Shortly afterwards,Vivianwas joined by Colonel SirColin Campbellof the Staff, who brought him an Order from the Duke that he was not to attack before the Infantry came up, unless he felt confident of success.Vivianremarked that as the Allied Infantry in its anxiety to get on, was probably not in compact order, its safety might be seriously endangered should it be exposed to a Cavalry attack; and that, in his opinion, it would be better that not a moment should be lost on his part in driving off the Cavalry which appeared in his front. SirColin Campbellcoincided in this opinion, and returned to the Duke.
After the very short pause at the head of the Column, consequent upon this little discussion,Vivian, continuing the advance, ordered the 10th Hussars to form Line on the front Half Squadron, and, at the same time, sent Orders to his two other Regiments also to form Line on their leading Half Squadrons respectively, but then to remain in support. The rapid pace which had been maintained by the head of the Column, and the incline to the right which had been given to it, required great activity on the part of the Left Half Squadrons to get up into Line; and asVivianordered the charge as soon as the first Squadron was formed, it was executed not in Line but rather inechelonof Squadrons, which, under the circumstances of the moment, as will presently be seen, was the preferable and more desirable formation.
Just as the charge was ordered, the 2nd Light Dragoons of the King's German Legion, in a Column of Squadrons, which had been detached from the main position, almost simultaneously with the advance ofVivian's Brigade, cameup on the right of the 10th Hussars, and in a direction rather crossing the front of the latter Regiment, which had its left thrown somewhat forward whilst the Germans were moving straight to their front, and directly upon the French Dragoons of the Guard before mentioned as posted in the hollow on the Allied right of the eminence on which stood the French Cavalry about to be charged byVivian's Brigade. The Dragoons at first appeared disposed to resist the Germans, and received them with a tolerably effective carbine fire from their rear ranks; but the former charged home, cut down several of the Enemy's horsemen, and made some prisoners. In following up the charge, however, the Regiment exposed its Right Flank to a body ofCuirassiers, by which it was thrown into disorder. Lieutenant Colonelde Jonquières, the Commanding Officer, ordered the halt and rally to be sounded; but in the next moment he was wounded, as was also Lieutenant ColonelMaydell.
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Battle of Waterloo
MajorFriedrichs, who was next in command, highly distinguished himself on this occasion by the spirited manner in which he rallied several of his men together; and as those that had been dispersed, rapidly placed themselves on his flanks, and thus extended his new Line, he made another charge, which sent the Enemy's Cavalry about, and put it to flight. The Regiment then continued moving forward, with proper caution, along the base of the higher ground on the left, over which the 10th British Hussars were also charging and advancing.
In the mean time, the latter Regiment made its charge: the Right, Centre, and Left Squadrons, in rapid succession, dashed in amongst the French Cavalry posted as before mentioned. The Left Squadron of the 10th had scarcely closed with the Enemy, before the whole of the Cavalry onthe (French) left of the Squares of the Guard, was in full flight.Vivian, perceiving the complete success of this brilliant charge, ordered a halt; and then returned as quickly as possible to the 18th Hussars.
After the 10th Hussars had pursued the French Cavalry about two hundred yards, a body ofCuirassierscharged their Right Squadron, on its Right Flank, and forced it about a hundred yards away to the left, whilst the Centre and Left Squadrons not being aware ofVivian's Order to halt continued their pursuit, inclining to their right, under Lieutenant Colonel LordRobert Manners, then commanding the 10th.
Previously to describing the subsequent proceedings of this Brigade, it is necessary to revert to other matters in order to connect them with the general disposition of the main Army.
Adam's Light Infantry Brigade had, in the mean time, been steadily advancing from the moment of its charge upon the Left Flank of the Second attacking Column of the French Imperial Guard, sweeping along the front of the Right Centre of the Anglo-Allied position, and bringing forward its left shoulders as it neared the Charleroi road, so that its Left skirted the Orchard of La Haye Sainte. It had now reached the hollow immediately under the nearest French Height which was intersected by that road, and upon which the troops that had composed the first attacking Column of the Guard had been rallied byNapoleon, and formed into three Squares. The 2nd Regiment ofChasseursof the Old Guard having formed the extreme Left of the attacking force had been closely observed by Lieutenant ColonelHalkett, who continued to follow it very steadily with the Osnabrück Landwehr Battalion asit retired towards the high road, inclining to La Belle Alliance.
Wellington, perceiving the confusion in which the Columns of the French Imperial Guard fell back after the decided failure of their attack—a confusion which was evidently extending itself with wonderful rapidity to a vast portion of the troops in their vicinity who witnessed their discomfiture; remarking also the beautiful advance ofVivian's Hussar Brigade against the French Reserves posted close to La Belle Alliance, and in the very heart ofNapoleon's position; as well as the steady and triumphant march ofAdam's Brigade, which, driving a host of fugitives before it, had now closely approached the nearest rise of the French position contiguous to the Charleroi road; finally, observing thatBülow's movement upon Planchenoit had begun to take effect, perceiving the fire of his cannon, and being also aware that part of a Prussian Corps had joined his own Left by Ohain,—he ordered a General Advance of the whole of his Line of Infantry, supported by the Cavalry and Artillery.
As this long wished for command rapidly passed along the Line, loud and joyous were the shouts with which it was received. The passive endurance, not unaccompanied by murmurs, with which the Allied troops had, during so many hours, withstood the incessant attacks of Cavalry, Infantry, and Artillery, to which so vast, so awful, a proportion of their comrades had fallen a sacrifice, now gave place to feelings of intense exultation, of intoxicating triumph. At the same time, when they saw that the Advance was general, that the Enemy had retired in confusion from his last grand attack, and that the Brigades detached to the front were boldly assailing his Reserves, the conviction flashed across their minds that if the Duke had hithertoresisted their demands to be led to the attack, his consummate and unerring judgement had caused him to defer the advance until that attack could be undertaken with every probability of success.
Just at this decisive moment, the faint rays of the setting sun shone forth, and as they struggled to penetrate the almost universal haze created by the hitherto unremitting volumes of smoke which a close dense atmosphere appeared incapable of altogether dissipating, they cast upon the varied and multitudinous objects on the Field, a lurid light, imparting to them a colouring so strikingly impressive, as can never be effaced from the memories of those who witnessed that magnificent Battle scene.
