Seeing this, Tilly at once commenced preparations
for arresting the further advance of the Swedes.
To reach his position they would be obliged to cross the swampy
ground exposed to the fire of his troops, and to render their
progress still more difficult he proceeded to cut down large trees,
lopping and sharpening their branches to form a chevaux-de-frise
before his troops. All the morning a heavy cannonade was kept up
on both sides, but by noon the bridge was completed and the advance
guard of the Swedes, led by Colonels Wrandel and Gassion, advanced
across it. As the other brigades were following, Tilly directed
General Altringer to lead his cavalry against them.
Altringer led his troops round the end of the marsh and charged
with great bravery down upon the Swedes. These, however, had time
to form up, and a tremendous fire of musketry was poured into the
Imperialist horse, while the round shot from the three Swedish
batteries ploughed their ranks in front and on both flanks. Under
such circumstances, although fighting with reckless bravery, the
Imperialist cavalry were repulsed. Altringer, however, rallied them
and led them back again to the charge, but a cannonball grazed his
temple and he was carried senseless from the field. His men, shaken
by the tremendous fire and deprived of their leader, fell back in
confusion.
Tilly at once placed himself at the head of a chosen body of troops
and advanced to the attack, fighting with the ardour and bravery
which always distinguished him.
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