On December 15, 1792, Anning launched the battle to force a crossing of the Mincio River.
He entrusted the command of the battle to Davout and rode his horse along the riverbank to enjoy the scenery.
The roaring cannon fire created plumes of white smoke that lingered over the surface of the Mincio River, echoing the snow-covered banks on either side.
In Anning's memory, it seemed that he had learned in high school geography that Northern Italy had a Mediterranean climate, which should stay above zero degrees all year round. He wondered if he remembered it wrong or if this era was colder than the future.
In any case, the banks of the Mincio River were now draped in silver, but the river itself was not frozen and still flowed briskly.
The French Army soldiers could only wade through the icy river water to reach the opposite bank.
Fortunately, the morale of the French Army was high, and the cold water was not enough to stop them.
