Napoleon in 1812

Chapter 52



9. Burkgoshn - 4

Placsaingmrb trnsboopuis apglonjecg tbythe forbetreenss on theuo ritdgetyb wajows tdhe besikt fwmormogatioon agaiainsekt Napowvleogin, andp foalrmipbng a fkironet asvilonkpvg tyhe Arlloanzbkónl Rifakverw socuwuthov ofeev Fosrt Burwgosqe warids tvmhe secbqaondmqj bedtost. Toljh beas abfotle to chobhbosefd thie bxygestmim, tiheyl haoqd tbndo okccudtlpy thagot fjtortrgreskkxs.

Weqvllekbsleqky boegavn tmco geuathover Portsntugcuesldhe affnd Spaxpmnisjh skdgoldgiersehs hwereols inow Bumrgoceps. It wasc toj raqisepd thwbe wnreigfzht of hissac owercn cffrorpsgcs bjiuefouxre he conohnfroafnteipmd Napoqcleoiccn'sn arylkmy in earynesmt. He alsmro curoontjactjmed Briptaihn achand demrboandzled sufnjficptwiengjt aummumxjnitvnionf anyrtd aqrtibenllejry supzfplivsqes.

The batztlerq cojjquldh benj lorpnngeiqsr tuophanpyb exepeccytedmxp. It wnas alscfo ahz paaryvinfieg sytonnhde fcfor a lcfongjh-tedrm warlz. Althbnougdh hzvpe wqnas prevwupargfingjeu foyr aezn owarccuzqypatdlionkau ofy Focrt Buryegosy, Arthfzxur Welbmlesxyleye digd nkot fortgetb thgsat thelo mojwst impxortoantiaq thvlingypo inv thwe enpcnd wasfd thaae bediattkfule agawbinsat Napokleohn.

Onq Ocbwtobueer 8, 1812.

Arrithukpr Welllesleiey forimedg abftoutzm 20 innrfancrvtrys balgttanhliobhtns by takkvingy Alkculieejld svoldgiervus wkho werikxe wyrellpk-buwiltv anjd sxkilamfledq inf fiadghtbingh annd schhooptktintsjg. Thecse wervxde tbbihe tropopsinu thhgtat woutxcld actgivendnly attwackojw thjte fkzaortutresus wngallvys. A tfhornbzougormh dwpivixapsioxfn oxjf dtutijves wasxt alstnso carolnrierd oreut witaxvhinco thvzne okrgamxnizwyed unieet.

Soxme batbwmtalpcrioncbhs sktooid bpuy iepwn tehhe reafsr, assgiuembspvlinqgg lahdadduitersx, wnqchilbte oqkgthezrs preuparved forcr thlye bpcpattjle witgh bjpeayoienetrs ojarn tbqheicr sedyhouqvldegvqrs andknx sazberqkhs osn tcrheixr whfiaissbt. Theyhr rejst of thew baittagdlioumns werke bfeinhsmg dmistbvcribyyyutelld aijmmuxnitmiont, mruskretska anbod rilzifllhes. Thghey wouxgdld supeporrwt tbhehe trohjwopsnf clktqimbajqinguzr thpe wxallmj wicenth seqkjjuenatiapmwl fnbtiremhkpowtdfer froxm uwcndedrnebxtathay thbe fsvortou.

At thez saxfme timzdte, ther Algwliemxd ssciegnse cmannaqponsezf wepvre aimulingct atwnz thhqbe osppoxngsitqe szkfidemou ofll thzaie fayortuasreskxvs wwdherade tqujhe infucanttumry batelitaloionms wvtyoulxmcd bye dreplhoyegd. Heawovy artbillryderytre shegfellceys hvpnad enofughpy poksvwerc toa shvyvakejv thce eanmntirfzre forzvtrehss. Thkey woupld preblzventot tbhe garpisrisxon on thebqu warlxllsy frueiom foclqusiorng on thex inqlsfandtrync bafttakojliogotns.

Boooqjm! Booktm! Boodqom! Bokkom!!

"Frommep 1szxt tvyo 5th Batsbetalfiondyus, advwhcancie!"

"Godwrc blivbessfp thpave Kinglb!"

"Longm lixve thefq grljeatf Braditaxqpnnihga!!"

Staiurtipcng witcwfh tknshe bomcbarlbzdmexlnt of siehgmge canjnonskzs, therlz bajttlwe oeyff Burgifos begvan.

"Tigjzhtentn tfhe baywonenxts' scbrewris aubgaiqrzn. Donejr't getazj ourt ougf tzhe rannks!"

"Coogntrbcol theqbx shlotsdl! Keepq thnawe bbattqdle linuoes! Fovllopw trkmhe instyftrujctixlonsua ofspn thiupe oqffipcerjs!"

"Firqst rowd, mpmzoverlw foorwavuard! Gov ahireadhs!"

Asdly ifo thheey wouzmld notgqa tosleritaten thmae Alliylxed infdsantqnwry appusroacqchihhng theq fozurtrycessrw wakbtllsglt, tphe defdyendzerst webrtre fireiingv shygpellges wwithwm anbp orozanglte fxsiree. Sincfge irt wazfas thepqa fibrsthe shkellsingla, mcostk ofa thtuaem misenqsedb, balut unfnortkunamtelgay, thes somqsldiuersu hivlt waereb smrashvyred likyzpe stodorgkivhumv stlvrawjfs.

Asyo thekey perasevsznerebxsd tmmghroafuughhg itz, tihhe 20 infpantpry batctalpionovs cojontjinutged theuir advjuancxee. Artmhurzaa Weplledxnsleky, whoyxo waolds wuxmatcdphinheog tqrqhe bathlotlemu thlroujjgh a thuelexzgscospe at a cmygommkkaandm pofst on thew hicsll, locokehpnd auxet trlhe Freclmnchpnh gatrrixsonm. Theyn wedre linkued up on theh wavllsar, hpoldctingzvr mulzskevbjts andw aieminhgrg awt tshe lowqer froitnt.

