With an army thus animated by one sentiment, and doubtless calculating on being joined during the fray by more than a few of the motley group who stood in his front, it may readily be conceived that Napoleon fully participated in the general confidence of a signal victory.
“The force of the two armies,” said the Emperor just before the battle began, “could not be estimated by a mere comparison of numbers; because the allied army was composed of troops more or less efficient: so that one Englishman might be counted for one Frenchman; but two Netherlander, Prussians, Germans, or soldiers of the Confederation, were required to make up one Frenchman.”
FOOTNOTES:
[1] “I did in truth,” said Ney at his trial, “kiss the hand of the king, his Majesty having presented it to me when he wished me a good journey. I spoke of the descent of Napoleon with indignation, and made use of the expression, the iron cage. During the night of the 13th of March, (down to which time I protest my fidelity,) I received a proclamation from Napoleon, which I signed.” On the following day he published the fatal proclamation to his troops, which afterwards cost him his life. See Appendix, [No. II.]
[2] See Gurwood, Dispatches, vol. XII, pages 350, 356.
[3] Ibid., page 363.
[4] See Gurwood, Dispatches, vol. XII, page 365.
[6] The 3d guards and 42d Highlanders had near eight hundred militia-men in their ranks. The guards actually fought in their Surrey militia jackets.