Chapter XVII
It would be difficult to discover, in the whole history of the Wars of modern times, an instance in which so fine, so splendid, an Army as that of NAPOLEON, one composed almost exclusively of veterans, all men of one nation, entirely devoted to their Chief, and most enthusiastic in his cause, became so suddenly panic stricken, so completely disorganised, and so thoroughly scattered, as was the French Army when it lost the Battle of Waterloo. A defeated Army usually covers its retreat by a Rear Guard, but here there was nothing of the kind: and hence that Army cannot be said to have retreated; but truly to have fled, from the Field of Battle. No attempt to rally was made on the Belgian soil, and it was not until some of the scattered fragments of the immense wreck had been borne across the French frontier that their partial junction on different points indicated the revival of at least some portion of that mighty mass of warriors; who, but three days before, had marched across this same frontier in all the pride of strength, and in all the assurance of victory.
The rearmost of the fugitives having reached the Sambre, at Charleroi, Marchienne, and Châtelet, by daybreak of the 19th, indulged themselves with the hope that they might then enjoy a short rest from the fatigues which the relentless pursuit by the Prussians had entailed upon them during the night; but their fancied security was quickly disturbed by the appearance of a few Prussian Cavalry, judiciously thrown forward towards the Sambre from the Advanced Guard at Gosselies. They resumed their flight, taking the direction of Beaumont and Philippeville.
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It had been arranged by WELLINGTON and BLÜCHER, on the Field of Waterloo, that the Prussian Army, not having been so much crippled and exhausted by the Battle, should undertake the further pursuit, and proceed by Charleroi towards Avesnes and Laon; whilst the Anglo-Allied Army, after remaining during the night on the Field, should advance by Nivelles and Binche towards Peronne.
On the following morning, the pursuing Cavalry belonging to the First, Fourth, and partly to the Second, Prussian Corps d'Armée, reached the vicinity of Frasne and Mellet.
The Fourth Corps marched at daybreak from Genappe, where it collected together the Brigades which had been so much broken up by the continued pursuit. The 8th Prussian Hussars, under Major COLOMB, were detached from this Corps towards Wavre, to observe Marshal GROUCHY. They were supported by the 1st Pomeranian Landwehr Cavalry; and, shortly afterwards, the 2nd Silesian Landwehr Cavalry, under Lieutenant Colonel SCHILL, also followed in the same direction.
After some hours' rest, the Fourth Corps d'Armée marched to Fontaine l'Evêque, where it bivouacked. It had received Orders to communicate from this place with Mons. The Advanced Guard, under General SYDOW, was pushed forward, as far as Lermes, on the road to Thuin; it being intended that this Corps should proceed by the road to Maubeuge, along the Sambre.
The First Corps d'Armée, which had from the beginning followed the Fourth as a Reserve, now advanced in pursuit of the Enemy by the direct road to Charleroi. The Light Cavalry at the head of the Column reached the passages of the Sambre at Châtelet, Charleroi, and Marchienne, without meeting any sort of opposition or impediment; nor did it perceive any thing of the Enemy on the other side of the river. The Corps halted for the night at Charleroi: having its Advanced Guard at Marchienne, and its Outposts occupying the line from Montigny by Louveral as far as Châtelet. Detachments from the Reserve Cavalry were sent in the direction of Fleurus, to secure the Corps from any molestation on the part of GROUCHY; of whose proceedings nothing positive was then known at the Prussian Head Quarters.
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It was not until nearly five o'clock in the evening of the 19th, that General BORCKE, whose Brigade, the Ninth, was still in the vicinity of St Lambert, discovered the retreat of GROUCHY's troops. He immediately communicated the fact to General THIELEMANN, who ordered him to cross the Dyle the next day (the 20th) and march upon Namur. The French Rear Guard of GÉRARD's Corps d'Armée continued to occupy Limale until nightfall. THIELEMANN remained posted, during the night of the 19th, at St Achtenrode; having his Advanced Guard at Ottenburg.
On the evening of the 18th, Pirch received Orders to march from the Field of Waterloo with his Corps d'Armée (the Second) in the direction of Namur; for the purpose of turning Marshal GROUCHY's Left Flank and intercepting his retreat upon the Sambre.
PIRCH made this movement during the night, passing through Maransart, where he was joined by his Seventh Brigade; and crossing the Genappe rivulet at Bousseval, as also, subsequently, the Dyle, on his way to Mellery: which place he reached at eleven o'clock in the forenoon of the following day. His Corps was much divided on this occasion. He had with him the Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Infantry Brigades, and twenty four Squadrons of Cavalry: but the Fifth Infantry Brigade, and the remaining fourteen Squadrons, were with that portion of the Prussian Army which was pursuing the Enemy along the high road to Charleroi. The Corps being greatly fatigued by the night march and its exertions on the previous day, PIRCH ordered the troops to bivouac and to betake themselves to rest.
During this march, Lieutenant Colonel SOHR had pushed on with his Cavalry Brigade, as an Advanced Guard; and now he was required to gain intelligence concerning the Enemy's movements, and to seek a communication with THIELEMANN. He found the Defile of Mont St Guibert strongly occupied by the Enemy, but could obtain no information respecting THIELEMANN's Corps.
When it is considered how very near to Mellery GÉRARD's Corps d'Armée must have passed, in order to fall into the Namur road at Sombref; it seems extraordinary that PIRCH, who reached that place at eleven o'clock in the forenoon of the 19th,--the same hour at which GROUCHY, then beyond Wavre, received the first intimation of the defeat of NAPOLEON,--should have permitted GÉRARD to continue his retreat unmolested. His troops required rest, it is true; but had he maintained a good look out in the direction of Gembloux, he would, in all probability, after the lapse of a few hours, have been enabled to fulfil his instructions so far as to have completely intercepted the retreat of a considerable portion of GROUCHY's Army. That part of the Enemy's force which Lieutenant Colonel SOHR observed at Mont St Guibert, was probably the Advanced Guard only of GÉRARD's Corps d'Armée; since its Rear Guard remained at the Bridge of Limale until nightfall. Taking all the circumstances into consideration, more especially the express object of the detached movement of the Second Prussian Corps d'Armée, it must be admitted that, on this occasion, there was a want of due vigilance on the part of General PIRCH.
It was on the 19th, also, that Prince BLÜCHER issued, whilst at Genappe, a Proclamation to his Army; in which he thanked the troops for their conduct during the recent struggle.
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At daybreak of the 19th, that portion of the Duke of WELLINGTON's Army which had fought the Battle of Waterloo, broke up from its bivouac, and began to move along the high road to Nivelles. Those troops which had been posted in front of Hal during the 18th, consisting of STEDMAN's Dutch-Belgian Division, ANTHING's Dutch-Belgian Indian Brigade, and Colonel ESTORFF's Hanoverian Cavalry Brigade, under Prince FREDERICK of the Netherlands; as also of JOHNSTONE's British Infantry Brigade, and LYON's Hanoverian Infantry Brigade, under Lieutenant General Sir CHARLES COLVILLE, were likewise directed to march upon Nivelles. The Army occupied Nivelles and the surrounding villages during the night of the 19th; in the course of which the Duke arrived from Brussels, and established his Head Quarters in the town.
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An hour's rest was all that the harassing pursuit by the Prussians permitted NAPOLEON to enjoy at Charleroi; and he was compelled to fly across the Sambre, without the slightest chance of being enabled to check that pursuit on the Belgian side of the frontier.
The following inscription, which has been cut over the centre of the archway of the Charleroi gate, is singularly appropriate to the flight of NAPOLEON on this memorable occasion:
"ABIIT. EXCESSIT. EVASIT. ERVPIT."
The circumstances, however, under which the flight of CATALINE here described, and that of NAPOLEON, took place, form a strange contrast. The former, subdued in the Senate by the indignant philippics and burning eloquence of CICERO, escaped from Rome to the rebel camp of MANLIUS, to take up arms against his native city for the purpose of satisfying the cravings of his profligate ambition; and the latter, defeated in the battle field, fled to the capital, in the vain hope of obtaining from the Senate of his country further means of waging war against the legitimate Sovereign.
From Charleroi, NAPOLEON proceeded to Philippeville; whence he hoped to be able to communicate more readily with GROUCHY. He continued here four hours; which he employed in expediting Orders to Generals RAPP, LECOURBE, and LAMARQUE, to advance with their respective Corps d'Armée by forced marches to Paris: and also to the commandants of fortresses, to defend themselves to the last extremity. He desired SOULT to collect together all the troops that might arrive at this point, and conduct them to Laon; for which place he himself started with post horses, at two o'clock in the afternoon.
The general disposition of the respective Armies on the evening of the 19th, was as follows:--
The Anglo-Allied Army, which constituted the Right Wing of the advancing forces, was at Nivelles and its vicinity.
The Duke of WELLINGTON's Head Quarters were at Nivelles.
Of the Prussian Army, which formed the Left Wing, its First Corps d'Armée was at Charleroi;
Second Corps on the march to Mellery;
Third Corps at St Achtenrode;
Fourth Corps at Fontaine l'Evêque;
Fifth Brigade of the Second Corps at Anderlues, near Fontaine l'Evêque.
Prince BLÜCHER's Head Quarters were at Gosselies.
The disorganized force of the main French Army was in the vicinity of Beaumont, Philippeville, and Avesnes.
NAPOLEON was posting towards Laon.
The detached portion of the French Army under GROUCHY was on the march to Namur.
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The Duke of WELLINGTON, in whose character the highest military talents of the Warrior were so intimately blended with the most comprehensive views of the Statesman, did not allow the dazzling allurements which beset the path of a Conqueror to divert him for a single moment from that fixedness of purpose, or to dim that penetrating foresight which so peculiarly distinguished his proceedings on all great occasions of a similar nature, involving the peace, the honour, and the security of not only his own Sovereign and Country, but also of all the Allied Powers, in whose interests he was so actively engaged. He did not view the great Battle he had gained in the light of an event to be followed up by an irruption into the Enemy's country, conducted in such a manner as to humble to the dust the national pride of the French people; and to impose upon them the whole weight and burthen of the oppressions, ravages, and horrors which generally follow in the train of a victorious and lawless soldiery over the face of an Enemy's country. His sole aim was directed to the carrying out of the great object of the War, which comprised not only the annihilation of the power of NAPOLEON and of the adherents to his cause, but also the Restoration of the legitimate Sovereign to the Throne of France. With the latter Sovereign he had been in constant communication, devising means for his protection during his temporary exile in the Netherlands; and now that the Armies were on the point of crossing the frontier, counselling him to hasten forward and show himself in the midst of his people: in order that by identifying his cause with the common object of the Allied Powers he might avail himself of all the influence and advantages to be derived from the recent victory; and become, as it were, a participator in the brilliant successes which attended their arms on the glorious 18th of June.
In proof of the sincerity of his intentions, and as a first step towards securing the good will, if not the friendly disposition, of the French people, more especially of the Legitimists and the well and peaceably disposed; the Duke issued the following General Order to the whole of the troops under his command:--
Nivelles, 20th June, 1815.
General Order.
1. As the Army is about to enter the French territory, the troops of the Nations, which are at present under the command of Field Marshal the Duke of WELLINGTON, are desired to recollect that their respective Sovereigns are the Allies of His Majesty the King of France; and that France ought, therefore, to be treated as a friendly country. It is therefore required that nothing should be taken, either by Officers or soldiers, for which payment be not made. The Commissaries of the Army will provide for the wants of the troops in the usual manner; and it is not permitted either to soldiers or Officers to extort contributions. The Commissaries will be authorised either by the Field Marshal, or by the Generals who command the troops of the respective Nations, in cases where their provisions are not supplied by an English Commissary, to make the proper requisitions, for which regular receipts will be given; and it must be strictly understood that they will themselves be held responsible for whatever they obtain in way of requisition from the inhabitants of France, in the same manner in which they would be esteemed accountable for purchases made for their own Government in the several dominions to which they belong.
2. The Field Marshal takes this opportunity of returning to the Army his thanks for their conduct in the glorious action fought on the 18th instant, and he will not fail to report his sense of their conduct in the terms which it deserves to their several Sovereigns.
WELLINGTON.
On the same day, the Duke, in consequence of a report received by him from Lieutenant General LECOQ, and of a previous communication made to him by the King of SAXONY, consented to take command of the Saxon Corps d'Armée, amounting to nearly 17,000 men. He directed the above General to march these troops to Antwerp, and there await further Orders.
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The Anglo-Allied Army marched this day to Binche and Mons. The British Cavalry moved into villages between Roeulx and Mons. VIVIAN's Hussar Brigade took the Outpost duties on the Sambre. The Hanoverian Cavalry furnished Outposts towards Maubeuge. The Duke fixed his Head Quarters at Binche.
BLÜCHER, having secured the passage of the Sambre in the neighbourhood of Charleroi, continued his pursuit of the Enemy, and crossed the French frontier on the 20th. He directed ZIETEN to march the First Corps d'Armée from Charleroi to Beaumont, to throw forward his Advanced Guard as far as Solre le Château, to detach a Party of Observation to the left towards Florenne, and to watch the road from Philippeville to Beaumont.
As the First Corps d'Armée advanced, it discovered at every step fresh proofs of the extreme disorder in which the French Army had retreated; and found twelve pieces of Artillery which they had hitherto contrived to save from the great wreck at Waterloo, but had now abandoned to their pursuers. On arriving at Beaumont, the Corps took up a bivouac. Its Advanced Guard, under General JAGOW, consisting of the Third Infantry Brigade, the 1st Silesian Hussars, and a Horse Battery, reached Solre le Château upon the road to Avesnes.
The Prince, at the same time, ordered BÜLOW to move the Fourth Corps d'Armée as far as Colleret, where the road to Thuin intersects the high road from Beaumont to Maubeuge, and to push on the Advanced Guard to Beaufort. BÜLOW accordingly directed General SYDOW to proceed with an Advanced Guard, consisting of a Cavalry Brigade, a Horse Battery, and two Battalions of Infantry, which had the day before reached Lermes on the road to Thuin, and to ascertain very particularly whether the French had established themselves on the Sambre, to secure the Bridges both here and at Lobbes, and further, to restore these passages, should they have been destroyed by the Enemy. Another Detachment, under Colonel EICKE, consisting of two Fusilier Battalions, the two Squadrons attached to the Thirteenth Brigade, and of the 2nd Silesian Hussars, was sent forward to take possession, in the first instance, of the passages of the Sambre, and then to join General SYDOW; who, proceeding by Colleret towards Beaufort, was to form both Detachments into an Advanced Guard on reaching the latter place. In the mean time, the mass of the Fourth Corps, headed by the Reserve Cavalry under Prince WILLIAM of Prussia, followed in one Column.
The progress made by this portion of the Prussian Army on the 20th was not so rapid as was desirable. Considerable delay arose in consequence of the degree of caution imparted to the movements by the impression which BÜLOW entertained that the Enemy would defend the passages, and endeavour to maintain himself along the opposite side of the river. Hence the Advanced Guard of the Corps only reached Ferrière la Petite; part of the main body proceeded as far as Montignies, and the remainder with the Reserve Artillery, did not get farther than the Bridges across the Sambre.
The Fifth Brigade (belonging to the Second Corps d'Armée) had started at daybreak from its bivouac at Anderlues, near Fontaine l'Evêque; and directed its march, by Binche, upon Villers, towards Maubeuge. The Brigade was reinforced by one hundred Dragoons under Major BUSCH, and half a Horse Battery; which Detachment arrived at Villers at five o'clock in the afternoon. This Cavalry was employed in observing the Fortress of Maubeuge, from the Mons road, as far as the Sambre; and the Brigade bivouacked at Villers. A Hanoverian Regiment of Hussars also observed the Fortress on the right of the Prussian Cavalry upon the Bavay road.
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The Left Wing of the Prussian Army, comprising the Third, and part of the Second, Corps d'Armée, came into collision with the Enemy this day, when pursuing that part of the French Army which was under GROUCHY. THIELEMANN, having learned that the latter had commenced his retreat upon Gembloux, marched at five o'clock in the morning from St Achtenrode to Wavre; where he further ascertained that already on the afternoon of the 19th, the French had effected their retreat across the Dyle, leaving only a Rear Guard on the left bank of the river.
GROUCHY, when he decided on retiring upon Namur, ordered General BONNEMAINS to move on rapidly, by Gembloux, with the 4th and 12th Dragoons, as an Advanced Guard, and to reach that town as soon as possible, and secure the passage of the Sambre. They were followed by the remainder of EXCELMANS' Cavalry, and the Reserve Artillery, together with the wounded. The Infantry was put in motion in two Columns: the one, consisting of the Third Corps d'Armée, proceeding by Gembloux; and the other, comprising the Fourth Corps, passing more to the right, and falling into the Namur road in rear of Sombref. The Light Cavalry was principally with the Rear Guard. To deceive THIELEMANN, GROUCHY left his Rear Guard in Wavre and Limale, with Cavalry Picquets thrown out towards the Prussians, until near evening; when it followed the main body to Namur.
THIELEMANN, having placed the whole of his Cavalry, with eight pieces of Horse Artillery, at the head of his Column, now ordered them to move on at a trot, for the purpose of overtaking the Enemy; but it was not until they had passed Gembloux that they discovered the Rear of GROUCHY's force, consisting of a few Regiments of Cavalry. These, however, now made so rapid a retreat, that it was impossible to bring them to action.
At length, on arriving near the Village of Fallize, within about three miles from Namur, the Prussians found VANDAMME's Rear Guard posted on the brow of the declivity at the foot of which lay the town, in the valley of the Meuse. It presented about two Battalions of Infantry, three Regiments of Cavalry, and four guns; and was formed to cover the retreat of the French troops.
The Prussian Battery immediately opened a fire; during which Colonel MARWITZ, moving out to the right, with the First Cavalry Brigade, and Count LOTTUM to the left, with the Second, turned the Enemy in both Flanks. The latter brought forward a Reserve of Cavalry, when the 8th Prussian Uhlans, under Colonel Count DOHNA, at the head of the Column that turned the Enemy's Left, made a most gallant attack upon the French Dragoons; who met it with a volley from their carbines, but were overthrown. The 7th Uhlans and a Squadron of the 12th Hussars also charged on this occasion, and captured three pieces of French Horse Artillery, which were in the act of moving off, as also fifty Cavalry horses. The Enemy's Infantry now threw itself into the adjacent Wood, with which the declivities that here lead down into the valley of the Meuse are covered, and thus succeeded in preventing the Prussians from following up their success.
