It was necessary to take advantage of this critical moment to attack the insurgents, even had they been regular troops.

But the blood about to flow was French; it was therefore for these misguided people, already guilty of rebellion, to embrue their hands in the blood of their countrymen by striking the first blow.
"At a quarter before five o'clock the insurgents had formed.

The attack was commenced by them on all sides.

They were everywhere routed.

French blood was spilled: the crime, as well as the disgrace, fell this day upon the Sections.
"Among the dead were everywhere to be recognized emigrants, landowners, and nobles; the prisoners consisted for the most part of the 'chouans' of Charette.
"Nevertheless the Sections did not consider themselves beaten: they took refuge in the church of St.Roch, in the theatre of the Republic, and in the Palais Egalite; and everywhere they were heard furiously exciting the inhabitants to arms.