A month before nothing could have been more easy; but within that time the enemy had perceived the importance of the promontory, which commands the narrow passage between the port and the Mediterranean, and fortified it so strongly, that it passed by the name of the Little Gibraltar.  It was necessary, therefore, to form extensive batteries in the rear of La Grasse, before there could be a prospect of seizing it.  Buonaparte laboured hard all day, and slept every night in his cloak by the guns, until his works approached perfection.  He also formed a large battery behind Malbosquet; but this he carefully concealed from the enemy.  It was covered by a plantation of olives, and he designed to distract their attention by opening its fire for the first time when he should be about to make his great effort against Little Gibraltar.  But the Representatives of the People had nearly spoiled everything.  These gentlemen, walking their rounds, discovered the battery behind the olives, and inquiring how long it had been ready, were told for eight days.  Not guessing with what views so many guns had been kept so long idle, they ordered an immediate cannonade.  The English made a vigorous sally, and spiked the guns before Buonaparte could reach the spot.  On his arrival at the eminence behind, he perceived a long deep ditch, fringed with brambles and willows, which he thought might be turned to advantage.  He ordered a regiment of foot to creep along the ditch, which they did without being discovered until they were close upon the enemy.  General O’Hara, the English commander, mistook them for some of his own allies, and, rushing out to give them some direction, was wounded and made prisoner.  The English were dispirited when they lost their general; they retreated, and the French were at liberty to set about the repair of their battery.  In this affair much blood was shed.  Napoleon himself received a bayonet-thrust in his thigh, and fell into the arms of Muiron, who carried him off the field.  Such was the commencement of their brotherly friendship.  His wound, however, did not prevent him from continuing his labours behind Little Gibraltar.

That fort had very nearly been seized, by a sort of accident, some time before his preparations were completed; a casual insult excited a sudden quarrel between the men in Buonaparte’s trenches and the Spaniards in Little Gibraltar.  The French soldiers, without waiting for orders, seized their arms, and rushed to the assault with fury.  Napoleon coming up, perceived that the moment was favourable, and persuaded Doppet to support the troops with more regiments; but the doctor, marching at the head of his column, was seized with a panic, on seeing a man killed by his side, and ordered a retreat, before anything could be effected.