Maximilian of Bavaria was himself
there with a force sufficient to defend the city had he been
supported by the inhabitants; but a large majority of the people
were Protestants, and, moreover, bitterly hated the Bavarians, who
had suppressed their rights as a free city.
Maximilian wrote urgently to the emperor and to Wallenstein, pledging
himself to maintain Ratisbon if he could receive a reinforcement
of 5000 men. The emperor was powerless; he had not the men to
send, but he despatched to Wallenstein, one after another, seven
messengers, urging him at all hazards to prevent the fall of so
important a place. Wallenstein replied to the order that he would
do all in his power, and in presence of the messengers ordered the
Count of Gallas to march with 12,000 men on Ratisbon, but privately
furnished the general with absolute orders, forbidding him on any
account to do anything which might bring on an action with the
duke.
Wallenstein's motives in so acting were, as he afterwards assured
the emperor, that he was not strong enough to divide his army, and
that he could best cover Vienna by maintaining a strong position
in Bohemia, a policy which was afterwards justified by the event.
Ratisbon resisted for a short time; but, finding that the promised
relief did not arrive, it capitulated on the 5th of November,
Maximilian having left the town before the surrender.
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