The principal approach to the town was guarded by a strong
redoubt armed with numerous artillery.
Colonel Munro had advanced his trenches to within a short distance
of this redoubt, and had mounted the twelve pieces of cannon to
play upon it, but so solid was the masonry of the fort that their
fire produced but little visible effect. Gustavus had brought from
Frankfort as guide on the march a blacksmith who was a native of
Landsberg, and this man had informed him of a postern gate into the
town which would not be likely to be defended, as to reach it it
would be necessary to cross a swamp flanked by the advanced redoubt
and covered with water.
For two days previous to the assault the troops had been at work
cutting bushes and trees, and preparing the materials for constructing
a floating causeway across the mud and water. As soon as night fell
the men were set to work laying down the causeway, and when this
was finished the column advanced to the attack. It consisted of
250 pikemen under Colonel Munro, and the same number of the dragoons
under Colonel Deubattel. Hepburn with 1000 musketeers followed a
short distance behind them.
The pikemen led the way, and passed along the floating causeway
without difficulty, but the causeway swayed and often sank under
the feet of the cavalry behind them. These, however, also managed
to get across.
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