Pracon-tal, with ten thousand men, had joined Tallard, and enabled him to strike a stroke which proved decisive.

He suddenly quitted his lines, and surprised the prince at Spirebach, where the French obtained a complete victory after a very obstinate and bloody engagement, in which the prince of Hesse distinguished himself by uncommon marks of courage and presence of mind.

Three horses were successively killed under him, and he slew a French officer with his own hand.

After incredible efforts, he was fain to retreat with the loss of some thousands.

The French paid dear for their victory, Pracontal having been slain in the action.