The Bocage, with its sombre woods, its thick hedges, and its brave population, seemed destined to become the grave of the Republican army; and the order to advance into it was, in itself, sufficient to shake the courage of those who boasted so loudly, when at a distance.
It was the grave, too, of the reputation of the French generals.
One after another they had tried, failed, and been disgraced.

The first general, Marce, was superseded by Berruyer; Berruyer by Biron, who was recalled and guillotined.

Westermann was also tried, but having powerful friends, was acquitted.

Generals of divisions had come and gone in numbers.

Some had been dismissed.