"Gain _La Grasse_" said he, "and in two days Toulon falls." His reasoning at length forced conviction, and he was permitted to follow his own plan.
A month before nothing could have been more easy; but within that time the enemy had perceived the importance of the promontory, which commands the narrow passage between the port and the Mediterranean, and fortified it so strongly, that it passed by the name of the Little Gibraltar.

It was necessary, therefore, to form extensive batteries in the rear of La Grasse, before there could be a prospect of seizing it.

Buonaparte laboured hard all day, and slept every night in his cloak by the guns, until his works approached perfection.

He also formed a large battery behind Malbosquet; but this he carefully concealed from the enemy.

It was covered by a plantation of olives, and he designed to distract their attention by opening its fire for the first time when he should be about to make his great effort against Little Gibraltar.