The Waterloo Campaign by William Siborne

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Title: The Waterloo Campaign 1815

Author: William Siborne

Release Date: November 11, 2018 [EBook #58268]

Language: English

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THE

WATERLOO CAMPAIGN

1815

WILLIAM SIBORNE

Captain, Half Pay, Unattached,

Constructor of the
Waterloo Model

FIFTH EDITION

WESTMINSTER

ARCHIBALD CONSTABLE AND CO., LTD.

1900

PREFACE.

BY common consent, this Work is regarded as the best comprehensive account in the English language of the
Waterloo Campaign. Even those who differ from the Author upon particular points, most cordially admit the general
accuracy and fulness of his History. It is charmingly written, is graphic yet precise, and abundantly witnesses to the
Author's most strenuous endeavour to do justice to every one who took part in that great Conflict.
This Work will henceforth be a household book amongst the Teutonic race; and all who read it will gain a very clear
insight into the methods of Military Strategy as they were practised by the great Captains of that Age.
It is impossible to repress one's admiration of the heroic bravery displayed in this brief Campaign: whether amongst the
Allies at Quatre Bras and Waterloo, or by the Imperial Guard at Planchenoit, or by the Prussians at Ligny, Wavre, and
Le Chesnay.
The reader must be good enough to observe that a Prussian Brigade then equalled in numbers a French or an English
Division.
This Work has extended to such great length that one half of the Appendix (see pages 42 to 44) and nearly all the
Notes have been, most unwillingly, omitted. Only those Foot Notes have been inserted which are absolutely essential to
the Text. Room has however been found, at pages 798 to 826, for the Nominal Lists of Officers at Waterloo, &c.
One would most earnestly wish that Wars may cease until the end of Time; but if that may not be, then may they be as
bravely fought as was this War of Twenty Days: from the 15th June, when Napoleon crossed the Sambre; to the 4th
July 1815, the day on which the Allies took possession of Paris.

EDWARD ARBER.

Edgbaston,

Birmingham.

THE TITLE PAGE OF THE THIRD EDITION.

TO THE

QUEEN'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY.

Madam,
IN graciously deigning to accept the Dedication of these pages, Your Majesty has afforded the greatest possible
encouragement to my humble endeavours to record, with simplicity, impartiality, and truth, the incidents of an eventful
War, resulting in a long enduring Peace; a War which shed a new and brighter lustre on the valour and discipline of the
British Army, and once more called forth the consummate sagacity and far-extending prescience of that illustrious Chief,
whom Your Majesty, with wise appreciation and a just pride, retains at its head.
Earnestly hoping that the result of those endeavours may prove not altogether undeserving of Your Majesty's
approbation,

I have the honour to be,

With profound respect,

Madam,

Your Majesty's most humble
And most devoted servant,

WILLIAM SIBORNE,
Captain Unattached.

PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION.

IN offering to the Public this Third Edition, I feel called upon to state, by way of explanation, in what respect it differs
from the two former Editions. During the interval which has elapsed, I have not failed to avail myself of every
opportunity to correct and improve any points which further investigation rendered desirable; and I have been much
gratified in finding that the general plan and arrangement of the Work, together with the elucidation of the military
operations, and the views of their tendency and effect, have been generally borne out and approved; and that,

consequently, in these respects little alteration has been required.
The exceptions, which consist principally in details, and amount in number to only four or five, have been rectified in this
edition. They are chiefly the result of discussions which have appeared in the pages of the United Service Magazine;
and relate to a portion of the proceedings of Sir Colin Halkett's and Sir Denis Pack's Brigades at Quatre Bras and
Waterloo.
Through the kindness of His Excellency the Prussian Ambassador, Chevalier Bunsen, and of the Prussian Generals von
Canitz and von Krauseneck, and of Major Gerwien of the Prussian Head Quarters Staff; I have obtained additional
interesting details connected with the Prussian operations; more especially as regards the opening of the Campaign.
A Dutch work published, apparently under authority, by Major Van Löben Sels, Aide de Camp to his Royal Highness
Prince Frederick of the Netherlands, and entitled B dragen tot de Kr gsgeschiedenis van Napoleon Bonaparte, of
which I was not previously in possession, has enabled me to give additional particulars respecting the movements and
dispositions of the most advanced portion of the Dutch-Belgian troops, on the first advance of the Enemy; and also to
explain particular circumstances and qualify some observations respecting those troops which appeared in former
Editions.
The Editor of an Article in The Quarterly Review, No. CLI., entitled Marmont, Siborne, and Alison, having, in his
comments upon this Work, denied the accuracy of one or two important facts therein stated; I have, in notes at pages
57 and 152,[2] entered into more minute details, which explain the grounds that warrant me in adhering to the original
statements.
The observations made in the Preface of a Volume of "Murray's Home and Colonial Library," entitled The Story of
Waterloo, and the palpable embodiment of the present Work into the pages of the latter, have been such as could
scarcely fail to attract attention; and I have accordingly appended to this Edition, in a separate form, some remarks
upon that publication.[3] Public opinion (if I may judge by the unanimous consent of the press) having so distinctly
pronounced its acknowledgment of the value of my Work, as one of History; I could not disregard the conduct of a
Writer, who, in the first place endeavours to depreciate that value, and then unblushingly makes the most ample and
unlicensed use of it for his own purposes.

