Page:Battles of Quatre Bras & Waterloo.pdf/12

 expressed much surprise that the British had maintained their ground, and exclaimed with joy, “Ah! I have them, then, these English."

After some skirmishing between the picquets, the French commenced the engagement with furious attack upon the wood and garden of Chateau Hougoumont, which was occupied by General Bing's brigade of Guards. It was a point of particular importance to the enemy to gain this post as it commanded a great part of our position; and accordingly it was furiously and incessantly assailed by large and reinforced bodies. Napoleon himself directed a charge of the Imperial Guards against it; but even fighting under the eye of their leader they were broken, repulsed, and finally cut to pieces, by the British Guards. In the meantime, to prevent Wellington from sending reinforcements to Hougoumont, the action was briskly commenced through the whole line. Columns of French infantry and cavalry, preceded by artillery, advanced from every point, ascended an eminence on which our troops were placed, and precipitated themselves on their squares. In vain the French artillery mowed down whole ranks of their opponents; the chasms were instantly filled, and not one foot of ground was lost. “What brave troops!" exclaimed Napoleon, "it is a pity to destroy them, but I shall beat them at last."

A strong body of the enemy advanced, amid the destructive fire of the British artillery, without discharging a shot, determined to carry the position. Sir Thomas Picton waited not for their attack, but, forming his division into a solid square, advanced to the charge. The French were appalled by this boldness; they hesitated, fired a volley, and then fled. Sir Thomas Picton received a musket ball in this temple, and died on the spot.