Halting his troops at the village of Essigny, he advanced in person to the edge of the morass, in order to reconnoitre the ground and prepare his plans.

The result was a determination to attempt the introduction of men and supplies into the town by the mode suggested.

Leaving his troops drawn up in battle array, he returned to La Fere for the remainder of his army, and to complete his preparations.

Coligny in the mean time was to provide boats for crossing the stream.

Upon the 10th August, which was the festival of St.Laurence, the Constable advanced with four pieces of heavy artillery, four culverines, and four lighter pieces, and arrived at nine o'clock in the morning near the Faubourg d'Isle, which was already in possession of the Spanish troops.