rst Corps would have dangerously
exposed my right flank. And, further, I learned from the French
Commander in Chief that he was strongly reinforcing the Sixth French
Army on my left, with the intention of bringing up the allied left to
attack the enemy's flank, and thus compel his retirement. I therefore
sent the Sixth Division to join the Third Corps, with orders to keep it
on the south side of the river, as it might be available in general
reserve.

On the 17th, 18th, and 19th the whole of our line was heavily bombarded,
and the First Corps was constantly and heavily engaged. On the afternoon
of the 17th the right flank of the First Division was seriously
threatened. A counter-attack was made by the Northamptonshire Regiment
in combination with the Queen's, and one battalion of the Divisional
Reserve was moved up in support. The Northamptonshire Regiment, under
cover of mist, crept up to within a hundred yards of the enemy's
trenches and charged with the bayonet, driving them out of the trenches
and up the hill. A very strong force of hostile infantry was then
disclosed on the crest line. This new line was enfiladed by part of the
Queen's and the King's Royal Rifles, which wheeled to their left on the
extreme right of our infantry line, and were supported by a squadron of
cavalry on their outer flank. The enemy's attack was ultimately driven
back with heavy loss.

On the 18th, during the night, the Gloucestershire Regiment advanced
from their position near Chivy, filled in the enemy's trenches, and
captured two Maxim guns.

On the extreme right the Queen's were heavily attacked, but the enemy
was repulsed with great loss. About midnight the attack was renewed on
the First Division, supported by artillery fire, but was again
repulsed.

Shortly after midnight an attack was made on the left of the Second
Division with considerable force, which was also thrown back.

At about 1 P.M. on the 19th the Second Division drove back a heavy
infantry attack strongly supported by artillery fire. At dusk the attack
was renewed and again repulsed.

On the 18th I discussed with the General Officer commanding the Second
Army Corps and his divisional commanders the possibility of driving the
enemy out of Conde, which lay between his two divisions, and seizing the
bridge, which has remained throughout in his possession.

As, however, I found that the bridge was closely commanded from all
points on the south side, and that satisf