On this information he called a halt and commanded the vanguard with waggons and cannon to take up its position on the edge of the Lignerolles wood.

The position was excellent: backed by the forest, the combatants were secure against being attacked in the rear,[1286] while in front they were able to entrench themselves behind their waggons.

The main body did not advance so far.

It halted some little distance from Lignerolles, in the hollow of La Retreve.

On this spot the road was lined with quickset hedges.