5th of April, a thousand picked men
crossed the river in two boats, and having reached the other side
at once proceeded to throw up intrenchments to cover the head of the
bridge, while at the same time the workmen began to place the trestles
in position.

As soon as day broke Tilly became aware of what was being done, and
two batteries opened fire upon the work at the head of the bridge and
against the bridge itself; but the low and swampy nature of the ground
on the Imperialist side of the river prevented his placing the batteries
in a position from which they could command the works, and their fire
proved ineffective in preventing the construction of the bridge. 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. He was short in stature and remarkable for his
ugliness as well as his bravery. Lean and spare in figure, he had hollow
cheeks, a long nose, a broad wrinkled forehead, heavy moustaches, and
a sharp pointed chin. He had from his boyhood been fighting against the
Protestants