, from his own position
as Leader of that Line, he had been quite unaware. The direct Support
of SOMERSET's Brigade, consisting of the Blues, had, during the charge,
come up with, and joined, the Front Line. The Regiment was kept well
in hand; and, by its comparatively good order, facilitated the drawing
off of the remainder of that Brigade from further pursuit. But it was
on the left of the high road, in rear of PONSONBY's Line, that support
was most needed. His Lordship could not account for the circumstance
of neither of the Light Cavalry Brigades, posted on the extreme Left,
having come up in support of PONSONBY's advance, in conformity with
the general instructions conveyed to his Brigadiers on the subject
of affording mutual support. The fact is, that VANDELEUR's Brigade,
which was the nearest, was then in motion for the purpose of affording
its aid; but its progress was unfortunately impeded by its having
previously to make a retrograde movement in order to pass a hollow
way which separated it from the troops on the right. In vain did Lord
UXBRIDGE sound to halt and rally--neither voice nor trumpet was heeded.
In a few seconds more, the Advanced Line was seen crowning the Enemy's
position. The King's Dragoon Guards were suddenly exposed to a severe
fire from the Batteries and from BACHELU's Columns of Infantry on their
right; and perceiving a strong and well formed body of _Cuirassiers_
on the point of advancing from the hollow beyond the ridge they had so
rashly ascended, they, with such of the Royals and Inniskillings as had
joined them, at length commenced a hasty retreat. The Greys, along with
many of the Royals and Inniskillings, dashed in amongst the Batteries,
and then, wheeling sharply to their left, rode along the line of cannon
in that direction, sabring the Gunners and stabbing the horses, until
they became sensible of the approach of a body of French Lancers moving
down obliquely from the left upon the arena of this memorable conflict.
They now fell back; but, with their horses blown and exhausted, it
was not long before they were overtaken by the Lancers. These formed
the Advance of JACQUINOT's Light Cavalry Brigade, which had been
unaccountably remiss in not having afforded a prompt and close Support
to the attacking Columns of Infantry.
Both the British Heavy Cavalry Brigades were now in full retreat.
SOMERSET's regained the position without any serious molestation: but
PONSONBY's Dragoons, particularly the Greys, who were upon the extreme
Left, suffered severely from JAQUINOT's Lancers and _Chasseurs_, the
greater part of them being in a state of the utmost confusion and
exhaustion; whilst the latter were infinitely superior in numerical
force, were in good order, and mounted on horses perfectly fresh.
On their right the Lancers charged in Open Column; the remainder,
extending in open Lancer order towards their left, rapidly spread over
the plain, darting upon the stragglers and wounded of the British
Cavalry who came within their reach; and, at the same time, giving
confidence to such of their own scattered Infantry as were still
retreating in disorder and confusion.
At length, the Support so greatly needed by PONSONBY's Brigade arrived
upon its Left Flank. VANDELEUR, having passed the hollow way and ravine
which intercepted his progress towards the scene of action, had reached
that part of the crest of the position occupied by BEST's Hanoverian
Brigade, through which it now advanced to the front in Open Column
of divisions. The 12th Light Dragoons, being the leading Regiment,
moved quickly down the slope: the 16th Regiment remained higher up the
acclivity; while the 11th were drawn up in reserve upon the brow of the
hill. The 12th and 16th wheeled into Line to their right. Lieutenant
Colonel the Hon. FREDERICK PONSONBY, who commanded the 12th, perceiving
the confusion that prevailed amidst the French Infantry in the valley,
as also the extremely critical situation of a great number of scattered
red coated Dragoons nearly on the crest of the French position,
instantly charged a mass of unsteady Infantry which intervened between
him and these Dragoons. This Infantry comprised the rearmost supporting
Column of MARCOGNET's Division, and was the only one of the attacking
Columns yet intact. It was now destined to share their fate. Already
alarmed by the disorder into which the entire of the Infantry on its
left had been thrown, and now attacked so suddenly and unexpectedly on
its right, it was penetrated by the charge of the 12th.
