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diff --git a/old/50544-0.txt b/old/50544-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 79fce2d..0000000 --- a/old/50544-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,14911 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's The Life of General Garibaldi, by Giuseppe Garibaldi - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Life of General Garibaldi - Translated from his private papers; with the history of - his splendid exploits in Rome, Lombardy, Sicily and to the - present time. - -Author: Giuseppe Garibaldi - -Translator: Theodore Dwight - -Release Date: November 24, 2015 [EBook #50544] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE OF GENERAL GARIBALDI *** - - - - -Produced by Carlo Traverso, readbueno and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - -[Illustration: - - _ENGRAVED BY T.B. WELCH, (PHIL^A) FROM A DAGUERROTYPE BY M.A. & S. - ROOT._ - - G. Garibaldi -] - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - THE LIFE - - OF - - GENERAL GARIBALDI, - - TRANSLATED FROM HIS PRIVATE PAPERS; - - WITH - - THE HISTORY OF HIS SPLENDID EXPLOITS - - IN ROME, LOMBARDY, SICILY AND NAPLES, - - TO THE PRESENT TIME. - - BY - - THEODORE DWIGHT, - - AUTHOR OF "A TOUR IN ITALY IN 1821," - - "THE ROMAN REPUBLIC OF 1849," - - ETC. ETC. - - Embellished with a Fine Engraved Portrait on Steel, - - AND - - AN AUTOGRAPH LETTER TO THE TRANSLATOR. - - ------- - - NEW YORK: - DERBY & JACKSON, 498 BROADWAY. - 1861. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - ENTERED according to Act of Congress, in the year 1861, by - DERBY & JACKSON, - In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States - for the Southern District of New York. - - - W. H. TINSON, Stereotyper. - - GEO. RUSSELL & CO., Printers. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - INTRODUCTION. - - -THE following pages are principally written by the pen of the hero of -our age, that pure-hearted man—that devoted patriot, and noble, -generous, and disinterested philanthropist—that spirited, undaunted, and -indomitable warrior, whose splendid deeds have dazzled the world, and -whose career, according to his own recent declaration, will be brought -to its close by a final triumph, for which he is now preparing, to be -gained early in the present year. - -While General Garibaldi resided in New York and its vicinity, in the -years 1850 and '51, the author of this book enjoyed his acquaintance, -and the favor of receiving from him his private memoirs, with permission -to translate and publish them.[1] They had just been prepared for the -press, when Garibaldi requested that they might be withholden from the -public while he remained in this country, probably because he preferred -to be unnoticed, being at that time employed in making candles on Staten -Island, and naturally fond of retirement. - -The first part of this volume, to page 210, contains a literal -translation from his original private manuscripts, in which a clear, -unadorned English style was adopted, as nearly corresponding, as the -translator's abilities would allow, to the manly and pure Italian of the -author. No attempt was made to change, by dilating or polishing, as the -translator believed it to be almost as hopeless to improve his style as -to rival him with the sword. That portion of the volume relates to his -early life, and the fourteen years he spent in the service of the -Republican cause in South America. - -The succeeding pages are devoted to his services in Italy in the -revolutions of 1849, 1859 and 1860; and a large proportion of their -contents is occupied by his proclamations and other documents of his -own, in translating which the same efforts have been made to render them -correctly. - -The author has received assistance from some of the countrymen of -Garibaldi in New York, for information not otherwise to be obtained, -several of whom have been his fellow-soldiers. Many extracts have been -taken from the most authentic and interesting descriptions, by -intelligent eye-witnesses, of scenes in the two last campaigns in Italy. -A personal acquaintance with Italy and Italians has enabled the writer -to select, arrange, and explain the vast amount of materials presented -by those most extraordinary seasons, in a manner perhaps best adapted -for his readers. Some omissions were necessary, in composing a work of -this kind, but nothing of essential importance. - -The reader can hardly fail to bear in mind, while here reviewing the -life of this wonderful man, the most formidable of modern times, who is -at the same time one of the most gentle and amiable at heart, that even -now the present pause in his career is a solemn one, as it is speedily -to be followed by a scene of excitement, conflict and consequences, -perhaps unequalled by those which are past. The results none can -foresee: but it is evident that they must be momentous and extensive, -whether prosperous or adverse; and no intelligent American can -anticipate them without deep emotion. Well may we look to heaven for the -protection and success of the noble hero of Italian independence and -liberty, the avowed enemy of the Papal Anti-Christ, whom he unmasks and -denounces, and for the diffusion among his countrymen of that pure and -undefiled Christianity, of which he declares himself a believer, and -which he so earnestly claims for the religion of Italy. - -The efforts, sacrifices, and sufferings of thousands of Italians for the -independence, freedom, and happiness of their country, have been such, -in past years, as to present pages worthy of record in history for the -honor of mankind, and lessons for other nations. Many of the purest men -have been suffering the pains and sorrows of exile in our own land, some -of them after long and cruel punishment in the dungeons of Austria, -those of the brutal kings of Naples, or of the Pope of Rome. With a -patience and magnanimity astonishing to witness, they have justly -excited the respect, love, and admiration of Americans who knew them, -and ever showed themselves sincere and cordial friends of our country, -our institutions, and state of society. Unlike too many other -foreigners, they have been content with the protection which they -enjoyed, and never sought for office or power, much less to act as the -servants of European despots, to undermine American liberty. Some of -these noble men, on returning to Italy, left with us records of their -lives, which may, perhaps, hereafter be published, according to their -desire, to promote a warm attachment between our countrymen and their -own, for which those writings are admirably adapted. - -The following pages contain the translation of one of the collections of -manuscripts here referred to, and it is most gratifying to the -translator to bring before the American public, at this time, so -appropriate, interesting, and authentic a biography of the admired man -of our age, under his own authority, and from his own pen. - -Could there be a character better adapted as a model for American youth, -in training them to just views of the value of what has been called the -humble virtues of common life? The example of Garibaldi displays those -virtues which adorn every pure, honest, and disinterested character, in -happy contrast with the false and selfish principles which are too -generally approved, admired, and recommended to the young. How much the -world owes him, for his disinterested career, his devotion to the good -of others, his refusal of rewards of every kind, and his preference of -simple life in a lonely, rocky island, with only his son and daughter, -and a few true friends, to all the honors, riches, and luxuries of the -European capitals! - -And how noble an example, also, have the Italians given us of union! - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CONTENTS - - -INTRODUCTION, 3 - -CHAPTER I. - -My Father—My Mother—Her Influence on my Life—Incidents of my -Childhood—My First Schoolmasters, 13 - -CHAPTER II. - -First Impressions of a Young Sailor—My First Voyage—My Accomplished -Captain—My Second Voyage—First Visit to Rome—Impressions—My Prayers—Join -the Secret Society—Sentence of Death—Escape to France—Incidents at -Marseilles, 17 - -CHAPTER III. - -Voyage to Brazil—First Meeting with Rosetti—We Engage in -Trade—Zambeccari's Arrival—The United Provinces—Engage in the Service of -Rio Grande—Sail—My First Prize—Conduct of my Men—My Rule for Treating -Prisoners—Reception at Maldonado—Sudden Departure, 23 - -CHAPTER IV. - -Two Brazilian Vessels—My First Battle—My First Wound—Results—My own -Condition—Burial of my Friend Fiorentino, 29 - -CHAPTER V. - -Arrival at Gualaguay—Reception—My Wound Healed—My Sudden Departure and -Return—Cruel Treatment—Señora Aleman—Tribute to that Noble Lady—Go to -Bajada, 33 - -CHAPTER VI. - -At Montevideo—Incognito—Departure for Rio Grande—March with the Army of -the President, Bento Gonzalez—His Character, Family and -Friends—Agreeable Society, 38 - -CHAPTER VII. - -At the Galpon of Charginada, Repairing the Launches—My Friend, John -Griggs—A Battle—Results—Tribute to a Fair Friend, 44 - -CHAPTER VIII. - -Description of the Lake or Lagoon Dos Patos—The Enemy Command the -Lake—Plan to Enter it—Transportation of Launches Over Land—Results of -the Experiment—Breakers—Shipwreck—Sad Catastrophe, 50 - -CHAPTER IX. - -Treatment Experienced by the Survivors of the Shipwreck—Expedition of -Canabarro to Laguna—Results—Effects on my mind of the Loss of my Old -Friends—My Resolution—Remarkable Meeting with Anna—Our Marriage—New -Launches Built—Leave the Lagoon—Cruise at Sea—Prizes Taken—Fight with a -Brazilian Ship of War—Results, 57 - -CHAPTER X. - -Discontent of the People of St. Catharine's—Revolt at Jamaica—Attack on -that town—Conduct of the Troops—Retreat to the Lagoon—Pursued—The -Imperialists Gaining Strength—Col. Terceira's Expedition Against -Mello—Our Disaster—Rally, 65 - -CHAPTER XI. - -The Enemy still held in Check—Necessity of -Retreat—Preparation—Commencement—Progress—Result—Arrival at the Town of -Lages, 76 - -CHAPTER XII. - -My High Estimate of the "Sons of the Continent"—Defects in Discipline—I -Descend the Serra—Difficulties of the March—Reach Malacara—General -Jorge—Gens. Netto and Canabarro—Two Large Armies Meet at Pineirino, on -the Taguare—Patriotism of the Republicans—A wish for Italy—Result of the -Expedition, 81 - -CHAPTER XIII. - -San Jose Del Norte—Its Capture—Ill Conduct—Its Results—Disasters of the -Republicans—I go to San Simon—Birth of my First Child—My Solitary -Journey to Procure Necessary Clothing for my Little Family—Trials and -Oppressions—Sad Discovery on My Return, 92 - -CHAPTER XIV. - -The River Kapivari—My New Camp—Canoe Voyages to the Lake Dos Patos—State -of the Republican Army Declining—Death of my Bosom Friend, -Rosetti—Retreat—Difficulties and Sufferings—Anna's Exposure—Our -Infant—Kindness of the soldiers, 97 - -CHAPTER XV. - -Hunting Horses—Catching Wild Colts—Enter the Province of -Missiones—Headquarters Established at San Gabriel—Love for my Parents—I -turn Cattle-Drover—Results—Reach Montevideo—Teach Mathematics—Warlike -Preparations—Join the Oriental Squadron, 104 - -CHAPTER XVI. - -Origin of the War between Montevideo and Buenos Ayres—Character and -Conduct of Rosas, Ouribes—The Centralists, called Unitarians, Opposed to -the Republicans, 109 - -CHAPTER XVII. - -Condition of the Italians at Montevideo, and elsewhere—My Wishes and -Designs for their Benefit—In Command of the "Constitucion"—At Martin -Garcia—A Battle with the Enemy—Providential Results—Proceed to Bajada—At -Cerito—Another Fight—Cavallo-Quattia—Low Water—Join the Republican -Flotilla—Labors and Difficulties, 114 - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -The Enemy Appear under General Brown—We Fight—Labors and Fatigue by -Night—Desertion—Preparations to Renew the Battle—Another Fight—Vessels -Burned—Landing in Small Boats—Land Travel—Treatment by the -Inhabitants—Traverse the Province of Corrientes—Reach San -Francisco—Notice of the Battle of Arroyo Grande, Dec. 6, 1842—Sent by -Gen. Aguyar to Versilles with the Vessels—Strange Presentiment—Catching -Horses—Bad News, 122 - -CHAPTER XIX. - -Public Dismay—Enthusiasm of the People Rising—I Return to -Montevideo—Ourives Coming to Besiege it—Preparations for Defence—General -Paz—I am Ordered to Collect a Flotilla—A Fortunate Accident, 134 - -CHAPTER XX. - -The Enemy reach Montevideo—Gen. Rivera's Movement on their Left -Flank—Gen. Paz Commands in the City—Services by the French and Italian -Corps—Treachery—Mismanagement—Gen. Pacheco Corrects it—Attack on the -Besiegers—Italian Legion Distinguished—Anzani—Services of the Flotilla—A -Providential Event—Commodore Purvis—British Intervention—Negotiation, -139 - -CHAPTER XXI. - -Exploits of the Italian Legion during the Siege—Tres Cruces—The Pass of -Bojada—The Quadrado—General Rivera Defeated at India Muerta, but without -Discouraging Efforts, Intervention Continued—An Expedition in the -Uruguay, the Flotilla being under my Command, 148 - -CHAPTER XXII. - -The Expedition Proceeds for the Uruguay—Colonia Taken by It—Burned—Page, -a Suspicious Frenchman—Martin Garcia Taken, 154 - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -First Meeting with a "Martrero"—Description of his Habits and -Character—Another Martrero, Juan de la Cruz—The Rio Negro—Joseph -Mundell—The severity of the Enemy Drive the Martrero and People to us, -157 - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -The Expedition Proceeds—Surprise Gualeguayechu—Reach the -Hervidero—Accompanied by an English and a French Officer—A large -Estancia, and its numerous Horses and other Animals—I leave the Vessels -in Charge of Anzani—Go with the Martreros—La Cruz and Mundell—Attack on -the Hervidero—Battle of Arroyo Grande, 163 - -CHAPTER XXV. - -The Province of Corrientes calls General Paz from Montevideo—Alliance -with Paraguay—I go to Salto with the Flotilla, to relieve it from a -Siege—With La Cruz and Mundell attack Lavalleja—Return to Salto, 171 - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -Urquiza Besieges us in Salto with all his Forces—Our Defences -Incomplete—A sudden Attack—Repulsed Sorties—Bold Operation on the -opposite Bank of the River—Surprising Feats of the Horsemen—Their -Habits, 178 - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -The Siege of Salto Continued—Night Attack on the Enemy's -Camp—Successful—General Medina approaching—Send Gen. Baez and Anzani to -Meet him—A Great Surprise—Almost Overwhelmed by the Enemy—Fight till -Night—Retreat, 184 - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -Preparations for our Retreat—Attacked on the Way—Bravery of my -Italians—I never Despaired of Italy—The noble Character of Anzani—Reach -Salto—Kindness of French Physicians—Collect and Bury the Dead, 191 - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -Effects of the Revolution in Montevideo—Change of Duties of the Italian -Legion—No Important Military Movements—My Occupation with the -Marine—Diplomatic Negotiations—The Temporizing Policy of Rosas—Change of -English and French Agents and Admirals—Evil Consequences—Rivera in favor -in Montevideo—My Operations at Salto Continued—Surprise Vergara's -Camp—Leave it to Return, 196 - -CHAPTER XXX. - -On the March Back to Salto—Sudden Attack—Desperate Defence—Flight and -Pursuit—The "Bolla"—Excellence of the Horsemen—Incidents, 203 - -CHAPTER XXXI. - -I Return to Montevideo, with the Flotilla—Rosas Gains Strength—The Army -of Corrientes Destroyed by Urquiza—Rivera's Mismanagement—The -Intervention Misdirected—Fall of Salto—Defence again reduced to -Montevideo—High Deserts of its Defenders, Natives and Foreigners, not -yet appreciated—An interval occurs, not marked by important events—The -Revolutions in Europe, 208 - -OUTLINES OF GENERAL GARIBALDI'S CAREER IN ITALY DURING THE YEARS 1848 & -1849, 211 - -Principles of the Italian Republicans, in opposition to the claims of -Popery, 213 - -The Condition of Rome, 216 - -Official Report of the Repulse of the French advance of 8,000 men, under -General Oudinot, under the Walls of Rome—The First Battle: April 30th, -1849, 221 - -From an Account of the same Battle of April 30th, by Carlo Rusconi, 227 - -Spirited Proclamation to the People of Rome, by their Representatives, -the day after the first Battle, 228 - -Proclamation by the Committee of the Barricades, two days after the -first Battle, 229 - -The Neapolitan Invasion, 230 - -Proclamations of the Triumvirate, at the time of the Neapolitan -Invasion, 231 - -The Battle of Palestrina, 232 - -General Garibaldi's Account of the Battles of Palestrina and Velletri, -234 - -The Battle of Velletri, 235 - -General Garibaldi's Account of the Action of June 3d, 1849, with the -French, at Villas Corsini and Vascello, 238 - -Official Bulletin of events which took place on the 25th and 26th of -June, 1849, 243 - -THE BATTLE OF JUNE 30TH, 249 - -The City to cease her resistance, 250 - -Roman Republic, 251 - -The Constitution of the Roman Republic adopted—The Constituent Assembly -Dissolved, 253 - -Proclamation of the Minister of War, 255 - -Garibaldi's Departure from Rome with his remaining troops, and his -Celebrated Retreat to the Adriatic, 255 - - - - - TEN YEARS LATER. - - ------- - -CHAPTER I. - -Garibaldi Waiting his Time—The Island of Caprera—His Confidence in the -Approach of Italian Deliverance, expressed in his preceding -Autobiography, and at New York—His Personal Appearance—Injustice Done to -his Character and Style of Writing—M. Dumas' Book—Preparation of the -Italian People for Union and Liberty, by Secret Societies—Changes Of -Policy—The Principles of the Italian Patriots adopted by France and -England—Consequences, 257 - -CHAPTER II. - -Policy of Louis Napoleon since 1849—His Position in 1859—Causes of the -War in Lombardy—Austrian Army Threatens Piedmont—French Troops sent to -the Aid of Victor Emanuel—Garibaldi called into Service—Marches -North—Apprehensions of his Friends—His Brilliant Successes at Varese and -Como, 263 - -CHAPTER III. - -Como—Approach of General Urban with 40,000 Austrians—Garibaldi -Retires—Como Taken—Count Raimondi's Daughter—Garibaldi Returns and -Expels the Austrians—The Battle of Camerlata—The Austrians Demand the -Disbanding of Garibaldi's Troops—Refused—They Advance—The Canals -Opened—They Retire—The Battles of Palestro, Montebello, and Magenta—The -Mincio and its Banks—The Battle of Solferino, 270 - -CHAPTER IV. - -The State of the Contending Parties—Specimen of the Barbarity of some of -the Austrian Officers—The Armistice, 279 - -CHAPTER V. - -The Character of Italian Patriots—How it has been Displayed by Exiles in -the United States—Ignorance of Italy in America—Garibaldi's Appearance -and Character—His Band—His "Englishman," Col. Peard, 287 - -CHAPTER VI. - -Garibaldi with an Army at Rimini—General Lamoricière at Pesaro—Victor -Emanuel Apprehends a Premature Collision—Garibaldi goes to Piedmont—Nice -and Savoy Ceded to France—Garibaldi at Caprera—The Sicilian Revolution -Commenced—Garibaldi's Expedition for Sicily—The Island—The People, 292 - -CHAPTER VII. - -Accounts of the Expedition for Sicily—Voyage—Touch at Talamone, in -Tuscany—Proceed to Marsala—Landing—March—Occurrences on the way to -Palermo, 298 - -CHAPTER VIII. - -Preparations to Attack Palermo—Night March—Attack—Battle—The -Bombardment, 311 - -CHAPTER IX. - -Journal of an Eye-witness Continued—Palermo after the Capture—Garibaldi -in a Dangerous Crisis—The Archbishop of Palermo and many of the Heads of -Convents with Garibaldi—Address of the Corporation—Incidents in -Palermo—Garibaldi's Decree for Poor Soldiers and their Families, 319 - -CHAPTER X. - -Garibaldi Solicited by the Sicilians to Accept the Dictatorship—Demand -for Arms—Garibaldi's Proclamation Establishing a Government, etc.—His -Different ways of Treating Good Priests and Jesuits—Reasons—The King of -Naples' Liberal Decree—Rejected, 326 - -CHAPTER XI. - -Medici's Expedition from Piedmont to Aid Garibaldi—Preparations, -Departure, Voyage, Arrival, etc.—Capitulation of Messina, etc.—Garibaldi -at Messina—His Reception, Manners, and Simple Habits—Difficulties in -Arranging his Government—Letter from Victor Emanuel Forbidding him to -Invade Naples—Garibaldi's Reply, 332 - -CHAPTER XII. - -Garibaldi's Position—A Pause in Hostilities—A Period of -Preparation—Public Anxiety—The Sicilian Fortresses—Catania—Milazzo -—Boats, Men, and Arms Collected at Faro—Landing Attempted at Scylla—A -Small Body Succeed, 340 - -CHAPTER XIII. - -The Uncertainty of the Prospect—Apprehensions—Garibaldi's Mysterious -Disappearance—The Expedition Prepared in Sardinia—His Change of -Plans—Sails from Giardini, and Lands at Reggio, 348 - -CHAPTER XIV. - -The Condition of Naples in past Months—The Government Crisis Royal -Decree—How it was Received—Cruelties Practised—First Movements of the -People, 354 - -CHAPTER XV. - -The Condition of Naples since the Reign of Terror in April—Agitation on -Garibaldi's Approach, 368 - -CHAPTER XVI. - -Garibaldi's Journey through Calabria—Reaches Palermo—Enters -Naples—Enthusiasm and Good Order of the People—The New Government—The -Army and Navy—Various Occurrences, 374 - -CHAPTER XVII. - -The Good Order in Naples—Its Causes—Garibaldi Visits Palermo—Returns—The -King and his Army at Gaeta and Capua—Description and History of Gaeta -and Capua—Present Condition of Gaeta, 396 - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -The Royal Palace and Gardens of Caserta—Change of Times—The River -Volturno—Position of the King's Troops and Garibaldi's—The Battle of -Volturno, 403 - -CHAPTER XIX. - -The Pope urged by France and Sardinia to Dismiss his Foreign -Troops—Inconsistencies of Louis Napoleon—Marked Changes of Times, -Doctrines, and Measures—Victor Emanuel's Demands Pressed on the -Pope—Conspiracies and Insurrections in the Pope's Remaining -Dominions—The Ultimatum Refused—General Cialdini Marches—Battle of -Castelfidaro—Capture of Spoleto, Ancona, Perugia, and other -Places—Victor Enters the Kingdom of Naples, 416 - -CHAPTER XX. - -The Present Position of Things—Doubts Respecting Garibaldi—Descriptions -of the Camp at Capua—England Declares for Victor Emanuel—Garibaldi's -Proclamations—Meeting of Garibaldi and Victor Emanuel, 431 - -CHAPTER XXI. - -Garibaldi's Announcement of Victor Emanuel's Approach to Naples—They -Enter Together—Garibaldi Resigns his Dictatorship—Capitulation and -Surrender of Capua—His Address to the Hungarian Huzzars—His Farewell to -his Troops—He Sails for Caprera—Unexpected Changes—Letters Describing -them, 439 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -[Illustration: - - _FAC SIMILE OF GARIBALDI'S LETTER TO THEODORE DWIGHT - CONFIDING TO HIM HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY._ (SEE INTRODUCTION.) - _LITH. OF SARONY, MAJOR & KNAPP, 449 BROADWAY. N. Y._] -] - ------ - -Footnote 1: - - (TRANSLATION.) - - STATEN ISLAND, _30th October, 1850_. - - "DEAR MR. THEODORE DWIGHT: - - "According to what I have promised you, I send you the first - biographical sketch; and do not be surprised that it is that of my - wife. She was my constant companion, in good and bad fortune—sharing, - as you will see, my greatest dangers, and surpassing the bravest men. - I wish you to consult Foresti, respecting the manuscripts and - translations, and frankly express to me your opinion. - - "YOURS, - - G. GARIBALDI." - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - LIFE OF - - GENERAL GARIBALDI. - - - - - CHAPTER I. - - - MY FATHER—MY MOTHER—HER INFLUENCE ON MY LIFE—INCIDENTS - OF MY CHILDHOOD—MY FIRST SCHOOLMASTERS. - - -In commencing an account of my life, it would be unpardonable in me to -omit speaking of my kind parents. My father, a sailor, and the son of a -sailor, educated me in the best manner he could in Nice, my native city, -and afterwards trained me to the life of a seaman in a vessel with -himself. He had navigated vessels of his own in his youth; but a change -of fortune had compelled him afterwards to serve in those belonging to -his father. He used often to tell his children that he would gladly have -left them richer; but I am fully convinced that the course which he -adopted in our education was the best he possibly could have taken, and -that he procured for us the best instructors he was able, perhaps -sometimes at the expense of his own convenience. If, therefore, I was -not trained in a gymnasium, it was by no means owing to his want of -desire. - -In mentioning my mother—I speak it with pride—she was a model for -mothers; and, in saying this, I have said all that can be said. One of -the greatest sorrows of my life is, that I am not able to brighten the -last days of my good parent, whose path I have strewed with so many -sorrows by my adventurous career. Her tender affection for me has, -perhaps, been excessive; but do I not owe to her love, to her angel-like -character, the little good that belongs to mine? To the piety of my -mother, to her beneficent and charitable nature, do I not, perhaps, owe -that little love of country which has gained for me the sympathy and -affection of my good, but unfortunate fellow-citizens? Although -certainly not superstitious, often, amidst the most arduous scenes of my -tumultuous life, when I have passed unharmed through the breakers of the -ocean, or the hail-storms of battle, she has seemed present with me. I -have in fancy seen her on her knees before the Most High—my dear -mother!—imploring for the life of her son; and I have believed in the -efficacy of her prayers. - -I spent my childhood in the joys and sorrows familiar to children, -without the occurrence of anything very remarkable. Being more fond of -play than of study, I learned but little, and made but a poor return for -the kind exertions of my parents for my education. A very simple -accident made a deep impression on my memory. One day, when a very -little boy, I caught a grasshopper, took it into the house, and, in -handling it, broke its leg. Reflecting on the injury I had done to the -harmless insect, I was so much affected with grief, that I retired to my -chamber, mourned over the poor little creature, weeping bitterly for -several hours. On another occasion, while accompanying my cousin in -hunting, I was standing on the side of a deep ditch, by which the fields -were irrigated, when I discovered that a poor woman, while washing -clothes, had fallen from the bank, and was in imminent danger. Although -I was quite young and small, I jumped down and saved her life; and my -success afforded me the highest pleasure. On that occasion, and in -various other circumstances of a similar kind, I never hesitated for a -moment, or thought of my own safety. - -Among my teachers, I retain a grateful recollection of Padre Gianone and -Signor Arena. Under the former I made but very little progress, being -bent more on play than on learning; but I have often regretted my loss -in failing to learn English, whenever I have since been thrown in -company with persons speaking that language. To the latter I consider -myself greatly indebted for what little I know. The ignorance in which I -was kept of the language of Italy, and of subjects connected with her -condition and highest interests, was common among the young, and greatly -to be lamented. The defect was especially great in Nice, where few men -knew how to be Italians, in consequence of the vicinity and influence of -France, and still more the neglect of the government to provide a proper -education for the people. To the instructions of Padre Gianone, and the -incitement given me by my elder brother Angelo, who wrote to me from -America to study my native language, I acknowledge my obligations for -what knowledge I possess of that most beautiful of languages. To my -brother's influence, also, I owe it, that I then read Roman and Italian -history with much interest. - -This sketch of my early youth I must close, with the narration of a -little expedition which I attempted to carry into effect—my first -adventure. Becoming weary of school in Genoa, and disgusted with the -confinement which I suffered at the desk, I one day proposed to several -of my companions to make our escape, and seek our fortune. No sooner -said than done. We got possession of a boat, put some provisions on -board, with fishing tackle, and sailed for the Levant. But we had not -gone as far as Monaco, when we were pursued and overtaken by a -"corsair," commanded by good father. We were captured without bloodshed, -and taken back to our homes, exceedingly mortified by the failure of our -enterprise, and disgusted with an Abbé who had betrayed our flight. Two -of my companions on that occasion were Cesare Tanoli and Raffaele -Deandreis. - -When I recur to the principles which were inculcated at school, and the -motives used to encourage us to study, I am now able to understand their -unsoundness and their evil tendency. We were in danger of growing up -with only selfish and mercenary views: nothing was offered us as a -reward for anything we could do, but money. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER II. - - - FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF A YOUNG SAILOR—MY FIRST VOYAGE—MY - ACCOMPLISHED CAPTAIN—MY SECOND VOYAGE—FIRST VISIT - TO ROME—IMPRESSIONS—MY PRAYERS—JOIN THE SECRET - SOCIETY—SENTENCE OF DEATH—ESCAPE TO FRANCE—INCIDENTS AT - MARSEILLES. - - -How everything is embellished by the feelings of youth, and how -beautiful appeared, to my ardent eyes, the bark in which I was to -navigate the Mediterranean, when I stepped on board as a sailor for the -first time! Her lofty sides, her slender masts, rising so gracefully and -so high above, and the bust of Our Lady which adorned the bow, all -remain as distinctly painted on my memory at the present day, as on the -happy hour when I became one of her crew. How gracefully moved the -sailors, who were fine young men from San Remi, and true specimens of -the intrepid Ligurians! With what pleasure I ventured into the -forecastle, to listen to their popular songs, sung by harmonious choirs! -They sang of love, until I was transported; and they endeavored to -excite themselves to patriotism by singing of Italy! But who, in those -days, had ever taught them how to be patriots and Italians? Who, indeed, -had then ever said, on those shores, to those young men, that there was -such a thing as Italy, or that they had a country to be ameliorated and -redeemed? - -The commander of the Costanza, the vessel in which I had embarked, was -Angelo Pesante. He was the best sea-captain I ever knew, and ought to -have the command of a ship of war of the first class, as soon as Italy -shall have such a fleet as she deserves,—for a better commander could -not be. He has, indeed, been captain of an armed vessel. Pesante was -able to make or invent every thing that could be wanted in a vessel of -any kind whatsoever, from a fishing-boat to a ship of the line; and, if -he were in the service of the country, she would reap the advantage and -the glory. - -My second voyage was made to Rome, in a vessel of my father's. Rome, -once the capital of the world, now the capital of a sect! The Rome which -I had painted in my imagination, no longer existed. The future Rome, -rising to regenerate the nation, has now long been a dominant idea in my -mind, and inspired me with hope and energy. Thoughts, springing from the -past, in short, have had a prevailing influence on me during my life. -Rome, which I had before admired and thought of frequently, I ever since -have loved. It has been dear to me beyond all things. I not only admired -her for her former power and the remains of antiquity, but even the -smallest thing connected with her was precious to me. Even in exile, -these feelings were constantly cherished in my heart; and often, very -often, have I prayed to the Almighty to permit me to see that city once -more. I regarded Rome as the centre of Italy, for the union of which I -ardently longed. - -I made several voyages with my father, and afterwards one with Captain -Guiseppe Gervino, to Caglieri, in a brig named the Emma, during which, -on the return passage, I witnessed a melancholy shipwreck, at a -distance, in such a storm that it was impossible to render any -assistance. In that instance I witnessed, for the first time, that -tender sympathy which sailors generally feel for others in distress. We -saw Spaniards, in a Catalan felucca, struggling with the waves, who soon -sank before our eyes, while my honest and warm-hearted shipmates shed -tears over their hard fate. This disaster was caused by a sudden change -of wind when the sea and wind were high. A Libaccio, a south-west wind, -had been blowing furiously for several days, and a number of vessels -were in sight, of all which the felucca seemed to make the best way. We -were all steering for Vado, to make that port for shelter, until the -storm should subside. A horrible surge unexpectedly broke over the -Spanish vessel, and overset it in an instant. We saw the crew clinging -to the side, and heard their cries to us for assistance, while we could -perceive their signals, but could not launch a boat. They all soon -disappeared in the foam of a second surge, more terrible than the first. -We afterwards heard that the nine persons thus lost all belonged to one -family. - -From Vado I went to Genoa, and thence to Nice, whence I commenced a -series of voyages to the Levant, in vessels belonging to the house of -Givan. In one of these, in the brig Centesi, Captain Carlo Seneria, I -was left sick in Constantinople. The vessel sailed; and, as my sickness -continued, I found myself in somewhat straitened circumstances. In cases -of difficulty or danger, I have never, in all my life, been -disheartened. I then had the fortune to meet with persons kindly -disposed to assist me, and, among others, I can never forget Signora -Luigia Saiyuraiga, of Nice, whom I have ever since regarded as one of -the most accomplished of women, in the virtues which distinguish the -best and most admirable of her sex. - -As mother and wife, she formed the happiness of her