This method appeared at once easy
and certain. The whole of the surrounding country belonged to the
Bishop of Bamberg, who was devoted to the Imperialist cause, and
he possessed all the towns, and strong places in the circle of
country around Nuremberg. Wallenstein had brought with him vast
stores of provisions, and could draw upon the surrounding country
for the further maintenance of his army. It was only necessary then
to place himself in a position where the Swedes could not attack
him with a hope of success.
Such a position lay at a distance of three miles from Nuremberg,
where there was a wooded hill known as the Alte Veste. Round this
Wallenstein threw up a circle of defences, consisting of a ditch
behind which was an interlacement of forest trees, baggage wagons,
and gabions, forming an almost insurpassable obstacle to an attacking
force. Within this circle he encamped his army, formed into eight
divisions, each about seven thousand strong, while two considerable
bodies of troops in the diocese of Bamberg and the Upper Palatinate
prepared to oppose any forces approaching to the aid of Nuremberg,
and the Croats, horse and foot, scoured the country day and night
to prevent any supplies entering the city. Having thus adopted every
means for starving out the beleaguered army and city, Wallenstein
calmly awaited the result.
CHAPTER XVI THE SIEGE OF NUREMBERG
Drearily passed the days in the beleaguered camp, varied only
by an occasional raid by small parties to drive in cattle from
the surrounding country, or to intercept convoys of provisions on
their way to the Imperialists' camp.
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