French General Pierre Jadart Dumerbion commanded the Army of Italy. Competent but old, he had seen too many generals sent to the guillotine for failing or for having the wrong political views.[17] Two of his predecessors suffered this fate, Brunet on 15 November 1793[18] and Biron on 31 December 1793.[19] In order to stay out of trouble, Dumerbion determined to consult the all-powerful Representatives on mission before acting.