W. SIBORNE.

18th June 1848.

FOOTNOTES:

Omitted in this Fourth Edition.—E.A.

Omitted in this Fourth Edition.—E.A.

The Duke of Wellington.

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

THE circumstance of the First Edition having been sold off within a very few days, combined with the highly
favourable notices taken of the Work by professional as well as other critics, and, I may be permitted to add, the very
flattering encomiums which have been pronounced upon it by so many who, from their position, are the most competent
to form an opinion on its merits, cannot fail to afford proofs, the most satisfactory to the Public, and, at the same time,
the most gratifying to the Author, that, in the production of these Volumes,[4] upon a subject of such stirring national
interest, neither the expectations of the former have been altogether disappointed, nor the labours of the latter bestowed
in vain.
The present Edition contains corrections on one or two points of trivial importance, to which my attention has been
directed; and I shall be happy to receive further information from surviving Eye Witnesses who may discover any
instances in which the facts related appear either inaccurately or insufficiently explained.

W. SIBORNE.

August 23rd, 1844.

FOOTNOTES:

[2]

[3]

The First and Second Editions of this Work were each published in Two Volumes.—E.A.

PREFACE.

SOME years ago, when constructing a Model of the Field of Waterloo, at a particular period of the Battle; I found it
necessary to make great exertions to procure that detailed information for which I had sought in vain in the already
numerous published accounts of the military transactions of 1815. Anxious to ensure the rigorous accuracy of my
work, I ventured to apply for information to nearly all the surviving Eye Witnesses of the incidents which my Model was
intended to represent. In every quarter, and among Officers of all ranks, from the General to the Subaltern, my
applications were responded to in a most liberal and generous spirit; and the result did indeed surprise me, so greatly at
variance was this historical evidence with the general notions which had previously prevailed on the subject. Thus was
suggested the present Work. I was induced by the success of this experiment to embrace a wider field, and to extend
my enquiries over the entire Battle; and, ultimately, throughout the Campaign itself, from its commencement to its close.
Having become the depository of such valuable materials, I felt it a duty to the honourable profession of which I am a
humble member, to submit to it, and to the World, a true and faithful account of this memorable epoch in the history of
Britain's military greatness.
Though not so presumptuous as to imagine that I have fully supplied so absolute a desideratum; yet I consider myself
fortunate in being the instrument of withdrawing so far the veil from Truth. One of my Waterloo correspondents has
humorously remarked, that "if ever truth lies at the bottom of a well, she does so immediately after a great Battle; and it
takes an amazingly long time before she can be lugged out." The time of her emerging appears to have at length arrived;
but, while I feel that I have brought to light much that was involved in obscurity, I cannot but be sensible that I may have
fallen into errors. Should such be the case, I shall be most ready, hereafter, to make any corrections that may appear
requisite, on my being favoured, by Eye Witnesses, with further well authenticated information.
I take this opportunity of returning my sincere thanks to the numerous Officers of the British Army, who have so kindly
committed to my keeping their recollections of the events which I have attempted to describe. Similar thanks are
likewise due to the Officers of the King's German Legion and Hanoverian Subsidiary Corps; as also to the General
Officers who respectively furnished me with such information as related to the troops of Brunswick and Nassau.
I beg also to express my obligations to the Prussian Minister of War, and the Officers of the Prussian General Staff in
Berlin, for the readiness and liberality with which they have supplied me with such details concerning the dispositions
and movements of the troops of their Sovereign, as were essential to me in prosecuting the task I had undertaken.
Having briefly explained the circumstances that led to the construction of the Work which I thus venture to place before
the Public, I have now only to express a hope that my labours may be crowned with usefulness. Should such a result
occur, I shall then have obtained the only fame I seek.

