In the 1790s , the Rhine was wild , unpredictable , and difficult to cross Motion_directional .

Critical to French success would be the army 's ability Assistance to cross the Rhine at will .

Immediately after the Battle Hostile_encounter of Schliengen ( 24 October 1796 ) , while most of Moreau 's army retreated Escaping south to cross the Rhine at Hüningen , Count Baillet Latour moved Motion his Austrian force to Kehl to begin Process_start a 100-day siege Besieging .