At this moment, intelligence was received that General PIRCH was pursuing the Enemy with the Second Corps d'Armée upon the high road leading from Sombref to Namur; whereupon the Cavalry of the Third Corps was moved into this direction. A French Column, consisting of about twelve Battalions and two Batteries, but without any Cavalry, was perceived marching along that road. They belonged to GÉRARD's Corps d'Armée, which had effected its retreat by Limale, through Mont St Guibert. Upon the Height on which the Château of Flavinnes is situated was posted a Detachment from VANDAMME's Corps, consisting of from four to five Battalions with a Battery, and a Regiment of Cavalry, for the purpose of receiving GÉRARD's Column as it fell back, and of protecting its retreat. As the Enemy continued its retrograde march in Close Column and in good order; it was not deemed advisable to undertake an attack with the two Prussian Cavalry Brigades of the Third Corps, which were much fatigued: but the Horse Battery was drawn up, and discharged several rounds of shell and grape at the French troops during their retreat upon the town. The latter, therefore, quitted the high road, and moved along the adjacent Heights until they reached the Battalions which had been drawn up in support, and which now opposed the further advance of PIRCH's Corps d'Armée.
At this time, THIELEMANN's Cavalry withdrew, leaving the further pursuit of the Enemy to the latter Corps--to the movements of which it is now necessary to recur.
It was not until five o'clock in the morning of the 20th that PIRCH received intelligence that the Enemy was retiring by Gembloux upon Namur. Lieutenant Colonel SOHR was immediately detached, in all haste, to Gembloux with his Cavalry Brigade, a Battery of Horse Artillery, and the Fusilier Battalions of the 9th, 14th, and 23rd Regiments, as an Advanced Guard. On approaching that town, Lieutenant Colonel SOHR ascertained that THIELEMANN's Cavalry was pursuing the Enemy along the high road from Gembloux to Namur. He therefore decided upon marching by the narrow road on the right of the chaussée leading from Sombref, in full trot, covered by the Wood, to overtake the French troops in retreat. At Temploux, the latter presented a force of two Battalions, some Cavalry, and four pieces of Artillery in position, prepared to cover the retreating Column. Lieutenant Colonel SOHR immediately attacked with both the Regiments of Hussars, supported by the Battery of Horse Artillery; and defeated this portion of the Enemy's forces. It was at this moment, too, that a cannonade was opened upon the latter by the Horse Battery, before mentioned, of THIELEMANN's Corps; whereupon it fell back upon the favourable position taken up near Flavinnes, and in which the Enemy appeared determined to make a stand.
PIRCH immediately ordered the attack, and directed that it should be supported by Major General KRAFFT with the Sixth Brigade, which had closely followed the Advanced Guard, and had come up with the latter at four o'clock in the afternoon. Three Columns of Attack were formed. The First consisted of the 1st Battalion of the 9th Regiment, the Fusilier Battalion of the 26th Regiment, and the 1st Battalion of the 1st Elbe Landwehr. It was under the command of Major SCHMIDT, and detached to the left of the road, to drive back the Enemy's troops posted in the Wood and upon the Heights. The Second consisted of the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 26th Regiment, and the 2nd Battalion of the 9th Regiment, under Colonel REUSS, and of the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the Elbe Landwehr, under Colonel BISMARK. This Column, which advanced partly on the right, and partly on the left, of the road, was supported by the Battery No 5, and led by Major General KRAFFT in person. The Third Column comprised the Fusilier Battalions which had constituted the Infantry of the Advanced Guard; and was detached more to the right, towards the Sambre, to support the general advance upon Namur.
General KRAFFT, after having kept up a fire, for a short time, upon the Enemy with his Artillery, ordered the attack with his Infantry. Colonel REUSS threw out his Skirmishers, who were quickly followed by the Columns of Attack. The Enemy, after some little resistance, was fairly driven into Namur by a charge with bayonets, and suffered much loss.
In the mean time, Major SCHMIDT, with his Column of three Battalions, had turned the Enemy's Right Flank on the Louvain road; and the French were now limited to the defence of the suburb, which, however, was maintained with great obstinacy. The Prussian Columns of Attack, advancing at the pas de charge, drove the Enemy out of the suburb, and endeavoured to gain possession of the Gates of the town. Colonel ZASTROW, the second in command of the Sixth Brigade, wished to burst open the Gate which leads to the Louvain road; but was repulsed by a most murderous fire of musketry and grape, directed upon the assailants from the walls of the town.
On repeating the attempt, the Prussian Battalions fought with distinguished bravery, but with a great sacrifice of life. Colonel ZASTROW was killed at their head; Colonel BISMARK also fell; Colonel REUSS was wounded; and the Sixth Brigade alone lost forty four Officers, and 1,274 Under Officers and Privates.
The main body of GROUCHY's Army was at this time in full retreat upon Dinant, along the Defile of the Meuse. The troops left in Namur, to keep the Prussians at bay as long as possible, consisted of General TESTE's Division. They carefully barricaded all the Gates, lined the walls facing the Prussians, and made a most gallant resistance. The Officers, finding that their men continued so perfectly steady as not to require their attention, armed themselves with the muskets of the wounded, and assisted in maintaining the fire from the walls. The greatest order prevailed in the Town. The wounded, the provisions, and ammunition, had already been removed; and were on the line of march.
General PIRCH was well aware that the French defended the town solely for the purpose of covering their retreat, and had therefore no intention of undertaking any serious attack; he simply wished to possess himself of the suburbs, and to hold the Enemy in check by detaching troops to the Porte de Fer and the St Nicholas Gate. He thought that a demonstration against the latter Gate would raise apprehensions in the minds of the French respecting the security of the Bridge over the Sambre.
With this view, he ordered General BRAUSE to relieve, with the Seventh Brigade, the troops then engaged; and together with the Advanced Guard under Lieutenant Colonel Sohr, to blockade the Town. At the same time he directed the remainder of the Corps to bivouac near Temploux.
General BRAUSE proceeded to post the Fusilier Battalion of the 22nd Regiment in the direction of the Porte de Fer, and the Fusilier Battalion of the 2nd Elbe Landwehr towards the Brussels Gate. The main body of the Seventh Brigade, under Colonel SCHON, was stationed in rear of the suburb. The first mentioned Battalion stood, under cover, at four hundred paces distance from the Porte de Fer, having its Tirailleurs in the Avenue near the Gate. Just as General BRAUSE rode up to examine its formation, an alarm was spread in front that the Enemy was making a sortie. The General desired the Commanding Officer, Major JOCHENS, to lead his Battalion quickly against the defenders, to overthrow them, and then, if possible, to penetrate into the town along with the retreating troops. As Major JOCHENS approached the Gate, he found in its immediate vicinity the Tirailleurs of the Sixth Brigade, still maintaining the contest in that quarter. The attacking Column and the Tirailleurs now rushed towards the Gate and the walls; which the French, probably not deeming themselves strong enough to resist this pressure, abandoned in the greatest haste.
General TESTE had, in fact, prepared everything for his retreat; and had so well calculated the time which the Enemy would require in forcing an entrance by the Porte de Fer, that he succeeded in filing his Battalions along the parapets of the Bridge, which had been barricaded, and thus withdrew them to the south bank of the Sambre. The Prussians found it impossible to force open the Gate. The windows of the adjoining house of the Douaniers were therefore driven in, and a small iron door which led from the interior of the house into the town was opened, and, in this manner, an entrance was effected for the assailants; who were conducted by Major JOCHENS, of the 22nd, and Major LUCKOWITZ, of the 9th Regiment, across the Market Place, and as far as the Bridge over the Sambre: which the French had barricaded, as before stated, and behind which they had again established themselves. These troops were closely followed by Major SCHMIDT, with the 9th Regiment, and lastly by the 2nd Elbe Landwehr, in Close Column, under Majors MIRBACH and LINDERN.
The Prussians immediately occupied the captured portion of the town; posted a Column of Reserve on the Market Place, and with loud cheers, made themselves masters of the Bridge over the Sambre. An attempt had been made to gain the Enemy's rear, by means of a ford in this river; but it proved unsuccessful.
The French were driven with so much impetuosity towards the Gate leading out to Dinant, that there appeared every probability of a considerable number of them falling into the hands of the Prussians. The former, however, had heaped up large bundles of wood, intermingled with straw and pitch, against the Gate, and set them on fire on the approach of the Prussian troops. The Gate and the street were soon in flames, and the pursuit was thus obstructed; but even had this not occurred, the great fatigue of the troops who, during the previous sixteen hours, had been either marching or fighting, was sufficient to deprive them of the power of following the retreating Enemy with any degree of vigour.
After nine o'clock in the evening, the town was in the possession of the Prussians. Major SCHMIDT took the command at the Dinant Gate and Major JOCHENS at the Bridge over the Sambre. The remaining troops of the Seventh, and some Battalions of the Sixth, Brigade were posted by General BRAUSE upon the Market Place. The Fusilier Battalions of the Advanced Guard, which had supported the attack, more to the right, had also advanced into the town, towards the Bridge over the Sambre. They had been sharply cannonaded by the Enemy from the right bank of the Sambre.
A small party of Cavalry, under Captain THIELEMANN, of the Pomeranian Hussars, was sent forward a short distance on the road to Dinant, to form the Advance of the troops destined to pursue the Enemy at daybreak.
General TESTE's Division retired slowly, and in good order, by the Dinant road, as far as Profondeville; where it took up a position during three hours. At midnight it resumed its march, and arrived at Dinant at four o'clock on the following morning.
This retreat of GROUCHY by Namur upon Dinant was executed in a skilful and masterly manner; and the gallant defence of the former town by General TESTE's Division, unaided by Artillery, merits the highest commendation.
In this action the Prussians suffered a loss, including that already mentioned as having occurred to the Sixth Brigade, of 1,500 men; and the French are supposed to have lost about the same number. In the last attack, the latter abandoned 150 prisoners they had previously taken from the Prussians.
The Second Prussian Corps d'Armée occupied Namur during the night. The Cavalry of the Third Corps bivouacked at Temploux; the Infantry of the latter (which had been rejoined on the march from Wavre by the Ninth Brigade), near the town of Gembloux.
* * * * *
The circumstances under which the French Army, generally, was placed on the 19th of June rendered it sufficiently obvious that GROUCHY would be compelled to effect his retreat by Namur; and further, that whatever show of resistance he might offer on that point would be solely intended to gain time for the security of his troops whilst retiring, in one Column only by the long and narrow Defile of the Meuse which leads to Dinant. Aware that NAPOLEON's defeated Army was retiring along the direct line of operation, the Charleroi road; he immediately saw the imminent risk of his own retreat becoming intercepted, and the consequent necessity of his effecting the latter in a parallel direction, with a view to his rejoining the main Army as soon as practicable. To retire, therefore, by Gembloux upon Namur, and thence along the line of the Meuse, by Dinant and Givet, naturally presented itself as the true and proper course to be pursued.
To Generals in command of Corps d'Armée, such as THIELEMANN and PIRCH, a little reflection upon GROUCHY's critical position must have led to a similar conclusion. The inactivity of the former, during the afternoon and evening of the 19th, is probably to be explained by his having satisfied himself that the longer GROUCHY continued in the vicinity of Wavre, the greater became the chance of his retreat being cut off by a portion of the Allied Armies; which, in their advance, would reach the Sambre much sooner than it would be in the power of the French Marshal to do: and that, therefore, it would be injudicious on his part to attempt to force the latter from the position, which appearances induced him to believe he still occupied with his entire force, on the Dyle. He may also have been strengthened in this opinion by the circumstance of his not having received any positive instructions as to his future dispositions, or any reinforcements to secure for him a preponderance over GROUCHY.
With PIRCH, however, the case was very different. He received distinct Orders, on the evening of the 18th, to march at once from the Field of Waterloo, and continue his movement during that night, so as to cut off GROUCHY's retreat upon the Sambre. It has already been explained, that on reaching Mellery, at eleven o'clock on the following morning, he halted to give his troops rest; that he subsequently ascertained, through Lieutenant Colonel SOHR, who had been despatched, during the march, with his Cavalry Brigade to reconnoitre on the left, that the French occupied the Defile of Mont St Guibert in force. This intelligence might have satisfied him that GROUCHY had not yet reached Namur; but, if he entertained any doubts on that point, these could easily have been settled by means of a reconnoitring party, detached from Mellery, by Gentinne, and St Gery, to Gembloux, a distance of seven miles. He would then have learned, that no portion whatever of GROUCHY's force had hitherto crossed this line, in retreat; that he had, consequently, gained considerably on his rear, and had it in his power, after allowing a few hours rest to his troops, to march them by the high road which leads directly from Mellery into the high road near Sombref, and to anticipate GROUCHY in the possession of Namur.
In this case, GROUCHY, on approaching the latter place, and finding it occupied by PIRCH, would, in all probability, have hesitated to risk the loss of so much time as an attempt to force the town and the Pont de Sambre would necessarily incur, and have preferred endeavouring to pass his troops across the Sambre by some of the bridges and fords between Charleroi and Namur, and retire upon either Philippeville or Dinant; but with a Prussian Corps d'Armée at each of these points, and another in his rear, this would have been, to say the least of it, a most hazardous undertaking; and if he attempted to cross the Meuse below Namur, his chance of regaining NAPOLEON's Army would have been still more remote.
But setting aside the circumstance of PIRCH's not having, in this manner, taken due advantage of the position in which he stood relatively with GROUCHY during the 19th; and passing to the fact, that he first learned, at five o'clock on the morning of the 20th, whilst still at Mellery, that the Enemy was retiring along the high road from Gembloux to Namur, pursued by THIELEMANN's Cavalry: it seems strange that, inferring, as he must naturally have done, that GROUCHY would only endeavour to hold out long enough at Namur to effect his passage by the Pont de Sambre, and to cover his retreat to Dinant, he did not immediately move off by his right, and push his troops across the Sambre by some of the bridges and fords higher up the stream; and then, marching in the direction of Profondeville, under cover of the Wood of Villers within the angle formed by the confluence of the Sambre and the Meuse, intercept GROUCHY's retreat through the long and narrow Defile in which the road to Dinant winds by the side of the last mentioned river. The situation in which GROUCHY would have been placed by a movement of this kind--his troops in a long, narrow, precipitous Defile, obstructed in front by PIRCH, and attacked in rear by THIELEMANN--would have been perilous in the extreme.
PIRCH probably felt that his Corps d'Armée, part of which was then attached to the Army pressing the Enemy by the Charleroi road, was not equal to cope with GROUCHY's troops; but in the case here supposed, by judiciously disposing his force then present so as to command the Defile at some favourable point in its course, he would have secured for himself an advantage which, under such circumstances, would have fully compensated for his deficiency in regard to numbers.
The scattered remnants of the main French Army continued to be hurried forward in wild confusion across the frontier. Some of the fugitives hastened towards Avesnes, others to Philippeville: whilst a very great proportion of them sought no temporary rest of this kind, but, throwing away their arms, fled into the interior, to return to their homes; the Cavalry, in many instances, disposing of their horses to the country people. Several of the superior Officers hastily collected such of the troops as appeared better disposed, and conducted them in the direction of Laon. NAPOLEON reached the latter town in the afternoon of the 20th. After conferring with the Préfet, he desired M. DE BUSSY, one of his Aides de Camp, to superintend the defence of this important place; and despatched General DEJEAN to Avesnes, and General FLAHAUT to Guise.
In the mean time, a body of troops had been discerned in the distance, moving towards the town. NAPOLEON sent an Aide de Camp to reconnoitre it; when it proved to be a Column of about three thousand men, which SOULT, JEROME, MORAND, COLBERT, PETIT, and PELET had succeeded in rallying and preserving in order. NAPOLEON now appeared intent upon remaining at Laon until the remainder of the Army had reassembled: but he subsequently yielded to the force of the arguments expressed in opposition to this determination by the Duke of BASSANO and others who were present, and took his departure for Paris; purposing, at the same time, to return to Laon on the 25th or 26th of the month.
* * * * *
The following was the general disposition of the respective Armies on the evening of the 20th:--
The Anglo-Allied Army had its Right at Mons, and its Left at Binche.
The British Cavalry was cantoned in the villages of Strepy, Thieu, Boussoit sur Haine, Ville sur Haine, and Coegnies; VIVIAN's Brigade in those of Merbes Ste. Marie, Bienne le Hapart, and Mons: and the Hanoverian Cavalry in those of Givry and Croix. The Reserve was at Soignies.
The Duke of WELLINGTON's Head Quarters were at Binche.
The Prussian Army had its First Corps d'Armée at Beaumont; Fourth Corps at Collerets: Second Corps at Namur, with the exception of the Fifth Brigade, which was on the march to blockade Maubeuge, and bivouacked at Villers: Third Corps was at Gembloux, with its Cavalry bivouacked at Temploux.
Prince BLÜCHER's Head Quarters were at Merbes le Château.
The French Army under NAPOLEON was completely dispersed. A few of the troops took refuge in Avesnes, others in Guise, and the principal body of them evincing any kind of order, but not exceeding three thousand men, reached Laon.
The French forces under GROUCHY were at Dinant. NAPOLEON quitted Laon for Paris.
* * * * *
On the 21st, the Duke of WELLINGTON crossed the French frontier, moving the principal portion of his Army to Bavay, and the remainder from Mons upon Valenciennes, which Fortress was immediately blockaded; and established his Head Quarters at Malplaquet, celebrated as the scene of the glorious victory gained by the Duke of MARLBOROUGH and Prince EUGENE over the French under Marshals VILLARS and BOUFFLERS on the 11th of September 1709.
Both the Allied Commanders had now reached the Triple Line of Fortresses, which, until the Campaign of 1814 proved the contrary, had been considered by so many military men as presenting an insurmountable barrier to the advance of hostile armies into France by its north-eastern frontier. It was most essential that some of the principal Fortresses should be secured; and made to constitute a new basis whence to direct the operations now contemplated against the interior. The following, which first presented themselves on the respective lines of advance of the two Commanders, were destined to be immediately blockaded:--Valenciennes, Lequesnoy, and Cambray, by the Anglo-Allied Army; and Maubeuge, Landrecy, Avesnes, and Rocroi, by the Prussians. The general arrangements for the besieging of the Fortresses, and the planning of the further operations, above alluded to, were to form the subject of a conference to be held very shortly between the Chiefs.
Prince BLÜCHER having, on this day, received reports from PIRCH and THIELEMANN, detailing their proceedings during the two previous days, and showing that GROUCHY had succeeded in effecting his escape by Dinant, immediately ordered that the Second Corps d'Armée should move upon Thuin, and place itself under the Orders of Prince AUGUSTUS of Prussia; who was to undertake the besieging of the Fortresses to be left in rear of the Prussian Army; and that the Third Corps should march by Charleroi, and follow the First and Fourth Corps as a Reserve.