W. SIBORNE.

March 1844.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

PAGE

Landing of Napoleon Buonaparte in France after his escape
from Elba
47

Flight of Louis XVIII.
47

Decision of the Congress of Vienna
48

Preparations on the part of the Allied Powers for opening a
Campaign against Napoleon
49

Great Britain and Prussia occupy Belgium
49

[4]

Advance of the Russians towards the French frontier
51

Advance of the Austrians
52

The troops of Bavaria, Baden, Würtemburg, and of Hesse,
assemble upon the Upper Rhine
52

Preparations on the part of Napoleon
53

General aspect of France
57

Spirit of the French Army
58

Public Opinion and state of Parties in France
59

CHAPTER II.

Belgium again destined to become the Theatre of War
62

The British Army
62

The Duke of Wellington
63

The Prussian Army
67

Prince Blücher von Wahlstadt
67

The King's German Legion; the Hanoverian, Brunswick, Dutch,
Belgian, and Nassau troops
67

Napoleon and the French Army
68

Prospect of a severe struggle

69

CHAPTER III.

Strength, composition, and distribution of the Anglo-Allied Army
under Wellington
71

Its projected concentration in the event of Napoleon's advance
75

Strength, composition, and distribution of the Prussian Army
under Blücher
76

Its projected concentration in the event of Napoleon's advance
79

The line on which Wellington's Left and Blücher's Right rested,
selected by Napoleon for the direction of his attack
82

Strength, composition, and distribution of the French Army
under Napoleon
82

Necessity under which the French Emperor is placed of opening
the Campaign without awaiting the further development of his
resources
87

Slight retrospect of the Campaign of 1814
88

Napoleon's prospect of success
88

His preparations for the commencement of hostilities
90

Wellington receives information from his Outposts in front of
Tournai, of the assembling of French troops on the frontier; but
delays the concentration of the Anglo-Allied troops until certain
of the object and direction of Napoleon's main operation

91

Concentration of the French Army
91

Napoleon joins the latter in person
92

Ordre du Jour of the 14th of June
93

CHAPTER IV.

Zieten ascertains and communicates to the Allied Commanders
the assembling of French troops in his front, and that there is
every probability of an attack by the Enemy on the 14th or 15th
of June
94

Blücher's dispositions
96

Extent of information gained by Wellington and Blücher
immediately previous to the commencement of hostilities
97

Position of the First Prussian Corps d'Armée under Zieten
97

Advance of the French Army into Belgium on the 15th of June
98

The French force the Prussian Outposts; cross the Sambre, and
gain possession of Charleroi
98

Retreat of the different Brigades of Zieten's Corps upon Fleurus
104

Affair at Gilly
106

Zieten's Corps concentrates in position between Ligny and St
Arnaud
110

Losses experienced by this Corps on the 15th
111

The Second and Third Prussian Corps d'Armée, under Pirch
and Thielemann, concentrate and bivouac on the night of the
15th; the former between Onoz and Mazy not far from Sombref,
the latter in and around Namur
111

Bülow is desired to concentrate the Fourth Prussian Corps
d'Armée at Hannut
112

Cause of this operation being deferred until the 16th
113

Ney joins the French Army, and receives from Napoleon the
command of a detached Corps destined to operate by the
Brussels road from Charleroi
114

The Advanced Post at Frasne, upon the extreme Left of the
Duke of Wellington's Army, receives intelligence of the French
attack
115

Consequent movements of de Perponcher's Dutch-Belgian
Division
115

The Anglo-Allied Post at Frasne is driven in by the Advanced
Guard of Ney's Corps; the progress of which is checked by
Prince Bernhard of Saxe Weimar's Dutch-Belgian Brigade in
front of Quatre Bras
116

Disposition of Ney's forces in the night of the 15th of June
118

Wellington is informed of Napoleon's advance, and makes his
dispositions accordingly
119

Order of the movements of the Anglo-Allied Army
120

Disposition of the Centre and Right Columns of the French
Army
during the night of the 15th
123

Remarks on the result of Napoleon's operations on the 15th of
June
123

CHAPTER V.