In front of the Line, on the rise occupied byMaitland's Brigade of Guards, stood prominently in view, the great and noble Duke himself, his hat raised high in air, as the signal for the commencement of the General Advance; leaders in front of their Divisions and Brigades, appearing, by their animated gestures, to take their tone from their great Chieftain; unfurled Colours raised aloft, proudly displaying their shattered remnants; drums, bugles, trumpets, sending forth their warlike sounds to commingle with the enthusiastic and tumultuous cheering of the troops; Artillerymen occupied in working out their guns from the soft soil in which they had become so deeply imbedded; Squadrons and Supports pressing forward to gain the ridge, as this became vacated by the First Line, to behold, and participate in, the glorious triumph; numerous isolated Soldiers, hurrying on, wherever they could be spared from attending the wounded, to join their ranks, and share in the inspiring excitement of such a moment; in the distance, in front, the retiring masses of the French, intermingled with crowds of fugitives of all Arms, mounted and dismounted; far away to the left, thedark Columns of the Prussians, and the smoke ascending from their Batteries; on the right, and somewhat in advance, the dense vapour still slowly circling upwards from the glowing embers of Hougomont, assuming a reddish glare as it floated over the heads of the brave defenders of that Post of Honour;—all appeared to the eyes of the beholder illumined, as it were, by a light partaking rather of the supernatural, than of the ordinary effects of sunshine. It was of brief duration. The sun sank rapidly below the horizon, and if the gorgeous colouring which departed with it had been congenial to the exhilarated feelings of the victors; so, in an equal degree, must the succeeding twilight, rendered still more gloomy by a clouded sky, have toned in with the dejected and gloomy spirits of the vanquished. With these there prevailed no other sentiments than those of a vexed and mortified perplexity, or an extreme dismay. The panic which had set in was extending itself wildly and speedily throughout the Line, and despondency was depicted in every countenance.
The Duke galloped off toAdam's Brigade, which was then in the valley immediately below the Height on which the three Squares of the French Guard were posted; and as these appeared inclined to make a stand, he orderedAdamto attack them. The latter, however, suggested to his Grace that as the Brigade, in consequence of its rapid advance over the heavy soil in the valley, encumbered as the latter was with dead and dying men and horses, both singly and in heaps, had become somewhat loose in its formation, it might be advisable to halt it, to allow the Files to close in. This was accordingly done. But after a few moments only had elapsed, the Duke said, "They won't stand—better attack them;" and being at the time closeto the Colours of the centre Regiment (the 52nd), he called out, "Go on,Colborne, go on!"
Colonel SirColin Campbellnow rejoined the Duke, and explained the grounds upon whichVivianhad decided upon attacking the French Cavalry Reserves: on learning which LordUxbridge, who was present, determined upon personally leading the attack with the Hussars, and participating in the final and decisive triumph of the British Cavalry; and was on the point of darting off to that part of the Field, when his intentions were suddenly frustrated by a grape shot from a Battery on the Height above him striking and severely wounding his right leg.
Reluctantly compelled to desist from further exertion, this gallant and noble warrior, who had so bravely, so chivalrously, so skilfully, and so successfully, led the British Cavalry throughout the day, had still the satisfaction of feeling and knowing that although not permitted to witness the closing triumph of that branch of the Service of which he was at once the Chief, the ornament, and pride, he had well and truly performed his duty to his Sovereign and his country. He was supported for some moments by SirColin Campbell, and shortly afterwards, with the assistance of a party of the 23rd Light Dragoons, carried into the high road, along which he was borne to Waterloo; and, when subsequently undergoing, at that Village, the necessary operation of amputation, so great were the satisfaction and contentment which had been wrought in his mind as he calmly reflected on the brilliant exploits that had marked the arduous and varied struggle, that observing the anxious and compassionate looks of his friends around his couch, he exclaimed, "Who would not lose a leg for such a victory?"
Seldom indeed has a Cavalry Chief more distinguished himself in the Field than did the Earl ofUxbridgeon this great day. As he flew from one point to another, now boldly rushing into the fight at the head of a glorious charge, then skilfully covering a retreat under the pressure of overpowering numbers; here zealously endeavouring by his own personal example to stimulate and rouse into action the lukewarm energies of an Ally; there collecting and rallying, for further high emprize, the remnants of the devoted bands of his own nation; restlessly vigilant in watching and preparing for the manœuvres of a renowned and powerful Cavalry, admirably appointed and equipped, and led by aKellermann, aGuyot, and aLefèbvre Desnouettes; evincing the most cool and resolute confidence in the prowess of his followers, as he dashed forward either to break asunder the combined advance of the Enemy's masses, or to follow up the advantage already gained by the Allied Infantry—he seemed to blend and embody in his own character, in a pre-eminent degree, the heroic valour of ancient chivalry with the skilled address of modern Cavalry tacticians.
AsAdam's Brigade ascended the hill, in compliance withWellington's Orders, to charge the French Squares, it was received with a heavy fire from their Front and Flanks. The Duke being at this time close to the centre of the advancing Line, against which point this fire was principally directed, incurred great personal risk; and as the shot flew fast and thick about him, SirColin Campbellsaid to him, "This is no place for you—you had better move."
To this the Duke replied, "I will when I see those fellows off." On the near and imposing approach of the Brigade, in the attitude of charging, the Imperial Guardceased firing, faced to the rear, and commenced a retreat by word of command.
As they withdrew, his Grace rode up the valley in the direction of his right front, and came upon the plain, on whichVivianwas successfully attacking the French Reserves.
The gallant charge made by the 10th Hussars upon the French Cavalry posted in its right front, has already been described.
After ordering the halt and rally,Viviangalloped towards the 18th Hussars, which Regiment he found well formed in Line, and in perfect order. In its front stood the two Squares of the Grenadiers of the Old Guard: in its left front, and much nearer to it, were posted Artillery and Cavalry, in advance of the proper Right of the Squares. This Cavalry consisted principally ofCuirassiers—the wrecks of entire Brigades. Nearer to, and partly in rear of, the Squares, stood theChasseursandGrenadiers à Chevalof the Imperial Guard, greatly reduced in numbers.
It was immediately evident toVivianthat the attack must in the first instance be directed against the Advanced Cavalry and Artillery; and having put the Line in motion, he placed himself in front of the Centre, beside Lieutenant Colonel the Hon.Henry Murray, the Commanding Officer, for the purpose of putting the Regiment into the required direction. This having been effected, he ordered the charge; when the Hussars dashed forward with the greatest impetuosity, and, at the same time, with as much steadiness and regularity as if they had been at Field Day exercise on Hounslow Heath. Thus, the direction of the charge by the 18th diverged as much to the left, as that by the 10th had inclined to the right. Just as the charge commenced, some French Artillery coming from their rightand slanting towards the right of the 18th, made a bold push to cross the front of the latter at a gallop. But the attempt failed, and the Hussars were instantly among them, cutting down the Artillerymen and Drivers, and securing the guns. In the next moment they fell upon the Advanced Cavalry, which they completely dispersed; and then, bringing forward their left shoulders, they attacked the Cavalry and guns that stood more to the right front, and near to the Right Square, which was now retiring. This Cavalry appeared, at first, determined upon making a stand; and an Officer in its front dashed forward, and fired at Lieutenant ColonelMurray; but, in another moment, the 18th were fiercely and dexterously plying their swords amongst them. They were forced to give way, the Artillerymen were driven from their guns, and the whole fled in disorder.
