The First Consul spent seven days in selecting the men who were to rebuild the Cisalpine State, in beating back the eastern forces of Austria beyond the River Adda, and in organizing his troops and those of Moncey for the final blow.

The military problems, indeed, demanded great care and judgment.

His position was curiously the reverse of that which he had occupied in 1796.

Then the French held Tortona, Alessandria, and Valenza, and sought to drive back the Austrians to the walls of Mantua.

Now the Imperialists, holding nearly the same positions, were striving to break through the French lines which cut them off from that city of refuge; and Bonaparte, having forces slightly inferior to his opponents, felt the difficulty of frustrating their escape.
Three routes were open to Melas.