On the morning of the 16th, Wellington's troops are in movement
upon Nivelles and Quatre Bras
129

The Dutch-Belgian Detachment at the latter point is reinforced,
and becomes engaged with the French Advanced Guard
129

The Prince of Orange arrives, and succeeds in forcing back the
French upon Frasne
131

Ney's views and dispositions
131

Wellington arrives in person at Quatre Bras
134

He proceeds to the Prussian Head Quarters for the purpose of
holding a conference with Blücher
134

Adopted Plan of Operations
135

Instructions received by Ney from Napoleon
135

Ney's advance
143

The Prince of Orange's dispositions to meet it
143

Relative strength
143

The Prince of Orange retires towards Quatre Bras, occupies the
Wood of Bossu, and endeavours to maintain the Post of
Gemioncourt
144

Arrival of Picton's Division
145

Conspicuous gallantry of the Prince of Orange
147

Arrival of van Merlen's Light Cavalry Brigade
148

Van Merlen advances in support of Perponcher's Infantry
148

Both are driven back: the former to Quatre Bras; the latter into
the Wood of Bossu, which is now attacked by the French
148

The latter occupy Gemioncourt and Piermont
148

Ney's position
149

Arrival of the principal portion of the Brunswick troops
149

Relative strength
150

Part of the Brunswick Corps posted between the Charleroi road
and the Wood of Bossu
151

French attack
152

Wellington decides on meeting it
153

Advance of Picton with the Fifth British Division
153

The French Infantry gallantly repulsed by the British
154

Attack upon the Brunswickers
155

The Duke of Brunswick makes an ineffectual charge at the head
of his Lancers
157

Retreat of the Brunswickers
157

Fall of the Duke of Brunswick
158

Conspicuous gallantry of the 42nd and 44th British Regiments
159

The French Cavalry advances as far as Quatre Bras
162

Is checked by the 92nd Highlanders
162

Kellermann joins Ney with L'Heritier's Cavalry Division
163

The French Cavalry attacks the British Squares
164

Picton advances his Infantry into the midst of the French Cavalry 166
Remarkable steadiness of the British Squares
167

Manner in which the charges of the French Cavalry were
executed
167

The French are rapidly gaining possession of the entire Wood of
Bossu, are reinforcing their Light Troops in Piermont, and are
preparing to renew their attack upon Quatre Bras
172

Alten joins Wellington with two Infantry Brigades of the Third
Division
173

Ney is joined by the remaining Division of Kellermann's Corps
of Heavy Cavalry
173

Relative strength
173

Ney, after despatching an Order to d'Erlon to join him without
delay, commences another general attack
174

Two French Foot Batteries suddenly open a fire from the edge
of the Wood of Bossu upon the Brunswick Infantry
174

Gallant conduct of Lloyd's British Foot Battery
174

Advance of Halkett's British Infantry Brigade posted between
the Wood of Bossu and the Charleroi road
175

Kielmansegge's Hanoverian Infantry Brigade advances along the
Namur road to reinforce and support Picton's Division
175

Advance of French Infantry against Quatre Bras
176

The latter gallantly charged and pursued by the 92nd
Highlanders
176

Halkett's Brigade posted between the Wood of Bossu and the
Charleroi road
177

The 69th British Regiment is attacked and dispersed by French
Cuirassiers
178

Vigorous assault along the whole of the Anglo-Allied Line
180

Arrival of British and German Artillery
181

French Cuirassiers driven back in confusion from Quatre Bras
182

Ney receives intelligence that d'Erlon's Corps has been ordered
by Napoleon to march towards the Prussian Extreme Right on
the Field of Ligny; and shortly afterwards a despatch reaches
him, requiring him to attack and repulse whatever Enemy may be
in his front, and then to fall upon the Prussian Right
182

Vigorous attack upon the Left of Wellington's Line successfully
repelled
184

The French Cavalry continues its attacks upon the central
portion of the Anglo-Allied Army
184

Ney receives a further despatch from the Emperor, urging him to
comply immediately with the instructions previously given
185

Arrival of Brunswick reinforcement
185

Also of the First British Division under Cooke
186

Relative strength
186

Halkett is again attacked by French Cavalry, after which he
makes a further advance of his Brigade
187

The British Guards succeed in forcing the French out of the
Wood of Bossu
188

Signal defeat of French Cavalry by the British Guards and the
Brunswick Guard Battalion
189

Wellington's victorious advance
191

Ney withdraws the whole of his forces to the Heights of Frasne,
on which they bivouac for the night
191

D'Erlon joins Ney after the termination of the action
191

Losses in killed and wounded
193

Remarks upon the Battle
193

CHAPTER VI.

