1-156-201 - Art Media/Heritage Images

'Battle of Marengo', 14th June, 1800. Death of General Louis Desaix (1768-1800) who saved Bonaparte at Marengo. Desaix had been sent with two divisions to block the Austrian army's escape when he heard the roar of guns at Marengo. Quickly returning, he summed up the battle by saying to Bonaparte that this battle had been lost, but there was still time to win another. Launching his men at the Austrians, Desaix was killed during the crucial assault. His dying words were, 'Go and tell the first Consul that I die with the regret of not doing enough for the Country'. Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821), seen on his horse in the background (top left), mourned his death, but knew a potential rival was no more.