Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1846-10-01
MONTPELIER, THURSDAY OCTOBER l. 1916.
THE BATTLE OF MARENGo.


J. HEADLEY.
have been days on the road to Milan, in order
TO visit the battlefield of Marengo which is half a
days Journey out of the wav | was struck with
the care of the road over the Apprentices. 1t is moi
only smooth and in excellent order, but l1en are
stationed at certain intervals during the summer
months TO wet it once day. as we do IN Broadway
to keep the dust down. We should regard this at
home as an entire waste OF labor
We did not arrive at Marengo in time to visit
the field that evening, passed on to Alessandria
where stopped over night. This is the strong.
est fortified inland place have seen. Well man
ned and provisioned it would be impossible to take
it. 1t is a singular city, end soldiers seem to form
the majority Of the population. The peasantry
that come in the morning to sell fruit are squad
looking race.
The field of Marengo, is not like most othermod-
ern battle grounds; overrun with guides, who tell
some truth and good deal of fable. 1t is left un-
disturbed, and not a guide can be found. Few visit
it, and found a written description had in my
pocket indispensable. This Is one of those battles
where Bonapare escaped, as by miracle, utter de-
feat.
The Austrians were full $4,000 strong, while Ma.
poleon could muster little more than half that nrm.
ber Napoleon formed three lines; one in advance
Of Marengo at Padre Buoma one at Marengo and
one behind this little hamlet, which indeed consists
of scarcely more than half dozen houses. The
first line under Gardonne, the second under
Victor, and the third by Napoleon in person. 1t i:
a broad plain, with rothing to intercept the charge
of cavalry Tor miles, besides scattering trees and
huls; with the exception Of narrow but deer
stream, with miry bottom that passed directly in
front of Marengo. Here Victor stood. The Aus.
tran heavy infantry formed in the open field, and
came down on Gardonne, driving back on Victor
posted on the other side of the ravne. The trail
lieurs of both armies ranged on opposite sides
of this stream and there, with the muzzles of then
pieces almost touching, stood and fired in each
others faces and bosoms for two hours
1t did not seem possible, as | stood by that stream
so narrow that could almost leap across it, thai
two armies could stand for that length of time SC
close to each other, and steadily fire at each other
They were but few rods apart, and musketrv.fo
gether, swept down whole ranks of living men
AT length the ndomitabe Victor was compelled tC
retire before such superior force, and fell back o.
Lannes, who advancing to meet him.
The two formed second line of defence, but
furious charge of the Ausrians drove them back
while General Elsnitz, having MARCHED around at
tackled him on the right flank, andsbegan to pou
squadron alter squadron of his splendid cavalry or
the retreating columns OF Lannes. But the stern
hero Immediately formed his troops en- echeion, anC
retired without confusion. But the retreating be
came general, and had the Austrian commander
Meas, pushed tho battle here, nothing short of
miracle could have saved Bonaparte from ut
ter ruin. But he thought the battle already won
and that it was only pursuit, and retired to the
rear, weary and exhausted and no wonder, for hi
was eighty-f1ur years old. But at that moment
Dessax appeared on the field, bringing up the re
serve. Dessaix rode up to Bonaparte, and said, 8"
think this must be put down as a battle lost"
&c think it is battle won," replied Napoleon
"Push on, and will rally the line behind you."-
Riding along the Army he had just stayed in it,
RAPID retreat he said, Soldiers we have retired fa
enough, let us now advancc-you know 1t is my
custom to sleep on the field O! Battle" At tina
moment Dessaix led on fresh column of 5000
grennadiers-but at the first fire he fell dead sho
through the heart.
Alas! it is not permitted me to weep" said Ma
poleon.
son! and they did on, sweeping line after line
till the whole army was routed and the battle be
came slaughter. The Austrian cavalry fell bach
on their own infantry, trampng them to death
while the French horse charged like fire over The
broken columns. The routed army at length
reached the BOrmda, and were precipltated dow
It's steep banks till its stream was choked with tht
bodies of men and horses, rolled by thousands int
the purple flood.
Bonap6rte's star was still in the ascendant.
How changed was the scene as looked upon il
The herdsaan was watching his flock on the qui
ct plan and the careless husbandman driving hi
plough through the earth once hea?ed with tn
dead The Bormida looked if it never had re
received a slain army, or its bright water been dis
colored wIth the blood Of men,