No. 11 To Josephine, at Milan
Ronco, September 12, 1796, 10 A.M.
My dear Josephine,—I have been here two days, badly lodged, badly fed, and very cross at being so far from you.
Wurmser is hemmed in, he has with him 3000 cavalry and 5000 infantry. He is at Porto-Legnago; he is trying to get back into Mantua, but for him that has now become impossible. The moment this matter shall be finished I will be in your arms.
I embrace you a million times.
Bonaparte.
September 13th.—Wurmser, brushing aside the few French who oppose him, gains the suburbs of Mantua.
September 14th.—Massena attempts a surprise, but is repulsed.
September 15th.—Wurmser makes a sortie from St. Georges, but is driven back.
September 16th.—And at La Favorite, with like result.