3-021-325 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Review before the Emperor and the Prince of Wales in the Bois de Boulogne, Paris, 1869. '...the troops...comprised four brigades of cavalry, two regiments of artillery, and a couple of batteries, including the light cavalry of the Imperial Guard and of the first corps, chasseurs a cheval, guides, hussars, and cuirassiers. The Emperor came on the ground, accompanied by the Prince of Wales, the Prince Imperial, the Archduke of Austria, and Marshals Canrobert, Niel, and Regnault Saint-Jean d'Angély...On their arrival the trumpets sounded, arms were presented from one end of the plain to the other, sabres were drawn, and salutes duly made...The word of command was given, and an entire brigade advanced at full gallop; this charge was followed by a second, then by a third, and the entire plain seemed in motion, while trumpets sound, horses neigh, and officers shout the word of command...All the brigades having executed their charges, it is now the turn of the artillery to manoeuvre. The cannons rattle along at a gallop till they arrive in front of the hillock, where aim is taken, and they are discharged...The review comes to an end with the march past, the troops shouting at the top of their voices, "Vive l'Empereur!".' From "Illustrated London News", 1869.