tions at this time with Joffre and
the French Generals most closely associated with me, breathed the same
spirit.

This will be better understood if I quote an order which was issued
from French General Headquarters, at Chatillon, dated September 10th,
the day which practically saw the close of the Marne battle:--

"The German forces are giving way on the Marne and in Champagne before
the Allied Armies of the centre and left wing.

"To confirm and take advantage of this success, it is necessary to
follow up this movement with energy so as to allow the enemy no rest.

"The offensive movement will, therefore, be continued along
the whole front in a general N.N.E. direction.

"(_a_) The 6th Army will continue to rest its right on the Ourcq
at the Sapieres stream and on to the line
Longpont--Chaudun--Courmelles--Soissons (inclusive). Bridoux's
Cavalry Corps will gain ground on the outer wing and will
endeavour to disturb the enemy's line of communication and
retreat.

"(_b_) The British forces should follow up their victorious
advance between the above-mentioned line and the road
Rocourt--Fere-en-Tardenois--Mont Notre Dame--Bazoches, which will
be at their disposal.

"(_c_) The 5th Army east of the latter line will turn the forest
S. and N. of Epernay on the west, covering itself against hostile
troops which may be found there, and ready to act in an easterly
direction towards Rheims against the columns which are retiring
before 9th Army. The 10th Corps will move from about Vertus in
the direction of Epernay--Rheims, securing connection between the
5th and 9th Armies and ready to support the latter at any time."

Subsequent to the issue of the above orders, Joffre and I held several
consultations with reference to marches through the wooded country
(Foret de St. Gobain and other places) lying to the north of the
Aisne.

In these first few days of this period of the war we were decidedly
encouraged by reports from other theatres. The Belgian Army appeared
to be well established in Antwerp, and a fine sortie, directed by the
King of the Belgians, had considerable effect in scattering the German
forces operating there, and certainly delayed the movement
of reinforcements which had been ordered south.

The news from Russia was also not unfavourable.

However, we were destined to undergo another terrible disappointment.
The lesson