The republican soldiers had been attacked and utterly routed; most of them were now prisoners in the town; those who had escaped had retreated to Saumur, and even they had left their arms behind them.
All this good fortune greatly inspirited the Vendeans.

The men talked with the utmost certainty of what they would do when they were masters of Saumur.

Cathelineau had brought with him the celebrated cannon of St.
Florent, 'Marie Jeanne,' and she now stood in the market place of Done, covered with ribbons and flowers.

Many of the men had never hitherto seen this wonderful piece of artillery, and they hastened to look at it.
'Marie Jeanne' that night was patted, kissed, and caressed by thousands.
Cathelineau was equally the object of their admiration; every peasant who had not yet seen him, hurried to gaze on him; and after his arrival in Doue, he was two hours employed in a military operation, hitherto undertaken, I believe, by no other general: he was endeavouring to shake hands with every man in the army.

Chapeau here was again of great use, for he stood at Cathelineau's elbow, and hurried the men away as soon as they touched his hand.