the first french attempt to relieve paris was defeated by the germans at orléans from 2 to 4 december by prince friedrich karl of prussia's second army. after a second defeat at beaugency on 10 december, general antoine chanzy's poorly supplied "armée de la loire" retreated undisturbed west to le mans on 15 december. friedrich karl's army was at the limits of its lines of communications and subject to "franc-tireur" attacks. his cavalry could not pursue along the icy roads. the war was also taking its toll on the germans, with much of the prince's infantry by now being composed of inexperienced recruits unaccustomed to long marches. two days later moltke confirmed the order to not pursue.