Aubernon's efficiency with supplies was essential to the success of the Italian campaign. Napoleon signed this letter to him at midnight, it's destination Verona. Milan was one of Napoleon's objectives but he had to first cross the Po river from South to North, faced by strong Austrian opposition under Beaulieu. Massna and others crossed it at Valenza, Dallemaagne crossed it a Piacenza on 6 and 7 May. On 10 May, Napoleon defeated Beaulieu's rear guard at Lodi.