Page:The reign of George VI - 1763.djvu/126

 seen that a general engagement must quickly ensue, for Charles drew up his army, to the amount of one hundred and twenty thousand men, in order of battle, on the plains of Alençon: George came in sight of him the fourth of July, and prepared that night to give him battle. The French army was posted in the most advantageous manner. In their front was a rivulet, behind which were nine redoubts mounted with cannon; their wings were defended in the same manner, and every approach guarded with artillery.

The King having reconnoitred the enemy's position, drew up his troops on the same plain, at some distance in their front. As the French army outspread his, he disposed his cannon in his wings, in such a manner as to prevent his being surrounded; himself commanded the centre, the Duke of De-