“I have the honour to be, etc.
“Wellington.”
The Duke, though strongly urged by the allied sovereigns of Austria, Prussia and Russia to start for the Netherlands, remained in Vienna until he had completed his duties at the Congress, and received orders from England to take the command of the troops assembling in the Low-Countries. He arrived at Brussels early in April. In less than twenty-four hours, he was master of the state of things, and immediately wrote the following dispatch
To General Kleist.
“Brussels, April 5th, 1815.
“GENERAL,
“I arrived here during last night: I have spent the day in endeavouring to make myself master of the state of affairs.
“The reports respecting the situation, number and the intentions of the enemy are always excessively vague: but it appears to me we ought to be prepared against a surprise (coup de main) which he might be tempted to try at any moment.
“There can be no doubt that it would be an immense advantage to him to make us retrograde with the troops which we have in front of Brussels; to drive before him the king of France and the Royal family, and to compel the king of the Netherlands, with his establishments newly formed here, to make a retreat. This would be a terrible blow in public opinion, both here and in France: and, according to his usual management, (allure), the news of his success would be known throughout France, whilst that of any reverse that might happen to him would be concealed from everybody.
“After having placed 13,400 men as garrisons in Mons, Tournay, Ypres, Ostend, Nieuport and Antwerp, I can get together about 23,000 good troops, English and Hanoverian; amongst them about five thousand excellent cavalry. This number will be increased in a few days, especially in cavalry and artillery. I can also bring up 20,000 Dutch and Belgian troops, including two thousand cavalry; the whole having about sixty pieces of cannon.