Blücher decides upon accepting battle in the position in rear of
Fleurus
199

The position of Ligny strategically considered
200

The position itself described
201

Distribution of Zieten's Corps on the morning of the 16th of June 201
At eleven o'clock Pirch's Corps is posted as a Reserve to
Zieten's
203

Thielemann's Corps reaches Sombref about noon
204

Its distribution on the Field
204

General view of Blücher's dispositions
204

About ten o'clock the foremost of the French troops debouch in
two Columns from the Wood of Fleurus, and draw up in front of
this town
204

Napoleon's views and dispositions
205

At two o'clock he communicates to Ney his intention to
commence his attack upon the Prussians, and desires that
Marshal also to attack the Enemy in his front
206

The French Light Troops gain possession of Fleurus
206

The Cavalry of Zieten's Corps falls back upon the position of
Ligny
206

The French Army advances and takes up a position preparatory
to its attack
207

Strength of the French forces under Napoleon
208

Strength of the Prussian forces under Blücher
209

Blücher's arrangements
209

He moves Thielemann's Corps into his Front Line, of which it
then forms the Left Wing
210

Blücher's views and dispositions
211

Tactical defects of the position of Ligny
213

Napoleon commences the Battle with an attack by Vandamme's
Corps upon St Amand

213

Gérard's Corps attacks Ligny
214

Contest in these Villages
215

The French carry St Amand
216

Renewed attack upon Ligny
217

Nature of the contest between Thielemann's and Grouchy's
Corps
217

Girard's Division gains possession of St Amand la Haye
218

Blücher's dispositions for retaking this Village, securing
Wagnelé, and impeding any further advance from the French
Left
218

Failure of the Prussian attack upon St Amand la Haye
219

Blücher decides on a renewed attack upon this Village, as a
diversion in favour of his projected movement against the French
Left
219

Napoleon reinforces this Flank
220

The Prussians retake St Amand la Haye
220

Blücher reinforces his extreme Right with Cavalry
221

Prussian attack upon Wagnelé unsuccessful
222

The French regain St Amand la Haye
223

Continued contest at Ligny
223

Blücher reinforces his troops employed in the defence of this
Village
224

Long and desperate struggle in the Villages of St Amand la
Haye, Wagnelé, and the Hameau de St Amand
227

Napoleon, perceiving that Blücher has scarcely any Reserve
remaining at his disposal, resolves upon attacking the Prussian
Centre
230

He suspends his meditated attack in consequence of a large
Column advancing apparently from Frasne towards his Left
Rear
231

This Column is discovered to be d'Erlon's Corps d'Armée
234

This circumstance explained
234

Thielemann detaches a portion of his Cavalry with some guns
across the Ligny, along the Fleurus road
237

They are attacked and driven back by part of Grouchy's
Cavalry
237

Disposition and state of the Prussian troops at the moment
Napoleon advances with a formidable Reserve across the Ligny 239
The Prussian Infantry forced to evacuate Ligny
242

Failure of Prussian Cavalry attacks upon the advancing Column
of French Infantry
243

Blücher's horse is killed, and the Prince thrown under him
245

Critical situation of the Prussian Commander
246

He is removed from the Field
246

Retreat of Prussian Infantry upon Bry
247

Contest at Sombref
249

Retreat of the Prussians from St Amand and St Amand la Haye
250

Zieten's and Pirch's Corps retire by Marbais and Tilly
251

Thielemann's Corps retains its position
252

Close of the Battle
253

Distribution of the French troops
254

Disposition of the Prussian troops
254

Bülow's Corps reaches Gembloux during the night
255

Losses sustained by both Armies
255

Consequences of the Prussian defeat
255

Remarks upon the Battle
256

CHAPTER VII.

