August 28, 1798.
Vipava, a small town on Austria's southwestern border.
Beneath a lush green linden tree stood a small wooden table. Archduke Karl, three medals pinned to his chest, sat ramrod straight beside it, his quill writing in the field journal: Continue pre-battle rest and reorganization. The French likewise showed no signs of training or troop movements. A quiet and boring day...
Just as he finished the last word, hurried hoofbeats suddenly came from the east. A smile immediately appeared on his stern face.
The arrival was a major.
He tipped his hat to Archduke Karl in salute, then handed over a document. He was just about to speak when the latter beat him to it. "Has war been formally declared?"
"Yes, Your Highness." The major snapped to attention. "At nine this morning, His Majesty the Emperor signed the declaration of war."
"Address me as Commander. Where are the logistical supplies I requested?"
"They have all arrived at Klagenfurt Fortress, Commander."
"Excellent." Archduke Karl rose and called loudly to the orderly officer, "Order the entire army to cross the Soča River tomorrow morning.
"Have colonel Milius clear the towns around Udine first.
"Order General Würmser to seize Tolmezzo at the fastest possible speed..."
The Soča River was a small river on the border between Austria and Venice. In fact, more than five thousand Austrian soldiers had already quietly established positions on the river's western bank, ready at any moment to receive the main force.
Meanwhile, Würmser commanded fifteen thousand Austrian troops stationed in Zaga, a town on the north side of the Julian Alps. A valley there led into northern Venice.
According to Archduke Karl's plan, his main force would draw the French Army's attention at Udine, while Würmser's surprise force took the opportunity to drive deep into Treviso,