Thielemann, concluding from the account that he had received of the defeat of Napoleon, that the French would commence a retreat, renewed the combat at daybreak by an attack with his Cavalry. Colonel Marwitz was sent forward, with the 8th Uhlans and two Squadrons of the 6th Kurmark Landwehr Cavalry, towards the plateau above Limale, occupied by Grouchy's Left Wing: whilst General Hobe followed this movement with the 5th and 7th Uhlans, and formed up on the left of the Advanced Cavalry. The 5th Uhlans were immediately afterwards advantageously posted in a hollow in support of Colonel Marwitz.
The Horse Battery No. 20, subsequently reinforced by the Foot Battery No. 18, opened a cannonade upon the Enemy's Columns at the plateau; which displayed a great superiority of numbers, and were supported by a considerable force of Cavalry. The preponderating number of guns in the Enemy's Line answered the fire of the Prussians with great vigour; and as the intervening space was very limited, the numbers of killed and wounded were very great. The Prussian Artillery lost five guns on this occasion.
Grouchy delayed not a moment in making dispositions for an attack on his part. His force on this side of the Field consisted of the three Divisions of Gérard's Corps, and of Teste's Division of the Sixth Corps. The latter and two of the former were posted in Front Line; the remaining Division, in Reserve. He formed three Columns of Attack. That on the right consisted of Teste's Division, and was directed upon Bierge; the central Column was put in motion against the Prussian Centre; and that on the left against the Right of the Prussian formation.
The head of each Column was accompanied by a Battery, and preceded by a swarm of Skirmishers. At the same time, Pajol put his Cavalry in motion, and threatened to turn the Prussian Right.
Thielemann resolved upon not only offering to the Enemy a vigorous opposition; but also upon assuming the offensive himself, and immediately gave the necessary Orders for that purpose. He also reinforced his Right with two more Companies, and his Left with an additional Battalion.
It was soon made manifest, however, that this attack failed to check the forward movement of the Enemy. The ten Prussian Battalions were forced to give way to the advance of twenty two French Battalions, which were followed by six more in support. The French gained possession of that part of the Wood of Rixansart which was on the right of the Prussian position, and drove back the Twelfth Brigade. The Battalions of the latter collected again immediately in rear of the Wood, under the protection of the three before mentioned Battalions of the Eleventh Brigade and of a Battery of fifteen guns.
General Teste's Division had in the mean time attacked Bierge, which was bravely defended by the two Battalions of the Kurmark Landwehr. Whilst the engagement continued at this point, Thielemann took up a second position in rear of the first, with four Battalions of the Tenth Brigade, and occupied the small Wood in rear of Bierge. The Prussian Cavalry Brigade, under Colonels Marwitz and Count Lottum, comprising twelve Squadrons, secured the right towards Chambre.
About eight o'clock, just as this position had been taken up, Thielemann received, through General Pirch, the decisive and authentic intelligence that a great victory had been gained by the Allies on the previous day, as also a communication of the fact of the Second Corps d'Armée having marched to intercept Grouchy's retreat upon the Sambre. Advantage was immediately taken of these joyful tidings to raise the spirits of the troops, and to excite them to a renewed attack. With loud cheers the Prussian Batteries advanced to the attack; which was attended with complete success, and even the Wood of Rixansart was again taken.
The Enemy appeared irresolute, and as if impressed with the idea that Thielemann had received reinforcements; but observing that no further progress was made, he renewed the attack on his part, and retook the Wood of Rixansart.