Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden led an assault from the camp in Högsby in Småland on Kristianopel in Blekinge.

The letter in question was addressed to the town's lensmand and commander, Jens Sparre, who had joined the Danish army at Kalmar.

[2] With the new intelligence, Charles IX sent Crown Prince Gustavus Adolphus with two cavalry banners, most likely Måns Stierna's and Jon Andersson's, and a unit of sappers to Kristianopel.

[3] Not being inclined to show any more mercy than the Danes at Kalmar, the Swedes left the town burning and sacked in the morning, having killed every man they could find, along with many women and children.

According to one story, when the standards were proudly displayed, the Swedish sentries panicked, leading to some opening fire and one of Adolphus' men was killed in the incident.