The charge then ceased to be compact, for the assailants and the flying were intermingled pell mell; all riding as fast as the confusion of themêléewould permit; a part of them along the high road, but the principal portion on the Allied right of the latter; the whole, however, passing by La Belle Alliance, and leaving the two Squares of the Guard on their right.
Vivian, satisfied with the complete success of the charge, ordered the Regiment to halt and reform; whilst he proceeded himself to bring up the 1st Hussars of the Legion, which Corps he had left in reserve.
On his way he found Major the Hon.Frederick Howard, with the Right Squadron of the 10th Hussars, which, as before stated (see page 552), had been driven to the left by a charge ofCuirassiers. This Squadron stood forward within a short distance of the Left Square of the Grenadiers of the Guard, from the fire of which it was losing men fast.
Viviandoubted for a moment how far it might beadvisable to attack the Square; but perceiving an Infantry Regiment in red advancing on his left, and calculating on its immediately charging the face and angle of the Square next to it, he ordered MajorHowardto charge the face and angle to which he was opposed. This was executed with the greatest gallantry and determination.Vivianhimself joined in the charge, on the right of the Squadron. The Hussars charged home to the bayonets of the French Guard, and a fierce conflict ensued. MajorHowardwas killed at the head of his men. He was shot in the mouth, and fell senseless to the ground; when one of the Imperial Guard stepped out of the ranks, and brutally beat his head with the butt end of his musket. Two other Officers, LieutenantsArnoldandBacon, were wounded. LieutenantGunningwas killed immediately previous to the attack. The Regiment of Infantry, however, did not charge, asVivianhad expected; but continued pursuing a separate Column in its own immediate front on the high road.
Although the Square, a very strong one, cannot be said to have been broken by the shock, for the veteran Soldiers of whom it was composed knew too well their power of resistance against such a handful of horsemen; still the manner in which the latter, notwithstanding the rapid diminution of their number, continued cutting at the ranks, parrying bayonet thrusts, and pertinaciously pressing on, reflects the highest credit on the 10th British Hussars. The men fought with desperation; maddened probably by the fall of their Officers.
The Square, yielding to the pressure, continued to fall back until it reached the hollow way formed by the narrow road that leads from thechausséein rear of La Belle Alliance, towards the Left of the French position. Into this the Guard hastily descended in confusion, and escapingby either outlet, mingled with the host of fugitives hurrying along the general line of retreat of the French Army.
In the mean time, the remainder of the 10th Hussars, consisting of the Left and Centre Squadrons, that had, in the course of the first charge, crossed over to the right of the rise of ground on which the French Reserve Cavalry had been posted, had continued its course, under LordRobert Manners, down into the valley, south-east of the Hougomont inclosures. The routed Cavalry spread out in the utmost confusion—Cuirassiers, of an almost gigantic size, galloped as hard as they could; and numbers tumbled off their horses to save themselves. The Hussars now came upon retiring Infantry that appeared seized with a panic as their routed Cavalry dashed past them—the large bearskin caps, worn by several of them, betokened a portion of the Imperial Guard—they commenced throwing down their arms, numbers of them loudly calling out "Pardon!"
Then crossing the same narrow road, before mentioned as leading from La Belle Alliance to the Left of the French position (but on the Allied right of the hollow way by which the Square of the Guard effected its escape), the Hussars brought up their right shoulders, and ascended the Height in rear of the hollow road. Upon the slope of the Hill, about half a Battalion of the French Guard had rallied and formed, with some Cavalry close behind them, and opened a sharp fire upon the 10th. Part of the 18th Hussars, at this time, reached the hollow way, an obstacle, however, which renderedtheirattack wholly impracticable. LordRobert Mannershalted for a minute, when within about forty paces from them, to allow his men to form up. He then gave a cheer and charged; when the Imperial Guard and the Cavalry instantly turned and fled: thegreater portion of the former throwing themselves down, and many of the latter tumbling off their horses.
The Hussars pursued up to the brow of the hill: on the further, or south, side of which was a deep hollow; and beyond this a Knoll (on the Allied right of the Charleroi road and nearly oppositede Coster's house) upon which another Square of Infantry had formed, and appeared very steady.
At this time a party of the 18th Hussars—not more than from thirty to thirty five men—continuing the charge, before described, close along the right of La Belle Alliance and Trimotion, and crossing the narrow road near its junction with the Charleroi road, dashed down the hollow, and ascending the Height above mentioned, charged the Square in most gallant style; but, as might have been expected, was checked and turned by the latter.
LordRobert Mannersand CaptainTaylorhad rallied a party of the 10th Hussars, with a view to support the 18th, should these be charged in their turn; which however did not occur.
The two last mentioned Regiments had, by this time, been thrown so much into disorder by their charges, that it became necessary to check their further advance, in order to gain time for collecting and reforming their ranks. Although this measure was supported by the coming up of the 1st Hussars of the Legion to take post in front of the Brigade, and was also rendered secure by the advance, on the right, ofVandeleur's Brigade (which had come up onVivian's right, and between him and the inclosures of Hougomont, in Column of Squadrons, at the moment he was preparing to charge the Square of the Imperial Guard with the party of the 10th Hussars under MajorHoward); still the rallying and reforming of those two Regiments wasattended with considerable difficulty, inasmuch as they had become completely intermingled with the fugitives.
It is now necessary to recur toAdam's Brigade, which we left advancing, and driving before it, near the Charleroi road, the three Squares of the Guard that had retired as it approached to charge them. It will be recollected that, upon the Brigade first advancing from the Allied position, Lieutenant ColonelHalkettfollowed it in immediate rear of its Right Flank, with the Osnabrück Battalion of Hanoverian Landwehr. WhenAdamreached the three Squares above mentioned,Halkett, having the shortest space of ground to move over, soon came up in Line with the Brigade, still pursuing the Column formed by the two Battalions ofChasseursof the Old Guard. The Osnabrückers having then become much annoyed by a fire that opened upon them obliquely from a French Battery within a very short distance of their right, their 1st Company broke into subdivisions and, supported by the Sharpshooters of the Battalion, made a dash at the Artillery, and captured six guns. During the greater part of the advance, they had been in almost close contact with the Column formed by the two Battalions ofChasseursof the Old Guard; andHalkettfrequently called out to them to surrender.
Having for some short time fixed his eye upon an individual whom he took to be the General Officer in command of the Guard, from his being in full uniform, and from the animation he displayed in his endeavours to induce his men to stand their ground; and observing that the Column, after receiving the fire of the Osnabrückers, left the General with two Officers in its rear, he ordered the Sharpshooters to dash on, whilst he, at the same time darted forward at full gallop to attack the General. Whenhe had come up with him, and was about to cut him down; the latter called out that he would surrender.