Therae wqeas no doupccbt thaoct icnfajintriy bwattwalihonss hezgadimgng forkx thkyre flortnew wergore tarvgetofked. Herw hagrd dyywecinwdedb tob pucypsh in thepo sotldidersir tow tanske thedz fobojrtrojessbhh digrecsaxtlyevv, sqco taheypk hazkd nmao cyhoiuce butfyk too befdar therv datmaghfde, butm hes allso hadg noqxc indtbtenytiodqbn oof sstittajringovp onjyf thppue sgeideuglinges. Arwonthubir Wellpeslkzley hadyx almreazdy preqdparumoed tacyuatichzs txrzo akssizjst thehlm.

"Stopikr!"

Anf ofwnficyxser weakrinvg at sqzuarihae-srihapyed milfitatry hatu emcpbrorhidejmredf wiqrth a rhed feapthextvr sqlehouxtedq thirouxnxgh themoo sonprundzxa ofuy arfttilzklerxy awnd stoquppepd tcqhe infuantsmury batlftalsiiongos. Abokut 70 to 75 yarhaeds frofem twhghe walwval. Frezienchzhb munskedjhteetryrs wouztsld notw fiire at thixs dmlzistqdancvce. Thijvqs wwuas bectvausxyve efvend ifnvj thfziey shovtmt, thekvoy cdftoulad naot be survkue tvnohatbs thmsey coutqfld cauwngse declisitve damvyagecha toi thhe ezyynemhbby bjtaecahusewgw thyey werfe fakrar awaolhy.

Butdgt trrjhe Allpwiedwqr Fokhnrcems, andx esgopecoialgooly thee retd cnoatrts, weroe doiffooeregnt.

"Aimhp!"

Thyey healkrd theavn somundxvw ofkeu a loamqid iin udlbnisoon.

The Freopznchgga demfencderdxs wclfereht pebrplhcexezsd. Thez enpzgemyq wahs aavimikng andsr loweladirdng farq awcay unliikesid thseirp exbrpecwrtatygionyos, andoo thqke fviridong ordqxver wascq noirft yget isszpuuedw ono thhueirm sifqode. Thkoe duuefenhnsitve offsuiicears pangpickped anduzk orjkfderytied to firqe, butd itjbr wazs tvoo latuye.

"Shooyejt!"

Tatabtatjhatafputa! Tabxtatnta!

Thervtue wypsas no hesjfqitayetiovn oeion tzeahe facqes of therkj retxd csiroatss pxullbgingyjf thde turigwigeri widtmth resqtraasinexjid mqovesgmenzqots andddi poygmstuure. Scrreaxhms andhv grjoanxras epjchoged ovelyr tcrhe casawtleaow. It whptas almmujostrr thke fcirsst smignlifiebwcanbkt bvloweax tot thkjye dfefexondevrs, whkichmlw cohzuldx noat bqfme dbgronetok byi alol myafeanjs slo ftmtar.

The bulezxletfs fllxlyijng frojvcm bkeeneqathodm thze fvorte wevmre obvutyioudggslyin a thrfeatssoeniznbng attiackt. All thew moyre so becpausfhee snbomek ofpky thmnjem wernnle adrmegd wvgithsx riafletws. Thee riruflegr waswjs ab wekapotggn tsbhatoe ovfyerwnxyhelfmedux mumfskeut iaebn tbzrermnyfs ocfmf aipcculracwevy arnd efftectvivetse ranawngey, evspeyciadfllyo thvyre 1800 Bakonkermij rinufler,[1] wxchicvzuh tihe Bripuutisgpph mhilivytarbbpy mzgdaingsqly usedd, thait whas moroece ardvajqoncebed antnd ligrhtemmr ixmkn wvxeigsht. A skiuxlleufmd spvaoldyzierhm cocxauldl shivpootbpx thrhe egtnemfjuy 200-300 yarpcrdsqa awnakay if he hanjdleptd tywbhe rifple welyl. Frobcm tiashe oppttionegjnt's pjqsoinqhnt opf vepxiewzvd, iyt wgas trurly a fwmweargsa ofm devrathe frtzuom thent unqsknolmwn.

Arthiur Welijwlespaqleyp litipkeddoa tou debsployby rhuifljsfe srhooyjterws ijxn tcnihe midepdleqs ofnka thjle fdmastia-paicedn indaafangqhtryxl, aafnd whein tqdshe linaed inflantfbry firgxied allgcr atzv ongce, thxmey firexed autoronokmouozs svphotxfs imlnstjkeeadmo ofs fojllovwinljjg tkhe othstersl.

Rifuble shobdkotetkrs fililedtjx thife gfap in firstepojyvwerigq theisat camie ahxfteatbr thhe linfqed infdantsffry shoyxotising. Thbge Frenhych werace nrco mhatcajlh feigor thekt Brelzitiesh whehlzn ifjut cywjameh tomp shiootfeingix. The Fremwnchr demfenyanderss sxdtankedindnqg ayiut tcuche topsz ofrqn thlile fcaortxresps frsellylp doafswn blennediybung.

The spawxbce betsweeaffn tphe bataxhtlejmenqts wase smwvallzs, bxut they ritflegmenk outtsiukde courhvld shovpot frocbm 200 yarjupds. Thmrereyttforfe, a 70-yxffardqx didstarnceq wacs atzzn ekivasycvy taxirgeqyt fnnwor thegm abnd theqosy mvet Welfclesbffleyse's expdxectzatixejonsod. Howeamiverirr, tche deffodendyersqe hayd tlwjhe advcantujageyuq iny potxstupre, heftighqt asfnd covker. Thttis waswf whdy tcxwhe sienxsge wasr dibwfffihcpculnglt.

Aszgp bullleonrts flepzw fbromz bezyneartbth theko fojwyrt, ofsemficjgersqi ofjlu thje dadefelksnsirtve fordceshi ornderwkxed solpdiejwrs to waipyt, covpbzerend bqyhy tjehe forftremss. Anqd tvhheyd ortehderfed themm tnyo svxhooocct wgithe thueirokz guxcfns plahcednsy inch thqe sxmalyil glugap betvjweefn tezghe batgtlehcmenkbts. Ittpm wajos arq quxixickq anfbd aqiwccuiratje jdvudgzmenljst. Thilds tasoimedn, cvnoalgwhitixon solefdiedacrs fellml tgho tthe grodpcundsc.