These Dragoons having forced their way through the Column, whereby
their order was naturally much broken, came upon the Right Flank of
the Lancers who were in pursuit of PONSONBY's Brigade. Quickening
their speed, they dashed in amongst the French Cavalry, and acting
almost perpendicularly upon their Flank, they "rolled up" such as were
immediately in their front. The 16th Light Dragoons, with VANDELEUR
at their head, very gallantly charged obliquely upon the front of the
Lancers, whose further advance was completely checked by this double
attack. On their extreme Right, the 16th rather clashed with some of
the retiring Dragoons: but the two Regiments, carrying every thing
before them, succeeded in driving the French Light Cavalry down again
to the foot of the valley; which they had been ordered, previously to
their charge, not to pass.
Some few of both the 12th and 16th did, nevertheless, madly rush up the
opposite Height; where, by this time, fresh troops had arrived, who
made them suffer for their temerity.
GHIGNY's Dutch-Belgian Light Cavalry Brigade, which had, at the
commencement of this Cavalry attack, crossed the Charleroi road, came
up, in the mean time, to the brow of the main position, on the left
of VANDELEUR's Brigade. One of its Regiments, the 4th Light Dragoons,
went down the slope, following the 12th Light Dragoons; and after
experiencing the effects of a brisk fire which was kept up by DURUTTE's
Skirmishers from behind a bank and hedge, low down the slope, and from
which the 12th Light Dragoons had previously suffered, it assisted in
completing the dispersion of the French Infantry. The other Regiment
(the 8th Hussars) remained a few minutes upon the Height, and then
advanced to draw off the retiring Cavalry.
VIVIAN, who had come forward in person from the extreme Left, and
proceeded some way down the slope for the purpose of making his
observations, upon perceiving PONSONBY's Brigade charging in disorder
up the French Heights, immediately sent back word for the 10th and
18th British Hussars to move through the hollow way to their right,
leaving the remaining Regiment of his Brigade, the 1st Hussars of the
King's German Legion, to keep a look out to the left. Very shortly
afterwards, two guns detached in advance from his Horse Battery, drew
up on the brow of the main ridge; but had scarcely opened a fire when
a well directed shot from one of the French Batteries passed through
the ammunition boxes of one of the limbers, causing an explosion, which
drew forth a shout of triumph on the part of the French Artillerymen.
The charge of VANDELEUR's Brigade having succeeded, without the active
aid of even its own immediate Support, the 11th Light Dragoons; the
further advance of the 10th and 18th Hussars was not required, but they
continued in their new position, on the right of the lane leading to
Verd Cocou, and the two guns rejoined their Battery.
Major WHINYATES's Rocket Troop, having been brought up to the crest
of the main ridge, from its previous position in reserve near Mont St
Jean, its Rocket Sections were moved down to the foot of the exterior
slope, whence they discharged several rockets at the French troops
then formed, or in the act of reforming, upon the opposite heights.
Immediately after the execution of this service, which was gallantly
and skilfully conducted, the Troop rejoined its guns on the crest of
the position.
In the general _mêlée_ which resulted from the charge of the British
Heavy Dragoons, and the overthrow of such masses of Infantry, augmented
as it was by the subsequent charges of, firstly, the French Lancers,
and, then, the two Regiments of British Light Cavalry, severe losses
were sustained on both sides; and the British Army was deprived of some
of its brightest ornaments.
The gallant Leader of the "Union Brigade," when endeavouring to return
to the Allied position, after using the most strenuous but fruitless
exertions to restrain his men in their wild pursuit, and to withdraw
them from a contest in which they had already gained undying fame,
became a sacrifice to his chivalrous and patriotic zeal. Intercepted by
a party of the Lancers in the soft ground of a newly ploughed field,
out of which his exhausted steed had not the power to extricate itself,
he fell beneath their deadly thrusts. Sir WILLIAM PONSONBY had highly
distinguished himself as a Cavalry Officer in Spain; and, independently
of his merits as a soldier, which were justly appreciated by the whole
Service, his amiable disposition and private virtues endeared him to
all his brother Officers.
His equally gallant namesake, Colonel the Hon. FREDERICK PONSONBY,
immediately after his brilliant charge with the 12th Light Dragoons,
first through a Column of Infantry, and then upon the Right Flank of
the Lancers, was endeavouring to withdraw his Regiment from further
pursuit, when he was disabled in both arms, and carried by his horse up
to the crest of the French position; where, receiving a sabre cut, he
was struck senseless to the ground; and it was very generally supposed
at the time that he had been left dead on the field.
