It was during the fierce and desperate conflict just described as
having taken place in the Centre of the Anglo-Allied Line, that the
French Imperial Guard moved forward to the attack; and this was the
signal for the simultaneous advance of all the disposable Battalions of
D'ERLON's and REILLE's Corps.
In the preliminary pause which occurred in the fire from the French
Batteries, from the first moment of the advance until the Columns had
sufficiently descended from the Heights to be below the range of their
guns, the thunder of BÜLOW's Artillery upon the French extreme Right,
and of the guns brought to bear against it, was so distinctly audible
that NAPOLEON, apprehending its evil effects upon the troops on whose
bravery, discipline, and devotion, his fate now hung, despatched Aides
de Camp along the Line to spread the false intelligence of the arrival
of GROUCHY; and to declare that it now required but a little firmness
to secure the victory to which they were advancing. The loud shouts
with which this announcement was received by the troops, who had then
descended below the range of the guns, were speedily drowned in the
roar that burst forth from the entire Line of the French Batteries.
The effects of this terrific cannonade upon the skeleton ranks of the
Allied Front Line, combined with the aspect of the advancing hosts,
tended not in the slightest degree to shake that noble and unequalled
courage with which the British and German troops had hitherto sustained
every assault. The scene of havoc and devastation which met their view
as they looked around them, the constant ravages which they had been
destined passively to endure for so many hours, their ranks repeatedly
torn open and their Files scattered asunder, as shot and shell plunged
in amongst them,--all conduced to excite in the breasts of men of such
impenetrable mould a feeling of exultation and relief, as they observed
the approach of the Enemy's Infantry, and panted for the long wished
for moment when they might grapple with their deadly foe at close
quarters, in a hand to hand encounter. Most fully did they realise the
expectations entertained of them by their Enemy, but admirer, the brave
General FOY; who had felt it his duty, prior to the commencement of the
Battle, to declare to the Emperor, that His Majesty had an Infantry
opposed to him which he had never known to yield.
The French troops, perceiving their whole Front Line in motion, felt
conscious that the final struggle was at hand, and assured that the
varied fortunes of the day were to be wound up by some splendid
triumph. The Guard proudly took the lead in this grand attack--that
sacred cohort, whose glory had ever shone conspicuously when a
great crisis summoned forth those energies by which its valour and
its prowess had acquired for it imperishable renown. The greatest
enthusiasm reigned amidst the devoted defenders of the Imperial
diadem; which was now to be strengthened by the fame of their renowned
successes, and adorned with fresh wreaths of never fading laurels.
NAPOLEON, nervously anxious to strain to its utmost tension, the
daring spirit and high resolve which animated his troops, galloped
forward to the inner gentle slope of the eminence on the left of the
Charleroi road, which, overlooking the Farm of La Haye Sainte, formed
the most prominent point of his whole Line, and by which was to pass
the leading Column of the Guard, there to strengthen, by the magic
spell of his immediate presence, the link which bound their fortunes
to his own fate, and to the destiny of the Empire. As they approached,
he pointed significantly to the Allied position; a gesture which drew
forth renewed shouts of "_Vive l'Empereur!_" The fond regards which he
seemed to cast upon these, his old and tried campaigners, and the air
of confidence he assumed, as he contemplated their advance; rivetted
upon him the affectionate gaze of the devoted band, to hundreds of whom
it proved the last look upon the idol for whom they were to sacrifice
their lives.
At this time, D'ERLON's Corps presented an advance of Columns in
_echelon_ between the Charleroi road and its Right Flank which was
engaged with the Prussians: whilst REILLE's Corps, descending in
Columns, some into the Wood, others into the inclosures on the right,
and some also still more to the right, outside of Hougomont, and close
upon the Centre of the Line, seemed bent upon carrying that Post by
main force; and upon seconding, with one mighty effort, the main attack
by the Imperial Guard. This general advance of Columns was preceded by
a host of Skirmishers, whose Line spreading along the valley in front
of D'ERLON's Corps, gradually became engaged with the Light Troops of
the Left Wing of the Anglo-Allied Army; and the sudden impulse given
to the rattle of musketry in the Wood of Hougomont betokened that the
brave defenders of this Post were already engaged in a renewed and
desperate struggle for the maintenance of its possession.
The French Skirmishers between the Wood of Hougomont and the extreme
Left of their Army, continued to maintain a desultory warfare with
the Allied Light Troops in the front, consisting of the 3rd Regiment
of British Guards, the Light Companies of the 14th and 23rd British
Regiments, and six Companies of the 51st British Regiment.
PIRÉ's Light Cavalry Brigade was still in the position it had occupied
upon the extreme Left of the French Front Line, having a few Vedettes
thrown out; which were narrowly watched by those belonging to Captain
WODEHOUSE's Squadron of the 15th British Hussars.
* * * * *
As the leading Column of the Imperial Guard began to ascend the
slightly inclined tongue of ground that projects from that part of the
ridge of the Duke's position in rear of the crest of which MAITLAND's
Brigade of Guards was lying down at the time, it became very much
exposed to the concentrated fire from nearly all the Batteries of the
Anglo-Allied Right Wing, by which the most frightful havoc was dealt
amidst its devoted ranks. The Line of Skirmishers which preceded it,
now pushed rapidly and boldly forward up to the very summit of the
Duke's position; for the purpose both of concealing by their veil of
smoke the precise direction of the advance of the Columns, and of
driving away the Artillerymen from their guns by the fire of which the
Guard was suffering so severely.
Notwithstanding the terrible havoc made in the ranks of the leading
Column of the Imperial Guard, it continued its advance in admirable
order and with the greatest enthusiasm. Several of its superior
Officers placed themselves at its head. NEY's horse having been
shot under him; he drew his sword, and chivalrously led the way on
foot, sustaining to the last his appropriate and well earned _nom
de guerre--le plus brave des braves_. General FRIANT, who commanded
the Grenadiers, fell severely wounded. General MICHEL, Colonel _en
second_ of the _Chasseurs_, was killed a few moments afterwards. The
fall of the latter occasioned some hesitation--the 1st Battalion of
the 3rd Regiment of Grenadiers halted; but at the call of General
PORET DE MORVAN, who commanded it, it renewed its advance at the _pas
de charge_, amidst loud shouts of "_Vive l'Empereur!_" As the Column
neared the rise of ground which constituted the highest point of the
ridge occupied by the Right Wing of the Duke's Line, it gradually
passed the line of fire hitherto directed upon it by the greater
portion of the Batteries on the British right of that point.
WELLINGTON rode up to the British Foot Battery posted on the immediate
right of MAITLAND's Brigade of Guards, with its own Right thrown
somewhat forward, and addressing himself to an Artillery Officer
(Lieutenant SHARPIN), hastily asked who commanded it. The latter
replied that Captain BOLTON having just been killed, it was now under
the command of Captain NAPIER. The Duke then said, "Tell him to keep
a look out to his left, for the French will soon be with him." The
message had scarcely been communicated when the bearskin caps of the
leading divisions of the Column of the Imperial Guard appeared just
above the summit of the hill. The cannonade hitherto directed upon
this point from the distant French Batteries, now ceased; but a swarm
of Skirmishers opened a sharp and teasing fire among the British
Gunners. In the next moment, however, they were scattered and driven
back upon the main body by a sudden shower of canister, grape, and
shrapnel shells, poured forth from NAPIER's guns; which now kept up
a terrific fire upon the Column, within a distance of forty or fifty
yards. Nevertheless the French Guards continued to advance. They had
now topped the summit. To the astonishment of the Officers who were
at their head, there appeared in their immediate front no direct
impediment to their further advance. They could only distinguish dimly
through the smoke extending from NAPIER's Battery, the cocked hats
of a few mounted Officers; little imagining, probably, that the most
prominent of these was the great Duke himself. Pressing boldly forward,
they had arrived within fifty paces of the spot on which the British
Guards were lying down, when WELLINGTON gave the talismanic call--"Up,
Guards; make ready!" and ordered MAITLAND to attack. It was a moment of
thrilling excitement. The British Guards springing up so suddenly in a
most compact four deep line, appeared to the French as if starting out
of the ground. The latter, with their high bonnets, as they crowned the
summit of the ridge, appeared to the British, through the smoky haze,
like a Corps of giants bearing down upon them.
The British Guards instantly opened their fire with a tremendous
volley, thrown in with amazing coolness, deliberation, and precision.
An oblique fire was also poured in among them from the 33rd and 69th
British Regiments, which HALKETT had most promptly and judiciously
pushed forward to the immediate Left of the Guards at this critical
moment. The head of the Column became, as it were, convulsed by the
shock, and nearly the entire mass staggered under the effect. In
less than a single minute more than three hundred of these brave old
warriors fell, to rise no more. But the high spirit and innate valour
which actuated the mass were not to be subdued by a first repulse.
