The battle was a most obstinate one.

The fields being covered with very tall crops of rye, the hostile battalions were often almost within bayonet's length ere they were aware of each other's presence; and the same circumstances prevented the generals, on either side, from displaying much science in their manoeuvres.

It was a conflict of man against man, and determined at a dear cost of blood.

The field was strewn with dead, and the retiring Austrians left 5000 prisoners in the hands of Lannes--who, in memory of this day of slaughter, was created afterwards Duke of Montebello.

It was from the prisoners taken here that the Consul learned the fate of Genoa.