When they came within two furlongs of the bridge, the army separated, the chief body remaining with M.d'Elbee and the remainder going on with M.de Lescure towards the town.

The road turns a little before it reaches the bridge over the Thoue, and up to this point, the Vendeans, in their progress, were tolerably protected from the guns of the town; but immediately they turned upon the bridge, they became exposed to a tremendous fire.

The men at once perceived this and hesitated to cross the river; two of the foremost of their men fell as they put their feet upon the bridge.
De Lescure had marched from the camp at the head of his men.

Father Jerome was on his right hand, and Stofflet and Adolphe Denot at his left.

Henri had asked his friend to accompany him in the attack which he was to make near the river, but Adolphe had excused himself, alleging that he had a great dislike to the water, and that he would in preference accompany Charles de Lescure.