Its Officers, placing themselves conspicuously in its Front and on
its Flanks, called aloud, waved their swords; and, by encouraging
words and gestures, commenced a deployment in order to acquire a more
extended front. But the head of the Column being continually shattered
and driven back upon the mass, by the well sustained and rapidly
destructive fire by which it was assailed within so extremely limited
a space, this attempt altogether failed. The Front of the Column was
becoming momentarily more disordered and broken up; men were turning
round and disappearing by the Flanks, whilst others in the rear began
firing over the heads of those before them.
The confusion into which the French Guards had now been thrown became
manifest. The Duke ordered MAITLAND to charge; whilst, at the same
instant, the gallant Lord SALTOUN, equally alive to the real situation
of the Column, called out, "Now's the time, my boys!" The Brigade
sprang forward, with a loud cheer, to the charge. Numbers of the French
Guards nearest to the British, threw down their arms and knapsacks, and
dispersed. The Flanks began rapidly to spread out; and then the mass
partaking more generally of the panic, appeared as if rent asunder by
some invisible power.
During the advance of the attacking Column of the Imperial Guard, one
of its Battalions had moved out from the mass to its right (probably
for the better security of that Flank from any attempt that might be
made to molest it from the dip or hollow on that side of the projecting
tongue of ground along which the main attack had proceeded), and
took a direction which brought it immediately in front of HALKETT's
Left Wing, consisting of the shattered remnants of the 30th and 73rd
British Regiments, formed in a four deep line, scarcely exceeding,
if equalling, in extent (such had been their losses), the front of
the approaching Column. The order in which this Column advanced was
admirable. Its formation was undisturbed by the fire of Artillery,
of which Arm there was none in this part of the Field in working
condition; and, as it pressed on with the compactness and regularity of
a parade movement, it appeared at the same time to be animated with
the best spirit. Presently the Column halted and fired; and, in return,
received a well directed volley; after delivering which, the 30th and
73rd Regiments ported arms, and, with a loud cheer, dashed forward at
the charge. On reaching the ground where they expected to meet the
French Guards, they were greatly astonished at discovering, through the
clearing smoke, that their recent opponents were flying in a mass.
At this moment, Major VAN DER SMISSEN's Dutch-Belgian Horse Battery,
which had just come up by the right of HALKETT's Brigade, opened upon
them a terrific fire from which they suffered immensely.
The British Guards had continued their charge some distance down the
slope of the hill; when MAITLAND perceived the Second attacking Column
of the Imperial Guard advancing on his right, and exposing his Brigade
to the imminent risk of being turned on that flank. He accordingly
resolved to face about the Right Wing of his Brigade, and to give the
words, "Halt, front," as soon as he had got his Line parallel with the
front of the advancing Column. This manoeuvre was executed with great
regularity and precision by the Right Wing, with which MAITLAND was
immediately present, and which he had well in hand. But amidst their
victorious shouts, and the noise of the firing of cannon and other
arms, the command was imperfectly understood by the Left Wing: and the
first sense of danger led to a cry of "Form Square" being passed along
their Line, it being naturally assumed that the Enemy's Cavalry would
take advantage of their isolated position; which, however, was not the
case. The Flanks of the 3rd Battalion, of which this Left Wing was
composed, gave way as if to form Square. SALTOUN conspicuously exerted
himself in endeavouring to rectify the mistake, but in vain; and the
whole of the Battalion went to the rear.
The confusion in which they retired was unavoidable; but it was not
the confusion consequent upon either defeat or panic: it resulted
simply from a misunderstanding of the command; and no greater or more
distinguished proof could be afforded of the excellent order, cool
self-possession, and admirable discipline of these troops, than the
steadiness, alacrity, and intelligence with which, upon regaining
the crest of the ridge, they obeyed the command then given of "Halt,
front, form up;" mechanically resuming their four deep formation, and
instantly darting forward at the double quick, to their proper place
on the left of the 2nd Battalion, so that the whole Brigade was now in
one steady and compact Line; parallel with the front of the advancing
Second attacking Column of the Imperial Guard.
How marked a contrast did such conduct on the part of the British
Guards, who thus, in the Battle's front, so gloriously upheld their
country's honour, offer to that of a considerable body of the Allied
troops then posted in Second Line as their Support! D'AUBREMÉ's
Infantry Brigade of CHASSÉ's Dutch-Belgian Division, which, as before
stated, had been moved into the space in rear of MAITLAND's Brigade,
previously occupied by the Brunswickers, was now formed into three
large Squares, of two Battalions each. These troops, on hearing the
loud shouts of the Second advancing Column of the French Imperial
Guard--of that very Column which had been moving in rear of the British
Guards while the latter were retiring from their triumphant charge
towards their original position--became so unsteady, and evinced so
decided a disposition to quit their ranks, that VANDELEUR, whose
Brigade of British Light Dragoons was at this time drawn up in their
rear, deemed it advisable to close his Squadron intervals, the better
to impede their contemplated retreat; and was induced, along with his
Major of Brigade, Major CHILDERS of the 16th Light Dragoons, Captain
TOMKINSON of the same Regiment, and several of his Officers, on
perceiving that the Squares were on the point of giving way, to dart
forward and endeavour, partly by menaces, and partly by exhortations,
to induce them to maintain their ground. The Dutch-Belgian Officers
exerted themselves in restoring order and confidence; but their men
were evidently bent upon abandoning their position in this part of the
Field. Between them and the attacking Column intervened the crest of
the main ridge, occupied by the Duke's First Line; the latter holding
out to them a bright example of perfect discipline, of unflinching
steadiness, and patient endurance. Of the attacking Column itself they
could see absolutely nothing; but its shouts alone seemed sufficient
to scare them off the ground! Besides, they had but just entered the
immediate Field of Action, and had not hitherto been engaged with the
Enemy; whereas the British Brigade of Guards had been exposed during
eight hours to an incessant cannonade, and to numerous and desperate
attacks of both Cavalry and Infantry. Of such materials was composed
the Duke's Second Line in rear of the main point of attack by the
French Army at this, the most critical moment of the whole Battle!
* * * * *
The Second attacking Column of the French Imperial Guard, which,
as before explained, had been formed in the hollow adjacent to the
south-east angle of the Hougomont inclosures, advanced in a line
parallel with, and at a very short distance from, the hedge forming
the eastern boundary. On reaching the foot of the British position,
however, the Column diverged a little to its right, either to take
advantage of a slight undulation of the ground which seemed to offer
a partial cover from the tremendous fire of Artillery that continued
to pour upon it, or solely for the purpose of directing its advance
upon the point at which it perceived the First attacking Column
was engaged, and at which it might be better enabled to follow up
any success that Column might obtain. Between the heads of the two
attacking Columns there was a distance, during their advance, of from
ten to twelve minutes' march. Whether this difference in the time of
their movement was intentional, or arose from a misunderstanding in the
conveyance of Orders, or from any other accident, is uncertain; but it
is quite evident that, by forming two separate attacks, they subjected
themselves to the imminent risk of being defeated in detail--a risk
which, as will be presently shown, was speedily converted into a
reality.
[Illustration]
The Second, like the First, Column of Attack, advanced with great
boldness, and in excellent order, and appeared animated by the best
possible spirit. Its Left Front was covered by a cloud of Skirmishers,
in order to conceal its movement as much as possible from the view
of the British Line. The Battalions of ADAM's Brigade threw out each
a Company for the purpose of checking them. During the advance of
the Column, and more especially as it descended the gentle declivity
eastward of the Great Orchard of Hougomont, it suffered severely from
the British cannonade. So destructive indeed had been the fire from
some of the British Batteries on the right of MAITLAND's Brigade,
from the commencement of the advance of the Imperial Guard, that
the French were at length induced suddenly to push forward a body
of _Cuirassiers_ to endeavour to silence these guns. In this they
partially succeeded; the _Cuirassiers_ having gallantly charged one of
the Batteries, and forced the Gunners to seek shelter in the rear of
the Infantry--driving in, at the same time, the Skirmishers of the 2nd
Battalion of the 95th Regiment, and those of the 52nd Regiment. They
were checked, however, by the to them sudden and unexpected appearance
of ADAM's Brigade, which had just been moved, in its four deep line,
close up to the narrow road that runs along the summit of the ridge.
The 52nd Regiment, which was more directly opposed to them, came down
to the "Prepare for Cavalry!"
As a renewal of the attack seemed probable, a Squadron of the 23rd
British Light Dragoons, under Captain Cox, was detached across the
ridge, down the outer slope, towards the Great Orchard; from the rear
of which it charged the _Cuirassiers_ as they advanced again towards
the guns, overcame them, and pursued them across the plain, far in rear
of the Second attacking Column of the Imperial Guard, until it fell
into a fire thrown out upon it from the head of a French Column of
Infantry, by which its Files were scattered, and the whole compelled to
make a hasty retreat towards the Allied position.
