Lambert, Napoleon having detached Lobau's corps to
arrest their progress. Their march had been a terrible one. They had
to traverse country roads softened by the rain; the men were up to
their ankles in mud, guns and carriages stuck fast, and it was not
until after tremendous efforts that the leading squadron of their
cavalry passed through the wood of Wavre and came in view of the
battle that was raging. It was then past four o'clock, and another
hour passed before any considerable number of infantry arrived. It was
at this time Napoleon sent Lobau against them. He was able for a time
to resist their advance; but as fresh troops came up from the rear the
Prussians began to win their way forward, and Napoleon was obliged to
send two more divisions of the Young Guard to check them.
He now saw that all was lost unless he could, before the whole of the
Prussian army arrived, break down the resistance of the British. He
therefore prepared for a final effort. Ney was to collect all his
infantry, and, advancing past La Haye Sainte, to fall upon the center
of the British line. The guard, who had hitherto been held in reserve,
was to pass Hougoumont and attack the left center. The cavalry were to
follow in support.
A cannonade even more heavy and terrible than before, for the guns of
the reserve had been brought up, opened upon the British, and the
squares were now melting away fast.
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