husband, who was an -excellent man, and of their young and interesting children, whose -education she conducted with the greatest care and skill. What -contributed to prolong my abode in the capital of Turkey, was the war -which at that time commenced between that power and Russia; and I then, -for the first time, engaged as a teacher of children. That employment -was offered me by Signor Diego, a doctor in medicine, who introduced me -to the widow Temoin, who wanted an instructor for her family. I took up -my residence in the house, and was placed in charge of her three sons, -with a sufficient salary. - -I afterwards resumed the nautical life, embarking in the brig Nostra -Signora della Grazia, Captain Casabana; and that vessel was the first I -ever commanded, being made Captain of it on a subsequent voyage to Mahon -and Gibraltar, returning to Constantinople. - -Being an ardent lover of Italy from my childhood, I felt a strong desire -to become initiated in the mysteries of her restoration; and I sought -everywhere for books and writings which might enlighten me on the -subject, and for persons animated with feelings corresponding with my -own. On a voyage which I made to Tagangog, in Russia, with a young -Ligurian, I was first made acquainted with a few things connected with -the intentions and plans of the Italian patriots; and surely Columbus -did not enjoy so much satisfaction on the discovery of America, as I -experienced on hearing that the redemption of our country was meditated. -From that time I became entirely devoted to that object, which has since -been appropriately my own element for so long a time. - -The speedy consequence of my entire devotion to the cause of Italy was, -that on the fifth of February, 1834, I was passing out of the gate of -Linterna, of Genoa, at seven o'clock in the evening, in the disguise of -a peasant—_a proscript_. At that time my public life commenced; and, a -few days after, I saw my name, for the first time, in a newspaper: but -it was in _a sentence of death_! - -I remained in Marseilles, unoccupied, for several months; but at length -embarked, as mate, in a vessel commanded by Captain Francesco Gazan. -While standing on board, towards evening, one day, dressed in my best -suit, and just ready to go on shore, I heard a noise in the water, and, -looking below, discovered that some person had fallen into the sea, and -was then under the stern of the vessel. Springing into the water, I had -the satisfaction to save from drowning a French boy, in the presence of -a large collection of people, who expressed their joy aloud, and warmly -applauded the act. His name was Joseph Rasbaud, and he was fourteen -years of age. His friends soon made their appearance; and I experienced -very peculiar feelings excited in my heart, when the tears of his mother -dropped, one after another, upon my cheek, while I heard the thanks of -the whole family. - -Some years before I had a similar good fortune, when I saved the life of -my friend, Claudio Terese. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER III. - - - VOYAGE TO BRAZIL—FIRST MEETING WITH ROSETTI—WE ENGAGE IN - TRADE—ZAMBECCARI'S ARRIVAL—THE UNITED PROVINCES—ENGAGE - IN THE SERVICE OF RIO GRANDE—SAIL—MY FIRST PRIZE—CONDUCT - OF MY MEN—MY RULE FOR TREATING PRISONERS—RECEPTION AT - MALDONADO—SUDDEN DEPARTURE. - - -I made another voyage to the Black Sea, in the brig Unione, and -afterwards one to Tunis, in a frigate, built at Merseilles for the Bey. -From the latter port I next sailed for Rio Janeiro, in the Nautonier, a -Nantes brig, Captain Beauregard. - -While walking one day in a public place in Rio, I met a man whose -appearance struck me in a very uncommon and very agreeable manner. He -fixed his eyes on me at the same moment, smiled, stopped, and spoke. -Although we found that we had never met before, our acquaintance -immediately commenced, and we became unreserved and cordial friends for -life. He was Rosetti, the most generous among the warm lovers of our -poor country! - -I spent several months in Rio, unoccupied and at ease, and then engaged -in commerce, in company with Rosetti: but a short experience convinced -us that neither of us was born for a merchant. - -About this time Zambeccari arrived at Rio, having been sent as a -prisoner from Rio Grande, when I became acquainted with the sentiments -and situation of the people of that province. Arrangements were soon -made for Rosetti and myself to proceed on an expedition for their aid, -they having declared their independence. Having obtained the necessary -papers, we engaged a small vessel for a crusier, which I named "_The -Mazzini_." I soon after embarked in a garopera, with twenty companions, -to aid a people in the south, oppressed by a proud and powerful enemy. -The garope is a kind of Brazilian fish, of an exquisite flavor; and -boats employed in taking it are called garoperas. My feelings, at that -epoch of my life, were very peculiar. I was enlisted in a new and -hazardous enterprize, and, for the first time, turned a helm for the -ocean with a warlike flag flying over my head—the flag of a republic—the -Republic of Rio Grande. I was at the head of a resolute band, but it was -a mere handful, and my enemy was the empire of Brazil. - -We sailed until we reached the latitude of Grand Island, off which we -met a sumaca, or large coasting boat, named the Luisa, loaded with -coffee. We captured her without opposition, and then resolved to take -her instead of my own vessel, having no pilot for the high sea, and -thinking it necessary to proceed along the coast. I therefore -transferred everything from the Mazzini on board the sumaca, and then -sunk the former. But I soon found that my crew were not all men like -Rosetti, of noble and disinterested character and the purest morals; -and, indeed, I had before felt some apprehensions, when I saw among them -several physiognomies by no means prepossessing. I now found them, when -on board the sumaca, affecting ferocity, to intimidate the poor -Brazilian sailors, whom we had made prisoners. I took immediate steps to -repress all such conduct, and to tranquilize the fears which they had -excited, assuring the crew that they should be uninjured and kindly -treated, and set on shore at the first convenient landing-place, with -all their own personal property. A Brazilian, a passenger in the sumaca, -took the first opportunity, after coming on board, to offer me a casket -containing three valuable diamonds, in a supplicating manner, as if -afraid for his life; but I refused to receive it, and gave peremptory -orders that none of the effects of the crew or passengers should be -taken from them, under any pretext whatever. And this course I pursued -on all subsequent occasions, whenever I took any prizes from the enemy; -and my orders were always strictly obeyed. - -The passengers and crew were landed north of Itaparica, the launches of -the Luisa being given to them, with all their movables, and as much -brandy as they chose to take with them. I then went to the south, and -soon arrived in the port of Maldonado, where the favorable reception -given us by the authorities and the people, afforded us a very -flattering prospect. - -Rosetti set off for Montevideo, to arrange things connected with the -expedition, leaving us to await his return; and during eight days we -enjoyed one uninterrupted festival among the hospitable inhabitants. The -close of that period of gayety would have been tragical, if the -political chief of the town had been less friendly than he proved -himself to be. I received unexpected notice, quite different from what I -had been led to expect, that the flag of Rio Grande was not recognized, -and that an order had arrived for our immediate arrest. Thus compelled -to depart, although the weather was threatening, I hoisted sail without -delay, and steered up the river Plata, with scarcely any plan or object, -and almost without opportunity to communicate to any one that I should -await, at the Point of Jesus Maria, news of the result of Rosetti's -deliberations with his friends in Montevideo. After a wearisome -navigation, I reached that place, having narrowly escaped shipwreck on -the Point of Piedras Negras, in consequence of a variation of the -compass caused by the muskets placed near it. - -I found no news at that place; and our provisions were entirely -consumed. We had no boat to land with: but it was indispensable to -procure food for the men. At length, after some deliberation, having -discovered a house about four miles distant from the shore, I determined -to get to the land, by some means or other, and, at any cost, to procure -provisions and bring them on board. The shore being very difficult of -approach, because the wind was blowing from the pampas, the vast plains -which extend far and wide, it was necessary to throw out two anchors to -draw up a little nearer. I then embarked on the dining table, -accompanied by one of my sailors, named Maurizio Garibaldi, and moved on -towards the land, not navigating, but rolling through the breakers of -that dangerous shore. In spite of the difficulty attending the -enterprise we reached the river's bank in safety, and drew up our -strange craft on the sand. Then, leaving my companion and namesake to -refit, I set off for the house which I had seen from the vessel. - -Walking up the bank I reached the level of the pampas, and then, for the -first time in my life, caught a view of one of those vast South American -plains. I was struck with admiration:—such a boundless scene of -fertility, where wild horses and cattle were running free and -unrestrained, feeding, resting, and racing at full speed, at will. My -mind was filled with new, sublime and delightful emotions, as I passed -on towards the solitary habitation to which I was bound. When I reached -it I found a welcome, and easily obtained a promise of an abundant -supply of food for my crew. The daughter of the proprietor of that vast -estate was an educated, refined and agreeable young lady, and even a -poetess; and I spent the remainder of the day very pleasantly, in -company with her and the rest of the family. - -The next day I returned to the shore, with the quarters of a fat bullock -which had been killed for me out of the immense herd of cattle, at the -order of the proprietor. Maurizio and I fastened the meat to the legs of -the table, which were in the air, the table itself being placed upside -down on the water, and then we launched out into the river to make our -way to the vessel. But the weight of the cargo and crew proved entirely -too great, and we immediately began to sink until we stood in the water; -and on reaching the breakers, the agitation caused so much rocking that -it was almost impossible to proceed, or even to keep our footing. -Indeed, we were in actual danger of drowning. But, after great -exertions, we reached the Luisa with our load of provisions, and were -hailed by the shouts of our companions, whose only hope for subsistence -depended on our success. - -The next day, while passing a small vessel called a Balandra, we thought -of purchasing her launch, which we saw on her deck. We therefore made -sail, boarded her, and made the purchase for thirty dollars. That day -also we spent in sight of Jesus Maria. