Almost a month after Napoleon assumed command of the Army of Italy, a remarkable series of events unfolded. It marked the beginning of a string of triumphs for Napoleon and his forces. It all commenced when General Beaulieu launched an attack on Voltri, followed swiftly by the capture of the city of Montenotte.
The French troops, undeterred by the Austrians besieging Montenotte, pushed forward with determination, their sights set on engaging the Piedmontese at Cosseria. The genius of Napoleon's plan, which aimed to divide the enemy forces, began to reveal itself with each passing day. On April 15th, under Napoleon's watchful eye, General Massena seized control of Dego.
Although Napoleon anticipated that the French troops, lured by the allure of pillaging and plundering, might let their guards down, just like in history, he reminded Massena to remain vigilant. As expected, when the Austrians, commanded by Vukassovich, arrived in Dego, they found themselves ensnared in an intricately laid trap. Three thousand men unwittingly fell into Napoleon's strategic foresight. His careful planning and timely reminder had paid off splendidly.
As the Austrians faced the harsh reality of their predicament, it became evident that the tides had turned against them. General Beaulieu, just as Napoleon had predicted, made the decision to retreat and regroup his forces in Acqui. The costly fixation on the French attacking Genoa had left him vulnerable and unable to assist their Piedmontese allies, who now found themselves confronted by the entire might of the Army of Italy.
***
Nine o'clock in the evening, April 20th, 1796. Napoleon and Bertheir were on their horses, peering through their own spyglass, and saw campfires on the plain fields.
"It appears they are camping, General Bonaparte," remarked Berthier, his voice filled with uncertainty. "Should we bide our time and launch an attack at dawn?"
Napoleon lowered his spyglass, his gaze fixed on the distant campfires. A knowing smile played at the corners of his lips. "No Berthier, I don't believe the Piedmontese would willingly set up camp to face us tomorrow. They are aware of our superior numbers. This is nothing more than a diversion."
Just as his words hung in the air, the scout Napoleon had dispatched to gather intelligence on the Piedmontese location returned, his breath ragged and heavy.
"General!" the young soldier gasped, struggling to regain his composure.
Napoleon's gaze landed on the soldier and spoke. "Breathe, soldier. What is it?"
Taking a moment to catch his breath, the scout straightened himself and began his report.
"General, the Piedmontese... They are not camping. It was a ruse. They are retreating!"
"See?" Napoleon's lips curled to a smile as he faced Berthier. "Send an order to General Massena, Augereau, and Serurier to prepare the troops for an immediate pursuit of the retreating Piedmontese forces."
Berthier's brows furrowed in concern, his voice laced with weariness. "But General Bonaparte, our men are hungry and exhausted from the consecutive battles days earlier. They need time to rest and replenish their supplies. Pursuing now might push them beyond their limits."
Napoleon regarded Berthier with a resolute gaze, understanding the weight of his concerns.
"I comprehend the hardships they face, General. But we must consider the bigger picture. If we delay, the Piedmontese will have a chance to escape our grasp and potentially receive reinforcements from the Austrians. We cannot allow that. We already have our foot on their throats. Transmit my orders now!"
Berthier hesitated for a moment, torn between his concern for the weary soldiers and his trust in Napoleon's strategic vision. He glanced at the determined expression on Napoleon's face, realizing the gravity of the situation.
"Very well, General Bonaparte," Berthier conceded. "I will transmit your orders to General Massena, Augereau, and Serurier immediately."The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))
The messenger saluted Napoleon and handed him a sealed letter. "General Colli, the commander of the Piedmontese army, sends his regards and requests an audience with you, General Bonaparte."
Napoleon accepted the letter and broke the seal, swiftly scanning its contents. As he read, his expression transformed from curiosity to intrigue.
"Interesting," Napoleon muttered under his breath. "It seems General Colli seeks an armistice and wishes to discuss terms."
Berthier, who had been observing the scene from a distance, approached Napoleon with curiosity in his eyes.
"What are the terms that your counterpart proposes, General?"
Napoleon raised an eyebrow and looked up from the letter, meeting Berthier's gaze.
"According to this, General Colli wishes to negotiate a cessation of hostilities between our forces. He desires the safety and security of his soldiers and the preservation of his army, in exchange for a surrender."
"Interesting..." Berthier mused. "We have been at war with the Piedmontese for four years, and you General Bonaparte had defeated them in less than three weeks."
Napoleon smiled at the praise and faced the messenger. "Tell General Colli that we will consider his proposal. However, make it clear that any negotiations will take place on French terms and that the surrender of his forces is non-negotiable."
***
Four days later, Napoleon and his men moved to Alba in preparation for chasing the Austrians who were about to aid the Piedmontese but withdrew their commitment after learning that the Piedmontese had opened negotiations with the French Republic.
Also, on that day, the King of Piedmont-Sardinia accepted the terms proposed by Napoleon, thereby obliging the Kingdom to cede control of the Duchy of Savoy and the County of Nice to the French Republic. Additionally, the agreement entails the implementation of disarmament measures and military restrictions, resulting in a reduction of the Piedmontese army. Furthermore, the Kingdom is prohibited from constructing fortifications, military installations, or any defensive measures near the French border or in strategic locations without prior authorization from the French authorities. Finally, as part of the terms, the Kingdom is required to provide a substantial indemnity to the French Republic.
These terms sealed the fate of the Piedimontes, and they were no longer at war.
In Alba, Napoleon stood on the makeshift platform and addressed the locals and the Army.
"In just two weeks, you have achieved remarkable victories and conquered valuable territories. Your bravery and resilience have surpassed all expectations. The enemies who once threatened us are now fleeing in fear.
But remember, our work is not done. There are still battles to be fought, cities to be captured, and challenges to overcome. Your courage remains unwavering, fueled by the desire to extend the glory of our nation and humiliate those who would enslave us. We will achieve a glorious peace that compensates for our sacrifices.
However, I ask one thing of you: respect the people we liberate. We will not tolerate pillaging or cruelty. Let us be known as liberators, not oppressors. Those who plunder will be punished severely.
To the people of Italy, we come as friends to break your chains. The French army stands with all peoples, respecting your property, religion, and customs. We wage war as noble foes, aiming to defeat the tyrants who hold you captive.
Together, we shall prevail and create a better future. Onward to victory! Vive la République!"
"Vive la République!" The soldiers shouted in unison, their voices echoing through the streets of Alba.
The crowd of locals erupted in cheers and applause, inspired by Napoleon's words and the promise of liberation.
After that speech, Napoleon and his army marched towards Lombardy.