In 1757, Lestwitz's father, Johann Georg von Lestwitz, failed to defend the Breslau fortress from the Austrian-French force, damaging the family's reputation. The population of Breslau supported the Austrians and made the Prussians’ defense difficult. Breslau's citizens pressured Lestwitz to vacate the fortress and aided any Prussian deserters. Lestwitz senior surrendered on the night of 25 November on condition of being allowed to withdraw unhindered. Out of 4,227 Prussian soldiers, only 599 of them began the march to Glogau; the rest deserted. The loss of Breslau required Frederick to march cross-country from Rossbach where, earlier in November, he had won a decisive engagement against the Imperial and French forces. In 12 days, Frederick's army covered the to Leuthen, a half day's march from Breslau, where he engaged a superior Imperial force. Following his victory there, Frederick laid siege to Breslau, which surrendered a week later.