In traversing the Venetian States to return to Milan, he often spoke to me of Venice.  He always assured me that he was originally entirely unconnected with the insurrections which had agitated that country; that common sense would show, as his project was to advance into the basin of the Danube, he had no interest in having his rear disturbed by revolts, and his communications interrupted or cut off:  “Such an idea,” said he, “would be absurd, and could never enter into the mind of a man to whom even his enemies cannot deny a certain degree of tact.”  He acknowledged that he was not vexed that matters had turned out as they had done, because he had already taken advantage of these circumstances in the preliminaries and hoped to profit still more from them in the definitive peace.  “When I arrive at Milan,” said he, “I will occupy myself with Venice.”  It is therefore quite evident to me that in reality the General-in-Chief had nothing to do with the Venetian insurrections; that subsequently he was not displeased with them; and that, later still, he derived great advantage from them.

We arrived at Milan on the 5th of May, by way of Lawbook, Thrust, Palma-Nova, Padua, Verona, and Mantua.  Bonaparte soon took up his residence at Montebello, a very fine chateau, three leagues from Milan, with a view over the rich and magnificent plains of Lombard.  At Montebello commenced the negotiations for the definitive peace which were terminated at Passeriano.  The Marquis de Gallo, the Austrian plenipotentiary, resided half a league from Montebello.

During his residence at Montebello the General-in-Chief made an excursion to the Lake of Como and to the Ago Maguire.  He visited the Borromean Islands in succession, and occupied himself on his return with the organization of the towns of Venice, Genoa, and Milan.  He sought for men and found none.  “Good God,” said he, “how rare men are!  There are eighteen millions in Italy, and I have with difficulty found two, Dandolo and Melzi.”

He appreciated them properly.  Dandolo was one of the men who, in those revolutionary times, reflected the greatest honour upon Italy.  After being a member of the great council of the Cisalpine Republic, he exercised the functions of Proveditore-General in Dalmatia.  It is only necessary to mention the name of Dandolo to the Dalmatians to learn from the grateful inhabitants how just and vigorous his administration was.  The services of Melzi are known.  He was Chancellor and Keeper of the Seals of the Italian monarchy, and was created Duke of Lodi.

   —­[Francesco, Comte de Melzi d’Eryl (1753-1816), vice President of
   the Italian Republic, 1802; Chancellor of the Kingdom of Italy,
   1805; Duc de Loth, 1807.]—­