Chapter 85 Fall Of Mantua



The day after, Napoleon watched as Ciela boarded her carriage surrounded by French troops handpicked by the Directory.

Ciela swung the curtain aside and waved to Napoleon, a mixture of excitement and sadness in her eyes. He stood by the entrance of the grand ducal palace, his heart heavy with the knowledge that they would be separated once again.

Napoleon returned the gesture with a solemn nod, his gaze fixed on Ciela's carriage as it slowly moved away. Meanwhile, Brigadier General Murat walked forward and stood next to him.

"So how was your day yesterday, General?" Murat asked, grinning goofily. "Let me guess, was it fulfilling?" This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

"Ah you have no idea, Murat," Napoleon said with a smug look on his face. "You can only imagine."

Napoleon's playful response earned a chuckle from Murat, who was well acquainted with the passionate love shared between Napoleon and Ciela. As the carriage disappeared from sight, Murat turned his attention back to Napoleon.

"So, General? Shall we head out as well?"

Napoleon's gaze lingered on the spot where Ciela's carriage had vanished before he refocused his attention on Murat. A determined glint flashed in his eyes as he nodded in response.

"Yes, Murat. It's time to resume our campaign," Napoleon declared.

***

"The key to Italy has fallen," Napoleon muttered under his breath. One might wonder why Mantua is called the Key to Italy and why it is important. Well, the reason is that Mantua's strategic location made it a vital stronghold in northern Italy. Situated at the crossroads of major trade routes and nestled between the Po River and Lake Garda, Mantua held significant importance for controlling the region.

Firstly, Mantua acted as a gateway to various regions of Italy. Its location allowed for easy access to Lombardy, Venetia, and the eastern territories, making it a crucial hub for trade and transportation. By capturing Mantua, Napoleon would gain control over a major artery that connected northern Italy to the rest of the country. This provided him with a significant advantage in terms of military mobility and logistical support.

Secondly, Mantua's fortified walls and strategic defenses made it a formidable obstacle for any invading force. Its fortifications were among the most advanced of their time. Holding Mantua meant having a strong defensive position that could serve as a launching pad for further expansion into Italy. It would provide a secure base from which Napoleon could project his power and exert control over the surrounding territories.

Moreover, the capture of Mantua would have dealt a severe blow to Austrian ambitions in Italy. The Austrians had long sought to maintain their influence and control over the Italian states. By wresting Mantua from their grasp, Napoleon not only weakened the Austrian position in northern Italy but also disrupted their supply lines and severed their connections with their Italian allies.

For the Austrians, losing Mantua would be a devastating blow to them. And so they would do everything in their power to take it back from him. However, Napoleon is not going to let that happen.

Five o'clock in the afternoon, July 28th, 1796, Mantua officially capitulated with Josef Franz Canto d'Irles' marching out of the fortress with his troops in full surrender. The once-proud Austrian general looked defeated and humiliated, his head held low as he passed by the victorious French soldiers. Napoleon watched the procession with satisfaction.

"How many of them did we capture?" Napoleon asked, glancing at Murat.

"According to the reports, fourteen thousand Austrians surrendered along with 200 guns, 50 standards. A major loss if I must say," Murat commented and continued. "It's a good thing that the cannons that we asked for from Directory arrived in ships. I heard of the news that a Royal Navy ship-of-the-line exploded off the coast of Bussana. What's our next plan, General?"

As Murat asked, Marmont arrived at his side.

"General, a telegraph from Brescia."

Napoleon grabbed a slip of paper and read it. "Enemy columns spotted in the north, the Austrians are attacking from both sides of Lake Garda."

After reading the message, Napoleon swiftly barked orders.

"Prepare for an immediate departure and inform Serurier to continue overseeing the surrender. Also, alert Massena, Augereau, Despinois, Sauret, and Kilmaine to mobilize. We are going to prepare a grand reception for the Austrians."

"Yes sir!"