FOOTNOTES:[10]The Dutch-Belgians having been posted in Line on the exterior slope, where, from the circumstance of their having been the only Troops of the Anglo-Allied Left Wing so distinctly visible to the Enemy, they became exposed in an especial manner to the destructive effects of the formidable array of French Batteries, which continued playing over the heads of the attacking columns. The losses ofBylandt's Brigade on the 16th had already thinned, and in a measure disorganised, its ranks; but those which it suffered on this occasion were terrific, and the numerous gaps that so rapidly presented themselves along the Line, as well as the number of superior Officers that were observed to fall, could scarcely fail to produce a prejudicial effect among these raw troops. Their confidence in their own power of resistance had also been very considerably shaken, by the circumstance of their having been deployed in a two-deep Line; instead of having been allowed to assume the three-deep formation to which they had previously been accustomed. In this affair,Perponcherhad two horses shot under him.Bylandtwas wounded, as were also ColonelVan Zuylen van Nyefelt, Lieutenant ColonelWestenbergwho commanded the 5th Battalion of Dutch Militia, and several other Officers.Had the British soldiers been fully aware of all these circumstances, their feelings would assuredly not have been so greatly roused against the Dutch-Belgians as they were on this particular occasion. But they had neither time nor opportunity for reflection. They only saw the hurried and confused retreat; and this, at such a moment, would have equally exasperated them, had the troops so retiring been British.ThatPicton, who could perceive all that was passing along the exterior slope, should have given vent to his irritation in the remark he made to CaptainTyler, is more surprising; but it must be borne in mind, that his habitual reliance upon his own British infantry, with which he felt that he could attempt anything, usually led him to make but little allowance for the failure or discomfiture of troops in general under almost any circumstances.[11]SirWilliam Ponsonby's Brigade was thus designated from the circumstance of its having consisted of an English Regiment, the Royals; a Scotch Regiment, the Greys; and an Irish Regiment, the Inniskillings.
FOOTNOTES:
[10]The Dutch-Belgians having been posted in Line on the exterior slope, where, from the circumstance of their having been the only Troops of the Anglo-Allied Left Wing so distinctly visible to the Enemy, they became exposed in an especial manner to the destructive effects of the formidable array of French Batteries, which continued playing over the heads of the attacking columns. The losses ofBylandt's Brigade on the 16th had already thinned, and in a measure disorganised, its ranks; but those which it suffered on this occasion were terrific, and the numerous gaps that so rapidly presented themselves along the Line, as well as the number of superior Officers that were observed to fall, could scarcely fail to produce a prejudicial effect among these raw troops. Their confidence in their own power of resistance had also been very considerably shaken, by the circumstance of their having been deployed in a two-deep Line; instead of having been allowed to assume the three-deep formation to which they had previously been accustomed. In this affair,Perponcherhad two horses shot under him.Bylandtwas wounded, as were also ColonelVan Zuylen van Nyefelt, Lieutenant ColonelWestenbergwho commanded the 5th Battalion of Dutch Militia, and several other Officers.Had the British soldiers been fully aware of all these circumstances, their feelings would assuredly not have been so greatly roused against the Dutch-Belgians as they were on this particular occasion. But they had neither time nor opportunity for reflection. They only saw the hurried and confused retreat; and this, at such a moment, would have equally exasperated them, had the troops so retiring been British.ThatPicton, who could perceive all that was passing along the exterior slope, should have given vent to his irritation in the remark he made to CaptainTyler, is more surprising; but it must be borne in mind, that his habitual reliance upon his own British infantry, with which he felt that he could attempt anything, usually led him to make but little allowance for the failure or discomfiture of troops in general under almost any circumstances.
[10]The Dutch-Belgians having been posted in Line on the exterior slope, where, from the circumstance of their having been the only Troops of the Anglo-Allied Left Wing so distinctly visible to the Enemy, they became exposed in an especial manner to the destructive effects of the formidable array of French Batteries, which continued playing over the heads of the attacking columns. The losses ofBylandt's Brigade on the 16th had already thinned, and in a measure disorganised, its ranks; but those which it suffered on this occasion were terrific, and the numerous gaps that so rapidly presented themselves along the Line, as well as the number of superior Officers that were observed to fall, could scarcely fail to produce a prejudicial effect among these raw troops. Their confidence in their own power of resistance had also been very considerably shaken, by the circumstance of their having been deployed in a two-deep Line; instead of having been allowed to assume the three-deep formation to which they had previously been accustomed. In this affair,Perponcherhad two horses shot under him.Bylandtwas wounded, as were also ColonelVan Zuylen van Nyefelt, Lieutenant ColonelWestenbergwho commanded the 5th Battalion of Dutch Militia, and several other Officers.
