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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1890 Excerpt: ...and killed or dispersed the rest. Beaten in every part, they retired to the heights of Fleurus which had been so fatal to the enemies of France twenty years before. Napoleon reconnoitred the ground 1 The people of Charleroi marked their respect for fallen greatness by placing the following inscription over the gate by which Napoleon entered the town;--ABUT: EXCESSIT: EVASIT: ERYPIT. 1815. STRUGGLE FOR LIGNY. 211 at a glance. Our troops rushed on the Prussians at full gallop. Three squares of infantry, supported by several squadrons and some artillery, sustained the shock with intrepidity. Wearied by their immovableness, the Emperor ordered General Letort to charge them at the head of the dragoons of the Guard. At the same moment General Excelmans fell upon the left flank of the enemy, and the 20th dragoons, commanded by the brave and young Briqueville, rushed on the Prussians on one side, while Letort attacked them on the other. They were broken and annihilated; but dearly was the victory purchased: Letort was killed. This affair, though of little importance in its results, cost the enemy five pieces of artillery and 3000 men killed or taken prisoners, and produced the happiest effects on the army. The illness of Marshal Mortier and the treason of General Bourmont had given birth to sentiments of doubt and fear, which were entirely dissipated by the successful issue of this first battle. Hitherto each chief of a corps had retained its immediate command, and it is easy to suppose what their ardour and emulation must have been; but the Emperor fell into the error of overturning the hopes of their courage and their ambition. He placed General d'Erlon and Count Reille under the orders of Marshal Ney, whom he brought forward too late; and Count Gerard and Count ...

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