In appearance the French were masters of the position.
Their masses of cavalry hid the British squares from sight. The
British cavalry were too weak to charge, and most of the guns were in
the possession of the French; but the latter's infantry were far away,
and after sustaining the fire of the squares for a long time, the
cavalry began to draw off. Lord Uxbridge now endeavored to persuade
the Cumberland Hanoverian Hussars, who had not so far been engaged, to
charge; but instead of obeying orders they turned and rode off, and
never drew bridle until they reached Brussels, where they reported
that the British army had been destroyed.
Adams' brigade were now brought up from the reserve, and drove back
the French infantry and cavalry who had come up to the top of the
crest beyond Hougoumont. On the other side Ney sent a column against
La Haye Sainte. The Germans made a gallant stand; but they were cut
off from all assistance, outnumbered, and were altogether without
ammunition; and although they defended themselves with their bayonets
to the end, they were slain almost to a man, and La Haye Sainte was
captured at last. But beyond this the French could not advance; and
though column after column moved forward to the attack on the crest,
they were each and all beaten back.
It was now nearly seven o'clock in the evening, and the Prussians were
engaged at St.
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