An engagement of short duration, and originating accidentally,
takes place between the French and Anglo-Allied Picquets on
the Field of Quatre Bras, about an hour before daylight of the
17th June
259

Wellington detaches a Patrol to his Left for the purpose of
gaining intelligence concerning Blücher's movements
261

The Patrol finds the Prussians at Tilly
262

Upon its return Wellington decides on retrograding his forces to
the position in front of Waterloo
263

Order of Movement
263

Communications between Blücher and Wellington
264

Retreat of the Anglo-Allied Infantry; masked from the Enemy
264

Ney's views and dispositions
266

Napoleon communicates to Ney the result of the Battle of
Ligny; and proposes, should the Enemy's force at Quatre Bras
advance against him, to co-operate with the Marshal in a
combined attack upon the Anglo-Allied Army
267

Tardiness of Napoleon's movements
267

Simultaneous advance of Napoleon and Ney against Wellington
268

Uxbridge's dispositions for the retreat of the British Cavalry
270

Brilliant Cavalry Affair at Genappe
281

Retreat continued to the Waterloo position
282

Napoleon's advance checked on his reaching La Belle Alliance
282

Remarks on the retreat
283

Blücher's promised support
285

Wellington's disposition of his detached troops under Sir Charles
Colville and Prince Frederick of Orange
285

The French and Anglo-Allied Armies establish their respective
bivouacs for the night
286

CHAPTER VIII.

At daybreak of the 17th, the Prussian Army commences its
retreat upon Wavre
287

Zieten's Corps retires by Mont St Guibert, and reaches Wavre
about mid day
287

Pirch's Corps follows the same route, and takes post upon the
right bank of the Dyle
287

Thielemann, having collected together the Brigades of his Corps,
begins to retire from the Field of Ligny at two o'clock in the
morning
288

He halts in rear of Gembloux
289

Bülow retires by Walhain and Corbaix to Dion le Mont, near
which he takes up a position
290

Thielemann resumes his march at two o'clock in the afternoon,
and arrives at the position of Wavre late in the evening
290

Prussian Head Quarters established at Wavre
291

Blücher receives a message from Wellington
291

While the Prussians are effecting their retreat during the early
part of the morning, the French continue quietly in their bivouac
292

Pajol, with the Light Cavalry Division, seeks the Prussians along
the Namur road; followed by Lieutenant General Teste's Infantry
Division, in support
292

Other troops detached towards Gembloux, near which traces of
the Prussian retreat are discovered
293

Remarks upon the extraordinary degree of inactivity on the part
of Napoleon
293

About noon, Napoleon proceeds to collect, in advance of
Marbais, on the high road to Quatre Bras, a portion of the
troops that had fought at Ligny; and detaches the remainder,
under Grouchy, in pursuit of the Prussians
296

Napoleon's instructions to Grouchy
297

The troops assembled near Marbais advance upon Quatre Bras,
which they reach about two o'clock
298

The Corps of Vandamme and Gérard do not reach Gembloux
until late in the evening
299

Grouchy's dispositions
300

Disposition of the Prussian troops during the 17th
302

Influence of the defeat at Ligny upon the morale of the Prussian
Army
305

Blücher is informed of the position of the Anglo-Allied Army
306

His instructions to Bülow
306

On the 18th, Vandamme's and Gérard's Corps commence the
march from Gembloux, at nine o'clock, upon Wavre, preceded
by the Heavy Cavalry under Excelmans, and supported on their
left by Maurin's Light Cavalry
307

At half past ten o'clock, Excelmans' Advanced Guard comes in
contact with the Prussian Rear Guard
307

At Sart à Wallain Grouchy's attention is called to the sound of a
heavy cannonade in the direction of Mont St Jean
308

Gérard suggests to Grouchy the expediency of marching
towards the cannonade
308

Grouchy's reasons for rejecting this proposal
309

The march upon Wavre continued
309

At daybreak on the 18th, Bülow quits his position near Dion le
Mont to march through Wavre upon St Lambert, and thus
commences the flank movement of the Prussians in support of
the Anglo-Allied Army at Waterloo
310

Blücher communicates to Wellington his intention of immediately
attacking the Enemy's Right Flank
311

Dispositions made for giving security to this movement
312

Blücher directs that as soon as Bülow's Corps has proceeded
beyond Wavre, Zieten's Corps is to commence its march by
Fromont and Ohain to join the Left Wing of Wellington's Army
312

Pirch's Corps to follow Bülow's in the direction of St Lambert;
and Thielemann's to follow Zieten's as soon as its presence at
Wavre is no longer essential
312

The march of Bülow's Corps through Wavre delayed by an
accident
313

Bülow's Advanced Guard crosses the Defile of St Lambert, and
halts in the Wood of Paris
313

Pirch, having strengthened his Rear Guard in consequence of the
approach of the French, effects the passage of his Corps across
the Dyle at Wavre
314

Blücher's instructions to Thielemann
316

Remarks upon Grouchy's movements during the 17th, and the
early part of the 18th
316

Their influence upon the Battle of Waterloo
321

CHAPTER IX.

