By dint of example and encouragement on the part of all the Commanding Officers, the Brigades on the left of the Brunswickers were also rallied and formed up: upon seeing which, the Duke galloped off to the right.
Just at this time, Vivian's Hussar Brigade drew up immediately in rear of these troops—relieving the exhausted remains of the Scots Greys and 3rd Hussars of the King's German Legion—the 10th and 18th British Hussars in Front, and the 1st Hussars of the King's German Legion in Second, Line. The presence and appearance of this fresh Cavalry tended very considerably to restore confidence to that part of the Line. The Brigade had previously, in consequence of a mistake in the transmission of Orders, been halted on the left of the high road about midway between the Front Line and the Farm of Mont St Jean; whence, however, it was speedily brought forward, and posted as above, by Lord Uxbridge.
The Prince of Orange, Alten, and almost all the superior Officers of the Third Division, had been wounded. But Kielmansegge, who now commanded in this part of the Field, was fully alive to the critical circumstances under which the Third Division was placed; and exhibited great ability, coolness, and determination, by the manner in which he succeeded in restoring it to order. Still, the persevering and incessant tiraillade kept up against these troops by the French was such that the fire thrown out from their shattered and enfeebled ranks was quite inadequate to repress it. The French Skirmishers again crowded close up to the Line; maintaining a most rapid and destructive fire.
The Allied Infantry was once more on the point of giving way. One Battalion of the Brunswickers was retiring in Close Column, but in good order; having totally exhausted its ammunition. The Nassauers were falling back en masse against the horses' heads of the 10th Hussars; who, keeping their Files closed, prevented further retreat. Vivian and Captain Shakespeare of the 10th (acting as his extra Aide de Camp), rendered themselves conspicuous at this moment by their endeavours to halt and encourage the Nassauers. The Hanoverians and the German Legion on the left, led by Kielmansegge, now resolutely dashed forward, at the double quick—their drums rolling. The Enemy fell back. The Brunswickers took up the movement, as then did also the Nassauers—Vivian and his Aide de Camp cheering them on; whilst the Hussars followed in close support. In this manner, Kielmansegge succeeded in leading back the shattered remnants of the Division to the place they had so long and so honourably occupied on the ridge.
Vivian's Brigade, by its proximity to these troops, against which so close and unremitting a fire of musketry was maintained, was placed in a very trying situation for Cavalry, and suffered much in consequence. As soon, however, as the Infantry had rallied and resumed their former position in the Line, Vivian withdrew his Brigade under the crest of the ridge, a distance of not more than thirty yards, to place his men a little out of fire; and when thus posted, he was better prepared to make an attack if required.
The fire from the Enemy's Infantry in front of this part of the Line suddenly slackened; and it was soon manifest that they were falling back: the change arose out of occurrences on their left, which will be explained in the next Chapter.