Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1846-07-24
cARROLLTON OIIO-FRIDAY, JULY 2L 1916

~ 'H uuIht .NhHls AfinfllA WIS iAlllllA III iil1
happy judgment, and, without farther hesitation,
marched on Marengo, sending several aids-de-
camp before him, 10 announce his approach TO the
First Consul. The whole day long he marched;
and, at three O'Clock, the head Of his column be-
gan to appear on the verge Of the plain, in the
neighborhood of San-Giuliana. Outstripping
them oil, at full gallop, he came into the presence
Of the First Consul. Oh! happy inspiration in a
Lieutenant, no less intelligent than he was deyo-
ted! Oh! happy fortune which belongs to youth!
II, after fifteen years had flown, the First Consul,
so well seconded on that day by his generals, had
found Dcsax on the field of Waterloo, he would
have saved his empire, and France her dominant
position among the powers Of EurOpel
The presence Of Desaix was destined 10 change
the whole face of affairs. He was surrounded by
his iriends-informed Of all of the events Of the
day. The generals drew in circle about him and
the First Consul, and eagerly discussed their Sc
riOus situation. Most were in favor of a retreat.
The First Consul demurred; eagerly asked De-
salX's opinion. Desaix cast his eve over the de-
vasalion of the battlefield, and then, taking out
his watch and looking at the hour, answered Cen
eral Bonapare, in these simple, yet lofty words:
"les the battle is lost butit only three o'clock
There Is yet time 10 gain another" Delighted
with the answer of Desaix, General Bonaparte at
once prepared 10 avail himself of the resources
brought by this officer, and of the advantages as
sured him by the position which he had taken up
since the morning, In fact, he was now on the
right Of the plain, while his enemy was on the
left, in column of march upon the high road lea
ding to San-Giuliano. Dcsaix coming up by the
way of -Giuliano with 5000 fresh troops, and
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check, while the main body of the army should
rally and throw itself on their flank. On the
spot, and without moments loss of time, dis
positions were made accordingly.
Desaix's three dcmi-brigades were formed in
front of SAM Guiano, a liule way to the right of
the main road. The 3Oth deployed in the line,
tho 9Th and 59th in close column, on the wings
OF the former. A slight inundation of ground
concealed them from the enemy. On the right,
rallylng and somewhat recovered, were the shat
tered relics of Chambarlhac's and Gardanne's di-
visions under General Victor. To their right, in
the plain, Lannes, whose retreat had been stop
ped; next TO him the Consular Guard, and next
again to that Cara-Saint-Cy who had maintain
ed himself as near as possible to Castel Ceriolo.
In this position the army formed long oblique
line, from San-Giuliano 10 Castcl-Ceriolo. In an
interval between DesaiX and Lannes, but some-
what more in the rear, was stationed kelermann,
with his cavalry. A battery of twelve pieces, the
sole remains of the whole artillery of the army,
was spread out in front of Desaix's line.
These dispositions made, the First Consul pass
ed on horseback along the lines of his soldiers,
speaking to several corps. "Nly friends" said
he to them, "you have retrcatcd far enough: re-
collect that am in the habit of sleeping on the
field Of battle" After having re-animated his
troops, who were re-asured by the arrival of their
reserves, and burning to avenge the events of the
morning, he gave the signal. The charge was
beaten along the whole length of the lines.
The Austrians, who were rather in order of
march than of battle, kept the high road. The
column directed by NJ. de Zach came first; a lit.
tie behind it came the centre, half deployed on
the plain and facing Lannes. General Mamont
suddenly unmaskcd his twelve pieces of cannon
A heavy discharge of grape-shot fell upon the
head of the column, which was completely taken
by surprise, and suspecting nothing less than far
ther resistance, for they thought the French de-
cidedy on their retreat. They had not yet re-
covered from their surprise, whe DesaX put the
9th light infantry in movement. $50 and in
form the First Consul said he to his ad-dc-
camp, Savary, ''that | am charging, and that
must be supported by the cavalry" Desaix, on
horseback, charged in person, at the head of this
demi-brigade. He led it over the slight inequal-
ity of ground which concealed him from the view
of the Austrians, and made them aware of his
presence by discharge of musketry at point
blank distance. The Austrians poured in an an
swering volley; and Dcsaix fell on the instant
pierced by bullet in the breast. Conceal my
DEATH" said he to General Boudet, who was his
chief of division, for might, he thought, pro-
duce panic among his men. Useless precau-
ton of the young hero. He was seen to fall, and
his soldiers, like those of Turenne, camorously
demanded to be led forward TO avenge the death
of their leader. The 9th light infantry, which
on that day gained for itself the title of 'The In
comparable" distinction which it bore to the
conclusion of the war; the 9th light infantry, af-
ter pouring its fire upon the enemy, formed in
column, and fell upon the deep mass of the Aus
trians. At the sight, the two first regiments that
led the march, surprised and confounded, fell
back in disorder upon the second line, and disap-
appeared amidst its ranks. Lattermann's column
of grenadiers were now at the head, and receiv-
ed the shock as chosen troops might be expected
to receive it. They were firm. The struggle
extended to the two sides of the main road. The
9th light infantry was supported to the right by
Victors troops, which had rallied; to the left, by
the 3Oth and 59th demi-brigades of Boudet's divi-
sion, which folowedth movement. Lattermann'S
grenadiers were defending themselves stoutly,
though hard pressed, when suddenly a storm burst
on their heads. General Kellermann, who, at
the instance of Desaix, had received orders to
charge, set off at full galop, and passing between
Lannes and Desaix, placed part of his squadron
en- pOtence to make head against the Austrian cav
airy, whom he saw before him, and then, with the
remainder, threw himself on the flank of the col
umn of grenadiers, already assailed in front by
Boudet's infantry. By this charge, which was
executed with extraordinary vigor, the column
was cut in two. kelemann's Dragons sabred
it to the right and left, till, pressed on every side,
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