They mounted the opposite plateau, but this was so swept by the Russian guns, that they were forced at once to retire to the bridge.
Soon the artillery opened along the whole line on both sides.

The French outposts had also been driven in, and before the troops were fairly under arms, the Russians had crossed the bridge, and were charging forward.

The aqueduct, which was nine or ten feet wide and several feet deep, now formed the front of the French defence.

It ran along on the face of the hill, with a very steep slope facing the Russians.
In spite of the fire of the French artillery in front, and of the Sardinian artillery which swept them in flank, the Russian soldiers pressed most gallantly forward, crossed the aqueduct, and tried to storm the height.

The Sardinian fire, however, was too severe, and after ten minutes the Russians fell back.