The larger under the prince was to march straight to Antwerp.

The second, of 6000 men, commanded by Count William of Nassau, was instructed to seize some outlying defences on the Scheldt before joining the main force before the town.

Count William began well, but, hearing a false rumour that a fleet was sailing up the Scheldt to intercept his communications, he hastily retreated.

While his ranks were in disorder he was surprised by a Spanish attack, and practically his entire force was cut to pieces.

On hearing of this disaster the stadholder had no alternative but to abandon the siege.
Constant campaigning and exposure to the hardships of camp life year after year began at this time seriously to affect the health of the stadholder.