Prince Blücher being desirous of bringing his different Corps d'Armée into closer connection, moved the First and Fourth only half a march this day. The former proceeded from Avesnes to Etroeungt, sending forward its Advanced Guard to La Capelle, and Patrols as far as the Oise: the latter marched along the road leading from Landrecy towards Guise, as far as Fesmy; pushing forward its Advanced Guard to Henappe, and Detachments to Guise. Scouring parties of Cavalry were also detached from the First Corps in the direction of Rocroi.
The Third Prussian Corps d'Armée advanced from Charleroi to Beaumont; detaching towards Philippeville and Chimay, for the security of its Left Flank.
The Second Prussian Corps, which was destined to operate against the Fortresses, moved from Thuin. It was disposed in the following manner:—The Fifth and Seventh Brigades, with the Cavalry, blockaded Maubeuge; the Sixth Brigade was on the march to Landrecy; and the Eighth Brigade was moving upon Philippeville and Givet.
Prince Blücher's Head Quarters were at Catillon sur Sambre.
Grouchy's troops, on this day, reached Rocroi.
The remains of the vanquished portion of the French Army continued retiring upon Laon, and collecting in its vicinity. Soult had established the Head Quarters at this place. The men and horses of the Artillery Train were moved on to La Fère, to be supplied with new ordnance; and every means was adopted to replace this branch of the service on an efficient footing. Grouchy was effecting his retreat upon Soissons, by the line of Rocroi, Réthel, and Rheims; and it was considered, that as soon as the latter should be able to unite his force to the remains of the Army collecting under Soult, it would yet be found practicable, with the additional aid of Reserves, to stem the advance of the Allies.
But where was the Chief whose presence had heretofore been the spell by which a turbulent and restless soldiery was wont, when subdued by the fortune de la guerre, to be restored to its former self, and to be imbued with new life and renovated strength by the prospect of acquiring fresh glory in retrieving a great national disaster? Had he flown towards the nearest Corps d'Armée of Rapp and Lecourbe, to lead them, along with all the Reserves that he could possibly collect together, including the Regimental Depôts, the Gensd'armerie, and even the Douanerie, against the Flank of the victorious Armies of Wellington and Blücher, during their hazardous advance upon the capital; and, in combination with Soult and Grouchy, to effect their separation, perhaps their destruction?