The peasants had conceived themselves invincible,
and they were struck with consternation to find they were liable to
repulse and defeat. Early on the following morning, another council of
war was held, but the spirits and hopes of the Generals had been greatly
damped.
CHAPTER IX
THE BISHOP OF AGRA.
On this occasion the meeting of the leaders was kept strictly secret;
none were admitted but those who were known to be the chosen chiefs of
the Vendeans; it consisted of Cathelineau, de Lescure, Larochejaquelin,
d'Elbee, Stofflet, and Father Jerome. They had been closeted together
about an hour and a half, when Father Jerome left the room, and rode off
towards Thouars, on the best horse which could be found for him; no one
seemed to know where or for what he was going, though much anxiety was
expressed on the subject. Those who knew him, were well aware that he
was not about to desert the cause in its first reverse. In the meantime,
the Generals tried to reassure the men. Cathelineau explained to them
that they had brought on themselves the evils which they now suffered
by their absurd attempt to act without orders; and de Lescure and
Larochejaquelin endeavoured to rouse their energies by pointing out to
them the necessity of recovering their favourite cannon.
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