Napoleon I, Emperor of the French, 1769-1821 -- Elba and the Hundred Days, 1814-1815; Waterloo, Battle of, Waterloo, Belgium, 1815
At this moment, however, GRANT had most opportunely returned with
the 13th Light Dragoons and 15th Hussars from the extreme Right; and
instantly forming the 13th, which was the leading Regiment, in Line
to the front, moved it up to the crest of the ridge, over which it
gallantly charged and routed the French Dragoons, driving them about
three hundred yards down to the low ground near the north-east angle
of the Great Orchard of Hougomont. The 15th Hussars were also formed
to the front, on the left of the 13th Light Dragoons, and charged a
mass of _Cuirassiers_, which was driven back a like distance, upon
large bodies of Cavalry. As these were observed commencing offensive
operations, both in front and on the flank, the two Regiments, first
the 13th, and then the 15th; were compelled to retreat to the main
position, and take post in rear of the Squares; but this they did with
so much order and regularity that their presence and example imparted
new life and confidence to the young Brunswickers; whose steadiness, on
the Right of the Line, had been severely tested in the course of the
grand Cavalry attack.
Notwithstanding these reverses, and the decided failure of their former
attempts, the French horsemen most gallantly and resolutely renewed
their advance, and again plunged in masses amidst the Allied Squares.
Failing in their direct attack, they rode through the intervals between
the Squares in all directions, exhibiting extraordinary coolness and
intrepidity. Some of the most daring approached close up to the ranks,
to draw forth the fire from a Square; and thus secure a better chance
of success for the Squadron prepared to seize the advantage and to
charge. Small parties of desperate fellows would endeavour to force an
opening at some weak point, by cutting aside the bayonets and firing at
the defenders with their pistols. But the Squares were proof against
every assault and every stratagem.
More Cavalry crossed over the summit of the ridge; and the greater part
of the interior slope occupied by the Allied Right Wing seemed covered
with horsemen of all kinds--_Cuirassiers_, Lancers, Carabiniers,
_Chasseurs_, Dragoons, and Horse Grenadiers. The French, enraged at
their want of success, brandishing their swords, and exciting one
another by shouts of "_Vive l'Empereur!_" reiterated their attacks
with redoubled but fruitless vigour. Like the majestic oaks of the
forest, which are poetically said to strike their roots deeper and more
tenaciously into the earth as the fury of the storm increases, so stood
the Anglo-Allied Squares, grand in the imposing attitude of their
strength, and bidding defiance to the tempestuous elements by which
they were assailed on every side.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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