The Prussian troops, whose advance had thus inducedVivianto quit the extreme Left, were the Advanced Guard ofZieten's Corps: and consisted of a part of the First Infantry Brigade, namely, the 3rd Battalion 12th Regiment, the 1st and 2nd Battalions 24th Regiment, the 3rd Battalion 1st Westphalian Landwehr, and the 1st and 3rd Silesian Rifle Companies; as also of a part of the Reserve Cavalry, namely, the 1st Silesian Hussars, the Brandenburg Uhlans, the Brandenburg Dragoons, and the 2nd Kurmark Landwehr Cavalry.
They had already been joined by Lieutenant ColonelFremantle, who delivered toZietenthe Duke's message: in reply to which that General remarked that he did not feel himself authorised to detach his Corps in the manner proposed; adding, however, that the great mass of the Prussian Army was arriving upon the Field.
The remainder of the Reserve Cavalry which was commanded by Lieutenant GeneralRöder, together withthe main body of the Corps, were still considerably in the rear. They were met by CaptainJacksonof the British Staff Corps, who had been sent to look for them. These troops did not reach the Field of Battle until after the victory had been decided.
Wellington, finding that there was no chance of his shattered Line being strengthened by the arrival, in sufficient time, of a Prussian force from his left, to support his weak points of defence; and that he must therefore depend solely on his own resources for the means of warding off the desperate blow whichNapoleonwas about to strike, immediately made such dispositions as the circumstances of the moment appeared to him to demand. The incessant attacks made by the French Light Troops debouching from La Haye Sainte, from the moment that Farm fell into their possession, had caused great havoc in the Centre of his Line, where the want of reinforcement became most apparent. To meet this deficiency, he ordered the Brunswick Battalions, which stood at this time in rear ofMaitland's andAdam's Brigades—namely, the 2nd and 3rd Light, and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Line, Battalions, to move by their left into the interval betweenHalkett's British, andKruse's Nassau, Brigade.
To occupy the ground thus vacated by the Brunswickers, he put in motiond'Aubremé's Dutch-Belgian Infantry Brigade from its recently assumed position in rear of the Nivelles road; whence the other Brigade ofChassé's Dutch-Belgian Division, under Major GeneralDitmer, was shortly afterwards ordered to move in the direction of the left ofMaitland's British Brigade.
The remains of his Cavalry stood in rear of the Centre; towards whichVivian's andVandeleur's Brigades were now moving from the Left, as previously explained.
Whilst the Imperial Guard was forming for attack, the French troops in possession of La Haye Sainte and its inclosures, now consisting of the entire ofDonzelot's Division, from the Left ofd'Erlon's Corps, renewed, with redoubled vigour, their assault upon the Centre of the Allied Line: the object being evidently either to force that point previously to the arrival of the Guard on its left, and thus facilitate the assault to be made by the latter; or to harass it in such a manner that, should the effort of the Guard prove successful, they would be enabled completely to overthrow the Allied Centre. The fire from the Skirmishers that had located themselves between the Farm and the position, and from those on the Knoll by the Sand Pit on the opposite side of the high road, had been incessant since the capture of that Post.
Ompteda's Brigade of the King's German Legion, which had hitherto occupied the hollow way that descends into thechaussée, was reduced to a mere handful of men: the two Squares in whichKielmansegge's Hanoverian Brigade, the next on the (Allied) Right, had stood its ground so many hours, were fearfully diminished;Kruse's Nassau Brigade, still further to the right, formed in three Contiguous Columns (two in front and one in rear), began to evince symptoms of hesitation; and the interval between this andHalkett's British Brigade had become much greater than was consistent with the due security of this part of the Line. So weakened indeed was the latter at this period, that, to remedy the evil in some degree, it had been deemed advisable, with a view rather of giving it the appearance of greater strength than of affording any very active support, to draw close up in its rear, the skeleton remains of the Scots Greys and of the 3rd Hussars of the King's German Legion.
