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.