teau
of Laon, in order to form there on the same line with Blucher, who was
once more in presence, and eager to concentrate all his force for a
decisive conflict.

It took place on the 9th. Napoleon found his enemy strongly posted along
an elevated ridge, covered with wood, and further protected in front by
a succession of terrace-walls, the enclosures of vineyards. There was a
heavy mist on the lower ground, and the French were advancing up the
hill ere their movement was discovered. They were met by a storm of
cannonade which utterly broke their centre. On either flank of the
enemy's position they then charged in succession, and with like results.
On all points they were repelled, except only at the village of Athies,
where Marmont had obtained some advantage. Night interrupted the
contest, and the armies bivouacked in full view of each other. The
Allies, in consequence of their well-covered position, had suffered
comparatively little; of the French some thousands had died--and all in
vain. Napoleon was, however, resolved to renew the attack, and mounted
his horse accordingly at four in the morning of the 10th. At that moment
news came that Marmont's corps had just been assaulted at Athies, and so
thoroughly discomfited that they were now flying in confusion towards
Corbery. Notwithstanding this ominous opening, the battle in front of
Laon was continued all the day. But the tide of fortune had turned, and
could not be resisted. On the 11th, Napoleon commenced his retreat,
having lost thirty cannon and ten thousand men.

Soissons had been evacuated by the Allies when concentrating themselves
for the battle of Laon. Napoleon threw himself, therefore, into that
town, and was making his best efforts to strengthen it, in expectation
of the Prussian advance, when once more a messenger of evil tidings
reached him. A detached Russian corps, commanded by St. Priest, a French
emigrant, had seized Rheims by a coup-de-main. The possession of this
city (as a glance at any good map will show) could hardly fail to
re-establish Blucher's communications with Schwartzenberg--and Napoleon
instantly marched thither in person, leaving Marmont to hold out as well
as he could at Soissons, in case that should be the direction of
Blucher's march. Buonaparte, moving with his usual rapidity, came
unexpected on Rheims, and took the place by assault at midnight. St.
Priest had fallen; and the bulletin announced that he met his fate by a
ball fr