Under cover of this welcome screen, Victor and Lannes restored some order to their divisions and checked for a time the onsets of the enemy.

Slowly but surely, however, the impact of the Austrian main column, advancing along the highroad, made them draw back on San Giuliano.
By 2 p.m.the battle seemed to be lost for the French; except on the north of their line they were in full retreat, and all but five of their cannon were silenced.

Melas, oppressed by his weight of years, by the terrific heat, and by two slight wounds, retired to Alessandria, leaving his chief of the staff, Zach, to direct the pursuit.

But, unfortunately, Melas had sent back 2,200 horsemen to watch the district between Alessandria and Acqui, to which latter place Suchet's force was advancing.

To guard against this remoter danger, he weakened his attacking force at the critical time and place; and now, when the Austrians approached the hill of San Giuliano with bands playing and colours flying, their horse was not strong enough to complete the French defeat.