Had the Second Column of Attack continued in the original direction
of its advance, it would have come upon the centre of ADAM's Brigade:
but having, as it began to ascend the exterior slope of the main
ridge of the Allied position, slightly diverged to its right, as
before observed, by following the direction of a very gentle hollow,
constituting the re-entering angle formed by the tongue of ground
that projected from the front of MAITLAND's Brigade, and that part of
the ridge occupied by ADAM's Brigade, it, in some degree, lent its
Left Flank to the latter. This circumstance was not only observed,
but had been in a great measure anticipated, by Lieutenant Colonel
Sir JOHN COLBORNE, commanding the 52nd Regiment, an Officer of great
repute in the British Army. He had been watching with intense anxiety
the progress of the Enemy's Column; and, seizing the most favourable
moment, he, without Orders, and upon his own responsibility, wheeled
the Left Company of the 52nd to the left, and then formed the remainder
of the Regiment upon that Company, for the purpose of bringing its
front nearly parallel with the Flank of the French Column. At this
moment ADAM rode up, and asked COLBORNE what he was going to do; to
which the latter replied, "to make that Column feel our fire." ADAM,
approving of this, ordered COLBORNE to move on; and galloped off to
bring up his Right Regiment, the 71st.
The Duke, who had just seen MAITLAND's Brigade reformed and posted in
the best order, parallel with the front of the attacking Column, was at
this moment stationed on the right of NAPIER's Battery. He despatched
an Aide de Camp (Major the Hon. HENRY PERCY) to direct Sir HENRY
CLINTON to advance and attack the Imperial Guard: but a single glance
at COLBORNE's forward movement satisfied him that his intention had
been anticipated; and he immediately pushed forward the 2nd Battalion
of the 95th Regiment to the left of the 52nd.
The head of the French Column had by this time nearly reached the brow
of the ridge, its front covering almost the whole of NAPIER's Battery,
and a portion of the extreme Right of MAITLAND's Brigade. It was still
gallantly pressing forward, in defiance of the most galling fire
poured into its front by the Battery and by the British Guards, when
the sudden and imposing appearance of the four deep line of the 52nd
Regiment bearing directly towards its Left Flank in the most admirable
and compact order imaginable, caused it to halt. In the next instant,
wheeling up its Left Sections, it opened a rapid and destructive fire
from the entire length of its Left Flank against the 52nd Regiment.
COLBORNE, having brought his Line parallel to the Flank of the Imperial
Guard, also halted, and poured a deadly fire into the mass; and, almost
at the same moment, the rifles of the 2nd Battalion 95th Regiment, then
coming up on the left, were levelled and discharged with unerring aim
into the more advanced portion of the Column. The 71st Regiment was,
at this time, rapidly advancing on the right, to complete the Brigade
movement.
COLBORNE, eager fully to carry out his projected Flank Attack upon
the Enemy's Column, caused his men to cease firing, and then gave the
command, "Charge! charge!" It was answered by three hearty British
cheers that rose distinctly above the shouts of "_Vive l'Empereur!_",
and the now straggling and unsteady fire from the Column. The 2nd
Battalion 95th Regiment hastened to join in the charge on the left.
The movement was remarkable for the order, the steadiness, the
resoluteness, and the daring, by which it was characterised. The Column
of the Imperial Guard, which already seemed to reel to and fro under
the effect of the front and flank fire which had been so successfully
brought to bear upon it, was evidently in consternation as it beheld
the close advance of ADAM's Brigade. Some daring spirits--and it
contained many within its ranks--still endeavoured to make at least
a show of resistance; but the disorder, which had been rapidly
increasing, now became uncontrollable: and this Second Column of the
Imperial Guard, breaking into the wildest confusion, shared the fate of
the First; with this difference, however, that in consequence of the
combined front and flank fire in which it had been so fatally involved,
and of the unrestrained pursuit which deprived it of the power of
rallying its component parts, it became so thoroughly disjointed
and dispersed that, with the exception of the two rear Battalions
which constituted the 1st Regiment of _Chasseurs_ (Old Guard), it
is extremely doubtful whether any portion of it ever reunited, as a
regularly formed military body, during the brief remaining period of
the Battle--certainly not on the Allied side of La Belle Alliance,
towards which point it directed its retreat.
It is necessary to remark that this Regiment of the Old Guard, which
was commanded by General CAMBRONNE, formed a separate Column of Support
in _echelon_ to, and immediate left rear of, the three Battalions of
the Middle Guard: but so close to each other were the two Columns, that
although an interval was observed between them by ADAM's Brigade when
the latter stood in the general Front Line of the Allied position,
they appeared to it but as one Column, when charged in flank; and
may, to all intents and purposes, be considered as having formed one
general Column of Attack. CAMBRONNE's Battalions, however, forming the
rear of the Column, did not become exposed to the fire from ADAM's
Brigade; inasmuch as neither the 71st Regiment nor the 2nd Battalion
95th Regiment could complete the Brigade flank movement in time to open
a fire upon the mass before the actual charge was commenced. Hence,
although they turned, along with the rest of the Column; yet, unlike
the latter, they retained a considerable degree of order.
Troops could scarcely be placed in a more critical situation than was
this Second attacking Column of the Imperial Guard from the moment it
came to a halt. With its Front immediately facing a Battery within
sixty or seventy yards' distance, the double shotted guns of which
continued ploughing through the mass, and tearing up its ranks; with
its Left Flank faced outwards to repel a formidable attack on that
side, and its Right Flank partially exposed to the oblique fire from
the greater portion of the Line of British Guards; the interior of the
mass, enveloped in smoke, feeling a pressure from both Front and Flank,
and yet perceiving no indication of the means of extricating itself
from so perilous a position, it was truly a most trying moment even to
such veteran warriors as those which constituted the renowned Imperial
Guard of France.
Any attempt at deployment to its right, while thus attacked on its
left, was of course out of the question. Had it continued to advance
until ADAM's Brigade had approached quite close to its Left Flank, the
charge of the latter must have brought it to a stand, and rendered the
efforts of the head of the Column abortive. If, on the other hand,
after having faced altogether to the Left, and converted that Flank
into a compact Line, it had advanced to meet the 52nd Regiment when it
first became aware of this attack, it would still have been exposed on
the right (its previous Front) to the havoc created by NAPIER's guns,
as also to a charge by MAITLAND's Brigade; which by bringing forward
its left shoulders, might have rendered the situation of the Column
so hopeless, as probably to have led to its immediate and unqualified
surrender on the spot.
The dilemma into which these veterans were thus thrown was mainly
attributable to the fatal neglect of not accompanying the Column with
an effective Support of Cavalry. A strong body of the latter on each
Flank, or in its immediate rear, would have secured the Column from
any such Flank Attack as that which so successfully arrested its
progress, and so completely effected its dispersion.
The direction given to ADAM's Line by its "right shoulder forward"
movement having brought it perpendicular to the general front of the
French position, that Officer became naturally anxious for support upon
his Right Flank, to secure the latter from the Enemy's Cavalry; which,
it was to be presumed, would now be brought forward from his Reserve,
since none of it had been employed in immediate support of the last
attack. He urgently requested for this purpose, the aid of troops from
the other part of CLINTON's Division; and Lieutenant Colonel HALKETT,
seeing what was required, immediately advanced with the nearest
Battalion of his Hanoverian Brigade, the Osnabrück Landwehr, in Column
at quarter distance, and close up in right rear of the 71st Regiment.
Thus ADAM's Brigade, maintaining its four deep line, and being flanked
by the Hanoverian Battalion which could form Square at any moment, was
secured against Cavalry.
The confused and disordered mass of the Imperial Guard, from the
first impulse given to it by the flank charge, hastened a short
distance in a direction parallel with that of the Anglo-Allied Line,
and then naturally inclining towards the French position, it fell
into nearly the same track of retreat as that pursued by the First
attacking Column, namely towards the first rise of ground intersected
by the Charleroi road, a little beyond the southern extremity of the
Orchard of La Haye Sainte. As it approached the rear of those Columns
of D'ERLON's Corps, which had been so desperately opposing ALTEN's
Division; the latter became infected with the panic, and commingled
with the flying Guard.
ADAM's Brigade continued its triumphant advance, at first parallel,
for a short distance, to the Allied Line; and then, bringing forward
its left shoulders, swept proudly onward in the direction of the
French Height before mentioned; crowds of fugitives hurrying along and
striving to escape from the pursuing wave that seemed every instant on
the point of engulfing them.
During its advance, the front of ADAM's Brigade was partially crossed
by the Squadron of the 23rd Light Dragoons, under Lieutenant BANNER,
retiring in disorder from its charge. Mistaken for hostile Cavalry,
these Dragoons were unfortunately fired upon by the 52nd Regiment;
and it was not until the foremost of them had fallen close upon the
bayonets, that the error was discovered.
Immediately after this incident, a fire of grape was opened upon the
52nd by three French field pieces in the prolongation of its Right
Flank. This enfilading of the Regiment in its four deep line was
a judicious measure on the part of the French Artillery, and well
calculated to derange the advance of ADAM's Brigade. It was, however,
very gallantly and speedily checked by the wheeling up and advance of
the Right Section of the 52nd, under Lieutenant GAWLER; who succeeded
in driving off the guns, whilst the rest of the Regiment continued its
pursuit.