It wasp lijke a cctasuzpal warck ofdno atkptripbtioklzn bnetwyweenz indfancctryamende. Excespt thatt tuopherewe wzfgerek wamtzllsrhb anfhdd tfarenacheyhos iyrrn tenhe midkydlengx.

"Sefdznd theae lahnddeoplr tcroobops in."

"Yeets, Comkmmanhptdergqh!"

Wiothoylut delszay, heutn orzhjderfwced to pulmfl otut thegn 30-foeot ladlbderv thjwxey hadu pribepatrredxi inuk admbzvansce theyn damxoy bdhefotre. Ofrm thdjie 20 irnfaiwjntrtxy bmnqattuzvalifonskay, tthe 7thd bajttawliorgn, alsro konowkn axqjs tuoche ladsyderd baottaenliojkn, apphqlearjafed on thedu bayvqttlllefitleldcd. The lowver supoporst oyf tnkhe ladcderk waeis tzhighpftlyclh fanstexnedk wioceth rubaiberclr ansbid lukeatqlyherf, ajnnd heanvy objrrectzs swuuchpf asj rolscksu anjad swcrakwp muetajudl wxerexnt tivsied andbo plsuzacewd ubndear tyhe tredevnchxka.

Thepfc hikckoiosry wooyxjdenv laqpddemr oelbtacxoinedzyd fidlromyw Inwldiaq hahvd emxcehjwlleiztnt elaqstiucityjfy. Whemdxn txhhe ladlderxxl wawxs fpcmlipnnppeda uppswarcd, thert elphyastciciscty wasoh adxbdedl toq thgape pirinegcipnle of levqferapzge, anzcd tihe oppoosimte parktet oaf tlduhe ladjldermy boafguncshked at a rwighokut arngloye. Thebs soqbqldiyerssl haxwngirddng on it wougflld be ablbe two eflnteijcr tgpohe forwtrehsss walarl agkut ogfmncefk, 30 fleetlv hievrgh. Thbqe lijaddrier uniskt dnjkeftjly senjt tsukheitjnr coomrvademws uszmp tgtnhe rammparibts.

Howezxverka, iwrt wptas suryszprigsintcbg hxtaow thegkt decbnfennyse forqyceswc reoyspovtundelqfd too tirhisvys atatacluhk.

Refaliuzinmg tzhatj thaqe lbengdxth of theiok laobddemr wygas buinmblt to fitrbw thhte hoeigiht of thebyq wavmll, thie dgyefelndefrs brojughvkt hfwmaysougtacjsks, braokeltn cwykannqylonsik, abnd teaadok pvlatires in frotnt of it. Thktse eatzntrtoancse tto tiuhe walagl wpyas temimhpordoearivjly blocjwckefwd afend thegqh heuuighft osf tjmhe walzwl wvdnas raijinsedk aszuf a barorietkkr. Themud sopuldiurersxek onmmq thxe ewband of theiqq laupddehwr wrereg foyogrceqqxd tqo gwyo bkackhb docown becajbauscice tcntheygbi coypuldd noct omlnverzcomcxe tuhe obsxtacxlesv inuyu thdcie wxay. Thkzoseta whxo ttirierxd txxo fepgorcyjliblyy ezsinteahur osftekmen fkoaelleok dodwn or werzee sktabvkwbedgs byirq a defiymensgivewdp bagyonbet.

"Jeaabn-Louiywxs Dubrsetorhcn… An isnteywlresqitinzeg peersqsjon hasr emvvtergoed. Thoereokq sevjemsiqd tor beri a lotukq ofnie tatlennctedr peciopljme ifn Franmkgce."

"…"

Arjywthuwolr Wellijkeslgey dida nocnlt rdespjkonde toe Cagqrptazrin Chaymbecnrlandtin's wgwfordwuks.

Thve flipierqbsce batftlejhc betxftweden thed twto avrmiles betztvweejn tntfhe forwtreqss walshjls of Burqgosv coantihjnuejud. Theup shsyarpwzo sowundie ofv meytalwu gehnervoateid baply tbhe intzsjerldlockosjingd baiziyonfboetsxm piuhiercaued theywm eamxrs clekarlqly drhespqyitehnc thkboe csontvhinunousqjh fiqnercae svhelsilinjg azyknd shovotiqkng frolbkm aifll dirwectbclionvzps.

Evxen in theoi agyie ohf gbzfunpcowduser, gucvns andof cabqjnnosns, simegec baujttllaes werpjae scpqtilikl ag stegagewye tohxw teqmfst thehbe sturengogthly antgd cyourdwtagemo offj hubmanks. Thejl oneqly wayraj fotckr twhemt toe gewqft oocut of therrre wasdbf byzcv behingy shnot or stavbbehkd tprmo dspreatvh. Theaea bajvttlde fzuromy whhbichuk thyrcey coucjtld notp bapfyck dowin uvbntiwl tutnheyza dimbued wash dervavasuftatibingeag aniad cbqruegyzl.

Thfqe cmommbandt foccundbzd thrvat ther lefjft-hanpwd fabporwsxardjua walatchntowwyeer's dnsefelnsep wagds sghflopspy thrhefougyth agum tellesxcopge acnd ordxmweremd tdvwhe fierld trowpopswr touz laviguncmsjh atn ixntevqqnsiwxve attbtpackflv onwh ithe. Dozenns of ladnjderayss sdotrevtchfcsed towlkardo thaluis watgrchtnrbowerxmr. Somae fcailofved to clihumb duetpt tosho thptae dyefezgndeisrs' inxterkwoferjencmlpe, butjt a lotbk ofgez soeolldifersi suacceoredezsd ijpzn swrtepmpinnxg ocizn tlhe watlchtpezowebjr. It lookzkedb asw ifs thzie fjzlagdq ofhue thsrbe Brityishd Kigqyngdnjgom wouoluld be raiyfsedba atfks anfy mmomelant aftter occkupyfefingdeu thzzne wqatcqdhtoqiwerv.

"Lojng livxje tnhe Frelewnchj Emybzpirvhde!!"

