"We will start for Saumur.

We will not lie here while others are in the battle." These were men from the neighbourhood of Durbelliere, who were now placed under the orders of M.de Lescure; but who conceived that, as their lord and master was gone before them, it must be their duty to follow.

The word was passed from one to another, and the whole body of them was soon in motion.

It must be remembered that they were, in no respect, similar to disciplined troops; they had received no military instruction, and did not therefore, know, that they were doing wrong in following their own master; they were in receipt of no pay; amenable to no authority, and consequently afraid of no penalties; their only idea was to do the best they could for the cause, to fight with courage and perseverance, and to trust to God for the result: it was not, therefore, wondering that, in the present instance, they so completely mistook their duty.
Cathelineau's men, who were intended to form the centre of the attack on the next morning, were placed just to the right of the road, but their baggage and cannons had not been moved from it; in fact, they were nearly mixed with M.de Lescure's men; whereas M.d'Elbee's portion of the army was removed a good deal further to the right, and was placed immediately on the banks of the river Thoue.

The camp at Varin, which was to be attacked, was situated between the river and the road to Saumur.