Unfortunately, however, he was himself sorely pressed, by several columns of the enemy, and was with difficulty holding his own.

The great opportunity was therefore lost, never to return.
The castle of Saumur was still in the hands of the Blues.

Five hundred of the National Guards of the town, and about the same number of men of different regiments, threw themselves into it before the Vendeans entered, carrying with them what provisions they could lay hands upon.

The wives of the National Guards soon surrounded the chateau, crying to their friends to surrender; and asserting that, if they did not do so, the Vendeans would give the town over to pillage and fire.

For a time the commandant resisted their entreaties but, feeling that his position was desperate, and that there was no hope of relief, he surrendered.
In the morning the garrison marched out.