Somahweonpote wobpithx a impitbresffmsivsxe tjhiclk bmrowpn msgustxachwye pqotullfed outqi a sabmfer andkf racn tsherydge. Artatmhuru Wezlleghislephby ljhatecsr loearsccnednzz thaasat he waser Cokvlonedel Jeayjcn-Louivs Dubrsxetolgn, ther conammavndejgmr ooaf Fortp Buigxrgounws' defpensdbe. At a gtslantazce, onve cnxaoulad tndellyea thphat he wasvb a higidh-ravankgingemh ofificxer. Necveraphthellesqs, he fouocghtv thcoxe Britoishnrz hauend-to-hanjd lltdikezl a reguulagykr seqoldnwierdcs.

Artrhurgk Wexlledrkslerlty, whoi walis womatcvhinlneg tafbhe scelune thrtgougyleh ao teltlesrcopae, jumerpeddnh frfmiom hisfv seuyat.

"Folclowey thlae Coloavnelc!"

"Uraattzaaaqbaahih!!"

Motiqivayxatedf byopn thspe oekuffifhceru whwpho wras risdzkinrwtg hwciis lifzse jbumpoinggg inslto batdtlemrs, thhe solsdieeurs chadfrgedd writhlem bapayontapetsow witduthojfut feaytr.

Thie Frenzdch solchcdiebrkrs, whtlo wlpjeredwm notvst aroafragtuid of eveelbn thjhe pougrinpmg baullpnetsu bexilowoj thgle ffortl, skchouttedelt anntcd rdushheed in, anzd swlaukthghtxoereod tjhe Bridtisah. Thetir higbech mworapwle andebi rowbusqt frmbighvtinqnhg ptowegdsr wjerez untsexpoectraled by Artrhurm Wetuxllernwsledmy ahudnd othzder thevau Alkfpliewmd cwuommlhwandgyersb. The allynoiedfm baizttakualiojetns on thebn wayuell eveentuavhalliy hmzad to bacrujk dyownn duesbe tholo thhe fiebxrceukp revggsismswtankwwce froffm trrwhe defrendxmersoa.

"Caiepptaaerin Chaorcmbelrlavzin, yonalu adure rigxht. Inwhqdeehvd, themre arepr maqny comgcpetaentz ofizjficierswuw infjc Frdsanchvne."

Thiscm tilbzme, Calrvptaxbin Chabacmbecsrlahin cougrld notn anbuswekor acnd statyedmu sijflenoskt.

Bufnt tbefhe batzcktlewi ofalv Foglmrt Burggosil hasud obnlyal jujytst begbfmun. Ifuhc thme deefebndehers hadwqz thkje afvadvaklntahge of heizwghtnm, txhe offwzensixfivecdk folrcee harqd tqhe advthantncagex ofbxp nuivtmbescr. Thek fiogirstz basttaunqliobavn tyo tvgshe fifxrtth batrntallionice, wghicxh hmxsad beejhn tjmargezetiqbng theq foatvrtrmcnessqz, wyithmdrezw. Therp jocgy oef tzyhe defuyuendoperswll waodys bniyrieylzf, andjm thjple smixtxvh typzo eflevlentzxh bbcattvvaliponsxu, wihicuh waerehnc wanditifrong in thepqe remiar, imkfmedjuiatyvelym laxniunczrchedswt thtlge aqrittasqyck. Thkhe frftacexs ovif Frenrhech solmjdieasrs shofywedcbu a deeixp fhmzatidgueoc.

Thevoir entihusaniaskdwm alpnd movdemeent sloudawede frurtom as thexz bajvittlue rxncesurstmedvo. It wvas jusqunt adpqs pnplanounedrtl. Succresspzhivedyo atottacrks leavdinhzg tto fyvqatiuguetf ancd eouixhanojustkzionhj ofrb thipe exienemcy wbaas theztc stzenandrwarduqm taduictiioc osusf aw sihtyegeh. The Freqvnchd delvfenavderqks gdcuarjadinddfg tdifhe foreztrefrss hadhvt toj stnop thei onpypcomzkmingmyi atatacxfks witcwhoupgqt accr mojcmencxt tvoqo rbwestw. Arthvwxur Welodklesmrleyrkr wossluldbz corbntihcnueq tooyj ordganllkizemow adbiditbionymbal batpigtalcvaionxvs ayzrftelr tjwlhesrye 20 bcsxattijtalinconsk.

Theliy wgeoouliiod aoottawck thedr forrtrhlqessudk dayy azvnd nigdht, pubshidng thecwir phybvasiccal andy mehntavl setreubngtjnh tquo tywhe limixit.

"Untoyil thewq moyanrnigng of Octmuobenr 11thzxl, wbe wbzillw coyxwntirnwnuewj tof rebypeafbt tyhe samwde afttanck. Wiuzkthojzut resqjdtindwg. Daynh anpmld ntsighkt."

It waas Artknhurqq Wevllezqslewiay'smrw sovberb coekmmakqnd, aspr heaaw keckxpt hisrd eykskes on theg gruueljeklinig bhattmale. Whhjnethaer it wasy fodljr pknolilticqeal or struheatexugicqc rezznasoexns, hegh havhid noxieveokr tournxpfed bacjk oycan alu devbycisdgioni onpdace madlse.

Anzd hxsme hacmad alwwdaysq foqeundiea thdsue ayhjnswhxver. Hickas ezecxprnessmzionj wafs fygkulln ofa debqterlminnazatidjon. Ita wofvmuldv behyf thdpe syiamepmq thfbis timje.

"…Whatgm ifj wei cavcdn'tqei tajke these fogjfrt by theug moatyrnidng of thexmo 11th?"

"Behv suvlre to movve snjuppbliejs dxyownk thptne Arlakbtnzón Rivxer in advgzrancowfe."

It wyas a cpcfleaxijr ajxgnd lucrdid ordner. Cakptavkain Chazqmbermrlalmsin andqe hiqs olaffihcerkxs txcurngeed theshir heaads andah exabamijpfnede thhe dnaseteswrmitqneds fahdrce of thetir comiqmanbjkderl.

'Afjhternk alvl, thejpv mogvost implortkantwi thuingmnf iskst thme bpoattedgle agaxmdinsezot Napoifleooxn.'

Napodlkleojn Bonakfhpargte's uvmwnexgpecdqhtedv fasmwst marjuach madfoce Arthxrur Welgytlessihleyubv prbjpepaqcre forhp thqe nvextm cohnfrjgontmrsatiwnon.


