CHAPTER XII.

Much as the attention of both Commanders had been absorbed by the

contest described in the last Chapter, the attack and defence of

Hougomont had nevertheless been renewed and maintained with unabated

vigour.

The assailants, who continued in possession of the Wood, having been

strengthened by powerful reinforcements from both JEROME's and FOY's

Divisions, now opened so rapid and indiscriminate a fire upon the

Garden Wall that it might almost be supposed they entertained the hope

of battering it down with their shower of bullets. They failed to make

any impression upon the little garrison; though they obtained partial

successes on the Flanks, which again were counteracted on the part of

the defenders by the aid of Detachments from the main body of BYNG's

Brigade of Guards, as also by the natural advantages of the localities.

Thus, upon the right, a retreat of the Guards from the hedge which

lines the Avenue and road leading to the Château, if followed up by the

French, would draw upon the latter a murderous fire from the banks,

brushwood, and other cover, in rear of the Avenue, together with a

flank fire from behind the Buildings: and, upon the left, if they

succeeded in forcing back the defenders from the front to the rear

hedge of the Orchard, their Left Flank became exposed to a severe fire

from the troops lining the eastern Garden Wall, while they suffered at

the same time from the new fire directed against their front by the

retreating party, formed under cover of the hollow way by which that

rear hedge is bounded.

It was about two o'clock when BYNG, perceiving the increased pressure

upon the troops in the Orchard, and the great diminution which had

taken place in their numbers, desired Colonel HEPBURN, who commanded

the 2nd Battalion of the 3rd Foot Guards, to move down the slope

with the remainder of his men as a reinforcement. Colonel HEPBURN on

reaching the hollow way found it occupied by Lord SALTOUN with a very

small force; and his Lordship having scarcely a man remaining of his

own Battalion, gave over to the Colonel the command of that part of

Hougomont, and rejoined MAITLAND's Brigade.

After a short time, HEPBURN and his Battalion made a sudden and

vigorous rush into the Great Orchard from the hollow way in its rear.

The French Skirmishers gave way; and, as they crowded together while

retreating through the gap that leads into the Wood, they suffered

severely from the concentrated fire poured upon them by the Guards; who

quickly established themselves along the front hedge of the Orchard.

This happened nearly at the same time in which the French were

repulsed in their grand attack upon the Centre and Left of the Duke of

WELLINGTON's Line. It might be about half past two o'clock.

The Battle was then limited to a general cannonade, the roar of which

was incessant; and its effects, now that the range on both sides had

been very accurately obtained, were most galling and destructive to the

troops posted along the interior slope of either position.

ALTEN's Light Troops again spread themselves out to the front as soon

as KELLERMANN's _Cuirassiers_ had been swept from off the exterior

slope of the Anglo-Allied position. They had not been out long before

their attention was directed to a heavy Column of Infantry, apparently

advancing from the vicinity of La Belle Alliance towards La Haye

Sainte. It was BACHELU's Division, which had fallen back a little

after the failure of D'ERLON's attack, to which it had acted as a

Reserve. Lieutenant Colonel VIGOUREUX, of the 30th British Regiment,

who commanded these Light Troops of ALTEN's Division, immediately threw

them forward to meet the Column. They poured a well concentrated and

most galling fire upon the mass; which immediately brought its right

shoulders forward, and took the direction of Hougomont, either in

consequence of that fire, or in accordance with Orders previously given.

The ground over which it wound its course descended sufficiently

to render the movement indistinct to the British Batteries on the

position; but the circumstance having been communicated to Captain

CLEEVES, whose Foot Battery of the King's German Legion was posted on

the most commanding point of the ridge on the right of the Charleroi

road, this Officer lost not a moment in making his arrangements. He

permitted the Column to continue its march unmolested until it reached

a point immediately in his front, on which he had directed his guns

so as to concentrate upon the mass, at the proper moment, the whole

fire of his Battery. The Column continued its march, and had cleared

more than two-thirds of the distance between La Belle Alliance and

Hougomont, when, having well entered within Captain CLEEVES's line of

fire, three rounds from each gun were thrown into it with astonishing

rapidity, and awful effect. In a moment the greater portion of the

Column appeared to be dispersed, and flying back in confusion towards

the lower ground for shelter; leaving an immense number of dead and

dying to attest the fatal accuracy of the fire from the Battery.

As no hostile force of either Cavalry or Infantry appeared in its

immediate vicinity, BACHELU soon succeeded in rallying his Division and

renewing the advance. A similar result followed; whereupon all further

attempt to effect the contemplated movement was abandoned: and thus a

most serious flank attack upon Hougomont was completely frustrated by

the skilfully managed fire of a single Battery.

BACHELU now took post again, upon the right of FOY, leaving a

considerable interval between his Division and the Charleroi road.

Foiled in his varied and repeated attacks upon Hougomont, NAPOLEON

had now recourse to incendiary projectiles. For this purpose he had

ordered a Battery of Howitzers to be formed, from which shells were

thrown so as to descend into the Buildings. The Great Barn, the

outhouses on the north side of the Château, the Farmer's House, and

finally the Château itself, were speedily set on fire. Dense volumes

of smoke, enveloping the whole Post and its defenders, were wafted

slowly towards the Anglo-Allied Line; the roofs of the Buildings soon

fell in; and, shortly before three o'clock, the flames burst forth

with great brilliancy. Many of the wounded had been carried, or had

crawled, into the Buildings; but although their comrades entertained

the most distressing apprehensions for their safety, the stern sense

of duty and of honour prescribed that of the Post itself as paramount

to every other consideration. Invested as the place was by an Enemy so

overwhelmingly superior in numbers, and so unceasingly on the alert to

seize upon any advantage that might offer; not a man could be spared

to assist in extricating the sufferers from their perilous situation.

Obedience to the natural dictates of humanity was necessarily

sacrificed to that which was due to the severe demands of discipline.

Thus several perished in the flames.

Others, who had contrived to crawl into the open Courts, could scarcely

breathe in the scorching and suffocating atmosphere. Many who had

sought shelter, or had been laid, in the Chapel, and whose terrors

were excited as they heard the crashing fall of burning timbers, or

the frequent explosion of shells around them, at length beheld the

flames penetrating the door of the sanctuary. The prayers that had been

fervently, though silently, offered up from that holy place, had surely

been accepted--the fire, reaching the feet of the wooden image of the

Saviour of Mankind, that stood above the entrance, seemed to feel the

sacred presence; for here its progress terminated; and this, without

the aid of human efforts.

The conflagration did not occasion a moment's relaxation in the

heroic exertions of the brave defenders of Hougomont. The courage and

devotedness of the men kept pace with the zeal and intelligence of

their Officers; and no sooner did new difficulties arise than they were

met and overcome by the most judicious arrangements, combined with the

most consummate gallantry.

* * * * *

It was now about half past three o'clock. The Anglo-Allied Line

continued compact and unshaken in its original position. Its Advanced

Posts of La Haye Sainte and Hougomont had successfully resisted the

most formidable assaults.

The Left Wing had sustained considerable loss in meeting and repelling

the French Right Wing, but the losses endured by the latter in that

attack were infinitely more severe: whole Columns of Infantry had

been completely overthrown and dispersed; Squadrons of the most

splendid and most devoted Cavalry had shared a similar fate; whilst

from thirty to forty pieces of cannon had been rendered useless for

nearly the remainder of the day. Hence, the French Emperor did not

deem it advisable to renew, at least so soon, an attack upon the Left

of the Anglo-Allied Army. He decided on forming a grand attack upon

its Right and Centre: and since REILLE's Infantry had already suffered

very considerably in its assaults upon Hougomont, he determined upon

employing his Cavalry for that purpose; more especially as the ground

in front of that part of the Allied Line appeared well adapted for the

movements of this description of force.

To gain possession of La Haye Sainte and Hougomont, as a preliminary

step, was undoubtedly the most judicious course: but hitherto his

endeavours to obtain that vantage ground had altogether failed, and

he was now compelled to limit his plan; combining with the projected

attack, renewed assaults against those Posts; which, even if again

unsuccessful, would at least serve to divert in some degree, the

Enemy's attention.

NAPOLEON also contemplated a more important diversion, by causing a

demonstration to be made with PIRÉ's Light Cavalry against WELLINGTON's

Right Flank.

In pursuance of this plan, renewed efforts were made by the attacking

force against Hougomont; and two Columns from DONZELOT's Division

descended upon La Haye Sainte.

Meanwhile, Major BARING having applied for a reinforcement, two

Companies were detached to his Post from the 1st Light Battalion of

the King's German Legion. To these and a part of his own Battalion,

he intrusted the defence of the Garden; and, abandoning altogether

the Orchard, he placed the remainder of his force in the Buildings,

distributing their defence among the three Officers who had so

courageously maintained them during the previous attack.

The French Columns advanced against this Post with the most undaunted

resolution and the most conspicuous gallantry. The well aimed bullets

of the German rifles, though they told quickly and fearfully amidst

their masses, arrested not their progress for a moment. They rushed

close up to the walls; and, seizing the rifles as they protruded

through the loop holes, endeavoured to wrest them from the hands of the

defenders. They also made a most furious assault against the gates and

doors, in defence of which many lives were sacrificed. The greatest

struggle was at the western opening to the Large Barn, the door of

which was wanting. The French, determined to make good an entrance,

encountered the brave Germans equally resolute to prevent them. The

foremost Frenchmen, dashing boldly on to force their way, were struck

down by the deliberate fire from the rifles the instant they reached

the threshold; and seventeen of their dead bodies already formed a

rampart for those who continued to press forward to carry on the

struggle.

It was nearly four o'clock when certain movements made by the Lancers

on the French extreme Left, led the Duke to suspect an attack from

that quarter; and which, considering the almost isolated position of

his detached force at Braine l'Alleud and Vieux Foriez, might, if

successful, be attended with very serious consequences to himself.

He drew Lord UXBRIDGE's attention to that point; and the latter

immediately despatched GRANT, with the 13th Light Dragoons and the 15th

Hussars of his Brigade to attack the Lancers, detaching at the same

time the 2nd Light Dragoons of the King's German Legion from DÖRNBERG's

Brigade, towards Braine l'Alleud, for the purpose both of facilitating

the attack, by manoeuvring on the left of the Lancers, and of watching

the Enemy's dispositions in that direction.

The fire of Artillery along both Lines had been maintained with the

utmost vigour. At this moment, however, a most furious cannonade was

directed against that part of the Anglo-Allied Line which was situated

between the two high roads. While some of the French Light Batteries

took post in advance, others of the Imperial Guard, comprising twelve

pounders, opened a fire from the Heights in rear of, and above, La

Belle Alliance; and as the Batteries upon the main French Line were

ranged along the arc of the chord formed by the Allied Line, the French

Artillery was enabled by its very great numerical superiority in

guns to concentrate an overwhelming fire upon any part of the Duke's

position.