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - - - - TWO BRAZILIAN VESSELS—MY FIRST BATTLE—MY FIRST - WOUND—RESULTS—MY OWN CONDITION—BURIAL OF MY FRIEND - FIORENTINO. - - -The day after, while lying a little south of Jesus Maria, two launches -came in sight and approached us in a friendly manner, with nothing in -their appearance to excite suspicion. I made a signal agreed on with -friends, but it was not answered; and then I hoisted sail, had the arms -taken from the chests, and prepared to meet them as enemies. The -launches held on towards us: the larger showed only three men on deck: -but, when she came nearer, called on us to surrender, in the name of the -Oriental Government. The next instant thirty men suddenly rose, as if by -a miracle, and she ran up on our larboard side. I immediately gave -command to "brace the yards," and then to "fire." An active engagement -then commenced. The launch being then alongside of us, several of the -enemy attempted to board us, but were driven back by a few shots and -sabre-cuts. All this passed in a few moments. But my order to brace the -yards was not obeyed, for my men were new and in confusion, and the few -who began to haul at the weather braces found they had not been let go -to leeward, and were unable to move them. Fiorentino, one of the best of -the crew, who was at the helm, sprang forward to cast them off, when a -musket ball struck him in the head and laid him dead on deck. The helm -was now abandoned; and, as I was standing near, firing at the enemy, I -seized the tiller, but the next moment received a bullet in my neck, -which threw me down senseless, and I knew nothing more until the action -was over. When I came to myself I found that an hour had elapsed, a hard -fight had been maintained against a superior force, and a victory won, -chiefly by the bravery of the Italians, the mate, Luigi Carniglia, the -second mate, Pasquale Lodola, and the sailors Giovanni Lamberti and -Maurizio Garibaldi. Two Maltese and all the Italians, except a Venitian, -fought bravely. The others, with two negroes, sheltered themselves under -the ballast of the vessel. - -I found that the enemy had hauled off out of gun-shot. I ordered that -our vessel should proceed up the river, in search of a place of retreat. -When I first began to recover consciousness, I lay helpless, apparently -dead, but felt as if unable to die. I was the only man on board who had -any knowledge of navigation; and, as none of the others had a single -idea of geography, or knew where to go, they at length brought me the -chart. None of us had been in the waters of the Plata before, except -Maurizio, who had sailed on the Uruguay. When I turned my dying eyes on -the chart, I was unable to see distinctly, but made out to perceive that -one place on the river was printed in large letters, and at length -discovered that it was Santa Fé, on the Paraná, and thought we might -there make a temporary harbor. So, pointing at it with my finger, and -signifying as well as I could the direction and distance, I left the -helmsman to himself. - -All the sailors, except the Italians, were frightened by seeing my -situation, and the corpse of Fiorentino, and by the apprehension of -being treated as pirates wherever they might go. Every countenance wore -an expression of terror; and at the earliest opportunity they deserted. -In every bird they observed on the water they imagined they saw an -enemy's launch, sent to pursue them. The body of the unfortunate -Fiorentino was buried the next day in the river, with the ceremonies -usually practised by sailors, as we were unable to anchor anywhere near -the land. I was perhaps affected the more by the sad scene, because I -was in so feeble a condition. I had never thought much about death, -although I knew I was liable to it every moment; but I mourned deeply at -the funeral of my lost friend, who was very dear indeed to me. Among the -numerous poetical lines which occurred to my mind, was that beautiful -verse of Ugo Foscolo: - - - "Un sasso che distingue le mie - Dall' infinite osse, che in terra - E in mar, semina Morte." - - [Let a stone distinguish mine from the innumerable - bones which Death sows on land and in the sea.] - -My friend had promised me never to bury me in the water: but who can -tell whether he would have been able to keep his promise? I could never -have felt sure that my corpse would not feed the sea-wolves and acaves -of the great river Plata. If it were so, then I should never have seen -Italy again; never fought for her—which was the great wish of my life: -but then, too, I never should have seen her sink into ignominy. Who -would have said to the amiable man that, within a year, Garibaldi would -see him swallowed up in the surges of the ocean, and that he would -search for his corpse, to bury it on a foreign shore, and to mark the -spot with a stone, for the eyes of strangers? He deserved my kind -regard; for he attended me, with the care of a mother, during the whole -voyage from Mayaguay. During all my sufferings, which were very severe, -I had no relief but what he afforded me, by his constant care and kind -services. I wish to express my gratitude to God for sending me such a -friend. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER V. - - - ARRIVAL AT GUALAGUAY—RECEPTION—MY WOUND HEALED—MY - SUDDEN DEPARTURE AND RETURN—CRUEL TREATMENT—SEÑORA - ALEMAN—TRIBUTE TO THAT NOBLE LADY—GO TO BAJADA. - - -Our vessel arrived at Gualaguay, where we were very cordially received -and kindly treated by Captain Luca Tartabal, of the schooner Pintoresca, -and his passengers, inhabitants of that town. That vessel had met ours -in the neighborhood of Hiem, and, on being asked for provisions by -Luigi, they had offered to keep company with us to their destination. -They warmly recommended us to the governor of the province, Don Pasquale -Echague, who was pleased, when going away, to leave his own surgeon with -me, Dr. Ramon del Orco, a young Argentine. He soon extracted the ball -from my neck and cured me. I resided in the house of Don Jacinto Andreas -during the six months which I spent in that place, and was under great -obligations to him for his kindness and courtesy, as well as for those -which I received from his family. - -But I was not free. With all the friendliness of Echague, and the -sympathy shown me by the inhabitants of the town, I was not permitted to -leave it without the permission of Rosas, the traitor of Buenos Ayres, -who never acted for a good reason. My wound being healed, I was allowed -to take rides on horseback, even to a distance of twelve miles, and was -supplied with a dollar a day for my subsistence, which was a large sum -for that country, where there is but little opportunity to spend money. -But all this was not liberty. I was then given to understand by certain -persons (whether friends or enemies), that it had been ascertained that -the government would not wish to prevent my escape if I should attempt -it. I therefore determined to gain my freedom, believing that it would -be easier than it proved, and that the attempt would not be regarded as -a serious offence. - -The commandant of Gualaguay was named Millau. He had not treated me ill, -but it was very doubtful what his feelings towards me really were, as he -had never expressed any interest in me. - -Having after a time formed my plan, I began to make preparations. One -evening, while the weather was tempestuous, I left home and went in the -direction of a good old man, whom I was accustomed to visit at his -residence, three miles from Gualaguay. On arriving, I got him to -describe with precision the way which I intended to take, and engaged -him to find me a guide, with horses, to conduct me to Hueng, where I -hoped to find vessels in which I might go, _incognito_, to Buenos Ayres -and Montevideo. Horses and a guide were procured. I had fifty-four miles -to travel, and that distance I _devoured_ in less than half a night, -going almost the whole way on the gallop. When day broke, we were at an -estancia, within about half a mile of the town. My guide then told me to -wait in the bushes where we were, while he went to inquire the news at -the house. I complied, and he left me. I dismounted and tied my horse to -a tree with the bridle, and waited a long time. At length, not seeing -him return, I walked to the edge of the bushes, and looked about in -search of him, when I heard behind me a trampling of horses; and, on -turning round, discovered a band of horsemen, who were rushing upon me -with their sabres drawn. They were already between me and my horse, and -any attempt to escape would have been fruitless—still more any effort at -resistance. I was immediately seized and bound, with my hands behind me, -and then placed upon a miserable horse, and had my feet tied under him. -In that condition I was taken back to Gualaguay, where still worse -treatment awaited me. - -Such were the impressions made upon my feelings by the barbarous usage -which I received at that time, that I have never since been able to -recall the circumstances without a peculiar agitation of mind; and I -regard that period as the most painful of my life. - -When brought into the presence of Millau, who was waiting for me at the -door of the prison, he asked me who had furnished me with the means of -escape. When he found that he could draw no information from me on that -subject, he began to beat me most brutally with a club which he had in -his hand. He then put a rope over a beam in the prison, and hung me up -in the air by my hands, bound together as they were. For two hours the -wretch kept me suspended in that manner. My whole body was thrown into a -high, feverish heat. I felt as if burning in a furnace. I frequently -swallowed water, which was allowed me, but without being able to quench -my raging thirst. The sufferings which I endured after being unbound -were indescribable: yet I did not complain. I lay like a dead man; and -it is easy to believe that I must have suffered extremely. I had first -travelled fifty-four miles through a marshy country, where the insects -are insufferable at that season of the year, and then I had returned the -same distance, with my hands and feet bound, and entirely exposed to the -terrible stings of the zingara, or mosquito, which assailed me with -vigor; and, after all this, I had to undergo the tortures of Millau, who -had the heart of an assassin. - -Andreas, the man who had assisted me, was put into prison; and all the -inhabitants were terrified, so that, had it not been for the generous -spirit of a lady, I probably should have lost my life. That lady was -Señora Aleman, to whom I love to express my gratitude. She is worthy of -the warmest terms of admiration, and deserves the title of "angelo -generoso di bontà" (generous angel of goodness). Spurning every -suggestion of fear, she came forward to the assistance of the tortured -prisoner; and from that time I wanted nothing—thanks to my benefactress! - -A few days after, I was removed to Bajada, the capital of the province, -and I remained a prisoner in that city for two months. I was then -informed, by Governor Echague, that I should be allowed to leave the -province. Although I professed different principles from his, and had -fought for a different cause, I have ever been ready to acknowledge my -obligations to that officer, and always desired an opportunity to prove -my gratitude to him for granting me everything that was in his power to -give, and, most of all, my liberty. - -I took passage in a Genoese brig, commanded by Captain Ventura, a man of -such a character that he had risen superior to the principles inculcated -in Italian youth by their priestly instructors. From him I received the -most gentlemanly treatment on my passage to Guassu. There I embarked for -Montevideo in a balandra, commanded by Pascuale Corbona, who likewise -treated me with great kindness. Good fortune and misfortune thus often -succeeded each other. