Pumb. 17028.

[ 1213 ]

The London Gazette
EXTRAORDINARY.

Published by Authority.

THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 1815.

Downing-Street, June 28, 1815.

MAJOR the Honourable H. Percy arrived late last night with a dispatch from Flandresal the Duke of Wellington, K. G. to Earl Balthurst, His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the War Department, of which the following is a copy:

MY LORD, Waterloo, June 19, 1815.

BUONAPARTE having collected the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th and 6th corps of the French army and the Imperial Guards, and nearly all the cavalry on the Sambre, and between that river and the Meuse, between the 10th and 14th of the month, advanced on the 15th and attacked the Prussian posts at Thuin and Lobez, on the Sambre, at daylight in the morning.

I did not hear of these events till the evening of the 15th, and I immediately ordered the troops to prepare to march; and afterwards to march to their left, as soon as I had intelligence from other quarters to prove that the enemy's movements upon Charleroy was the real attack.

The enemy drove the Prussian posts from the Sambre on that day, and General Zieten, who commanded the corps which had been at Charleroy, retired upon Fleurus; and Marshal Prince Blucher concentrated the Prussian army upon Sombref, holding the villages in front of his position of St. Amand and Ligny.

The enemy continued his march along the road from Charleroy towards Bruxelles, and on the same evening, the 15th, attacked a brigade of the army of the Netherlands, under the Prince de Weimar, posted at Frasne, and forced it back to the farmhouse on the same road, called Les Quatre Bras.

The Prince of Orange immediately reinforced this brigade with another of the same division, under General Perponcher, and in the morning early regained part of the ground which had been lost, so as to have the command of the communication leading from Nivelles and Bruxelles, with Marshal Blucher's position.

In the mean time I had directed the whole army to march upon Les Quatre Bras, and the 5th division under Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Picton, arrived at about half past two in the day, followed by the corps of troops under the Duke of Brunswick, and afterwards by the contingent of Nassau.

At this time the enemy commenced an attack upon Prince Blucher with his whole force, excepting the 1st and 2d corps and a corps of cavalry under General Kellerman, with which he attacked our post at Les Quatre Bras.

The Prussian army maintained their position with their usual gallantry and perseverance, against a great disparity of numbers, as the 4th corps of their army, under General Below, had not joined, and I was not able to assist them as I wished, as I was attacked myself, and the troops, the cavalry in particular, which had a long distance to march, had not arrived.

We maintained our position also, and completely defeated and repulsed all the enemy's attempts to get possession of it. The enemy repeatedly attacked us with a large body of infantry and cavalry, supported by a numerous and powerful artillery; he made several charges with the cavalry upon our infantry, but all were repulsed in the steadiest manner. In this affair His Royal Highness the Prince of Orange, the Duke of Brunswick, and Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Picton, and Major-

1718

[ GUN ]

[ 1014 ]

General Sir James Kempt, and Sir Denis Pack, who were engaged at the commencement of the enemy's attack, highly distinguished themselves, as well as Lieutenant-General Charles Baron Alten, Major-General Sir C. Halket, Lieutenant-General Cooke, and Major-Generals Maitland and Byng, as they successively arrived. The troops of the 5th division, and those of the Brunswick corps, were long and severely engaged, and conducted themselves with the utmost gallantry.¹² I must particularly mention the 28th, 42d, 78th, and 92d regiments, and the battalion of Hanoverians.

Our loss was great, as your Lordship will perceive by the inclosed return; and I have particularly to regret His Serene Highness the Duke of Brunswick, who fell, fighting gallantly at the head of his troops.

Although Marshal Blucher had maintained his position at Sambref, he still found himself much weakened by the severity of the contest in which he had been engaged, and as the fourth corps had not arrived, he determined to fall back, and concentrate his army upon Wavre; and he marched in the night after the action was over.

This movement of the Marshal's rendered necessary a corresponding one on my part; and I retired from the farm of Quatre Bras upon Genappe, and thence upon the Waterloo the next morning, the 17th, at ten o'clock.

The enemy made no effort to pursue Marshal Blucher. On the contrary, a patrole which I sent to Sambref in the morning, found all quiet, and the enemy's videttes fell back as the patrole advanced. Neither did he attempt to molest our march to the rear, although made in the middle of the day, accepting by following, with a large body of cavalry, brought from his right, the cavalry under the Earl of Uxbridge.

This gave Lord Uxbridge an opportunity of charging them with the 1st Life Guards, upon their debouché from the village of Genappe, upon which occasion his Lordship has declared himself to be well satisfied with that regiment.

