The latter, however, made no stay, but continued their march towards Chataigneraie.

The town was held by General Chalbos, with three thousand men.

After two hours' fighting Chalbos, seeing that his retreat was menaced, fell back.
He took up a position at Fontenay, where he was joined by General Sandoz, from Niort.

The country around the town was unfavourable for the Vendeans, being a large plain, and the result was disastrous to them.

The Republicans were strong in cavalry, and a portion of these fell on the flank of the Vendeans, while the remainder charged them in rear.