and finding a bridge ready prepared, were at once placed on the same side of the river with the enemy,—­but in the rear altogether of his position, amidst those wide-spreading morasses which cover the country about Arcola.  This daring movement was devised to place Napoleon between Alvinzi and Davidowich; but the unsafe nature of the ground, and the narrowness of the dykes, by which alone he could advance on Arcola, rendered victory difficult, and reverse most hazardous.  He divided his men into three columns, and charged at daybreak (Nov. 15) by the three dykes which conduct to Arcola.  The Austrian, not suspecting that the main body of the French had evacuated Verona, treated this at first as an affair of light troops; but as day advanced the truth became apparent, and these narrow passages were defended with the most determined gallantry.  Augereau headed the first column that reached the bridge of Arcola, and was there, after a desperate effort, driven back with great loss.  Buonaparte, perceiving the necessity of carrying the point ere Alvinzi could arrive, now threw himself on the bridge, and seizing a standard, urged his grenadiers once more to the charge.

The fire was tremendous:  once more the French gave way.  Napoleon himself, lost in the tumult, was borne backwards, forced over the dyke, and had nearly been smothered in the morass, while some of the advancing Austrians were already between him and his baffled column.  His imminent danger was observed:  the soldiers caught the alarm, and rushing forwards, with the cry, “Save the general,” overthrew the Germans with irresistible violence, plucked Napoleon from the bog, and carried the bridge.  This was the first battle of Arcola.

This movement revived in the Austrian lines their terror for the name of Buonaparte; and Alvinzi saw that no time was to be lost if he meant to preserve his communication with Davidowich.  He abandoned Caldiero, and gaining the open country behind Arcola, robbed his enemy for the moment of the advantage which his skill had gained.  Napoleon, perceiving that Arcola was no longer in the rear of his enemy but in his front, and fearful lest Vaubois might be overwhelmed by Davidowich, while Alvinzi remained thus between him and the Brenta, evacuated Arcola, and retreated to Ronco.

Next morning, having ascertained that Davidowich had not been engaged with Vaubois, Napoleon once more advanced upon Arcola.  The place was once more defended bravely, and once more it was carried.  But this second battle of Arcola proved no more decisive than the first; for Alvinzi still contrived to maintain his main force unbroken in the difficult country behind; and Buonaparte again retreated to Ronco.