Charles's Spanish army under Alva now turned northward, forced a passage of the Elbe and routed the troops of John Frederic at the battle of Muelberg, near Torgau, on April 24, 1547.

John Frederic was captured wounded, and kept in durance several years.

Wittenberg capitulated on May 19, and just a month later Philip of Hesse surrendered at Halle.

He also was kept a prisoner for some years.

Peace was made by the mediation of Brandenburg.