CHAPTER X.
NAPOLEON's instructions to GROUCHY previously to the Battle of Waterloo 370
A Prussian Officer joins the extreme Left of the Anglo-Allied Army, and reports that BÜLOW's Corps has reached St Lambert 371
NAPOLEON passes along the French Lines 372
The Battle commences about half past eleven o'clock, with an attack upon the Wood of Hougomont, by part of Prince JEROME's Division 375
The cannonade is opened by the guns of SANDHAM's Foot Battery in front of COOKE's Division 375
The French gain possession of a portion of the Wood and other inclosures of Hougomont 376
They are driven out 377
The French reconnoitre the Anglo-Allied Left 377
JEROME renews his attack, supported by part of FOY's Division 378
Fire opened upon the attacking troops by the Batteries posted with CLINTON's Division 378
The French gain the Wood 378
Signal service rendered by BULL's Howitzer Battery 379
The French Skirmishers succeed in turning the Right of Hougomont, and in forcing the great Gate; which, however, is soon closed against the assailants 380
They then press forward against the Right of the Allied Front Line, and force WEBBER SMITH's Horse Battery to retire into a hollow way to refit 381
They are charged and driven back by four Companies of the Coldstream Guards, under Lieutenant Colonel WOODFORD, which force then joins the defenders of Hougomont 381
The French, on debouching from the Wood into the Great Orchard, are gallantly charged and driven back by Lieutenant Colonel Lord SALTOUN with the Light Companies of the First Brigade of Guards 383
The latter, being attacked in both front and flank, are compelled to fall back upon the hollow way in rear of the Great Orchard 383
On being reinforced by two Companies of the 3rd Regiment of Guards; they resume the offensive, and clear the Orchard of the Enemy 383
NEY's dispositions for a grand attack upon the Left Wing and Centre of the Anglo-Allied Army 384
NAPOLEON perceives troops in motion at some distance on his right 385
He detaches DOMON's and SUBERVIE's Light Cavalry Brigades in that direction 386
He ascertains that the troops he has seen belong to the Prussian _Corp's d'Armée_ of Count BÜLOW 386
His Orders to GROUCHY 387
NAPOLEON neglects to adopt effectual measures for securing his Right Flank 389