He generally wore a sort of uniform, with a red sash round his waist, which was the distinguishing badge of the officers; but had always adopted a peasant dress, on setting out on an expedition.

There was no one to announce him, and he entered a room where the leaders were sitting round a table.
They looked up in surprise.

He was grimed with the dust, which had risen in clouds as he drove along, and his clothes bore signs of their immersion.
"Back again, monsieur ?" Cathelineau exclaimed, "and with news, no doubt." "Very important news, sir.

I have been in Saumur, and have learned that an officer has started for Thouars, by way of Loudun, with orders to General Salomon to march instantly into Saumur, and that he is to arrive there tonight.

I left the town five minutes after the messenger.