Chapter IV

Hougoumont reinforced, the enemy driven back.—The enemy’s
cavalry charge, and are driven off.—Struggle in the orchard
continued.—Advance of a column of French infantry, who suffer
and are checked by the terrific fire of our battery.—Napoleon
directs his howitzers upon Hougoumont, which is soon set on
fire; notwithstanding, the Duke ordered it to be held at any
cost.—La Haye-Sainte again assailed.—A _ruse_ of the enemy’s
lancers.—Fire of the enemy’s artillery increases.—Importance of
our advanced posts.—Ney’s grand cavalry attacks; destructive
fire of our guns upon them, and their gallantry.—After numerous
fruitless attempts against our squares, the enemy get mixed; are
broken, and driven back by our cavalry.—Their artillery again
open fire upon us.—Extraordinary scene of warfare.—An ammunition
waggon in a blaze.—The earth trembles with the concussion of the
artillery.—Ney, reinforced with cavalry, continues his aggressions,
and, as before, after repeated fruitless attacks, the assailants
are driven off.—Terrific fire of artillery.—Not so many saddles
emptied by our musketry as expected.—The enemy’s attacks less
frequent and animated.—Captain Siborne’s lively description of
Ney’s grand cavalry attack. 73