one o'clock
The next morning the Republicans entered Chollet , which they found deserted by the enemy . On the seventeenth , their whole force being now concentrated there , they were about to move forward towards Beaupreau ; when the advanced guard was hotly attacked and , in a short time , the combat became general . For a time the Vendeans bore down all opposition , but as the whole of the Republican force came into action , their advance was arrested . The battle began soon after one o'clock . It raged without intermission till nightfall . No decisive advantage had been gained on either side , and the result was still doubtful , when a panic took place among the multitude of noncombatants in the rear of the Vendeans . The cry was raised , `` To the Loire ! ''