The resistance of Langle de Cary's army began to weaken under the weight of the greater opposing forces. On the other hand, General Sarrail's army reinforced by an army corps sent by Joffre stood firm. At this juncture General Sarrail learned that the Germans were getting very active in his rear, on the heights above the River Meuse, and was accordingly obliged to make dispositions to avoid being surprised by German forces who were preparing to cross the river.
SEPTEMBER 8, 1914
During the night of September 7-8 Gallieni, who had been following carefully the different phases of the battle, despatched a division from Paris, in all haste, to Maunoury's left to assist in turning the German right.
To do this with maximum rapidity, Gallieni made use of an ingenious expedient, "a civilian's idea," as he termed it. He commandeered all the taxicabs in Paris. Those running in the streets were held up by the police, and the occupants made to alight. When the latter learned the reason, instead of grumbling, they gave a rousing cheer. Eleven hundred taxis made the journey twice during the night from Paris to the front transporting, in all, eleven thousand men.
Unfortunately, the effect of these reinforcements was fully counterbalanced by the troops which Von Kluck had brought up on the two previous days from before the British front, and only the extreme tenacity and courage of his troops enabled Maunoury to avoid being outflanked.
However, Von Kluck could not with impunity reduce his forces opposed to the British. The latter pulled themselves together, crossed the Petit Morin river and reached La Ferté-sous-Jouarre.
The danger feared by the German generals became apparent.
FOCH