 Nearby outposts consisted of the Hesse-Kassel infantry and cavalry contingent (one battalion and five squadrons) at Ollaud under General Major Karl von Linsingen, and further still to Düring's left at St.Oedenrode, the Hanovarian Corps and remainder of the British light cavalry under General Major Rudolf von Hammerstein.On 14 September Pichegru, wishing to secure the line of the Dommel as he besieged Breda, sent a French force under Antoine Delmas, variously described as a Division or "a strong party of observation" – perhaps 10,000 men – to occupy Boxtel.This force advanced from Oisterwijk and fell in with the Hessian piquets at around 3pm, forcing these back to the other side of the Dommel, but were unable to seize the bridges near Boxtel, which were broken down by the defenders.