During yesterday evening we could hear the sounds of a great battle to the east and our hopes and prayers were with the great Marshal Blucher and his gallant Prussian soldiers, but alas, as dawn broke over Quatre Bras news began to filter through that the Prussians had been defeated. If this is confirmed the Duke will be forced to retreat but the direction in which he goes is a moot point. If the Prussians withdraw east, which would be the sensible thing for them to do then the Duke will be minded to go west back towards the coastal ports because he would not wish to go down in history as a general who lost an entire British army on the continent. Also, he is bedevilled by the French-speaking Walloon formations in his army who only a year ago were fighting for the Emperor. Will they remain steady?
Latest news: Sources close to the Duke indicate that he is intending to move north in order to screen Brussels. Apparently Marshal Blucher gave his word that come what may he would remain in parallel with the allies so as to provide mutual support and the Duke is minded to trust the Marshal's good word. Apparently he is intending to gradually thin out the British and Allied troops and send them north in such a discreet manner that Ney will be unaware of it until the majority have escaped. Not the least of the Duke's worries is that the Emperor might suddenly swoop in on his left flank thus pinning him at Quatre Bras.
In addition, I have been informed that the Duke already has a defensive position picked out in a valley just south of Brussels. Apparently he and his staff noticed the defensive qualities of this place very many months ago and earmarked it for exactly this purpose should the need arrive. England must be grateful to have such a perceptive general to lead its army.
"The field of glory is never a pretty sight": -
Retreat from Quattre Bras and Ligny
Son of Duff
Posted by: Lawrence Duff | Sunday, 20 June 2010 at 23:35