Lieutenant Colonel HAY, who commanded the 16th Light Dragoons, was
desperately and dangerously wounded. Colonel HAMILTON, the Commanding
Officer of the Scots Greys, after gallantly leading his Regiment
through the Enemy's Columns, across the valley, and up the opposite
Heights, was last seen far in advance; where it is presumed, from
his never having again appeared, he fell in the midst of the French
lines, a sacrifice to his distinguished but indiscreet valour. Colonel
FULLER, who commanded the 1st, or King's, Dragoon Guards, was killed
when pursuing the _Cuirassiers_: he boldly led his Regiment up the
French Height immediately upon the Allied Left of the Charleroi road.
In addition to the above mentioned, the British Cavalry engaged in this
affair sustained a very heavy loss in both Officers and men.
With the exception of the bodies of the slain; of such of the wounded
as were too far from their respective Lines to be removed; of loose
horses, some wildly careering about, others quietly grazing, and many
staggering, plunging, or convulsively pawing the ground around them,
from the agony of their wounds; the arena of this terrible conflict,
which had ceased but a few minutes before, was now perfectly clear. The
retiring crowds of French Infantry had disappeared behind the foremost
ridge of their position, to collect and reform their scattered remnants.
The British Cavalry were similarly employed--SOMERSET's Brigade on the
right of the Charleroi road, near the Orchard of the Farm of Mont St
Jean; PONSONBY's on the opposite side of the road, in rear of a coppice
bordering the hollow below that Farm; and VANDELEUR's on the interior
slope of the position, more to the right than where it had been posted
during the earlier part of the day.
PACK's and BEST's Brigades closed to their right upon KEMPT's, so
as to fill up the interval occasioned by the retreat of BYLANDT's
Dutch-Belgian Brigade; and the Knoll in front of KEMPT's Brigade was
again occupied by three Companies of the 95th Regiment; as was also the
Farm of La Haye Sainte by the 2nd Light Battalion King's German Legion,
reinforced by two Companies of the 1st Light Battalion of that Corps.
Major General Sir JOHN LAMBERT's Infantry Brigade, which had been kept
in reserve near Mont St Jean, was put in motion at the time PONSONBY's
Dragoons advanced to the charge; and it was now placed on the left of
the Charleroi road, in Column, at quarter distance, in rear and in
support of the Fifth Division.
The importance of the result of this signal defeat of the French
attack was fully commensurate with the glory by which its achievement
was distinguished. The object of that attack, which was to force the
Centre and Left Wing of the Anglo-Allied Army and to establish a very
considerable body of troops in the vicinity of Mont St Jean, was
completely frustrated: 3,000 prisoners were taken; two Eagles were
captured; and between thirty and forty pieces of cannon were put _hors
de combat_ for the greater part of the remainder of the day.
Thus terminated one of the grandest scenes which distinguished the
mighty drama enacted on the ever memorable plains of Waterloo; a
scene presenting in bold relief, genuine British valour crowned with
resplendent triumph; a scene, which should be indelibly impressed upon
the minds as well of living British warriors as of their successors in
ages yet unborn.
* * * * *
Britons! before other scenes are disclosed to your view, take one
retrospective glance at this glorious, this instructive, spectacle.