The Allied Infantry posted in Columns along the interior slope of the

ridge, were entirely screened from the observation of the French, who

could not distinguish any portion of their Enemies beyond the devoted

British and German Artillerymen at their guns; which, despite the

severity of the fire from their opponents, were worked with the most

admirable coolness and intrepidity, and with a precision beyond all

praise.

The thunder of the Artillery continued pealing forth in an

uninterrupted roll, and the scene became awfully grand. The guns having

once obtained the required range, were fired without intermission.

Instantaneous flashes met the eye, all along the Heights, succeeded

by volumes of smoke bounding forth along the ground in front, and

enveloping the Batteries in clouds. The earth trembled beneath the

dread concussion. The oldest soldiers had never witnessed a cannonade

conducted with such fury, with such desperation.

[Illustration]

The Allied Columns of Infantry were lying down upon the ground to

shelter themselves as much as possible from the iron shower that fell

fast and heavily--round shot, tearing frightful rents directly through

their masses, or ploughing up the earth beside them; shells, bursting

in the midst of the serried Columns, and scattering destruction in

their fall, or previously burying themselves in the soft loose soil to

be again forced upwards in eruptions of iron, mud, and stones, that

fell among them like volcanic fragments.

During this terrible conflict of Artillery, NEY was making his

preparatory dispositions with the Cavalry which NAPOLEON had desired

him to launch against the Anglo-Allied Right Wing.

He first formed for attack, MILHAUD's Corps of _Cuirassiers_,

consisting of twenty four Squadrons; and directed LEFÈBVRE DESNOUETTE's

Light Cavalry Division of the Guard, comprising seven Squadrons of

Lancers and twelve Squadrons of _Chasseurs_, to follow and support--in

all forty three Squadrons--constituting a magnificent array of gallant

horsemen. As they began to advance, the First Line, of _Cuirassiers_,

shone in burnished steel, relieved by black horse hair crested helmets;

next came the Red Lancers of the Guard, in their gaudy uniform, and

mounted on richly caparisoned steeds, their fluttering lance flags

heightening the brilliancy of their display; whilst the Third Line,

comprising the _Chasseurs_ of the Guard, in their rich costume of green

and gold, with fur trimmed pelisses _à la hussard_, and black bearskin

shakos, completed the gorgeous, yet harmonious, colouring of this

military spectacle. Though formed in successive Lines of Columns in the

hollow space on the immediate left of La Haye Sainte, where they were

sheltered in some degree from the cannonade that raged so furiously

above them, the Rear Lines obliqued to the left on the advance, and

became _echelonned_ to the First Line, so as to present a general front

extending from the Charleroi road on their right to the Hougomont

inclosures on their left.

As they ascended the ridge, the French Artillery suspended their fire;

and the Allied Batteries commenced pouring a destructive shower of

grape shot amidst their devoted ranks. Fiercely and fatally did this

iron hail rattle against the helmed and steel clad _Cuirassiers_,

here glancing off, there penetrating the armour; wounding or laying

prostrate many a gallant warrior at the very moment when the brightest

visions of glory had opened on his ardent imagination. This iron

sleet, however, caused no perceptible check to their progress; and,

with shouts of "_Vive l'Empereur!_" they accelerated their pace until,

having arrived within about forty yards of the guns, they received the

last and well prepared discharge. Its effects were terrific: but though

their order was somewhat broken, their courage was not shaken. The

charge was sounded; a cheer followed; and, in the next instant, they

rushed up to the very cannon's mouth.

In accordance with previous instructions given by the Duke of

WELLINGTON himself, the Artillerymen withdrew, upon the close approach

of the Cavalry, and sought shelter either beside, or in rear of, the

Infantry Squares; or, where occasion required, they threw themselves

under the projecting bayonets of the outer kneeling ranks for

protection. The _Cuirassiers_, on crowning the crest of the ridge;

and finding themselves so unexpectedly in possession of a Line of

Batteries, shouted loudly forth their triumph; and, then renewing their

onward charge, were, in a moment, lost to the view of the Lancers and

_Chasseurs_ of the Guard. These troops, carried away by the enthusiasm

of the moment and the eager desire to share in the fancied victory,

advanced with the same fiery impetuosity, and the whole force was now

fairly across the ridge.

The Allied Infantry, distributed in chequered Squares along the

interior slope, were fully prepared to meet the attack. Some little

apprehension had been entertained for the safety of the Right of the

Front Line, where the Brunswickers, who, as before remarked, were

mostly young, raw troops, had taken up the ground previously occupied

by BYNG's Brigade of Guards, which had been entirely absorbed by the

defence of Hougomont, with the exception of two Companies which, with

the Colours, had been withdrawn, as a Reserve, to a more sheltered

position on the right of the Nivelles road. As the French Cavalry

advanced, the 23rd British Regiment of Infantry was led up to the Front

Line, and into an interval between the Brunswick Squares. This Regiment

had nearly reached the brow of the ridge when it was suddenly ordered

to halt and prepare to receive Cavalry; and the _Chasseurs_ of the

Guard appearing the next moment in its front, a fire from this face

was opened so hastily that scarcely a shot could have told upon the

Enemy. It instantly recovered this somewhat nervous precipitation, and

presented a bold and determined stand; as did also the Brunswickers,

who acted on this occasion in a manner that would have reflected credit

on the most experienced veterans.

The cannonade had necessarily ceased along the Right Wing of the

Anglo-Allied Front Line, and along the French Batteries to which it was

opposed. Hence the vehement cheering on the part of the French Cavalry

became the more distinctly audible and the more highly exciting. A

sullen silence was maintained throughout the Allied Squares, which were

all at the "prepare,"--front ranks kneeling, and the second at the

charge,--thus forming a _chevaux de frise_, over which the rear ranks

were ready to fire, as occasion might demand.

As the Cavalry now rushed down upon the Squares, the front faces of

the latter opened their fire when the former had approached within

about thirty paces of them. The effect of this fire was to create

disorder and confusion in the leading Squadron or Half Squadron (as

the case might be), which would then open out from the centre, and

obliquing to the right and left respectively, pass on by the Flanks

of the Square attacked, to the fire from which it would consequently

become completely exposed. The succeeding repeated the manoeuvre of the

leading divisions; and their disorder became greater and greater as the

continually augmenting obstacles in their front, the upset riders and

horses, increased in multitude.

Here, as at Quatre Bras, the French Cavalry did not rush to the shock

against a single British Square. The horsemen of the leading divisions

who escaped the opposing fire, failed to maintain the direction of

their speed with unabated vigour, and to dash against the Square,

heedless of personal danger, and intent only upon securing the sole

chance that offered for the success of their immediate followers. That

portion of the Cavalry which passed through the intervals between

the foremost Squares, directed their advance upon those that were in

rear; and the Squares being generally _en échiquier_, the opening out

and dividing of the attacking Squadrons in the manner described, soon

commingled the horsemen of different Regiments, and added considerably

to the disorder already caused by the dropping fire which assailed them

in all directions.

The Anglo-Allied Cavalry, having the advantage of perfect order, now

advanced to the charge; and after encountering some little resistance

on different points, speedily succeeded in relieving the Squares from

the presence of the Enemy, whom they pursued over the crest of the

ridge and down the exterior slope.

No sooner was NEY's Cavalry driven from the position, than the Allied

Artillerymen flew from their shelter to their guns, and the French

Batteries recommenced their fire. The former dealt destruction amidst

the retiring masses as soon as, and wherever, they were uncovered by

the Allied Cavalry; but some of the British Regiments, giving too

much rein to their ardour, carried their pursuit rather too far;

particularly the 23rd British Light Dragoons; who, having attacked the

Flank of a Column of _Cuirassiers_ whilst the latter was advancing

against the 1st Regiment of Dutch Carabiniers, by which it was then

attacked in front--TRIP himself leading--drove both the _Cuirassiers_

and a body of Lancers across the hollow on the right of La Haye Sainte,

back upon their own Batteries on the Heights beyond, and thus created

confusion amongst the French Gunners; who, however, made them pay for

their temerity as they withdrew again towards their own position.

Towards the Allied Right, the Lancers, pursued by the 1st Light

Dragoons of the King's German Legion, instantly reformed, and, resuming

their charge, became themselves the pursuers; but on advancing over

the ridge, they were not only exposed again to the fire from the

Squares, but were at the same time most unexpectedly assailed by a

brisk discharge of round shot from Captain BOLTON's British Foot

Battery, which had just been rapidly advanced to its left front, and

very judiciously posted on some favourable ground close to, and on the

right of, the Nivelles road, and in direct rear of the main ridge.

Its fire was directed with great precision at the French Cavalry in

the intervals between the Squares in its front, and by its valuable

assistance the Enemy was soon compelled to retire again across the

ridge.

It will be readily conceived that such assistance was most essential,

when it is recollected that, at this time, the 7th Hussars, the 1st

Light Dragoons of the King's German Legion, the Brunswick Hussars, and

the Squadron of Brunswick Lancers, were the only Cavalry Regiments

posted in rear of that portion of the Front Line extending from the

Nivelles road on the right, to the position of HALKETT's British

Infantry Brigade on the left, in rear of which latter stood the

23rd Light Dragoons. The manner in which those Regiments charged

and repelled the French Cavalry opposed to them, merits the highest

commendation.

The French Cavalry evinced the greatest alacrity, nay, impatience,

in again getting into order--actuated, no doubt, by a sense of shame

and indignation at finding its efforts frustrated, and its valour

fruitless; although in possession of the Enemy's guns, and at liberty

to act at its own discretion against his Squares.

The advance was speedily renewed; but evidently conducted with more

caution, though not with less enthusiasm. Again did this brilliant

array of horsemen boldly face the iron shower of grape, and gallantly

crown the crest of the Anglo-Allied Right Wing. But now, instead of

attacking indiscriminately as before, one portion was allotted to that

service; whilst the remainder was kept in more compact order to stem

the onset of the Allied Cavalry, by which, on the former occasion,

they had been so signally repulsed. The charges were repeated against

the Squares, in the same style, and upon the same system, as before;

and with an equally fruitless result. This portion of the attacking

force became gradually exhausted and out of order: but the remainder

appeared well formed up, and moving forward to charge the Second Line

comprising Allied Cavalry; which, however, did not wait for the attack,

but instantly advanced to meet it. The latter consisted of SOMERSET's

Brigade on the left (greatly diminished by the effects of its former

charge, on the occasion of the French attack of the Allied Left and

Centre); of the 23rd British Light Dragoons, in rear of HALKETT's

British Infantry Brigade; of TRIP's Dutch-Belgian Carabinier Brigade,

in rear of the 23rd; of the Brunswick Hussars and Lancers, more to the

right; of the 1st Light Dragoons of the King's German Legion, close

to the Nivelles road; and of the 7th British Hussars, on the interior

slope of that portion of the ridge which was immediately in left

rear of Hougomont--a force scarcely amounting to half the number of

Squadrons with which the French Cavalry had commenced this attack.

