But the fields of battle beyond Meaux, through which it was necessary to pass to reach the fight at Sois-sons, showed no evidence of leisurely withdrawal.

On both sides there were evidences of the most desperate fighting and of artillery fire that was wide-spread and desolating.

That of the Germans, intended to destroy the road from Meaux and to cover their retreat, showed marksmanship so accurate and execution so terrible as, while it lasted, to render pursuit impossible.
The battle-field stretched from the hills three miles north of Meaux for four miles along the road and a mile to either side.

The road is lined with poplars three feet across and as high as a five-story building.

For the four miles the road was piled with branches of these trees.