It will be recollected that Captain THIELEMANN was sent forward from Namur, with a party of the Pomeranian Hussars, on the night of the 20th, a short distance along the road to Dinant. He was joined at daybreak of the 21st by Lieutenant Colonel SOHR, with the Fusilier Battalions of the 14th and 23rd Regiments, the Brandenburg and Pomeranian Hussars, and five pieces of Horse Artillery; when the whole force followed the Enemy towards Dinant. The latter had, during his retreat, seized every favourable opportunity in narrow and rocky parts of the Defile, to barricade the road, and offer every obstruction to the pursuit: by means of which precaution, and the previous night march, the French contrived to gain so considerably in advance, that Lieutenant Colonel SOHR deemed it prudent, when near Dinant, to forego all further pursuit; and to endeavour to effect a junction with the main body of the Prussian Army, by moving upon Florennes and Walcour. At the former place he halted his Detachment during the night of the 21st; and, in this manner, covered the Left Flank of the main Army.
Anxious to gain intelligence concerning the assembling and marching of the French troops on the left of the Allied Armies, Prince BLÜCHER despatched Major FALKENHAUSEN, with the 3rd Regiment of Silesian Landwehr Cavalry, to scour the country in the vicinity of the road by Rettel to Laon. A Detachment of fifty Dragoons was posted at Bossule le Valcourt, in observation of Philippeville.
The Fourth Corps d'Armée was ordered by the Prince to advance, this day, as far as Maroilles, upon the road from Maubeuge to Landrecies. Its Advanced Guard, under General SYDOW, was directed to proceed still further, and to blockade the latter Fortress.
* * * * *
ZIETEN, in pursuance of Orders which he had received the night before, marched with the First Corps d'Armée upon Avesnes; which Fortress, the Advanced Guard, under General JAGOW, was directed to blockade on both sides of the Helpe. The march of the Corps was made in two Columns: the Right, consisting of the First and Second Brigades, proceeded by Semonsies, and halted at the junction of the road from Maubeuge with that from Beaumont to Avesnes; the Left, comprising the Fourth Brigade, the Reserve Cavalry, and Reserve Artillery, marched by Solre le Château, towards Avesnes, and bivouacked near the First and Second Brigades. Two Companies of the Fourth Brigade, with twenty Dragoons, were left to garrison Beaumont; but after the capture of Avesnes, they were ordered to move on to the latter place.
It was between three and four o'clock when the Advanced Guard of the Third Brigade, consisting of the 1st Silesian Hussars, two Rifle Companies, and a Fusilier Battalion, arrived in front of the Fortress of Avesnes. The Commandant having rejected ZIETEN's summons to surrender, the latter ordered the bombardment to be commenced forthwith. Ten Howitzers, of which six were ten pounders and four seven pounders, drew up on the Flank of the Cavalry, and fired upon the Town. The houses of the latter being all strongly built, the shells failed in setting any part on fire; and a twelve pounder Battery produced no great effect upon the firm masonry of the works. At nightfall the bombardment was suspended; with the intention, however, of resuming it at midnight. When it ceased, a sortie was made by the French Tirailleurs; but these were immediately encountered and gallantly driven in by the Silesian Rifles, who lost ten men on this occasion.
Immediately after midnight, the Prussian Batteries recommenced their fire. At the fourteenth round, a ten pounder shell struck the principal Powder Magazine, when a tremendous explosion ensued, by which forty houses were involved in one common ruin; but it occasioned no damage whatever to the fortifications. The panic, however, which it created amidst the garrison was such as to induce the latter to express its desire to capitulate. Such a desire could only have proceeded from the want of sufficient energy on the part of the Commandant, or from a bad disposition evinced by the garrison; for when the Prussians subsequently entered the place, they found in it 15,000 cartridges for cannon, and a million musket ball cartridges. There were also in the Fortress forty seven pieces of artillery, mostly of heavy calibre; which were now made available in the besieging of the remaining Fortresses. The garrison, comprising three Battalions of National Guards, and two hundred Veterans, were made prisoners of war. The National Guards were disarmed, and sent off to their respective homes; but the Veterans were conducted to Cologne.
The possession of Avesnes, gained too with so little sacrifice of life, and with none of time, was of essential importance to the Prussians; offering as it did a secure depôt for their material and supplies upon their new line of operation. It also served for the reception of their sick, and all who had been rendered incapable of keeping up with the Army.
* * * * *
On the 21st, the French Army continued collecting its scattered remnants between Avesnes and Laon.
* * * * *
The following was the general disposition of the respective Armies on the evening of the 21st:
The Anglo-Allied Army had its principal force at Bavay; and its Right at Valenciennes, which it blockaded.
The Duke of WELLINGTON's Head Quarters were at Malplaquet.
The Prussian Army had its First Corps d'Armée near Avesnes.
The Fourth Corps at Maroilles; its Reserve Cavalry blockading Landrecy.
The Second Corps at Thuin, except the Fifth Brigade which blockaded Maubeuge.
The Third Corps at Charleroi.
Prince BLÜCHER's Head Quarters were at Noyelles sur Sambre.
The defeated portion of the French Army lay between Avesnes and Laon.
GROUCHY's force was at Philippeville.
The Duke of WELLINGTON, steadfastly pursuing that line of policy which led him to constitute as an important feature of his plan, the practical assurance to the French people, that, although entering their country as a Conqueror, he did so in hostility to none, save the Usurper and his adherents, issued the following Proclamation, previously to his quitting Malplaquet:--
PROCLAMATION. PROCLAMATION.
"Je fais savoir aux Français que "I make known to the French j'entre dans leur pays à la tête that I enter their country at the d'une Armée déjà victorieuse, non en head of an Army already victorious, Ennemi (excepté de l'Usurpateur, not as an Enemy (except of the prononcé l'Ennemi du Genre Usurper, declared to be the Enemy Humain, avec lequel on ne peut of Mankind; with whom may be avoir ni paix ni trêve), mais pour had neither Peace nor Truce), but les aider à secouer le joug de fer to help them to shake off the Yoke par lequel ils sont opprimés. of Iron with which they are oppressed.
"En consequence j'ai donné les "In consequence I have given the Ordres ci joints à mon Armée, et je annexed Orders to my Army, and demande qu'on me fasse connaître I request that I may be informed tout infracteur. of all infringers of them.
"Les Français savent cependant "The French know, however, que j'ai le droit d'exiger qu'ils se that I have the right to require conduisent de manière que je that they will conduct themselves puisse les protéger contre ceux in such a manner that I may be able qui voudraient leur faire du mal. to protect them against those who would do them harm.
"Il faut donc qu'ils fournissent "It is necessary, then, that they aux réquisitions qui leur seront supply the requisitions which will faites de la part des personnes be made upon them by persons autorisées à les faire, en échange authorized to make the same, in pour des reçus en forme et ordre; exchange for the receipts in order et qu'ils se tiennent chez eux and form; and that they will stay paisiblement, et qu'ils n'aient at home peaceably; and that they aucune correspondence ou communication will not have any correspondence avec l'Usurpateur Ennemi, nor communication with the Enemy ni avec ses adhérens. Usurper nor with his adherents.
"Tous ceux qui s'absenteront de "All those who will absent leur domicile après l'entrée en themselves from their homes after France, et tous ceux qui se the entry in France and all those trouveront absens au service de who will be absent in the service l'Usurpateur, seront considérés of the Usurper, will be considered comme ses adhérens et comme as his adherents and as Enemies; Ennemis; et leurs propriétés and their properties will be seront affectées à la subsistance de appropriated to the subsistence of l'Armée. the Army.
"Donné au Quartier Général à "Given at the Head Quarters Malplaquet, ce 22 de juin, 1815. at Malplaquet, this 22nd of June 1815. "WELLINGTON." "WELLINGTON."
No Proclamation of a similar nature was issued by Prince BLÜCHER, nor were any direct Orders given by the latter to remind his troops that France was "to be treated as a friendly country," or to forbid them taking anything "for which payment be not made."
Hence, in the advance to Paris, a marked contrast was observed between the conduct of the Prussian, and that of the Anglo-Allied, Army: the troops of the former committing great excesses and imposing severe exactions along their whole line of march; whilst the British and German troops under the Duke of WELLINGTON acquired from the outset the good will and kindly disposition of the inhabitants of the country through which they passed. The Anglo-Allied troops inspired the people with confidence: the Prussians awed them into subjection.
Much of the cause of all this may be traced to the different views entertained by the two great Commanders. BLÜCHER's extreme hatred of the French would not allow him to modify, still less to abandon, the opinion which he had imbibed from the first moment he heard of the escape of NAPOLEON from Elba; that they ought not only to be thoroughly humbled, but also severely punished. Neither he nor his soldiers could ever forget the monstrous cruelties and grinding extortions which their own country had been compelled to endure when overrun by the French: and now that they were once more brought into the land of their bitterest Enemies, and another period of retribution had arrived; but one sentiment pervaded the whole Prussian Army--that those who had not scrupled to inflict the scourge of War throughout the whole Continent, should, in their turn, be made duly sensible of its evils. A contrary train of ideas, or a different course of proceeding, on the part of the Prussians was scarcely to be expected. Hence the value of the excellent and orderly conduct of the British troops operating as a salutary counterpoise to the domineering and revengeful spirit which actuated the Prussians.
BLÜCHER felt equally with WELLINGTON that the advance upon Paris before the approach of the Allied Armies, which were then only crossing the Rhine, was a departure from strictly military principles; and that this could only be justified by the extraordinary moral effect which would be produced by the signal defeat of NAPOLEON. But his views were limited to the military part of the plan, which was to make a dash at the capital; and, if possible, to intercept GROUCHY whilst endeavouring to rejoin the routed force under SOULT. WELLINGTON's admirable policy embraced a wider field. He invariably kept in view the great object for which the War had been undertaken. The information which he contrived to obtain relative to the effect which NAPOLEON's disaster produced upon the minds of the leading men of the great political Parties by which France was then agitated, and upon the Members of the two Chambers of Parliament generally, combined with the knowledge he had already acquired of the disposition of the inhabitants of the Department of the North, which, in fact, had not evinced that enthusiasm attendant upon the return of NAPOLEON from Elba that was manifested throughout the greater part of the nation, convinced him that by adopting measures calculated to impress upon the French people that the Allies were friendly towards them, though inveterately hostile to NAPOLEON, and by seizing every advantage afforded by the presence and the influence of their legitimate Monarch, he was, by such means, insuring the security of the operations upon Paris more effectually than could have been accomplished by additional military force applied under different circumstances.
The aid which such a line of conduct, on the part of the Duke, gave to the cause of LOUIS XVIII. was immense. The people of the Northern Departments, who, in general, were wearied by the continuance of wars undertaken for the sole purpose of aggrandizing and upholding the power of NAPOLEON; and who now longed to enjoy the blessings of peace, saw in the friendly disposition of the Allies, and the support which these yielded to the King's authority, a pledge of their determination to crush the War Party, and at the same time, to cement their alliance with the legitimate Sovereign. The White Flag was soon seen to wave from countless steeples. The tide of Royalty, favoured in no small degree by the versatile nature of the French character, was already setting in fast: and as it rolled steadily on towards the capital, the Duke's customary foresight and good tact gave it an impulse which not only bore him along with it in easy triumph; but, when it subsequently reached the goal, swept away every vestige of the Government usurped by NAPOLEON and his adherents.
Chapter XVIII
On the 22nd of June, the Second and Fourth British Divisions, as also the Cavalry, of the Anglo-Allied Army marched to Le Cateau and its vicinity. The First and Third British Divisions, the Divisions of Dutch-Belgian Infantry attached to the First Corps, the Nassau troops, and the Dutch-Belgian Cavalry were encamped near Gommignies. The Fifth and Sixth British Divisions, the Brunswick Corps, and the Reserve Artillery, were encamped about Bavay. The Advanced Guard (VIVIAN's Brigade) was at St Benin. Troops of the Corps under Prince FREDERICK of the Netherlands blockaded Valenciennes and Le Quesnoy.
The Duke of WELLINGTON's Head Quarters were at Le Cateau.
Prince BLÜCHER being desirous of bringing his different Corps d'Armée into closer connection, moved the First and Fourth only half a march this day. The former proceeded from Avesnes to Etroeungt, sending forward its Advanced Guard to La Capelle, and Patrols as far as the Oise: the latter marched along the road leading from Landrecy towards Guise, as far as Fesmy; pushing forward its Advanced Guard to Henappe, and Detachments to Guise. Scouring parties of Cavalry were also detached from the First Corps in the direction of Rocroi.
The Third Prussian Corps d'Armée advanced from Charleroi to Beaumont; detaching towards Philippeville and Chimay, for the security of its Left Flank.
The Second Prussian Corps, which was destined to operate against the Fortresses, moved from Thuin. It was disposed in the following manner:--The Fifth and Seventh Brigades, with the Cavalry, blockaded Maubeuge; the Sixth Brigade was on the march to Landrecy; and the Eighth Brigade was moving upon Philippeville and Givet.
Prince BLÜCHER's Head Quarters were at Catillon sur Sambre.
* * * * *
GROUCHY's troops, on this day, reached Rocroi.
* * * * *
The remains of the vanquished portion of the French Army continued retiring upon Laon, and collecting in its vicinity. SOULT had established the Head Quarters at this place. The men and horses of the Artillery Train were moved on to La Fère, to be supplied with new ordnance; and every means was adopted to replace this branch of the service on an efficient footing. GROUCHY was effecting his retreat upon Soissons, by the line of Rocroi, Réthel, and Rheims; and it was considered, that as soon as the latter should be able to unite his force to the remains of the Army collecting under SOULT, it would yet be found practicable, with the additional aid of Reserves, to stem the advance of the Allies.
But where was the Chief whose presence had heretofore been the spell by which a turbulent and restless soldiery was wont, when subdued by the fortune de la guerre, to be restored to its former self, and to be imbued with new life and renovated strength by the prospect of acquiring fresh glory in retrieving a great national disaster? Had he flown towards the nearest Corps d'Armée of RAPP and LECOURBE, to lead them, along with all the Reserves that he could possibly collect together, including the Regimental Depôts, the Gensd'armerie, and even the Douanerie, against the Flank of the victorious Armies of WELLINGTON and BLÜCHER, during their hazardous advance upon the capital; and, in combination with SOULT and GROUCHY, to effect their separation, perhaps their destruction?
No! The sword by which the Empire had been raised and held in subjection, by which Europe itself had been enthralled and all but conquered, had fallen powerless from his grasp. In him were no longer centred the might and the will of Imperial France. These had been delegated through the Constitution, to the organs of the nation, the elected Representatives of the People. He no longer possessed, in his own person, the Administrative and the Executive; but was under the control of that power which, as before observed, when he quitted Paris to join the Army, he dreaded more than the Enemy he was going to confront--the power of Public Opinion legitimately expressed. If he had so keenly felt its force before his downfall on the battle field; how great, nay, how hopeless, must have appeared to him the task of endeavouring to soothe its excitement, and to obtain its sanction to renewed sacrifices, when suddenly appearing in Paris on the afternoon of the 21st of June--but one short week from the time of his assuming the command of his Army--himself to announce the disastrous result of his enterprise.
The Imperialists in the capital, who had indulged in the most extravagant hopes engendered by the news of the victory at Ligny, had scarcely manifested their exultation when sinister rumours began to spread of some sudden reverses which had befallen the cause of NAPOLEON; and presently all doubts and suspense were removed by the unexpected appearance of the Emperor himself, which gave rise to the most gloomy anticipations.
NAPOLEON immediately summoned a Cabinet Council. He frankly explained to his Ministers the critical state of affairs; but, at the same time, with his usual confidence in his own resources, declared his conviction, that if the nation were called upon to rise en masse, the annihilation of the Enemy would follow; but that if, instead of ordering new levies and adopting extraordinary measures, the Chambers were to allow themselves to be drawn into debates, and to waste their time in disputation, all would be lost. "Now that the Enemy is in France," he added, "it is necessary that I should be invested with extraordinary power, that of a temporary Dictatorship. As a measure of safety for the country, I might assume this power; but it would be better and more national that it should be conferred upon me by the Chambers."
The Ministers were too well acquainted with the general views and disposition of the Chamber of Representatives to pronounce a direct approval of this step; but NAPOLEON, perceiving their hesitation, called upon them to express their opinion upon the measures of public safety required by existing circumstances. CARNOT, the Minister of the Interior, conceived it to be essential that the country should be declared in danger; that the Fédérés and National Guards should be called to arms; that Paris should be placed in a stage of siege, and measures adopted for its defence; that at the last extremity the armed force should retire behind the Loire, and take up an intrenched position; that the Army of La Vendée, where the Civil War had nearly terminated, as also the Corps of Observation in the south, should be recalled: and the Enemy checked until sufficient force could be united and organised for the assumption of a vigorous offensive, by which he should be driven out of France. DECRÈS, the Minister of the Marine, and REGNAULT DE SAINT JEAN D'ANGELY, the Secretary of State, supported this opinion; but FOUCHÉ, the Minister of Police, and the remaining Ministers, remarked that the safety of the State did not depend upon any particular measure which might thus be proposed, but upon the Chambers; and upon their uniting with the Head of the Government: and that by manifesting towards them confidence and good faith, they would be induced to declare it to be their duty to unite with NAPOLEON in the adoption of energetic measures for securing the honour and independence of the nation.
This advice on the part of FOUCHÉ was an artful piece of dissimulation. No man in France possessed so intimate a knowledge of the secret workings of the public mind; he knew precisely the dispositions and views of the different factions, as also the character and temperament of their Leaders. He knew also that the great Parties in the Chambers, with the exception of the Imperialists, who were in the minority but whom he secretly flattered with the prospect of a NAPOLEON II., were fully prepared to depose the Emperor, in favour of full Constitutional Freedom and Liberal Institutions. This knowledge, obtained with an adroitness and a precision quite peculiar to this celebrated Minister of Police, he made completely subservient to his own personal views. These had been, from the commencement of NAPOLEON's second reign, to coquet with the factions in such a manner as to induce each to consider him an indispensable instrument in the realisation of its hopes; and to exert this extraordinary influence either to support or to undermine the power of NAPOLEON, according as the fortunes of the latter might be in the ascendant or on the decline. The resolute attitude assumed by the Allies soon satisfied him that, although the Emperor might once more dazzle the world with some brilliant feat of arms, he must eventually succumb to the fixed determination of the Sovereigns to crush his usurped authority; and to the overwhelming masses with which Europe was preparing to subjugate the country. He had been, and was still, in secret communication with the Ministers and Advisers of LOUIS XVIII.; and was consequently in full possession of the general plans and intentions of the Allies.
