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BELLE ALLIANCE. Battle Field
trating into the eee: of the buildings. Hougomont was at that
time an old, partly dilapidated chateau, to which several outbuildings
were attached. The w a ole was surrounded by a strong wall, in which
numerous loop-holes had been made by express orders of the Duke
in person, thus forming an admirable though diminutive stronghold.
Notwithstanding these advantages, however, its successful de fence
st the persistent attacks of overwhelming numbers was solely
due to the daring RC ARIESNY of the little garrison. The wood by
which it was once partly surrounded was almost entirely destroyed
by the cannonade. Th sa holes, as well as the marks of the bullets,
are still seen, and the place presents a shattered and ruinous aspect
to this day. The ore hard contains the graves of Capt. Blackman,
who fell here, and of Sergt. Cotton, a veteran of Waterloo who died
at Mont St. Jean in 4849 (4/2 fr. is exacted from each visitor to
the farm). Hougomont is about 4 M. from Braine l’Alleud (p. 157).
The neighbourhood of Hougomont said to have been the scene of
lowing well-authenticated anecdote. General Halkett’s brigad
sisting of raw levies of troops, most of om n¢ faced an enem
the first time, cposed to a galling fire from Camb
which formed reme left of the
skirmishers to meet the vanguard of
of whom Gen. Cambronne himself rode.
shot under him, Halkett immediately d that this was an admir-
able opportunity for a ‘coup de main ated to inspire his troops
with confidence. He therefore galloped up alone to the French general,
threatening him with instantaneous death if he did not surrender. n-
bronne, taken Surprise, presented his sword and surré red to the
gallant’ general, #2 at once led him back to the British line. Before
Halkett’s horse struck by a bullet and fell.
Reaeees himself, he perceived to his extreme morti-
fication that Ca ambronne was hastening back to his own troops ! By dint of
great efforts, however, Halkett got his horse on his legs again, lloped after
the gener ral. overtook him, and led him back in triumph to his own line.
The field-road to Belle Alliance from the gate of the farm sk
the wall to the left. It soon becomes narrower, and after leading
about 50 paces to the right passes through a hedge, traverses a field,
and passes an embankment. After a walk of 5 min. a good path is
reached, leading to the highroad in 12 min. more. Coster’s house
lies to the right. Ina straight direction the road leads to Plancenoit
(p. 157). Belle Alliance is situated on the left. This name is
applied to a low white house of one story on the roadside, now a
poor tavern, 1 M. to the E. of Hougomont.
A marble slab over the See bears the ins
onne’s bri e
line. Halkett sent his
nch, somewhat in advance
nbronne’s horse having been
ription: ‘Rencontre des gé-
néraux Wellington et Blucher lors de la mémorable bataille du 18. Juin 18
:
se saluant mutuellement vaingueu The statement, however, is erroneous.
It is well ascertained that Bliicher did not over the Duke until the
latter had led his troops as far as La Maison du Roi, or Maison Rouge, on
the road to Genappe, ‘about 2M. beyond Belle Alliance, where he gave
the order to halt. This was the scene of the well-known anecdote so
often related of the Duke, who when urged not to expose himself unnec-
essarily to danger from the fire of the straggling fugitives, replied: Let
them fire away. The victory is gained, and my ‘life is of no value now
The house of Belle Alliance was occupied by the French, and
their lines were formed adjacent to it. Napoleon’s post during the |
