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( 23  ) Barras for the young Bonaparte: Paris at the point of being reduced to ashes, saw interior calm restored. the Convention was indebted for its triumph to Bonaparte ; all France appensed as much by his firm- ness as by his courage, owed to him the pre- servation of a number of its citizens whom mindless fury had excited to destroy each other. From that period to the moment when the French Government formed the object of carrying the war into Italy, the interesting, but the unfavourable auspices with which he was intrusted with the con- duct of that dangerous expedition contri- buted not a little to heighten his reputation. The ferocious Robespierre had sacrificed to the fury best Generals of France : Cuf- their great successes had perished on a scaffold: Damourier had betrayed his trust, was chosen to retrieve so
 * the life of Bonaparte offers nothing very
 * and Houchard. both well known by
 * the conqueror of Holland,
 * called; when Bonaparte still *******
 * ers

and the most experienced Generals of Europe and in a country where nature presents on every side obstacles which Hannibal alone had been, able to overcome the French troops could have little confidence in the conduct of a General only 26 years old ;
 * sye of engaging the best troops