After Lonato had been taken by the Austrians, and again re-taken by
Napoleon, August, 1796, five thousand Austrians deserted; when, learning
that there were only 1200 French soldiers at Lonato, they marched toward
that place, in the hope of clearing a road to the Nuncio. When near
Lonato they sent to demand the surrender of the city. At that moment
Napoleon arrived from Castiglione, when he ordered the messenger to be
brought before him. “Go, tell your general,” said Napoleon, “that he is
in the midst of the French army. I give him eight minutes to surrender;
after that he has nothing to hope for!” Harassed and fatigued, not
knowing which way to turn, these 5,000 men laid down their arms at his
command.
[Illustration: NAPOLEON AT LONATO.]