WELLINGTON, as soon as he saw that the success of the charge by ADAM's
Brigade was so decisive, requested UXBRIDGE immediately to launch
forward some fresh Cavalry to check the probable advance of that of the
Enemy; and to second the efforts of the Infantry in front, by boldly
attacking the French Reserves, which appeared collected in front of La
Belle Alliance, the critical point of NAPOLEON's Line.
Lieutenant Colonel Lord GREENOCK, Assistant Quarter Master General
of the Cavalry, was despatched to VIVIAN with Orders for him to move
his Hussar Brigade to its right from its position in rear of ALTEN's
Division, so as to get clear of the Infantry, and then to advance
directly to the front by the right of MAITLAND's Brigade of Guards.
At the same time, the Duke turned round to order up the nearest
Supports to the space which had been vacated in his Front Line by the
advance of ADAM's Brigade. But what a spectacle met his view! The three
Dutch-Belgian Squares, into which D'AUBREMÉ's Brigade had been formed,
and whose unsteadiness, previously described, had greatly augmented as
the firing and shouting on the exterior slope of the ridge, of which
they could see nothing, became more continuous and intense, were now
in a state bordering on dissolution. The faces of the Squares were
already broken at intervals by groups in the act of abandoning their
ranks; whilst several Officers of VANDELEUR's Brigade, which, as
before observed (see pages 526-527), was drawn up in their rear, were
zealously exerting themselves in endeavouring to induce these troops to
stand fast.
The Duke, observing this, called out, "That's right; tell them the
French are retiring." This intelligence, quickly caught up and spread
through their ranks, had the desired effect of restoring them to order.
They shortly afterwards formed into Columns, and advanced to the Front
Line.
* * * * *
In order to preserve a distinct and connected view of the combined
operations against NAPOLEON, it will be necessary, previously to
describing the General Advance of the Allied Line, consequent upon the
failure of the attack by the French Imperial Guard, to revert to the
movements of the Prussians.
It will be recollected that VIVIAN's, and subsequently VANDELEUR's,
Brigade, quitted the Left of the Anglo-Allied Line, on the approach
of the Advanced Guard of ZIETEN's Corps towards that point. Shortly
before the arrival of these troops, the French Skirmishers in front
of DURUTTE's Division, which constituted the angle of the _potence_
on which stood the extreme Right of NAPOLEON's Army, having been
considerably reinforced, were pushed forward for the purpose of
establishing themselves in the houses and inclosures in the valley
below them; and of impeding, by this means, the connection between
BÜLOW's Corps and the Anglo-Allied Left. The Nassauers, of Prince
BERNHARD of Saxe Weimar's Brigade, fell back from the houses of the
Hamlet of Papelotte; but firmly maintained their ground on the Allied
side of the valley, retaining possession of the Farms of Papelotte
and La Haye. The French Skirmishers, passing further to their right,
pressed on to the Village of Smohain; where they became warmly engaged
with the Prussian troops that had been so judiciously posted in that
quarter.
BLÜCHER, perceiving the Infantry of the Advanced Guard of ZIETEN's
Corps upon the Height above Smohain, sent an Order for its moving
by the shortest way to engage the Enemy in the valley. The Prussian
General MÜFFLING, attached to the Headquarters Staff of the Duke of
WELLINGTON, was at that moment in this vicinity, and gave the requisite
instructions to the Staff Officer sent forward from ZIETEN's Corps.
About this time, the Fifth and Sixth Infantry Brigades, as also the
Reserve Cavalry of PIRCH's Corps, reached the Field, in rear of
BÜLOW. PIRCH, placing himself at the head of his leading Brigade (the
Fifth), immediately conducted it in the direction of Planchenoit;
and, on coming up with the Fourteenth and Sixteenth Brigades, he
began, in conjunction with Colonel HILLER, to make the necessary
dispositions for the Third attack upon that Village. The Sixth Brigade
was ordered to follow as a Reserve; and the attack was to be supported
by a simultaneous advance of the Right Wing of BÜLOW's Corps against
LOBAU's Line, which was exceedingly well drawn up, and exhibited every
indication of making a determined stand. BLÜCHER had despatched an
Order to the Seventh Brigade (of PIRCH's Corps) to move together with
the 4th Kurmark Landwehr Cavalry, upon Maransart, on the south side of
the Lasne, for the purpose of covering his Left Flank. The remaining
Brigade (the Eighth) of PIRCH's Corps, which had been detained in
consequence of the Rear Guard affair near Wavre, received Orders from
PIRCH to quicken its advance.
The Reserve Cavalry of PIRCH's Corps was deployed in three Lines on the
right of the Cavalry of the Fourth Corps. The First Line consisted of
the Pomeranian Hussars and the Brandenburg Hussars; the Second, of the
Silesian Uhlans, two Squadrons of the 6th Neumark Dragoons, and the
Queen's Dragoons; and the Third, of the 5th Kurmark and Elbe Landwehr
Cavalry. These Lines of Cavalry thus occupied the interval between the
Wings of BÜLOW's Corps; and, at the same time, served to impose, by
their display of force, upon the French Cavalry, under DOMON, which was
then in reserve.
BLÜCHER, judging the recapture of Planchenoit to be a most essential
aid in the general operations against the French, as affording the
means not only of turning the Right of LOBAU's Corps, but also of
molesting the Rear of the French Army, and of endangering its main line
of retreat, ordered the immediate advance of the troops destined for
the Third attack upon that Village.
They were formed in the following order:--The 2nd and 3rd Battalions
of the 2nd Regiment (Fifth Brigade) made the attack in the direction of
the Church; the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 5th Westphalian Landwehr,
formed into one, were directed upon the French left of the Village; the
1st Battalion of the 2nd Regiment followed in rear of the central space
between these two Columns; Major WITZLEBEN led the 3rd Battalion of
the 25th Regiment (Fifth Brigade) towards the Heights on the (French)
right of the Village; and the remainder of this Regiment, which had
occupied the outer edge of the Wood of Virère on the left, also
advanced. The 11th Regiment and the 2nd Pomeranian Landwehr, belonging
to the Fourteenth Brigade, and the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 15th
Regiment, with the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 1st Silesian Landwehr,
belonging to the Sixteenth Brigade, followed in support of this attack.
The whole force was disposed in chequered Columns, preceded by a strong
Line of Skirmishers, and covered by the Prussian Batteries on the
Heights in rear.
The Horse Battery, No. 6, posted on the high ground upon the right of
the Wood of Virère, was principally occupied in diverting the fire from
a Horse Battery of the Reserve Artillery of the French Imperial Guard,
which had one half of its guns above the hollow way formed by the road
leading down into Planchenoit from La Maison du Roi, and the other half
detached to an elevated spot in the south part of the Village, whence
it had a commanding view of a considerable portion of the advancing
Columns.
Simultaneously with this Third attack upon Planchenoit, the Thirteenth
and Fifteenth Brigades, which constituted BÜLOW's Right Wing, advanced
against LOBAU's Line, covered by a force of Artillery much superior
to that which the French could bring to bear against them. They
were disposed in chequered Columns of Battalions, in the following
manner:--In Front Line were the 2nd Battalion of the 18th Regiment and
the 3rd Battalion of the 3rd Silesian Landwehr; in the Second Line
were the 1st and 3rd Battalions of the 18th Regiment, the 1st and 2nd
Battalions of the 3rd Silesian Landwehr, and the 1st Battalion of the
10th Regiment; in the Third Line were the three Battalions of the 4th
Silesian Landwehr, and the 2nd Battalion of the 10th Regiment. The
three Battalions of the 3rd Neumark Landwehr followed in reserve.
The Right of this advance was supported by the West Prussian Uhlans and
the 2nd Neumark Landwehr Cavalry.
In the mean time, the First Infantry Brigade of ZIETEN's Corps, having
continued its descent into the valley, passing HACKE's Infantry in
and about Smohain on its left, advanced upon La Haye and Papelotte,
and mistaking the Nassauers for French, through the similarity of
uniform, opened a sharp fire upon them, and drove them from their
Post. The latter at first replied to this fire, which was kept up for
some minutes, killing and wounding on both sides, until the error was
discovered. These troops then began pressing forward, conjointly with
those from Smohain, against the French Skirmishers.
The Advanced Cavalry of ZIETEN's Corps, which had been seen approaching
the Left of WELLINGTON's Line, had now joined. The Brandenburg Dragoons
and Brandenburg Uhlans, drew up in Line in rear of the Wavre road, and
on the immediate Left of BEST's Hanoverian Infantry Brigade. The 1st
Silesian Hussars formed upon the outer slope of the ridge, in rear of
the lane leading from the Wavre road down to Papelotte. The 2nd Kurmark
Landwehr Cavalry drew up in the hollow in the rear of the interval
between the Landwehr Battalions Osterode and Verden of BEST's Brigade.
