The rapid advance of the republican troops made them think it expedient to try the chance of battle with them at once.

They had consequently led out their patriot bands as far as Cholet, and had there, after a murderous conflict, been grievously worsted.

No men could have fought better than did the Vendean peasants, for now they had joined some degree of discipline and method to their accustomed valour; but the number of their enemies was too great for them, and they consisted of the best soldiers of whom France could boast.

The Vendeans, moreover, could not choose their own battle-field.

They could not fight as they had been accustomed to do, from behind hedges, and with every advantage of locality on their side.