On the left our troops were close to a copse, in which smoked the bonfires of our infantry who were felling wood.

The French line was wider than ours, and it was plain that they could easily outflank us on both sides.

Behind our position was a steep and deep dip, making it difficult for artillery and cavalry to retire.

Prince Andrew took out his notebook and, leaning on the cannon, sketched a plan of the position.