It was on the ground immediately in front of this interval that
Captain RETTBERG's Hanoverian Foot Battery had been posted throughout
the day: and as the latter had expended the whole of its ammunition, it
withdrew to the rear as the Prussian Horse Battery, No. 7, came up, by
which it was then relieved; and the Prussians opened a cannonade from
this point upon the opposite Heights. The Prussian Foot Battery, No. 7,
quitting the Wavre road, proceeded some way down the outer slope of the
ridge to seek a favourable point whence it could by its fire cover the
advance of the Infantry in the valley.
Such was the general disposition of BLÜCHER's forces relatively with
that of WELLINGTON's Army at the time when the latter had defeated the
attacking Columns of the French Imperial Guard; and was following up
its triumph by boldly assailing the very Centre of NAPOLEON's position,
at which point the latter had collected his sole remaining Reserves.
Perhaps a more comprehensive view of this relative disposition of the
Prussian troops may be afforded by simply stating, by way of a summary,
that the advanced portion of ZIETEN's Corps had joined the Left of
the Allied Line, that part of PIRCH's Corps (including his Reserve
Cavalry) had joined BÜLOW; and that the latter was on the advance--his
Right to attack LOBAU, and his Left to make a Third assault upon
Planchenoit--the French opposed to them evincing, at all points, every
indication of making a firm and determined stand.
* * * * *
We must now resume the detail of the brilliant and decisive
dispositions of the Duke of WELLINGTON, whom we left triumphantly
defeating the French Imperial Guard, and requesting the Earl of
UXBRIDGE to bring forward fresh Cavalry, to aid the advancing Infantry
in taking immediate advantage of the disorder and confusion into which
the Enemy had been thrown by the failure of his last grand attack.
There is not, perhaps, an instance in modern history, in which the
threatening tide of battle, has, through the lightning-like promptitude
of decision, and the energetic application of yet remaining resources,
been so suddenly and powerfully controlled, and so majestically and
irresistibly hurled back, overwhelming all and everything that, in
the previous plenitude of its force it had borne aloft with buoyant
hopes, and carried along exultingly in its course, as it was by the
immortal WELLINGTON in this his last, his crowning, victory. Never did
a battle field present so complete, so magical, a transition of scene
as that which succeeded the defeat of the Imperial Guards of France by
the Guards of the Sovereign of England and the British Light Infantry
Brigade.
The state of the Duke's Army at the time of NAPOLEON's last grand
attack has already been adverted to; but let us glance again, for
a moment, at the awfully diminished numbers, and almost exhausted
energies, of those heroic bands which, in Front Line, had been exposed
to the incessant and concentrated cannonade from a range of Batteries
forming almost the entire arc of which that Line was the chord [_or
rather_ forming the chord of which that Line was the arc]; subjected
to repeated and vigorous attacks of all Arms during so many hours; and
now called upon to resist "to the death" another assault more fierce
and determined than any they had yet encountered--look at the rear
of that Line, and observe the palpable defection in the ranks of an
Ally; whose Contingent, whilst it constituted so great a proportion
of the Duke's entire force, had already afforded too evident proofs
that in a calculation of available resources, its services must be
thrown entirely out of the scale--see, too, at increased intervals,
the wrecks of the British and German Cavalry, with, however, the
fortunate exception of the two Light Brigades so opportunely brought
from the extreme Left to the rear of the menaced point of attack--how
discouraging an aspect, when compared with that of the French Army
advancing to its last grand attack! Is it to be wondered that, at
that moment, doubts as to the issue of the great contest should have
prevailed in the minds even of those who were prepared to support their
noble Chief to the last drop of their blood?
And yet, with such apparently inefficient elements, the bare
contemplation of which might have both weighed down the energies, and
altered the purpose, of another General, did the British Chief not only
successfully defeat this most formidable assault, but finally gain a
signal and resplendent victory. It would, however, be unjust to the
abilities, and to the fame of the Duke, to ascribe such victory solely
to his defeat of the attacking Columns of the Imperial Guard upon his
own position; though such, no doubt, was the foundation upon which he
erected the structure of his final triumph. The nine Battalions of the
Guard, of which the attacking Columns had been composed, were defeated;
but these, it must be borne in mind, constituted but the _Van_ of the
attacking force, which comprised no less than the whole Front Line of
the French Army. D'ERLON's Corps from the right, and REILLE's Corps
from the left, were pouring forth their numerous Columns, the principal
portion of which had already reached more than midway towards the
Allied position, and presented a formidable array; whilst from the
Heights which they had quitted, their Artillery thundered forth as
vigorously, over their heads, upon the exhausted Line of the Allies, as
at any previous period of the Battle.
The four Battalions of the First attacking Column of the Guard
had been rallied with great rapidity by NAPOLEON; and posted on a
commanding eminence, intersected by the Charleroi road in front of
his Centre. Near La Belle Alliance, Reserves had been collected,
principally of Cavalry; and though the latter consisted entirely of
the remains of Corps that had previously suffered great losses, they
might have been wielded with powerful effect against any point at which
the advancing Infantry should succeed in making an impression. Besides
these, there stood on the French extreme Left, a Brigade of Light
Cavalry which had not been engaged during any part of the day, and had
never yet moved out of its position.
On the other hand, too, however glorious the result of the struggle
with the Imperial Guard, it could not but tend to cripple still further
the slender physical means which the Duke yet retained at his disposal.
Victory, hovering over the brave Conquerors of the Imperial Guard,
alighted for a moment at the feet of WELLINGTON; and ere the Goddess
could be scared away by the still threatening countenance of the Enemy,
Britain's Hero secured her favour by the display of that extraordinary
foresight, prompt decision, and unflinching determination which, though
at all times his distinguishing characteristics, now shone forth with
more than ordinary brilliancy. His perfect knowledge of the character
and composition of the French Army plainly told him that a signal
defeat of the Imperial Guard, a force employed only on occasions of
great and critical emergency, would be certain to exercise a powerful
influence upon the _morale_ of the Enemy's troops; but it also told
him that, unless instant advantage were taken of that defeat, unless
it were followed up in such a manner as to render the incipient panic
which it had created, general and uncontrollable, that same Army might,
through the powerful influence and indefatigable exertions of such
men as NAPOLEON and NEY, rapidly recover the shock; D'ERLON's and
REILLE's Columns, although faltering for a moment, might pursue their
advance with determined efforts to regain the footing which the Guard
had lost; the veterans composing the latter force, resolved to avenge
their defeat, might speedily rally, and, with desperate resolution,
renew their attack, aided by a more direct and effective support by the
Cavalry Reserves collected in front of La Belle Alliance.
This view had scarcely passed across the mind of the Duke, when his
decision was fully made. With those critically slender means, to which
allusion has more than once been made, and which in the hands of
many a Commander would have been deemed totally inadequate for even
the maintenance of the position, at such fearful odds, WELLINGTON
determined to compensate for the awfully reduced and exhausted state of
the fighting portion of his troops, and the utter want of confidence
in the remainder, by one of those bold and daring acts, which,
when hazarded at the right moment, carry with them the _prestige_
of conscious superiority, and allow an Enemy no time to discover
deficiencies, or to calculate mischances.
No sooner was the Second attacking Column of the Imperial Guard
defeated and dispersed, than he ordered it to be vigorously pursued,
and the rallied force of the First Column to be attacked, by ADAM's
Brigade; whilst at the same moment he launched forth VIVIAN's Hussar
Brigade against the Cavalry Reserves near La Belle Alliance, before
these had made their dispositions for attack, and even before they had
recovered from the surprise and hesitation which prevailed amongst them
on witnessing the discomfiture of the Guard.
VIVIAN, the moment he received the Order to advance, wheeled his
Brigade, Half Squadrons to the right. Thus the 10th Hussars became
the leading Regiment, the 18th Hussars followed, and the 1st Hussars
of the German Legion, which had stood in Second Line, moved off, as
soon as its front was clear, in rear of the latter Corps. The Brigade
proceeded, at a trot, a short distance in rear of the Infantry, and
parallel to the crest of the position; and, as it approached the
right of MAITLAND's Brigade of Guards, VIVIAN, ordering the leading
Half Squadron to wheel to the left, through NAPIER's Battery, led it
perpendicularly to the front. As the Column thus advanced across the
ridge, in Left Front of VANDELEUR's Light Cavalry Brigade, it was
saluted by the latter with cheers of encouragement; and in a similar
manner by MAITLAND's Brigade of Guards as it passed their Flank. The
smoke lay heavily along the entire position; and especially, at this
moment, over that part of the exterior slope of the ridge on which the
struggle with the French Imperial Guard had taken place, and across
which VIVIAN was now leading his Brigade.
On advancing further, and getting clear of the smoke, he obtained a
more distinct view of the dispositions of the Enemy's forces in his
direct front. A very considerable portion appeared in great confusion;
disordered Columns of Infantry were hurrying back to the main position,
up the slope, on which were numerous stragglers of all Arms, and in
various uniforms, mixed together and retiring in crowds. Guns were
firing from different points to cover the retreat, and the discharge of
musketry in and about Hougomont continued very brisk.