The position which I took up in front of Waterloo, crossed the high roads from Charleroy and Nivelle, and had its right thrown back to a ravine near Merke Braine, which was occupied, and its left extended to a height above the hamlet Ter la Haye, which was likewise occupied. In front of the right centre and near the Nivelle road, we occupied the house and garden of Hougoumont, which covered the return of that flank: and in front of the left centre, we occupied the farm of La Haye Sainte. By our left we communicated with Marshal Prince Blucher, at Wavre through Oheim; and the Marshal had promised me, that in case we should be attacked, he would support me with one or more corps, as might be necessary.

The enemy collected his army, with the exception of the third corps, which had been sent to observe Marshal Blucher, on a range of heights in our front, in the course of the night of the 17th and yesterday morning; and at about ten o'clock he commenced a furious attack upon our post at Hougoumont.¹³ I had occupied that post with a detachment from General Byng's brigade of Guards, which was in position in its rear; and it

was for some time under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Maedonel, and afterwards of Colonel Home; and I am happy to add, that it was maintained throughout the day with the utmost gallantry by these brave troops, notwithstanding the repeated efforts of large bodies of the enemy to obtain possession of it.

This attack upon the right of our centre was accompanied by a very heavy canonade upon our whole line, which was destined to support the repeated attacks of cavalry and infantry occasionally mixed, but sometimes separate, which were made upon it. In one of these the enemy carried the farm house of La Haye Sainte, as the detachment of the light battalion of the legion which occupied it had expended all its ammunition, and the enemy occupied the only communication there was with them.

The enemy repeatedly charged our infantry with his cavalry, but these attacks were uniformly unsuccessful, and they afforded opportunities to our cavalry to charge, in one of which Lord E. Somerset's brigade, consisting of the life guards, royal horse guards, and 1st dragoon guards, highly distinguished themselves, as did that of Major-General Sir W. Ponsonby, having taken many prisoners and an eagle.

These attacks were repeated till about seven in the evening, when the enemy made a desperate effort with the cavalry and infantry, supported by the fire of artillery, to force our left centre near the farm of La Haye Sainte, which, after a severe contest, was defeated, and having observed that the troops retired from the attack in great confusion, and that the march of General Bulow's corps by Euschermont upon Planchenore and La belle Alliance, had begun to take effect, and as I could perceive the fire of his cannon, and as Marshal Prince Blucher had joined in person, with a corps of his army to the left of our line by Oheim, I determined to attack the enemy, and immediately advanced the whole line of infantry, supported by the cavalry and artillery.—The attack succeeded in every point; the enemy was forced from his position on the heights and fled in the utmost confusion, leaving behind him, as far as I could judge, one hundred and fifty pieces of cannon, with their ammunition, which fell into our hands. I continued the pursuit till long after dark, and then discontinued it only on account of the fatigue of our troops, who had been engaged during twelve hours, and because I found myself on the same road with Marshal Blucher, who assured me of his intention to follow the enemy throughout the night; he has sent me word this morning that he had taken sixty pieces of cannon belonging to the Imperial guard, and several carriages, baggage, &c. belonging to Buonaparte, in Genappe.

I propose to move, this morning, upon Nivelles, and not to discontinue my operations.

Your Lordship will observe, that such a desperate action could not be fought, and such advantages could not be gained, without great loss; and I am sorry to add, that ours has been immense. In Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Picton, His Majesty has sustained the loss of an Officer who has frequently distinguished himself in his service, and he fell, gloriously leading his division to a charge

1215

with bayonets, by which one of the most serious attacks made by the enemy on our position, was defeated. The Earl of Uxbridge, after having successfully got through this arduous day, received a wound, by almost the last shot fired, which will, I am afraid, deprive His Majesty for some time of his services.

His Royal Highness the Prince of Orange distinguished himself by his gallantry and conduct till he received a wound from a musket ball through the shoulder, which obliged him to quit the field.

It gives me the greatest satisfaction to assure your Lordship, that the army never, upon any occasion, conducted itself better. The division of guards, under Lieutenant-General Cooke, who is severely wounded, Major-General Maitland and Major-General Byng, set, an example which was followed by all; and there is no Officer, nor description of troops, that did not behave well.

I must, however, particularly mention, for His Royal Highness's approbation, Lieutenant-General Sir H. Clinton, Major-General Adam, Lieutenant-General Charles Baron Alter, severely wounded; Major-General Sir Colin Halket, severely wounded; Colonel Ompreda, Colonel Mitchell, commanding a brigade of the 4th division; Major-Generals Sir James Kempt and Sir Denis Pack, Major-General Lambert, Major-General Lord E. Somerset, Major-General Sir W. Ponsonby, Major-General Sir C. Grant, and Major-General Sir H. Vivian; Major-General Sir Q. Vandeleur; Major-General Count Dornberg. I am also particularly indebted to General Lord Hill for his assistance and conduct upon this as upon all former occasions.

