Meanwhile, Bonaparte had inflicted a crushing defeat on Alvinczi at the Battle of Rivoli. The French general ordered large forces to converge on and destroy Provera's column. Delayed by a French cavalry brigade, the Austrians arrived in front of Mantua on 15 and 16 November. Provera tried and failed to break through the fortified suburb of San Giorgio, held by the French. At dawn on the 16th, Dagobert von Wurmser's garrison tried to break out but was repulsed. Soon, Napoleon concentrated heavy forces behind the Austrians. Hemmed in by greatly superior numbers, Provera surrendered near La Favorita Palace with 6,000 men. Even the 2,000 men left to defend the pontoon bridge were captured.