On arriving about midway towards the Enemy's position, well formed
bodies of troops were observed on the French left of La Belle Alliance,
posted as if fully prepared to resist the threatened attack. They
consisted of two Squares of Infantry, with Cavalry and guns formed on
the Flanks and between them. The Cavalry on their left was somewhat
advanced, comprising separate bodies, partially covering one another,
but presenting a general front, and posted on some rising ground about
two hundred yards on the Allied left of the south-east angle of the
Hougomont inclosures. The two Squares here alluded to were the two
Battalions of the Grenadiers of the Old Guard, which had been placed
in reserve of the main attack by that force as previously explained.
The Cavalry on the left was thus disposed--first, on the slope of the
little eminence, a portion of the Lancers of the Imperial Guard; then,
in left rear of the latter, on lower ground, were two Squadrons of the
Dragoons of the Guard, and, in their right rear, two more Squadrons
of the same Corps; in right rear of these again, and on the summit of
the eminence, stood the Brigade of Carabiniers. In rear of these, and
of the Squares themselves, as also on the right of the latter, were
collected the remainder of that portion of the French Cavalry which
had made such repeated attacks upon the Duke's Line during the day.
All these different bodies of Cavalry were but mere wrecks of their
former selves--Regiments, and, in many instances, entire Brigades, were
diminished to less than Squadrons. In the morning, as they came fresh
into the Field, they constituted the flower of the French Cavalry; now,
so severe had been their losses, they presented a mere phantom of their
former splendour.
VIVIAN, as soon as he perceived this disposition of the Enemy's forces
in his immediate front, decided upon forming a Front Line with the
10th and 18th British Hussars, and upon holding the 1st Hussars of
the German Legion in Second Line, in support. For this purpose, and
also with a view to oppose, and, if possible, to turn, the Left of
the Enemy's Cavalry, he made the leading Regiment, the 10th Hussars,
incline to its right.
Shortly afterwards, VIVIAN was joined by Colonel Sir COLIN CAMPBELL
of the Staff, who brought him an Order from the Duke that he was not
to attack before the Infantry came up, unless he felt confident of
success. VIVIAN remarked that as the Allied Infantry in its anxiety
to get on, was probably not in compact order, its safety might be
seriously endangered should it be exposed to a Cavalry attack; and
that, in his opinion, it would be better that not a moment should be
lost on his part in driving off the Cavalry which appeared in his
front. Sir COLIN CAMPBELL coincided in this opinion, and returned to
the Duke.
After the very short pause at the head of the Column, consequent upon
this little discussion, VIVIAN, continuing the advance, ordered the
10th Hussars to form Line on the front Half Squadron, and, at the same
time, sent Orders to his two other Regiments also to form Line on their
leading Half Squadrons respectively, but then to remain in support.
The rapid pace which had been maintained by the head of the Column,
and the incline to the right which had been given to it, required
great activity on the part of the Left Half Squadrons to get up into
Line; and as VIVIAN ordered the charge as soon as the first Squadron
was formed, it was executed not in Line but rather in _echelon_ of
Squadrons, which, under the circumstances of the moment, as will
presently be seen, was the preferable and more desirable formation.
Just as the charge was ordered, the 2nd Light Dragoons of the King's
German Legion, in a Column of Squadrons, which had been detached
from the main position, almost simultaneously with the advance of
VIVIAN's Brigade, came up on the right of the 10th Hussars, and in
a direction rather crossing the front of the latter Regiment, which
had its left thrown somewhat forward whilst the Germans were moving
straight to their front, and directly upon the French Dragoons of the
Guard before mentioned as posted in the hollow on the Allied right of
the eminence on which stood the French Cavalry about to be charged by
VIVIAN's Brigade. The Dragoons at first appeared disposed to resist
the Germans, and received them with a tolerably effective carbine fire
from their rear ranks; but the former charged home, cut down several
of the Enemy's horsemen, and made some prisoners. In following up the
charge, however, the Regiment exposed its Right Flank to a body of
_Cuirassiers_, by which it was thrown into disorder. Lieutenant Colonel
DE JONQUIÈRES, the Commanding Officer, ordered the halt and rally to be
sounded; but in the next moment he was wounded, as was also Lieutenant
Colonel MAYDELL.
[Illustration]
Major FRIEDRICHS, who was next in command, highly distinguished himself
on this occasion by the spirited manner in which he rallied several
of his men together; and as those that had been dispersed, rapidly
placed themselves on his flanks, and thus extended his new Line, he
made another charge, which sent the Enemy's Cavalry about, and put it
to flight. The Regiment then continued moving forward, with proper
caution, along the base of the higher ground on the left, over which
the 10th British Hussars were also charging and advancing.
In the mean time, the latter Regiment made its charge: the Right,
Centre, and Left Squadrons, in rapid succession, dashed in amongst
the French Cavalry posted as before mentioned. The Left Squadron of
the 10th had scarcely closed with the Enemy, before the whole of the
Cavalry on the (French) left of the Squares of the Guard, was in full
flight. VIVIAN, perceiving the complete success of this brilliant
charge, ordered a halt; and then returned as quickly as possible to the
18th Hussars.
After the 10th Hussars had pursued the French Cavalry about two hundred
yards, a body of _Cuirassiers_ charged their Right Squadron, on its
Right Flank, and forced it about a hundred yards away to the left,
whilst the Centre and Left Squadrons not being aware of VIVIAN's Order
to halt continued their pursuit, inclining to their right, under
Lieutenant Colonel Lord ROBERT MANNERS, then commanding the 10th.
Previously to describing the subsequent proceedings of this Brigade, it
is necessary to revert to other matters in order to connect them with
the general disposition of the main Army.
* * * * *
ADAM's Light Infantry Brigade had, in the mean time, been steadily
advancing from the moment of its charge upon the Left Flank of the
Second attacking Column of the French Imperial Guard, sweeping along
the front of the Right Centre of the Anglo-Allied position, and
bringing forward its left shoulders as it neared the Charleroi road, so
that its Left skirted the Orchard of La Haye Sainte. It had now reached
the hollow immediately under the nearest French Height which was
intersected by that road, and upon which the troops that had composed
the first attacking Column of the Guard had been rallied by NAPOLEON,
and formed into three Squares. The 2nd Regiment of _Chasseurs_ of the
Old Guard having formed the extreme Left of the attacking force had
been closely observed by Lieutenant Colonel HALKETT, who continued to
follow it very steadily with the Osnabrück Landwehr Battalion as it
retired towards the high road, inclining to La Belle Alliance.
WELLINGTON, perceiving the confusion in which the Columns of the French
Imperial Guard fell back after the decided failure of their attack--a
confusion which was evidently extending itself with wonderful rapidity
to a vast portion of the troops in their vicinity who witnessed their
discomfiture; remarking also the beautiful advance of VIVIAN's Hussar
Brigade against the French Reserves posted close to La Belle Alliance,
and in the very heart of NAPOLEON's position; as well as the steady and
triumphant march of ADAM's Brigade, which, driving a host of fugitives
before it, had now closely approached the nearest rise of the French
position contiguous to the Charleroi road; finally, observing that
BÜLOW's movement upon Planchenoit had begun to take effect, perceiving
the fire of his cannon, and being also aware that part of a Prussian
Corps had joined his own Left by Ohain,--he ordered a General Advance
of the whole of his Line of Infantry, supported by the Cavalry and
Artillery.
As this long wished for command rapidly passed along the Line, loud
and joyous were the shouts with which it was received. The passive
endurance, not unaccompanied by murmurs, with which the Allied troops
had, during so many hours, withstood the incessant attacks of Cavalry,
Infantry, and Artillery, to which so vast, so awful, a proportion of
their comrades had fallen a sacrifice, now gave place to feelings of
intense exultation, of intoxicating triumph. At the same time, when
they saw that the Advance was general, that the Enemy had retired in
confusion from his last grand attack, and that the Brigades detached
to the front were boldly assailing his Reserves, the conviction
flashed across their minds that if the Duke had hitherto resisted
their demands to be led to the attack, his consummate and unerring
judgement had caused him to defer the advance until that attack could
be undertaken with every probability of success.
Just at this decisive moment, the faint rays of the setting sun shone
forth, and as they struggled to penetrate the almost universal haze
created by the hitherto unremitting volumes of smoke which a close
dense atmosphere appeared incapable of altogether dissipating, they
cast upon the varied and multitudinous objects on the Field, a lurid
light, imparting to them a colouring so strikingly impressive, as
can never be effaced from the memories of those who witnessed that
magnificent Battle scene.
