United States or Wallis and Futuna ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
That same night Mueffling informed Bluecher by letter that the Anglo-Dutch army had occupied the position named, wherein to fight next day; and Bluecher's loyal answer was that Buelow's corps at daybreak should march by way of St. Lambert to strike the French right; that Pirch's would follow in support; and that the other two would stand in readiness.
General Mueffling was insulted for having spoken of "Saxon hounds." Bluecher even was compelled secretly to take his departure. The Saxon troops were, however, reduced to obedience by superior numbers of Prussians, and their colors were burned. The whole corps was about to be decimated, when Colonel Romer came forward and demanded that the sentence of death should be first executed on him.
There are three definite evidences that before midnight of the 15th Wellington had resolved to concentrate about Quatre Bras, and had issued final orders accordingly his statement to the Duke of Richmond, his statement to Mueffling, and his statement in his official report to Lord Bathurst. Yet Mr.
Towards midnight, writes Mueffling the Prussian Commissioner at his headquarters, Wellington informed him of the tidings from Mons, and added: "The orders for the concentration of my army at Nivelles and Quatre Bras are already despatched. Let us, therefore, go to the ball."
Mueffling, who was present, states that the Duke's last words were: "Well, I will come, provided I am not attacked myself;" and this probably was the final undertaking. Wellington's words were in accordance with the caution of his character; and it is certain that Bluecher had decided to fight at Ligny whether assured or not of his brother-commander's support.
Word Of The Day