[34] The combined plan of the three generals of the Commune consisted,
like the famous plan of General Boum, in proceeding by three different
roads: the first column, under the orders of Bergeret, seconded by
Flourens, went by Rueil; the second, commanded by Duval, marched upon
Versailles by lower Meudon, Chaville, and Viroflay; covered by the
fire of Fort Issy, and the redoubt of Moulineaux; and lastly, the
third, with General Eudes at its head, took the Clamart road,
protected by the fort of Vanves.
[35] Though no fort covered Bergeret’s eight battalions with its fire,
yet Bergeret was so sure that the artillerymen of Mont Valérien would
do as the line did on the 18th of March, i.e., refuse to fire, that he
advanced boldly as far as the bridge of Neuilly, and had made a halt
at the Rond-Point des Bergères, when a heavy cannonading from Mont
Valérien separated a part of the column from its main body.