The marsh of Arcola is crossed by three causeways,--each of which was occupied by a French column. Alvinzi, supposing them only a few light troops, contented himself by ordering two small divisions to disperse them; these were checked and nearly routed by the strong columns of infantry to which they unexpectedly found themselves opposed. It was necessary that Arcola, which was defended by two battalions of Croates should be taken, in order to gain the bridge of Villeneuve, which was the only retreat of Alvinzi. The fire continuing unabated, Napoleon, determined on making a last effort, seized an ensign and planted it on the bridge with his own hand. He had advanced his column to the centre of the bridge, when a fresh body of Austrians arrived and commenced a sharp fire on his flank, which compelled those in the rear to retire. The grenadiers at the head of the column, finding themselves abandoned by their comrades, gave way; but not willing to lose their general, bore him in their arms through the midst of the dead and the dying. In the confusion he was precipitated into the marsh, where he lay surrounded by his enemies, and would probably have been taken prisoner had not the grenadiers, perceiving his danger, raised the cry, “Forward--forward--save the general!” At this the troops returned to the charge, and finally drove the Austrians out of the village. Nov. 1796. [Illustration: CROSSING THE BRIDGE AT ARCOLA.] THE CISALPINE REPUBLIC. The independence of the Cisalpine Republic was declared on the 29th of June, 1797. A general federation of the national guards and of the authorities of the new Republic was held in the Lazaretto of Milan. On the 14th of July, thirty thousand of the national guard and deputies from the departments swore fealty to the new Commonwealth. The Cisalpine Directory named its own ministers, the administrative authorities, and governed the Republic as an independent State. The keys of Milan, and of all the fortified places were duly remitted by the French to the Cisalpine officers, and the army quitted the States of the Republic and were cantoned upon the Venetian territory. Napoleon, after the treaty of Campo Formio, returned to Milan to complete the organization of this new State, and the administrative measures of its army. He bade adieu to the Italian people in an address, wherein he told them, that they were the first who had ever acquired liberty without a revolution. “_We_ have given liberty to you; know how to keep it. You are, after France, the most populous and the richest republic. Prove yourselves worthy of your destiny, by enacting wise and moderate laws, and by enforcing them with energy.” He told them to be sure that they had a sufficient sense of the dignity which attaches to a free people and promised them the protection of the French nation should they be attacked by neighboring States. [Illustration: THE CISALPINE REPUBLIC.] THE BATTLE OF THE PYRAMIDS.