The French and Anglo-Allied Armies break up their bivouacs
early on the morning of the 18th of June, in front of Waterloo
324

Preparations for Battle
325

The Field
325

Wellington's position
326

Distribution of the Anglo-Allied Army
327

Front Line: with the Advanced Posts of Smohain, La Haye, La
Haye Sainte, and Hougomont
327

Second Line
347

Reserves
348

Detached forces in observation near Hal, and at Tubize; the
former under Prince Frederick of Orange, the latter under Sir
Charles Colville
350

Braine l'Alleud and Vieux Foriez occupied
350

Distribution of the Anglo-Allied Artillery
351

General view of the disposition of Wellington's forces
353

Napoleon's position
355

Distribution of the French Army
355

Front Line
355

Second Line
359

Reserves
362

General view of the disposition of Napoleon's forces
363

Remarks on the Emperor's delay in commencing the Battle
364

Strength of the Anglo-Allied Army in the Field
367

Strength of the French Army
368

The French Columns moving into position
368

Intense interest excited in both Armies when drawn up in
presence of each other, and on the point of commencing the
Battle
368

CHAPTER X.

Napoleon's instructions to Grouchy previously to the Battle of
Waterloo
370

A Prussian Officer joins the extreme Left of the Anglo-Allied
Army, and reports that Bülow's Corps has reached St Lambert
371

Napoleon passes along the French Lines
372

The Battle commences about half past eleven o'clock, with an
attack upon the Wood of Hougomont, by part of Prince
Jerome's Division
375

The cannonade is opened by the guns of Sandham's Foot
Battery in front of Cooke's Division
375

The French gain possession of a portion of the Wood and other
inclosures of Hougomont
376

They are driven out
377

The French reconnoitre the Anglo-Allied Left
377

Jerome renews his attack, supported by part of Foy's Division
378

Fire opened upon the attacking troops by the Batteries posted
with Clinton's Division
378

The French gain the Wood
378

Signal service rendered by Bull's Howitzer Battery
379

The French Skirmishers succeed in turning the Right of
Hougomont, and in forcing the great Gate; which, however, is
soon closed against the assailants
380

They then press forward against the Right of the Allied Front
Line, and force Webber Smith's Horse Battery to retire into a
hollow way to refit
381

They are charged and driven back by four Companies of the
Coldstream Guards, under Lieutenant Colonel Woodford, which
force then joins the defenders of Hougomont
381

The French, on debouching from the Wood into the Great
Orchard, are gallantly charged and driven back by Lieutenant
Colonel Lord Saltoun with the Light Companies of the First
Brigade of Guards
383

The latter, being attacked in both front and flank, are compelled
to fall back upon the hollow way in rear of the Great Orchard
383

On being reinforced by two Companies of the 3rd Regiment of
Guards; they resume the offensive, and clear the Orchard of the
Enemy
383

Ney's dispositions for a grand attack upon the Left Wing and
Centre of the Anglo-Allied Army
384

Napoleon perceives troops in motion at some distance on his
right
385

He detaches Domon's and Subervie's Light Cavalry Brigades in
that direction

386

He ascertains that the troops he has seen belong to the Prussian
Corp's d'Armée of Count Bülow
386

His Orders to Grouchy
387

Napoleon neglects to adopt effectual measures for securing his
Right Flank
389

CHAPTER XI.

