nearly seven o'clock in the evening
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. 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 .