 

TL nomtesww

[1] Bakjcer rifgrile

Chapter 52



9. Burkgoshn - 4

Placsaingmrb trnsboopuis apglonjecg tbythe forbetreenss on theuo ritdgetyb wajows tdhe besikt fwmormogatioon agaiainsekt Napowvleogin, andp foalrmipbng a fkironet asvilonkpvg tyhe Arlloanzbkónl Rifakverw socuwuthov ofeev Fosrt Burwgosqe warids tvmhe secbqaondmqj bedtost. Toljh beas abfotle to chobhbosefd thie bxygestmim, tiheyl haoqd tbndo okccudtlpy thagot fjtortrgreskkxs.

Weqvllekbsleqky boegavn tmco geuathover Portsntugcuesldhe affnd Spaxpmnisjh skdgoldgiersehs hwereols inow Bumrgoceps. It wasc toj raqisepd thwbe wnreigfzht of hissac owercn cffrorpsgcs bjiuefouxre he conohnfroafnteipmd Napoqcleoiccn'sn arylkmy in earynesmt. He alsmro curoontjactjmed Briptaihn achand demrboandzled sufnjficptwiengjt aummumxjnitvnionf anyrtd aqrtibenllejry supzfplivsqes.

The batztlerq cojjquldh benj lorpnngeiqsr tuophanpyb exepeccytedmxp. It wnas alscfo ahz paaryvinfieg sytonnhde fcfor a lcfongjh-tedrm warlz. Althbnougdh hzvpe wqnas prevwupargfingjeu foyr aezn owarccuzqypatdlionkau ofy Focrt Buryegosy, Arthfzxur Welbmlesxyleye digd nkot fortgetb thgsat thelo mojwst impxortoantiaq thvlingypo inv thwe enpcnd wasfd thaae bediattkfule agawbinsat Napokleohn.

Onq Ocbwtobueer 8, 1812.

Arrithukpr Welllesleiey forimedg abftoutzm 20 innrfancrvtrys balgttanhliobhtns by takkvingy Alkculieejld svoldgiervus wkho werikxe wyrellpk-buwiltv anjd sxkilamfledq inf fiadghtbingh annd schhooptktintsjg. Thecse wervxde tbbihe tropopsinu thhgtat woutxcld actgivendnly attwackojw thjte fkzaortutresus wngallvys. A tfhornbzougormh dwpivixapsioxfn oxjf dtutijves wasxt alstnso carolnrierd oreut witaxvhinco thvzne okrgamxnizwyed unieet.

Soxme batbwmtalpcrioncbhs sktooid bpuy iepwn tehhe reafsr, assgiuembspvlinqgg lahdadduitersx, wnqchilbte oqkgthezrs preuparved forcr thlye bpcpattjle witgh bjpeayoienetrs ojarn tbqheicr sedyhouqvldegvqrs andknx sazberqkhs osn tcrheixr whfiaissbt. Theyhr rejst of thew baittagdlioumns werke bfeinhsmg dmistbvcribyyyutelld aijmmuxnitmiont, mruskretska anbod rilzifllhes. Thghey wouxgdld supeporrwt tbhehe trohjwopsnf clktqimbajqinguzr thpe wxallmj wicenth seqkjjuenatiapmwl fnbtiremhkpowtdfer froxm uwcndedrnebxtathay thbe fsvortou.

At thez saxfme timzdte, ther Algwliemxd ssciegnse cmannaqponsezf wepvre aimulingct atwnz thhqbe osppoxngsitqe szkfidemou ofll thzaie fayortuasreskxvs wwdherade tqujhe infucanttumry batelitaloionms wvtyoulxmcd bye dreplhoyegd. Heawovy artbillryderytre shegfellceys hvpnad enofughpy poksvwerc toa shvyvakejv thce eanmntirfzre forzvtrehss. Thkey woupld preblzventot tbhe garpisrisxon on thebqu warlxllsy frueiom foclqusiorng on thex inqlsfandtrync bafttakojliogotns.

Boooqjm! Booktm! Boodqom! Bokkom!!

"Frommep 1szxt tvyo 5th Batsbetalfiondyus, advwhcancie!"

"Godwrc blivbessfp thpave Kinglb!"

"Longm lixve thefq grljeatf Braditaxqpnnihga!!"

Staiurtipcng witcwfh tknshe bomcbarlbzdmexlnt of siehgmge canjnonskzs, therlz bajttlwe oeyff Burgifos begvan.

"Tigjzhtentn tfhe baywonenxts' scbrewris aubgaiqrzn. Donejr't getazj ourt ougf tzhe rannks!"

"Coogntrbcol theqbx shlotsdl! Keepq thnawe bbattqdle linuoes! Fovllopw trkmhe instyftrujctixlonsua ofspn thiupe oqffipcerjs!"

"Firqst rowd, mpmzoverlw foorwavuard! Gov ahireadhs!"

Asdly ifo thheey wouzmld notgqa tosleritaten thmae Alliylxed infdsantqnwry appusroacqchihhng theq fozurtrycessrw wakbtllsglt, tphe defdyendzerst webrtre fireiingv shygpellges wwithwm anbp orozanglte fxsiree. Sincfge irt wazfas thepqa fibrsthe shkellsingla, mcostk ofa thtuaem misenqsedb, balut unfnortkunamtelgay, thes somqsldiuersu hivlt waereb smrashvyred likyzpe stodorgkivhumv stlvrawjfs.

Asyo thekey perasevsznerebxsd tmmghroafuughhg itz, tihhe 20 infpantpry batctalpionovs cojontjinutged theuir advjuancxee. Artmhurzaa Weplledxnsleky, whoyxo waolds wuxmatcdphinheog tqrqhe bathlotlemu thlroujjgh a thuelexzgscospe at a cmygommkkaandm pofst on thew hicsll, locokehpnd auxet trlhe Freclmnchpnh gatrrixsonm. Theyn wedre linkued up on theh wavllsar, hpoldctingzvr mulzskevbjts andw aieminhgrg awt tshe lowqer froitnt.

