From him Gustavus learned
that the Imperial army was divided into three chief corps -- that
of Wallenstein 12,000 strong, that of Pappenheim 10,000, those of
Gallas and Holk united 16,000, making a total of 38,000 men.
So great was the speed with which Gustavus had marched to Erfurt that
Wallenstein had received no notice of his approach; and believing
that for some time to come he should meet with no serious opposition,
he had on the very day after the Swedes reached Erfurt despatched
Gallas with 12,000 men into Bohemia. A division of his troops was at
the same time threatening Naumburg, whose possession would enable
him to block the only easy road with which Gustavus could enter
the country held by him.
But Gustavus at Erfurt learned that Naumburg had not yet fallen,
and marching with great rapidity reached the neighbourhood of that
town before the Imperialists were aware that he had quitted Erfurt,
and cutting up a small detachment of the enemy who lay in his way,
entered the town and at once began to intrench it. Wallenstein first
learned from the fugitives of the beaten detachment that Gustavus
had arrived at Naumburg, but as his own position lay almost centrally
between Naumburg and Torgau, so long as he could prevent the Swedes
and Saxons from uniting, he felt safe; for although together they
would outnumber him, he was superior in strength to either if
alone.
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