In front of the Line, on the rise occupied by MAITLAND's Brigade of
Guards, stood prominently in view, the great and noble Duke himself,
his hat raised high in air, as the signal for the commencement of the
General Advance; leaders in front of their Divisions and Brigades,
appearing, by their animated gestures, to take their tone from their
great Chieftain; unfurled Colours raised aloft, proudly displaying
their shattered remnants; drums, bugles, trumpets, sending forth their
warlike sounds to commingle with the enthusiastic and tumultuous
cheering of the troops; Artillerymen occupied in working out their
guns from the soft soil in which they had become so deeply imbedded;
Squadrons and Supports pressing forward to gain the ridge, as this
became vacated by the First Line, to behold, and participate in, the
glorious triumph; numerous isolated Soldiers, hurrying on, wherever
they could be spared from attending the wounded, to join their ranks,
and share in the inspiring excitement of such a moment; in the
distance, in front, the retiring masses of the French, intermingled
with crowds of fugitives of all Arms, mounted and dismounted; far
away to the left, the dark Columns of the Prussians, and the smoke
ascending from their Batteries; on the right, and somewhat in advance,
the dense vapour still slowly circling upwards from the glowing embers
of Hougomont, assuming a reddish glare as it floated over the heads of
the brave defenders of that Post of Honour;--all appeared to the eyes
of the beholder illumined, as it were, by a light partaking rather of
the supernatural, than of the ordinary effects of sunshine. It was of
brief duration. The sun sank rapidly below the horizon, and if the
gorgeous colouring which departed with it had been congenial to the
exhilarated feelings of the victors; so, in an equal degree, must the
succeeding twilight, rendered still more gloomy by a clouded sky, have
toned in with the dejected and gloomy spirits of the vanquished. With
these there prevailed no other sentiments than those of a vexed and
mortified perplexity, or an extreme dismay. The panic which had set
in was extending itself wildly and speedily throughout the Line, and
despondency was depicted in every countenance.
The Duke galloped off to ADAM's Brigade, which was then in the valley
immediately below the Height on which the three Squares of the French
Guard were posted; and as these appeared inclined to make a stand,
he ordered ADAM to attack them. The latter, however, suggested to
his Grace that as the Brigade, in consequence of its rapid advance
over the heavy soil in the valley, encumbered as the latter was with
dead and dying men and horses, both singly and in heaps, had become
somewhat loose in its formation, it might be advisable to halt it, to
allow the Files to close in. This was accordingly done. But after a
few moments only had elapsed, the Duke said, "They won't stand--better
attack them;" and being at the time close to the Colours of the centre
Regiment (the 52nd), he called out, "Go on, COLBORNE, go on!"
* * * * *
Colonel Sir COLIN CAMPBELL now rejoined the Duke, and explained the
grounds upon which VIVIAN had decided upon attacking the French Cavalry
Reserves: on learning which Lord UXBRIDGE, who was present, determined
upon personally leading the attack with the Hussars, and participating
in the final and decisive triumph of the British Cavalry; and was on
the point of darting off to that part of the Field, when his intentions
were suddenly frustrated by a grape shot from a Battery on the Height
above him striking and severely wounding his right leg.
Reluctantly compelled to desist from further exertion, this gallant and
noble warrior, who had so bravely, so chivalrously, so skilfully, and
so successfully, led the British Cavalry throughout the day, had still
the satisfaction of feeling and knowing that although not permitted to
witness the closing triumph of that branch of the Service of which he
was at once the Chief, the ornament, and pride, he had well and truly
performed his duty to his Sovereign and his country. He was supported
for some moments by Sir COLIN CAMPBELL, and shortly afterwards, with
the assistance of a party of the 23rd Light Dragoons, carried into the
high road, along which he was borne to Waterloo; and, when subsequently
undergoing, at that Village, the necessary operation of amputation,
so great were the satisfaction and contentment which had been wrought
in his mind as he calmly reflected on the brilliant exploits that had
marked the arduous and varied struggle, that observing the anxious and
compassionate looks of his friends around his couch, he exclaimed, "Who
would not lose a leg for such a victory?"
Seldom indeed has a Cavalry Chief more distinguished himself in the
Field than did the Earl of UXBRIDGE on this great day. As he flew from
one point to another, now boldly rushing into the fight at the head
of a glorious charge, then skilfully covering a retreat under the
pressure of overpowering numbers; here zealously endeavouring by his
own personal example to stimulate and rouse into action the lukewarm
energies of an Ally; there collecting and rallying, for further
high emprize, the remnants of the devoted bands of his own nation;
restlessly vigilant in watching and preparing for the manoeuvres of a
renowned and powerful Cavalry, admirably appointed and equipped, and
led by a KELLERMANN, a GUYOT, and a LEFÈBVRE DESNOUETTES; evincing the
most cool and resolute confidence in the prowess of his followers, as
he dashed forward either to break asunder the combined advance of the
Enemy's masses, or to follow up the advantage already gained by the
Allied Infantry--he seemed to blend and embody in his own character, in
a pre-eminent degree, the heroic valour of ancient chivalry with the
skilled address of modern Cavalry tacticians.
* * * * *
As ADAM's Brigade ascended the hill, in compliance with WELLINGTON's
Orders, to charge the French Squares, it was received with a heavy
fire from their Front and Flanks. The Duke being at this time close to
the centre of the advancing Line, against which point this fire was
principally directed, incurred great personal risk; and as the shot
flew fast and thick about him, Sir COLIN CAMPBELL said to him, "This is
no place for you--you had better move."
To this the Duke replied, "I will when I see those fellows off." On the
near and imposing approach of the Brigade, in the attitude of charging,
the Imperial Guard ceased firing, faced to the rear, and commenced a
retreat by word of command.
As they withdrew, his Grace rode up the valley in the direction of his
right front, and came upon the plain, on which VIVIAN was successfully
attacking the French Reserves.
* * * * *
The gallant charge made by the 10th Hussars upon the French Cavalry
posted in its right front, has already been described.
After ordering the halt and rally, VIVIAN galloped towards the 18th
Hussars, which Regiment he found well formed in Line, and in perfect
order. In its front stood the two Squares of the Grenadiers of the Old
Guard: in its left front, and much nearer to it, were posted Artillery
and Cavalry, in advance of the proper Right of the Squares. This
Cavalry consisted principally of _Cuirassiers_--the wrecks of entire
Brigades. Nearer to, and partly in rear of, the Squares, stood the
_Chasseurs_ and _Grenadiers à Cheval_ of the Imperial Guard, greatly
reduced in numbers.
It was immediately evident to VIVIAN that the attack must in the first
instance be directed against the Advanced Cavalry and Artillery; and
having put the Line in motion, he placed himself in front of the
Centre, beside Lieutenant Colonel the Hon. HENRY MURRAY, the Commanding
Officer, for the purpose of putting the Regiment into the required
direction. This having been effected, he ordered the charge; when the
Hussars dashed forward with the greatest impetuosity, and, at the
same time, with as much steadiness and regularity as if they had been
at Field Day exercise on Hounslow Heath. Thus, the direction of the
charge by the 18th diverged as much to the left, as that by the 10th
had inclined to the right. Just as the charge commenced, some French
Artillery coming from their right and slanting towards the right
of the 18th, made a bold push to cross the front of the latter at a
gallop. But the attempt failed, and the Hussars were instantly among
them, cutting down the Artillerymen and Drivers, and securing the guns.
In the next moment they fell upon the Advanced Cavalry, which they
completely dispersed; and then, bringing forward their left shoulders,
they attacked the Cavalry and guns that stood more to the right front,
and near to the Right Square, which was now retiring. This Cavalry
appeared, at first, determined upon making a stand; and an Officer in
its front dashed forward, and fired at Lieutenant Colonel MURRAY; but,
in another moment, the 18th were fiercely and dexterously plying their
swords amongst them. They were forced to give way, the Artillerymen
were driven from their guns, and the whole fled in disorder.
The charge then ceased to be compact, for the assailants and the flying
were intermingled pell mell; all riding as fast as the confusion of
the _mêlée_ would permit; a part of them along the high road, but
the principal portion on the Allied right of the latter; the whole,
however, passing by La Belle Alliance, and leaving the two Squares of
the Guard on their right.
VIVIAN, satisfied with the complete success of the charge, ordered the
Regiment to halt and reform; whilst he proceeded himself to bring up
the 1st Hussars of the Legion, which Corps he had left in reserve.
On his way he found Major the Hon. FREDERICK HOWARD, with the Right
Squadron of the 10th Hussars, which, as before stated (see page 552),
had been driven to the left by a charge of _Cuirassiers_. This Squadron
stood forward within a short distance of the Left Square of the
Grenadiers of the Guard, from the fire of which it was losing men fast.
VIVIAN doubted for a moment how far it might be advisable to attack
the Square; but perceiving an Infantry Regiment in red advancing on his
left, and calculating on its immediately charging the face and angle
of the Square next to it, he ordered Major HOWARD to charge the face
and angle to which he was opposed. This was executed with the greatest
gallantry and determination. VIVIAN himself joined in the charge, on
the right of the Squadron. The Hussars charged home to the bayonets of
the French Guard, and a fierce conflict ensued. Major HOWARD was killed
at the head of his men. He was shot in the mouth, and fell senseless
to the ground; when one of the Imperial Guard stepped out of the
ranks, and brutally beat his head with the butt end of his musket. Two
other Officers, Lieutenants ARNOLD and BACON, were wounded. Lieutenant
GUNNING was killed immediately previous to the attack. The Regiment
of Infantry, however, did not charge, as VIVIAN had expected; but
continued pursuing a separate Column in its own immediate front on the
high road.