Let your imagination carry you to the rear of that celebrated
position, and a little to the left of the Charleroi road. Behold, in
the foreground, on the right, a British Line of Cavalry advancing
to the charge, exulting in the consciousness of its innate courage,
indomitable spirit, and strength of arm. Whilst you are admiring
the beautiful order and perfect steadiness of their advance, your
eyes are suddenly attracted by the glittering splendour of a Line
of horsemen in burnished coats of mail, rising above the brow,
and now crowning the summit of the ridge. They are the far famed
_Cuirassiers_ of France, led on by a KELLERMANN; gallant spirits
that have hitherto overcome the finest troops that could be brought
against them, and have grown grey in glory. Trumpets sound the
charge; in the next instant your ears catch the low thundering
noise of their horses' hoofs, and your breathless excitement is
wound to the highest pitch as the adverse Lines clash together with
a shock which, at the moment, you expect must end in their mutual
annihilation. Observe the British, how they seem to doubt, for a
second, in what manner to deal with their opponents. Now they urge
their powerful steeds into the intervals between the necks of those
of the _Cuirassiers_. Swords, brandished high in air, gleam fitfully
in rapid succession throughout the Lines, here clashing together,
there clanging against helmets and cuirass which ring under their
redoubled strokes. See! the struggle is but a moment doubtful--the
_Cuirassiers_, seemingly encumbered by their coats of mail, are
yielding to superior strength, dexterity, and bravery combined--men
and horses reel and stagger to the earth--gaps open out in their
Line--numbers are backing out--others are fairly turning round--their
whole Line now bends, and breaks asunder into fragments--in the next
moment they appear, as if by a miracle, to be swept from off the
crest of the position, and being closely and hotly pursued by the
victors, the whole rushing down the other side of the ridge, are
snatched from your view.
Your attention is now irresistibly drawn to that part of the
foreground immediately facing you; where you have barely time to
catch sight of a Line of British Infantry just as it forces its way
through the hedge that runs along the crest of the ridge, to charge
a Column advancing up the other side. At the moment the shouts that
proclaim its triumph reach your ear, you are struck by the majestic
advance, close to your left, of another Line of British horsemen.
These halt just under the brow of the ridge. In their Left Front
your eye now also embraces a Line of British Infantry; whilst at
the same time you see the heads of two hostile Columns, issuing
through the hedge, and crowning the ridge amidst shouts of "_Vive
l'Empereur!_" The one nearest to you, finding no immediate opposition
to its further advance, is rapidly establishing itself on the Height:
the other is instantly met by a small but daring band of Scotch
Highlanders. A struggle ensues; the furthest Column is concealed
from your view by the smoke in which it is suddenly enshrouded; but
at the very moment when doubts arise in your mind as to the result,
the Cavalry rushes forward, and, passing through intervals opened
out for it by the Infantry, which immediately follows in pursuit,
charges both these heads of Columns, cutting them up, as it were,
root and branch; and then bounding through the hedge, the whole
disappear as if by magic. Now let your imagination, keeping pace with
the intensity of feeling excited by such a scene, carry you up to the
summit of the ridge.
Behold, at once, the glorious spectacle spread out before you! The
Dragoons are in the midst of the Enemy's Columns--the furious
impetuosity of their onslaught overcomes all resistance--the terror
stricken masses, paralyzed by this sudden apparition of Cavalry
amongst them, have neither time nor resolution to form Squares, and
limit their defence to a feeble, hasty, straggling fire from their
ill cemented edges--a flight, commencing from the rearmost ranks,
is rapidly augmented by the outward scattering occasioned by the
continually increasing pressure upon the front--the entire slope is
soon covered with the dispersed elements of the previously attacking
force--parties of Infantry are hurrying over the brow of the ridge to
aid others of the Cavalry in securing the prisoners--3,000 of these
are swept to the rear, and two Eagles are gloriously captured.
From the momentary contemplation of these trophies, your eyes
instinctively revert to the course of the victors, whom you now
perceive in the middle distance of the view--a broken Line of daring
horsemen, rushing up the opposite Heights. Their intoxicating
triumph admits of no restraint. They heed not the trumpet's call to
halt and rally; but plunging wildly amidst the formidable Line of
Batteries ranged along the French position, they commence sabring the
Gunners, stabbing the horses, and seem to clear the ground of every
living being. But physical efforts, however powerfully developed and
sustained, have their limit: exhausted nature yields at length; and
their fiery steeds, subdued, not by force but by exhaustion, retire
with lagging faltering pace. You look in vain for a Support--there
is none--but your eye is suddenly caught by the fluttering lance
flags of a Column of the Enemy's Cavalry, approaching from the left,
and you become nervously alive to the danger that awaits the valiant
band of heroes, who are only now made sensible of the necessity
of retiring to collect and rally their scattered numbers. Seeing
no Support ready to receive them, and becoming aware of the near
approach of hostile Cavalry, they make a last and desperate effort.