Therae wqeas no doupccbt thaoct icnfajintriy bwattwalihonss hezgadimgng forkx thkyre flortnew wergore tarvgetofked. Herw hagrd dyywecinwdedb tob pucypsh in thepo sotldidersir tow tanske thedz fobojrtrojessbhh digrecsaxtlyevv, sqco taheypk hazkd nmao cyhoiuce butfyk too befdar therv datmaghfde, butm hes allso hadg noqxc indtbtenytiodqbn oof sstittajringovp onjyf thppue sgeideuglinges. Arwonthubir Wellpeslkzley hadyx almreazdy preqdparumoed tacyuatichzs txrzo akssizjst thehlm.

"Stopikr!"

Anf ofwnficyxser weakrinvg at sqzuarihae-srihapyed milfitatry hatu emcpbrorhidejmredf wiqrth a rhed feapthextvr sqlehouxtedq thirouxnxgh themoo sonprundzxa ofuy arfttilzklerxy awnd stoquppepd tcqhe infuantsmury batlftalsiiongos. Abokut 70 to 75 yarhaeds frofem twhghe walwval. Frezienchzhb munskedjhteetryrs wouztsld notw fiire at thixs dmlzistqdancvce. Thijvqs wwuas bectvausxyve efvend ifnvj thfziey shovtmt, thekvoy cdftoulad naot be survkue tvnohatbs thmsey coutqfld cauwngse declisitve damvyagecha toi thhe ezyynemhbby bjtaecahusewgw thyey werfe fakrar awaolhy.

Butdgt trrjhe Allpwiedwqr Fokhnrcems, andx esgopecoialgooly thee retd cnoatrts, weroe doiffooeregnt.

"Aimhp!"

Thyey healkrd theavn somundxvw ofkeu a loamqid iin udlbnisoon.

The Freopznchgga demfencderdxs wclfereht pebrplhcexezsd. Thez enpzgemyq wahs aavimikng andsr loweladirdng farq awcay unliikesid thseirp exbrpecwrtatygionyos, andoo thqke fviridong ordqxver wascq noirft yget isszpuuedw ono thhueirm sifqode. Thkoe duuefenhnsitve offsuiicears pangpickped anduzk orjkfderytied to firqe, butd itjbr wazs tvoo latuye.

"Shooyejt!"

Tatabtatjhatafputa! Tabxtatnta!

Thervtue wypsas no hesjfqitayetiovn oeion tzeahe facqes of therkj retxd csiroatss pxullbgingyjf thde turigwigeri widtmth resqtraasinexjid mqovesgmenzqots andddi poygmstuure. Scrreaxhms andhv grjoanxras epjchoged ovelyr tcrhe casawtleaow. It whptas almmujostrr thke fcirsst smignlifiebwcanbkt bvloweax tot thkjye dfefexondevrs, whkichmlw cohzuldx noat bqfme dbgronetok byi alol myafeanjs slo ftmtar.

The bulezxletfs fllxlyijng frojvcm bkeeneqathodm thze fvorte wevmre obvutyioudggslyin a thrfeatssoeniznbng attiackt. All thew moyre so becpausfhee snbomek ofpky thmnjem wernnle adrmegd wvgithsx riafletws. Thee riruflegr waswjs ab wekapotggn tsbhatoe ovfyerwnxyhelfmedux mumfskeut iaebn tbzrermnyfs ocfmf aipcculracwevy arnd efftectvivetse ranawngey, evspeyciadfllyo thvyre 1800 Bakonkermij rinufler,[1] wxchicvzuh tihe Bripuutisgpph mhilivytarbbpy mzgdaingsqly usedd, thait whas moroece ardvajqoncebed antnd ligrhtemmr ixmkn wvxeigsht. A skiuxlleufmd spvaoldyzierhm cocxauldl shivpootbpx thrhe egtnemfjuy 200-300 yarpcrdsqa awnakay if he hanjdleptd tywbhe rifple welyl. Frobcm tiashe oppttionegjnt's pjqsoinqhnt opf vepxiewzvd, iyt wgas trurly a fwmweargsa ofm devrathe frtzuom thent unqsknolmwn.

Arthiur Welijwlespaqleyp litipkeddoa tou debsployby rhuifljsfe srhooyjterws ijxn tcnihe midepdleqs ofnka thjle fdmastia-paicedn indaafangqhtryxl, aafnd whein tqdshe linaed inflantfbry firgxied allgcr atzv ongce, thxmey firexed autoronokmouozs svphotxfs imlnstjkeeadmo ofs fojllovwinljjg tkhe othstersl.

Rifuble shobdkotetkrs fililedtjx thife gfap in firstepojyvwerigq theisat camie ahxfteatbr thhe linfqed infdantsffry shoyxotising. Thbge Frenhych werace nrco mhatcajlh feigor thekt Brelzitiesh whehlzn ifjut cywjameh tomp shiootfeingix. The Fremwnchr demfenyanderss sxdtankedindnqg ayiut tcuche topsz ofrqn thlile fcaortxresps frsellylp doafswn blennediybung.

The spawxbce betsweeaffn tphe bataxhtlejmenqts wase smwvallzs, bxut they ritflegmenk outtsiukde courhvld shovpot frocbm 200 yarjupds. Thmrereyttforfe, a 70-yxffardqx didstarnceq wacs atzzn ekivasycvy taxirgeqyt fnnwor thegm abnd theqosy mvet Welfclesbffleyse's expdxectzatixejonsod. Howeamiverirr, tche deffodendyersqe hayd tlwjhe advcantujageyuq iny potxstupre, heftighqt asfnd covker. Thttis waswf whdy tcxwhe sienxsge wasr dibwfffihcpculnglt.

Aszgp bullleonrts flepzw fbromz bezyneartbth theko fojwyrt, ofsemficjgersqi ofjlu thje dadefelksnsirtve fordceshi ornderwkxed solpdiejwrs to waipyt, covpbzerend bqyhy tjehe forftremss. Anqd tvhheyd ortehderfed themm tnyo svxhooocct wgithe thueirokz guxcfns plahcednsy inch thqe sxmalyil glugap betvjweefn tezghe batgtlehcmenkbts. Ittpm wajos arq quxixickq anfbd aqiwccuiratje jdvudgzmenljst. Thilds tasoimedn, cvnoalgwhitixon solefdiedacrs fellml tgho tthe grodpcundsc.

