The
balloon descended but a short distance from thee scene of the engagement
and was found to contain a man named Du Norof. He had with him
dispatches from Paris which was then besieged. Their next engagement was
at Martes. They were then under command of General Mocquard, a brave
soldier who was always seen well to the front mounted on a little wiry
Arab steed. Soon after this engagement the company, to which many new
faces had been added to fill up the gaps caused by the shot and shells
of the enemy, was joined to the Arme de la Loire.
On the 7th of October, the Franc-tireurs skirmished and opened the
engagement at Tourey. This struggle lasted from seven in the morning
until noon and many of their number bit the dust. Here for the first
time Paul saw the Turcos, a French-African regiment, who
distinguished themselves during the fight. Forty-seven prisoners were
conveyed from the field by the survivors of Paul's company. On the 9th
of October the great battle of Orleans commenced, which lasted for two
days. The battle was a desperate one, and losses on both sides were
great. The enormous armies engaged in this battle, the marching and
counter-marching so rapid, and the deafening roar of the artillery, all
added to confuse Paul, and he did not know that the army was in retreat
until told by one of his companions.
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