We shall be regarded as the beaten party, independently of the disgrace of abandoning Venice, which Bonaparte himself thought so worthy of freedom.

France ought not, and never will wish, to see Italy delivered up to Austria.

The Directory would prefer the chances of a war to changing a single word of its ultimatum, which is already too favourable to Austria." All this was said in vain.

Bonaparte made no scruple of disregarding his instructions.

It has been said that the Emperor of Austria made an offer of a very considerable sum of money, and even of a principality, to obtain favourable terms.