Our first step must be to name some one whom we can all
obey. We all know that the army cannot act in unison without one
absolute Commander. He who was lately our Commander has fallen in the
performance of his duty. Our dear friend Bonchamps is no more. Had I
escaped from that awful battle unwounded, it is not improbable that you
might have chosen me to undertake the now unenviable duty of guiding a
broken army. You will not accuse a dying man of vanity in saying so;
but, gentlemen, you all see that such a chance is now impossible. My
wound is mortal. A few days, perhaps a few hours, and I shall be removed
from this anxious, painful, all but hopeless conflict, in which you, my
friends, must still engage; in which some of you will probably fall. I
cannot suffer with you future reverses, or lead you to future triumphs;
but, if you will allow me, I will use my last breath in naming to you
one, whom, I believe, every peasant in La Vendee, and every gentleman
engaged in the cause, will follow, if it be necessary, to death.
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