Picton orders forward to meet approaching French columns the 42nd and the 92nd in farm land between the two woods at Quatre Bras.
Part of the account of that day written by Sgt James Anton of the 42nd.
"The stalks of Rye, like some reeds that grow on the margins of some swamp, opposed our advance, the tops were up to our bonnets and we strode and groped our way through as fast as we could.
By the time we reached the field of clover on the other side were very much straggled: however we united in line as fast as time and our speedy advance would permit.
The Belgic skirmishers retired through our ranks and in an instant we were on their victorious pursuers. Our sudden appearance seemed to paralyse their advance. The singular appearance of our dress, combined no doubt with our sudden debut, tended to stagger their resolution: we were on them, our pieces were loaded and our bayonets glittered, eager to drink their blood. Those who had so proudly driven the Belgians before them turned now to fly... we drove on so fast that we almost like a mob and Marshal Ney, who commanded the enemy, observed our wild unguarded zeal and ordered a Regiment of Lancers to bear down on us.... we took them for Brunswickers."
The 42nd were now dead ground in an open field and still in line.
A German staff officer galloped past shouting to the men that the Cavalry approaching were not Brunswickers but French.
Sgt Anton again. " We instantly formed a rallying square; no time for particularity; every mans piece was loaded and our enemies approached at full charge."
