He had desired that strong detachments should be posted during the night at various places of Security on the outskirts of the town, for the troops which were expected to arrive in small bodies at the citadel from various parts, might have thus been cut off before reaching their destination.
Not even scouts had been stationed in sufficient numbers to obtain information of what was occurring outside.

A thick mist hung over the city that eventful morning.

Through its almost impenetrable veil, bodies of men had been seen moving into the castle, and the tramp of cavalry had been distinctly heard, and the troops of Romero, Vargas, Oliveira, and Valdez had already arrived from Lier, Breda, Maestricht, and from the forts on the Scheld.
The whole available force in the city was mustered without delay.

Havre had claimed for his post the defence of the lines opposite the citadel, the place of responsibility and honor.

Here the whole body of Walloons were stationed, together with a few companies of Germans.