L'Echelle, coming up, arrested the further advance of the division of Chalbos.

Savary rode back in haste, to implore l'Echelle to order Chalbos to move to the right and attack the left flank of the enemy; but by this time the unfortunate wretch had completely lost his head and, instead of giving Chalbos orders to advance, ordered him to retreat, and himself fled in all haste.
Two columns, that were posted a few miles in the rear, received no orders whatever, and remained all day waiting for them.

Kleber, seeing the division of Chalbos retiring in great disorder, felt that success was now impossible; and placed two battalions not yet engaged at the bridge, to cover the retreat.

But the panic was spreading, his orders were disobeyed, and the veterans of Mayence, as well as the divisions of Beaupuy, broke their ranks and fled.
In vain the officers endeavoured to stay the flight.

The panic was complete.