MARENGO, ina-On'gA. A locality near Ales sandria. Italy, the scene of one of the most famous of Napoleon's battles, fought on June 14, 1800, in which the French completely defeated the Austrians under General Melas. In 179S a second coalition had been formed, by England, Austria, and Russia, against Franee. Napoleon was absent in Egypt. and the coalition had been completely successful, though Poissia soon de serted the allies, the Czar. Paul I., believing him self to have been betrayed by Austria. Mean while on the 1Sth Brumaire (November 9), 1799, Napoleon, wino bad returned from Egypt, ob tained complete control of the Government. and a vigorous war was resolved upon. Moreau (q.v.) was sent to Germany. while Napoleon crossed the Great Saint Bernard Pass into Italy with about 40,000 men. Though be was too late to relieve Genoa, where Massima (q.v.) had been besieged a long time, the Austrian advance guard was defeated on June 9, 1800, at Monte bello. and thereby Napoleon barred farther Aus
trian advance. On June 14th Melas crossed the llormia, assailed the French. and at first was successful. but. luckily for Napoleon. at five in the a ft ernoon Desa ix ( q.v.) and Kelle run an n (q.v.) appeared with fresh troops. and swept all before them, though the former lost his life in. the charge. The battle firmly established Na poleon's supremacy in France. General Melas was compelled to sign the Convention of Ales sandria. by which he surrendered Genoa. Pied mont, and the Milanese, and promised to with draw the Austrian garrisons from all cities to the west of the Mincio. Military have generally maintained that the Marengo campaign was one of the most brilliant conceptions in the history of warfare. See NAPOLEON 1.