McMahon commander-in-chief of the army of Versailles, an appointment that gave the greatest amount of satisfaction to all lovers of law and order in France. The illustrious Duke of Magenta, ever since the fatal day of Froeschwiller, was the most popular man in France, and the prestige of his name was immense. He had not yet thoroughly recovered from the wound received at the battle of Sedan when he was called to this new command.
The composition of the army of Versailles, placed under the command of Marshal de McMahon, was as follows: The active army consisted of three corps—two of infantry and one of cavalry—commanded respectively by Generals Ladmirault, De Cissey, and Du Barail. General Borel was chief of staff; General Princeteau, commandant of artillery; and General Brettevillois, commandant of engineers.
The 1st corps was formed of three divisions, commanded by Generals Grenier, Laveaucoupet, and Montaudon. Its chief of staff was General Saget; General Laffaille, commandant of artillery; and General Dubost, commandant of engineers.
The second corps, as the first, numbered three divisions, commanded by Generals Lavasson-Sorval, Susbielle, and Lacretelle. Its chief of staff was General de Place; General de Berckheim, commandant of artillery; and General Séré de Rivière, commandant of engineers.
The third corps was composed of three divisions of cavalry, commanded by Generals Halna du Fretay, De Preuil and Ressayre. Its chief of staff was Colonel Ballaud. It had also a battery of artillery attached to each division.
The Army of Reserve was under the immediate direction of General Vinoy. It was formed of three divisions, under the command of Generals Faron, Bruat, and Vergé. Its chief of staff was General de Valdan; General Réné commandant of artillery; General Dupouët, commandant
