took on Col. Sacleux as his chief-of-staff, an admirable man, a good
soldier, with a very pleasant personality, if somewhat solemn and
serious-minded. He had as his secretary a young man by the name of
Colindo, the son of a banker, Signor Trepano of Parma, whom he had
picked up after a series of adventures too long to relate here, who
became my very good friend.

Early in the spring of 1800, my father was told that General
Masséna intended to give the command of the right wing to General
Soult, who had just arrived, and was much my father's junior, and he
was ordered to go back to Savona and head his old division, the
third. My father obeyed, though his pride was hurt by this new
posting.

Chap. 11.

A serious situation was developing in Italy. Masséna had received
some reinforcements; he had established a little order in his army,
and the campaign of 1800, which led to the memorable siege of Genoa
and the battle of Marengo, was about to begin.

The snows which covered the mountains separating the two
armies having melted, the Austrians attacked us, and their first
efforts were directed upon my father's division, the third, stationed
at the right of the French line, which they wished to separate from
the centre and the left by driving them back from Savona to Genoa.

As soon as hostilities commenced, my father and Col. Sacleux sent
all the non-combatants to Genoa; Colindo was among them. As for me, I
was thoroughly enjoying myself, exhilarated as I was by the sight