The prince of Baden being joined by the allies, passed the river by a bridge of boats near Hagenbach, in the middle of September; and laid the country of Alsace under contribution.

Considering the advanced season of the year this was a rash undertaking; and the French general resolved to profit by his enemy's temerity.

He forthwith advanced against the imperialists, foreseeing that should they be worsted in battle, their whole army would be ruined.

Prince Louis, informed of his intention, immediately passed the Rhine; and this retreat was no sooner effected than the river swelled to such a degree that the island in the middle, and a great part of the camp he had occupied, was overflowed.

Soon after this incident both armies retired into winter-quarters.