Chapter V

Difficulties encountered by the Prussians on their march from
Wavre; a portion of them are about debouching.—Blücher encourages
them by his presence.—The Duke had been in constant communication
with the Prussians, who take advantage of Napoleon’s neglecting
to protect his right.—Two brigades of Bulow’s corps advance
upon the French right.—A Prussian battery opens fire.—Cavalry
demonstrations.—Napoleon orders De Lobau’s (sixth) corps to his
right, to oppose the Prussians, and brings the old and middle
guard forward.—Bulow extends his line and presses on.—De Lobau’s
guns exchange a brisk cannonade with the Prussian batteries.—La
Haye-Sainte again assailed and set on fire, which was got
under.—Loss of a colour.—Destructive fire of our battery upon the
French cavalry.—Our artillery suffer dreadfully from that of the
enemy.—Hanoverian cavalry quit the field.—A column of the enemy’s
infantry advances and is driven back.—Chassé’s division called
back from Braine-l’Alleud.—Lord Hill’s troops brought forward, a
sight quite reviving.—Struggle at Hougoumont continued.—Adam’s
brigade attacks, drives back the enemy, and takes up an advanced
position.—La Haye-Sainte taken by the French.—The 52d regiment in
line repulses a charge of cuirassiers.—General Foy’s eulogium on
our infantry.—Napoleon’s snappish reply to Ney’s demand. 85