There was much policy in the fearful cruelty of the Jacobins; it was the only means by which they could have retained their power for a month.
The republicans marched on from Saumur to Montreuil, and from Montreuil to Thouars, and still found no one in arms to oppose them.

Here they separated; a small party, headed by Santerre and Denot, penetrated at once from Thouars into the Bocage, and made for the chateau of Durbelliere.

It was believed that both de Lescure and Larochejaquelin were there, and Santerre expected that by hurrying across the country with a small force, he would be able to take them both and burn the chateau, and afterwards rejoin Westerman at Chatillon.

Barrere, whose duties were not strictly those of a soldier, had not accompanied the army beyond Saumur.

Westerman and the main body of the army still continued southward till they reached Parthenay, from which place it was his intention to proceed through the revolted district, burning every village; utterly destroying the towns which had not proved themselves devoted to the Republic, and slaughtering the peasants, their wives, and children wherever he could find them.
The Vendeans had not yet sufficiently matured their plans to enable them to encounter successfully the republican army.