When Bonaparte took over command of the army, Macquard led a small 3,700-man division that guarded the Col de Tende together with Pierre Dominique Garnier's 3,400-strong division. His command included the brigades of Jean David and Claude Dallemagne. During the Montenotte Campaign which ended with the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont suing for peace, Macquard's division was not engaged. After this event, Bonaparte brought Dallemagne's brigade to the front. Macquard's division is listed in the orders of battle for the July 1796 Siege of Mantua. He led a 2,700-strong infantry reserve during the third Austrian relief of Mantua. His reserve was present at the Second Battle of Bassano on 6 November. During the Battle of Arcola his 3,000-man force held Verona and neutralized Austrian General Jozsef Alvinczi's advance guard.