CHAPTER III.
Buonaparte Chief of Battalion at Nice--Fall of Robespierre--He is superseded--Buonaparte at Paris in 1795--The day of the Sections--Commands the Army of the Interior--Marries Josephine de Beauharnois--Appointed to the command of the Army of Italy.
From this time Napoleon advanced by rapid strides to greatness.

His admirable skill was still further displayed in his survey of the fortifications above mentioned; and having completed this service, he was appointed to join the army of Italy, then stationed at Nice, with the rank of Chief of Battalion.
Here his advice suggested a plan by which the Sardinians were driven from the Col di Tende on the 7th March, 1794; Saorgio, with all its stores, surrendered; and the French obtained possession of the maritime Alps, so that the difficulties of advancing into Italy were greatly diminished.

Of these movements, however, his superior officers reaped as yet the honour.

He was even superseded (Aug.

6, 1794) very shortly after their success.