On the Allied left of the high road, an unremitting fire was maintained against their opponents by the 95th and 4th British Regiments in extended order along the front hedge of the Wavre road, commencing from the Charleroichaussée, as also from the 40th, 79th, 1st, and 28th British Regiments, deployed behind the embanked hedge on the rear side of that road. The 27th British Regiment had been brought up byLambert, and posted, in Square, in the angle formed by the junction of the above roads: having one face parallel with, and close to, thechaussée, for the purpose either of throwing a flank fire upon the French troops on the opposite side, should these succeed, as appeared very probable, in compellingOmpteda's andKielmansegge's Brigades to retire; or, of pouring a close, deadly volley upon any Column endeavouring to penetrate along the high road itself. The Artillery on the Allied right of the high road, in front of these Brigades, was at this moment completely disabled. Two British Artillerymen were observed vainly endeavouring to serve a couple of guns, but were compelled to desist from the want of all material for loading.
Such was the state of things in the Centre of the Anglo-Allied Army, when the continued popping fire from the French Skirmishers suddenly quickened into a fiercetirailladewhich threatened to bear down every thing opposed to it. The bank along the high road, beyond the Garden of La Haye Sainte, and the mound adjoining it, which latter was quite close to the Allied position, became all at once thickly crowded with Skirmishers. Those that lined the banks seemed intent upon keeping down the fire from the British Regiments ofKempt's andLambert's Brigades, along the Wavre road; whilethose under cover of the little mound in advance, as if aware of the object of the formation of the 27th British Regiment, and sensible of the necessity of securing their Right Flank in their meditated forcing of the position, opened such a close, sharp, fire upon that Regiment that, within the brief space of a few minutes, it lost more than half of its numbers.
At the same time, taking advantage of the crippled state of the Allied Artillery in this quarter, the French brought up two guns in advance of the north-western angle of the Garden of La Haye Sainte, in which position they were covered from any fire from the opposite side of the high road by the Skirmishers occupying the bank and the mound. From these guns a smart fire of grape was opened, and maintained without intermission, upon the Left Square ofKielmansegge's Brigade (consisting of the Field Battalions Grubenhagen and York), at the short distance of one hundred and fifty, and afterwards of scarcely one hundred, paces. The Square manifested the most exemplary submission and forbearance, notwithstanding the ravages that continued to be made in its ranks; not venturing to reply to the fire, by the apprehension of Cavalry being under the brow of the position, prepared to take instant advantage of any favourable opportunity for a charge. The Right Square (consisting of the Field Battalions Bremen and Verden) also suffered most severely.
Some other guns, which had accompanied the Columns in rear of the French Skirmishers, were suddenly brought forward, and opened so destructive a discharge of grape upon this latter Square, that one of its sides was literally completely blown away; the remainder being left standing in the form of a triangle. The Commander, and manyother Officers, were wounded. The ammunition was failing rapidly. The combined fire of grape and musketry continued to increase in violence; and the Square finally dwindled into a mere clump of men. The FrenchTirailleurscontinued pressing forward in a very compact line, whilst the sound of drums beating thepas de chargeannounced the advance of the Columns immediately in their rear.
The Prince ofOrange, perceiving the probability of the Centre of the Allied Line being forced, unless some great effort were made to check the Enemy's advance, ordered the 1st and 2nd Nassau Battalions ofKruse's Brigade to charge, gallantly placing himself at their head. His Royal Highness was soon struck by a bullet in the left shoulder; the attack failed; and the Nassauers were falling back, when the reinforcement whichWellingtonhad provided for this part of the Line, consisting of five Battalions of Brunswick Infantry, moved rapidly into the interval betweenKruse's Nassau, andHalkett's British, Brigades. But so unexpectedly did the Brunswickers find themselves placed under a most destructive fire, and so suddenly were the heads of their Columns assailed, that they were unable, in the midst of the thick smoke in which they became involved, to recover from the partial irregularities by which, under such circumstances, their advance was accompanied, and to form up in sufficient order, before they came in close contact with the Enemy: whose vigorous attack compelled them, as alsoKruse's,Kielmansegge's, andOmpteda's Brigades, to fall back about a hundred paces.
