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Our two battalions of Grenadiers deployed into battle-line along a country-road. Four guns were placed between our two battalions. The elite of Bonaparte's infantry waited for the Legion Infernale to get closer.
Shortly before 4 pm Austrian GM Sticker began deploying artillery and two battalions of 'Legion Infernale'). The two battalions were weak, they had total of only 700-900 men. Once the deployment was finished they advanced forward and fired volley after volley by platoons. Bonaparte's Grenadiers (500-800 men) held their ground and the attackers halted at 50 paces from them. Both sides were separated only by the small Cavo ditch.
At approx. 50 paces away from the 500-800 Grenadiers of the new Consul’s halted and engaged the Austrians in a hot exchange of musketry. The cartridges were torn rapidly from the boxes and stuffed in the smoking muzzles, the rammers clashed and clanged; the men's hands grew grim and black with powder.
The exchange of fire went on for 15 minutes by Austrian infantry") the musketry continued for some time with the Guard being supported by 4 guns and the Austrians by 6 (or more) guns. The fire from several thousands muskets and dozen cannons created a tremendous noise and smoke. It was a hellish experience for both sides. French Emigrées charged our Guard's flank. The Grenadiers were "... charged three times by the cavalry, fusilladed by the infantry, they surrounded their colors and their wounded in a hollow square ...
Suddenly the Legion Infernale ceased fire as from the flank appeared Austrian cavalry. Oberst (Colonel) Fremont’s cavalry consisted of two units: 300 men in 2 squadrons of Kaiser (1st) Dragoon Regiment 186 men in 2 squadrons of Bussy Horse Jäger Regiment (In this unit served many French émigrés who hated Bonaparte and New France. The Bussy jagers wore helmets and grey blueish jackets and breeches. See picture.
Frimont attacked our Grenadiers' flank. The Legion Infernale fixed bayonets and joined the fight. Brabant, a grenadier of uncommon strength, took over abandoned cannon and served it alone for 30 minutes! "It seemed impossible that so small a body of men, forming but a mere speck on that vast plain, could resist the overwhelming squadrons."
After some hard fighting we the Grenadiers began withdrawing, the battalion formation broken into desperate knots of frenzied men trying to extricate themselves from the trap. Although the victors were unable to capture the flag of the Grenadiers 400 prisoners were taken.
Colonel Soules returned to the main French line with 200-250 grenadiers. For bravery at Marengo the infantry of Consular Guard was awarded with 24 awards for valor, and the Guard artillery with 8 awards. Charged three times by the cavalry, fusilladed by the infantry, they surrounded our colors, and their wounded in a hollow square, we were exhausted all of our cartridges were nearly gone, with slow and regular steps, we fell back and joined our astonished ranks." Then suddenly behind the Guard the whole French army was on the retreat and a swarm of Austrian cavalry came from Marengo and fell into the Guard's rear and let only a few escaped. Also our 4 guns fell into the Austrian hands."
Bonaparte then sent in the cavalry of the Consular Guard to stabilize the front line. This force consisted of the following troops: 200 Horse Grenadiers of the Consular Guard 160 Horse Chasseurs of the Consular Guard General Berthier: "A body of the reserve of the enemy cavalry prepared to charge the right of the division Boudet; but General Bessires commanding the grenadiers and chasseurs cheval of the guard, seizes this occasion of glory; and jealous for the troop of elites that he commands; he takes the honor of the last charge, it preempts the enemy, rushes, bends back this body and throws the Austrians into disorder in the brook; General Bessires discovers the Austrian flanks of the infantry and causes a general retreat, by carrying confusion and the dismay in the enemy ranks."
Bessieres then rushed with the cavalry of the Consular Guard. Escadrons ... en avant ... Marche! Cloaks slung diagonally across their shoulders, carrying their sabers high, they advanced at a slow trot because their horses were tired. Chargez! And they swooped down upon the Austrian cavalry and pursued it to the brink of a ditch where the enemy broke in disorder. Schmitt, a trumpeter of the Horse Grenadiers, surrounded by enemies and called on to surrender, killed one. The others wounded him, smashing his trumpet over his haunch. But thanks to his horse, the hero succeeded in rejoining his squadron.
The whole army swept forward and the battle was won. Desaix was dead. The Guard returned to its headquarters at San Giuliano. On 17 June, the First Consul departed for Milan, escorted by the Guard Chasseurs. He traveled long and without pause.
On July 6 the Guard received its rewards and promotions. Aune, the bravest grenadier, a legendary hero as full of holes as a colander who possessed a sword of honor and was ensign of the grenadiers, had his hat perforated by bullets as well. Amazingly, he did not suffer the slightest scratch. (He died three years later of consumption and Bonaparte granted a pension of 500 francs to his widow.) I was also rewarded by the Emperor who put me in the general staff as sergeant de Guards.
General de Brig Kliff Marbot
II Corps Art Res Division .Commander
Marechal de Camp AN
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