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - - - AT MONTEVIDEO—INCOGNITO—DEPARTURE FOR RIO GRANDE—MARCH - WITH THE ARMY OF THE PRESIDENT, BENTO GONZALEZ—HIS - CHARACTER, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS—AGREEABLE SOCIETY. - - -In Montevideo I found a collection of my friends, among whom the chief -were Rosetti, Cuneo, and Castellani. The first was on his return from a -journey to Rio Grande, where he had been received with the greatest -favor by the proud Republicans inhabiting that region. In Montevideo I -found myself still under proscription, on account of my affair with the -launches of that state, and was obliged to remain in concealment in the -house of my friend Pepante, where I spent a month. My retirement was -relieved and enlightened by the company of many Italian acquaintances, -who, at that time, when Montevideo was not suffering from the calamities -it has too often known, and, as is always the case in time of peace, -were distinguished by a refinement and hospitality worthy of all praise. -The war, and chiefly the late siege, have since embittered the lives of -those good-hearted men, and produced great changes in their condition. - -After the expiration of a month, I set off for Rio Grande with Rosetti, -on horseback; and that first long journey I ever made in that manner I -highly enjoyed. On reaching Piratimin, we were cordially received by the -Governor of the Republic; and the Minister of War, Almeida, treated us -with great honor. The President, Bento Gonzalez, had marched at the head -of a brigade to fight Silva Tavares, an imperial chief, who was -infesting that part of the province. Piratimin, then the seat of the -Republican government, is a small village, but a peaceful place, in a -rural situation, and the chief town of the department of that name. It -is surrounded by a warlike people, much devoted to the republic. - -Being unoccupied in Piratimin, I requested permission to join the column -of operations under S. Gonzalez, near the President, and it was granted. -I was introduced to Bento Gonzalez, and well received; spent some time -in his company, and thought him a man highly favored by nature with some -desirable gifts. But fortune has been almost always favorable to the -Brazilian Empire. - -Bento Gonzalez was a specimen of a magnanimous soldier, though he was at -that time nearly sixty years of age. Being tall and active, he rode a -fiery horse with all the ease and dexterity of his young countrymen. - -In Camarino, where we had our arsenal, and whence the Republican -flotilla went out, resided the families of Bento Gonzalez; and his -brothers and numerous relations inhabited most of the extensive tracts -of country lying along both sides of the river. And on these beautiful -pastures were fed immense herds of cattle, which had been left -undisturbed by the war, because they were out of the reach of the -troops. The products of agriculture were very abundant; and surely -nowhere, in any country on earth, is found more kind and cordial -hospitality than among the inhabitants of that part of the Province of -Rio Grande. In their houses, in which the beneficent character of the -patriarchal system is everywhere perceived in every family, and where -the greatest sympathy prevails, in consequence of a general uniformity -of opinions, I and my band were received with the warmest welcome. The -estancias, to which we chiefly resorted, on account of their proximity -to the Lagoon, as well as for the conveniences which it offered us, and -the kind reception which always awaited us, were those of Donna Antonia -and Donna Anna, sisters of Bento Gonzalez. The former was situated on -the Camones, and the latter on the Arroyo Grande. - -Whether I was under the influence of my imagination, which at that early -age may have been peculiarly sensitive, and inclined me, with my little -knowledge of the world, to receive strong impressions from every thing -agreeable, or whatever else may have affected me, there is no part of my -life on which I look back with greater pleasure, as a period of -enjoyment, than that which I spent in that most agreeable society of -sincere friends. In the house of Donna Anna, especially, I took peculiar -interest. That lady was advanced in years, but possessed a most amiable -disposition, and was a very attractive acquaintance. She had with her a -family which had migrated from Pilotos, the head of which was Don Paolo -Ferreira. Three young ladies, all of them agreeable, formed the -ornaments of that happy home. One of these, named Manuela, I most highly -admired, regarding her with that pleasure which is natural to a young -man, who goes into the world with such a pure and exalted estimate of -female excellence as I had imbibed from my mother, and who, after -enduring great reverses, meets the sympathy of such a person in a remote -land of exile. Signora Manuela, as I well knew, was betrothed to a son -of the President. In a scene of danger that young lover displayed his -attachment to her, in a manner which convinced me of the sincerity of -the love which he professed; and I witnessed it with as much -satisfaction as if I had been her brother. I thenceforth regarded the -President's son as worthy of Manuela, and rejoiced in the conviction -that her happiness was in no danger, in being entrusted to such faithful -hands. The people of that district are distinguished for beauty; and -even the slaves seem to partake of the same characteristic. - -It may be supposed that an occasional contrary wind, a storm, or an -expedition, whatever else it might produce, if it threw our vessel on -that friendly shore long enough to allow opportunity to visit their -friendly inhabitants, was not altogether disagreeable. Such an occasion -was always a festival. The Grove of Teviva, (a kind of palm growing on -the Arroyo Grande,) which was the landmark for the entrance of the -stream, was always discovered with lively pleasure, and saluted with -redoubled enthusiasm and the loudest acclamations. When the gentle -hosts, to whose kindness we felt so much indebted, wished to go to -Camacuan to visit Don Antonio and his amiable family, I seized the -opportunity with great pleasure, as it afforded me a way to make some -return for the many kindnesses they had shown us, while it gave new -occasions for the display of their amiable character and refined and -pleasing manners, amidst the varying scenes of the little voyage. - -Between Arroyo Grande and Camacuan are several sand-banks, called -Tuntal, which extend from the west shore of the Lagoon, almost at right -angles and nearly across, touching the opposite side, except only the -narrow space occupied by the boat channel, called Dos Barcos. To go -round these bars would greatly prolong the time necessary for the -voyage: but that might be avoided, with some trouble. By throwing -themselves into the water and pushing the launches along by main force, -with their shoulders, the men could get them over the bars, and then -keep along the western side of the Lagoon. This expedient was almost -always adopted by us, and especially on the occasions referred to, when -the boats were honored with the presence of our welcome guests—that -precious freight! Whatever might be the wind, I was usually sure of -getting the launches over the bars; and, so accustomed were my men to -the task, and so prompt in the performance of that laborious service, -that the order to take to the water ["_Al aqua, Tatos!_"] was scarcely -pronounced before they were overboard and at their posts. And so, on all -occasions, the task was performed with alacrity and success, as if the -crews had been engaged in some favorite amusement on a day of jubilee, -whatever might be the hour or the weather. But when pursued by the enemy -in superior force, and suffering in a storm, we were obliged to pass -that way, sometimes in the water a whole night, and without protection -from the waves, which would break over us, while the temperature of the -Lagoon was cooled by the rain, and we were far from land, the exposure, -the labor and the sufferings were sometimes very great, and all the -fervor of youth was necessary to enable us to endure them. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - - - AT THE GALPON OF CHARGINADA, REPAIRING THE LAUNCHES—MY - FRIEND, JOHN GRIGGS—A SURPRISE—A BATTLE—RESULTS—TRIBUTE - TO A FAIR FRIEND. - - -After the capture of the Sumaca, the imperial merchant vessels no longer -set sail without a convoy, but were always accompanied by vessels of -war; and it became a difficult thing to capture them. The expeditions of -the launches were, therefore, limited to a few cruises in the Lagoon, -and with little success, as we were watched by the Imperialists, both by -land and by water. In a surprise made by the chief, Francisco de Abrea, -the whole of my band was near being cut off with its leader. - -We were at the mouth of the Camacua, with the launches drawn up on land, -opposite the Galpon of Charginada,—that is, the magazine or depôt of the -estancia, or large estate of that name. We were engaged in salting meat -and collecting Yerba Matté, a species of tea, which grows in those parts -of South America, and is used as their daily beverage by the -inhabitants. The estate belonged to Donna Antonia, sister of the -President. In consequence of the war, meat was not then salted there; -and the Galpon was occupied only with Yerba Matté. We used the spacious -establishment as our arsenal, and had drawn up our launches some -distance from the water, between the magazine and the bank of the river, -in order to repair them. At that spot were the shops of the smiths and -laborers of the establishment, and there was a plentiful supply of -charcoal; for although not then in use, the place retained something of -its former condition and appearance. There were not wanting pieces of -iron and steel, fit for different purposes in our little vessels. We -could easily visit the distant estancias by a galloping ride, where we -were most cheerfully supplied with whatever we found deficient in the -arsenal. - -With courage, cheerfulness, and perseverance, no enterprise is -impossible; and, for these I must do justice to my favorite companion -and usual forerunner, John Griggs, who surmounted numerous difficulties, -and patiently endured many disappointments, in the work of building two -new launches. - -He was a young man of excellent disposition, unquestionable courage, and -inexhaustible perseverance. Though he belonged to a rich family, he had -devoted himself disinterestedly to the young Republic; and, when letters -from his friends in North America invited him to return home, and -offered him a very large capital, he refused, and remained until he -sacrificed his life for an unhappy, but brave and generous, people. I -had