nearly five
o'clock in the evening
Gustavus called his generals together and informed them of the news . Learning that Lutzen was but five miles distant -- as it turned out , a mistaken piece of information , as it was nearly twice as far -- he ordered that the men should take some food , and then wheeling to the left , push on towards Lutzen . It was not until some time later that Wallenstein learned from the Imperial scouts that Gustavus was upon him . It was then nearly five o'clock in the evening , and darkness was at hand . Considering the heavy state of the roads , and the fact that Gustavus would have in the last three miles of his march to traverse a morass crossed by a bridge over which only two persons could pass abreast , he felt confident that the attack could not be made until the following morning . Mounted messengers were sent in all directions to bring up his troops from the villages in which they were posted , and in the meantime the troops stationed around Lutzen were employed in preparing obstacles to hinder the advance of the Swedes . On either side of the roads was a low swampy country intersected with ditches , and Wallenstein at once set his men to work to widen and deepen these ditches , which the troops as they arrived on the ground were to occupy .