Dictionary of Battles / From the Earliest Date to the Present Time

by Thomas Benfield Harbottle

Dwina, The (Swedo-Polish War).

Fought 1701, between 15,000 Swedes under Charles XII, and 12,000 Saxons under Marshal von Stenau. Charles, who was marching upon Riga, found the passage of the Dwina barred by von Stenau. Having the wind at his back, he set fire to a large quantity of straw, and under cover of the smoke, crossed the river unperceived. He then attacked the Saxons, who, after an obstinate engagement, were defeated and driven from the field.