The Artillery and Engineer departments were conducted much to my satisfaction by Colonel Sir G. Wood and Colonel Smyth; and I had every reason to be satisfied with the conduct of the Adjutant-General Major-General Barnes, who was wounded, and of the Quarter-Master-General, Colonel Delancy, who was killed by a cannon shot in the middle of the action. This officer is a serious loss to His Majesty's service and to me at this moment. I was likewise much indebted to the assistance of Lieutenant-Colonel Lord Fitzroy Somerset, who was severely wounded, and of the officers composing my personal staff, who have suffered severely in this action. Lieutenant-Colonel the Honourable Sir Alexander Gordon, who has died of his wounds, was a most promising officer, and is a serious loss to His Majesty's service.

General Kryse, of the Nassau service, likewise conducted himself much to my satisfaction, as did General Trip, commanding the heavy brigade of cavalry, and General Vanhope, commanding a brigade of infantry of the King of the Netherlands.

General Pozzo di Borgo, General Baron Vincent, General Muffling, and General Alava, were in the field during the action, and rendered me every assistance in their power. Baron Vincent is wounded, but I hope not severely; and General Pozzo di Borgo received a contusion.

I should not do justice to my feelings or to Marshal Blucher and the Prussian army, if I did not attribute the successful result of this arduous day, to the cordial and timely assistance I received from them.

The operation of General Bulow, upon the enemy's flank, was a most decisive one; and even if I had not found myself in a situation to make the attack, which produced the final result, it would have forced the enemy to retire, if his attacks should have failed, and would have prevented him from taking advantage of them, if they should unfortunately have succeeded.

I send, with this dispatch, two eagles, taken by the troops in this action, which Major Percy will have the honour of laying at the feet of His Royal Highness.

I beg leave to recommend him to your Lordship's protection.

I have the honour, &c.

(Signed)

WELLINGTON.

P. S. Since writing the above, I have received a report, that Major-General Sir William Ponsonby is killed, and, in announcing this intelligence to your Lordship, I have to add the expression of my grief, for the fate of an Officer, who had already rendered very brilliant and important services, and was an ornament to his profession.

2d P. S. I have not yet got the returns of killed and wounded, but I inclose a list of Officers killed and wounded on the two days, as far as the same can be made out without the returns; and I am very happy to add, that Colonel De Laney is not dead, and that strong hopes of his recovery are entertained.

List of Officers killed and wounded.

K.I.

His Serene Highness the Duke of Brunswick Oels'.
Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Picton, G. C. B.
Major-General Sir W. Ponsonby, K. C. B.
Colonel du Plat, King's German Legion.
Colonel Ompreda, King's German Legion.
Colonel Morrin, 69th Foot.
Colonel Sir W. Ellis, 23d Foot.
Lieutenant-Colonel Macara, 42d Foot.
Lieutenant-Colonel Cameron, 92d Foot.
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Alexander Gordon.
Lieutenant-Colonel Canning.
Lieutenant-Colonel Currie, of Lord Hill's Staff.
Major the Honourable F. Howard, 10th Hussars.
Major G. Bain, Royal Artillery.
Major Norman Ramsay, Royal Artillery.
Major Cairnes, Royal Artillery.
Major Chambers, 30th Foot.
Brevet Major Crefton, 5th Division.
Brevet Major Rosewiel, 2d Light Regiment.
Captain Bolton, Royal Artillery.
Captain Crawford, Guards.
Captain the Honourable ______ Curzon, Aide-de-Camp to His Royal Highness the Prince of Orange.
Captain Chambers, Aide-de-Camp to General Picton.
Captain Charles Eles, 55th Foot.
Captain Robertson, 73d Foot.
Captain Kennedy, 73d Foot.
Captain Schauman, 2d Light Batt. King's German Legion.
Captain Holycowan, 1st Light Batt. King's German Legion.

[ 1216 ]

Captain H. Marshal, 1st Light Batt. King's German Legion.

Captain Goeben, 1st Light Batt. King's German Legion.

Captain Gunning, 10th Hussars.

Captain Grove, 1st Guards.

Lieutenant C. Manners, Royal Artillery.

Lieutenant Lister, 95th Foot.

Ensign Lord Hay, Aide-de-Camp to Major-General Maitland.

Ensign Brown, 1st Guards.

*Wounded.*

General His Royal Highness the Prince of Orange, G. C. B. severely.

Lieutenant-General the Earl of Uxbridge, G. C. B. right leg amputated.

Lieutenant-General Sir Charles Alten, K. C. B. severely.

