The first consul left Paris for Dijon, on the 6th of May, 1800, where the reserve army was being organized. At Geneva, he had an interview with the chief of engineers, for the purpose of ascertaining the particulars of the intended route; especially directing his inquiries to the difficult passage across St. Bernard. At the close of the interview, Napoleon said, “Do you believe, then, that the army will be able to accomplish this?” “Yes, General,” replied the intrepid engineer, “it is possible for French soldiers.” “Ah well!” said Napoleon, “let us attempt it then.” And the orders were immediately given for the army to commence its march. On the 15th, at the head of 30,000 of his troops, Napoleon began the ascent of St. Bernard. From St. Pierre to the summit the trail was so narrow that the troops were obliged to move in single file. In the course of a few days he performed what General Suvaroff had not dared to undertake in the preceding year: and thus the name of Napoleon was placed on the list with Hannibal and Charlemagne. [Illustration: BONAPARTE AT MOUNT ST. BERNARD.] THE DEATH OF DESAIX. At three o’clock in the afternoon, Napoleon took up his position on the road to San Juliano. “Soldiers!” he cried, “we have retreated far enough, now let us advance! You know it is my custom to sleep on the battle field!” Desaix was ordered to throw himself with his fresh troops upon the 6000 grenadiers of Colonel Zach. Desaix prepared to carry out these orders, but was shot dead at the first fire. “Alas! I must not weep,” said Napoleon; but the loss of this esteemed general redoubled the fury of the troops. Zach himself was taken prisoner; and the next day Melas entered into a negotiation, offering to abandon Genoa, and all the strong places in Piedmont, Lombardy, and the Legations,--provided Napoleon would allow him to march the shattered remains of his army unmolested to the rear of Mantua; this offer Napoleon accepted, and thus became the conqueror of Italy. [Illustration: THE DEATH OF DESAIX.] CORONATION OF NAPOLEON.