On August 15, the French Army completed its retreat to the left bank of the Moselle River, while Bazan persuaded Napoleon III to leave Metz.
Without the master of micro-actions hindering on the side, Bazan could finally focus on commanding his troops, and internal conflicts diminished.
Facing the First and Second Corps of the Prussian Army, Bazan felt immense pressure: the Emperor could flee, but he might not be able to escape.
The continuous heavy rain made marching extremely difficult, but it also slowed down the enemy's offensive; both sides were preparing for the next battle.
The French Army, exhausted from previous battles and the current river crossing, had to stop to rest.
The German Army seized the opportunity to catch up quickly, soon setting up camp on the ridge west of Metz, with the Second Corps occupying the road line between Metz and Verdun.