The charge was executed under great excitement, and with the utmost

steadiness and gallantry. The struggle was desperate and sanguinary:

but the French Cavalry, assailed in front by the same description of

force, and on their flanks by the fire from the Squares, at length

went about; and were followed, as before, over the ridge and down the

exterior slope.

In rear of the Right of the Anglo-Allied Line, where, as previously

observed, the Cavalry was then so very weak in numbers, the 1st Light

Dragoons of the King's German Legion had deployed into Line, in order

to occupy more ground and show a greater front. As the French Lancers

were attacking the Squares, and advancing through the intervals between

them, notwithstanding the renewed fire from BOLTON's Battery, the

Regiment hastened forward to charge them.

The Germans had not proceeded far when it was discovered that a body

of the Enemy's Cavalry had penetrated to the open space on their

left. With great presence of mind and admirable promptitude, Major

REIZENSTEIN, who perceived the danger to which the Regiment was exposed

by the already meditated attack upon its Left Flank, drew off a great

part of it, and, with a right-shoulder-forward movement, advanced to

meet these new assailants who were now coming on at full speed. The

mutual impetuosity of the charge, and violence of the shock, were

terrific. The two Lines dashed at and through each other, and those

of the horsemen that were yet firm in their saddles, wheeling sharply

round, again rushed to the fierce encounter with the most resolute

bravery; and the dispersed riders, after rapidly exchanging cuts and

thrusts, _en passant_, sought out their respective Corps.

As the Cavalry retired, the Infantry that had attacked La Haye Sainte

desisted from their fruitless endeavours to force the gallant little

garrison. Not long afterwards, Major BARING, on finding that the

ammunition of his men had, by the constant firing, been reduced to

less than one half, became apprehensive of its speedy exhaustion;

and despatched an Officer to request a supply, which was promised to

him. In the mean time, the Germans set about diligently repairing the

injuries they had sustained, and making the best preparation in their

power to meet the next attack.

Upon the first advance of the French Cavalry, by the Allied left of

Hougomont, a body of Infantry Skirmishers crept along the boundary

hedge of the Great Orchard on that side, and by thus turning the Flank

of the 3rd Guards, who were at the same time assailed with renewed

vigour in front, compelled them to retire into the hollow way in rear

of the inclosure; but, as the Cavalry withdrew, so did the Light Troops

on the left of the Orchard, and Lieutenant Colonel HEPBURN, advancing

his men from their cover, drove back the French Skirmishers in the

Orchard, and again occupied its front hedge.

The contest at this time, between the Allied Left, and the French

Right, Wing was limited to a continued cannonade, with Light Troops

skirmishing in the valley which separated the two positions. The Nassau

troops, under Prince BERNHARD of Saxe Weimar, maintained their ground

with great spirit along the Villages and inclosures upon the extreme

Left of the Anglo-Allied Army.

GRANT, who, it will be recollected, had been detached with the 13th

Light Dragoons and the 15th Hussars, to attack the 5th and 6th French

Lancers, upon the extreme Left of the French Line, in consequence of

certain menacing dispositions on their part, was first made aware that

these had been merely a diversion to draw off a portion of the Allied

Cavalry from the real point of attack, by the shouts which suddenly

proceeded from their ranks; when, on turning round to ascertain the

cause, he perceived the French in possession of the Batteries along the

crest of the position, and charging the Squares posted on the interior

slope. Observing a repetition of the attack, and the want of Cavalry

on that part of the position which he had quitted; he most judiciously

took upon himself to return to it with both Regiments: and, as will

appear in the sequel, he arrived there at a most critical moment, when

his absence might have produced the most fatal consequences. As a

precautionary measure, the Right Squadron of the 15th Hussars, under

Captain WODEHOUSE, was left in its original position, to observe the

extreme Left of the French line; and the 2nd Light Dragoons of the

King's German Legion continued to keep a look out between that point

and Braine l'Alleud.

NAPOLEON, perceiving the necessity of affording an immediate Support

to NEY's attack, sent an Order to KELLERMANN to advance for that

purpose, with his Corps of Heavy Cavalry, consisting of the two

Divisions commanded by L'HERITIER and ROUSSEL D'URBAL, and comprising

(at the commencement of the Battle) seven Squadrons of Dragoons,

eleven Squadrons of _Cuirassiers_, and six Squadrons of Carabiniers.

In the mean time, NEY, with a similar object in view, had ordered

forward GUYOT's Heavy Cavalry Division of the Guard, comprising six

Squadrons of Horse Grenadiers, and seven Squadrons of Dragoons. These

thirty-seven Squadrons, combined with the force which had already

attacked, and which had originally consisted of forty-three Squadrons,

constituted a stupendous array of Cavalry, in comparison with that

which was then posted in rear of the Right Wing of the Anglo-Allied

Army; and which received no accession beyond the five Squadrons that

GRANT was in the act of withdrawing, as before explained, from the

extreme Right.

GUYOT's Division of the Guard having been placed by NAPOLEON at NEY's

disposal, when he first desired him to form the grand Cavalry attack,

the Marshal was entitled to employ it if he thought proper; but it

is doubtful whether NAPOLEON, after having sent forward KELLERMANN's

Corps, was desirous that the combined force should be thus prematurely

engaged, since it would deprive him of his only Cavalry Reserve.

Still, when we consider the limited extent of the Field of Battle,

and the consequent facility with which he might have either suspended

the employment of the Heavy Cavalry of the Guard, or countermanded

KELLERMANN's advance, it is reasonable to infer that the French Emperor

was not altogether displeased with the grand experiment which was about

to be made, and which encouraged the most sanguine expectations of a

glorious triumph.

The coming attack was, like the former one, preceded by a violent

cannonade. As before, the French Batteries concentrated their fire upon

the Allied Artillery and Squares. The entire space immediately in rear

of the crest of the ridge that marked the Front Line of the Duke's

Right Wing, was again assailed with a tempest of shot and shell. Again

were whole Files torn away, and compact Sections rent asunder.

But the extraordinary skill and the untiring energies of the British

and German Gunners, combined with the heroic forbearance and the

admirable steadiness of the Squares, fully impressed upon the mind of

WELLINGTON the conviction that, however formidable and disproportionate

the force that his powerful adversary could wield against him, it might

yet be made to suffer an exhaustion, moral as well as physical, that

would render it totally unavailable and helpless at the moment when

its extremest tension and fullest application would be so urgently

required to extricate the Emperor from that perilous crisis which,

by his Grace's masterly arrangements, was gradually approaching its

consummation. To act exclusively on the defensive, to maintain his

ground in defiance of every assault and every stratagem; and yet to

harass and weaken his Enemy to the extent of his power, constituted

the grand point on which hinged the practical development of those

arrangements. A defeat and dispersion of his Army before the arrival

of the Prussian troops, would lead to new measures, to additional

sacrifices--perhaps to irretrievable disasters. But his resolve was

fixed and irrevocable; for he knew that he could fearlessly rely upon

the devotion, the endurance, and the valour of his British and German

soldiers. And this implicit confidence was nobly reciprocated; for as

the troops remarked the serenity of his countenance and demeanour when

rectifying any confusion or disorder, or felt as if spellbound by the

magic influence of a few simple and homely words from his lips, they

entertained no doubts as to the result of their glorious exertions.

When the tremendous Cavalry force, which NEY had thus assembled, moved

forward to the attack, the whole space between La Haye Sainte and

Hougomont appeared one moving glittering mass; and, as it approached

the Anglo-Allied position, undulating with the conformation of the

ground, it resembled a sea in agitation. Upon reaching the crest of the

ridge and regaining temporary possession of the Batteries, its very

shouts sounded on the distant ear like the ominous roar of breakers

thundering on the shore. Like waves following in quick succession,

the whole mass now appeared to roll over the ridge; and as the light

curling smoke arose from the fire which was opened by the Squares, and

by which the latter sought to stem the current of the advancing host,

it resembled the foam and spray thrown up by the mighty waters as they

dash on isolated rocks and beetling crags; and, as the mass separated

and rushed in every direction, completely covering the interior slope,

it bore the appearance of innumerable eddies and counter currents,

threatening to overwhelm and engulf the obstructions by which its

onward course had been opposed. The storm continued to rage with the

greatest violence; and the devoted Squares seemed lost in the midst of

the tumultuous onset. In vain did the maddening mass chafe and fret

away its strength against these impregnable barriers; which, based upon

the sacred principles of honour, discipline, and duty, and cemented by

the ties of patriotism and the impulse of national glory, stood proudly

unmoved and inaccessible. Disorder and confusion, produced by the

commingling of Corps, and by the scattering fire from the faces of the

chequered Squares, gradually led to the retreat of parties of horsemen

across the ridge; these were followed by broken Squadrons, and, at

length, the retrograde movement became general.

Then the Allied Dragoons, who had been judiciously kept in readiness

to act at the favourable moment, darted forward to complete the

disorganisation and overthrow of the now receding waves of the French

Cavalry.

The Allied Artillery had barely time to fire a few rounds into the

retiring masses, when the Enemy's formidable Support rapidly advanced

to renew the attack; and, as if it had been made aware that the Right

of the Anglo-Allied Line was the weakest part, from the want of a

sufficient Cavalry Support, its efforts appeared particularly directed

to that point. A body of Heavy Dragoons was drawn up in Line, and

advanced up the ridge leaving the Hougomont inclosures immediately on

its left.

At this moment, however, GRANT had most opportunely returned with

the 13th Light Dragoons and 15th Hussars from the extreme Right; and

instantly forming the 13th, which was the leading Regiment, in Line

to the front, moved it up to the crest of the ridge, over which it

gallantly charged and routed the French Dragoons, driving them about

three hundred yards down to the low ground near the north-east angle

of the Great Orchard of Hougomont. The 15th Hussars were also formed

to the front, on the left of the 13th Light Dragoons, and charged a

mass of _Cuirassiers_, which was driven back a like distance, upon

large bodies of Cavalry. As these were observed commencing offensive

operations, both in front and on the flank, the two Regiments, first

the 13th, and then the 15th; were compelled to retreat to the main

position, and take post in rear of the Squares; but this they did with

so much order and regularity that their presence and example imparted

new life and confidence to the young Brunswickers; whose steadiness, on

the Right of the Line, had been severely tested in the course of the

grand Cavalry attack.

