We can almost always choose our own ground, which is an enormous advantage in a country like this.

It is very fortunate that it is so, for we certainly could not raise a body of cavalry that could stand against those of the line; but in these lanes and thickets they have no superiority in that respect, for no general would be fool enough to send cavalry into places where they would be at the mercy of an unseen foe.

At the same time, I must own that I regretted today that we had no mounted force.

With but a squadron or two of my old regiment, not a man of Leigonyer's force would have escaped; for the country here is open enough to use them, and I should certainly have had no compunction in cutting down the rascals who are always shouting for blood, and yet are such arrant cowards that they fly without firing a shot." The day after the capture of Bressuire the Vendeans marched against Thouars, to which town Quetineau had retreated with his force.
Thouars was the only town in La Vendee which was still walled.

The fortifications were in a dilapidated condition, but nevertheless offered a considerable advantage to a force determined upon a desperate resistance.