When, therefore, NAPOLEON's enterprise had so signally failed, and the reoccupation of Paris appeared to be its necessary consequence: FOUCHÉ foresaw clearly, that were the proposed Dictatorship to be assumed by means of a sudden and forced dissolution of the Chambers, implying that the recent reverses had been produced by treachery on the part of the Representatives; and were new levies to be raised en masse, in support of the force that yet remained available; the result would inevitably be anarchy and confusion in the capital, disorder and excesses throughout the whole country, renewed disasters to the nation, together with an awful and useless sacrifice of life. To prevent such a catastrophe, it was necessary to lull NAPOLEON's suspicions of the intentions of the Chambers; with which, at the same time, FOUCHÉ was fully acquainted. Hence it was, that to gain sufficient time for the development of these intentions, FOUCHÉ gave to the Council the advice before mentioned.
He strongly expressed his disapproval of the projected Dissolution of the Chambers, and assumption of the Dictatorship; declaring that any measures of that kind would only tend to create distrust, and, not improbably, a general revolt. But, at the same time, his agents were making known throughout Paris the fullest extent of the disasters that had befallen NAPOLEON, and which had caused his sudden and unexpected return; and the Deputies were assembling in all haste, and in great numbers, to take a bold and decided step in this great national crisis.
In thus dissembling from his Master the real disposition of the great political Parties, and the true state of the public mind, FOUCHÉ, no doubt, betrayed the trust reposed in him; but, setting aside the question whether he was really influenced by patriotic motives, or merely acting upon a system of deep duplicity and time serving expediency, there can also be no doubt that, by pursuing the line of conduct which he did on this important occasion, he became the means of preserving his country from the infliction of a still further accumulation of evils.
The Cabinet Council continued in discussion; some supporting, and others disapproving, the propositions of NAPOLEON: who, at length, yielding to the arguments of FOUCHÉ and CARNOT, declared he would submit himself to the loyalty of the Chambers, and confer with them as to the measures which the critical position of the country might render necessary.
In the mean time, the Deputies had met, and commenced their deliberations on the existing state of affairs. M. DE LA FAYETTE, the acknowledged Leader of the Liberal Party, having received intelligence of the subject of discussion in the Council, and aware that not a moment was to be lost in averting the blow with which their liberties were menaced, ascended the tribune, and thus addressed the Chamber, amidst the most profound silence, and breathless suspense:--
"Representatives! For the first time during many years you hear a voice, which the old Friends of Liberty will yet recognise. I rise to address you concerning the dangers to which the country is exposed. The sinister reports, which have been circulated during the last two days, are unhappily confirmed. This is the moment to rally round the National Colours--the Tricoloured Standard of 1789--the Standard of Liberty, Equality, and Public Order. It is you alone who can now protect the country from foreign attacks and internal dissensions. It is you alone who can secure the independence and the honour of France. Permit a veteran in the sacred cause of liberty, in all times a stranger to the spirit of faction, to submit to you some resolutions which appear to him to be demanded by a sense of the public danger, and by the love of our country. They are such as, I feel persuaded, you will see the necessity of adopting:--
"I. The Chamber of Deputies declares that the independence of the Nation is menaced.
"II. The Chamber declares its sittings permanent. Any attempt to dissolve it, shall be considered high treason. Whosoever shall render himself culpable of such an attempt shall be considered a traitor to his country, and immediately treated as such.
"III. The Army of the Line, and the National Guards, who have fought, and still fight, for the liberty, the independence, and the territory of France, have merited well of the country.
"IV. The Minister of the Interior is invited to assemble the principal Officers of the Parisian National Guard, in order to consult on the means of providing it with arms, and of completing this Corps of Citizens; whose tried patriotism and zeal offer a sure guarantee for the liberty, prosperity, and tranquillity of the capital, and for the inviolability of the national Representatives.
"V. The Ministers of War, of Foreign Affairs, of Police, and of the Interior are invited to repair immediately to the sittings of the Chamber."
* * * * *
No one ventured to oppose these bold Resolutions; and, after a brief discussion, in which their instant adoption was urged in the strongest manner, they were carried by acclamation, with the exception of the Fourth, which was suspended on account of the invidious distinction which it appeared to convey between the troops of the Line and the National Guards.
They were then transmitted to the Chamber of Peers; where, after a short discussion, they were adopted without amendment.
The Message from the Chambers, conveying these resolutions, reached the Council in the midst of its deliberations. NAPOLEON was staggered by an act which he looked upon as an usurpation of the Sovereign Authority. To him, who had so long exercised an almost unlimited control in the State, who had led mighty Armies to victory, and who had subjected powerful nations to his despotic sway, this sudden and energetic voice of the people, conveyed through the medium of their Representatives, aroused him to a full sense of the wonderful change which had been effected in the public mind, and in his own individual position, through the intervention of a Constitution. He was alike indignant at what he conceived to be a daring presumption, and mortified at his own miscalculation in having convoked the Chambers. J'avais bien pensé, he remarked, que j'aurais dû congédier ces gens-là avant mon départ.
After some reflection, he determined, if possible, to temporize with the Chambers. He sent REGNAULT DE SAINT JEAN D'ANGELY to the Chamber of Deputies, in his capacity of Member, to soothe the irritation that prevailed, to relate that the Army had been upon the point of gaining a great victory, when disaffected individuals created a panic; that the troops had since rallied; and that the Emperor had hastened to Paris to concert, with the Ministers and the Chambers, such measures for the public safety as circumstances seemed to require. CARNOT was directed to make a similar communication to the Chamber of Peers. REGNAULT vainly endeavoured to fulfil his mission: the Deputies had lost all patience, and insisted upon the Ministers presenting themselves at the bar of the House. The latter at length obeyed the summons; NAPOLEON having consented, though with great reluctance, to their compliance with the mandate. He required them, however, to be accompanied by his brother LUCIEN, as an Extraordinary Commissioner, appointed to reply to the Interrogatories of the Chamber.
At six o'clock in the evening, LUCIEN BUONAPARTE and the Ministers made their appearance in the Chamber of Deputies. LUCIEN announced that he had been sent there by NAPOLEON as a Commissioner Extraordinary, to concert with the Assembly measures of safety. He then placed in the hands of the President the Message of which he was the bearer from his brother. It contained a succinct recital of the disasters experienced at Mont St Jean: and recommended the Representatives to unite with the Head of the State in preserving the country from the fate of Poland, and from the reimposition of the yoke which it had thrown off. It stated, also, that it was desirable that the two Chambers should appoint a Commission of five Members, to concert with the Ministers the measures to be adopted for the public safety, and the means of treating for peace with the Allied Powers.
This Message was far from being favourably received. A stormy discussion ensued, in the course of which it was soon made manifest that the Deputies required a more explicit declaration of NAPOLEON's opinions and designs: one, in fact, more in accordance with the views which the majority of them evidently entertained, and was apparently determined to enforce. One of their number significantly remarked, as he addressed himself to the Ministers, "You know as well as we do, that it is against NAPOLEON alone that Europe has declared War. From this moment, separate the cause of NAPOLEON from that of the Nation. In my opinion, there exists but one individual who stands in the way between us and peace. Let him pronounce the word and the country will be saved!" Several of the Members spoke in a similar strain, and the debate was kept up with great animation, until at length it was agreed, that in conformity with the terms of the Imperial Message, a Commission of five Members should be appointed, consisting of the President and Vice Presidents of the Chamber, to collect, in concert with the Cabinet and with a Committee from the House of Peers, the fullest information upon the state of France, and to propose suitable measures of safety.
The Committee consisted of Messrs LANJUINAIS, LA FAYETTE, DUPONT DE L'EURE, FLANGERGUES, and GRENIER.
LUCIEN now presented himself, in the same capacity of Commissioner Extraordinary, to the Chamber of Peers. After hearing the Message, the latter also appointed a Committee, which consisted of Generals DROUOT, DEJEAN, ANDREOSSY, and Messrs BOISSY D'ANGLAS and THIBAUDEAU.
NAPOLEON, being fully informed of the proceedings of the Chamber of Deputies, and of the general tenor of the debates, hesitated a long time whether to dissolve the Assembly or to abdicate the Imperial Crown. Some of his Ministers, on perceiving the direction of his views, assured him that the Chamber had acquired too firm a hold of the public opinion to submit to any violent coup d'état; and expressed their opinion, that by withholding the act of abdication, he might eventually deprive himself of the power of vacating the Throne in favour of his son. Nevertheless he appeared determined to defer this step to the very last moment; trusting in the mean time some favourable event might occur, tending to modify the present disposition of the Chamber.
The Deputies again met, at an early hour on the following morning. The utmost impatience was manifested for the Report of the Committee. Two hours having elapsed, the Members became greatly excited. Some of them proposed that the exigencies of the State were such, that it was their duty to adopt immediate and decisive measures, without waiting for the Report.
At length, in the midst of the agitation and tumult which prevailed, General GRENIER, the Reporter of the Committee, suddenly made his appearance. He stated that, after a deliberation of five hours, the Committee had resolved:--
"That the safety of the country required that the Emperor should consent to the nomination, by the two Chambers, of a Commission, charged to negotiate directly with the coalesced Powers; stipulating only that they should respect the national independence, the territorial integrity, and the right which belongs to every people of adopting such Constitutions as it may think proper; and that these negotiations should be supported by the prompt development of the national force."
This statement excited general murmurs of disapprobation. But the Reporter, aware of the expectations of the Chamber, proceeded:--
"This Article, gentlemen, appears to me insufficient. It does not fulfil the object which the Chamber proposes to itself, because it is possible that your Deputation may not be admitted. I would not, therefore, urge the adoption of this measure, had I not reason to believe that you will soon receive a Message in which the Emperor will declare his wish; that the effect of this should first be tried; and that, should he then prove an insuperable obstacle to the nation being permitted to treat for its independence, he will be ready to make whatever sacrifice may be demanded of him."
This produced an extraordinary sensation in the Assembly. It was looked upon as an artful design upon the part of NAPOLEON to create delay by proposing to the Chambers a proceeding which he was well aware would prove unsuccessful; and to seize the first favourable opportunity of destroying their independence, and re-establishing his despotism--to re-enact, in short, the Eighteenth of Brumaire. The tumult had reached a fearful height. Many Members exclaimed vehemently against the Report.
At length, one of them, M. DUCHESNE, ascended the tribune, and spoke in the following energetic and decided manner:--
"I do not believe that the project proposed by the Committee is capable of attaining the desired end. The greatness of our disasters cannot be denied: they are sufficiently proved by the presence of the Chief of our Armies in the capital. If there are no bounds to the energies of the nation, there are limits to its means. The Chambers cannot offer negotiations to the Allied Powers. The documents which have been communicated to us demonstrate that they have uniformly refused all the overtures which have been made to them; and they have declared that they will not treat with the French, as long as they shall have the Emperor at their head."
The speaker was here interrupted by the President, who announced that the Message to which the Reporter had referred would speedily be received. The interruption, however, at this most important point of the debate, renewed the tumult in the Chamber. Some exclaimed, "It is a concerted plan to make us lose time." Others cried out, "Some plot is concerting;" and the majority vociferated, "Proceed, proceed; there is no middle course."
DUCHESNE continued:--
"It is necessary that we should be certain of finding in the development of the national force, a defence sufficient to support our negotiations, and to enable us to treat with success concerning our honour and independence. Can that force be developed with sufficient rapidity? May not circumstances again lead victorious Armies to the capital? Then, and under their auspices, will reappear the ancient Family." ("Never! never!" exclaimed several voices.) "I freely express my opinion. What may be the consequences of these events? We have only one certain means left, which is, to engage the Emperor, in the name of the safety of the State, in the sacred name of a suffering country, to declare his Abdication."
No sooner was this word pronounced than the entire Assembly rose; and amidst the clamour that ensued were heard a hundred voices exclaiming, "Seconded! seconded!"
When, at length, the President succeeded in restoring some degree of order, he said:--
"I cannot hope to arrive at any result, unless the agitation of the Assembly be repressed. The safety of the country depends on the decision of this day. I entreat the Chamber to wait for the Emperor's Message."
The proposition of DUCHESNE was instantly supported by General SOLIGNAC: an Officer who, during the last five years, had been made to suffer the severest mortifications, arising from the hatred entertained towards him by NAPOLEON, in consequence of his refusal to be the servile instrument of his ambition; and, therefore, the curiosity of the Chamber was naturally excited to hear what course he was about to adopt.
"And I also," said the General; "I share in the uneasiness of him who has preceded me at this tribune. Yes! we ought to consider the safety of the Empire, and the maintenance of our Liberal Institutions; and, while the Government is inclined to present to you such measures as tend to this end, it appears important to preserve to the Chamber the honour of not having proposed an object which ought to be the free concession of the Monarch. I move that a Deputation of five Members shall be appointed to proceed to the Emperor, which Deputation shall express to His Majesty the urgency of his decision. Their Report will, I trust, satisfy at once the wish of the Assembly, and that of the Nation."
This proposition was most favourably received, and the President was on the point of putting it to the vote, when SOLIGNAC again appeared in the tribune.
"I wish," said he, "to propose an Amendment to my Motion. Several persons have intimated to me that we shall soon be informed of His Majesty's determination. I consequently think it necessary that we should wait for one hour, to receive the Message; which it seems is to be addressed to the Chambers. I therefore move that we adjourn for that time." (This part of his speech was met with great disapprobation on the part of the Chamber.) "Gentlemen!" continued the General, "we all wish to save our country; but can we not reconcile this unanimous sentiment with the laudable desire that the Chamber should preserve the honour of the Chief of the State?" (Cries of "Yes! yes!") "If I requested that we should wait until this evening or tomorrow, some considerations might be opposed--but, one hour"--("Yes! yes! To the vote!" was the general exclamation; and the Chamber adjourned).
In the mean time, NAPOLEON had been made acquainted with the disposition of the Chamber of Representatives, by REGNAULT DE SAINT JEAN D'ANGELY; who hastened to warn him that if he did not immediately abdicate, his deposition would, in all probability, be declared.
He was enraged at the idea of this contemplated violence. "Since that is the case," he said, "I will not abdicate at all. The Chamber is composed of a set of Jacobins, impracticables, and intriguers; who are seeking for disorder, or for place. I ought to have denounced them to the Nation, and given them their dismissal. The time that has been lost may yet be recovered."
REGNAULT, however, urged him in the strongest manner to yield to imperious circumstances, and to renew the noble and generous sacrifice he made in 1814. He assured him that if he did not take this step, he would be accused by the Chamber, and even by the whole Nation, of having, out of personal considerations alone, prevented the possibility of obtaining peace.
SOLIGNAC and other Deputies were then announced. They boldly declared to him that he had no other course open to him but that of submission to the desire entertained by the Representatives of the Nation. SOLIGNAC described to him the scene in the Chamber of Deputies, and the difficulty he had experienced in inducing the latter to suspend, even for one hour, their decision; which, if not anticipated by a voluntary Abdication, would entail upon him the disgrace of forfeiture. Even his brothers, LUCIEN and JOSEPH, now gave their opinion that the moment for resistance had passed.
When the paroxysm of rage, to which these representations gave rise, had subsided: NAPOLEON announced his determination to abdicate in favour of his son; and, desiring his brother LUCIEN to take a pen, he dictated to him the following Declaration:--
"Frenchmen! In commencing the War for maintaining the national independence, I relied on the union of all efforts, of all desires, and the concurrence of all the national authorities. I had reason to hope for success, and I braved all the Declarations of the Powers allied against me.
"Circumstances appear to be changed. I offer myself a sacrifice to the hatred of the Enemies of France. May they prove sincere in their Declarations, and have really directed them solely against my power. My political life is terminated; and I proclaim my Son, under the title of NAPOLEON II., Emperor of the French.
"The present Ministers will form provisionally the Council of the Government. The interest which I take in my Son induces me to invite the Chamber to form the Regency by a law without delay.
"Unite all for the public safety, in order to remain an independent Nation.
"NAPOLEON."
This was the last great act of his political life. Defeated and humbled by foreign Enemies, subdued and controlled by the Representatives of the Nation; he was forced to descend from a Throne whence he had at one time swayed the destinies of Sovereigns rendered dependent on his mighty will. Almost all the previous changes and gradations in his extraordinary career had been preluded or accompanied by some magnificent scene of dramatic effect, or a violent coup d'état; but, in this instance, the transition was attended by no circumstance more remarkable than the quietude with which it was effected. The cessation of the political existence of such a man would have been most naturally looked for as an event coincident only with the termination of a life which, if not closed upon the pinnacle of glory, would be sought for amidst the shock of battle, or in the vortex of a state convulsion.
That he meditated a second 18th of Brumaire, there can be no doubt; but the decided tone of the debates in the National Assembly, the solicitations of his friends, and the hope of securing the Throne to his family, induced him to abandon all idea of such a project. It is, besides, more than probable that, aware as he was of the bad feeling that existed, to a great extent, both in the Chambers and in the country, towards the BOURBONS; as also of the conflicting principles of the different factions, he calculated upon the chances of a Revolution productive of anarchy and confusion, which he yet might be called upon to reduce to order and submission.
When it is considered that the great mass of the Army of the Line was devoted to NAPOLEON; that the rallied Army of the North was falling back upon Paris, where it would concentrate its strength and be reinforced from Regimental Depôts; and, further, that the Armies on the Eastern Frontier were still holding their respective positions, and that even in La Vendée the Imperial troops had succeeded in quelling the insurrection,--when, in addition to all this, it is considered how great, how extraordinary, was the influence induced by the prestige of NAPOLEON with the majority of the nation, dazzled as the latter had been by countless victories that outweighed, in its estimation, those fatal disasters which it ascribed solely to the united power of the great European League established against France,--it is impossible not to be struck by the firm, bold, and determined attitude assumed by the French Parliament. France, on this critical occasion, displayed one of the brightest examples the World has yet beheld of the force of Constitutional Legislation. Under all the attendant circumstances, it was a remarkable triumph of free institutions over monarchical despotism.
* * * * *
It is now necessary to revert to the operations of the Allied Armies.
On the 23d of June, WELLINGTON and BLÜCHER gave to the great mass of their troops a halt; not merely for the sake of affording them rest, but also for the purpose of collecting the stragglers, and bringing up the ammunition and the baggage.