afterwards to contemplate the sad and impressive spectacle, -presented by his death, when the body of my friend was suddenly cut down -by my side. - -While the launches were lying drawn up, as before mentioned, and the -repairs were busily going on, some of the sailors were engaged with the -sails, and some at other occupations, near them, while several were -employed in making charcoal, or keeping watch as sentinels, every one -being busy about something,—by some unexpected chance, Francisco de -Albera, commonly called Moringue, determined to surprise us; and, -although he did not succeed in his design, he gave us not a little -trouble. A surprise certainly was effected on that occasion, and in a -masterly manner. - -We had been on patrols all night, and all the men had been, a short time -before, assembled in the Galpon, where the arms were loaded and -deposited. It was a beautiful morning, though cloudy; and nothing seemed -to be stirring, but all around was silent and apparently lonely. -Observations, however, were made around the camp, with the greatest -care, without discovering a trace of anything new. About nine o'clock, -most of the people were set at work, in cutting wood; and for this -purpose were scattered about at considerable distances. I had then about -fifty men for the two launches; and it happened that day, by a singular -concurrence of circumstances, our wants being peculiar, that only a very -few remained near the boats. I was sitting by the fire, where breakfast -was cooking, and was just then taking some Matté. Near by was the cook, -and no other person. - -All on a sudden, and as if just over my head, I heard a tremendous -volley of firearms, accompanied by a yell, and saw a company of the -enemy's horsemen marching on. I had hardly time to rise and take my -stand at the door of the Galpon, for at that instant one of the enemy's -lances made a hole through my poncho. It was our good fortune to have -our arms all loaded, as I have before mentioned, and placed in the -Galpon, in consequence of our having been in a state of alarm all night. -They were placed inside of the building, against the wall, ready and -convenient for use. I immediately began to seize the muskets and -discharge them in turn, and shot down many of the enemy. Ignacio Bilbao, -a brave Biscayan, and Lorenzo N., a courageous Genoese, were at my side -in a moment; and then Eduardo Mutru, a native of the country, Rafaele -and Procopio, one a mulatto and the other a black, and Francisco. I wish -I could remember the names of all my bold companions, who, to the number -of thirteen, assembled around me, and fought a hundred and fifty -enemies, from nine in the morning until three in the afternoon, killing -and wounding many of them, and finally forcing them to retreat. - -Among our assailants were eighty Germans, in the infantry, who were -accustomed to accompany Maringue in such expeditions, and were skilful -soldiers, both on foot and on horseback. When they had reached the spot, -they had dismounted and surrounded the house, taking advantage of the -ground, and of some rough places, from which they poured upon us a -terrible fire from different sides. But, as often happens in surprises, -by not completing their operations and closing, men ordinarily act as -they please. If, instead of taking positions, the enemy had advanced -upon the Galpon, and attacked us resolutely, we should have been -entirely lost, without the power to resist their first attack. And we -were more exposed than we might ordinarily have been in any other -building, because, to allow the frequent passage of carts, the sides of -the magazine were left open. - -In vain did they attempt to press us more closely, and assemble against -the end walls. In vain did they get upon the roofs, break them up and -throw upon our heads the fragments and burning thatch. They were driven -away by our muskets and lances. Through loop-holes, which I made through -the walls, many were killed and many wounded. Then, pretending to be a -numerous body in the building, we sang the republican hymn of Rio -Grande, raising our voices as loud as possible, and appeared at the -doors, flourishing our lances, and by every device endeavoring to make -our numbers appear multiplied. - -About three o'clock in the afternoon the enemy retired, having many -wounded, among whom was their chief. They left six dead near the Galpon, -and several others at some distance. We had eight wounded, out of -fourteen. Rosetti, and our other comrades, who were separated from us, -had not been able to join us. Some of them were obliged to cross the -river by swimming; others ran into the forest; and one only, found by -the enemy, was killed. That battle, with so many dangers, and with so -brilliant a result, gave much confidence to our troops, and to the -inhabitants of that coast, who had been for a long time exposed to the -inroads of that adroit and enterprising enemy, Maringue. - -We celebrated the victory, rejoicing at our deliverance from a tempest -of no small severity. At an estancia, twelve miles distant, when the -news of the engagement was received, a young lady inquired, with a -pallid cheek and evident anxiety, whether Garibaldi was alive. When I -was informed of this, I rejoiced at it more than at the victory itself. -Yes! Beautiful daughter of America! (for she was a native of the -Province of Rio Grande,) I was proud and happy to enjoy your friendship, -though the destined bride of another. Fate reserved for me another -Brazilian female—to me the only one in the world whom I now lament, and -for whom I shall weep all my days. She knew me when I was in misfortune; -and her interest in me, stronger than any merit of my own, conquered her -for me, and united us for ever. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - - DESCRIPTION OF THE LAKE OR LAGOON DOS PATOS—THE ENEMY - COMMAND THE LAKE—PLAN TO ENTER IT—TRANSPORTATION - OF LAUNCHES OVER LAND—RESULTS OF THE EXPERIMENT - —BREAKERS—SHIPWRECK—SAD CATASTROPHE. - - -The Lake or Lagoon Dos Patos is about 45 leagues in length, or 135 -miles, and from eleven to twenty miles in medium width. Near its mouth, -on the right shore, stands a strong place, called Southern Rio Grande, -while Northern Rio Grande is on the opposite side. Both are fortified -towns, and were then in possession of the Imperialists, as well as Porto -Alegre. The enemy were therefore masters of the lake by water. It was -thought impossible for the Republicans to pass through the outlet which -leads from the lake to the sea, and as that was the only water passage, -we were obliged to prepare to effect a way of communication by land. -This could be done only by transporting the launches on carts over the -intermediate country. In the northern part of the lake is a deep bay, -called Cassibani, which takes its name from a small river that empties -in at its further side. That bay was chosen as the place for landing the -launches; and the operation was performed on the right bank. An -inhabitant of that part of the province, named De Abrea, had prepared -wheels of great solidity, connected two and two by axles, proportioned -to the weight of the vessels. About two hundred domestic oxen were then -collected, with the assistance of the neighboring inhabitants, and, by -their labor, the launches were drawn to the shore and got into the -water, being carried on wheels, placed at proportionate distances from -each other. Care, however, was taken to keep them in such positions that -the centre of gravity should be preserved, by supporting the vessels -laterally, without disturbing the free action of the wheels. Very strong -ropes were, of course, provided, to attach the oxen to the wheels. - -Thus the vessels of the Republican squadron started off, navigating -across the fields. The oxen worked well, they being well placed and -prepared for drawing freely in the most convenient manner. They -travelled a distance of fifty-four miles without any difficulty, -presenting a curious and unprecedented spectacle in those regions. On -the shore of Lake Tramandai the launches were taken from the carts and -put into the water, and then loaded with necessaries and rigged for -sailing. - -Lake Tramandai, which is formed by the streams falling from the chain of -Espenasso, empties into the Atlantic, but is very shallow, having only -about four feet of water at high tide; besides, on that coast, which is -very open and all alluvial, the sea is never tranquil, even in the most -favorable weather: but the numerous breakers incessantly stun the ear, -and from a distance of many miles their roar sounds like peals of -thunder. - -Being ready to sail, we awaited the hour of the tide and then ventured -out, about four o'clock in the afternoon. In those circumstances, -practical skill in guiding vessels among breakers was of great value, -and without it it is hard to say how we could ever have succeeded in -getting through them, for the propitious hour of the tide was passed, -and the water was not deep enough. However, notwithstanding this, at the -beginning of the night our exertions were crowned with entire success, -and we cast anchor in the open sea, outside of the furious breakers. It -should be known here, and borne in mind, that no vessel of any kind had -ever before passed out from the mouth of the Tramandai. At about eight -in the evening we departed from that place, and at three in the -afternoon of the following day were wrecked at the mouth of the -Arevingua, with the loss of sixteen of the company in the Atlantic, and -with the destruction of the launch Rio Pardo, which was under my -command, in the terrible breakers of that coast. The particulars of that -sad disaster were as follows: - -Early in the evening the wind threatened from the south, preparing for a -storm, and beginning to blow with violence. We followed the coast. The -launch Rio Pardo, with thirty men on board, a twelve pounder on a pivot, -and some extra rigging, taken for precaution, as I was unacquainted with -that navigation, seemed strong and well-prepared for us to sail towards -the enemy's country. But our vessels lay deep in the water, and -sometimes sank so low into the sea, that they were in danger of -foundering. They would occasionally remain several minutes under the -waves. I determined to approach the land and find out where we were; -but, the winds and waves increasing, we had no choice, and were -compelled to stand off again, and were soon involved in the frightful -breakers. I was at that moment on the top of the mast, hoping to -discover some point of the coast less dangerous to approach. By a sudden -turn the vessel was rolled violently to starboard, and I was thrown some -distance overboard. Although in such a perilous situation, I did not -even think of death; but, knowing I had many companions who were not -seamen and were suffering from sea sickness, I endeavored to collect as -many oars and other buoyant objects as possible, and brought them near -the vessel, advising each man to take one to assist him in reaching the -shore. - -The first one who came near to me, holding to a shroud, was Eduardo -Mutru; and to him I gave a dead-light, recommending to him not to let go -of it on any account. Carniglia, the courageous man who was at the helm -at the moment of the catastrophe, remained confined to the vessel on the -windward