on october 15, johann erker was inside the city of gottschee when the french relief force of 1,000 led by general zucchi approached from the southeast. after a brief exchange of gunfire, the french troops advanced towards the town as the defense collapsed. rebels fled the city and its vicinity as zucchi's troops entered. some stayed, and surely there was sporadic fighting and prisoners were taken. erker was arrested here, along with bartholomäus kusold, matthias stalzer, georg eisenzopf, johann jonke, and many other gottscheer rebels. the five named men were indicated as rebel leaders. after three days of looting the city, zucchi ordered the leaders executed.