"HEADQUARTERS AT ROVERBELLA, "_22 Nivôse._ "SERRURIER, etc. "In consequence of the letter you sent me yesterday, General, relative to the disembarking carried out by the enemy, I believe the means for the defence of the Mincio. I have therefore just written off to General Victor to send to-day a battalion of his reserve to Formigosa, to be held in readiness to send immediately where help is most needed; although I have asked this general to communicate with me direct, I have at the same time requested him to keep you and General Dallemagne informed of all important news. "The remainder of the 57th battalion, to which you previously referred, will stay in reserve at Goïto.--Yours, etc. SERRURIER." "_23 Nivôse._ "SERRURIER, etc. "This is to inform you, General, that the enemy has attacked our lines; they began fighting at nine in the morning. I do not doubt that the garrison of Mantua will aid them by some movement; as we are ready to receive them, we shall send them back pretty quickly within their walls. In event of any emergency, I beg you to communicate with me and with the generals near you; it may possibly be that some part of the line of army will be compelled to yield ground; for this reason it is more than ever necessary to watch the approaches, to prevent any troop or convoy entering the town.--Yours faithfully, SERRURIER." At ten o'clock on the morning of the 25th Nivôse my father received this letter:-- "HEADQUARTERS AT ROVERBELLA," _25 Nivôse._[4] "SERRURIER, etc. "I have to advise you, General, that the enemy crossed the Adige last night at Anghiari, near Porto Legnago; I do not know in what strength; but we must be prepared, for it is quite likely we shall be attacked to-night: do not forget, I beg you, to warn General Miollis; tell him to send out a reconnoitring party by Castellaro--or at all events near Due-Castelli.--Faithfully yours, SERRURIER." "I have ordered the commandant of the 64th, who is at Formigosa, to fall back on General Miollis, if he cannot hold out. In case of need I shall withdraw to Goïto." Two hours later my father received another letter:-- "SAINT-ANTOINE, "_25 Nivôse._ "SERRURIER, etc. "I hazard the opinion, General, that there will be no sortie on General Dallemagne's side.[5] I believe the enemy mean to present themselves in force on Governolo and Formigosa, to make sure of those two bridges and to secure the Po, in order to relieve Mantua. It is quite certain they will not have so far to march if they go there, instead of coming here. But I think we must protect ourselves on all sides; that will not prevent us from availing ourselves of any opportunity that may arise.