Praslin, who had the command of our cavalry, put himself at the head of some Irish battalions which under him did wonders.  Although continually occupied in defending and attacking, Praslin conceived the idea that the safety of Cremona depended upon the destruction of the bridge of the Po, so that the Imperialists could not receive reinforcements from that point.  He repeated this so many times, that Revel was informed of it, and ordered Praslin to do what he thought most advisable in the matter.  Thereupon, Praslin instantly commanded the bridge to be broken down:  There was not a moment to lose.  Thomas de Vaudemont was already approaching the bridge at the head of his troops.  But the bridge, nevertheless, was destroyed before his eyes, and with all his musketeers he was not able to prevent it.

It was now three o’clock in the afternoon.  Prince Eugene was at the Hotel de Ville, swearing in the magistrates.  Leaving that place, and finding that his troops were giving way, he ascended the cathedral steeple to see what was passing in different parts of the town, and to discover why the troops of Thomas de Vaudemont did not arrive.  He had scarcely reached the top of the steeple, when he saw his detachments on the banks of the Po, and the bridge broken, thus rendering their assistance useless.  He was not more satisfied with what he discovered in every other direction.  Furious at seeing his enterprise in such bad case, after having been so nearly successful, he descended, tearing his hair and yelling.  From that time, although superior in force, he thought of nothing but retreat.

Revel, who saw that his troops were overwhelmed by hunger, fatigue, and wounds, for since the break of day they had had no repose or leisure, thought on his side of withdrawing his men into the castle of Cremona, in order, at least, to defend himself under cover, and to obtain a capitulation.  So that the two opposing chiefs each thought at one and the same time of retreat.

Towards the evening therefore the combat slackened on both sides, until our troops made a last effort to drive the enemy from one of the gates of the town; so as to have that gate free and open during the night to let in assistance.  The Irish seconded so well this attack, that it was at length successful.  A tolerably long calm succeeded this last struggle.  Revel, nevertheless, thought of withdrawing his troops to the castle, when Mahony, an Irish officer who had fought bravely as a lion all day, proposed to go and see what was passing all around.  It was already growing dark; the reconnoiterers profited by this.  They saw that everything was tranquil, and understood that the enemy had retreated.  This grand news was carried to Revel, who, with many around him, was a long time in believing it.  Persuaded at last, he left everything as it was then, until broad daylight, when he found that the enemy had gone, and that the streets and public places were filled with the wounded, the dying, and the dead.  He made arrangements for everything, and dispatched Mahony to the King.