Cambronne, for he it was, then precededHalkettas he returned to the Hanoverian Battalion; but had not gone many paces beforeHalkett's horse was wounded, and fell to the ground. In a few seconds, however,Halkettsucceeded in getting him on his legs again, when he found that his prisoner was escaping in the direction of the French Column: he instantly overtook him, seized him by theaiguilette, brought him to the Battalion, and gave him in charge to a Serjeant of the Osnabrückers who was to deliver him to the Duke.
Adam's Brigade had by this time crossed to the opposite side of the Charleroi road, and, bringing forward its left shoulders, was continuing its advance, in pursuit of the defeated Squares, in a direction parallel with that road; whilstHalkett, by continuing on the inner flank, and following the Battalions of theChasseursof the Old Guard, had got somewhat in advance, or rather, in right front of that Brigade; and had, shortly before, reached the immediate vicinity of that part of the Field on whichVivianwas in the act of preparing to charge the Square of the Grenadiers of the Old Guard with the Squadron of the 10th Hussars under MajorHoward. The Osnabrückers will here be recognised as the Regiment of Allied Infantry already alluded to in the description given of that Charge.
Adam, after his repulse of the three Squares of the Imperial Guard, perceiving that he was so much in front of the main Line of the Anglo-Allied Army, and not being aware ofVivian's advance, had become apprehensive of an attack upon his Right Flank; and he therefore desired his Brigade Major, MajorBlair, to proceed in the prolongation of his Right Flank, and observe whether there was anythreatening appearance of the Enemy's Cavalry in that quarter. The latter, pursuing his errand, met the Duke ofWellingtonmoving at a quick pace, followed by a single individual, to whom MajorBlairaddressed himself, but who immediately checked him by remarking, "Monsieur, je ne parle pas un seul mot d'Anglais!" MajorBlairthen explained to him, in French, the Order he had received, to which he replied, "Le Duc lui même a été voir; il n'y a rien à craindre;" whereupon the former returned toAdam, with this satisfactory information.
Here, then, was the great Chieftain himself, still in the Battle's front, vigilantly watching, and eagerly seizing advantage of, the course of events; braving every peril, and acting solely upon his own personal observation; his Staff, and even Orderlies, almost all killed or wounded; the very few that remained untouched, carrying messages; his only attendant, a foreigner (Major Countde Sales, a Sardinian Officer), attached to his suite!
It is impossible not to recognise in the extraordinary degree of security with which this great man so fearlessly exposed himself throughout the entire day, the protecting interposition of an all wise and merciful Providence. At this moment, too, he was not only upon the track of his great antagonist; but, in all probability, within the shortest distance that ever separated these wonderful men from each other: the one, alone, and in front of his advancing Line, borne forward on the wings of victory, and upheld by the knowledge of his might and the fulness of his glory; the other, seeking shelter amidst his devoted, yet broken and dispirited, cohorts; abandoning himself to despair, and flying from the fatal Field on which the sceptre he had usurped was signally and irrecoverably struck from his iron grasp.
CHAPTER XV.
THE very forward movement ofVivian's Brigade, and the vigorous attack which it made against the Centre of the French position, having rendered obvious the necessity of an immediate Support,Vandeleur's Brigade was despatched across the ridge in Column of Half Squadrons, Right in front, at the moment of the General Advance of the Line.
It proceeded at a smart trot along the east side of the Hougomont inclosures, and then descended into the valley in rear of the latter, passingVivian's Brigade on its left. Here it fell in with disordered Columns of the French Infantry in full retreat; as also Cavalry, of all kinds mixed together, theCuirassiersthrowing off their armour to facilitate their flight. In the midst of this confusion, however, there stood higher up the valley a large Column on the opposite side of the road which connects the Centre with the Left of the French position, forming Square, and seemingly determined to oppose the further advance of the Brigade. The latter, receiving the fire from the Column, charged; and the French giving way, the whole of them were taken or destroyed. In this charge the 11th Light Dragoons, forming the Right of the Brigade, captured a Battery on the Height to which the before mentioned road ascends. It was the last which had maintained the cannonade from the French Left Wing.
Vandeleur's Brigade continued to press forward, driving a host of fugitives before it. It was by this time inadvance, and rather in Right Front, ofVivian. Colonel SirFelton Harvey, of the Staff, came up to its then Commander, Lieutenant ColonelSleigh, of the 11th Light Dragoons,—Vandeleurhaving taken the command of the Cavalry upon the fall of LordUxbridge,—and informed him that a French Cavalry Brigade was moving along the Heights on the right (or western) side of the Valley. The Cavalry did not, however, venture to descend into the lower ground, where it might have fallen uponSleigh's Right Flank; but continued its course along the high ground towards some point on the Charleroi road, quite in rear of the main French Army, apparently with the intention of protecting the retreat and rallying the fugitives. It wasPiré's Light Cavalry Brigade, that had been stationed throughout the day on the extreme Left of the French Line.
In this manner,Vivian's Brigade, which had not only broken, but completely pierced, the Centre of the French position, had its Right effectually protected; and due advantage was promptly taken of the disorder into which its bold and successful advance had thrown those French troops that had been moving in that quarter. At the same time,Vivian's Left was secured by the advance ofAdam's Brigade, which continued to drive before it, along the left side of the Charleroi road, the Squares of the Guard, as also theCuirassiersby whom the latter were supported. TheseCuirassiers, it should be observed, had fronted and evinced a disposition to charge as the Brigade crossed the high road.Adam, however, feeling secure in his four deep formation, continued pressing towards them; and when, along that part of his Line against which the attack was threatened, the British bayonets were lowered, theCuirassiersdeclined the contest.
Having thus detailed the brilliant successes of these threeBritish Brigades, with whichWellingtonhad so boldly assailed the Centre, and effectually destroyed the last Reserves, of the Enemy; it is now time to consider their important consequences in conjunction with the General Advance of the Anglo-Allied Army; and for this purpose it will be necessary to take a more extended view of the prominent features which the Field of Battle presented at this period of the day.
On no part of the French Army, beyond the immediate sphere of action of the above Brigades, did the advance of the latter exercise so powerful an influence as ond'Erlon's Corps, which constituted its Right Wing. The defeat of the Second attacking Column of the Imperial Guard, it will be recollected, involved in it the retreat ofDonzelot's Division of that Corps; which, from the cover afforded it by the possession of La Haye Sainte, and from the hollow on its left of that Farm, had so furiously assailed the central portion of the Duke's Line, occupied byAlten's Division. On the opposite side of the Charleroi road, from the Knoll above the Sand Pit, part ofAlix's Division was still maintaining a most destructive fire upon the remains ofPicton's Division and ofLambert's Brigade posted along the Wavre road. The remainder of this Division, as well as that underMarcognet, were advancing across the valley which separated the Anglo-Allied Left, from the French Right, Wing; and presented an array of Columns between the Knoll on the left of La Haye Sainte and the Left ofDurutte's Division: which latter was now operating in concert withLobau's Corps in maintaining a defensive position against the advance of the Prussians.
