The Waterloo Campaign, 1815

CHAPTER XVIII.

Chapter 18403 wordsPublic domain

On the 22nd of June, the Anglo-Allied Army reaches Le Cateau 659

The Corps under Prince FREDERICK of the Netherlands is destined to be employed in besieging the Fortresses 659

BLÜCHER, in order to bring his First, Fourth, and Third Corps into closer communication, moves the two former only half a march on the 22nd: the latter reaches Beaumont 659

Disposition of the Second Corps 660

Decline of the political influence of NAPOLEON 661

His arrival in Paris on the 21st 661

His consultation with his Ministers 662

Policy of FOUCHÉ 663

Debates in the Chamber of Deputies 665

Speech of LA FAYETTE 665

Resolutions adopted by the Chambers 666

Their effect upon NAPOLEON 667

His Message to the Chambers 668

Renewed debates 668

A Commission appointed 669

Its Report 670

Sensation produced by the speeches of Monsieur DUCHESNE and General SOLIGNAC 671

NAPOLEON abdicates the Throne in favour of his son 674

Independent character of the French Parliament 675

On the 23rd, WELLINGTON and BLÜCHER give their troops a halt 676

Force detached under COLVILLE to attack Cambray 676

The Allied Commanders have an interview at Catillon, and arrange their Plan of Advance upon Paris 677

On the 24th, WELLINGTON reinforces the troops under COLVILLE 678

Capture of Cambray 679

Proposals are made at the Outposts of the Allied Armies for a Suspension of Hostilities 679

These are rejected 680

LOUIS XVIII. arrives at Le Cateau 680

Guise surrenders to ZIETEN's Corps 681

The Prussians are one day's march in advance of the Anglo-Allied Army 682

Disposition of the respective Armies on the evening of the 24th 682

Proclamation issued by the Provisional Government in Paris 683

Surrender of the Citadel of Cambray 684

On the 25th, the Anglo-Allied Army reaches Joncour 684

The Fortress of La Fère on the Oise invested by part of ZIETEN's Corps 684

The Advanced Guard and Cavalry of the Right Prussian Column reach Montescourt 686

The main body of BÜLOW's Corps arrives at Essigny le Grand 686

BLÜCHER's reply to an application by the Commissioners from the French Chambers for a Suspension of Hostilities 686

The French troops collected at Laon march to Soissons, towards which point GROUCHY's force is also approaching 687

SOULT, finding himself superseded in the command, quits the Army 687

Disposition of the respective Armies on the evening of the 25th 687

NAPOLEON quits Paris 688

His Address to the Army 688