CHAPTER IX.

The French and Anglo-Allied Armies break up their bivouacs early on the morning of the 18th of June, in front of Waterloo 324

Preparations for Battle 325

The Field 325

WELLINGTON's position 326

Distribution of the Anglo-Allied Army 327

Front Line: with the Advanced Posts of Smohain, La Haye, La Haye Sainte, and Hougomont 327

Second Line 347

Reserves 348

Detached forces in observation near Hal, and at Tubize; the former under Prince FREDERICK of Orange, the latter under Sir CHARLES COLVILLE 350

Braine l'Alleud and Vieux Foriez occupied 350

Distribution of the Anglo-Allied Artillery 351

General view of the disposition of WELLINGTON's forces 353

NAPOLEON's position 355

Distribution of the French Army 355

Front Line 355

Second Line 359

Reserves 362

General view of the disposition of NAPOLEON's forces 363

Remarks on the Emperor's delay in commencing the Battle 364

Strength of the Anglo-Allied Army in the Field 367

Strength of the French Army 368

The French Columns moving into position 368

Intense interest excited in both Armies when drawn up in presence of each other, and on the point of commencing the Battle 368