Nothing could be more complete than the success of the Vendeans, not only in the town of Laval, but also outside the gate; nor could any error be more fatal than that committed by the republican General, Lechelle. Previous to this day he had never been worsted since he had been sent from Paris with orders to exterminate¹ the Vendeans; he had driven them from Chatillon, their own chosen position in the centre of their own territory across the Loire; and he had rashly conceived that he had only to show himself before Laval again, to scare them from their resting-place, and scatter² them farther from their own homes. He had marched his army up to Laval early on the morning of the fight; and his best men, the redoubtable³ Mayen莽ais, indignant at the treatment which a few of their brethren had received from Denot’s followers⁵ on the previous day, marched boldly into the town, conceiving that they had only to show themselves to take possession of it. The result has been told. One half of these veteran troops fell in the streets of Laval—many of the remainder were taken alive; a few only escaped to consummate⁶ their disgrace by flying towards Antr芒mes at their quickest speed, spreading panic among the republican troops who had not yet come up close to the town.