At this critical moment,Wellingtonhastened to the spot in person, to avert so alarming a catastrophe as that of having his Centre broken, at a time, too, when he was preparing to receive a formidable attack, directed againstanother point of his Line, situated at but a short distance on the right of that Centre. He addressed himself to the Brunswickers; and succeeded, by the electrifying influence of his voice, gesture, and presence, in rallying the discomfited Columns. The 3rd Line Battalion, under MajorNormann, was the first to reform in good order: it then boldly stood its ground; and, when the Enemy's Infantry approached, received it with so destructive a fire as completely to check its further advance.
By dint of example and encouragement on the part of all the Commanding Officers, the Brigades on the left of the Brunswickers were also rallied and formed up: upon seeing which, the Duke galloped off to the right.
Just at this time,Vivian's Hussar Brigade drew up immediately in rear of these troops—relieving the exhausted remains of the Scots Greys and 3rd Hussars of the King's German Legion—the 10th and 18th British Hussars in Front, and the 1st Hussars of the King's German Legion in Second, Line. The presence and appearance of this fresh Cavalry tended very considerably to restore confidence to that part of the Line. The Brigade had previously, in consequence of a mistake in the transmission of Orders, been halted on the left of the high road about midway between the Front Line and the Farm of Mont St Jean; whence, however, it was speedily brought forward, and posted as above, by LordUxbridge.
The Prince ofOrange,Alten, and almost all the superior Officers of the Third Division, had been wounded. ButKielmansegge, who now commanded in this part of the Field, was fully alive to the critical circumstances under which the Third Division was placed; and exhibited great ability, coolness, and determination, by the manner in which he succeeded in restoring it to order. Still, the perseveringand incessanttirailladekept up against these troops by the French was such that the fire thrown out from their shattered and enfeebled ranks was quite inadequate to repress it. The French Skirmishers again crowded close up to the Line; maintaining a most rapid and destructive fire.
The Allied Infantry was once more on the point of giving way. One Battalion of the Brunswickers was retiring in Close Column, but in good order; having totally exhausted its ammunition. The Nassauers were falling backen masseagainst the horses' heads of the 10th Hussars; who, keeping their Files closed, prevented further retreat.Vivianand CaptainShakespeareof the 10th (acting as his extra Aide de Camp), rendered themselves conspicuous at this moment by their endeavours to halt and encourage the Nassauers. The Hanoverians and the German Legion on the left, led byKielmansegge, now resolutely dashed forward, at the double quick—their drums rolling. The Enemy fell back. The Brunswickers took up the movement, as then did also the Nassauers—Vivianand his Aide de Camp cheering them on; whilst the Hussars followed in close support. In this manner,Kielmanseggesucceeded in leading back the shattered remnants of the Division to the place they had so long and so honourably occupied on the ridge.
Vivian's Brigade, by its proximity to these troops, against which so close and unremitting a fire of musketry was maintained, was placed in a very trying situation for Cavalry, and suffered much in consequence. As soon, however, as the Infantry had rallied and resumed their former position in the Line,Vivianwithdrew his Brigade under the crest of the ridge, a distance of not more than thirty yards, to place his men a little out of fire; and when thus posted, he was better prepared to make an attack if required.
The fire from the Enemy's Infantry in front of this part of the Line suddenly slackened; and it was soon manifest that they were falling back: the change arose out of occurrences on their left, which will be explained in the next Chapter.
CHAPTER XIV.
