It was five o'clock in the afternoon when all the arrangements for the attack were completed.

But as on the 3rd of August the evening is long, it was judged that there would be sufficient daylight to carry out the battle.

The French began with a cannonade against the village, and this was replied to by the guns on the two hills.

Not only did the position of the latter give them great superiority, but much time was lost by the French in being obliged to move forward their guns as the army advanced, a slow and tedious process in days when cannon were very heavy and cumbrous.

Seeing that they were losing time and suffering more loss than they inflicted, Enghien gave the order to the infantry of the centre to advance.
They went forward with great speed and eagerness, for they were burning to retrieve their cowardly conduct at Marienthal.