Napoleon Bonaparte

“ You will sufficiently perceive the importance attached to the capture of Brussels. That will otherwise give occasion to incidents: for a movement equally prompt and abrupt will isolate the English Army from Mons, Ostend, &c. I would desire that your dispositions may be well made that, at the first Order, your eight Divisions may march rapidly and without obstacle upon Brussels. ”

“ The Corps of the Count De Valmy, which has 3,000 Cuirassiers d'Élite, at the intersection of the Roman road with that of Brussels in order that I may draw it to myself if I should have need of it; as soon as my decision is made, you will send him the Order to rejoin you. I would desire to have with me the Division of the Guard commanded by General Lefèbvre Desnouettes, and I send you the two Divisions of the Corps of the Count De Valmy to replace it. ”

“ My intention is that, immediately after I shall have made my decision, you may be ready to march on Brussels. I will support you with the Guard which will be at Fleurus or at Sombref; and I would desire to arrive at Brussels tomorrow morning. You would march this evening even if I make my decision at a sufficiently early hour that you may be informed of it in daylight, and traverse this evening three or four leagues, and foe at Brussels tomorrow at seven o'clock in the morning. ”