Thick groves across southern Saxony concealed the French soldiers' movements, and Austrian cavalry happened to dislike reconnaissance in this kind of terrain as well.
Moreau had originally planned that if one flanking force was discovered, it would immediately open fire and make a great commotion, drawing the enemy's attention and helping the other side complete its maneuver.
But this time, the French Army was quite fortunate. Both divisions successfully maneuvered to the north side of the Würmser Corps—that is, behind them.
An hour and a half later, a Hussar excitedly reported to Moreau, "General, there has been no fighting along the Würmser defensive line."
This meant that the flanking forces had remained undiscovered by the enemy.
"Very good. Keep a close eye on the enemy's movements." Moreau nodded with a smile, then turned to Ney. "Have everyone prepare to attack."
That afternoon, after confirming that Archduke Karl's main force had left Bamberg, Würmser was about to order his corps to move south with them when a staff officer hurried over and said anxiously, "General, word has come from Kronach Town. Tens of thousands of French troops are besieging it."
Würmser froze.
Kronach lay more than twenty kilometers north of Bayreuth. How had the French slipped past him and gotten there?
He did not dare delay. He quickly ordered Baron Joseph von Ouchy to lead thirty thousand soldiers to reinforce Kronach Town, while also sending someone to report to Archduke Karl.
Not long after Ouchy departed, Moreau's main force launched a fierce assault on Prince Heeringen.
Upon receiving the news, Würmser immediately directed the entire army to concentrate toward the left flank and ordered the Heeringen Corps to hold its ground.
He was not alarmed. On the contrary, he even felt somewhat fortunate. He had never been able to determine the