After the capture Conquering of Pärnu , Jan Karol Chodkiewicz , commander of the Lithuanian army , moved Self_motion towards Riga , which was occupied Control by the Swedes under the command Control of Joachim Frederick von Mansfeld .

Along the way , Chodkiewicz saw a chance to destroy Destroying the Swedish squadron based in the Salis port which blocked Hindering Riga .

Chodkiewicz 's army consisted Cause_to_be_included of two ships obtained Getting in Pärnu , filled Filling with Samogitians infantry and armed Giving with cannons brought in Bringing from Pärnu castle .

To assist Assistance in managing Control vessel traffic , Chodkiewicz hired Employment a few sailors , mainly Livonian .

On the night of March 23 , Chodkiewicz 's army ( consisting Cause_to_be_included of Samogitians , Livonians , and probably some bribed Committing_crime members of the Swedish infantry ) surprise-attacked the Swedish fleet .

Using the favourable winds blowing Motion inland , Chodkiewicz sent Sending several ( probably four ) fire ships ( their first use in the Baltic in modern times ) into the port , setting Placing several ships on fire Damaging and pushing Motion them in the direction of the Swedish warships anchored Connect in formation .

Chodkiewicz 's Swedish squadron did not attempt to engage Participation in an artillery fight Hostile_encounter and immediately escaped Escaping to the waters of the Gulf of Riga .