He thought him well calculated to aid a commotion, which his own presence with the army of Italy prevented him from directing in person; and besides, Augereau was not an ambitious rival who might turn events to his own advantage.

Napoleon said, at St.Helena, that he sent the addresses of the army of Italy by Augereau because he was a decided supporter of the opinions of the day.

That was the true reason for choosing him.
Bernadotte was subsequently despatched on the same errand.

Bonaparte's pretence for sending him was, that he wished to transmit to the Directory four flags, which, out of the twenty-one taken at the battle of Rivoli, had been left, by mistake, at Peschiera.

Bernadotte, however, did not take any great part in the affair.