Numerous applications reached the Duke for support and reinforcements, or to be relieved by the second line, as divisions, brigades and regiments had dwindled away to skeletons and handfuls of men. The only reply was, “They must hold their ground to the last man.” Sir Guy Campbell delivered that answer to the gallant remains of Pack’s brigade, and the Duke told sir Colin Halkett, that there must not be the least symptom of falling back, as everything depended on the steadiness of the front troops. Frequently, as the Duke passed the men, he heard murmurs, such as, “Are we to be massacred here? Let us go at them, let us give them _Brumme-gum_!” _i. e._ the bayonet; and he would calmly reply, “Wait a little longer, my lads; you shall have at them presently.” The ammunition was nearly exhausted, when, fortunately, an artillery cart galloped along, and dropped some casks into the squares: this raised their spirits and made them feel more satisfied. The Duke, finding he must depend entirely on his own resources to ward off the blow about to be struck by his antagonist, made such dispositions as his means would allow. It was indeed high time to strain every nerve, to strengthen and defend the point where the fiercest storm of battle was about to burst, and repel the last and most desperate struggle, now ready to be made. Maitland’s and Halkett’s right was advanced: the Brunswick battalions on the right were to move into the space between Halkett’s British and Kruse’s Nassau brigades. Chassé’s Dutch-Belgian division was to cross the Nivelles road, and form, D’Aubremé on the right, and Ditmers on the left, in rear of Adam’s, Maitland’s and Halkett’s brigades. The remains of the allied cavalry, except Merle’s brigade, were in rear of the position on the right of the Genappe road, and most of our infantry were deployed into four-deep lines, and for shelter lay recumbent on the ground behind the crest of the ridge. About this time a French officer of carabineers[57] rode into the right of the 52d regiment as a deserter, and announced to major Blair[58] and colonel sir A. Fraser, that Napoleon was about to attack us at the head of his Imperial guard; this was made known to the Duke. Napoleon, it appeared, was marshalling the Imperial guard for the approaching attack: of this his Grace was well aware.