The only movement made on the part of the Anglo-Allied Army, on this day, was that by Major General LYON's Sixth Hanoverian Brigade, which, together with GRANT's Hussar Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel WEBBER SMITH's Horse Battery, Major UNETT's and Major BROME's Foot Batteries, marched, under the personal command of Sir CHARLES COLVILLE, to attack Cambray, the garrison of which, the Duke had been led to believe, had abandoned the place, leaving in it at most three hundred or four hundred men. COLVILLE was furnished with a letter from the Duke to the Governor, summoning him to surrender; as also with some copies of his Grace's Proclamation of the 22nd to the French. The 1st Brunswick Light Battalion was sent forward from the Reserve at Bavay, to watch Le Quesnoy; which Fortress was still occupied by the Enemy.
The Third Prussian Corps d'Armée was pushed forward to Avesnes, by which means the Three Corps destined to advance upon Paris were so placed that they could form a junction, with only half an ordinary march; and this relative position was maintained throughout the remainder of the line of advance.
The Allied Commanders had an interview on this day at Catillon, for the purpose of arranging their plan of combined operations. The intelligence they had procured having satisfied them that the Enemy was collecting his forces at Laon and Soissons: they decided upon not pursuing him along that line, since their progress towards the capital might, in that case, be impeded by affairs of Advanced and Rear Guards; but upon moving by the right bank of the Oise, and crossing this river at either Compiegne or Pont St Maxence. By thus turning the French Left, they hoped to intercept the Enemy's retreat, or at all events to reach Paris before him; and in order to deceive him as to these intentions, he was to be followed by Prussian Cavalry, assuming to be the Advanced Guard of the Allied Armies.
It was also settled, that as they might find it necessary to throw bridges across the Oise, the British General should bring forward his Pontoon Train; that possessed by the Prussians being inadequate for the purpose.
In order to secure a good base whence to conduct these operations, it was further arranged that the Corps under Prince FREDERICK of the Netherlands should remain, for the purpose of besieging the Fortresses situated on the Scheldt, and between that river and the Sambre: and that the following Corps should undertake the besieging of the Fortresses on the Sambre, and between this last river and the Moselle, namely, the Second Prussian Corps d'Armée, commanded by General PIRCH; the Corps d'Armée of North Germany, commanded at first by General Count KLEIST VON NOLLENDORF, and subsequently by Lieutenant General HACKE; as also a portion of the garrison troops of Luxemburg, commanded by Lieutenant General Prince LOUIS of Hesse Homburg,--the whole of these German forces being placed under the chief command of Prince AUGUSTUS of Prussia.
This plan of operations was such as might have been expected from the combined councils of such Leaders as WELLINGTON and BLÜCHER, and was undoubtedly the one best calculated to attain the object they had in view; and it was carried into effect with all that mutual cordiality and good fellowship which had invariably characterised their proceedings.
On the morning of the 24th, the Duke of WELLINGTON, in consequence of a report which he had received from Sir CHARLES COLVILLE, directed Lord HILL to march the two Brigades of the Fourth Division then at Le Cateau, towards Cambray, where they would join the other Brigade of the Division; and also to send with them a nine pounder Battery.
On the arrival of these troops, COLVILLE made his preparations for the attack; which took place in the evening, in the following manner. Three Columns of Attack were formed. One commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Sir NEIL CAMPBELL (Major in the 54th Regiment) escaladed at the angle formed by the Valenciennes Gateway and the Curtain of the body of the place. A Second, commanded by Colonel Sir WILLIAM DOUGLAS, of the 91st Regiment, and directed by Lieutenant GILBERT of the Royal Engineers, escaladed at a large Ravelin near the Amiens road. A Third, consisting of Colonel MITCHELL's Brigade, and directed by Captain THOMPSON of the Royal Engineers, after having forced the Outer Gate of the Couvre Port in the Hornwork, and passed both ditches, by means of the rails of the drawbridges, attempted to force the main Paris Gate; but not succeeding in this, it escaladed by a breach on that side, which was in a state of reparation. The three Batteries of Lieutenant Colonel WEBBER SMITH, and Majors UNETT and BROME, under the direction of Lieutenant Colonel HAWKER, rendered the most essential service in covering these attacks; which having succeeded, the town speedily fell into the hands of the assailants. The Citadel continued to hold out, but the Governor solicited a suspension of hostilities; which, however, could not be granted.
Of the Anglo-Allied Army, the First and Third British Divisions, the Dutch-Belgian Infantry attached to the First Corps, and the Dutch-Belgian Cavalry, were moved this day from Gommignies, to Forest, upon the road to Le Cateau, and then encamped between the villages of Croix and Bousies.
The Second British Division continued at Le Cateau.
The Duke made no movement in advance; having found it necessary to afford additional time for the coming up of the Pontoons and supplies.
The Reserve, consisting of the Fifth and Sixth Divisions, of the Brunswick Corps, and the Reserve Artillery, was moved nearer to the main body; and cantoned and encamped in and about the villages of Engle Fontaine, Rancour, and Préau au Bois.
On this day Proposals were made to the Advanced Posts of this Corps under Prince FREDERICK of the Netherlands near Valenciennes, as also to those of the First Prussian Corps d'Armée, for a Suspension of Hostilities, upon the grounds that NAPOLEON had abdicated in favour of his son; that a Provisional Government had been appointed, consisting of FOUCHÉ, CAULINCOURT, GRENIER, and QUINETTE; and that these persons had sent Ministers to the Allied Powers to treat for peace.
Both WELLINGTON and BLÜCHER considered that they would not be acting in accordance with the spirit and intentions of the Alliance of the Powers of Europe were they to listen to such proposals, and therefore peremptorily refused to discontinue their operations. Those which were addressed to the Prussian Commander emanated from General Count MORAND, who commanded the Rear Guard of the French Army at Laon; and to whom BLÜCHER replied, that no Armistice could be entered into, except in the case of NAPOLEON being delivered up, and the Fortresses in rear of the Armies being abandoned and conceded as guarantees for its fulfilment.
LOUIS XVIII., acting on the advice so urgently tendered to him by the Duke of WELLINGTON, arrived at Le Cateau late in the evening, followed by a numerous train; and only awaited the surrender of the Citadel of Cambray to fix his temporary residence in the latter town.
* * * * *
The Prussian Army renewed its operations on the 24th, according to the plan agreed upon the day before by the Allied Commanders. At break of day, Lieutenant Colonel SCHMIEDEBERG was despatched with the Silesian Regiment of Uhlans, and some Horse Artillery, towards Laon; for the purpose, in conjunction with the Detachments already sent from the First Corps d'Armée, of watching and deceiving the Enemy. BLÜCHER disposed his three Corps d'Armée in two Columns. The Left Column, which was the one nearest to the Enemy, consisted of the First and Third Corps; and was to move close along the Oise--the Third Corps remaining half a march in rear of the First. The Right Column, formed by the Fourth Corps d'Armée, was to advance along a parallel road, keeping on a line with the former, and at the distance of about half a march. The Left Column moved upon Compiegne, the Right upon Pont St Maxence.
At nine o'clock, the First Corps d'Armée (ZIETEN's) commenced its march from Etroeungt towards Guise. The Advanced Guard, under Major General JAGOW, to which were attached the 8th Foot Battery, and two ten pounder howitzers, halted when opposite to St Laurent, a suburb of Guise, in order to observe the Fortress on this side; whilst ZIETEN sent an Infantry Brigade, a Regiment of Cavalry, together with a Horse, and a Foot, Battery, by St Germain and La Bussière, across the Oise, to menace the place from the other side.
The Enemy, on finding himself completely invested, withdrew his troops into the Citadel; whereupon preparations were immediately made by the Prussians to open their Batteries against that part: but previously to giving the Order to commence the cannonade, ZIETEN sent a summons to the Commandant to surrender; with which the latter did not hesitate to comply. The garrison, consisting of eighteen Officers and three hundred and fifty men, laid down their arms on the glacis, and were made prisoners of war. The Prussians found in the place, fourteen pieces of cannon, three thousand muskets, two million musket ball cartridges, a quantity of ammunition, and considerable magazines; and gained, what was of more importance, another strong point in their new base of operations, without having fired a single cannon shot.
Major MÜLLER, with the two weak Fusilier Battalions of the 28th Regiment, and of the 2nd Westphalian Landwehr, remained to garrison the place.
As soon as the remainder of ZIETEN's Corps arrived near Guise, which was before the place surrendered; the Advanced Guard, consisting of the Third Brigade, moved on, but did not reach Origny before nine o'clock in the evening. The 1st Regiment of Silesian Hussars pushed on as far as Ribemont. Parties were also detached from the Reserve Cavalry towards Crecy, Pont à Bussy, and La Fère, to observe the Serre.
THIELEMANN, with the Third Corps d'Armée, moved from Avesnes upon Nouvion; which he reached about four o'clock in the afternoon. The Detachments of Observation which had been previously sent out to the left from this Corps, to endeavour to gain intelligence concerning GROUCHY's Army, reached Hirson and Vervin in the evening. Scouring parties were also sent towards the road leading from Mézières by Montcornet towards Laon.
BÜLOW, with the Fourth Corps d'Armée, which formed the Right Prussian Column, marched from Ferny to Aisonville and Bernonville. Parties of Cavalry, detached from the Corps, reached Chatillon sur Oise, and found St Quentin unoccupied. This circumstance having been made known to General SYDOW, upon his arrival at Fontaine Notre Dame with the Advanced Guard, he pushed on, and took possession of that important town. A Detachment of from five hundred to six hundred French Cavalry had marched from this place on the previous day towards Laon. The troops which had been employed in the investment of Landrecies rejoined the Fourth Corps on this day.
By means of these movements, and of the halt of the Duke of WELLINGTON at Le Cateau, the Prussians were a day's march in advance of the Anglo-Allied Army.
* * * * *
GROUCHY's troops this day reached Réthel.
* * * * *
The positions of the respective Armies on the evening of the 24th were as follows:--
The First, Second, and Third Divisions of the Anglo-Allied Army were in and around Le Cateau Cambresis: the Fourth Division at Cambray; the Fifth and Sixth Divisions, the Brunswick Corps, and Reserve Artillery, at, and in the vicinity of, Engle Fontaine.
The Duke of WELLINGTON's Head Quarters were at Le Cateau Cambresis.
The First Prussian Corps d'Armée was at Guise, the Third at Muvion, and the Fourth at Aisonville and Bernonville.
Prince BLÜCHER's Head Quarters were at Henappe.
The French troops under SOULT were at Laon; those under GROUCHY at Réthel.
* * * * *
On the 24th, the Provisional Government in Paris, which had been appointed on the previous day after a stormy discussion in both Chambers on the subject of the recognition of NAPOLEON II., and which consisted of the Duke of OTRANTO (FOUCHÉ), Minister of the Police; the Duke of VICENZA (CAULINCOURT), Minister of Foreign Affairs; CARNOT, Minister of the Interior; General GRENIER; and M. QUINETTE; issued the following Proclamation:--
"Frenchmen!
"Within the period of a few days, brilliant successes and dreadful reverses have marked your destinies.
"A great sacrifice appeared necessary to your peace and that of the World; and NAPOLEON abdicated the Imperial Throne. His Abdication forms the termination of his political life. His Son is proclaimed.
"Your new Constitution, which possesses as yet only good principles, is about to undergo its application; and even those principles are to be purified and extended.
"There no longer exist Powers jealous of one another. The space is free to the enlightened patriotism of your Representatives; and the Peers feel, think, and vote, as they are directed by the public opinion.
"After twenty five years of political tempests, the moment has arrived when every thing wise and sublime that has been conceived respecting social institutions may be perfected in yours. Let reason and genius speak, and from whatever side their voices may proceed, they shall be heard.
"Plenipotentiaries have been despatched, in order to treat in the name of the Nation, and to negotiate with the Powers of Europe that Peace which they have promised on one condition, which is now fulfilled.
"The whole World will, like you, be attentive to their reply. Their answer will make known whether justice and promises are accounted anything on earth.
"Frenchmen! be united! Let all rally under circumstances of such vast importance. Let civil discords be appeased. Let dissensions be silent at this period, in which the great interests of nations are to be discussed. From the Northern frontier to the Pyrenees, and from La Vendée to Marseilles, let all France be united.
"Who is the man, that, born on the soil of France, whatever may be his Party or political opinions, will not range himself under the National Standard, to defend the independence of the country.
"Armies may in part be destroyed; but the experience of all Ages and of all nations proves that a brave people, combating for justice and liberty, cannot be vanquished.
"The Emperor, in abdicating, has offered himself a sacrifice. The Members of the Government devote themselves to the due execution of the authority with which they have been invested by your Representatives.
"THE DUKE OF OTRANTO, "T. BERLIER, Secretary."
"June 24th, 1815."
* * * * *
On the 25th, LOUIS XVIII., at the suggestion of the Duke of WELLINGTON, despatched an Officer, Le Comte D'AUDENARDE, with a summons, in His Majesty's name, for the Governor, Baron ROOS, to surrender the Citadel of Cambray. The summons was obeyed, and the garrison capitulated; when the Duke immediately gave over the Fortress entirely to His Majesty.
The main body of the Anglo-Allied Army advanced this day to Joncour. The Fourth Division continued at Cambray. The Reserve moved on to Marets.
The First Prussian Corps d'Armée marched this day from Guise to Cérisy, on the road from St Quentin to La Fère: its Advanced Guard pushed on to Fargnières, near the latter place. An Officer and thirty Dragoons were detached across the Oise to cut off the communication between this Fortress and Laon, by which means the investment of the place was effected. Along the right bank of the Oise, La Fère was protected by inundations, and no favourable points presented themselves for the establishment of Batteries. On this account, preparations were made in the night to cross the river below the place, and gain the Heights which command the Fortress on the Laon side.
During the march of the Advanced Guard, Major General JAGOW, who commanded it, sent a Detachment of the 1st Silesian Hussars to Chauny, which communicated by its left, through St Gobain, with Captain GOSCHITZKY in Crespy, and by its left, with the Outpost at Jussy of the Advanced Guard of the Fourth Corps. The parties detached on the previous day to Crecy, Pont à Bussy, and along the Serre, were now called in.
The Third Prussian Corps d'Armée marched from Nouvion to Homblières and its vicinity. Two of its Brigades occupied passages across the Oise, namely, the Ninth at Origny, and the Twelfth at Neuvillette. The Eleventh Brigade bivouacked at Marey, and the Tenth at Homblières and Menil St Laurent. The Detachments sent out from this Corps on the previous day towards the road leading from Mezières to Laon, brought in word that at eleven o'clock in the forenoon of the 24th, the French troops had abandoned Aubenton, and marched off to Monternet; also that GROUCHY's Army had reached Rocroi on the 23rd, and Réthel on the 24th; and it was presumed that his next march was to be on Soissons. On the receipt of this intelligence these Detachments were drawn back, and their observation limited to the ground nearest to the left bank of the Oise.
The Advanced Guard of the Fourth Prussian Corps d'Armée was closely followed by the Reserve Cavalry, and all these troops were placed under the command of Prince WILLIAM of Prussia. The Cavalry marched along the road leading to Chauny, as far as Montescour, where it bivouacked. The main body of the Corps reached Essigny le Grand.
At St Quentin, Prince BLÜCHER received a letter from Laon addressed to the Allied Commanders by the Commissioners sent from the two Chambers of the French Parliament; in which they communicated the fact of NAPOLEON's abdication, and of the elevation of his Son to the Throne, and stated that they had been deputed by the Provisional Government to negotiate an Armistice.
To this the Prince replied verbally, by an Aide de Camp, that he would suspend hostilities on arriving at Paris, provided BUONAPARTE was given up to him, and several Fortresses on the frontiers delivered up as sureties; and provided, also, that the Duke of WELLINGTON should agree to what might be proposed.
According to the accounts which were this day received from Lieutenant Colonel SCHMIEDEBERG it was presumed that the Enemy was still at Laon. The reports from the Detachments of the Third Corps d'Armée also confirmed this view, and intimated that GROUCHY's troops were yet two marches distant from Laon. This intelligence, combined with the attempts made by the French to induce the Allies to enter into negotiations, clearly showed the importance of endeavouring, by means of a forced march, to gain the passages of the Oise, and then to intercept the Enemy's line of retreat by Soissons upon Paris.
In the night of the 25th, however, decided information was received that the French Army had marched from Laon to Soissons, a fact from which it was naturally concluded that the Enemy was no longer deceived as to the advance of the Prussians towards Laon; and that he was therefore bent upon effecting his further retreat, or, perhaps, even of anticipating their movements towards the Oise, and detaching towards Compiegne. Hence, not a moment was now to be lost in securing the points of passage, particularly that at Compiegne; to which Prince BLÜCHER attached so much more importance from the circumstance that his Army had no Pontoons; and that the British Pontoon Train was still far behind, and not to be calculated upon. The Prince decided upon moving his Left Column (the First and Third Corps) on Compiegne, and his Right Column (the Fourth Corps) upon Pont St Maxence; the latter to secure the passage both at this place, and at Creil lower down the Oise.
* * * * *
SOULT, who had been indefatigable in collecting at Laon the remains of the defeated portion of the French Army, marched the latter, on the 25th, to Soissons; where it was to be joined by the force under GROUCHY: who, having preceded his troops which were yet a march and a half distant, had arrived in that town, to take the command of the whole Army, according to instructions conveyed to him from the Provisional Government.
SOULT, as soon as he found himself thus superseded in the command, quitted the Army, and repaired to Paris; disgusted with the abrupt and uncourteous manner in which he had been treated.
* * * * *
The position of the respective Armies, on the evening of the 25th, were as follows:--
Of the Anglo-Allied Army, the Advanced Guard (VIVIAN's Brigade) was at Crisour, near St Quentin.
The Second Division, the Nassau troops, and the British Cavalry, were encamped in the vicinity of Joncour.
The First and Third Divisions, the Dutch-Belgian Infantry attached to the First Corps, and the Dutch-Belgian Cavalry, were encamped near Serain and Premont.
The Fourth Division, with GRANT's Light Cavalry Brigade, was at Cambray.
The Fifth and Sixth Divisions, the Brunswick Infantry and Cavalry, and the Reserve Artillery, were encamped at, and in the vicinity of, Marets.
The Duke of WELLINGTON's Head Quarters were at Joncour.
The First Prussian Corps d'Armée was at Cérisy; the Third at Homblières; and the Fourth at Essigny le Grand.
Prince BLÜCHER's Head Quarters were at St Quentin.
The Right Wing of the French Army, led by VANDAMME, was at Rheims; the Left, with GROUCHY, at Soissons.
* * * * *
On the 25th, NAPOLEON withdrew from the capital to the country Palace of Malmaison, whence he issued the following Address to the Army:--
"SOLDIERS!
"While obeying the necessity which removes me from the French Army; I carry with me the happy assurance that it will justify, by the eminent services which the country expects from it, the praises which our Enemies themselves have not been able to refuse it.
