Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1912 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER II OPENING OF THE CAMPAIGN General Situation--Napoleon Bonaparte appointed to Command--Condition of the French Army--Supplies--Situation of opposing Forces--Position of the French--Position of the Allies--Intelligence--Austrian Plans--Napoleon's Plans--The Campaign begins--Defence of Monte Legino--Movements of the French--Napoleon's Orders, I ith April--Cause and Effect--The Battle of Montenotte--Operation Orders--Battle of Millesimo--Battle of Dego--Defeat of the Piedmontese--Submission of Piedmont--Manifesto to the Army of Italy--Comments In the year 1795 the Austrian Archduke Charles had conducted a brilliant campaign against the French generals, General Moreau and Jourdan, on the Rhine; but the Situation Austrians and Piedmontese had suffered a set-back in Italy, having been defeated by Massena at the battle of Loano, which secured Liguria to the French. The general plan of the French Directory in 1796 was for Moreau and Jourdan with 180,000 men in Germany to drive back the Archduke Charles from the Rhine, and march on Vienna; Kellermann, stationed on the Western Alps, was to hold the Duke of Aosta who, with headquarters at Turin, commanded an army at the foot of those mountains; and the Army of Italy, which held the Apennines and the country between them and the sea, was to conquer Lombardy. In February 1796 General Scherer, in resigning command of the Army of Italy, wrote to the Directory: Napoleon "I conjure you, I beg you to send a general Bonaparte who has more resources and ability than I have, appointed to for I declare that I am incapable of charging Command mySeIf, in these circumstances, with the burthen of command." In pursuance of the plan of the French Government, Napoleon Bonaparte was appointed to command the...