What he unquestionably did urge was the immediate use of artillery to check the Austrian advance:  and Marmont, hastily reinforcing his own five guns with thirteen others, took a strong position and riddled the serried ranks of the enemy as, swathed in clouds of smoke and dust, they pressed blindly forward.  The First Consul disposed the troops of Desaix behind the village and a neighbouring hill; while at a little distance on the French left, Kellermann was ready to charge with his heavy cavalry as opportunity offered.

It came quickly.  Marmont’s guns unsteadied Zach’s grenadiers:  Desaix’s men plied them with musketry; and while they were preparing for a last effort, Kellermann’s heavy cavalry charged full on their flank.  Never was surprise more complete.  The column was cut in twain by this onset; and veterans, who but now seemed about to overbear all obstacles, were lying mangled by grapeshot, hacked by sabres, flying helplessly amidst the vineyards, or surrendering by hundreds.  A panic spread to their comrades; and they gave way on all sides before the fiercely rallying French.  The retreat became a rout as the recoiling columns neared the bridges of the Bormida:  and night closed over a scene of wild confusion, as the defeated army, thrust out from the shelter of Marengo, flung itself over the river into the stronghold of Alessandria.

Such was the victory of Marengo.  It was dearly bought; for, apart from the heavy losses, amounting on either side to about one-third of the number engaged, the victors sustained an irreparable loss in the death of Desaix, who fell in the moment when his skill and vigour snatched victory from defeat.  The victory was immediately due to Kellermann’s brilliant charge; and there can be no doubt, in spite of Savary’s statements, that this young officer made the charge on his own initiative.  Yet his onset could have had little effect, had not Desaix shaken the enemy and left him liable to a panic like that which brought disaster to the Imperialists at Rivoli.  Bonaparte’s dispositions at the crisis were undoubtedly skilful; but in the first part of the fight his conduct was below his reputation.  We do not hear of him electrifying his disordered troops by any deed comparable with that of Caesar, when, shield in hand, he flung himself among the legionaries to stem the torrent of the Nervii.  At the climax of the fight he uttered the words “Soldiers, remember it is my custom to bivouac on the field of battle”—­tame and egotistical words considering the gravity of the crisis.

On the evening of the great day, while paying an exaggerated compliment to Bessieres and the cavalry of the Consular Guard, he merely remarked to Kellermann:  “You made a very good charge”; to which that officer is said to have replied:  “I am glad you are satisfied, general:  for it has placed the crown on your head.”  Such pettiness was unworthy of the great captain who could design and carry through the memorable campaign of Marengo.