it is a fine thing to have, in the course of less than two months, beaten, eight different times, an army of from 65 to 70,000 men, obliged the King of Sardinia to make a humiliating peace, and driven the Austrians from Italy.  The last victory, of which you have doubtless had an account, the passage of the Mincio, has closed our labours.  There now remain for us the siege of Mantua and the castle of Milan; but these obstacles will not detain us long.  Adieu, my dear Bourrienne:  I repeat General Bonaparte’s request that you should repair hither, and the testimony of his desire to see you.  Receive, etc., (Signed) Marmont.  Chief of Brigade (Artillery) and Aide de camp to the General-in-Chief.

I was obliged to remain at Sens, soliciting my erasure from the emigrant list, which I did not obtain, however, till 1797, and to put an end to a charge made against me of having fabricated a certificate of residence.  Meanwhile I applied myself to study, and preferred repose to the agitation of camps.  For these reasons I did not then accept his friendly invitation, notwithstanding that I was very desirous of seeing my young college friend in the midst of his astonishing triumphs.  Ten months after, I received another letter from Marmont, in the following terms:—­

Headquartersgorizia
2d Germinal, year V. (22d March 1797).

The General-in-Chief, my dear Bourrienne, has ordered me to express to you his wish for your prompt arrival here.  We have all along anxiously desired to see you, and look forward with great pleasure to the moment when we shall meet.  I join with the General, my dear Bourrienne, in urging you to join the army without loss of time.  You will increase a united family, happy to receive you into its bosom.  I enclose an order written by the General, which will serve you as a passport.  Take the post route and arrive as soon as you can.  We are on the point of penetrating into Germany.  The language is changing already, and in four days we shall hear no more Italian.  Prince Charles has been well beaten, and we are pursuing him.  If this campaign be fortunate, we may sign a peace, which is so necessary for Europe, in Vienna.  Adieu, my dear Bourrienne:  reckon for something the zeal of one who is much attached to you. 
                 (Signed) Marmont.

   Bonaparte, general-in-chief of the army of Italy.

     Headquarters, Gorizia, 2d Germinal, year V.

   The citizen Bourrienne is to come to me on receipt
   of the present order. 
               (Signed) Bonaparte.

The odious manner in which I was then harassed, I know not why, on the part of the Government respecting my certificate of residence, rendered my stay in France not very agreeable.  I was even threatened with being put on my trial for having produced a certificate of residence which was alleged to be signed by nine false witnesses.  This time, therefore, I resolved without hesitation to set out for the army.  General Bonaparte’s order, which I registered at the municipality of Sens, answered for a passport, which otherwise would probably have been refused me.  I have always felt a strong sense of gratitude for his conduct towards me on this occasion.