No one can say that you have not done your duty to your country to the utmost, or can blame you for now doing what you can for your family." Just as they neared La Fleche, a squadron of the enemy's cavalry fell upon the rear of the column.

They killed many of the fugitives, but were too small in number to threaten the safety of the column, which kept on until it reached the bridge across the Loir.

This had been broken down, but fire was opened against the cannon planted on the other side.

The gunboats that were guarding the river were driven away; and a party, moving up the bank, found two little boats, and began to cross.
A detachment of Republicans hurried to attack them; but the Loir, an affluent of the Loire, was narrow, and the musketry fire of the main body drove them away, until two or three hundred men had crossed.

La Rochejaquelein went over and took the command, and on their advance the Republicans took to their heels.