CHAPTER V.
The French cross the Po at Placenza--The Battle of Fombio--The Bridge of Lodi--Napoleon occupies Milan--Resigns, and resumes his command--Insurrection of Pavia--Military Executions--The French pass the Mincio at Borghetto--Beaulieu retreats behind the Adige--Mantua besieged--Peace with the King of the Two Sicilies--The Pope buys a Respite.
Piedmont being now in the hands of Buonaparte, the Austrian general concentrated his army behind the Po, with the purpose of preventing the invader from passing that great river and making his way to the capital of Lombardy.
Napoleon employed every device to make Beaulieu believe that he designed to attempt the passage of the Po at Valenza; and the Austrian, a man of routine, who had himself crossed the river at that point, was easily persuaded that these demonstrations were sincere.

Meanwhile his crafty antagonist executed a march of incredible celerity upon Placenza, fifty miles lower down the river; and appeared there on the 7th of May, to the utter consternation of a couple of Austrian squadrons, who happened to be reconnoitring in that quarter.

He had to convey his men across that great stream in the common ferry boats, and could never have succeeded had there been anything like an army to oppose him.

Andreossi (afterwards so celebrated) was commander of the advanced guard; Lannes (who became in the sequel Marshal Duke of Montebello) was the first to throw himself ashore at the head of some grenadiers.

The German hussars were driven rapidly from their position.