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 ofd'Erlon's andReille'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 ofBülow's Artillery upon the French extreme Right, and of the guns brought to bear against it, was so distinctly audible thatNapoleon, 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 ofGrouchy; 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 everyassault. 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 GeneralFoy; 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 prominentpoint 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 inechelonbetween the Charleroi road and its Right Flank which was engaged with the Prussians: whilstReille'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 ofd'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, theLight 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 CaptainWodehouse'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 whichMaitland'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 earnednom de guerre—le plus brave des braves. GeneralFriant, who commanded the Grenadiers, fell severely wounded. GeneralMichel, Colonelen secondof theChasseurs, was killed a few moments afterwards. The fall of the latteroccasioned some hesitation—the 1st Battalion of the 3rd Regiment of Grenadiers halted; but at the call of GeneralPoret de Morvan, who commanded it, it renewed its advance at thepas 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.
Wellingtonrode up to the British Foot Battery posted on the immediate right ofMaitland's Brigade of Guards, with its own Right thrown somewhat forward, and addressing himself to an Artillery Officer (LieutenantSharpin), hastily asked who commanded it. The latter replied that CaptainBoltonhaving just been killed, it was now under the command of CaptainNapier. 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 fromNapier'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 thesmoke extending fromNapier'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, whenWellingtongave the talismanic call—"Up, Guards; make ready!" and orderedMaitlandto 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, whichHalketthad 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 aspace, 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 orderedMaitlandto charge; whilst, at the same instant, the gallant LordSaltoun, 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 ofHalkett'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 beanimated 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, Majorvan der Smissen's Dutch-Belgian Horse Battery, which had just come up by the right ofHalkett'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; whenMaitlandperceived 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 manœuvre was executed with great regularity and precision by the Right Wing, with whichMaitlandwas 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.Saltounconspicuously 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 ofChassé's Dutch-Belgian Division, which, as before stated, had been moved into the space in rear ofMaitland'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, thatVandeleur, whose Brigade of British Light Dragoons was at this time drawn up in their rear, deemed it advisableto close his Squadron intervals, the better to impede their contemplated retreat; and was induced, along with his Major of Brigade, MajorChildersof the 16th Light Dragoons, CaptainTomkinsonof 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.
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Battle of Waterloo
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 ofAdam'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 ofMaitland'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 ofCuirassiersto endeavour to silence these guns. In this they partially succeeded; theCuirassiershaving gallantly charged one of the Batteries, and forced theGunners 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 ofAdam'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 theCuirassiersas 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 ofAdam'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 ofMaitland's Brigade, and that part of the ridge occupied byAdam'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 SirJohn Colborne, commanding the 52nd Regiment, an Officer of great reputein 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 momentAdamrode up, and askedColbornewhat he was going to do; to which the latter replied, "to make that Column feel our fire."Adam, approving of this, orderedColborneto move on; and galloped off to bring up his Right Regiment, the 71st.
The Duke, who had just seenMaitland'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 ofNapier's Battery. He despatched an Aide de Camp (Major the Hon.Henry Percy) to direct SirHenry Clintonto advance and attack the Imperial Guard: but a single glance atColborne'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 ofNapier's Battery, and a portion of the extreme Right ofMaitland'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 destructivefire 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 ofAdam'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 pursuitwhich 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 ofChasseurs(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 GeneralCambronne, formed a separate Column of Support inechelonto, 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 byAdam'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 fromAdam'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 sixtyor 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 untilAdam'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 byNapier's guns, as also to a charge byMaitland'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 fromany such Flank Attack as that which so successfully arrested its progress, and so completely effected its dispersion.
The direction given toAdam'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 ofClinton's Division; and Lieutenant ColonelHalkett, 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. ThusAdam'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 ofd'Erlon's Corps, which had been so desperately opposingAlten's Division; the latter became infected with the panic, and commingled with the flying Guard.
Adam's Brigade continued its triumphant advance, at firstparallel, 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 ofAdam's Brigade was partially crossed by the Squadron of the 23rd Light Dragoons, under LieutenantBanner, 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 ofAdam's Brigade. It was, however, very gallantly and speedily checked by the wheeling up and advance of the Right Section of the 52nd, under LieutenantGawler; 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 byAdam's Brigade was so decisive, requestedUxbridgeimmediately 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 ofNapoleon's Line.
