Bonaparte, who was convinced that, in order to bring matters to an issue, Venice and the territory beyond the Adige must fall beneath the Hapsburg sceptre, wrote to the Directory that he could not commence operations, advantageously, before the end of March, 1798; but that if the objections to giving Venice to the Emperor of Austria were persisted in, hostilities would certainly be resumed in the month of October, for the Emperor would not renounce Venice.

In that case it would be necessary to be ready on the Rhine for an advance in Germany, as the army of Italy, if it could make head against the Archduke Charles, was not sufficiently strong for any operations on a grand scale.

At this period the conclusion of peace was certainly very doubtful; it was even seriously considered in, what form the rupture should be notified.
Towards the end of September Bottot, Barras' secretary, arrived at Passeriano.

He was despatched by the Directory.

Bonaparte immediately suspected he was a new spy, come on a secret mission, to watch him.