ten o'clock
The fact that the Vendeans were advancing against them was already known to Leigonyer for , confident as they now felt , the Vendeans made no secret of their destination , and the news was speedily carried by the adherents of the Convention , who everywhere acted as spies . Three such men were captured by Leigh 's party , making their way to Leigonyer ; and , being unable to give any account of themselves , were immediately shot . Leigh had no difficulty in ascertaining the position of the enemy and , as the army was but two hours ' march in the rear , he himself rode back to carry the news . At ten o'clock the Vendeans arrived , and at once attacked the Blues ; their main column throwing itself upon the centre of the position , which it speedily forced . Leigonyer 's troops at Rochette and Verches were thereby threatened in flank ; and Leigonyer , who was himself present , ordered the whole force to fall back to a position which he had before chosen as being favourable for giving battle behind Doue . But the Vendeans pressed forward with such eagerness that the retreat speedily degenerated into a rout ; and the troops , for the most part throwing away their arms , fled precipitately , carrying the reserve with them to Bourlan , a strong position in front of Saumur , where General Menou was stationed , and where he succeeded in rallying them . Leigonyer , having from his previous experience great doubts as to whether he should be successful in his stand against the Vendeans , had taken the precaution to send back the waggons with the munitions and stores , together with the artillery .