September 11th.—Skirmish at Cerea: Austrians successful. Bonaparte arrives alone, and is nearly captured.
No. 11.
To Josephine, at Milan.
Ronco, September 12, 1796, 10 A.M.
My dear Josephine,—I have been here two days, badly lodged, badly fed, and very cross at being so far from you.
Wurmser is hemmed in, he has with him 3000 cavalry and 5000 infantry. He is at Porto-Legnago; he is trying to get back into Mantua, but for him that has now become impossible. The moment this matter shall be finished I will be in your arms.
I embrace you a million times.
Bonaparte.