at Chalons.
Against his own better judgment the Emperor yielded to political considerations--that mill-stone around the neck of the French army in 1870--and decided to strike out to the north with MacMahon's army, and by way of Montmedy stretch a hand to Bazaine, who, on his side, was expected to make for that rendezvous.

On the 21st, therefore, they marched to Reims.

There the Emperor received a despatch which Bazaine had been able to get through the enemies' lines on the 19th, stating that the Germans were making their way in on Metz, but that he (Bazaine) hoped to break away towards Montmedy and so join MacMahon's army.

(This, it will be observed, was _after_ Gravelotte had been lost.) Napoleon III.

thereupon replied: "Received yours of the 19th at Reims; am going towards Montmedy; shall be on the Aisne the day after to-morrow, and there will act according to circumstances to come to your aid." Bazaine did not receive this message until August 30, and then made only two weak efforts to break out on the north (August 31-September 1).