one o'clock
But the defense still continued , until Lord Saltoun , repulsing a desperate attack , and reinforced by two companies which came down the hill to his assistance , drove the enemy back and recaptured the orchard . This desperate conflict had lasted for three hours . While it was going on Ney led twenty thousand men against the center and left of the British position , advancing as usual in heavy column . Just as they were setting out at one o'clock Napoleon discovered the Prussians advancing . He sent off a despatch to Grouchy ordering him to move straight upon the field of battle ; but that general did not receive it until seven in the evening , when the fight was nearly over . It was just two when the columns poured down the hill , their attack heralded by a terrific fire upon the British line opposed to them . The slaughter among Picton 's division was great ; but although the Dutch and Hanoverians were shaken by the iron hail , they stood their ground .