Notwithstanding these reverses, and the decided failure of their former

attempts, the French horsemen most gallantly and resolutely renewed

their advance, and again plunged in masses amidst the Allied Squares.

Failing in their direct attack, they rode through the intervals between

the Squares in all directions, exhibiting extraordinary coolness and

intrepidity. Some of the most daring approached close up to the ranks,

to draw forth the fire from a Square; and thus secure a better chance

of success for the Squadron prepared to seize the advantage and to

charge. Small parties of desperate fellows would endeavour to force an

opening at some weak point, by cutting aside the bayonets and firing at

the defenders with their pistols. But the Squares were proof against

every assault and every stratagem.

More Cavalry crossed over the summit of the ridge; and the greater part

of the interior slope occupied by the Allied Right Wing seemed covered

with horsemen of all kinds--_Cuirassiers_, Lancers, Carabiniers,

_Chasseurs_, Dragoons, and Horse Grenadiers. The French, enraged at

their want of success, brandishing their swords, and exciting one

another by shouts of "_Vive l'Empereur!_" reiterated their attacks

with redoubled but fruitless vigour. Like the majestic oaks of the

forest, which are poetically said to strike their roots deeper and more

tenaciously into the earth as the fury of the storm increases, so stood

the Anglo-Allied Squares, grand in the imposing attitude of their

strength, and bidding defiance to the tempestuous elements by which

they were assailed on every side.

At length, the attack evinced symptoms of exhaustion; the charges

became less frequent and less vigorous; disorder and confusion were

rapidly augmenting; the spirit of enthusiasm and the confidence of

superiority were quickly yielding to the feeling of despondency and

the sense of hopelessness. The Anglo-Allied Cavalry again advanced,

and once more swept the mingled host, comprising every description of

mounted troops, from off the ground on which they had so fruitlessly

frittered away their strength.

On this occasion, a body of _Cuirassiers_, having been intercepted in

its direct line of retreat by a party of British Light Dragoons, was

induced to surrender; but taking advantage of the weakness of their

escort, they suddenly broke away, and galloped down the Nivelles road,

by which they hoped to return to the French Lines. They were fatally

deceived. As they passed the high bank, covered with brushwood, on

the right of the road, where a Detachment of the 51st Regiment was

stationed as one of the Supports to the Light Troops extended in front

of the extreme Right, they were fired upon, though but partially,

in consequence of their close pursuit by the Light Dragoons. This

attracted the attention of Captain Ross of that Regiment, who was

posted with his Company more in advance, and close to the _abatis_

which had been thrown across the road near the head of the Avenue

leading to Hougomont. Captain Ross, being thus prepared, also fired

upon the _Cuirassiers_; whereupon their Commanding Officer, finding

all further retreat effectually cut off by the _abatis_, surrendered

to Captain Ross, declaring that he would not give himself up to the

Dragoons. At this spot eighty of the _Cuirassiers_ and twelve of their

horses were killed; and the remainder, about sixty, were dismounted,

taken, or dispersed.

* * * * *

Shortly before this, NEY, perceiving the ill success of his Cavalry

attacks, determined on combining them with such Infantry as he had

at his disposal. Between D'ERLON's and REILLE's Corps there was now

a great interval, and the only troops of which he could make use for

the above object, consisted of BACHELU's Division, on the right of the

latter, as DONZELOT's Division, on the left of the former, was still

required for the attack upon La Haye Sainte, which he now ordered to

be vigorously renewed, whilst he advanced a heavy Column of BACHELU's

Infantry towards the Centre of the Allied Right Wing.

WELLINGTON, who had, from the first, anticipated that the attacks of

Cavalry would be followed up by others, in which that Arm would be

combined with Infantry, was fully prepared to meet this contingency,

having as soon as he had ascertained that the Enemy was not disposed

to attempt any serious movement against his Right Flank, despatched an

Order to CHASSÉ to evacuate Braine l'Alleud and its vicinity, and to

proceed with his Dutch-Belgian Division, towards the principal scene

of action, along the low ground through Merbe Braine. By this means,

his Grace, who contemplated reinforcing his First Line with troops

from his Second, would be enabled to supply their place in the latter

with others of equal strength. CHASSÉ's movement, executed with much

judgement, was in a great measure, if not entirely, concealed from the

Enemy's observation; and was very skilfully covered by the 2nd Light

Dragoons of the King's German Legion, who continued hovering near the

Left Flank of the French Army.

In the mean time, the attack upon La Haye Sainte had been renewed

with the same fury as before. Major BARING on perceiving the advance

of the Enemy's Columns, sent an Officer to the position with this

intelligence, and repeated his request for ammunition. The Light

Company of the 5th Line Battalion of the King's German Legion was sent

to his assistance; but the supply of ammunition, of which he stood so

much in need, was not forthcoming: and he therefore, after waiting half

an hour longer, during which the contest was uninterrupted, despatched

another Officer on the same errand. This application proved equally

unsuccessful. He received, however, a reinforcement of two Flank

Companies from the 1st Regiment of Nassau.

The great struggle was again at the open entrance to the Barn; and the

French, finding all their efforts to force an entrance so obstinately

and successfully frustrated, had recourse to the expedient of setting

the place on fire. A thick smoke was soon observed issuing from the

Barn. The greatest consternation pervaded the little garrison; for

although there was a pond in the yard, there were no means at hand for

conveying the water to the point of danger. Major BARING, whose anxiety

was extreme, glancing his eye at the large camp kettles borne by the

recently arrived Nassauers, instantly pulled one from off a man's back:

several Officers followed his example, and filling the kettles with

water, carried them in the face of almost certain death, to the fire.

The men hesitated not a moment. Every kettle was instantly applied to

the same good office, and the fire was fortunately extinguished; though

at the sacrifice of many a brave soldier. Several of the men, although

covered with wounds, rejected all persuasion to retire. Their constant

reply was, "So long as our Officers fight, and we can stand, we will

not stir from the spot." At length the Enemy, wearied out by this most

resolute and gallant defence, once more withdrew.

At the commencement of this attack, while one portion of the Enemy's

force was principally directed against the western entrance of the

Great Barn; the other, leaving the Buildings on its right, advanced

higher up the slope, as if intending either to penetrate the Farm by

the Garden, or to cut off its communication with the main position.

The Prince of ORANGE, conceiving this to be a favourable opportunity

for attacking the French Column, ordered the 5th and 8th Line

Battalions of OMPTEDA's Brigade of the King's German Legion to deploy

and advance. The Line was quickly formed; and the Battalions, bounding

across the narrow sunken road, rushed forward, at a charging pace,

driving the Enemy before them. But a body of _Cuirassiers_, that had

unsuccessfully charged the Left Squares of KIELMANSEGGE's Hanoverian

Brigade, whilst those Battalions were advancing, came upon the Right

Flank of the latter, unexpectedly for both parties. The 5th Line

Battalion, which was on the right, having been supported in sufficient

time by SOMERSET's Heavy Cavalry Brigade, suffered little loss; but

the 8th Line Battalion--being on the left, and more in advance, in

the act of charging when the _Cuirassiers_ appeared--was completely

surprised, and its Right Wing cut down and dispersed. The Commanding

Officer of the Battalion, Colonel SCHRÖDER, was mortally wounded:

several other Officers fell: Ensign DE MOREAU, who carried and defended

the King's Colour, having been severely wounded, as also the Serjeant

who afterwards held it, the Enemy succeeded in carrying off the prize.

Major PETERSDORF, the next in command, collected the scattered remnant

of the Battalion, and posted it in rear of the hollow way.

The moment the Anglo-Allied Right Wing became cleared of the presence

of the French Cavalry, it was again exposed to a furious cannonade.

Several of the guns along the main ridge were by this time disabled.

Major BULL, who had been obliged at an earlier period to withdraw

his Howitzer Battery to the Second Line for the purpose of repairing

casualties and completing ammunition, advanced again to his former post

in the Front Line, along with Major RAMSAY's Horse Battery, during the

Second general Charge of the French Cavalry. These Batteries suffered

severely from PIRÉ's guns, stationed on the extreme Left of the French

Line. BULL directed Lieutenant LOUIS to turn his two right guns towards

them, and it was not long before this Officer succeeded in silencing

them; a service which, as they enfiladed the Allied Right Flank, was of

considerable advantage, during the remainder of the Battle, to all the

Batteries and troops in this part of the Field.

The Duke, considering that a reinforcement of Artillery was

particularly required in front of COOKE's Division and the Brunswick

Infantry against which the Enemy was evidently preparing fresh attacks,

ordered up Lieutenant Colonel DICKSON's British Horse Battery,

commanded by Major MERCER, and Major SYMPHER's Horse Battery of the

King's German Legion, into the Front Line: the former, to the left of

Lieutenant Colonel SMITH's Horse Battery, in front of the Brunswickers;

and the latter further to the left.

Major MERCER's Battery had barely time to get into action, when a heavy

Column of Cavalry, composed of Horse Grenadiers and _Cuirassiers_,

was seen ascending the ridge, and advancing at a rapid rate directly

towards the spot upon which it had taken post. The guns, which were

nine pounders, were each loaded with a round and a case shot; and were

run close up to a bank of two or three feet in height, which descended

from the narrow cross road along the ridge, and which thus formed a

sort of _genouillère_ to the Battery. In front, the summit of the

ridge consisted of a flat surface, of forty or fifty yards in width,

whence the ground descended rapidly towards the plain that divided the

two Armies. The Column continued to advance until it came quite close

upon these guns, the muzzles of which were nearly on a level with the

cross road; when it suddenly recoiled from the very destructive fire

with which it was received. The horsemen of the leading Squadrons

faced about, and endeavoured to force their way to the rear; confusion

ensued, and the whole mass broke into a disorderly crowd. Several

minutes elapsed ere they succeeded in quitting the summit of the ridge,

during which the fire from the Battery was incessant; and, from the

shortness of the distance, the size of the objects, and the elevation

of the ground on which they stood, the consequent carnage was truly

frightful. Many, instead of seeking safety in retreat, dashed through

the intervals between the guns, and surrendered: but the greater part,

rendered desperate at finding themselves held, as it were, in front of

the Battery, actually fought their way through their own ranks; and, in

the struggle, blows were exchanged on all sides. At length, the wreck

of this formidable Column gained shelter under the slope of the ridge,

leaving the summit encumbered with its killed and wounded.

