In appointing him to the command in Italy the Directors were taking a considerable risk. But his personality had impressed many of the leading men in Paris ; his action during the events of Vend^miaire had attracted attention ; he had already some acquaintance with the Italian theatre of war. He was consequently in a position to push forward his demand for the command of the army in Italy. More…
Napoleon employed every device to make Beaulieu believe that he designed to attempt the passage of the Po at Valenza ; and the Austrian, a man of routine, who had himself crossed the river at that point, was easily persuaded that these demonstrations were sincere. Meanwhile, his crafty antagonist executed a march of incredible celerity upon Placenza, fifty miles lower down the river ; and appea…