NOTES THE ITALIAN CAMPAIGNS, 1796–97 SERIES A (The numbers correspond to the numbers of the Letters.) No. 1. Bonaparte made Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Italy.— Marmont's account of how this came to pass is probably substantially correct, as he has less interest in distorting the facts than any other writer as well fitted for the task. The winter had rolled by in the midst of pleasures-soirées at the Luxembourg, dinners of Madame Tallien, "nor," he adds, "were we hard to please." "The Directory often conversed with General Bonaparte about the army of Italy, whose general-Schérer-was always representing the position as difficult, and never ceasing to ask for help in men, victuals, and money. General Bonaparte showed, in many concise observations, that all that was superfluous. He strongly blamed the little advantage taken from the victory at Loano, and asserted that, even yet, all that could be put right. Thus a sort of controversy was maintained between Schérer and the Directory, counselled and inspired by Bonaparte." At last when Bonaparte drew up plans afterwards followedfor the invasion of Piedmont, Schérer replied roughly that he who had drawn up the plan of campaign had better come and execute it. They took him at his word, and Bonaparte was named General-in-Chief of the army of Italy (vol. i. 93). "7 A.M."-Probably written early in March. Leaving Paris on March 11th, Napoleon writes Letourneur, President of the 198 THE ITALIA S (The numbers corresp Bonaparte made Comma Marmont's account of how stantially correct, as he has than any other writer as v had rolled by in the midst of dinners of Madame Tallier please." "The Directory c parte about the army of 1 always representing the posi ask for help in men, victua.., and mo victory at Loano, and ed the little ad ted that, ev. ntroversy At last when Bonaparte drev ip pla for the invasion of Piedmont, Sc. 'rer had drawn up the plan of campaig 1 h it. They took him at his word, General-in-Chief of the army of Ita' "7 A.M."-Probably written ear y on March 11th, Napoleon writes ] 198 |