Dessaix was already half-a-day's journey from headquarters, when Napoleon received intelligence which made him hastily recall all his detachments.

The Austrian general, after a long hesitation, had at length resolved to let a fair field decide once more the fate of Italy.

On the evening of the 13th, his whole army mustered in front of Alessandria having only the river Bormida between them and the plain of Marengo; and early in the following morning, they passed the stream at three several points, and advanced towards the French position in as many columns.
The Austrians were full 40,000 strong; while, in the absence of Dessaix and the reserve, Napoleon could, at most, oppose to them 20,000, of whom only 2500 were cavalry.

He had, however, no hesitation about accepting the battle.

His advance, under Gardanne, occupied the small hamlet of Padre Bona, a little in front of Marengo.