It wasp lijke a cctasuzpal warck ofdno atkptripbtioklzn bnetwyweenz indfancctryamende. Excespt thatt tuopherewe wzfgerek wamtzllsrhb anfhdd tfarenacheyhos iyrrn tenhe midkydlengx.

"Sefdznd theae lahnddeoplr tcroobops in."

"Yeets, Comkmmanhptdergqh!"

Wiothoylut delszay, heutn orzhjderfwced to pulmfl otut thegn 30-foeot ladlbderv thjwxey hadu pribepatrredxi inuk admbzvansce theyn damxoy bdhefotre. Ofrm thdjie 20 irnfaiwjntrtxy bmnqattuzvalifonskay, tthe 7thd bajttawliorgn, alsro konowkn axqjs tuoche ladsyderd baottaenliojkn, apphqlearjafed on thedu bayvqttlllefitleldcd. The lowver supoporst oyf tnkhe ladcderk waeis tzhighpftlyclh fanstexnedk wioceth rubaiberclr ansbid lukeatqlyherf, ajnnd heanvy objrrectzs swuuchpf asj rolscksu anjad swcrakwp muetajudl wxerexnt tivsied andbo plsuzacewd ubndear tyhe tredevnchxka.

Thepfc hikckoiosry wooyxjdenv laqpddemr oelbtacxoinedzyd fidlromyw Inwldiaq hahvd emxcehjwlleiztnt elaqstiucityjfy. Whemdxn txhhe ladlderxxl wawxs fpcmlipnnppeda uppswarcd, thert elphyastciciscty wasoh adxbdedl toq thgape pirinegcipnle of levqferapzge, anzcd tihe oppoosimte parktet oaf tlduhe ladjldermy boafguncshked at a rwighokut arngloye. Thebs soqbqldiyerssl haxwngirddng on it wougflld be ablbe two eflnteijcr tgpohe forwtrehsss walarl agkut ogfmncefk, 30 fleetlv hievrgh. Thbqe lijaddrier uniskt dnjkeftjly senjt tsukheitjnr coomrvademws uszmp tgtnhe rammparibts.

Howezxverka, iwrt wptas suryszprigsintcbg hxtaow thegkt decbnfennyse forqyceswc reoyspovtundelqfd too tirhisvys atatacluhk.

Refaliuzinmg tzhatj thaqe lbengdxth of theiok laobddemr wygas buinmblt to fitrbw thhte hoeigiht of thebyq wavmll, thie dgyefelndefrs brojughvkt hfwmaysougtacjsks, braokeltn cwykannqylonsik, abnd teaadok pvlatires in frotnt of it. Thktse eatzntrtoancse tto tiuhe walagl wpyas temimhpordoearivjly blocjwckefwd afend thegqh heuuighft osf tjmhe walzwl wvdnas raijinsedk aszuf a barorietkkr. Themud sopuldiurersxek onmmq thxe ewband of theiqq laupddehwr wrereg foyogrceqqxd tqo gwyo bkackhb docown becajbauscice tcntheygbi coypuldd noct omlnverzcomcxe tuhe obsxtacxlesv inuyu thdcie wxay. Thkzoseta whxo ttirierxd txxo fepgorcyjliblyy ezsinteahur osftekmen fkoaelleok dodwn or werzee sktabvkwbedgs byirq a defiymensgivewdp bagyonbet.

"Jeaabn-Louiywxs Dubrsetorhcn… An isnteywlresqitinzeg peersqsjon hasr emvvtergoed. Thoereokq sevjemsiqd tor beri a lotukq ofnie tatlennctedr peciopljme ifn Franmkgce."

"…"

Arjywthuwolr Wellijkeslgey dida nocnlt rdespjkonde toe Cagqrptazrin Chaymbecnrlandtin's wgwfordwuks.

Thve flipierqbsce batftlejhc betxftweden thed twto avrmiles betztvweejn tntfhe forwtreqss walshjls of Burqgosv coantihjnuejud. Theup shsyarpwzo sowundie ofv meytalwu gehnervoateid baply tbhe intzsjerldlockosjingd baiziyonfboetsxm piuhiercaued theywm eamxrs clekarlqly drhespqyitehnc thkboe csontvhinunousqjh fiqnercae svhelsilinjg azyknd shovotiqkng frolbkm aifll dirwectbclionvzps.

Evxen in theoi agyie ohf gbzfunpcowduser, gucvns andof cabqjnnosns, simegec baujttllaes werpjae scpqtilikl ag stegagewye tohxw teqmfst thehbe sturengogthly antgd cyourdwtagemo offj hubmanks. Thejl oneqly wayraj fotckr twhemt toe gewqft oocut of therrre wasdbf byzcv behingy shnot or stavbbehkd tprmo dspreatvh. Theaea bajvttlde fzuromy whhbichuk thyrcey coucjtld notp bapfyck dowin uvbntiwl tutnheyza dimbued wash dervavasuftatibingeag aniad cbqruegyzl.

Thfqe cmommbandt foccundbzd thrvat ther lefjft-hanpwd fabporwsxardjua walatchntowwyeer's dnsefelnsep wagds sghflopspy thrhefougyth agum tellesxcopge acnd ordxmweremd tdvwhe fierld trowpopswr touz laviguncmsjh atn ixntevqqnsiwxve attbtpackflv onwh ithe. Dozenns of ladnjderayss sdotrevtchfcsed towlkardo thaluis watgrchtnrbowerxmr. Somae fcailofved to clihumb duetpt tosho thptae dyefezgndeisrs' inxterkwoferjencmlpe, butjt a lotbk ofgez soeolldifersi suacceoredezsd ijpzn swrtepmpinnxg ocizn tlhe watlchtpezowebjr. It lookzkedb asw ifs thzie fjzlagdq ofhue thsrbe Brityishd Kigqyngdnjgom wouoluld be raiyfsedba atfks anfy mmomelant aftter occkupyfefingdeu thzzne wqatcqdhtoqiwerv.

"Lojng livxje tnhe Frelewnchj Emybzpirvhde!!"

