midday
La Rochejaquelein went over and took the command , and on their advance the Republicans took to their heels . Rochejaquelein then recrossed , and drove off the cavalry that were harrassing the rear . Working desperately , a strong party threw beams across the broken bridge , and the Vendeans occupied the town at daybreak . The weary fugitives slept till midday , when the enemy 's cavalry reappeared ; but Rochejaquelein with some mounted gentlemen attacked and defeated them , and pursued them for some distance . In the evening a force under Chalbos approached the town , but the Vendeans sallied out and speedily scattered them . They then broke down the bridge that they had repaired , and started for Le Mans ; which they captured after three-quarters of an hour 's fighting . Two days later , Kleber was in front of the town .