CHAPTER VII.
Affairs of Corsica--Alvinzi assumes the Command of the Austrians on the Italian frontier--The three Battles of Arcola--Retreat of Alvinzi--Battle of Rivoli--Battle of La Favorita--Surrender of Mantua--Victor marches on Ancona--Despair of the Pope--Treaty of Tollentino.
The French party in Corsica had not contemplated without pride and exultation the triumphs of their countryman.

His seizure of Leghorn, by cutting off the supplies from England, greatly distressed the opposite party in the island, and an expedition of Corsican exiles, which he now despatched from Tuscany, was successful in finally reconquering the country.

To Napoleon this acquisition was due; nor were the Directory insensible to its value.

He, meanwhile, had heavier business on his hands.
The Austrian council well knew that Mantua was in excellent keeping; and being now relieved on the Rhenish frontier, by the failure of Jourdan and Moreau's attempts, were able to form once more a powerful armament on that of Italy.

The supreme command was given to Marshal Alvinzi, a veteran of high reputation.