 During the Montenotte Campaign he gained fame by his gallant defense of Monte Negino (or Legino) on 11 April 1796, where his soldiers repelled the attacks of a superior Austrian force.He rallied his men by making them swear an oath to "conquer or die".The next day, he led his demi-brigade at the Battle of Montenotte, and later in the week he fought at the Second Battle of Dego.