About the same time, a strong Column of French Infantry, supported

by Cavalry, was advancing against the Centre of the Anglo-Allied

Right Wing. Whilst the opposed Batteries were concentrating upon it a

vigorous fire, Lord UXBRIDGE brought forward SOMERSET's Heavy Cavalry

Brigade from its position on the right of the Charleroi road, for the

purpose of attacking this Column; and also ordered up, in support,

TRIP's Dutch-Belgian Carabinier Brigade. The attack was made with great

gallantry by the Household Cavalry, which succeeded in checking the

advance of the Enemy; but, having been so much reduced in numbers, it

was unable to penetrate the Column, which received it with a heavy

fire. As SOMERSET retired; the French Cavalry by which the Column had

been supported, prepared to advance.

TRIP's Dutch-Belgian Cavalry was now at hand. UXBRIDGE, pleased with

their fine appearance, and desirous of exciting in them a courageous

enthusiasm, placed himself conspicuously in their front, and ordering

the "Charge," led them towards the Enemy. He had proceeded but a very

short distance, when his Aide de Camp, Captain HORACE SEYMOUR, galloped

close up to him, and made him aware that not a single man of them

was following him. Turning round his horse, he instantly rode up to

TRIP, and addressed himself to this Officer with great warmth. Then,

appealing to the Brigade in terms the most exhorting and encouraging,

and inciting them by gestures the most animated and significant, he

repeated the Order to charge, and again led the way in person. But this

attempt was equally abortive; and UXBRIDGE, exasperated and indignant,

rode away from the Brigade, leaving it to adopt any course which its

Commander might think proper: and as the French Cavalry, to which this

hesitation was but too manifest, was now advancing rapidly to the

attack, the Dutch-Belgians went about, and retired in such haste and

disorder that the two Right Squadrons of the 3rd Hussars of the King's

German Legion experienced the greatest difficulty in maintaining their

ground, and avoiding being carried along to the rear by these horsemen

in the wildness of their flight.

The 3rd Hussars had just moved up into the Second Line, in rear of

KRUSE's Nassau Brigade, when this occurred; and the Left Squadron,

being free from any interruption of the kind, gallantly charged

and completely overthrew that portion of the _Cuirassiers_ which

was in its immediate front. As soon as the other two Squadrons had

recovered their order, which had been so unexpectedly disturbed by

the fugitive Dutch-Belgians, the whole Regiment advanced to the crest

of the position; where it received from Lord UXBRIDGE, in person, the

Order to charge a Line of French Cavalry, distant about 150 yards,

and consisting of about three Squadrons of _Cuirassiers_ and three

Squadrons of Heavy Dragoons. Commencing the charge with a steady trot,

and then plunging into a gallop, they broke through the Enemy's Line,

which was advancing at a short trot, or almost at a walk; but became so

completely turned and hemmed in upon their flanks and rear, that a vast

proportion of them was cut off. The remainder, dispersed, and pursued

by the French Cavalry, rode back to the Infantry Squares, in rear of

which the Regiment reformed. Here the great loss which it had suffered

in these two attacks become manifest. It was reduced to between sixty

and seventy Files, which were formed into two Squadrons, and posted in

rear of KIELMANSEGGE's Hanoverian Brigade.

About this time, the Earl of UXBRIDGE, on examining the state of his

Cavalry, perceived the Cumberland Regiment of Hanoverian Hussars at

some distance in the rear, on the Brussels road. He immediately ordered

them forward; and on their coming up, he posted them where they were by

no means much exposed, but where they would at least _appear_ to fill

a gap occasioned by the severe losses experienced by SOMERSET's and

PONSONBY's Brigades: for the manner of their Commanding Officer, whilst

being thus posted, rendered his Lordship doubtful of their continuing

there if attacked.

That he had reason to apprehend something of this kind, was

subsequently proved; for Colonel HAKE, on finding the shot flying

about him a little, took himself and his Regiment out of the Field:

on discovering which, Lord UXBRIDGE despatched his Aide de Camp,

Captain HORACE SEYMOUR, with an Order for his return. When Captain

SEYMOUR delivered this Order, the Colonel remarked that he had no

confidence in his men, that they were Volunteers, and that their horses

were their own property. The Regiment continued moving to the rear;

notwithstanding Captain SEYMOUR's repeating the Order to halt, and

asking the Second in Command to save the honour and character of the

Corps, by placing himself at its head and fronting the men. Finding his

remonstrances produced no effect, he laid hold of the bridle of the

Colonel's horse, and commented upon his conduct in terms such as no man

of honour could have been expected to listen to unmoved. This Officer,

however, appeared perfectly callous to any sense of shame; and far more

disposed to submit to those attacks upon his honour than he had been

to receive those of the Enemy upon his person and his Regiment. Upon

rejoining the Earl of UXBRIDGE and relating what had passed; Captain

SEYMOUR was again directed to proceed to the Commanding Officer, and

to desire that, if he persevered in refusing to resume his position in

the Line, he would, at least, form the Regiment across the high road,

_out_ of fire. But even this Order was disregarded, and the Corps went

altogether to the rear, spreading alarm and confusion all the way to

Brussels.

In front of the Right of the Anglo-Allied Line, the French Column of

Horse Grenadiers and _Cuirassiers_, which had met with so disastrous

a repulse from Major MERCER's Horse Battery, was reformed for another

attack; to meet which the British Gunners were fully prepared: for the

French horsemen had not retired so far down the hill but that the high

caps of the Horse Grenadiers of the leading Squadrons, were visible

above the brow of the exterior slope. The second attempt was preluded

by a cloud of Skirmishers, who, advancing to within a very short

distance of the front of the Battery, did considerable mischief to the

Gunners with their carbines and pistols; but their intention being

evidently to draw forth their fire, no notice was taken of them.

Then the Column again ascended the ridge, and advanced to attack the

Battery; but on this occasion their pace scarcely exceeded a walk, or

at most a gentle trot, too many obstacles lying in their way to admit

of more rapid movement without confusion. Experience having shown the

Gunners the destructive effects of a close fire, they allowed the

leading Squadrons to attain about half the distance between the brow

of the slope and the narrow road in their front before they commenced.

The result, as may be readily imagined, was precisely similar to that

of the former attack, which has already been detailed. Again the French

horsemen fell into confusion, and again for several minutes were they

exposed to a deliberate and an unerring fire of case shot, within a

distance of not more than twenty yards, so that the pile of killed and

wounded, left on the ground immediately in front of the Battery, before

great, was now enormous.

Other Batteries along this part of the position were equally successful

in repelling the attacks of the Enemy's _Cuirassiers_, who were

assembling in considerable numbers at the foot of the exterior slope,

close to the Hougomont inclosures, apparently with the object of

cutting off the direct communication with that Post, and forcing the

Right of the Allied Front Line. The moment seemed favourable for such a

project. Several of the Allied guns had by this time become completely

disabled; the 2nd Battalion of the 3rd British Guards, awfully

reduced, had been driven into the hollow way in rear of the Orchards

of Hougomont; the young Brunswick Infantry had suffered severe losses;

and the supporting Cavalry had become greatly exhausted by its repeated

charges.

But WELLINGTON, foreseeing the probability of a serious attempt upon

this weakened point of his Line, and perceiving the approach of

CHASSÉ's Division (see page 458), supplied the required remedy by

desiring Lord HILL to bring forward troops from the Second Line. The

zeal, intelligence, and activity which had ever characterized the Hero

of Almaraz and Arroyo del Molino when carrying out the designs of the

Chief under whom he had acquired a lasting fame, seemed but to wait

this summons to the more immediate scene of action, to appear again in

all their accustomed vigour. He immediately put in motion DU PLAT's

Infantry Brigade of the King's German Legion. As the latter advanced

across the Nivelles road, from its left, the 2nd Line Battalion became

the leading Column. It was followed by the 4th, then by the 3rd, and

lastly by the 1st Line Battalion. As the 2nd approached the crest

of the ridge, several Gunners ran in upon it for shelter from the

Enemy's _Cuirassiers_, whose main body was now advancing against this

Battalion. The four Light Companies of the Brigade, however, had just

posted themselves close to the three small trees near this part of the

crest of the ridge; and being armed with rifles, they delivered so

destructive a fire into the Cavalry as to compel it to withdraw.

Some of the Allied Cavalry then moved forward in pursuit, and DU

PLAT's Brigade continued its advance until the 2nd Line Battalion had

approached close to the hedge of the Great Orchard of Hougomont, whence

a dropping fire was opened upon the Germans by the French Skirmishers.

The Dragoons made a sudden and rapid retreat through the intervals of

the Columns, in left front of which a fresh Line of hostile Cavalry

now presented itself. Captain SYMPHER, who, with his Horse Battery of

the Legion, had accompanied DU PLAT's advance, instantly unlimbered;

and poured round shot through the intervals of the Columns, the latter

maintaining, at the same time, a very effective independent file fire.

The _Cuirassiers_ gallantly advanced, notwithstanding this formidable

resistance. They first became exposed to a flank fire from the left

face of the 4th Line Battalion Square, and then again to that from the

left face of the 3rd Line Battalion: nevertheless, they resolutely

attacked the Battery, the Gunners of which either flew to the last

mentioned Square for protection, or sought shelter under the carriages.

At length, after having suffered severe losses by the unremitting fire

from the nearest Squares, the French Cavalry retired in disorder;

receiving a renewed discharge from the Battery, which was again in full

play.

When DU PLAT's Brigade moved down the slope, the 2nd and 3rd Light, and

2nd Line, Battalions of the Brunswickers, advanced a short distance

over the crest of the ridge, in left rear of the former. Here they

became exposed to a destructive fire of both artillery and musketry,

the latter from the French Skirmishers that had crept from along the

eastern hedge of Hougomont, close under the brow of that part of the

Anglo-Allied position. They withstood this heavy fire, as also the

subsequent charges of Cavalry, with great steadiness and courage; but

as soon as the French horsemen were driven back by a portion of the

Allied Cavalry (consisting of the 23rd British Light Dragoons, the 1st

Light Dragoons of the King's German Legion, and the Brunswick Hussars

and Lancers), the above mentioned Battalions withdrew from their

exposed situation to the interior slope.

The French Skirmishers, who had, during this last attack by their

Cavalry, pushed forward a very considerable force through the Great

Orchard of Hougomont, and along its eastern boundary, now concentrated

a most galling fire upon the Squares of the Legionary Brigade, whose

Commander, DU PLAT, was mortally wounded; several Officers fell, and

all those that were mounted had their horses shot under them. The fire

ceased; and in the next moment the _Cuirassiers_, having rallied,

renewed their charge: but with no greater success than before; and a

third charge proved equally ineffectual against the determined bravery

and patient endurance of the soldiers of the Legion.

