[196] It is fair to add, however, that Buonaparte in his Memoirs, while at St. Helena, gives a sketch of the geographical description and history of Corsica, and suggests several plans for the civilisation of his countrymen,--one of which, the depriving them of the arms which they constantly wear, might be prudent were it practicable, but certainly would be highly unpalatable. There occurs an odd observation, "that the Crown of Corsica must, on the temporary annexation of the island to Great Britain, have been surprised at finding itself appertaining to the successor of Fingal." Not more, we should think, than the diadem of France, and the iron crown of Italy, may have marvelled at meeting on the brow of a Corsican soldier of fortune.--S. [197] Alvinzi was, at this time, seventy years of age. He died in 1810. [198] Montholon, tom. iii., p. 345; Thibaudeau, tom. ii., p. 82. [199] Montholon, tom. iii., p. 345; Thibaudeau, tom. ii., p. 109. [200] Jomini, tom. ix., p. 165. [201] Montholon, tom. iii., p. 349. [202] Jomini, tom. ix., p. 170; Thibaudeau, tom. ii., p. 112. [203] "The rain fell in torrents; the ground was so completely soaked, that the French artillery could make no movement, whilst that of the Austrians, being in position, and advantageously placed, produced its full effect."--MONTHOLON, tom. iii., p. 352. [204] "We have but one more effort to make, and Italy is our own. The enemy is, no doubt, more numerous than we are, but half his troops are recruits; when he is beaten, Mantua must fall, and we shall remain masters of all. From the smiling flowery bivouacs of Italy, you cannot return to the Alpine snows. Succours are on the road; only beat Alvinzi, and I will answer for your future welfare."--MONTHOLON, tom. iii., p. 355. [205] "This was the day of military devotedness. Lannes, who had been wounded at Governolo, had hastened from Milan; he was still suffering; he threw himself between the enemy and Napoleon, and received three wounds. Muiron, Napoleon's aide-de-camp, was killed in covering his general with his own body. Heroic and affecting death!"--NAPOLEON, _Memoirs_, tom. iii., p. 362. [206] Jomini, tom. ix., p. 180; Thibaudeau, tom. ii., p. 117. [207] Jomini, tom. ix., p. 101. Napoleon estimates the loss of Alvinzi, in the three days' engagements, at 18,000 men including 6000 prisoners. Montholon, tom. iii., p. 370. [208] Letter to the Directory, 19th November. [209] "The French army re-entered Verona in triumph by the Venice gate, three days after having quitted that city almost clandestinely by the Milan gate. It would be difficult to conceive the astonishment and enthusiasm of the inhabitants."--MONTHOLON, tom. iii., p. 370. [210] "You announce the arrival of 10,000 men from the Army of the Ocean, and a like number from that of the Rhine; but they have not arrived, and should they not come speedily, you will sacrifice an army ardently devoted to the Constitution."--BUONAPARTE to the Directory, 28th December.