The strength of the Anglo-Allied Army in the Field was as follows:—
| Infantry. | Cavalry. | Artillery. | Guns. | |
| British | 15,181 | 5,843 | 2,967 | 78 |
| King's German Legion | 3,301 | 1,991 | 526 | 18 |
| Hanoverians | 10,258 | 497 | 465 | 12 |
| Brunswickers | 4,586 | 866 | 510 | 16 |
| Nassauers | 2,880 | |||
| Dutch-Belgians | 13,402 | 3,205 | 1,177 | 32 |
| ——— | ——— | ——— | ——— | |
| Total | 49,608 | 12,402 | 5,645 | 156 |
| GRAND TOTAL. | ||||
| Infantry | 49,608 | |||
| Cavalry | 12,402 | |||
| Artillery | 5,645 | |||
| ——— | ||||
| Total | 67,655 | men, and 156 guns. | ||
The French Army consisted of:—
| Infantry | 47,579 | |
| Cavalry | 13,792 | |
| Artillery | 7,529 | |
| ——— | ||
| Total | 68,900 | men, and 246 guns. |
The martial sounds already adverted to as having accompanied the march of the French Columns into position, had scarcely been wafted towards the Anglo-Allied Army, when mounted Officers were discerned galloping along the opposite Heights, and taking up the necessary alignments; and, presently, the simultaneous flashing of bayonets over dark masses, on various points, and the roll of drums, now become more distinctly audible, announced the arrival of the heads of the Columns destined to constitute the Front Line. As this gradually developed itself, and was seen extending on either side, from La Belle Alliance, and apparently almost overlapping both Flanks of the Allies, the scene became truly imposing and highly exciting. The two Armies were now fairly in presence of each other; and their mutual observation was governed by the most intense interest, and the most scrutinizing anxiety.
In a still greater degree did these feelings actuate their Commanders, while watching each other's preparatory movements, and minutely scanning the surface of the arena on which tactical skill, habitual prowess, physical strength, and moral courage, were to decide, not alone their own, but in all probability, the fate of Europe. Apart from national interests and considerations, and viewed solely in connection with the opposite characters of the two illustrious Chiefs; the approaching contest was contemplated with anxious solicitude by the whole military world. Need this create surprise when we reflect that the struggle was one for mastery between the far famed Conqueror of Italy, and the victorious Liberator of the Peninsula; between the triumphant Vanquisher of Eastern Europe, and the bold and successful Invader of the South of France! Never was the issue of a single Battle looked forward to as involving consequences of such vast importance—of such universal influence.