About the time that DU PLAT's Brigade moved into the First Line, a

considerable body of French _Cuirassiers_, which still remained in

the hollow westward of La Haye Sainte, exposed to a fire from one

or two of the Allied Batteries, advanced at a walk, to make another

effort to break the Right Centre of WELLINGTON's Line. This proved as

unsuccessful as the previous attacks. The Squares, reserving their fire

until the close approach of the hostile Cavalry, and then directing it

against the latter in the most cool and deliberate manner, which the

absence of all impetus in an attack at a walk enabled them to do with

unerring effect, soon compelled the shattered Squadrons once more to

withdraw from a contest which the unexampled steadiness of the Allied

Infantry had rendered almost hopeless on their part.

The French Cavalry that attacked the Squares of DU PLAT's Brigade,

immediately in rear of Hougomont, had no sooner been driven off by the

gallant resistance of the Germans, than the Skirmishers, who, as before

observed, had advanced in such numbers along the eastern inclosures of

that Post, crept close up under the brow of that part of the ridge on

the interior slope of which was posted the main body of the Brunswick

Infantry.

At this time, however, Lord HILL was bringing forward ADAM's British

Light Infantry Brigade, having directed it to cross the Nivelles road,

and to advance in Columns up the slope, in rear of the Brunswickers.

(The Brigade had, some time before, been moved from the plateau on the

right, close to the edge of the Nivelles road, in which position it

had continued in immediate reserve.) Suddenly the summit in its front

was crowded with the French Skirmishers, who were almost as quickly

concealed by the smoke from the rattling fire which they opened upon

the Allied Artillery and the Squares. The Gunners, whose numbers were

fearfully diminished, were speedily driven back from their crippled

Batteries upon the nearest Infantry; upon which the concentration of

this galling fire threatened the most serious consequences.

But succour was at hand. WELLINGTON, in the midst of the shower of

bullets, had galloped to the front of ADAM's Brigade, ordered it to

form Line, four deep; and then, pointing to the daring Skirmishers on

the Height, called out, with perfect coolness and unaffected assurance,

"Drive those fellows away!" With loud cheers, the Brigade moved rapidly

up the slope, eager to obey the Duke's command. From the want of

sufficient space, the 52nd Regiment was not formed in Line with, but

in rear of, the 71st and 2nd Battalion of the 95th Regiment, to which

it consequently served as a Support. The French Skirmishers began to

give way as the firm and intrepid front of the Brigade presented itself

to their view. ADAM continued his advance, driving the French Infantry

before him. On crossing the ridge, the Brigade brought forward its

right shoulders, and, when halted, it stood in a slight hollow; which,

commencing in front of the right of the position occupied by MAITLAND's

Brigade of Guards, descends towards the north-east angle of the Great

Orchard of Hougomont. At the former point the 2nd Battalion of the 95th

Regiment formed the Left; and at the latter, the 71st Regiment with

the two Companies of the 3rd Battalion of the 95th Regiment formed

the Right, of this Line. The Enemy's Cavalry having been perceived

preparing for attack, the Battalions of the Brigade formed Squares:

and as the interval between the 71st and the 2nd Battalion 95th

Regiment, in this new position, was larger than was desirable; Colonel

Sir JOHN COLBORNE moved down the 52nd Regiment, in Squares of Wings

of Battalions, to fill up the space; which he reached just in time to

throw a most effective oblique fire upon the Cavalry which was in the

act of attacking the 71st Regiment.

The French Carabiniers and Horse Grenadiers of the Guard made some

gallant attacks upon the Brigade. They generally advanced by _their_

right of the Hougomont inclosures, then fell upon the 71st Regiment, by

which their charge was invariably broken; when such portions of them as

continued in any degree of order, rushed onward in apparent infatuation

upon the Right Wing Square of the 52nd Regiment; from the front and

right faces of which they received a close, well directed fire, which

completed their disorder and confusion.

In one of these attacks, Major EELES, whose Company of the 3rd

Battalion 95th Rifles was attached to the 71st Regiment, upon observing

the approach of the Carabiniers towards the right angle of the front

face of the Square, moved his Company to the right, in line with the

rear face, and, placing himself in its front, prevented his men from

firing until the Carabiniers approached within thirty or forty yards

of the Square; when he ordered a volley, which, combined with a cross

fire from the 71st, brought down so many horses and men to the ground,

at the same moment, that the further progress of the charge was most

effectually frustrated. In an instant, one half of the attacking force

was on the ground; some few men and horses were killed; more were

wounded; but by far the greater part were thrown down over the dead,

the dying, and the wounded. These, after a short interval, began to

extricate themselves from the mass, and made the best of their way back

to their Supports; some on horseback but most of them on foot.

ADAM's Brigade, by means of the advanced position which it thus

occupied, along the space between the Hougomont inclosures and the

right front of MAITLAND's Brigade, presented an effectual barrier to

the advance of the French Cavalry against that portion of the Allied

Front Line which was situated upon the right of the latter point. In

the intervals between the charges of Cavalry, it suffered severely from

the Enemy's Artillery; more particularly the 71st Regiment, and 2nd

Battalion 95th Rifles, the position of these Regiments being somewhat

more exposed than that of the 52nd.

HALKETT's Hanoverian Brigade had moved from its present position, near

Merbe Braine, into the space within the angle formed by the Nivelles

road and the hollow way which leads from the Right of the Front Line

down into the low ground below Hougomont; and it was shortly after

ADAM moved into his forward position, that HALKETT advanced, with the

Landwehr Battalions Osnabrück and Salzgitter, and took post on the

exterior slope of the main ridge, in rear of DU PLAT's Brigade.

* * * * *

It was now about six o'clock. The formidable attacks made by the French

along the entire Line of the Anglo-Allied Army had been productive

of no positive advantage; the Advanced Posts of Hougomont and La

Haye Sainte had successfully resisted the furious assaults which had

hitherto been directed against them: and the forward position taken

up by ADAM's British Brigade, made it manifest to the French Emperor

that, notwithstanding the gallantry, enthusiasm, and devotion displayed

in those attacks by the finest troops he had ever assembled together,

headed, too, by Generals of the highest celebrity; still greater

efforts, and still greater sacrifices must be made if he hoped to drive

the British lion from the position which it yet proudly retained with

so firm a footing, before the Prussian eagle, which for some time past

had hovered over, and was at this moment darting at, his extreme Right,

should alight, in the plenitude of its force, to satiate its thirst for

vengeance in the fierce and sanguinary struggle.

NAPOLEON sent an Order to NEY to renew the attack upon the Centre. To

execute this with effect, however, fresh Infantry was requisite; and

the Marshal had none at his disposal. He therefore despatched his first

Aide de Camp, Colonel HEYMÈS, to represent to the Emperor the exhausted

condition of his troops: half of which were placed _hors de combat_,

and the other half overcome by fatigue, and failing in ammunition; and

to request he would send him reinforcements. At this moment, however,

LOBAU's Corps and the Young Guard were required for the security of the

French Right Flank against the offensive operations of the Prussians;

consequently, the Battalions of the Old Guard, which constituted the

only remaining Reserve of Infantry, could not be spared. To NEY's

demand for fresh troops, NAPOLEON therefore replied,--"_Ou voulez vous

que j'en prenne? Voulez vous que j'en fusse?_"

NEY, on being made acquainted with the manner in which his request

had been received, saw very plainly that the Battle was far from

being gained: and darted off to animate, by his presence, the attack

which was now renewed upon La Haye Sainte; and which was covered by a

vigorous fire from the French Artillery against that portion of the

Anglo-Allied Line immediately in rear of this Post, in order to disturb

any attempt to relieve or assist its defenders.

The united remains of SOMERSET's and PONSONBY's Brigades, which were

on the reverse slope, behind OMPTEDA's Brigade of the King's German

Legion, and which were extended in Single File for the purpose of

making a _show_ of force, suffered much from this cannonade. On

perceiving its effects, Lord UXBRIDGE sent an Aide de Camp to recommend

Lord EDWARD SOMERSET to withdraw his men from the range of the

Enemy's guns. The latter sent back word that, were he to do so, the

Dutch-Belgian Cavalry, who were in support, would immediately move off

the Field! SOMERSET retained his position until the end of the Battle.

Shortly before the Columns from DONZELOT's Division advanced to this

attack of La Haye Sainte, a party of Horse Artillery, which had been

detached from WHINYATES's Rocket Battery, proceeded, under Captain

DANSEY, along the Charleroi road, to the front of the Centre of the

Anglo-Allied Line, and came into action with rockets, near that Farm,

leaving its two guns in the rear, under Lieutenant WRIGHT.

Captain DANSEY very soon received a severe wound, which obliged him to

retire; and the party, after firing a few rockets, fell back a little,

to where its horses were standing. It was then commanded by a Serjeant

(DANIEL DUNNETT), who, on perceiving the advance of the nearest French

Column towards the Farm, dismounted his men as coolly and deliberately

as if exercising on Woolwich Common, though without any Support

whatever; laid rockets on the ground, and discharged them in succession

into the mass--every one of them appearing to take effect. The advance

of the Column was checked, and was not resumed until Sergeant DUNNETT,

having expended all his rockets, retired with his party to rejoin the

guns in rear.

Major BARING's Detachment, after its extraordinary and successful

exertions in repelling the previous assaults, was fearfully reduced

in numbers; but its excellent spirit and conspicuous bravery remained

unshaken. One circumstance, however, could not fail to render

unavailing all their efforts, their courage, and their endurance.

Notwithstanding Major BARING's urgently repeated applications for a

supply of ammunition, his men were still left without the means of

adequately defending their Post against the host of enemies by which

they were successively assailed.[12] They cheerfully repaired, as far

as practicable, the gaps made in the walls by the French Artillery,

and betrayed no despondency as they looked upon the sad and numerous

proofs that lay around them of the immense sacrifices they had already

made. But when, upon counting the cartridges, they discovered that they

had not, upon an average, more than from three to four each, their

consciousness of the desperate situation to which they were reduced,

and of the impossibility of holding out under such circumstances, led

to remonstrances, which their gallant Commander could not but admit

to be reasonable. Yet no sooner did the latter, upon perceiving two

French Columns again advancing towards the Farm, exhort them to renewed

courage, and also to a careful economy of the ammunition, than he

received the unanimous reply,--"No man will desert you,--we will fight

and die with you!"