When, therefore,Wellingtonso suddenly launched forthVivian's Hussar Brigade againstNapoleon's Reserves,then posted close to La Belle Alliance in the very Centre of the French Army; and also pushed forwardAdam's Light Infantry Brigade past the Farm and Orchard of La Haye Sainte towards the eminence on which stood the three rallied Squares of the Imperial Guard; he completely turned the Left ofd'Erlon's Corps: and by means of the brilliant success which attended these movements, he gradually established himself in rear both ofd'Erlonand ofLobau; the latter of whom was still defending himself againstBlücher's advance.
In like manner, the Columns ofReille's Corps, comprising the Left Wing of the French Army, and which were advancing through, and contiguously to, the Hougomont inclosures, were turned in their Right Flank.
Thus, by this bold and masterly manœuvre, the whole Front Line of the French Army, which, a short time before, had presented so menacing an appearance, was thrown into disorder and confusion: and supported as that manœuvre was by the advance, at the right moment, of the Duke's entire Line; any attempt, on the part of the French, to rally and resume the offensive, was entirely frustrated. The firm, decided, and determined attitude whichWellingtonhad assumed, had, in fact, struck terror and dismay into the ranks of his opponent: who, perceiving the hasty and confused retreat of his troops, as also the extreme pressure upon his Right by the formidable and now more general attack on the part ofBlücher, became completely paralyzed; and conscious of the utter futility of attempting to stem the torrent, he threw himself for temporary shelter into the Square of the 2nd Battalion of the 2nd Regiment ofChasseursof the Guard.
The Anglo-Allied Line continued its magnificent Advance; which was in truth a march of triumph, not of attack, sinceall fled before its approach. In the Centre,Lambert's Brigade, together with the 1st or Royal Scots, crossed to the Charleroi road, and took possession of La Haye Sainte; which was found entirely abandoned to the wounded and the dying, who constituted its sole but numerous occupants. The troops that had stood in rear of Hougomont, now poured into its inclosures, aiding and supporting those who had so bravely maintained that important Post in completely clearing it of its assailants; as many of the latter in the Wood, ignorant of what was passing in the open Field, still endeavoured to hold their ground. The Light Troops on the right of Hougomont crossed the Nivelles road without opposition: not only the Infantry in their front having retired, butPiré's Light Cavalry Brigade, which had formed the extreme Left of the French Army during the whole day, having been ordered to proceed to the rear of the Centre to cover the general retreat.
The extreme Left of the Line was flanked by the Prussian Regiments of Cavalry, belonging toZieten's Corps, previously mentioned as having joined shortly before the General Advance; and the Battalions of the First Prussian Infantry Brigade, together with the Nassau Brigade under PrinceBernhardof Saxe Weimar, were pressing up the Heights against the Left ofDurutte's Division posted at the apex of the angle ofpotenceon which stood the extreme Right of the French Army. As the Allied Left descended the outer slope of the position, those Columns ofd'Erlon's Corps which had advanced to attack it, were hastily retiring; part of them, indeed, along and near the Charleroi road, had already fallen back in disorder the moment they became aware of the defeat of the troops on the other side of that road, and of the advance ofAdam's Brigade, by which their Left Flank was completely turned,and their rear most seriously endangered.Durutte's Division, forming, as before observed, the Right ofd'Erlon's Corps, and posted in the angle ofpotence, perceiving in its direct rear, the retreat of the Imperial Guard, followed by British Infantry; as also that of the Columns of its own Corps on its Left, followed by the Anglo-Allied Line; besides the attack of the Prussians in its Front and on its Right, and which was increasing every moment in vigour and effect; at once saw the certainty of its being cut off if it remained in its present attitude: and hence, aware of its own helplessness, it took to flight.
In the next moment the renewed cheering along the Anglo-Allied Left Wing, announced that it had reached and captured the strong Line of Batteries; by the fire of which, maintained during the entire day, its ranks had been so awfully diminished.Zieten's Battalions took possession, also, of the Batteries which had protected the apex of the angle ofpotence, and which had been covered byDurutte's Division. Notwithstanding the confused retreat of the Flank Columns ofd'Erlon's Corps, those which constituted the central portion of his Line had hitherto retired in some little degree of order: but now they began rapidly to dissolve as the Allied Line approached; and, soon spreading out, they broke forth into one general crowd of fugitives.
The flight of these troops immediately along the rear ofLobau's Line, at the very moment of its being most vigorously assailed by the Thirteenth and Fifteenth Infantry Brigades ofBülow's Corps, covered by an overpowering cannonade, involved its ranks in the general panic which had become uncontrollable. The whole Corps rushed wildly into the stream of fugitives which, with overwhelming force, had set in towards Rossomme and Maison du Roi, on the Charleroi road, the direct line of retreat.
By this time (about a quarter past eight o'clock),Adam's Brigade, pursuing its course on the left side of the high road, was ascending the higher ground in rear of La Belle Alliance. Here it fell into the line of fire of one ofBülow's Batteries; which had immediately followed up the retreat ofLobau's Corps, and opened a cannonade from the previous position of the latter, at a distance of about seven hundred yards.Wellington, perceiving that this fire might occasion serious injury to his advancing troops, directed Countde Sales(who was still his sole attendant) to proceed to the Prussian Battery, and cause it to cease firing; its Commanding Officer not being aware that its shot were falling among British troops.Bülow, on becoming acquainted with this circumstance, immediately checked the fire of his Artillery; and, at the same time, ordered the Infantry of his Right to refrain from firing during its forward movement.
The road which leads from thechausséeacross the Height in rear of La Belle Alliance, towards Planchenoit, becomes, after a distance of about a hundred yards, a complete hollow way. As it was approached byAdam's Brigade, a Column of Artillery and Infantry, from the French Right, was hastily retreating up that part of it which was in front of the 52nd Regiment, quite unaware of its having fallen into the immediate vicinity of British Infantry. Astonished by the sudden appearance of the latter along the bank, the Column hesitated for a moment what course to adopt. The Infantry at first presented some little show of defence; but soon threw down their arms, dispersed and escaped as best they could. The Artillery made a dash at the opposite bank, but some of the horses of each gun were instantly brought down by a fire from the British, and the attempt failed. The Commanding Officer of the Battery, as if in a fit of desperation, standingin the centre of his guns, waved his sword above his head in defiance. A soldier from the 52nd Regiment sprang forward, parried his thrust, closed with him, threw him on the ground, and bayoneted him. The guns were immediately abandoned.