"Soldiers! I shall follow your steps, though absent. I know all the Corps; and not one of them will obtain a single advantage over the Enemy, but I shall give it credit for the courage it may have displayed. Both you and I have been calumniated. Men, very unfit to appreciate your labours, have seen in the marks of attachment which you have given me, a zeal of which I was the sole object. Let your future successes convince them that it was the Country above all things, which you served in obeying me; and that if I had any share in your affection, I owe it to my ardent love for France--our common mother.
"Soldiers! Some efforts more, and the Coalition will be dissolved. NAPOLEON will recognise you by the blows which you are about to strike. Save the honour, the independence, of France! Be, unto the last, the same men which I have known you for these twenty years; and you will be invincible.
"NAPOLEON."
"De la Malmaison, le 25 juin 1815."
Chapter XIX
On the 26th, the Duke of WELLINGTON marched the main body of his Army to Vermand and its vicinity.
Major General Sir JOHN BYNG, who was now in command of the First Corps, having heard, on passing that village, that the Duke himself was there, immediately waited upon his Grace for any Orders he might wish to give him.
The Duke, on seeing him, said, "You are the very person I wish to see--I want you to take Peronne. You may as well take with you a Brigade of Guards, and a Dutch-Belgian Brigade. I shall be there almost as soon as yourself."
BYNG having given the necessary Orders for MAITLAND's Brigade, and a Dutch-Belgian Brigade of CHASSÉ's Division attached to his Corps, to proceed on this duty; the former was immediately put in motion.
The Duke, on reaching Peronne just as these troops arrived there, summoned the garrison, and then proceeded, in person, to reconnoitre that Fortress: and perceiving the possibility of taking it by storm, gave Orders to prepare for an assault. His Grace then directed the attack to be made upon the Hornwork which covers the suburb on the left of the Somme. Lieutenant Colonel Lord SALTOUN immediately led on the Light Troops of MAITLAND's Brigade, stormed, and carried the outwork, with but little loss; on observing which, the Duke, being satisfied the place would prove an easy capture, returned to Vermand.
Some pieces of Dutch artillery were now brought into the Hornwork, and a cannonade was opened upon the town; but the fire kept up on both sides was trifling, and of short duration: for BYNG having sent forward his Acting Assistant Quartermaster General, Lieutenant Colonel the Hon. J. STANHOPE, with a white flag, the Civil Authorities interfered, and urged the garrison to capitulate; whereupon the Maiden Fortress of Peronne surrendered on the condition that its defenders should lay down their arms, and be allowed to repair to their homes.
BYNG, on returning to Vermand, to report the capture of the Fortress to the Duke, met the Dutch-Belgian Brigade, which had been ordered to move to Peronne at the same time as the Guards, about half way towards that place!
COLVILLE'S Division rejoined the main body of the Army from Cambray; which place was handed over to the troops of the King of FRANCE, under the Duke of BERRY.
The Reserve moved on to Bellicourt and Belle Englise.
Upon returning in the night to his Head Quarters at Vermand, the Duke of WELLINGTON found a note from Prince BLÜCHER, forwarding to him the letter from the French Commissioners before referred to, and to which his Grace immediately replied as follows:--
"Head Quarters, 26th June 1815.--10 P.M.
"As Field Marshal the Duke of WELLINGTON has only at this moment returned to his Quarters, he has only now received from Marshal Prince BLÜCHER the letter of their Excellencies, and which their Excellencies had sent to the Prussian Outposts.
"When the Field Marshal last heard from the Head Quarters of the Allied Sovereigns, the 21st instant, their Majesties were at Heidelberg, and they must still be in that direction. It must be obvious to their Excellencies that the Field Marshal can neither prevent nor aid their Excellencies in reaching their Majesties; but if he has it in his power, or if their Excellencies think proper to pass through the countries in which the troops are under his command, the Field Marshal begs they will let him know in what manner he can facilitate their journey.
"The Field Marshal was not aware that any Officer commanding an Advanced Post had agreed verbally, or in any other manner, to a Suspension of Hostilities.
"Since the 15th instant, when NAPOLEON BUONAPARTE, at the head of the French Armies, invaded the dominions of the King of the Netherlands, and attacked the Prussian Army; the Field Marshal has considered his Sovereign, and those Powers whose Armies he commands, in a state of war with the Government of France; and he does not consider the Abdication of NAPOLEON BUONAPARTE of his usurped authority, under all the circumstances which have preceded and attended that measure, as the attainment of the object held out in the Declarations and Treaties of the Allies, which should induce them to lay down their arms.
"The Field Marshal cannot consent therefore to any Suspension of Hostilities, however desirous he is of preventing the further effusion of blood.
"As the only object on which their Excellencies desired to converse with the Field Marshal was the proposed Suspension of Hostilities: they will, probably, after the perusal of his sentiments and intentions, as above declared, consider any interview with him an useless waste of time; but, if their Excellencies should still do him the honour to desire to have an interview with him, the Field Marshal will be ready to meet them at the time and place they shall appoint.
"The Field Marshal begs their Excellencies will receive the assurance of his high consideration.
"WELLINGTON."
* * * * *
From the moment that Prince BLÜCHER had become aware of the retirement of the French troops from Laon upon Soissons, he was most anxious to secure the passage across the Oise at Compiegne, Verberie, Pont St Maxence, and Creil.
In the middle of the night of the 25th, he therefore sent an Order for the Advanced Guard of the First Prussian Corps d'Armée to proceed on the following day, from Fargnières, by forced march, as far as the first named place. In the afternoon of the 26th, it reached Noyon, where it halted for a rest, having marched five leagues; and having nearly an equal distance before it to Compiegne. The twelve pounder Battery and the four ten pounder Howitzers which had been attached to this Advanced Guard (the Third Brigade under Major General JAGOW) were, by ZIETEN's Order, left under the protection of a Battalion, to be employed with the First Brigade, which was directed to make an attempt upon the Fortress of La Fère. The Advanced Guard after having sent on a Squadron of the 1st Silesian Hussars, under Major HERTEL, to Compiegne, with Orders to push forward a Detachment thence upon the road to Soissons, resumed its march in the evening.
It was still in movement about midnight, when Major General JAGOW received a communication from the front that Major HERTEL had, with his Squadron, entered Compiegne at eight o'clock in the evening; and had learned from the Mayor that a French Corps was on the march from Soissons to that town, in which it had already bespoken ten thousand rations. JAGOW immediately communicated this important circumstance to ZIETEN, and ordered his troops, after another short but indispensable halt, to continue their toilsome march.
On the morning of this day, the First Brigade of ZIETEN's Corps d'Armée completed the investment of La Fère. The troops that had been previously detached to this point by General JAGOW were moved off to follow this Officer's Brigade on the road to Compiegne. Notwithstanding the vigorous bombardment which the Prussians maintained against the Fortress until noon, and by which several buildings were set on fire, they failed to induce the garrison to surrender.
As it was not intended, however, to attempt any more serious attack: the Brigade, after leaving the Fusilier Battalion of the 12th Regiment and a Squadron of the Brandenburg Uhlans to watch the Fortress, followed the Corps d'Armée, which had marched to Noyon; but it did not even reach Chauny, scarcely seven miles from La Fère.
ZIETEN, on arriving at Chauny at eight o'clock in the evening, with the remainder of his Corps--the Second and Fourth Brigades, the Reserve Artillery, and a Reserve Cavalry Brigade--considered his troops too much fatigued to fulfil BLÜCHER's intentions that they should march as far as Noyon; and he therefore ordered them to bivouack at Chauny.
The Third Prussian Corps d'Armée marched from the vicinity of Homblières to that of Guiscard; partly by Jussy, and partly by St Quentin and Ham. It was only the Eleventh Brigade, with the greater portion of the Reserve Cavalry and Artillery, that took the latter road. These troops on reaching the fortified town of Ham, found it occupied by the Enemy; who seemed prepared to oppose their passing through the place. General HOBE, who commanded them, summoned the Commander of the Garrison to open the Gates and allow the troops to march through; and on perceiving that this summons was disobeyed, he tried the effect of a few cannon shot, which quickly procured a free passage for his force. No further notice was taken, and no further use was made, by the Prussians of this otherwise insignificant place.
A Detachment of the Reserve Cavalry of this Corps was sent to Chauny, from which it pushed forward a small party along the road towards Soissons, which the latter pursued until on arriving at about a league beyond Coucy, it came upon an Enemy's Outpost, consisting of a Regiment of Dragoons and a Battalion of Infantry.
The Fourth Corps d'Armée was also required to make a forced march on this day--namely, from Essigny le Grand as far as Lassigny, and its Advanced Guard was to reach Gournay, and thence push forward Detachments to Clermont, Creil, and Pont St Maxence, for the purpose of securing and examining the Bridges across the Oise, and of preparing all that was requisite for effecting a passage for the troops. BÜLOW, in his Brigade Orders, drew the attention of his troops to the necessity which had arisen for those forced marches on the part of the Prussian Army with a view to obtain a decisive result.
The Advanced Guard started at four o'clock in the morning from Jussy, and proceeded by Lassigny to Gournay, situated upon the road from Peronne to Pont St Maxence; but the Detachments which it sent thence towards Clermont, Creil, Pont St Maxence, and Verberie, did not reach those places until the following day. The Reserve Artillery of the Fourth Corps commenced its march at five o'clock in the morning, following the Advanced Guard, and reached Ressons late in the evening; where it bivouacked, as did also, subsequently, the main body of the Corps, after a march of about twenty five miles.
* * * * *
Whilst the Prussians were thus, on the 26th, hastening towards Compiegne; the French General, Count D'ERLON, was, on this very day, also marching upon that point from Soissons, with the remains of his Corps d'Armée--about four thousand men--having succeeded, through his urgent representations of the expediency of such a movement, in obtaining GROUCHY's assent to its execution.
The troops of the Third and Fourth French Corps d'Armée moved this day from Rheims towards Soissons, a distance which they could not, however, accomplish in one day's march.
* * * * *
The positions of the respective Armies on the evening of the 26th were as follows:--
Of the Anglo-Allied Army, the Advanced Guard (VIVIAN's Hussar Brigade) was at Mattignies, near the Somme, having its Picquets on that river.
The Second Division, the Nassau troops, and the British Cavalry, were encamped near Beauvois and Lanchy.
The First and Third Divisions, the Dutch-Belgian Infantry attached to the First Corps, and the Dutch-Belgian Cavalry, were encamped near Caulaincourt and Martin de Des Près.
The Fourth Division was encamped at Gouay.
The First British Brigade of Guards was at Peronne.
The Reserve, consisting of the Fifth and Sixth Divisions, the Brunswick troops, and the Reserve Artillery was encamped near Nourois, Magny, and Belle Englise.
The Pontoon Train was at Estrées.
The Duke of WELLINGTON's Head Quarters were at Vermand.
The Second and Fourth Brigades of the First Prussian Corps d'Armée were at Chauny, not far from which was also the First Brigade. The Third Brigade, forming the Advanced Guard, was on the march to Compiegne.
The Third Corps was at Guiscard.
The Fourth Corps was at Ressons.
Prince BLÜCHER's Head Quarters were at Genvry, near Noyon.
The French troops under D'ERLON were not far from Compiegne, on the road from Soissons. Those of the Third and Fourth Corps, under VANDAMME, were at some point between Rheims and Soissons.
GROUCHY's Head Quarters were at Soissons.
* * * * *
It was half past four o'clock in the morning of the 27th, when the Advanced Guard of the Prussian Corps d'Armée (the Third Brigade), after a forced march of about twenty five miles, reached Compiegne. General JAGOW immediately posted his troops, in the most advantageous manner, in and about the town, so as to be prepared to meet any attack that the Enemy might make; and detached three Squadrons of the 1st Silesian Hussars upon the Soissons road, and the remaining Squadron upon the Paris road, in observation.
About five o'clock, by which time he had scarcely completed his arrangements, information reached him from the Hussars on the Soissons road that the Enemy was advancing. This was, as before remarked, Count D'ERLON, with the remains of his Corps d'Armée; from which circumstance it will be seen that if ZIETEN's Advanced Guard had arrived but a single half hour later, the French would have anticipated the Prussians in securing the Bridge of Compiegne.
From along the edge of the extensive Wood which adjoins this town, a fire was quickly opened by the French Skirmishers against the Prussian Picquets. Very shortly afterwards a Column of Infantry appeared advancing from their rear. A Half Battery of Prussian Horse Artillery, which had been posted on the Soissons road, in front of the Gate on that side of the town, having allowed the Column to approach within a suitable range, directed a fire upon it with such vigour and precision, that in a few moments more the mass rushed for shelter into the Wood.
Four French guns were now brought forward, and these replied to the Prussian Artillery; during which the Enemy moved through the Wood to his left. The Prussians concluded from this movement that he contemplated abandoning the attack in this quarter, for the purpose of assailing the lower and weaker side of the town, by the Crespy and Paris roads: but on renewing his advance, he soon showed that he was only masking his retreat; whereupon the 1st Silesian Hussars advanced along the road to Soissons in pursuit.
By the result of this affair, which lasted an hour and a half but was limited to a cannonade and mutual tiraillade, the French were foiled in their attempt to cover their retreat by securing Compiegne, and checking the advance of the Prussians along the Oise.
The Third Prussian Brigade, however, which had continually formed the Advanced Guard of the First Corps d'Armée since the Battle of Waterloo, was too much exhausted by its efforts during the previous day and night, to attempt seriously to molest the Enemy during his retreat; a circumstance of which the latter failed not to take advantage. ZIETEN decided upon relieving these troops from the duties of an Advanced Guard by the Second Brigade; which, however, had not yet come up: and hence the French gained some valuable time.
The main body of ZIETEN's Corps did not reach Compiegne until mid day.
BLÜCHER, who had already arrived there, ordered that the Advanced Guard (now consisting of the Second Brigade) and the Reserve Cavalry, preceded by one hundred Riflemen, should march through the Wood towards Villers Cotterets, followed by the main body of the Corps; it having been his intention to throw these troops upon the Enemy's line of retreat, in the event of the Advanced Guard falling in with French troops at or near that point.
This Order, however, was not strictly followed by ZIETEN, who marched the main body of his Corps, including the Reserve Cavalry, and the Reserve Artillery, through the Wood of Compiegne to Gillicourt, detaching only his Second Brigade, reinforced by the Brandenburg Dragoons and five pieces of Horse Artillery, towards Villers Cotterets. The 1st Silesian Hussars were pushed forward upon the road from Compiegne to Soissons, to cover the Left Flank during this movement. The Reserve Cavalry, in front of the Column of the main body, reached Gillicourt just as the Enemy (under Count D'ERLON) had crossed the Defile formed by a tributary stream of the Oise in which that place is situated. The 1st West Prussian Dragoons and the Brandenburg Uhlans, together with a Horse Battery, went on in pursuit; and the Third Brigade was ordered to follow the latter in support. The Fourth Brigade was directed to maintain the Defile of Gillicourt.
The Enemy's Rear Guard was overtaken on this side of Crespy by the two Regiments of Cavalry, which threw it back in disorder upon that town. The French quickly retired from the place; whereupon the Third Brigade, with a Cavalry Brigade, bivouacked there, throwing out parties of Dragoons in the direction of the Enemy's retreat.
The Fourth Brigade, the other Cavalry Brigade, and the Reserve Artillery, bivouacked at Gillicourt. The Second Brigade, with the additional force attached to it, as before mentioned, reached Longpré, not far from Villers Cotterets, in the middle of the night. The long march which the troops of the First Corps d'Armée made this day from Noyon, and the probability of their coming into collision with the Enemy on the following day, rendered a few hours' rest absolutely necessary.
Separated from one another as ZIETEN's Brigades thus were, a strong Support was essentially requisite; and this was supplied in good time by the Third Prussian Corps d'Armée which marched on this day from Guiscard to Compiegne. Prince BLÜCHER directed its Commander, THIELEMANN, to detach strongly towards Soissons; for the purpose of observing the Enemy, and of molesting him should he be retiring. The Cavalry thus detached presenting the means of covering ZIETEN's Left Flank; the 1st Silesian Hussars, which had been previously posted on the Soissons road, were directed to rejoin their own Corps. The Third Corps bivouacked on the left bank of the Oise, with the exception of the Twelfth Brigade which remained on the right bank at Venette.
On the same day, the Fourth Prussian Corps d'Armée, forming the Right Column, marched from Ressons and its vicinity, with Orders to cross the Oise lower down the stream, at Verberie, Pont St Maxence, or Creil. BÜLOW formed his Advanced Guard with the 3rd Neumark Landwehr, a Battalion of the 1st Silesian Landwehr, the 8th Hussars, the 1st Pomeranian Landwehr Cavalry, and half the Horse Battery No. 12, and desired General SYDOW, who commanded the Advanced Guard, to move off with a Detachment, at the first break of day, and secure the Bridge over the Oise at Creil.
This General, aware of the importance of attaining the object in view, proceeded himself, at the head of a Squadron of the 8th Hussars, and of one hundred Infantry, the latter being transported in carts, and reached Creil with his small Detachment just as the French were on the point of entering the place. The latter were immediately attacked and repulsed: and the Prussian Infantry occupied the Bridge; which, on the arrival of the Advanced Guard, was given over to the 1st Silesian Landwehr, whilst the remainder of the troops, after a short halt, commenced their march upon Senlis.
Another striking instance was thus again afforded of the vast importance of a correct calculation of time in military operations. The Prussians, on this morning, reached the Bridge of Compiegne, only half an hour before the French approached it; and had they arrived at Creil but a few minutes later, they would have found the French in possession of the Bridge at this point.
Major BLANKENBURG was detached in advance, with the 1st Pomeranian Landwehr Cavalry, from Creil towards Senlis. They had but just reached this town, and had begun to bivouack on the great market place; when, towards nine o'clock in the evening, KELLERMANN, with the First Cuirassier Brigade of French Cavalry, approached on the opposite side, and made a dash at the very spot occupied by the Prussians. Major BLANKENBURG had barely time to mount; nevertheless, with such of his men as were accoutred and prepared, he attacked the French horsemen, and drove them back to the Gates of the town. The latter, however, collecting their strength, renewed their attack, overpowered the Prussians; and forced them to retire along the road to Pont St Maxence. KELLERMANN's Brigade then resumed its march along the prescribed line of retreat. In the mean time, his Second Cuirassier Brigade, and D'ERLON's French Corps d'Armée, were retiring along the same road towards Senlis.
