The Archduke, knowing that the French had been marching all the night before, concluded that the general wished to defer the battle till another day; and in like manner withdrew to his camp.

About two hours after Napoleon rushed with his whole army, who had merely lain down in ranks, upon the margin of the Tagliamento, no longer adequately guarded--and had forded the stream ere the Austrian line of battle could be formed.

In the action which followed (March 12) the troops of the Archduke displayed much gallantry, but every effort to dislodge Napoleon failed; at length retreat was judged necessary.

The French followed hard behind.

They stormed Gradisca, where they made 5000 prisoners; and--the Archduke pursuing his retreat--occupied in the course of a few days Trieste, Fiume, and every stronghold in Carinthia.