Major-General Cork, right arm amputated.

Major-General Sir E. Barnes, K. C. B. Adjutant-General, severely.

Major-General Sir Jas. Kempt, K. C. B. slightly.

Major-General Sir Colin Halket, K. C. B. severely.

Major-General Adams, severely.

Major-General Sir William Dornberg, K. C. B. severely.

Colonel Sir John Elley, K. C. B. slightly.

Colonel Harris, 73d Foot.

Colonel Quintin, 10th Hussars, slightly.

Colonel Honourable Frederick Ponsonby, severely.

Colonel Sir William Delancy, severely.

Lieutenant-Colonel Lord Fitzroy Somerset, right arm amputated.

Lieutenant-Colonel Hay, 16th Light Dragoons, severely.

Lieutenant-Colonel Vigoureau, 30th Foot.

Lieutenant-Colonel Abercromby, A. Q. M. G. slightly.

Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton, 30th Foot.

Lieutenant-Colonel Cameron, 95th Foot, severely.

Lieutenant-Colonel Wyndham, 1st Foot Guards, severely.

Lieutenant-Colonel Bowater, 3d Foot Guards, slightly.

Lieutenant-Colonel MacDonell, Coldstream Guards, slightly.

Lieutenant-Colonel Dashwood, 3d Guards, severely.

Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Robert Hill, Royal Horse Guards (Blue) severely.

Lieutenant-Colonel Norcott, 95th, severely.

Lieutenant-Colonel Hill, severely.

Lieutenant-Colonel Schreider, 8th Line Battalion.

Lieutenant-Colonel Adair, 1st Guards, severely.

Lieutenant-Colonel Miller, 1st Guards, dangerously.

Lieutenant-Colonel Sir G. H. Berkeley, A.A.G.

Major Maclean, 73d Foot.

Major Beckwith, 95th Foot, severely.

Major Jessop, A. Q. M. G.

Major Busch, 1st Light Battalion, King's German Legion, right arm amputated.

Major Parkinson, 73d Foot, severely.

Major Parker, Royal Horse Artillery, leg amputated.

Major Robert Ball, Royal Artillery, severely.

Major Hamilton, Aide-de-Camp to Major-General Sir E. Barnes.

Major Lindsay, 69th Foot, dangerously.

Major Watson, 69th Foot, severely.

Brevet Major Einem, dangerously.

Major Wilkins, 95th Foot, severely.

Major Miller, 95th Foot, severely.

Captain Smith, 95th Foot severely.

Captain Tyler, Aide-de-Camp to Sir Thomas Picton, slightly.

Captain Dance, 23d Light Dragoons.

Captain Johnston, 95th Foot.

Captain Carmers, 95th Foot.

Captain Darney, Royal Artillery, severely.

Captain Napier, Royal Artillery, severely.

Captain A. McDonald, Royal Artillery, severely.

Captain Webber, Royal Artillery, severely.

Captain Dumaresque, Aide-de-Camp to General Sir J. Byng, severely.

Captain Whynates, Royal Artillery, severely.

Captain Barnes, Brevet Major, Royal Artillery, severely.

Captain the Honourable — Erskine, D. A. A. G., left arm amputated.

Captain A. Dangton, Aide-de-Camp to Lieutenant-General Picton, severely.

Lieutenant Foster, Royal Artillery, severely.

Lieutenant Crome, Royal Artillery, severely.

Lieutenant Robe, Royal Artillery, severely.

Lieutenant Smith, Royal Artillery, severely.

Lieutenant Strangway, Royal Artillery, severely.

Lieutenant Hormey, Royal Artillery, arm amputated.

Lieutenant Bloomfield, Royal Artillery, slightly.

Lieutenant Brierton, Royal Artillery, severely.

Lieutenant Forbes, Royal Artillery, severely.

Lieutenant D. Crawford, slightly.

Lieutenant Haverlock, Aide-de-Camp to Lieutenant-General Sir Charles Alten.

Lieutenant Pringle, Royal Engineers, slightly.

Lieutenant Hamilton, 46th Foot, slightly.

Lieutenant Heise, 1st Light Battalion.

Lieutenant Gardiner, 95th, severely.

Lieutenant Johnstone, 95th, severely.

Lieutenant Moltry, 95th, severely.

Lieutenant Simmons, 95th, severely.

Lieutenant J. Gardiner, 95th, severely.

Lieutenant Fitzmaurice, 95th, severely.

Lieutenant Shenley, 95th, severely.

Lieutenant Wright, 95th, severely.

Printed by ROBERT GEORGE CLARKE, Cannon-Row, Parliament-Street.

[Price Sixpence.]