Had the British soldiers been fully aware of all these circumstances, their feelings would assuredly not have been so greatly roused against the Dutch-Belgians as they were on this particular occasion. But they had neither time nor opportunity for reflection. They only saw the hurried and confused retreat; and this, at such a moment, would have equally exasperated them, had the troops so retiring been British.
ThatPicton, who could perceive all that was passing along the exterior slope, should have given vent to his irritation in the remark he made to CaptainTyler, is more surprising; but it must be borne in mind, that his habitual reliance upon his own British infantry, with which he felt that he could attempt anything, usually led him to make but little allowance for the failure or discomfiture of troops in general under almost any circumstances.
[11]SirWilliam Ponsonby's Brigade was thus designated from the circumstance of its having consisted of an English Regiment, the Royals; a Scotch Regiment, the Greys; and an Irish Regiment, the Inniskillings.
[11]SirWilliam Ponsonby's Brigade was thus designated from the circumstance of its having consisted of an English Regiment, the Royals; a Scotch Regiment, the Greys; and an Irish Regiment, the Inniskillings.
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 bothJerome's andFoy'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 ofByng'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 frontby the retreating party, formed under cover of the hollow way by which that rear hedge is bounded.
It was about two o'clock whenByng, perceiving the increased pressure upon the troops in the Orchard, and the great diminution which had taken place in their numbers, desired ColonelHepburn, who commanded the 2nd Battalion of the 3rd Foot Guards, to move down the slope with the remainder of his men as a reinforcement. ColonelHepburnon reaching the hollow way found it occupied by LordSaltounwith 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 rejoinedMaitland's Brigade.
After a short time,Hepburnand 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 ofWellington'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 asKellermann'sCuirassiershad 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 wasBachelu's Division, which had fallen back a little after the failure ofd'Erlon's attack, to which it had acted as a Reserve. Lieutenant ColonelVigoureux, of the 30th British Regiment, who commanded these Light Troops ofAlten'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 CaptainCleeves, 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 CaptainCleeves'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 immensenumber 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,Bachelusoon 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.
Bachelunow took post again, upon the right ofFoy, leaving a considerable interval between his Division and the Charleroi road.
Foiled in his varied and repeated attacks upon Hougomont,Napoleonhad 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 ofhumanity 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 overthrownand 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 sinceReille'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.
Napoleonalso contemplated a more important diversion, by causing a demonstration to be made withPiré's Light Cavalry againstWellington's Right Flank.
In pursuance of this plan, renewed efforts were made by the attacking force against Hougomont; and two Columns fromDonzelot's Division descended upon La Haye Sainte.
Meanwhile, MajorBaringhaving 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 LordUxbridge's attention to that point; and the latter immediately despatchedGrant, 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 fromDörnberg's Brigade, towards Braine l'Alleud, for the purpose both offacilitating the attack, by manœuvring 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.
cap
Ney
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,Neywas making his preparatory dispositions with the Cavalry whichNapoleonhad desired him to launch against the Anglo-Allied Right Wing.
He first formed for attack,Milhaud's Corps ofCuirassiers, consisting of twenty four Squadrons; and directedLefèbvre Desnouette's Light Cavalry Division of the Guard, comprising seven Squadrons of Lancers and twelve Squadrons ofChasseurs, to follow and support—in all forty three Squadrons—constituting a magnificent array of gallant horsemen. As they began to advance, the First Line, ofCuirassiers, 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 theChasseursof the Guard, in their rich costume of green and gold, with fur trimmed pelissesà 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 abovethem, the Rear Lines obliqued to the left on the advance, and becameechelonnedto 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 cladCuirassiers, 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 ofWellingtonhimself, 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. TheCuirassiers, 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 andChasseursof the Guard. These troops, carried away by the enthusiasm of themoment 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 byByng'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 theChasseursof 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 achevaux 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 manœuvre 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 generallyen 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 afterencountering 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 wasNey'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 ofCuirassierswhilst the latter was advancing against the 1st Regiment of Dutch Carabiniers, by which it was then attacked in front—Triphimself leading—drove both theCuirassiersand 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 CaptainBolton'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 theSquares 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 ofHalkett'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 formedup, 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 ofSomerset'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 ofHalkett's British Infantry Brigade; ofTrip'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 fromBolton'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 penetratedto the open space on their left. With great presence of mind and admirable promptitude, MajorReizenstein, 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, MajorBaring, 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 ColonelHepburn, 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 PrinceBernhardof 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 CaptainWodehouse, 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 toNey's attack, sent an Order toKellermannto advance for that purpose, with his Corps of Heavy Cavalry, consisting of the two Divisions commanded byL'HeritierandRoussel d'Urbal, and comprising (at the commencement of the Battle) seven Squadrons of Dragoons, eleven Squadrons ofCuirassiers, and six Squadrons of Carabiniers. In the mean time,Ney, with a similar object in view, had ordered forwardGuyot'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 thatGrantwas in the act of withdrawing, as before explained, from the extreme Right.
