The commander of this force was as over prompt in the execution
of his orders as Horn was over cautious. He reached the top of
the Weinberg before midnight, and at once set his men to work to
intrench themselves strongly. As soon as daybreak enabled Horn
to see the fatal consequences which had arisen from his delay he
ordered his men to advance. With their usual gallantry the Swedes
mounted the hill and rushed at the intrenchment. It was defended
with the greatest obstinacy and courage by the Spaniards; but after
desperate fighting the Swedes forced their way into the work at
two points, and were upon the point of capturing the position when
an ammunition wagon accidentally exploded in their midst, killing
great numbers and throwing the rest into a temporary disorder,
which enabled the Spaniards to drive them out and again occupy the
intrenchments.
Before the Swedes had fully recovered themselves the Spanish cavalry,
which at the first sound of the conflict the cardinal had ordered
to the spot, charged them in flank and forced them to a precipitate
retreat down the hillside. Bitterly regretting his delay at midnight,
Horn brought up fresh troops, and after addressing encouraging
words to those who had been already repulsed, led the united body
to the assault.
But the Weinberg, which had been occupied in the early morning by
only four hundred men, was now defended by the whole of the Spanish
infantry.
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