But at the age of 72, de Meza was well past his prime and his task became even more difficult due to the conflict erupting during the winter season.

De Meza estimated that his men were facing certain defeat and a pointless loss of life, and on the evening of 5 February 1864 telegraphed the War Ministry stating that the army since the day before had been preparing to withdraw to the position at Dybbøl.

[1] The withdrawal resulted in an outraged cabinet promptly relieving de Meza of his command on 7 February even though the army was in the rather critical process of organising the defences at Dybbøl.

[2] De Meza was officially dismissed on February 28 and even though he did resume the position as general on 5 August, he did not participate directly in the war again.

[3] In retrospect, the withdrawal was carried out with great skill and although parts of the artillery's guns were left behind, the Danish army did arrive almost undamaged to the new position.