January 12th.—Combat of St. Michel: Massena defeats Austrians.
To Josephine, at Milan.
Verona, January 12, 1797.
Scarcely set out from Roverbella, I learnt that the enemy had appeared at Verona. Massena made some dispositions, which have been very successful. We have made six hundred prisoners, and have taken three pieces of cannon. General Brune got seven bullets in his clothes, without being touched by one of them—this is what it is to be lucky.
I give you a thousand kisses. I am very well. We have had only ten men killed, and a hundred wounded.
Bonaparte.
January 13th.—Joubert attacked; retires from Corona on Rivoli in the morning, joined by Bonaparte at night.
January 14th.—Battle of Rivoli: Austrian centre defeated. Bonaparte