Lieutenant Colonel LordGreenock, Assistant QuarterMaster General of the Cavalry, was despatched toVivianwith Orders for him to move his Hussar Brigade to its right from its position in rear ofAlten's Division, so as to get clear of the Infantry, and then to advance directly to the front by the right ofMaitland'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 ofAdam's Brigade. But what a spectacle met his view! The three Dutch-Belgian Squares, into whichd'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 ofVandeleur'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 againstNapoleon, 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 thatVivian's, and subsequentlyVandeleur's, Brigade, quitted the Left of the Anglo-Allied Line, on the approach of the Advanced Guard ofZieten's Corps towards that point. Shortly before the arrival of these troops, the French Skirmishers in front ofDurutte's Division, which constituted the angle of thepotenceon which stood the extreme Right ofNapoleon'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 betweenBülow's Corps and the Anglo-Allied Left. The Nassauers, of PrinceBernhardof 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 ofZieten'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 GeneralMüffling, attached to the Headquarters Staff of the Duke ofWellington, was at that moment in this vicinity, and gave the requisite instructions to the Staff Officer sent forward fromZieten's Corps.
About this time, the Fifth and Sixth Infantry Brigades, as also the Reserve Cavalry ofPirch's Corps, reached the Field, in rear ofBülow.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 ColonelHiller, 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 ofBülow's Corps againstLobau's Line, which was exceedingly well drawn up, and exhibited every indication of making a determined stand.Blücherhad despatched an Order to the Seventh Brigade (ofPirch'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) ofPirch's Corps, which had been detained in consequence of the Rear Guard affair near Wavre, received Orders fromPirchto quicken its advance.
The Reserve Cavalry ofPirch'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 ofBülow's Corps; and, at the same time, served to impose, by their display of force, upon the French Cavalry, underDomon, 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 ofLobau'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 and3rd 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; MajorWitzlebenled 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 constitutedBülow's Right Wing, advanced againstLobau'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 thefollowing 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 ofZieten's Corps, having continued its descent into the valley, passingHacke'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 ofZieten's Corps, which had been seen approaching the Left ofWellington'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 ofBest'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 ofBest's Brigade. It was on the ground immediately in front ofthis interval that CaptainRettberg'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 ofBlücher's forces relatively with that ofWellington'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 ofNapoleon'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 ofZieten's Corps had joined the Left of the Allied Line, that part ofPirch's Corps (including his Reserve Cavalry) had joinedBülow; and that the latter was on the advance—his Right to attackLobau, 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 ofWellington, whom we left triumphantly defeating the French Imperial Guard, and requesting the Earl ofUxbridgeto bring forward fresh Cavalry, to aid the advancing Infantry in taking immediate advantage of the disorder and confusion into which theEnemy 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 immortalWellingtonin 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 ofNapoleon'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 ratherforming 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 thescale—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 theVanof the attacking force, which comprised no less than the whole Front Line of the French Army.D'Erlon's Corps from the right, andReille'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 theGuard had been rallied with great rapidity byNapoleon; 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 ofWellington; 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 themoraleof 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 asNapoleonandNey,rapidly recover the shock;d'Erlon's andReille'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,Wellingtondetermined 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 theprestigeof 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, byAdam's Brigade; whilst at the same moment he launched forthVivian'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. Thusthe 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 ofMaitland's Brigade of Guards,Vivian, ordering the leading Half Squadron to wheel to the left, throughNapier's Battery, led it perpendicularly to the front. As the Column thus advanced across the ridge, in Left Front ofVandeleur's Light Cavalry Brigade, it was saluted by the latter with cheers of encouragement; and in a similar manner byMaitland'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 whichVivianwas 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 Flanksand 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, theLeft of the Enemy's Cavalry, he made the leading Regiment, the 10th Hussars, incline to its right.