1 February, 1814
his defeat at Brienne,
Prussia's Marshal Blucher
quickly reorganised his reinforced troops at nearby La Rothiere
and moved against the French.
Bonaparte had brought the number of his troops to some
40,000, but was facing not only Blucher's 53,000 men, but
another 63,000 Allies within striking distance.
to risk battle at such odds, Bonaparte was looking to withdraw,
however the aggressive Blucher forced him to fight.
battle was brutal and bloody, but the French conscripts
acquitted themselves well and held their ground until they
were able to pull out after dark.
the French and Prussians suffered some 6000 casualties each.