Consequently St.Cyr's corps evacuated that land and brought a welcome reinforcement to Massena on the Mincio.

Equally skilful was Napoleon's action as regards Hanover.

On that side also the allies planned a formidable expedition.

From the fortress of Stralsund in Swedish Pomerania, a force of Russians and Swedes, which Gustavus burned to command, was to march into Hanover, and, when strengthened by an Anglo-Hanoverian corps, drive the French from the Low Countries.

It is curious to contrast the cumbrous negotiations concerning this expedition--the quarrels about the command, the anxiety at the outset lest Villeneuve should perhaps sail into the Baltic, the delays of the British War Office, the remonstrances of the Czar, and the efforts to avert the jealousy of Prussia--with the serene indifference of Napoleon as to the whole affair.