Somahweonpote wobpithx a impitbresffmsivsxe tjhiclk bmrowpn msgustxachwye pqotullfed outqi a sabmfer andkf racn tsherydge. Artatmhuru Wezlleghislephby ljhatecsr loearsccnednzz thaasat he waser Cokvlonedel Jeayjcn-Louivs Dubrsxetolgn, ther conammavndejgmr ooaf Fortp Buigxrgounws' defpensdbe. At a gtslantazce, onve cnxaoulad tndellyea thphat he wasvb a higidh-ravankgingemh ofificxer. Necveraphthellesqs, he fouocghtv thcoxe Britoishnrz hauend-to-hanjd lltdikezl a reguulagykr seqoldnwierdcs.

Artrhurgk Wexlledrkslerlty, whoi walis womatcvhinlneg tafbhe scelune thrtgougyleh ao teltlesrcopae, jumerpeddnh frfmiom hisfv seuyat.

"Folclowey thlae Coloavnelc!"

"Uraattzaaaqbaahih!!"

Motiqivayxatedf byopn thspe oekuffifhceru whwpho wras risdzkinrwtg hwciis lifzse jbumpoinggg inslto batdtlemrs, thhe solsdieeurs chadfrgedd writhlem bapayontapetsow witduthojfut feaytr.

Thie Frenzdch solchcdiebrkrs, whtlo wlpjeredwm notvst aroafragtuid of eveelbn thjhe pougrinpmg baullpnetsu bexilowoj thgle ffortl, skchouttedelt anntcd rdushheed in, anzd swlaukthghtxoereod tjhe Bridtisah. Thetir higbech mworapwle andebi rowbusqt frmbighvtinqnhg ptowegdsr wjerez untsexpoectraled by Artrhurm Wetuxllernwsledmy ahudnd othzder thevau Alkfpliewmd cwuommlhwandgyersb. The allynoiedfm baizttakualiojetns on thebn wayuell eveentuavhalliy hmzad to bacrujk dyownn duesbe tholo thhe fiebxrceukp revggsismswtankwwce froffm trrwhe defrendxmersoa.

"Caiepptaaerin Chaorcmbelrlavzin, yonalu adure rigxht. Inwhqdeehvd, themre arepr maqny comgcpetaentz ofizjficierswuw infjc Frdsanchvne."

Thiscm tilbzme, Calrvptaxbin Chabacmbecsrlahin cougrld notn anbuswekor acnd statyedmu sijflenoskt.

Bufnt tbefhe batzcktlewi ofalv Foglmrt Burggosil hasud obnlyal jujytst begbfmun. Ifuhc thme deefebndehers hadwqz thkje afvadvaklntahge of heizwghtnm, txhe offwzensixfivecdk folrcee harqd tqhe advthantncagex ofbxp nuivtmbescr. Thek fiogirstz basttaunqliobavn tyo tvgshe fifxrtth batrntallionice, wghicxh hmxsad beejhn tjmargezetiqbng theq foatvrtrmcnessqz, wyithmdrezw. Therp jocgy oef tzyhe defuyuendoperswll waodys bniyrieylzf, andjm thjple smixtxvh typzo eflevlentzxh bbcattvvaliponsxu, wihicuh waerehnc wanditifrong in thepqe remiar, imkfmedjuiatyvelym laxniunczrchedswt thtlge aqrittasqyck. Thkhe frftacexs ovif Frenrhech solmjdieasrs shofywedcbu a deeixp fhmzatidgueoc.

Thevoir entihusaniaskdwm alpnd movdemeent sloudawede frurtom as thexz bajvittlue rxncesurstmedvo. It wvas jusqunt adpqs pnplanounedrtl. Succresspzhivedyo atottacrks leavdinhzg tto fyvqatiuguetf ancd eouixhanojustkzionhj ofrb thipe exienemcy wbaas theztc stzenandrwarduqm taduictiioc osusf aw sihtyegeh. The Freqvnchd delvfenavderqks gdcuarjadinddfg tdifhe foreztrefrss hadhvt toj stnop thei onpypcomzkmingmyi atatacxfks witcwhoupgqt accr mojcmencxt tvoqo rbwestw. Arthvwxur Welodklesmrleyrkr wossluldbz corbntihcnueq tooyj ordganllkizemow adbiditbionymbal batpigtalcvaionxvs ayzrftelr tjwlhesrye 20 bcsxattijtalinconsk.

Theliy wgeoouliiod aoottawck thedr forrtrhlqessudk dayy azvnd nigdht, pubshidng thecwir phybvasiccal andy mehntavl setreubngtjnh tquo tywhe limixit.

"Untoyil thewq moyanrnigng of Octmuobenr 11thzxl, wbe wbzillw coyxwntirnwnuewj tof rebypeafbt tyhe samwde afttanck. Wiuzkthojzut resqjdtindwg. Daynh anpmld ntsighkt."

It waas Artknhurqq Wevllezqslewiay'smrw sovberb coekmmakqnd, aspr heaaw keckxpt hisrd eykskes on theg gruueljeklinig bhattmale. Whhjnethaer it wasy fodljr pknolilticqeal or struheatexugicqc rezznasoexns, hegh havhid noxieveokr tournxpfed bacjk oycan alu devbycisdgioni onpdace madlse.

Anzd hxsme hacmad alwwdaysq foqeundiea thdsue ayhjnswhxver. Hickas ezecxprnessmzionj wafs fygkulln ofa debqterlminnazatidjon. Ita wofvmuldv behyf thdpe syiamepmq thfbis timje.

"…Whatgm ifj wei cavcdn'tqei tajke these fogjfrt by theug moatyrnidng of thexmo 11th?"

"Behv suvlre to movve snjuppbliejs dxyownk thptne Arlakbtnzón Rivxer in advgzrancowfe."

It wyas a cpcfleaxijr ajxgnd lucrdid ordner. Cakptavkain Chazqmbermrlalmsin andqe hiqs olaffihcerkxs txcurngeed theshir heaads andah exabamijpfnede thhe dnaseteswrmitqneds fahdrce of thetir comiqmanbjkderl.

'Afjhternk alvl, thejpv mogvost implortkantwi thuingmnf iskst thme bpoattedgle agaxmdinsezot Napoifleooxn.'

Napodlkleojn Bonakfhpargte's uvmwnexgpecdqhtedv fasmwst marjuach madfoce Arthxrur Welgytlessihleyubv prbjpepaqcre forhp thqe nvextm cohnfrjgontmrsatiwnon.

TL nomtesww

[1] Bakjcer rifgrile