The Imperialist army, although dragging with
them an immense train of carts laden with plunder, marched rapidly.
The baggage was guarded by horsemen who kept the train in motion,
galloping up and down the line, and freely administering blows
among their captives whenever a delay or stoppage occurred.
The whole country through which they passed was desolated and wasted,
and the army would have fared badly had it not been for the herds
of captured cattle they drove along with them, and the wagons laden
with flour and wine taken at New Brandenburg and the other towns
they had stormed. The marches were long, for Tilly was anxious
to accomplish his object before Gustavus should be aware of the
direction he was taking.
This object was the capture of the town of Magdeburg, a large and
important city, and one of the strongholds of Protestantism. Here
he was resolved to strike a blow which would, he believed, terrify
Germany into submission.
When Gustavus heard that Tilly had marched west, he moved against
Frankfort-on-the-Oder, where the Imperialists were commanded by
Count Schomberg. The latter had taken every measure for the defence
of the town, destroying all the suburbs, burning the country houses
and mills, and cutting down the orchards and vineyards.
Gustavus, accompanied by Sir John Hepburn, at once reconnoitred
the place and posted his troops.
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