Page:Battles of Quatre Bras & Waterloo.pdf/7

 and in a moment cut them to pieces. Encouraged by this, they charged on the square, and succeeded in cutting down great numbers. The Colonel was killed; and the Lieutenant-Colonel, who was also wounded by a musket-ball, rallied the regiment, and awaited another attack. The lancers again rushed furiously on, and though, repulsed, did much execution. The Lieutenant-Colonel fainted from loss of blood; and the next senior officer took the command. Again the dancers precipitated themselves on the Highlanders, but not a man thought of retreating and it was not until the regiment was reduced to less than a tenth of its orignal, number, that the enemy was put to flight. The Prince of Orange was surrounded and made prisoner; but a battalion of Belgians rushed to his relief, and rescued him from the enemy. The Prince tore off the ensignia of his order and threw it among them, exclaiming, “There, my brave fellows! you have all deserved it." They fastened the star to their colours, and shouting, "The Prince for ever!" swore to defend it to the last man.

Protected by their numerous cavalry, and artillery, the French succeeded in forcing the British positions, and penetrated to the village of Quatre Bras. Some squadrons of Brunswick horse, had attempted to stem the torrent; but were rapidly forced to retreat, and were closely pursued by the French through the village, when the 92d regiment, which lined a ditch, poured on the French, who were almost at the muzzles of their guns an unexpected volley, which destroyed every man in the direction of the fire. The few who were in advance rushed on and reached the spot where Wellington was stationed, but they were to a man either killed or taken. The 92d row leaped from