Here, however, he could give but slight aid to Cathelineau, for the bridge crossing the Loire could be defended by a comparatively small force, provided with cannon to sweep the approaches.
In order to reassure the townspeople and encourage the troops, the French generals, as the enemy approached, moved out with a large proportion of their force and threw up some intrenchments a mile and a half outside the town; feeling confident that they could withstand any attack in the open country.
As many of the peasants fled into Nantes, especially those who, in the villages, had rendered themselves obnoxious by their persecutions of those suspected of Royalist leanings, or who were personally obnoxious to them, Leigh was able to gather the whole of his party in the town.

They were, like other peasants, to sleep in the open squares or down near the walls.

They were always to go about in pairs, and to meet Pierre or Andre at places and hours arranged by them.

They were supplied with money sufficient to buy bread, and were warned on no account to make themselves conspicuous in any way.

With them were the men from Martin's estates who had answered to his summons.
Clothes had been bought for the twelve sailors engaged by Medart and Rouget.