Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1896-06-27

guard were selected and thrown in
to the form OF wedge to accom-
plish this object by this coup de
main. In close ranks and compact
form they advanced like dark and
threatening thunder-eloud. Veter-
ans and many-scarred heroes they
we're for whom dangers had no ter
rors. Wellington saw them advanc-
ing and inferred that this was, in all
probability, the last, desperate aud
consequently most dangerous effort
of the enemy directed against the
English. He hastily planted his
guns where be thought they would
do the most effective execution, and
selected 5000 of his choice infantry
and stationed them in the rear.
When the French had approached
sufficiently near, so that no shot
would be lost, he gave the command
to thunder into the dense mass with
ball and grape-shot.
Nevertheless they were neither
checked nor intimidated, but at once
filed up the gaps made, and contin-
ued steadily approaching. But now
the infantry which had hitherto not
been observed by them, rushed to
the attack In double-quick, and at
the same time the cavalry also gal
Hoped forward to the fray. The car
mage was dreadful. Here fell Fry
ant, one of the first officers of the
guard. Ney's horse was shot under
him, and he was obliged to flee on
foot. "Surrenderl" was the cry of
the English. 'The guard never sur
renders, but dies" was the answer
of Lambronue, and he fell MORALLY
wounded. This successful repulse,
however, cost the English many
brave soldier. The remnant of the
French guard retreated towards the
main army now engaged with the
Prussians, but found their comrades
in sad plight.
Meanwhile the right wing of the
enemy was vigorously attacked from
several directions by the Prussians.
Wellington now joined Butcher with
the remnant of his army in the gen.
eral engagement, and thus combined
they gained the day, and forced the
enemy to retreat, which they accom-
plished in some degree OF order,
while the old guard held the village
of Planchionoit to cover their re-
treat. But ere the setting of the
sun this guard was dislodged and
pursuit followed, and then the retreat
resulted in disorderly fight. On
all sides the cry was heard "Saye
yourself who CAM There was none
to command and none to obey, every
one for himself, officers as well as
privates. The battle of Waterloo
was fought, and everything was lost
to the French, and their idol-Na-
poleon Bonaparte.
As if fate had SO ordered, Yelling
ton and Butcher, the two great com.
manders, met at the close of the bat
tie, at the very spot where Napoleon
had his headquarters. Joyfully the
great and noble heroes embraced
each other, and thanked God for vic
tory and peace to Europe.
Note NAPOLEON attributed his
defeat mainly to the failure of Gen.
Grouchy to reach him with rein
forcements of 1000 men. and ITO
guns.
Note 2-The Allies secured Ma.
poleon's baggage and many yalua-
bles.
Note 3-The Allies took 200 can
non, many standards and 6,000 pris-
oners. The loss OF the French in
dead and wounded was no less than
$4,000. The loss of the English in
dead was 2 generals. l73 officers and
about 1000 privates; wounded and
missing 5 generals, 500 officers and
$4,000 privates. The Prcss:an loss
was 207 officers and 1000 priyates.