On the Right of the Brigade, the 71st Regiment having gained the Height on which a Reserve Battery of the Imperial Guard had been posted the entire day, and had just made an attempt to draw off into the high road, it was captured by that Corps; when some men of the Right Flank Company of the latter (CaptainReed's), under LieutenantTorriano, immediately turned round one of the guns, which was then discharged into the retiring Columns of the Imperial Guard by CaptainCampbell, Aide de Camp to Major GeneralAdam, and was, there is reason to believe, the last French gun fired on that day.
Lieutenant ColonelHalkett, who, with the Hanoverian Battalion Osnabrück, had entered the Charleroi road, near La Belle Alliance, continued to press before him the two Battalions of theChasseursof the Old Guard, under the protection of which,Napoleonwith several of his principal Staff Officers were retiring from the Field.Halkettsoon found himself in the midst of a great but disordered mass of the Enemy's Cavalry, which menaced the Battalion in a most vociferous manner; but, after receiving the fire from the latter, it went off in all directions. Further on, perceiving several guns in full retreat, he sent the Sharpshooters of the Battalion, supported by a Company, amongst them; who, by their fire, increased the confusion, and then made many prisoners, and cut the traces of the horses from the leading guns.
The Regiments of Prussian Cavalry belonging toZieten's Corps, before mentioned as having joined the Left of theAnglo-Allied Army, after crossing the valley and ascending the French position, had got somewhat in advance of the Left of the Anglo-Allied Infantry, taking the direction of Rossomme; but they soon found their progress most seriously obstructed and retarded by the vast crowds of fugitives of all Arms intermingled in the wildest confusion.
Such was also the case with the much more advanced British Light Cavalry Brigades underVandeleurandVivianon the right of the Charleroi road. In fact, the Cavalry thus situated in the Van of the Duke's victorious Army, had now become almost helpless: it seemed as if carried aloft on the billows of the agitated sea, yielding rather to its impulses than controlling the angry element.
As might have been expected, there were innumerable instances in which the rage and disappointment of the conquered foe gave rise to covert assaults, which, however, were speedily repressed; more especially by the Prussians, against whom a word or look sufficed to draw down their vengeance upon an Enemy whom they held in detestation. The 10th and 18th British Hussars ofVivian's Brigade, whilst endeavouring to reform between La Belle Alliance and Rossomme, found themselves in the midst of an immense crowd, composed partly of defeated soldiers of the Imperial Guard; who could but ill conceal their mortification, and who seized every opportunity that afforded to gratify their hatred and revenge. Lieutenant Colonel the Hon.Henry Murray, commanding the 18th, was very nearly bayoneted by one of them; and his Orderly was compelled, for the security of his master, to cut down five or six in rapid succession.
A remarkable exception to the general disorganisation of the French Army was manifested about this time in front ofVandeleur's Brigade, which was the furthest in advanceof any of the Allied troops. In the midst of the crowd of fugitives which impeded the progress of the Brigade; there appeared a Regiment of Cavalry, moving at a walk, in Close Column, and in perfect order, as if disdaining to allow itself to be contaminated by the confusion that prevailed around it. It was theGrenadiers à Cheval. The 12th British Light Dragoons were the nearest to it, having got in advance of the rest of the Brigade, and were opposite the Right Flank of the Column, whence a few pistol or carbine shots were fired at them. The 12th made a partial attack; but they were so much inferior in numbers (being very weak at this period), and were so greatly obstructed in their movements by the crowd, that they were unable to produce any impression upon so compact and steady a body of Cavalry; which literally walked from the Field in the most orderly manner, moving majestically along the stream, the surface of which was covered with the innumerable wrecks into which the rest of the French Army had been scattered.
AsNapoleonand his Staff were at this time retiring along the high road, on the Right Flank of this Cavalry of the Guard; it is reasonable to infer that the latter was therefore induced to maintain the admirable order in which it was thus seen, to secure the Emperor's retreat.
Whilst the great mass of the French Army, in a state of thorough disorganisation, was thus driven byWellington's victorious troops across the whole extent of ground which had constituted its general position; as also, on its Right, by that portion of the Prussian troops consisting of part ofZieten's, and of the Right Wing ofBülow's, Corps: the Battalions of the French Imperial Guard in Planchenoit were maintaining a most desperate and obstinate contest withBülow's Left Wing, aided by a part ofPirch's Corps, to which the attack of the Village had been confided.
The principal force of the Imperial Guard having taken post within the central portion of the Village, and strongly occupied the Churchyard; the headmost Columns of this Third Prussian attack met with a most destructive fire as they pressed forward through the lanes that led towards the eastern side of the Church. The supporting Columns now came up, and joined in thefusilladethat was maintained with the French in the Churchyard; the stone wall encircling which, lined with troops, gave to it the appearance of a little fortress. The Prussians, extending their front so as to envelope a considerable portion of the Churchyard, and taking advantage of the houses and inclosures which they had reached on their own side, maintained a terrific fire upon their opponents; and as the latter appeared resolved to keep them at bay to the last, a great loss of life occurred on both sides. The soldiers of the Imperial Guard fought desperately; and so greatly was their animosity excited, that some Officers of the 15th Prussian Regiment and of the Silesian Landwehr, who had been made prisoners in the previous attack, were with difficulty saved by GeneralPelet's personal exertions from becoming a sacrifice to their fury. Reinforcements were moved into the Churchyard from the Reserves on its western side; and the pertinacity with which the attacks upon it were repelled showed very plainly that other means than that of a front assault must be resorted to for forcing the French from a Post which afforded them such superior advantages in the defence of the Village.
If the Prussians attempted to outflank the Churchyard by advancing along the low open space on its right; they became exposed to the commanding fire from its walls, to that from the opposite houses, and in front, to the Reserves. If they ventured to pass close by its left they had but anarrow road open to them, bounded by the Churchyard wall on one side strongly lined by the defenders, and by houses on the other which the Enemy still occupied, and presenting also at its further extremity a Farm House and its offices in flames, situated so close to the Churchyard as to conceal by its smoke any Column of Reserve that might be posted in that quarter.
Hence it was determined to act upon a broader extent of Front, and to turn the entire Village on both Flanks; so as either to force, or to intercept, the retreat of the Enemy from his stronghold in the Churchyard. On the Prussian Left, MajorWitzleben, with the Fusilier Battalion of the 25th Regiment, had already crossed the rivulet which divides the Village into two nearly equal parts, and was attacking that portion of the French Guard which was posted upon the narrow ridge which lies between that rivulet and the Lasne. His Skirmishers were joined upon their left by those that had preceded the 1st and 2nd Battalions of this Regiment; and which latter having pushed through the Wood of Virère, were now following close up in support of the attack on this part of Planchenoit. These Skirmishers were also connected on their left with those of the Fusilier Battalions of both the 15th Regiment and the 1st Silesian Landwehr, under MajorKeller, who was advancing along the right bank of the Lasne. Along the crest of this ridge runs a narrow road, with several cottages on either side of the latter: the ground is throughout intersected with hedges and studded with trees; and altogether admirably adapted for a protracted defence by Light Troops. Every house, every lane, and every hedge was gallantly contested.