Upon this point also General SYDOW was moving from Creil, with the Advanced Guard of the Fourth Prussian Corps; following, as it was supposed, the detached 1st Pomeranian Landwehr Cavalry. On reaching Senlis at ten o'clock in the evening, with the head of the Column, consisting of the 8th Hussars and the 3rd Battalion of the 3rd Neumark Landwehr, and finding the place unoccupied, he took possession of it. The French troops had already approached close to the town, from the side of Crespy. The Prussian Infantry were immediately posted in the houses nearest to the Gate: and as soon as the Enemy's Cavalry came fully within the effective range of musketry, they suddenly opened upon the latter a sharp fire; which compelled it to go about.
The head of D'ERLON's Corps now came up; but was forced, along with the Cavalry, to take another direction. SYDOW, having collected the whole of the Advanced Guard, followed the French some little distance; and bivouacked, about midnight, somewhat in advance of Senlis. The latter, however, reached, next morning, the road leading through Gonesse to Paris.
During the operation of the Advanced Guard of the Fourth Prussian Corps d'Armée, another Detachment of the latter was sent to occupy Pont St Maxence and Verberie. The French having partially destroyed the Bridge at the former point, the 2nd Pomeranian Landwehr Cavalry were ferried to the opposite bank of the river, and Detachments were immediately pushed on to Verberie and Senlis. The Fourteenth Brigade followed the Cavalry, and was passed over the river in a similar manner; after which it occupied the Heights on both sides of the great Paris road. These troops bivouacked for the night on their position; whilst the main body of the Corps, on reaching Pont St Maxence, remained on the right bank of the river. The greatest activity was used in repairing the Bridge sufficiently for the passage of Artillery.
In this manner BLÜCHER had effectually secured the line of the Oise; and, by pushing forward his Advanced Troops as far as Villers Cotterets, had closed so much upon the Flank of the retiring Enemy, that he had every reasonable expectation of succeeding in cutting off the line of retreat of the latter upon the capital.
* * * * *
GROUCHY, on discovering that the Detachments he had thrown out to gain the passages of the Oise, on his left, had been thwarted by the rapidity of the Prussian movement, and had been compelled to fall back, now employed them in covering his retreat by means of partial combats. Hence arose the engagements at Compiegne, Crespy, and Senlis; but such was the feebleness of the French resistance, and so frequent were the desertions of the soldiers, who threw away their arms, and fled to their homes, that it was evident the reorganisation of the Army, and the reanimation of its former spirit, were far from having been thoroughly effected. It has been said that a cry of alarm spread through its ranks of, "Our retreat is cut off!" as soon as it was known that the Prussians were upon its Right Flank. At all events it appears tolerably certain that the Army was not in that state which would have warranted GROUCHY in risking any serious stand against the Prussians. To succeed in reaching the capital by means of forced marches; and to secure his troops, as far as practicable, from molestation, was all that he could hope to accomplish.
* * * * *
On the 27th, the main body of the Anglo-Allied Army, crossing the Somme at Willecourt, marched through Nesle upon Roye.
The Fourth Division marched through Peronne, towards Roye.
Two Battalions of the Dutch-Belgian Brigade at Peronne were ordered to remain in occupation of that place: the remainder of the Brigade, and the Brigade of Guards at Peronne, marched through Nesle to the village of Crescy, and joined the First Corps.
The Fifth Division, the Brunswick Cavalry, and the Reserve Brigade of Howitzers, moved upon Ham.
The Sixth Division, the Brunswick Infantry, and the Reserve Artillery, encamped between the villages of Douilly and Villers.
Notwithstanding the precautions which the Duke of WELLINGTON had taken to ensure the orderly conduct of his troops, and to conciliate in their favour the good disposition of the inhabitants along the line of march, it being his anxious desire that they should be considered as being on a friendly footing, and as acting on behalf of the legitimate Sovereign, there was one portion of his Army which committed the greatest excesses: these were the Dutch-Belgian troops, who set his Orders on this head completely at defiance. They pillaged wherever they went, not even excepting the Head Quarters, the house which he himself occupied: they forced the safeguards, and rescued, at the point of the bayonet, the prisoners from the Gensd'armerie which the Duke had formed for the Police of the Army.
Two of the Officers had just rendered themselves conspicuous by participating in, and actually encouraging, these disorders, which had arisen to such a height as to arouse his Grace's just indignation and severe censure. He desired the General Officer then in command of that part of the Army to put in full force his General Order of the 26th of June, to cause a Roll Call of Companies to be made every hour, and to see that every Officer and soldier was present. He also directed him to place the two Officers before alluded to in arrest, and to send them to the Hague, to be disposed of by the King of the Netherlands; to whom he forwarded a copy of the letter containing these instructions. This letter, which strongly evidenced the feelings of annoyance, under which the Duke wrote it, concluding with the following cutting reproof:--Je ne veux pas commander de tels Officiers. Je suis assez longtemps Soldat pour savoir que les Pillards, et ceux qui les encouragent, ne valent rien devant l'Ennemi; et je n'en veux pas.
The following were the positions of the respective Armies on the evening of the 27th:--
The First Prussian. Corps d'Armée had its main body at Gillicourt; its Second Brigade at Longpré, about half a league from Villers Cotterets; and its Third Brigade at Crespy.
The main body of the Third Prussian Corps d'Armée was at Compiegne; it had strong Detachments in the direction of Soissons.
The main body of the Fourth Prussian Corps was at Pont St Maxence; it had its Advanced Guard at Senlis, and Detachments at Creil and Verberie.
Prince BLÜCHER's Head Quarters were at Compiegne.
Of the Anglo-Allied Army, the Second Division, the Nassau troops, and the British and Hanoverian Cavalry, were in the vicinity of Roye.
The Third Division, one Brigade of the First Division, the Dutch-Belgian Infantry attached to the First Corps, and the Dutch-Belgian Cavalry, were encamped near the villages of Crescy, Billencourt, and Bereuil.
The Fourth Division was at the village of Puzeaux, on the road to Roye.
The Brigade of Guards was at Crescy.
The Fifth Division and the Brunswick Cavalry were at Ham.
The Sixth Division, the Brunswick Infantry, and the Reserve Artillery, were between the villages of Douilly and Villers.
The Duke of WELLINGTON's Head Quarters were at Nesle.
The remains of the First and Second French Corps d'Armée, Detachments from which had this day been defeated at Compiegne, Crespy, Creil, and Senlis, were in full retreat, partly upon the Senlis, and partly upon the Soissons, road.
The Imperial Guard and the Sixth Corps were at Villers Cotterets.
The Third and Fourth Corps were at Soissons.
GROUCHY's Head Quarters were at Villers Cotterets.
* * * * *
General PIRCH II. having learned, upon his arrival at one o'clock of the morning of the 28th, with the Advanced Guard of the First Prussian Corps d'Armée, at Longpré, near Villers Cotterets, that the latter place was not occupied by the Enemy in any force, determined to capture the place forthwith by a surprise. The troops detached to the front on this service (the Fusilier Battalion of the 6th Regiment and the Brandenburg Dragoons), favoured by the darkness (which as yet was scarcely relieved by the approaching dawn), as also by the Wood through which they advanced, fell upon a Detachment that was moving by a by road through the Wood, consisting of a French Horse Battery of fourteen guns, twenty ammunition waggons, and an escort of one hundred and fifty men. The whole vicinity of Villers Cotterets was, in fact, filled with French troops; thus dispersed, that they might sooner obtain refreshment after the long march, and be prepared to start again at two o'clock in the morning. Thus they were all in motion at the time of this capture.
General PIRCH now pushed on to Villers Cotterets, where the Prussians made many prisoners. GROUCHY himself narrowly escaped being taken as he was mounting his horse and hastening out of the opposite side of the town. On reaching the Windmill Height upon the road to Nanteuil, he succeeded in collecting together and forming his troops. PIRCH, after detaching Cavalry in pursuit of the Enemy, as also towards Longpré to cover his Right, and towards Soissons to protect his Left, took up a defensive position. He deployed his Infantry, with the Foot Battery, upon the Height at the Garden of the Château, posted two Battalions at the point of a Wood that jutted out on his right; and was still occupied in making his arrangements, when a Cavalry Detachment, on the Soissons road, sent in word that a hostile Corps was to be seen approaching from Soissons. Another report was received immediately afterwards, that the Enemy showed much Cavalry on that side, and was already detaching two Regiments of the latter Arm towards the Prussian Left Flank; as also another Cavalry force, along with from twenty to twenty five pieces of artillery against the Right Flank.
In the mean time, the French Marshal had collected about nine thousand men on the Height before mentioned, near the road to Nanteuil; one third of whom had already constituted the Rear Guard, and the remainder was composed of troops that had halted during the night in the vicinity, as at Vauciennes, Coyolles, and Pisseleux. With these troops, GROUCHY showed every disposition to accept an engagement.
General PIRCH II., finding himself thus critically situated between two separate and overpowering hostile forces, prepared to effect his retreat.
This was facilitated in a peculiar manner. The troops of VANDAMME's Corps, perceiving the Prussians thus posted on the high road to Paris, and imagining their force to be greater than it really was, fell into the greatest disorder, and with loud cries of "Into the woods on the left, towards La Ferté Milon--we are cut off from Paris!" they all rushed in that direction; with the exception of two thousand men and some guns conducted by VANDAMME himself by the way of Pisseleux, leaving Villers Cotterets on their right, and masking the movement by a vigorous attack upon this place. The 6th Prussian Regiment was driven back by the Enemy's superior numbers; and PIRCH, after having kept up a brisk cannonade, gradually withdrew the Regiment from Villers Cotterets, for the purpose of moving upon Crespy, the direction previously laid down for him, with a view to the concentration of the Corps.
As GROUCHY was moving by the Soissons road towards Nanteuil, PIRCH was desirous of proceeding in a parallel direction, through Longpré; but he was subsequently induced, on consideration of the Defiles in that direction, and which he did not deem it prudent to pass so near to the Enemy, to prefer retiring along the Compiegne road, as far as where it is joined by the one leading from Viviers; and where, for the covering of the Left Flank and Rear, a Squadron of the Brandenburg Dragoons had already been posted. From this point he struck into the road leading by Buts, and reached, towards mid day, Frenois la Rivière, where he gave his troops a few hours' rest; and then proceeded by Crespy to Nanteuil, which place he reached about nine o'clock in the evening, having marched twenty one leagues within the last thirty eight hours, during six of which he had also been engaged with the Enemy. He had succeeded in creating confusion in one portion of the retiring French force, and in impeding the retreat of that which was with GROUCHY himself sufficiently long to enable ZIETEN to anticipate the latter in his arrival at Nanteuil.
It has already been explained, when describing the proceedings of the 27th, how much separated the Brigades of the First Prussian CORPS D'ARMÉE were from one another. The First was still on the march from La Fère (it rejoined on the afternoon of this day); the Second, with the Brandenburg Dragoons, was near Villers Cotterets; the Third, with a Cavalry Brigade, was at Crespy; and the Fourth, with the other Cavalry Brigade was at Gillicourt. Hence ZIETEN was desirous, on the morning of the 28th, to concentrate his Corps at Crespy; leaving only a strong Cavalry Detachment at Villers Cotterets. But whilst despatching the Order to PIRCH to move upon Crespy; he received a report from this General, that he had fallen upon the French troops retreating through Villers Cotterets, and was upon the point of being driven back by superior numbers.
ZIETEN, considering that the Prussian troops at Crespy, the nearest to Villers Cotterets, were nearly three leagues distant from the latter point, decided upon not attempting to give any direct support to PIRCH; but to advance with the Third Brigade, together with the Reserve Cavalry and Artillery, towards Levignon, on the great Paris road, between Villers Cotterets and Nanteuil, and, if possible, occupy that point before the French could reach it. He found the latter in the act of marching through the village; and immediately ordered a Howitzer Battery to be drawn up, which commenced throwing shells into the place. He also ordered the 1st West Prussian Dragoons, and the 1st Silesian Hussars, with a Horse Battery, to attack the Enemy.
The French, however, retired in such haste, that they were not overtaken until about midway between Levignon and Nanteuil; when they halted their Rear Guard, which made front against the Prussians. They comprised the Second Corps d'Armée, under REILLE, who had with him several Regiments of Cavalry, and continued their march; supporting, however, the Rear Guard. On coming up with the latter, two Squadrons of the 2nd West Prussian Dragoons charged; but they were repulsed, and attacked in flank by a French Regiment of Lancers. The Enemy now advanced, with the hope of completely routing the Prussian Cavalry. This attempt failed in consequence of a most successful attack by the 1st Silesian Hussars; by which the French were put to flight, and two of their guns captured. The Horse Battery drew up, at the same time, on the left of the high road, and, by its effective fire, committed great havoc amidst the flying Enemy; who was pursued by the Prussian Cavalry even beyond Nanteuil.
During the movement upon Levignon, General HOBE came up with a Cavalry Brigade from the Third Corps d'Armée. It advanced by the right, along the road from Crespy to Nanteuil, with the design of intercepting a portion of the Enemy's retreating Columns; but the French, in the mean time, fled in such haste, that only a few prisoners were made.
Notwithstanding the pressure thus made upon the French line of retreat, Count REILLE succeeded in uniting the remains of his Corps d'Armée with those of Count D'ERLON's Corps which had escaped through Crespy and by the left of Senlis.
The French Imperial Guards, and the Sixth Corps d'Armée, which were under the more immediate orders of GROUCHY, and had formed the Column that retired through Villers Cotterets in the morning, reached Levignon after ZIETEN had passed through it in pursuit of REILLE's troops to Nanteuil; and becoming acquainted with the danger of their proceeding further on that road, they turned off to their left, to make their retreat through Assy, Meaux, Claye, and Vincennes.
General VANDAMME, who, with the Third and Fourth French Corps d'Armée, was most in the rear, and had withdrawn from the high road at Villers Cotterets on perceiving the Prussian Brigade in possession of that place, took the direction of La Ferté Milon, Meaux, crossing the Marne at L'Agny, to Paris.
BÜLOW, who had been directed to move the Fourth Corps d'Armée from Pont St Maxence to Marly la Ville, on the 28th, deemed it advisable to augment his Advanced Guard; and therefore added to it the Fourteenth Brigade and the Reserve Cavalry, and placed the whole under the command of Prince WILLIAM of Prussia. In the afternoon Prince WILLIAM fell upon Detachments of D'ERLON's, and also upon REILLE's Corps d'Armée, which latter was retreating from Nanteuil. He immediately attacked the Enemy, dispersed a great number of his troops, and took more than two thousand prisoners. It was evening before the Advanced Guard reached Gonesse, where it bivouacked. Detachments were pushed on to the front as far as Le Bourget and Stains, which points were occupied by the Enemy. The main body of the Corps arrived at Marly la Ville in the evening, and halted there for the night.
THIELEMANN, having been directed to proceed with the Third Corps d'Armée from Compiegne to Senlis, should its support not be required by the First Corps, marched his Infantry and Artillery upon Crespy, and sent the Reserve Cavalry by Verberie; but on hearing that the First Corps was engaged with the Enemy, he drew in his Cavalry towards Crespy, from Verberie, as soon as it arrived there. The First Cavalry Brigade, with six pieces of Horse Artillery, was pushed on from Crespy, along the road to Nanteuil; where it joined the Reserve Cavalry of the First Corps d'Armée, but not in time to take any active part in the engagement at that place. The Second Cavalry Brigade was detached towards Villers Cotterets. The main body of the Third Corps d'Armée bivouacked for the night at Crespy and its vicinity.
Prince BLÜCHER deemed it advisable to send, on this day, a strong Detachment of Cavalry, consisting of the Queen's Dragoons, under Lieutenant Colonel KAMECKE, beyond the Left of the First Prussian Corps, towards the Marne, for the purpose of gaining intelligence of the Enemy's movements in that direction. Lieutenant Colonel KAMECKE was instructed to act discretionally; and to proceed, subsequently, by Meaux, or Château Thierry, and endeavour to open a communication with the Advance of the Bavarian Army.
Thus it will be seen that, on the 28th, the Prussian Army succeeded in cutting off the line of retreat of the French troops by the Soissons high road, compelling the greater portion of them to seek, along cross roads, the line of the Marne, by Meaux and L'Agny. It had, since it crossed the Oise, created great disorder and confusion in the French ranks, captured sixteen pieces of cannon, and made, altogether, four thousand prisoners. The Prussians now occupied both the high roads leading from Senlis and Soissons, and had their Advanced Posts (those of the Fourth Corps d'Armée) within five miles of Paris.
The sound of their cannon was already heard in the capital, where the greatest consternation prevailed amongst the citizens; whose fears had been previously excited by the most exaggerated reports brought in by fugitives from the retreating Army. The fortified works that had been thrown up on the north side, appeared sufficient to check the progress of the Allied Armies, and to secure Paris from a coup de main; but time was essential for the organisation of the defence, for the recovery of the exhausted remains of the Army of the North expected to arrive on the morrow, and for the collection of every available defensive means. It was only by the assumption of a sufficiently respectable, if not an imposing, attitude, that they could hope to succeed in negotiating for the preservation of the capital and the establishment of their own prescribed form of government--perhaps, by some extraordinary effort, to disconcert the plans of their Enemies, and obtain a triumph under the walls of Paris.
Actuated by these considerations, the Provisional Government was desirous of inducing the victorious Commanders of the Allied Armies to enter into negotiations. Another Commission was appointed, the members of which were Messrs ANDREOSSY, VALENCE, BOISSY D'ANGLAS, FLANGERGUES, and LA BENARDIÈRE. They were directed to proceed to the Head Quarters of the Allied Field Marshals, again to solicit a Suspension of Hostilities and to negotiate an Armistice.
During these proceedings in Paris, a renewed application had been received by Prince BLÜCHER, on the 27th, and by the Duke of WELLINGTON on the 28th, from the first named Commissioners, for a Suspension of Hostilities; as also a request that a passport and assurances of safety might be accorded to NAPOLEON and his family, to enable them to pass to the United States of America: the Provisional Government having previously succeeded, through the medium of representations made to the ex-Emperor by some of his friends, in persuading the latter to consent to this step.
Prince BLÜCHER declined taking any notice of the application, conceiving his former verbal reply quite sufficient. The Duke of WELLINGTON referred the Commissioners to his note of the 26th on the proposed Suspension of Hostilities; and stated that, with regard to the passport for NAPOLEON, he had no authority from his Government, or from the Allies, to give any answer to such demand.
* * * * *
The Anglo-Allied Army advanced this day from Nesle, so as to bring its Right in rear of St Just, and its Left in rear of La Taulle, where the high road from Compiegne joins the high road from Roye to Paris.
