During the blockade of Philippeville in 1793, a company of carabiniers [belonging to the Légion de Luckner, in which Le Couturier served at that time] was isolated in the plainand retreated before a strong detachment of Dutch dragoons for about one lieue [1 lieue commune = 4,4454 km]. Ten times the dragoons came attacking, and ten times they turned back on the approach of this small armed tower.

The company was formed in six ranks [this means that its two sections had closed up] and was marching back after having made right-about face [marchait par le troisième rang]. Every time when the capitaine noticed an offensive movement, he commanded quickly:

Peloton – halte!
Première section, face en tête, demi-tour – à droite!
Trois files extérieures de droite, par le flanc droit, trois de gauche, par le flanc gauche – à droite et à gauche!
[Peloton – halt!
First section, right-about turn, right-about – face!
Three external files from the right, by the right flank, three from the left, by the left flank – right and left!]

Then: Apprêtez – armes! [Make – ready!] and the peloton remained in this position.

The dragoons, drawn just below the cannons of the fortress without having dared to bring their charge home, were forced to leave their prey.