In a still greater degree did these feelings actuate their Commanders, while watching each other's preparatory movements, and minutely scanning the surface of the arena on which tactical skill, habitual prowess, physical strength, and moral courage, were to decide, not alone their own, but in all probability, the fate of Europe. Apart from national interests and considerations, and viewed solely in connection with the opposite characters of the two illustrious Chiefs; the approaching contest was contemplated with anxious solicitude by the whole military world. Need this create surprise when we reflect that the struggle was one for mastery between the far famed Conqueror of Italy, and the victorious Liberator of the Peninsula; between the triumphant Vanquisher of Eastern Europe, and the bold and successful Invader of the South of France! Never was the issue of a single Battle looked forward to as involving consequences of such vast importance--of such universal influence. FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 9: For the sake of uniformity, and to prevent misconception, I have adopted, throughout this work, the terms "Horse Battery" and "Foot Battery," employed in all the Continental Armies, although in the British service the distinction is better known by the terms "Troop" and "Brigade."] CHAPTER X. While the preparatory dispositions, alluded to in the preceding Chapter, were in progress, NAPOLEON ordered the following despatch to be forwarded to Grouchy:-- "En avant de la Ferme "In front of the Farm de Caillou, de Caillou, le 18 Juin, 18th June, à 10 heures du matin. at 10 o'clock in the morning. "Monsieur le Maréchal, "Monsieur Marshal, "L'Empereur a reçu votre "The Emperor has received dernier rapport daté de Gembloux. your last report dated from Vous ne parlez à sa Majesté que des Gembloux. You only speak to His deux Colonnes Prussiennes qui ont Majesty of the two Prussian passé à Sauvenières et Sarra Walin; Columns and Sarra Walin; however qu'une troisième Colonne, qui the reports say that a third était assez forte, a passé à Gery Column, which was pretty strong, et Gentinnes, se dirrigeant sur has passed by Gery and Gentinnes, Wavres. directing itself on Wavre.