Zieten, considering that the Prussian troops at Crépy-en-Valois, the nearest to Villers-Cotterêts, were nearly 9 miles distant from the latter point, decided upon not attempting to give any direct support to Pirch II; but to advance with the 3rd Brigade, together with the reserve cavalry and artillery, towards Lévignen, on the great Paris road, between Villers-Cotterêts and Nanteuil, and, if possible, occupy that point before the French could reach it.