Not many days before Nelson was thus summoned to Genoa, he chased a large convoy into Alassio.

Twelve vessels he had formerly destroyed in that port, though 2000 French troops occupied the town.

This former attack had made them take new measures of defence; and there were now above 100 sail of victuallers, gun-boats, and ships of war.

Nelson represented to the Admiral how important it was to destroy these vessels; and offered, with his squadron of frigates, and the CULLODEN and COURAGEUX, to lead himself in the AGAMEMNON, and take or destroy the whole.

The attempt was not permitted; but it was Nelson's belief that, if it had been made, it would have prevented the attack upon the Austrian army, which took place almost immediately afterwards.
General de Vins demanded satisfaction of the Genoese government for the seizure of his commissary; and then, without waiting for their reply, took possession of some empty magazines of the French, and pushed his sentinels to the very gates of Genoa.