The French, exasperated by the protracted resistance of this handful

of brave defenders, now came on with redoubled fury. The open end of

the Great Barn was first assailed. Again they succeeded in setting

the building on fire; but the Germans, having recourse to the same

expedient as on the previous occasion, again contrived to extinguish

the flames. BARING's anxiety and uneasiness increased with every

shot that was fired by his men; and he again sent to the rear for

ammunition, coupling his demand with a distinct report, that he

must and would abandon the place should no supply be forthcoming.

This message, however, proved equally ineffectual. The fire of

the garrison was gradually diminishing: perplexity was depicted

in every countenance: many of the men now called out urgently for

ammunition,--"We will readily stand by you, but we must have the means

of defending ourselves!" Even their Officers, who during the whole day

had displayed the greatest courage, represented to their Commander the

impossibility of retaining the Post under such circumstances.

The French, who failed not to observe the distressing situation to

which the defenders were reduced, now boldly broke in the door at that

end of the long western building which is nearest to the entrance of

the Great Barn, already so frequently assailed. The passage from the

door through the building into the Farm yard having been barricaded,

but few of the Enemy could enter at a time. These were instantly

bayoneted, and the rear hesitated to follow. They now climbed up the

outer wall of the long building, and mounted the roof, from which they

easily picked off the defenders; who, not possessing the means of

retaliation, were completely at their mercy. At the same time, they

pressed in through the open Barn, which it was impossible to defend any

longer. BARING was now reduced to the painful necessity of abandoning

the place, and gave the Order to retire through the Dwelling House

into the Garden. Many of the men were overtaken in the narrow passage

through the House by the victors, who vented their fury upon them in

the lowest abuse and most brutal treatment.

BARING having satisfied himself that the possession of the Dwelling

House by the Enemy must render the Garden quite untenable; and finding

that his Officers fully agreed with him on this point, he made the

men retire, singly, to the main position. The greater part of them,

accompanied by their brave but disconsolate Commander, descended into

the high road by an opening in the bank adjoining the north-east angle

of the Garden, and retired along the opposite side of the _chaussée_.

BARING sent back to their respective Regiments the remains of the

reinforcements he had received; and, with the few men that were left

of his own Battalion, he attached himself to two Companies of the 1st

Light Battalion of the King's German Legion, which were then posted in

the hollow way close to the right of the high road.

The surrender of La Haye Sainte, under the circumstances which have

been described, was as purely honourable, as its defence against

an overwhelming and furious host had been heroically brave. A

thorough conviction that further resistance must have been marked

by the sacrifice of the entire remnant of his courageous band at

once suggested to the mind of a Commander like BARING, gifted with

the requisite discernment and forethought of a true soldier, the

reservation of such gallant spirits for some other part of the great

contest; in which they might yet face their enemies, if not on equal

terms, at least in a manner that would render their bravery and

devotion not altogether unavailable in the general struggle for victory.

* * * * *

Loud and reiterated shouts of triumph having announced to the French

Emperor the capture of La Haye Sainte; he immediately ordered it to be

followed up by a vigorous attack upon the Centre of the Anglo-Allied

Line, and by a simultaneous renewal of the assault upon Hougomont.

It was quite evident to NEY, that without an additional force of

Infantry, it would be impossible for him to follow up, with effect, the

advantage which he anticipated from the capture of La Haye Sainte. The

Cavalry, which NAPOLEON had placed at his disposal, had been nearly

annihilated in the course of its numerous attacks upon the Anglo-Allied

Line,--attacks executed throughout with the greatest gallantry, but

unproductive of any solid or decisive result upon a single point of

that Line. If this Arm, comprising the flower of the chivalric Cavalry

of France, had failed him when it sallied forth, gaily exulting in the

freshness of its vigour, proudly conscious of the imposing attitude of

its masses, and unrestrainedly impatient for the onslaught which was to

exalt still more its already high renown; how could he calculate upon

its efficacy, now that it was comparatively paralyzed?

The state to which his Infantry was reduced presented a prospect almost

as cheerless. D'ERLON's Corps, severely crippled by its signally

unsuccessful attack upon the Anglo-Allied Left Wing and Centre, had

still further exhausted its force by repeated assaults against La Haye

Sainte, on its left; and, since the arrival of BÜLOW, it had been

compelled to resort to active precautionary measures on its right.

On the other hand, REILLE's Corps had suffered immense losses in its

incessant, yet unavailing, efforts to gain possession of the important

Post of Hougomont.

But NEY, _le plus brave des braves_, in whose character resolution

and perseverance were pre-eminent, was not to be deterred by this

discouraging aspect, from fulfilling, to the best of his abilities,

the task imposed upon him by his Imperial Master. There can be but

little doubt that at the time he made his urgent demand upon the

Emperor for a fresh supply of Infantry, he had projected an assault

upon the Anglo-Allied Right Wing, in accordance with that prominent

feature in the tactics of the Empire,--the Column of Attack in mass

of Battalions--to be supported by his Cavalry, whilst this Arm still

continued vigorous and effective. Now, however, his exhausted means

precluded the execution of such a plan of attack; and he therefore had

recourse, as far as was practicable with his reduced extent of force,

to another system, which had been attended with so much success in the

time of the Republic, and which had always found great favour with

the French soldiery--the grand attack _en Tirailleurs_. In this way

he would be better enabled to conceal the weakened condition of his

troops; and he might also succeed in making such an impression upon

some important point of the Allied Line, as would induce the Emperor

to seize upon the advantage gained, and, launching forth his Reserve,

strike the decisive blow.

The whole of DONZELOT's Division, supported by a part of ALIX's

Division, as also a considerable body of _Cuirassiers_, forming the

gallant remnants of entire Regiments, were put in motion against the

Centre of the Anglo-Allied Line; whilst fresh reinforcements were

poured down from REILLE's Corps into the Hougomont inclosures.

The first disposition made by the captors of La Haye Sainte, was to

avail themselves of the advantage which the possession of the Farm

House, the Garden, and the adjacent high bank, afforded them for

pouring a commanding fire upon the two Companies of the 95th British

Rifles which occupied the Knoll by the Sand Pit on the opposite side of

the road; when these, being at the same time pressed in front, finding

their Post no longer tenable, retreated upon their main body in the

Wavre road.

The French at the same time contrived to push two guns round by the

Garden hedge to the bank of the high road, and immediately opened

a fire of grape upon KEMPT's Brigade posted along, and in rear of,

the Wavre road, on the opposite side of the _chaussée_; but this was

speedily silenced by the 1st Battalion of the 95th British Rifles, who,

taking a deliberate aim at the Artillerymen, destroyed them before they

could discharge a second round.

There then issued from under cover of the Farm, a large body of

Infantry, which, as it ascended the main ridge, spread out into a very

close Line of Skirmishers, who pressed boldly forward against the Left

of ALTEN's Division. Their concentrated fire was telling fearfully upon

the devoted Squares. ALTEN sent an Order to OMPTEDA to deploy one of

his Battalions, if practicable, and advance against the Enemy.

OMPTEDA, as brave and high minded a soldier as ever graced the

profession of arms, was quite prepared to execute the Order: but being

fully aware, from previous observation, that in the hollow behind the

curtain formed by the _Tirailleurs_ there lay in wait a body of the

Enemy's Cavalry; he felt it his duty to represent the imminent risk

which was likely to attend such a movement.

At this moment of hesitation, the Prince of ORANGE rode up to OMPTEDA

and ordered him to deploy. The latter respectfully submitted the

same opinion he had before expressed to ALTEN's messenger; whereupon

his Royal Highness became impatient, repeated the Order, and forbade

further reply. OMPTEDA, with the true spirit of a soldier, instantly

deployed the 5th Line Battalion, placed himself at its head, and

gallantly led it against the mass of _Tirailleurs_, who had continued

to crowd forward; and under whose teazing fire the Germans displayed

the greatest steadiness and bravery. The French gave way as the Line

advanced at the charge; and as it approached the Garden of La Haye

Sainte, they suddenly and rapidly sought shelter along the hedges. In

the next moment, the Battalion was furiously assailed by a Regiment of

_Cuirassiers_; who, taking the Line in its Right Flank, fairly rolled

it up. This Cavalry charge, preconcerted with great skill, and executed

with amazing rapidity, proved awfully destructive to the courageous but

unfortunate Germans; and fully, and fatally, confirmed the truth of the

unheeded prediction of their intrepid Commander. So severe was the loss

sustained, that out of the whole Battalion, not more than about thirty

men with a few Officers were gradually collected in the hollow way

that lay along the front of the Left of the Brigade. Amongst the slain

was OMPTEDA himself, who with his followers, thus fell a sacrifice to

the absence of that precaution, the necessity for which he had vainly

endeavoured to impress upon his superior Officer.

Whilst the French _Cuirassiers_ were cutting and stabbing in all

directions, and completing their work of destruction amidst the

unfortunate Germans; the 95th British Rifles, who, from the other

side of the high road, had been attentive observers of the scene, had

already taken aim at the _Cuirassiers_, but had refrained from firing,

fearing to injure their friends, at length poured in amongst them a

terrific volley, just at the very moment when the 3rd Hussars of the

King's German Legion advanced to the rescue of their compatriots: which

sent both sides flying, and completely cleared the front of OMPTEDA's

Brigade.

Shortly afterwards the 3rd Hussars again advanced: but the Support of

the _Cuirassiers_ having, in the mean time, ascended the slope: the

former, so inferior in numbers, were brought to a stand; and, after a

brief struggle, were compelled to withdraw.

A mass of _Tirailleurs_ now ascended by their left, from the hollow

westward of La Haye Sainte (in which hollow they could assemble in

comparative security since the capture of that Post by the French),

and pushed forward with great boldness against the Advanced Square of

MAITLAND's British Brigade, formed by the 3rd Battalion of the 1st

Foot Guards. Their fire, concentrated upon the Square and maintained

with astonishing rapidity and vigour, was most galling to the British

Guards. Also upon their left, another portion of their numbers poured a

destructive fire upon the Left Square of ADAM's Brigade, formed by the

2nd Battalion of the 95th Rifles.

MAITLAND, perceiving the serious annoyance which his 3rd Battalion

experienced from the fire of the French Skirmishers, directed

Lieutenant Colonel D'OYLEY, who commanded it, to advance for the

purpose of dislodging them; and being well aware that some of the

Enemy's Cavalry were drawn up near the foot of the slope, he threw the

flank faces of the Square into sections, in which order the Battalion

moved forward, being thus prepared to reform Square with the greatest

expedition. Under a tremendous fire from the opposite French Batteries,

which had perceived this movement, the Guards gallantly drove the

Skirmishers down the slope; and so marked was their steadiness on

this occasion, that a body of French Cavalry, which was now observed

approaching, struck with the promptitude and precision with which the

gaps caused in their ranks by the round shot were closed, neither

assaulted them in their advance nor molested them in their retreat to

their position on the brow of the hill, which was effected in perfect

order. The Cavalry, though it refrained from attacking, received the

fire of the Guards; and then, dashing along the front of the 52nd

Regiment, it exposed itself to another vigorous fire by which it was

nearly destroyed.