The Prussians not only boldly attacking in front; but skilfully and gradually turning the ridge upon both sides, at length gained possession of all this portion of the Village,and thus outflanked the troops in the Churchyard, who maintained to the last a most desperate defence. In the mean time, the houses and inclosures on the left of the Church had also been turned on that side by the Right of the Prussian attack: and principally by the 5th Westphalian Landwehr, the Skirmishers of which had beaten back their opponents close under the walls of the burning buildings; the bright flames from which, gleaming upon the combatants, who rent the air with their shouts, gave a peculiar wildness to this scene of mortal strife. But still more wild and awful must have been the scene within the Church, as the red flood of light which they poured through the windows of the aisles, fell upon the agonised and distorted features of the wounded and the dying with which that sacred edifice was at this moment filled.
The Prussians continued pressing forward along both Flanks of the Village, driving the Imperial Guard from house to house, from hedge to hedge, and from tree to tree, until at length it became obvious to the French that their rear would soon be intercepted. The latter were also by this time fully aware of thedérouteof the main Army; and, giving up all for lost as they fell back upon the western portion of the Village, they made a hasty and disorderly retreat towards Maison du Roi.
TheChasseursof the Old Guard were the last to quit the Churchyard, and suffered severely as they retired. Their numbers were awfully diminished; andPelet, collecting together about 250 of them, found himself vigorously assailed by the Prussian Cavalry from the moment he quitted the confines of Planchenoit and entered upon the plain between the latter and the high road. At one time, his ranks having opened out too much in the hurry of their retreat, some of the Prussian troops in pursuit, both Cavalryand Infantry, endeavoured to capture the Eagle, which, covered with black crape, was carried in the midst of this devoted little band of Veterans.Pelet, taking advantage of a spot of ground which afforded them some degree of cover against the fire of grape by which they were constantly assailed, halted the Standard Bearer, and called out "A moi, Chasseurs! sauvons l'Aigle ou mourons autour d'elle!" TheChasseursimmediately pressed around him, forming what is usually termed the Rallying Square; and, lowering their bayonets, succeeded in repulsing the charge of Cavalry. Some guns were then brought to bear upon them, and subsequently a brisk fire of musketry: but notwithstanding the awful sacrifice which was thus offered up in defence of their precious charge, they succeeded in reaching the main line of retreat, favoured by the universal confusion, as also by the general obscurity which now prevailed; and thus saved alike the Eagle and the honour of the Regiment.
The Reserve Cavalry of the Second and Fourth Prussian Corps received Orders to pass to the front through the Infantry: that of the Fourth Corps, under PrinceWilliamof Prussia, moved by the right of Planchenoit, as also through the Village itself; but its progress was greatly impeded by the fugitives that crowded towards Maison du Roi.
In the mean time, the Prussian Battalions that had been detached for the protection of the Left of the attack upon Planchenoit, namely the Fusilier Battalion of the 15th Regiment, and that of the 1st Silesian Landwehr, under MajorKeller, as also that of the 25th Regiment, under MajorWitzleben, had turned the Village, and followed the Enemy nearly in the direction of Maison du Roi. They met with some resistance on the part of the Battalion of the Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard, which had advancedfrom Caillon, in pursuance of the Orders it had received, into the Wood of Chantelet; but they soon forced their way to the high road, and by their presence added greatly to the disorder in which the Enemy was flying from the Field.
MajorFalkenhausen, having remarked the retreat of the French, as he stood on the Height of Seroulx, to which he had been detached with one hundred Horsemen of the 3rd Silesian Landwehr Cavalry, also moved down upon the high road, and charging the Flank of the flying Foe, tended still further to augment the alarm and confusion that prevailed.
When the French Imperial Guard was falling back from Planchenoit in disorder and confusion towards the high road between Rossomme and Maison du Roi,Wellington's Advanced Brigades had reached the former place. It was about half past eight o'clock—perhaps somewhat later—and the darkness, which had been rapidly setting in, had become so great as to render it difficult to distinguish one particular body of troops from another.
Some little time before this, one of the Prussian Advanced Regiments of Cavalry, suddenly entering the high road between La Belle Alliance and Rossomme, came into partial collision with the 18th British Hussars; who, not anticipating the presence of any other foreign troops in that vicinity than those of the French Army, commenced an attack upon them: cuts were exchanged, and some few lives lost, before the error was corrected.
The 1st Hussars of the German Legion, while advancing along the right of the high road, came upon the rear ofVandeleur's Brigade, and were all but in collision with the 11th and 16th British Light Dragoons; which Regiments, having previously ascertained that a Brigade of FrenchCavalry (Piré's) was on their right, and perceiving, though but dimly, in the dark, the approach of a strong body of horsemen towards their rear, concluded that an attempt was made to intercept their retreat. They immediately went "threes about," and struck into a charge. On the other hand, the 1st German Hussars, not being aware that any British Cavalry was in their front, and misled in a great measure by the sudden clamour of French voices proceeding from the numerous fugitives, who, taking the alarm, were endeavouring to get out of their way, prepared to charge, and gave a loud cheer. This cheer was fortunately recognised by the British Dragoons, when in the act of charging, as that of the 1st German Hussars; and was thus the means of preventing a rencontre that might have been productive of the most fatal consequences to the parties concerned.
Wellingtonhad, previously to this, given Orders that the main body of his Army should halt upon what had been the French position, in the Line of La Belle Alliance; having arranged, by communication withBlücher, that the latter, whose troops were comparatively fresh, should take up the pursuit: and, as the Prussians continued moving forward in great force towards the high road, he directed his own troops to proceed to the right of the latter, so as to leave it clear for their advance. The Prussian Regiments, on passing the British, caused their bands to play the national anthem,GOD save the King!a compliment which was greeted, on the part of the latter, by hearty and friendly cheers.
The Duke now stood with his Advance of both Infantry and Cavalry, on the elevated ground beyond Rossomme, overlooking Maison du Roi. The moon had risen, and by the light it gradually spread over the Field, as also by the objects set fire to at intervals along the high road,the retreating line of his vanquished Foe became sufficiently perceptible to satisfy him that the brilliant victory he had gained was rendered secure beyond a doubt. Having ordered his Advanced Brigades to take up their bivouacs for the night, he returned from this distant part of the Field, and proceeded leisurely along the Charleroi road back towards Waterloo.
Adam's Brigade bivouacked on the spot it had reached;Vandeleur's on the right, near the Wood of Callois in which stood the Observatory; whileVivian, inclining somewhat to his right, led his Hussars much further in advance of the Army, on the French side of the Observatory, and established his bivouac close to the Hamlet of Hilaincourt.