Commencement of the grand attack upon the Left Wing and
Centre of the Anglo-Allied Army
392

On the right of the attack the French gain possession of the
Farm of Papelotte; which, however, is soon retaken by the 3rd
Battalion of the 2nd Regiment of Nassau
393

Retreat of Bylandt's Dutch-Belgian Infantry Brigade
395

Picton's dispositions
397

Attack by the French Left Central Column
399

Gallant charge by Kempt's Brigade
401

Death of Picton
402

Contest between Cuirassiers and the 2nd Life Guards in front
of the Right of Kempt's Brigade

403

Attack upon La Haye Sainte by the Left Brigade of Donzelot's
Division
404

Advance of Roussel's Cavalry Brigade by the French left of La
Haye Sainte
405

Uxbridge decides upon charging the Enemy's attacking force
with Somerset's and Ponsonby's Cavalry Brigades
406

Charge by the French Cuirassiers and Carabiniers
408

It is met by that of Somerset's Cavalry Brigade
409

Advance of Ponsonby's Cavalry Brigade
411

Advance of Alix's and Marcognet's French Infantry Divisions
411

They reach the crest of the Anglo-Allied position
412

Advance of the 92nd Highlanders
413

Their attack upon the head of Marcognet's Column
413

Charge by Ponsonby's Cavalry Brigade
413

Complete overthrow of the French Columns
414

The Greys capture the Eagle of the 45th French Regiment
415

They also charge and defeat a supporting Column of
Marcognet's attacking force
415

The Royals capture the Eagle of the 105th French Regiment
418

The Inniskillings defeat and disperse the Columns to which they
are opposed
419

Continuation of the charge by Somerset's Brigade
419

Disordered state of the two British Cavalry Brigades
420

They crown the Enemy's position, and cut down the Gunners
and horses of the French Batteries
421

At length they retire
421

The Left of their Line suffers severely from a charge by
Jaquinot's Light Cavalry Brigade
421

Vandeleur's Light Cavalry advances in support upon the left
422

Charge by the 12th and 16th British Light Dragoons
422

The French Cavalry is driven back
423

Advance of Ghigny's Light Cavalry Brigade
423

Vivian moves his Brigade to the right, and opens a fire from two
guns of his Horse Artillery
424

The British Cavalry engaged in this affair sustains a heavy loss
425

Disposition of the troops on the Anglo-Allied Left and Centre
426

Tableau of the Battle at this period
427

CHAPTER XII.

Continuation of the contest at Hougomont
434

Attempted flank attack upon this Post completely defeated by
Captain Cleeves's Foot Battery of the King's German Legion
436

The principal buildings of Hougomont, including the Château, set
on fire by the French
437

Napoleon prepares a grand Cavalry attack upon Wellington's
Right Wing
439

Renewed attack upon La Haye Sainte
439

Tremendous cannonade along the French Heights
441

French grand Cavalry attack
443

Its failure
446

Its renewal
448

Second failure
449

Ney, on being reinforced by Kellermann's Corps of Heavy
Cavalry, and Guyot's Heavy Cavalry Division of the Guard,
renews his attack
452

This is most successfully resisted
455

Ney directs another attack upon La Haye Sainte, and advances
a heavy Column of Bachelu's Infantry against the Centre of the
Anglo-Allied Right Wing
458

Wellington draws Chassé's Dutch-Belgian Division from Braine
l'Alleud towards the principal scene of action, and moves
Clinton's Division into the Front Line
458

Contest at La Haye Sainte
459

The 5th and 8th Line Battalions of the King's German Legion, on
advancing to charge French Infantry in rear of La Haye Sainte,
are suddenly assailed in flank by French Cavalry, and the 8th
Battalion is almost entirely destroyed
460

Artillery in the Anglo-Allied Front Line reinforced
461

Attack by a Column of French Heavy Cavalry upon the Anglo-
Allied Right completely defeated by Major Mercer's Battery of
British Horse Artillery
461

A strong Column of French Infantry, supported by Cavalry,
advances against the Centre of the Anglo-Allied Right Wing
462

It is charged by Somerset's Heavy Cavalry Brigade
463

Conduct of Trip's Dutch-Belgian Carabinier Brigade
463

Gallant charge by the 3rd Hussars of the King's German Legion
464

Renewed attack by the Column of French Heavy Cavalry in
front of Major Mercer's Horse Battery
466

It is repulsed as before
466

Wellington reinforces the right of his Front Line by du Plat's
Infantry Brigade of the King's German Legion, accompanied by
Captain Sympher's Horse Battery of the same Service
467

It is attacked by French Cuirassiers
467

These are driven off by the Battalions of du Plat's Brigade
468

Renewed charge by the Cuirassiers equally unsuccessful
468

Failure of the French Cavalry attack upon the Right Centre of
the Anglo-Allied Line
469