As the troops of Ney and Sebastiani reached the crest of the plateau, they found themselves facing perhaps 100,000 enemies arrayed in three lines stretching from the Aube to the Barbuise. In front of this immense host were skirmishers and at least 100 field guns. Sebastiani immediately attacked Pahlen's cavalry, opposite him, driving it back on the second line. The French position was extremely dangerous, especially since Torcy-le-Grand was left empty of troops and Arcis was lightly held. In this crisis, Ney kept his battalions in column, ready to retreat. If Schwarzenberg had launched a general attack at this time, the French army would have been shattered. Instead, the Austrian army commander called a council of war, which lasted until noon. The council decided to attack and Schwarzenberg drew up detailed instructions. However, he alone would give the signal to advance.
As the troops of Ney and Sebastiani reached the crest of the plateau they found themselves facing perhaps 100000 enemies arrayed in three lines stretching from the Aube to the Barbuise In front of this immense host were skirmishers and at least 100 field guns Sebastiani immediately attacked Pahlen's cavalry opposite him driving it back on the second line The French position was extremely dangerous especially since Torcy-le-Grand was left empty of troops and Arcis was lightly held In this crisis Ney kept his battalions in column ready to retreat If Schwarzenberg had launched a general attack at this time the French army would have been shattered Instead the Austrian army commander called a council of war which lasted until noon The council decided to attack and Schwarzenberg drew up detailed instructions However he alone would give the signal to advance