The Second Corps, under Lord HILL, as also the British and Hanoverian Cavalry, marched by Montdidier to Petit Crevecoeur.
The First Corps, under Sir JOHN BYNG, marched upon Couchy.
The Reserve, under Sir JAMES KEMPT, marched upon Roye.
* * * * *
The following were the positions of the respective Armies on the evening of the 28th:--
The Fourth Prussian Corps d'Armée, which was the nearest to Paris, was posted at Marly la Ville; having Detachments pushed forward close to Le Bourget and Stains.
The First Prussian Corps d'Armée stood in rear of Nanteuil; having its Advanced Guard at Le Plessis, Belleville, and Dammartin.
The Third Corps d'Armée was at Crespy and in its vicinity.
Prince BLÜCHER's Head Quarters were at Senlis.
The Anglo-Allied Army had its Right behind St Just and its Left behind La Taulle.
Its Reserve was at Roye.
The Advanced Guard (VIVIAN's Hussar Brigade) was at Antheuil.
The Second and Fourth Divisions, the Nassau troops, and the Hanoverian Cavalry, were encamped at Petit Crevecoeur, on the road to St Just.
The British Cavalry was encamped near La Taulle and Ressons.
The First and Third Divisions, and the Dutch-Belgian troops, were encamped near Couchy.
The Fifth and Sixth Divisions, the Brunswick troops, and Reserve Artillery, were encamped near Roye.
The Duke of WELLINGTON's Head Quarters were at Orville.
The remains of the First and Second French Corps d'Armée, after forming a junction at Gonesse, where the high roads from Nanteuil and Senlis unite, reached the suburbs of Paris. The Imperial Guard and the Sixth Corps, immediately under GROUCHY, were in full retreat from Meaux by Claie and Vincennes. The Third and Fourth Corps, under VANDAMME, having crossed the Marne at Meaux, were retreating by Lagny and Vincennes.
* * * * *
BLÜCHER having issued Orders, during the night of the 28th, for the continuation of the advance upon Paris; the Advanced Guard of the Fourth Prussian Corps d'Armée moved, on the morning of the 29th, from Gonesse to Le Bourget, which place it found abandoned by the Enemy; who, however, was strongly posted at St Denis, towards which point therefore, some Battalions were pushed forward in observation. The Enemy having been driven out of Stains, this Post was occupied by two Fusilier Battalions and a Regiment of Cavalry, under Lieutenant Colonel SCHILL, for the purpose of securing the Right Flank of the Corps. La Cour Neuve, between St Denis and Le Bourget, was also occupied. The main body of the Corps broke up from Marly la Ville at seven o'clock in the morning; and on reaching Le Bourget, bivouacked in its vicinity.
The Advanced Guard of the First Prussian Corps d'Armée pushed on, at daybreak, from Dammartin to Blanc Mesnil; whence, immediately on its arrival, it sent Detachments beyond the Wood of Bondy, to reconnoitre the Enemy's preparations of defence. The main body of this Corps took up a position, having its Right resting on Blanc Mesnil, and its Left on Aulnay. It sent out Infantry Detachments towards Livry, and along the Ourcq Canal, towards Bondy and Pantin; and Cavalry parties towards Grande Drancey and Banbigny. ZIETEN also occupied Nonneville with the 7th Regiment of Infantry; and the 6th Uhlans furnished Outposts at the Ourcq Canal, communicating with those of the Fourth Corps.
The Third Prussian Corps d'Armée marched from Crespy as far as Dammartin, in the vicinity of which it was bivouacked.
The Reserve Cavalry was sent forward as far as Tremblay, in direct support of the First Corps d'Armée.
* * * * *
The First and Second French Corps d'Armée had reached the suburbs of Paris on the Gonesse road, during the night; and held possession of Le Bourget until the morning of the 29th. The Imperial Guard and the Sixth Corps, as also the reinforcements that had arrived from the interior, were, during the forenoon of the 29th, on the high road by Claie and Pantin, under the command of GROUCHY; and were directed to occupy several defensive points on that side. The Third and Fourth Corps d'Armée, under VANDAMME, reached Paris at noon on the 29th, by the Lagny road: they passed through the capital, and occupied the Heights of Montrouge on the south side.
* * * * *
The Anglo-Allied Army arrived, on the 29th, at different points on the road between Gournay and Pont St Maxence.
The Advanced Guard, consisting of VIVIAN's Light Cavalry Brigade, supported by that of ARENTSSCHILDT, crossed the Oise at Pont St Maxence, and reached Senlis.
The British Cavalry moved from La Taulle to Pont St Maxence.
The Second Corps, under Lord HILL, moved from Petit Crevecoeur to Clermont.
The First Corps, under Sir JOHN BYNG, moved from its camp near Couchy, by Estrée St Denis, along the high road to St Martin Longeau.
The Reserve, under Sir JAMES KEMPT, moved from its camp near Roye, to Gournay, on the road to Pont St Maxence.
* * * * *
The following were the positions of the respective Armies on the evening of the 29th:--
The First Prussian Corps d'Armée had its Advanced Guard and Reserve Cavalry at Aulnay and Savegny; with Detachments of the latter at Serran, Livry, Bondy, and Baubigny. The Fusilier Battalion of the 7th Regiment stood at Nonneville. The 6th Uhlans and the 1st Silesian Hussars, with two Horse Batteries, were posted along the Ourcq Canal. The Corps itself rested its Right on Blanc Mesnil, and its Left on Aulnay.
The Third Corps d'Armée was at Dammartin and in its vicinity. Its Reserve Cavalry stood at Tremblay, in support of ZIETEN.
The Fourth Corps had its Advanced Guard between Le Bourget and St Denis, which it invested. Lieutenant Colonel VON SCHILL, with the 1st Silesian Landwehr Cavalry and two Battalions of Infantry, was posted at Stains. The Corps itself was at Le Bourget.
Prince BLÜCHER's Head Quarters were at Gonesse.
The Advanced Guard of the Anglo-Allied Army was at Senlis.
The British Cavalry was at Pont St Maxence.
The Second and Fourth Divisions, the Nassau troops, and ESTORFF's Light Cavalry, were at Clermont.
The First and Third Divisions, and the Dutch-Belgian troops, were at St Martin Longeau.
The Fifth and Sixth Divisions, the Brunswick troops, and the Reserve Artillery, were at Gournay.
The Pontoon Train and Hawser Bridges were at Estrée St Denis.
The Duke of WELLINGTON's Head Quarters were at Le Plessis Longeau.
The French troops comprising the Army of the North had entered the capital.
* * * * *
The French force in the capital, after the arrival of the Army that had been defeated in Belgium, consisted as follows:--The troops under GROUCHY including the Depôts that had come up from the district of the Loire and from other parts of the interior, amounted to 60 or 70,000 men. They were reinforced, also, by a very considerable amount of Field Artillery. One portion of these troops was posted at Montmartre, at St Denis, and in rear of the Ourcq Canal: the remainder, under VANDAMME, occupied the Heights of Montrouge, on the opposite side, with the exception of the Cavalry, which lay in the Wood of Boulogne. The National Guards amounted to about 30,000 men: their disposition, however, was very doubtful; and, in general, they were considered as but little disposed to offer any resistance to the Allied Armies. There was another description of force called the Federal Tirailleurs, raised in the suburbs, and consisting chiefly of Veterans: they amounted to 17,000 men. Hence, setting aside the National Guard, there remained, for the defence of Paris, a disposable force of about 80 or 90,000 men, besides a numerous Artillery. Marshal DAVOUST, Prince of ECKMÜHL, was appointed to the chief command of the French Army, and his Head Quarters were fixed at La Villette.
The measures which had been adopted for taking advantage of the local capabilities of defence which the capital afforded, consisted in the intrenchments that had been raised around the Heights of Montmartre, Monfauçon, and Belleville. An advanced line of defence was presented by the Ourcq Canal; which, proceeding through the Wood of Bondy and contiguously to the high road from Meaux, has an arm that branches off from Pantin towards St Denis. This Canal, which was thirty feet wide but not entirely completed, had been filled with water. Along its inner bank ran a high dam, forming an excellent parapet, in which embrasures were cut to admit heavy ordnance; and St Denis, which formed the point d'appui of this line of defence on the Seine, was strongly fortified. The ground on the north side of this town, too, had been inundated by means of the little rivers Rouillon and La Vieille Mer. The Village of Aubervilliers, which formed an Advanced Post at musket shot distance from the line, was occupied: and in rear of it the Canal was covered by a sort of tête de pont, which secured the communication between both banks. The Barriers to the several approaches to Paris were covered by works with strong batteries. Vincennes had been strengthened, and covered by the works which defended La Pissotte. A strong tête de pont was also constructed upon the left bank of the Marne, to cover the Bridge of Charenton. All ferries and boats upon the Seine and the Marne were transported to the left bank. The Bridge of Neuilly had been partially destroyed; and the wooden Bridge at Bessons, over the Seine, had been burned. Several villages, parks, and gardens, on the right bank of the Seine and the Marne, were rendered defensible by the walls being crenelated, the approaches barricaded, and the gates blocked up. Upon the left bank of the Seine, on the south side of the capital, preparations for defence were comparatively neglected; they were limited to the Heights of Montrouge.
For the defence of the principal works, three hundred guns of large calibre were supplied; and for the manning of these, twenty Companies of Marine Artillery, which had been brought into the capital. The line between St Denis and Vincennes was defended by the First, Second, and Sixth Corps d'Armée. The Imperial Guard formed the Reserve, and was posted at Menil Montant. The Cavalry was stationed in the Bois de Boulogne. The Third and Fourth Corps d'Armée, under VANDAMME, defended the south side of Paris, and occupied Montrouge.
In the midst of all these preparations, the Provisional Government, the majority of which, under the influence of FOUCHÉ, was most desirous of effecting a cessation of hostilities, though acting ostensibly upon the grounds of a necessity of gaining time for the completion of the measures of defence, and of securing the capital from an assault, could not be otherwise than convinced, from the tenor of the replies made by the Allied Commanders to all its propositions, that the presence of NAPOLEON in Paris was the chief obstacle to any satisfactory arrangement. General BECKER had been appointed to attend the latter at Malmaison, to watch over his safety, to insure him that respect to which he was so eminently entitled, and to prevent the ill-disposed from making use of his name for purposes of excitement and tumult.
Symptoms of a rising among the Buonapartists in Paris had been manifested on the 28th, a circumstance naturally consequent upon the re-union in the capital of so many Regiments of the Line, as also of the Imperial Guard; whose excitement, devotion, and enthusiasm, had NAPOLEON placed himself once more at their head, might have been such as to have brought them into hostile and fierce collision with the other great Parties of the State; and thus have led to scenes of the wildest anarchy and confusion within the walls, whilst the Enemy was thundering at the gates from without.
Hence every effort was employed to induce the ex-Emperor to quit the capital. The fact of the arrival of the Prussians in front of St Denis, and the possibility of an attempt being made to carry him off from Malmaison, were explained to him with much earnestness. He immediately referred to the map, and on perceiving the practicability of this coup de main; he adopted precautionary measures of defence. He also offered to the Government his services in the capacity of General only; remarking, that he was prepared to march against the Enemy, and frustrate his bold and hazardous attempt upon the capital. This proposal was sternly rejected. FOUCHÉ declared that to accede to it would be to remove every chance of arrangement with the Allied Powers; to create fresh troubles and disorders throughout the country; and, though a temporary success might be gained, to bring down eventually the concentrated force of the immense European armament upon the devoted capital.
The Commissioners appointed by the Government to communicate its wishes to NAPOLEON, no longer hesitated in arranging his departure. The Minister of the Marine, and Count BOULAY, repaired to his residence, and explained to him that the Duke of WELLINGTON and Prince BLÜCHER had refused to give him any safeguard or passport; and that he had now only to take his immediate departure.
NAPOLEON at length yielded to what he considered to be his destiny; and the preparations for travelling having been completed, he entered his carriage about five o'clock in the afternoon of the 29th, accompanied by Generals BERTRAND, GOURGAUD, and other devoted friends, and took the road to Rochefort: whither two Frigates had been ordered for the embarkation of himself and suite for America.
NAPOLEON narrowly escaped falling into the hands of the Prussians, whilst at Malmaison. BLÜCHER, hearing that he was living there in retirement, had despatched Major COLOMB, on the 28th, with the 8th Hussars and two Battalions of Infantry to secure the Bridge of Chatou, lower down the Seine, leading directly to the house. Fortunately, however, for NAPOLEON; the Prince of ECKMÜHL, when he ascertained that the Prussians were nearing the capital, had desired General BECKER to cause this Bridge to be destroyed. Hence Major COLOMB was much disappointed at finding there was no passage at this point, which in fact was not more than eight hundred yards distant from the Palace in which NAPOLEON was yet remaining at the time of the arrival of the Prussians.
On the 29th, the new Commissioners appointed by the French Government waited upon the Duke of WELLINGTON at Estrée, for the purpose of negotiating a Suspension of Hostilities. In the course of the discussion which took place on this occasion, the Duke declared that he had nothing to add to the communication he had made to the former Commissioners; that he could not but consider the Abdication as a deception; and would not feel himself justified in suspending his operations on such a pretext, which was by no means calculated to fulfil the object the Allies had in view. He explained that, besides NAPOLEON, there were his adherents, who were the declared Enemies of the Allies; and stated that before he could agree to any Suspension he "must see some steps taken to re-establish a Government in France which should afford the Allies some chance of peace."
Upon this point his Grace was pressed to give some explanation as to what would satisfy the Allies.
He replied that he had no authority from his own Government, much less from the Allies, to enter upon the subject; and that all he could do was to give them his private opinion, which he should certainly urge upon the Allies with all the influence he might be supposed to possess, unless otherwise instructed by his own Government.
This opinion was a remarkable illustration of the sound judgment, straightforward policy, and unerring foresight which are so pre-eminently characteristic of the career of this great man. Subsequent events proved its correctness to the letter. It was in strict accordance with the design traced out and enforced by the united diplomacy of Europe. It is best expressed in the Duke's own words:--
"I then told them that I conceived the best security for Europe was the Restoration of the King, and that the establishment of any other Government than the King's in France must inevitably lead to new and endless Wars; that BUONAPARTE and the Army having overturned the King's Government, the natural and simple measure, after BUONAPARTE was prisoner or out of the way and the Army defeated, was to recall the King to his authority: and that it was a much more dignified proceeding to recall him without Conditions, and to trust to the energy of their Constitutions for any Reforms they wished to make either in the Government or the Constitution, than now to make Conditions with their Sovereign; and that, above all, it was important that they should recall the King without loss of time, as it would not then appear that the measure had been forced upon them by the Allies.
"The Commissioners professed, individually and collectively, their earnest desire to see the King restored in the manner I had mentioned, which they said was likewise the desire of the Provisional Government. ---- ---- was, however, of opinion that the two Chambers could not be brought to recall the King without Conditions: and he mentioned, as those upon which they would probably insist, and upon which it was desirable the King should give way; the responsibility of the Administration, and the alteration of the Constitution so far as that the Initiative in making the Laws should be vested in the Assemblies and not in the King.
"I told them regarding the first point, that I had every reason to believe that the King had determined to form a Ministry which should be individually and collectively responsible for all the acts of the Government; and that I did not doubt that His Majesty would not oppose himself to the wishes of the French people, if it was desired that the Initiative in framing the Laws should be invested in the Assemblies: that, however, I had no authority to speak on this subject; and recommended to them not to look after little points of difference, and if they really wished to restore the Government of their King, to do it at once and without any Conditions.
"In the course of this conversation they stated that the Assemblies had proclaimed NAPOLEON II. as Emperor only to conciliate the Officers and Soldiers of the Army; who had come into Paris in such numbers after the Battle, that they had been apprehensive of a Civil War in Paris if this measure had not been adopted.
"While we were discussing the Conditions to be proposed to the King; and the evils and inconveniences which the mode of making the Laws and the want of Responsibility and Power in the Ministers, had occasioned; I received from Sir CHARLES STUART, the King's Declaration of the 28th, countersigned by M. DE TALLEYRAND: which I immediately communicated to the French Commissioners, and pointed out to them the King's promise to make the alteration in his Administration which they had proposed to be made in the Constitution.
"They objected to certain paragraphs in the Declaration referable to the exclusion of certain persons from the King's presence, to the intention announced to punish some of those concerned in the plot which had brought back BUONAPARTE, and to that of calling together the old Houses of Legislature; Upon which, at their desire, I wrote to M. DE TALLEYRAND, a letter, of which Sir CHARLES STUART will probably have sent to England a copy, which I communicated to the Commissioners before I sent it.
"I then told them I could not talk more upon the Suspension of our Operations, which they urged in the most earnest manner in order to give them time to take their measures to recall the King, until I should see Marshal BLÜCHER; to whose Head Quarters I promised to go that evening.
"Before I set off, the Commissioners asked me Whether the appointment of a Regency to conduct the affairs of the Government in the name of NAPOLEON II. was likely to satisfy the Allies, and would be such an arrangement as would induce me to stop my operations? I answered, Certainly not; that I conceived the Allies, after their Declaration, would never treat with NAPOLEON or any of his Family; that the appointment of NAPOLEON II. was to be attributed to NAPOLEON I., and the acknowledgment of him to the desire to conciliate the Army; and that I should not stop my operations in consequence of such an arrangement.
"They then asked me What would be the case if any other Prince of a Royal House were called to the Throne of France? To which I said It was impossible for me to answer such loose questions; that, as an individual, I had made them acquainted with my opinion of what it was best for them to do, and it rested with them either to follow this opinion or not.
"One of the Commissioners, before I went away, took occasion to tell me That he wished I had given a more positive answer to this last question; and I determined to take another opportunity of doing so before the Commissioners should report this conversation to Paris.
"I left them at Etrées, and went to the Head Quarters at Le Plessis, to give the Orders for the movement of the troops in the morning, and I overtook them again in the night at Louvres. I then told them I had considered their last question since I had last seen them, and that I felt no objection to give them my opinion on it as an individual: That, in my opinion, Europe had no hope of peace if any person excepting the King were called to the Throne of France; that any person so called must be considered an Usurper, whatever his rank and quality; that he must act as an Usurper, and must endeavour to turn the attention of the country from the defects of his title towards War and Foreign Conquests; that the Powers of Europe must, in such a case, guard themselves against this evil, and that I could only assure them that, unless otherwise ordered by my Government, I would exert any influence I might possess over the Allied Sovereigns to induce them to insist upon Securities for the preservation of peace, besides the Treaty itself, if such an arrangement as they had stated were adopted.
"The Commissioners replied that they perfectly understood me, and some of them added--Et vous avez raison."