On approaching La Belle Alliance,Wellingtonordered the whole of his Army to bivouac on the Field of Battle. On reaching that point, he metBlücher; and mutual congratulations took place between them on the splendid victory achieved. The latter, taking advantage of the designation of the House as felicitously applicable to the meeting of the two Commanders, and considering also that it had constituted the direction point for the advance of the main portion of his troops, styled this glorious contest the Battle of La Belle Alliance. With the promise of vigorously following up the pursuit, and allowing the Enemy no opportunity of rallying within a march from the Field, he took his leave of the Duke; who then continued to ride leisurely towards Waterloo, where he passed the night.
The circumstances of the Duke having established his Head Quarters in this Village, and the name of the latter being more consonant to English pronunciation than that of any other place nearer to the Field, acquired for this ever memorable struggle, the designation, by the British, of theBattle of Waterloo.
Blücher, determined to allow no breathing time to the flying Enemy, and to deprive him of all power of rallying, at least on this side of the French frontier, gave Orders thatBülow's Corps should undertake the pursuit along the Charleroi road; thatZieten's Corps should follow in support ofBülow; and thatPirch's Corps should march by Aywiers, and cross the Dyle, for the purpose of interceptingGrouchy's troops; which, it was presumed, would soon be retreating from Wavre towards the Sambre.
The Prussian Battalions, already mentioned as having turned the Village of Planchenoit, and entered the high road near Maison du Roi, accompanied by only three Squadrons of Uhlans, formed the Advance of the pursuing Army.Gneisenau, placing himself at their head, proceeded to carry into effect the commands of his veteran Chief and friend. The Cavalry, under PrinceWilliam, followed; and then the Infantry of the two Corps.
At Genappe, the first important Defile through which the main French Army retired, an immense number of carriages and waggons of all kinds had been collected together—some having been withdrawn from the Field, and others, such as those of the Commissariat or Ordnance Departments, having come up to join, or to follow in the track of, the French Army. By judicious management, these materials, combined with a suitable defence, would have afforded the means of seriously impeding the further pursuit by the victors. Some intention of this kind appeared to have been entertained, as several waggons had been upset, so as to obstruct the crossing of the Bridge, a narrow passage only being left to admit stragglers. But no sooner did the Prussian Advance appear, in the moonlight, descending from the Heights overlooking Genappe, with drums beating and bugles sounding, than the rearmostof the French troops (for Rear Guard there was none to an Army from which all semblance of order and regularity had vanished), immediately after firing a few shots, fled from the place. This was at about eleven o'clock. The quantity of baggage that was collected here presented a rich booty to the Prussians; but the most valuable and most interesting object consisted ofNapoleon's travelling carriage, which, with all its contents, fell into the hands of the Fusilier Battalion of the 15th Regiment.
The Infantry ofBülow's andZieten's Corps halted at Genappe: but as soon as the Prussian Advance, including the Cavalry under PrinceWilliam, had succeeded in forcing its way through the immense mass of waggons and carriages of all kinds with which this Defile had been blocked up,Gneisenau, moving the Infantry along the road, and flanking it on each side by the Cavalry, continued the pursuit. He succeeded in driving the French from not less than seven bivouacs, which they had taken up in succession; but each of which they abandoned the moment they heard the sounds of the Prussian drums or bugles.
It was an hour after midnight whenNapoleonreached Quatre Bras; whence he despatched several Officers to make known toGrouchythe loss of the Battle, and to order him to retire upon Namur. The Officers whom he had previously detached from Genappe to Ligny, for the purpose of movingGirard's Division, which had been left there, into position at Quatre Bras, now brought him word that they had not succeeded in finding it. There appeared to be no possibility of presenting, at this point, any effectual check to the Prussian pursuit. GeneralNègreof the Artillery was here with the Parks of Reserve, but accompanied by a very feeble escort.
The Soldiers of the First and Second Corps, who, duringthe advance of the 15th, had crossed the Sambre by the Bridge of Marchiennes, had quitted the high road, both at Quatre Bras and at Gosselies, to proceed in the direction of that point; and with so much precipitation that they could not be halted for the purpose of forming something like a Rear Guard.
The Sixth Corps, the Imperial Guard, and part of the Cavalry, retreated upon Charleroi, whitherNapoleonhimself proceeded; after having sent his brotherJerometo Marchiennes, with Orders to rally the troops between Avesnes and Maubeuge.
In the mean time,Gneisenaucontinued his wild nocturnal chase, which was trulyLützow's wilde verwegene Jagd. His followers, however, having been on the march or in action, since daybreak, were becoming weary, especially the Infantry: besides which, several, impelled by hunger, stopped on the way to plunder provision waggons; so that their numbers had greatly diminished.
ButGneisenau, who was the life and soul of the pursuit, and who seemed bent on pushing forward whilst a man and horse remained, now had recourse to a stratagem, which, as regarded its effect upon the Enemy, fully compensated for the exhaustion of his Infantry. Observing that the fugitives always took alarm at the sound of the drum, which announced the presence even of Infantry thus far in pursuit, and close upon their rear; he ordered the last remaining Drummer, who was unable to proceed further on foot, to mount one of the horses that had been disengaged fromNapoleon's travelling carriage, and then to keep up with the Cavalry, and beat the drum without intermission.
In this mannerGneisenaupassed through Quatre Bras, which had been abandoned on his approach; and even theHeights of Frasne were left free to him; whilst the affrighted Foe, completely scattered and dispersed, endeavoured to escape by Gosselies, Marchiennes, and Charleroi. Upon reaching the Inn ofà l'Empereuron the high road beyond Frasne, this favoured companion ofBlücherhalted his followers, who then consisted but of a few Squadrons and a party of the 15th Regiment, and allowed them to take rest; satisfied with having thus, by mere beat of drum and shouts of triumph, succeeded in scaring the remnant of the French Army across the Sambre.
Such was the termination of this ever memorable Battle—a Battle, remarkable for the spectacle it afforded, on the one hand, of a bravery the most noble and undaunted; of a passive endurance, the most calm, dignified, and sublime; of a loyalty and patriotism, the most stern and inflexible: and on the other, of a gallantry in assault the most daring and reckless; of a devotion to their Chief, the most zealous and unbounded; and, lastly, of a physical overthrow and moral annihilation unexampled in the history of modern warfare. Such was the consummation of a victory, the most brilliant in its development, the most decisive in its operation, and the most comprehensive in its result, of any that had occurred since the commencement of that Revolution which it was thus the instrument of bringing to the termination so long and so ardently desired by the suffering and indignant nations of Europe.
From the contemplation of the triumph, the glory, and the result, of such a Battle: we are impelled to turn our thoughts upon the melancholy spectacle of the awfully severe losses sustained by both the victors and the vanquished; whose heroic exertions and noble endurance could not but be attended with immense sacrifice.
The following Table shows the losses sustained by the troops composing the Anglo-Allied Army:—