The most illustrious names of France, whether for station or valor, were in the officers' list of this select army.

Nevers and Montpensier, Enghien and Conde, Vendome and Rochefoucauld, were already there, and now the Constable and the Admiral came to add the strength of their experience and lofty reputation to sustain the courage of the troops.

The French were at Pierrepoint, a post between Champagne and Picardy, and in its neighborhood.

The Spanish army was at Vervins, and threatening Guise.

It had been the opinion in France that the enemy's intention was to invade Champagne, and the Duc de Nevers, governor of that province, had made a disposition of his forces suitable for such a contingency.