India 2001 books

Cathelineau's men, who were intended to form the centre of the attack
on the next morning, were placed just to the right of the road, but
their baggage and cannons had not been moved from it; in fact, they were
nearly mixed with M. de Lescure's men; whereas M. d'Elbee's portion of
the army was removed a good deal further to the right, and was placed
immediately on the banks of the river Thoue. The camp at Varin, which
was to be attacked, was situated between the river and the road to
Saumur. In Cathelineau's division there were some few who understood the
plan which had been decided on, and some others who knew that they
should not move without orders, and they did what they could to prevent
their companions from joining the rush made by M. de Lescure's party;
but their efforts were nearly in vain. Every man learnt in the confusion
that the attack was to be made on Saumur that night, and no man wished
to be left behind.
"Come friends, let us follow 'le Mouchoir Rouge;' he never meant, I am
sure, to leave us here," said the spokesman of one party.


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