Alvinzi’s preparations were in the meantime rapidly advancing.  The enthusiasm of the Austrian gentry was effectually stirred by the apprehension of seeing the conqueror of Italy under the walls of Vienna, and volunteer corps were formed everywhere and marched upon the frontier.  The gallant peasantry of the Tyrol had already displayed their zeal; nor did the previous reverses of Alvinzi prevent them from once more crowding to his standard.  Napoleon proclaimed that every Tyrolese caught in arms should be shot as a brigand.  Alvinzi replied, that for every murdered peasant he would hang a French prisoner of war:  Buonaparte rejoined, that the first execution of this threat would be instantly followed by the gibbeting of Alvinzi’s own nephew, who was in his hands.  These ferocious threats were laid aside, when time had been given for reflection; and either general prepared to carry on the war according to the old rules, which are at least sufficiently severe.

Alvinzi sent a peasant across the country to find his way if possible into the beleaguered city of Mantua, and give Wurmser notice that he was once more ready to attempt his relief.  The veteran was commanded to make what diversion he could in favour of the approaching army; and if things came to the worst, to fight his way out of Mantua, retire on Romagna, and put himself at the head of the Papal forces.  The spy who carried these tidings was intercepted, and dragged into the presence of Napoleon.  The terrified man confessed that he had swallowed the ball of wax in which the despatch was wrapped.  His stomach was compelled to surrender its contents; and Buonaparte prepared to meet his enemy.  Leaving Serrurier to keep up the blockade of Mantua, he hastened to resume his central position at Verona, from which he could, according to circumstances, march with convenience on whatever line the Austrian main body might choose for their advance.

The Imperialists, as if determined to profit by no lesson, once more descended from the Tyrol upon two different lines of march; Alvinzi himself choosing that of the Upper Adige; while Provera headed a second army, with orders to follow the Brenta, and then, striking across to the Lower Adige, join the marshal before the walls of Mantua.  Could they have combined their forces there, and delivered Wurmser, there was hardly a doubt that the French must retreat before so vast an army as would then have faced them.  But Napoleon was destined once more to dissipate all these victorious dreams.  He had posted Joubert at Rivoli, to dispute that important position, should the campaign open with an attempt to force it by Alvinzi; while Augereau’s division was to watch the march of Provera.  He remained himself at Verona until he could learn with certainty by which of these generals the first grand assault was to be made.  On the evening of the 13th of January, tidings were brought him that Joubert had all that day been maintaining his ground with difficulty; and he instantly hastened to what now appeared to be the proper scene of action for himself.