Although the Square, a very strong one, cannot be said to have been
broken by the shock, for the veteran Soldiers of whom it was composed
knew too well their power of resistance against such a handful of
horsemen; still the manner in which the latter, notwithstanding the
rapid diminution of their number, continued cutting at the ranks,
parrying bayonet thrusts, and pertinaciously pressing on, reflects
the highest credit on the 10th British Hussars. The men fought with
desperation; maddened probably by the fall of their Officers.
The Square, yielding to the pressure, continued to fall back until it
reached the hollow way formed by the narrow road that leads from the
_chaussée_ in rear of La Belle Alliance, towards the Left of the French
position. Into this the Guard hastily descended in confusion, and
escaping by either outlet, mingled with the host of fugitives hurrying
along the general line of retreat of the French Army.
In the mean time, the remainder of the 10th Hussars, consisting of
the Left and Centre Squadrons, that had, in the course of the first
charge, crossed over to the right of the rise of ground on which the
French Reserve Cavalry had been posted, had continued its course,
under Lord ROBERT MANNERS, down into the valley, south-east of the
Hougomont inclosures. The routed Cavalry spread out in the utmost
confusion--_Cuirassiers_, of an almost gigantic size, galloped as hard
as they could; and numbers tumbled off their horses to save themselves.
The Hussars now came upon retiring Infantry that appeared seized with
a panic as their routed Cavalry dashed past them--the large bearskin
caps, worn by several of them, betokened a portion of the Imperial
Guard--they commenced throwing down their arms, numbers of them loudly
calling out "_Pardon!_"
Then crossing the same narrow road, before mentioned as leading from La
Belle Alliance to the Left of the French position (but on the Allied
right of the hollow way by which the Square of the Guard effected its
escape), the Hussars brought up their right shoulders, and ascended the
Height in rear of the hollow road. Upon the slope of the Hill, about
half a Battalion of the French Guard had rallied and formed, with some
Cavalry close behind them, and opened a sharp fire upon the 10th. Part
of the 18th Hussars, at this time, reached the hollow way, an obstacle,
however, which rendered _their_ attack wholly impracticable. Lord
ROBERT MANNERS halted for a minute, when within about forty paces from
them, to allow his men to form up. He then gave a cheer and charged;
when the Imperial Guard and the Cavalry instantly turned and fled: the
greater portion of the former throwing themselves down, and many of the
latter tumbling off their horses.
The Hussars pursued up to the brow of the hill: on the further, or
south, side of which was a deep hollow; and beyond this a Knoll (on
the Allied right of the Charleroi road and nearly opposite DE COSTER's
house) upon which another Square of Infantry had formed, and appeared
very steady.
At this time a party of the 18th Hussars--not more than from thirty to
thirty five men--continuing the charge, before described, close along
the right of La Belle Alliance and Trimotion, and crossing the narrow
road near its junction with the Charleroi road, dashed down the hollow,
and ascending the Height above mentioned, charged the Square in most
gallant style; but, as might have been expected, was checked and turned
by the latter.
Lord ROBERT MANNERS and Captain TAYLOR had rallied a party of the 10th
Hussars, with a view to support the 18th, should these be charged in
their turn; which however did not occur.
The two last mentioned Regiments had, by this time, been thrown so much
into disorder by their charges, that it became necessary to check their
further advance, in order to gain time for collecting and reforming
their ranks. Although this measure was supported by the coming up of
the 1st Hussars of the Legion to take post in front of the Brigade, and
was also rendered secure by the advance, on the right, of VANDELEUR's
Brigade (which had come up on VIVIAN's right, and between him and the
inclosures of Hougomont, in Column of Squadrons, at the moment he was
preparing to charge the Square of the Imperial Guard with the party of
the 10th Hussars under Major HOWARD); still the rallying and reforming
of those two Regiments was attended with considerable difficulty,
inasmuch as they had become completely intermingled with the fugitives.
* * * * *
It is now necessary to recur to ADAM's Brigade, which we left
advancing, and driving before it, near the Charleroi road, the three
Squares of the Guard that had retired as it approached to charge them.
It will be recollected that, upon the Brigade first advancing from the
Allied position, Lieutenant Colonel HALKETT followed it in immediate
rear of its Right Flank, with the Osnabrück Battalion of Hanoverian
Landwehr. When ADAM reached the three Squares above mentioned, HALKETT,
having the shortest space of ground to move over, soon came up in
Line with the Brigade, still pursuing the Column formed by the two
Battalions of _Chasseurs_ of the Old Guard. The Osnabrückers having
then become much annoyed by a fire that opened upon them obliquely from
a French Battery within a very short distance of their right, their 1st
Company broke into subdivisions and, supported by the Sharpshooters of
the Battalion, made a dash at the Artillery, and captured six guns.
During the greater part of the advance, they had been in almost close
contact with the Column formed by the two Battalions of _Chasseurs_ of
the Old Guard; and HALKETT frequently called out to them to surrender.
Having for some short time fixed his eye upon an individual whom he
took to be the General Officer in command of the Guard, from his being
in full uniform, and from the animation he displayed in his endeavours
to induce his men to stand their ground; and observing that the Column,
after receiving the fire of the Osnabrückers, left the General with
two Officers in its rear, he ordered the Sharpshooters to dash on,
whilst he, at the same time darted forward at full gallop to attack the
General. When he had come up with him, and was about to cut him down;
the latter called out that he would surrender.
CAMBRONNE, for he it was, then preceded HALKETT as he returned to the
Hanoverian Battalion; but had not gone many paces before HALKETT's
horse was wounded, and fell to the ground. In a few seconds, however,
HALKETT succeeded in getting him on his legs again, when he found that
his prisoner was escaping in the direction of the French Column: he
instantly overtook him, seized him by the _aiguilette_, brought him to
the Battalion, and gave him in charge to a Serjeant of the Osnabrückers
who was to deliver him to the Duke.
ADAM's Brigade had by this time crossed to the opposite side of
the Charleroi road, and, bringing forward its left shoulders, was
continuing its advance, in pursuit of the defeated Squares, in a
direction parallel with that road; whilst HALKETT, by continuing on the
inner flank, and following the Battalions of the _Chasseurs_ of the Old
Guard, had got somewhat in advance, or rather, in right front of that
Brigade; and had, shortly before, reached the immediate vicinity of
that part of the Field on which VIVIAN was in the act of preparing to
charge the Square of the Grenadiers of the Old Guard with the Squadron
of the 10th Hussars under Major HOWARD. The Osnabrückers will here be
recognised as the Regiment of Allied Infantry already alluded to in the
description given of that Charge.
ADAM, after his repulse of the three Squares of the Imperial Guard,
perceiving that he was so much in front of the main Line of the
Anglo-Allied Army, and not being aware of VIVIAN's advance, had become
apprehensive of an attack upon his Right Flank; and he therefore
desired his Brigade Major, Major BLAIR, to proceed in the prolongation
of his Right Flank, and observe whether there was any threatening
appearance of the Enemy's Cavalry in that quarter. The latter, pursuing
his errand, met the Duke of WELLINGTON moving at a quick pace, followed
by a single individual, to whom Major BLAIR addressed himself, but who
immediately checked him by remarking, "_Monsieur, je ne parle pas un
seul mot d'Anglais!_" Major BLAIR then explained to him, in French,
the Order he had received, to which he replied, "_Le Duc lui même a
été voir; il n'y a rien à craindre_;" whereupon the former returned to
ADAM, with this satisfactory information.
Here, then, was the great Chieftain himself, still in the Battle's
front, vigilantly watching, and eagerly seizing advantage of, the
course of events; braving every peril, and acting solely upon his own
personal observation; his Staff, and even Orderlies, almost all killed
or wounded; the very few that remained untouched, carrying messages;
his only attendant, a foreigner (Major Count DE SALES, a Sardinian
Officer), attached to his suite!
It is impossible not to recognise in the extraordinary degree of
security with which this great man so fearlessly exposed himself
throughout the entire day, the protecting interposition of an all wise
and merciful Providence. At this moment, too, he was not only upon
the track of his great antagonist; but, in all probability, within
the shortest distance that ever separated these wonderful men from
each other: the one, alone, and in front of his advancing Line, borne
forward on the wings of victory, and upheld by the knowledge of his
might and the fulness of his glory; the other, seeking shelter amidst
his devoted, yet broken and dispirited, cohorts; abandoning himself to
despair, and flying from the fatal Field on which the sceptre he had
usurped was signally and irrecoverably struck from his iron grasp.