Those who are best mounted, and whose horses are least blown, succeed
in regaining the Allied position unmolested; but a very considerable
number are overtaken by the Lancers, with whom they now contend under
a fearful disadvantage in point of speed and order.
But mark! a rescue is at hand--a gallant line of friendly Cavalry
throws itself against the Right Flank of the Lancers, the further
portion, or Left, of that Line first dashing through and scattering
an unsteady mass of Infantry, the sole remaining Column out of the
entire attacking force that has yet kept together. The tide of
destruction now sets in strongly against the Lancers. Their pursuit
is checked. The Heavy Dragoons are relieved from the pressure. A
_mêlée_ ensues; but you are not kept long in suspense; for in another
moment this newly arrived force, making good its way, succeeds in
driving the Lancers in confusion down to the foot of the valley. The
arena in your front is speedily cleared of both friends and foes--the
discharge of rockets, which now attracts your attention, appears like
a display of fireworks in celebration of the glorious triumph--the
affair has terminated.
But stay to witness the concluding part of the scene. Observe the
splendidly attired group entering upon the right, just above La Haye
Sainte. It is headed by one whom you cannot for a moment mistake--the
illustrious WELLINGTON. Lord UXBRIDGE, returning from his brilliant
charge, now joins the Duke, while the whole _Corps Diplomatique et
Militaire_ express in the strongest terms their admiration of the
grand military spectacle of which they have been spectators. Among
them are representatives of nearly all the continental nations, so
that this glorious triumph of your valiant countrymen may be said
to have been achieved in the face of congregated Europe. Honour,
imperishable honour, to every British soldier engaged in that never
to be forgotten fight! When Britain again puts forth her strength in
battle, may her Sovereign's Guards inherit the same heroic spirit
which animated those of GEORGE, Prince Regent, and inspire them with
the desire to maintain in all their pristine purity and freshness
the laurels transmitted to them from the Field of Waterloo; and
when the soldiers of the three United Kingdoms shall again be found
fighting side by side against the common Enemy, may they prove to
the world that they have not degenerated from the men of the "Union
Brigade,"[11] who by their heroic deeds on that great day, so
faithfully represented the military virtues of the British Empire!
[Illustration]
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 10: The Dutch-Belgians having been posted in Line on the
exterior slope, where, from the circumstance of their having been
the only Troops of the Anglo-Allied Left Wing so distinctly visible
to the Enemy, they became exposed in an especial manner to the
destructive effects of the formidable array of French Batteries,
which continued playing over the heads of the attacking columns. The
losses of BYLANDT's Brigade on the 16th had already thinned, and in
a measure disorganised, its ranks; but those which it suffered on
this occasion were terrific, and the numerous gaps that so rapidly
presented themselves along the Line, as well as the number of superior
Officers that were observed to fall, could scarcely fail to produce a
prejudicial effect among these raw troops. Their confidence in their
own power of resistance had also been very considerably shaken, by the
circumstance of their having been deployed in a two-deep Line; instead
of having been allowed to assume the three-deep formation to which they
had previously been accustomed. In this affair, PERPONCHER had two
horses shot under him. BYLANDT was wounded, as were also Colonel VAN
ZUYLEN VAN NYEFELT, Lieutenant Colonel WESTENBERG who commanded the 5th
Battalion of Dutch Militia, and several other Officers.
Had the British soldiers been fully aware of all these circumstances,
their feelings would assuredly not have been so greatly roused against
the Dutch-Belgians as they were on this particular occasion. But they
had neither time nor opportunity for reflection. They only saw the
hurried and confused retreat; and this, at such a moment, would have
equally exasperated them, had the troops so retiring been British.
That PICTON, who could perceive all that was passing along the exterior
slope, should have given vent to his irritation in the remark he made
to Captain TYLER, is more surprising; but it must be borne in mind,
that his habitual reliance upon his own British infantry, with which he
felt that he could attempt anything, usually led him to make but little
allowance for the failure or discomfiture of troops in general under
almost any circumstances.]
[Footnote 11: Sir WILLIAM PONSONBY's Brigade was thus designated from
the circumstance of its having consisted of an English Regiment, the
Royals; a Scotch Regiment, the Greys; and an Irish Regiment, the
Inniskillings.]