The Imperialist general at once marched towards Leipzig, devastating
the country as he advanced. Terms were soon arranged between the
elector and Gustavus, and on the 3d of September, 1631, the Swedish
army crossed the Elbe, and the next day joined the Saxon army at
Torgau. By this time Tilly was in front of Leipzig, and immediately
on his arrival burned to the ground Halle, a suburb lying beyond
the wall, and then summoned the city to surrender.
Alarmed at the sight of the conflagration of Halle, and with the
fate of Magdeburg in their minds, the citizens of Leipzig opened
their gates at once on promise of fair treatment. The news of this
speedy surrender was a heavy blow to the allies, who, however, after
a council of war, determined at once to march forward against the
city, and to give battle to the Imperialists on the plain around
it.
Leipzig stands on a wide plain which is called the plain of
Breitenfeld, and the battle which was about to commence there has
been called by the Germans the battle of Breitenfeld, to distinguish
it from the even greater struggles which have since taken place
under the walls of Leipzig.
The baggage had all been left behind, and the Swedish army lay down
as they stood. The king occupied his travelling coach, and passed
the night chatting with Sir John Hepburn, Marshal Horn, Sir John
Banner, Baron Teuffel, who commanded the guards, and other leaders.
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