André MASSENA, Duc de Rivoli and Prince d’Essling (1758-1817)

Document Signed (“Massena”) as division general, ordering compensation to the commissariat officer Pelizzone for a horse taken during the expedition at Ronco.

1 page large 4to in French with integral blank leaf, countersigned by Pelizzone, Ronco, 25 Brumaire an 5 [15 November 1796].        

A document signed on the day Napoleon seized the flag and attempted to lead his men across the bridge at Arcola, an event commemorated, in rather romanticised fashion, in Antoine-Jean Gros’ famous painting.

The previous day, Massena had left Verona, using a roundabout route. Napoleon positioned Massena at Ronco, on the west bank of the Adige. Massena crossed the Adige, and headed for Belfiore, where he successfully attacked the Austrians. He returned to Ronco, but two days later crossed the river again, this time to attack the bridge at Arcola. Finally, late on 17 November, it was Massena, together with Augereau, who finally entered Arcola, securing French victory over the Austrians.

The horse in question was a mare, aged seven years and of “taille dragon” [i.e., a horse between 1.502 and 1.543 metres, suitable for dragoons], for which its owner was to be paid 450 livres, in accordance with the amount determined by law.

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