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Rural Repository
( Leominster , MA)
Aug 11, 1796
France
Army of Italy
Paris, May 20.
Copy of letter from Citizen Buonaparte, General in Chief of the army of Italy, to the Executive Directory.
Head Quarters, at Lody 22nd Floreal,
Citizen Directors,
I was of the opinion that the crossing of the river Po, would have been the boldest action of the campaign, as likewise, the battle of Mellefimo (or Mellesimo), one of the most vigorous actions ever known; but I have now to relate the battle of Lody.
The ??? (sast?), at three o'clock in the morning, the headquarters reached Cafal; at nine our vanguard encountered the enemy defending the approach of Lody. I immediately ordered all the cavalry to mount, and four pieces of cannon which has just arrived to be placed.
General Augerau's division, who had stopt at Borgetho and that the Gen. Massant, who has slept at Cafal, marched immediately; meantime the vanguard oversaw all the different posts of the enemy's and took from them one piece of cannon. We entered Lody in pursuit of the enemy, who had already crossed the Adda over the bridge. Beauleau, with all his army, was ranged in order of battle; 33 pieces of cannon defended the passage of the bridge…
But I must not forget to mention the brave Berthier, wo was on that day a cannoneer, a horseman, and a grenadier at the same time. Sugny (Soult?), chief of brigade, who commanded the artillery, behaved gallantly.
Beauleau flies with the remainder of his army; he is now crossing over the states of Venice; several towns of which have shut their gates. Since the beginning of the campaign, though we had very warm actions, and the army of the republic were oftentimes forced to show a great deal of boldness, none of them has yet been so terrible as the crossing of the bridge of Lody. If we lost but a few men, it is owing to the haste of the execution, and the sudden effects which the ??? and tremendous fire of the intrepid column produced on the army of the enemy, I demand that Citizen Monier (Mortier?) be confirmed adjuctant general, who serves in that capacity, although he is not included in this affair. I demand that Citizen Rav (Ray? Rey?) aide-de-camp of the brave Mezzini, and Citizen Thoiret, worthy adjutant of the third battalion of the grenadiers, be both made captains.
As soon as we shall be settled in a place, I will forward you a list of those who have distinguished themselves on that glorious day.
The commissary of the Government was always by me; the army is much indebted to his activity.
Buonaparte
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-Napoleon Bonaparte
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