Of all the troops comprising the Anglo-Allied Army at Waterloo, the

most exposed to the fierce onslaught of the French Cavalry and to the

continuous cannonade of their Artillery, were the two British Squares

posted, during a very great portion of the Battle, in advance--at

times, considerably so--of the narrow road which ran along the crest

of the Duke's position. They consisted of the 3rd Battalion of the

1st Guards, belonging to MAITLAND's Brigade; and of the 30th and 73rd

Regiments acting together as one Corps, belonging to HALKETT's Brigade.

It was upon these troops that fell the first burst of the grand Cavalry

attacks; and it was upon these troops, also, that the French Gunners

seldom neglected to pour their destructive missiles, so long as they

continued to constitute, by their exposed position, such prominent

marks for their fire.

An attack upon the Square of the Guards by Skirmishers has just been

described; and it was not long after this that the Square of the 30th

and 73rd was attacked by some French Artillery, which trotted boldly up

the slope directly in front of those Regiments, and having approached

within a fearfully short distance, unlimbered two of its guns, from

which several rounds of grape were discharged in rapid succession,

into the very heart of the Square. Awful gaps were made in its devoted

ranks; but the readiness and alacrity with which they were filled up,

at the commands of their Officers, by men prepared to share the same

fate as that which had befallen their predecessors, was truly heroic.

That an occasional murmur broke forth, cannot be denied--not, however,

at their exposed situation, but at the stern refusal to allow them to

charge the guns; near which the French Cavalry was hovering, ready to

take advantage of any such attempt.

The Duke was frequently an eye witness of this devotedness of his

soldiers; but when asked for support, his reply was that there was

none to spare; or, if for permission to attack, that this could not be

granted; and, if any intimation were made to him that it might become

necessary to fall back a little out of fire, it was met, in a cool and

decided tone, that every man must stand his ground, and that there must

not even be a semblance of retreat.

* * * * *

The reinforcements from REILLE's Corps having moved to Hougomont,

the Skirmishers in and around this Post were relieved upon all

points. The Wood, as also the fences on either flank, soon swarmed

with _Tirailleurs_; and the brisk rattle of musketry that followed,

intermingled with shouts of "_En avant!_", seemed to betoken a

determination on the part of the French that the capture of La Haye

Sainte should not be their only triumph achieved in front of the

Anglo-Allied Army. Everywhere the assault was bravely met by the

gallant defenders of the Post. The Flank Companies of the Guards,

within the walls and buildings, held at defiance every attempt of

their assailants to dislodge them from their cover. By this time, all

the outhouses were on fire, with the exception of those that fronted

the Wood. The roof and upper storey of the Château had fallen in, and

flames continued bursting forth on all sides with the greatest fury.

The heat had become so intense as to produce upon the men whose duty

brought them within its influence, a feeling of suffocation; while the

frequently emitted volumes of thick smoke gave an indistinctness to

every object around them. Yet so admirable was the system of defence,

so perfect were the discipline and the order, maintained throughout

this trying scene by the devoted garrison, that the Enemy completely

failed in forcing an opening at any one point. The well maintained

fire from the walls was such as to deter the French from attempting an

escalade.

Whilst the central portion of the TIRAILLEURS kept up an incessant

fire from behind the hedge and trees facing the south buildings and

the Gardens, the remainder pressed on in crowds against the inclosures

by which the Post was flanked. On the right, the 2nd Battalion of the

Coldstream Guards, lining the hedge that bordered the main approach to

the Château, successfully withstood this furious onset. On the left,

the 2nd Battalion of the 3rd Guards, in the Orchard, having suffered

such frightful losses, found it impossible to stem the overwhelming

torrent, and speedily fell back upon its friendly hollow way. The

French _Tirailleurs_, pushing forward in pursuit, were staggered by

the sudden and vigorous fire opened upon them by the troops within the

eastern Garden Wall; and the 3rd Guards having, in the mean time, been

reinforced by the 2nd Line Battalion and the Light Companies of du

Plat's Brigade, drove the Enemy back to the front hedge of the

Orchard; whence they were shortly, in their turn, compelled to retire.

Again the flank fire from the eastern Garden Wall, combined with that

in front from the defenders of the Orchard, as they reached the rear

hedge, compelled the Enemy to fall back. The 3rd Guards once more lined

the front hedge; and also, in conjunction with the Light Troops of DU

PLAT's Brigade, and the remains of both the Brunswick Advanced Guard

Battalion, and the 1st Battalion of the 2nd Regiment of Nassau, forced

the entrance into the Wood near the south-east angle of the Garden

Wall, and firmly established themselves in that quarter.

At the commencement of this last mentioned attack upon Hougomont, the

Right of ADAM's Brigade was considered too near the inclosures of that

Post, and exposed to be taken from thence in flank. It was therefore

withdrawn further up the slope, towards the crest of the main position;

and after a brief interval, it retired to the reverse slope in order to

be covered from the Enemy's cannonade which had been directed against

it.

* * * * *

It was now nearly seven o'clock. The troops defending Hougomont and

its inclosures had succeeded in repelling the last assault; and the

contest in and around this Post again degenerated into a _tiraillade_

kept up with more or less vigour on all points. Along the front of the

extreme Right of the Anglo-Allied Line, the Skirmishers from MITCHELL's

British Infantry Brigade maintained their ground with great steadiness

and gallantry. The main body of the Brunswick Infantry stood on the

interior slope, in rear of ADAM's Brigade; and CHASSÉ's Dutch-Belgian

Infantry Division, which had arrived from Braine l'Alleud, was deployed

along, and in rear of, the Nivelles road, its Centre intersected by the

narrow road leading from the _chaussée_ to the Village of Merbe Braine,

which position it had taken up on the advance of ADAM's Brigade to the

general Front Line. In front of the Anglo-Allied Left, the Skirmishers

of both Armies were continually engaged; and upon the extreme Left

the troops in Smohain, La Haye, Papelotte, and adjacent inclosures,

successfully resisted all attempts of the Enemy to dislodge them.

The attack upon the Centre of the Anglo-Allied Line had been incessant

from the moment La Haye Sainte fell into the possession of the French.

On their left of the Charleroi road, they debouched from that Farm and

ascended the position in clouds of Skirmishers. One portion of them

crowded upon the artificial mound which abutted upon the high bank

of the road, and was situated about sixty yards only in front of the

hollow way occupied by OMPTEDA's Brigade. On the opposite side of the

Charleroi road, the fire from the French troops on the Knoll above the

Sand Pit was maintained with remarkable rapidity and perseverance. They

continued, as before, to conceal themselves as much as possible under

the brow of the Knoll, exposing only so much of their bodies as was

necessary to enable them to fire over its crest in a kneeling position.

This fire was replied to with the greatest spirit and determination on

the part of KEMPT's and LAMBERT's Brigades. On the Allied right of the

high road, the exhausted remnant of OMPTEDA's Brigade was no longer a

match for the daring _Tirailleurs_ that crowded together in its front.

Its stock of ammunition had begun to fail; many who had not a cartridge

left fell to the rear, and more than the usual number assisted the

wounded out of action.

Exposed as ALTEN's Division had been to the most furious assaults of

Artillery, Cavalry, and Infantry; the British and German Brigades of

which it was composed had become awfully diminished; and the facility

which the possession of La Haye Sainte now afforded the French for

continuing their desperate endeavours to force that part of the Allied

Line, rendered the situation of these troops extremely critical. ALTEN,

who had throughout the day displayed the same coolness, intrepidity,

and skill, which had characterised his career in the Peninsular War;

and who, by his presence and example, had so powerfully sustained the

energies of his men, was not permitted to witness the closing scene

of their glorious exertions: for about this time he was wounded, and

compelled to quit the Field; leaving the command of the Division to his

gallant countryman KIELMANSEGGE.

At a short distance in rear of LAMBERT's Brigade stood that of PACK

(with the exception of the 1st Royal Scots, then in Front Line), in

Contiguous Columns at quarter distance, its Right resting on the high

road; while further to the rear, as a Reserve, was posted VINCKE's

Hanoverian Brigade, having two of its Battalions, Hameln and Gifhorn,

in contiguous Close Columns on the left of the road, and the other

Battalions, Piene and Hildesheim, in a similar formation, on the right

of the road, near the Farm of Mont St Jean.

The pertinacity and zeal displayed by the French in their attacks upon

the Centre of the Anglo-Allied Line, and the indications now manifested

of following them up with increased force, were in accordance with

NAPOLEON's great object of breaking that Centre, and overthrowing the

Right Wing of the Duke's Army: and for the execution of this latter

part of his plan, he was preparing to strike another formidable blow;

even now that the Prussians were fairly _aux prises_ with the troops

constituting the extreme Right of his Army in and around Planchenoit.

But previously to entering into the subject of the concluding scene

of the struggle between the Anglo-Allied and French Armies, it will

be necessary to revert to the operations of the Prussian Forces,

in order to arrive at a full and comprehensive development and due

interconnection of all the leading features and various bearings of the

great Battle, the result of which was to determine the issue of the

Campaign in Belgium.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 12: Two different causes have been assigned for the

non-compliance with Major BARING's requisitions for ammunition;

namely, the interception of the communication between the Post and

the main Line and the difficulty in procuring _rifle_ ammunition. The

first appears scarcely tenable; for, although the communication was

frequently cut off by the French, as they passed by the Farm when

attacking the main position, it was as frequently open and available.

This is sufficiently proved by the different reinforcements that were

sent into the Farm: ammunition might have been escorted thither with

equal facility; and yet BARING had made three distinct applications for

a supply _before_ the Nassau Detachment was added to his force. The

difficulty of procuring _rifle_ ammunition certainly appears a more

probable cause; but, even in this case, it is impossible to overlook

the circumstance that the Post in question was immediately in front of

the Brigade to which its defenders belonged, and of which two out of

the four Battalions composing it were armed with rifles.

Since the above was written it has been communicated to me from

Hanover, upon excellent authority, that the cause of Major BARING not

having been supplied with ammunition arose from the circumstance, that

there existed only one cart with rifle ammunition for the two Light

Battalions of the King's German Legion; and that this cart was involved

in the precipitate retreat of a great part of the baggage, &c., and

thrown into a ditch.]