The next morning the Republicans entered Chollet, which they found deserted by the enemy.
On the seventeenth, their whole force being now concentrated there, they were about to move forward towards Beaupreau; when the advanced guard was hotly attacked and, in a short time, the combat became general.

For a time the Vendeans bore down all opposition, but as the whole of the Republican force came into action, their advance was arrested.
The battle began soon after one o'clock.

It raged without intermission till nightfall.

No decisive advantage had been gained on either side, and the result was still doubtful, when a panic took place among the multitude of noncombatants in the rear of the Vendeans.

The cry was raised, "To the Loire!" The panic spread.