Chapter VI

La Haye-Sainte strengthened by the enemy, who drive our riflemen
from the knoll and sand-pit, and throw a crashing fire upon our
front troops, who return it with vigour.—The enemy push forward,
between La Haye-Sainte and our position, some guns that fire
grape, but are soon dislodged.—Destructive fire of our rifles upon
the cuirassiers.—Our guards and Halkett’s brigade assailed by
skirmishers, who are driven off.—Prussian force in the field.—The
Prussians approach Plancenoit.—De Lobau falls back.—Prussian
round-shot fall at La Belle-Alliance.—The young guard sent to
Plancenoit.—Blücher informed of Thielmann’s corps left at Wavre
being vigorously attacked.—Desperate struggle at Plancenoit, which
is reinforced by the enemy, when the whole Prussian force is driven
back.—Onset follows onset.—The Duke, by aid of his telescope, looks
for the Prussians.—Hougoumont continues a scene of carnage.—Our
centre suffers dreadfully from the crowds of skirmishers who now
press on in swarms.—French battery pushed forward, and dislodged by
one of ours.—The 30th and 73d colours sent to the rear.—The Duke
is coolness personified.—The troops murmur to be led on to try the
effect of cold steel.—The Prussians keep up a cannonade.—Our line
remains firm.—More Prussians swarming along.—Napoleon’s doom soon
to be sealed.—Imperial guard formed into columns of attack.—Many
of our guns rendered useless.—Disorder in our rear.—Our army much
reduced; those left are determined to conquer or perish.—Vivian
and Vandeleur’s brigades move from the left to the centre, which
gives confidence to the few brave fellows remaining.—His Grace
observes the enemy forming for attack, and makes preparations to
receive the coming storm.—Colonel Freemantle sent in search of
the Prussians.—Our centre continues a duelling ground.—Gallant
conduct of the prince of Orange, who is wounded.—The Nassau-men
and Brunswickers give way in confusion; Wellington gallops up, and
aided by Vivian, Kielmansegge and other officers, puts all right
again. 97