Seldom indeed has a Cavalry Chief more distinguished himself in the Field than did the Earl of Uxbridge on this great day. As he flew from one point to another, now boldly rushing into the fight at the head of a glorious charge, then skilfully covering a retreat under the pressure of overpowering numbers; here zealously endeavouring by his own personal example to stimulate and rouse into action the lukewarm energies of an Ally; there collecting and rallying, for further high emprize, the remnants of the devoted bands of his own nation; restlessly vigilant in watching and preparing for the manœuvres of a renowned and powerful Cavalry, admirably appointed and equipped, and led by a Kellermann, a Guyot, and a Lefèbvre Desnouettes; evincing the most cool and resolute confidence in the prowess of his followers, as he dashed forward either to break asunder the combined advance of the Enemy's masses, or to follow up the advantage already gained by the Allied Infantry—he seemed to blend and embody in his own character, in a pre-eminent degree, the heroic valour of ancient chivalry with the skilled address of modern Cavalry tacticians.
As Adam's Brigade ascended the hill, in compliance with Wellington's Orders, to charge the French Squares, it was received with a heavy fire from their Front and Flanks. The Duke being at this time close to the centre of the advancing Line, against which point this fire was principally directed, incurred great personal risk; and as the shot flew fast and thick about him, Sir Colin Campbell said to him, "This is no place for you—you had better move."
To this the Duke replied, "I will when I see those fellows off." On the near and imposing approach of the Brigade, in the attitude of charging, the Imperial Guard ceased firing, faced to the rear, and commenced a retreat by word of command.
As they withdrew, his Grace rode up the valley in the direction of his right front, and came upon the plain, on which Vivian was successfully attacking the French Reserves.
The gallant charge made by the 10th Hussars upon the French Cavalry posted in its right front, has already been described.
After ordering the halt and rally, Vivian galloped towards the 18th Hussars, which Regiment he found well formed in Line, and in perfect order. In its front stood the two Squares of the Grenadiers of the Old Guard: in its left front, and much nearer to it, were posted Artillery and Cavalry, in advance of the proper Right of the Squares. This Cavalry consisted principally of Cuirassiers—the wrecks of entire Brigades. Nearer to, and partly in rear of, the Squares, stood the Chasseurs and Grenadiers à Cheval of the Imperial Guard, greatly reduced in numbers.
It was immediately evident to Vivian that the attack must in the first instance be directed against the Advanced Cavalry and Artillery; and having put the Line in motion, he placed himself in front of the Centre, beside Lieutenant Colonel the Hon. Henry Murray, the Commanding Officer, for the purpose of putting the Regiment into the required direction. This having been effected, he ordered the charge; when the Hussars dashed forward with the greatest impetuosity, and, at the same time, with as much steadiness and regularity as if they had been at Field Day exercise on Hounslow Heath. Thus, the direction of the charge by the 18th diverged as much to the left, as that by the 10th had inclined to the right. Just as the charge commenced, some French Artillery coming from their right and slanting towards the right of the 18th, made a bold push to cross the front of the latter at a gallop. But the attempt failed, and the Hussars were instantly among them, cutting down the Artillerymen and Drivers, and securing the guns. In the next moment they fell upon the Advanced Cavalry, which they completely dispersed; and then, bringing forward their left shoulders, they attacked the Cavalry and guns that stood more to the right front, and near to the Right Square, which was now retiring. This Cavalry appeared, at first, determined upon making a stand; and an Officer in its front dashed forward, and fired at Lieutenant Colonel Murray; but, in another moment, the 18th were fiercely and dexterously plying their swords amongst them. They were forced to give way, the Artillerymen were driven from their guns, and the whole fled in disorder.