Elements of the French Armée de l'Est under General Bourbaki engaged August von Werder's German forces.

In the turmoil and confusion following the capitulations at Sedan and Metz and the continued besiegement of Paris, the remaining French armies faced major supply difficulties which restricted their movements.

Prussian troops, filing through an unguarded pass, rapidly overwhelmed the positions surrounding the bridge over the Ognon.

Around noon Werder ordered two brigades of the Baden Field Division, which were marching towards Athesans, to reinforce the Prussians at Villersexel.

[1] A French counterattack organized by Bourbaki pressed steadily forth in the afternoon and recaptured the château after confused street fighting.