Guyot's Division of the Guard having been placed byNapoleonatNey'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 whetherNapoleon, after having sent forwardKellermann'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 countermandedKellermann'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 whichencouraged 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 ofWellingtonthe 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 confidencewas 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, whichNeyhad 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 andinaccessible. 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,Granthad 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 ofCuirassiers, 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; werecompelled 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 oftheir 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 ofCuirassiers, 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 theabatiswhich had been thrown across the road near the head of the Avenue leading to Hougomont. Captain Ross, being thus prepared, also fired upon theCuirassiers; whereupon their Commanding Officer, finding all further retreat effectually cut off by theabatis, surrendered to Captain Ross, declaring that he would not give himself up to the Dragoons. At this spot eighty oftheCuirassiersand 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. Betweend'Erlon's andReille's Corps there was now a great interval, and the only troops of which he could make use for the above object, consisted ofBachelu's Division, on the right of the latter, asDonzelot'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 ofBachelu'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 toChasséto 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. MajorBaringon 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. MajorBaring, 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 lengththe 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 ofOrange, conceiving this to be a favourable opportunity for attacking the French Column, ordered the 5th and 8th Line Battalions ofOmpteda'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 ofCuirassiers, that had unsuccessfully charged the Left Squares ofKielmansegge'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 bySomerset'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 theCuirassiersappeared—was completely surprised, and its Right Wing cut down and dispersed. The Commanding Officer of the Battalion, ColonelSchröder, was mortally wounded: several other Officers fell: Ensignde 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. MajorPetersdorf, 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. MajorBull, 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 MajorRamsay's Horse Battery, during the Second general Charge of the French Cavalry. These Batteries suffered severely fromPiré's guns, stationed on the extreme Left of the French Line.Bulldirected LieutenantLouisto 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 ofCooke's Division and the Brunswick Infantry against which the Enemy was evidently preparing fresh attacks, ordered up Lieutenant ColonelDickson's British Horse Battery, commanded by MajorMercer, and MajorSympher's Horse Battery of the King's German Legion, into the Front Line: the former, to the left of Lieutenant ColonelSmith's Horse Battery, in front of the Brunswickers; and the latter further to the left.
MajorMercer's Battery had barely time to get into action, when a heavy Column of Cavalry, composed of Horse Grenadiers andCuirassiers, was seen ascending the ridge, and advancing at a rapid rate directly towards the spot upon which it had taken post. The guns, which werenine 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 ofgenouillèreto 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, LordUxbridgebrought forwardSomerset's HeavyCavalry 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. AsSomersetretired; 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, CaptainHorace 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 toTrip, 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; andUxbridge, 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 beingcarried 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 ofKruse'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 theCuirassierswhich 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 LordUxbridge, in person, the Order to charge a Line of French Cavalry, distant about 150 yards, and consisting of about three Squadrons ofCuirassiersand 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 ofKielmansegge's Hanoverian Brigade.
About this time, the Earl ofUxbridge, 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 leastappearto fill a gap occasioned by the severe lossesexperienced bySomerset's andPonsonby'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 ColonelHake, on finding the shot flying about him a little, took himself and his Regiment out of the Field: on discovering which, LordUxbridgedespatched his Aide de Camp, CaptainHorace Seymour, with an Order for his return. When CaptainSeymourdelivered 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 CaptainSeymour'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 ofUxbridgeand relating what had passed; CaptainSeymourwas 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,outof 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 FrenchColumn of Horse Grenadiers andCuirassiers, which had met with so disastrous a repulse from MajorMercer'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'sCuirassiers, who were assembling in considerable numbers atthe 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.
ButWellington, foreseeing the probability of a serious attempt upon this weakened point of his Line, and perceiving the approach ofChassé's Division (see page 458), supplied the required remedy by desiring LordHillto 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 motiondu 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'sCuirassiers, 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 sodestructive a fire into the Cavalry as to compel it to withdraw.
Some of the Allied Cavalry then moved forward in pursuit, anddu 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. CaptainSympher, who, with his Horse Battery of the Legion, had accompanieddu 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. TheCuirassiersgallantly 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.
Whendu 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 thebrow 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 theCuirassiers, 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 thatdu Plat's Brigade moved into the First Line, a considerable body of FrenchCuirassiers, 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 ofWellington'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 moreto 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 ofdu 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, LordHillwas bringing forwardAdam'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 ofAdam'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'scommand. 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.Adamcontinued 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 byMaitland'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 SirJohn Colbornemoved 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 bytheirright 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 whichthey received a close, well directed fire, which completed their disorder and confusion.