side, being held down in such a manner, by a Calmuc jacket -which confined his limbs, that he could not free himself. He made me a -sign that he wanted my assistance, and I sprang forward to relieve my -dear friend. I had in the pocket of my trowsers a small knife with a -handle; this I took, and with all the strength I was master of, began to -cut the collar, which was made of velvet. I had just divided it when the -miserable instrument broke,—a surge came over us, and sunk the vessel -and all that it contained. - -I struck the bottom of the sea, like a shot; and the waters, which -washed violently around me like whirlpools, half-suffocated me. I rose -again: but my unfortunate friend was gone for ever! A portion of the -crew I found dispersed, and making every exertion to gain the coast by -swimming. I succeeded among the first; and the next thing, after setting -my feet upon the land, was to turn and discover the situation of my -comrades. Eduardo appeared, at a short distance. He had left the -dead-light which I had given him, or, as is more probable, the violence -of the waves had torn it from his grasp, and was struggling alone, with -an appearance that indicated that he was reduced to an extremity. I -loved Eduardo like a brother, and was affected beyond measure at his -condition. Ah! I was sensitive in those days! My heart had never been -hardened; and I was generous. I rushed towards my dear friend, reaching -out to him the piece of wood which had saved me on my way to the shore. -I had got very near him; and, excited by the importance of the -undertaking, should, have saved him: but a surge rolled over us both; -and I was under water for a moment. I rallied, and called out, not -seeing him appear; I called in desperation,—but in vain. The friend dear -to my heart was sunk in the waves of that ocean which he had not feared, -in his desire to join with me in serving the cause of mankind. Another -martyr to Italian liberty, without a stone, in a foreign land! - -The bodies of sixteen of my companions, drowned in the sea, were -transported a distance of thirty miles, to the northern coast, and -buried in its immense sands. Several of the remainder were brought to -land. There were seven Italians. I can mention Luigi Carniglia, Eduardo -Mutru, Luigi Stadirini, Giovanni D.,—but three other names I do not -remember. Some were good swimmers. In vain I looked among those who were -saved, to discover any Italian faces. All my countrymen were dead. My -feelings overpowered me. The world appeared to me like a desert. Many of -the company who were neither seamen nor swimmers were saved. - -I found a barrel of brandy, which I thought a valuable acquisition, and -told Manuel Rodriguez to open it, and give some to each of the -survivors, to invigorate them. Efforts were made to open the cask: but, -fatigued as we all were, much time was spent in performing the task; -and, in the mean time, the men became so much chilled, that they might -have perished, if the thought had not occurred to me to set them all -running, in order to restore their strength by keeping their blood in -circulation. "Come, let us run!" I said to them; and then, starting off -myself and running as fast as I could towards the north, they would -follow me, until unable to go further. I repeated this until I thought -they no longer required exercise; and am sure that my own life, at -least, was saved by the expedient,—for without the effort, I must have -fallen a victim to fatigue and cold. Thus running along the shore, we -encouraged each other, to go further and further. It made a bend, at -some distance; and on the inner side is the Arasingua, which runs almost -parallel with the sea at that place, to its mouth, half a mile distant. -We then followed the right bank; and, after going about four miles, -found an inhabited house, where we were received with the greatest -hospitality. - -The Seival, our other launch, commanded by Griggs, being of a different -construction from the Rio Pardo, was better able to sustain itself, -although but little larger, against the violence of the storm, and had -held on her course. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - - - TREATMENT EXPERIENCED BY THE SURVIVORS OF THE - SHIPWRECK—EXPEDITION OF CANABARRO TO LAGUNA—RESULTS - —EFFECTS ON MY MIND OF THE LOSS OF MY OLD FRIENDS—MY - RESOLUTION—REMARKABLE MEETING WITH ANNA—OUR MARRIAGE - —NEW LAUNCHES BUILT—LEAVE THE LAGOON—CRUISE AT - SEA—PRIZES TAKEN—FIGHT WITH A BRAZILIAN SHIP OF - WAR—RESULTS. - - -That part of the Province of St. Catharine where we had been -shipwrecked, fortunately had risen in insurrection against the empire on -receiving the news of the approach of the Republican forces; and -therefore we were well received, found friends, were feasted, and at -once obtained everything necessary, at least everything which those good -people had to offer. We were soon furnished with what we needed to -enable us to join the vanguard of Canabarro, commanded by Colonel -Terceira, which was setting off on a rapid march, to surprise Laguna. -And, indeed, the enterprise was very successful. The garrison of that -little city, consisting of about four hundred men, took up a forced -march in retreat; and three small vessels of war surrendered after a -short resistance. I went with my shipwrecked sailors on board the sloop -Itaparica, which had seven guns. Fortune smiled so much on the -Republicans in those first days of the revolution, that it seemed as if -Providence was pleased to grant us success. The Imperialists, not -knowing and not believing that such an expedition could be sent so -suddenly to Laguna, but having information that an invasion was -meditated by us, had a supply of arms and ammunition then on the way, -which, with soldiers and everything, fell into our hands. The -inhabitants received us like brothers and liberators: a character which -we well merited, and which we sustained during our stay among those very -kind and good people. - -Canabarro, having fixed his head-quarters in the city of Laguna, called -by the Republicans Villa Juliana, (because our entrance was made in -July,) promised to establish a Provincial Representative Government, the -first president of which was a reverend priest, who had great influence -among the people. Rosetti, with the title of Secretary of the -Government, was in fact the soul of it. And Rosetti, in truth, was -formed for such a station. - -At that time occurred one of the most important events of my life. I had -never thought of matrimony, but had considered myself incapable of it -from being of too independent a disposition, and too much inclined to -adventure. To have a wife and children appeared to me decidedly -repulsive, as I had devoted my whole life to one principle, which, -however good it might be, could not leave me the quietness necessary to -the father of a family. But my destiny guided me in a different -direction from what I had designed for myself. By the loss of Luigi -Carniglia, Eduardo and my other comrades, I was left in a state of -complete isolation, and felt as if alone in the world. Not one of those -friends of my heart remained. I felt the greatest possible need of them. -All the friends I now had were new ones: good, it is true, but not one -of them really an intimate one. And this change had been made so -unexpectedly, and in so terrible a manner, that it was impossible to -overcome the impressions it had made upon my feelings. I felt the want -of some one to love me, and a desire that such a one might be very soon -supplied, as my present state of mind seemed insupportable. - -Rosetti was a brother to me: but he could not live with me, and I could -see him but rarely. I desired a friend of a different character; for, -although still young, I had considerable knowledge of men, and knew -enough to understand what was necessary for me in a true friend. One of -the other sex, I thought must supply the vacant place, for I had always -regarded woman as the most perfect of creatures, and believe it far -easier to find a loving heart among that sex. - -I walked the deck of the Itaparica, with my mind revolving these things, -and finally came to the conclusion to seek for some lady possessing the -character which I desired. I one day cast a casual glance at a house in -the Burra, (the eastern part of the entrance of the Jayuna,) and there -observed a young female whose appearance struck me as having something -very extraordinary. So powerful was the impression made upon me at the -moment, though from some cause which I was not able fully to ascertain, -that I gave orders and was transported towards the house. But then I -knew of no one to whom I could apply for an introduction. I soon, -however, met with a person, an inhabitant of the town, who had been -acquainted with me from the time of arrival. I soon received an -invitation to take coffee with his family, and the first person who -entered was the lady whose appearance had so mysteriously but -irresistibly drawn me to the place. I saluted her; we were soon -acquainted; and I found that the hidden treasure which I had discovered -was of rare and inestimable worth. But I have since reproached myself -for removing her from her peaceful native retirement to scenes of -danger, toil and suffering. I felt most deeply self-reproach on that day -when, at the mouth of the Po, having landed, in our retreat from an -Austrian squadron, while still hoping to restore her to life, on taking -her pulse I found her a corpse, and sang the hymn of despair. I prayed -for forgiveness, for I thought of the sin of taking her from her home. - -Little or nothing of importance, after this, took place in the Lagoon. -The building of our launches was commenced; and the materials were -obtained from the remains of the prizes, and by the assistance of the -neighboring inhabitants, who were always friendly, and forward in aiding -me. Two launches having been completed and armed, the band were called -to Itaparica, to coöperate with the army, then besieging the capital of -the province, Porto Allegre. The army accomplished nothing; and the band -were unable to effect anything all the time they spent in that part of -the Laguna. An expedition was contemplated in the province of St. -Catherine; I was called to join it, and General Canabarro was to -accompany me. The two smaller launches remained in the lake, under the -command of Zefferino d'Ubrea; and I went with two others, with the -division of Canabarro, which was to appear by land, while I was to -approach by water. - -I was accompanied by my inseparable friend, John Griggs, and had with me -a chosen part of my band, who had assisted in building the launches. - -The three vessels which were armed, and destined to make an excursion on -the ocean, were the Rio Pardo, which was under my command, and the -Casapava, under Griggs—both schooners—and lastly, the Seival, which had -come from Rio Grande, commanded by the Italian, Lorenzo. The mouth of -the Lagoon was blockaded by Imperial vessels of war; but we went out by -night, without falling in with any of them, and steered north. When we -had reached the latitude of Santos, we met an Imperial corvette, which -chased us two days in vain,—when we approached the Island of Abrigo, -where we captured two Sumacas. This is a kind of vessel, so named by the -Brazilians, being a sort of sloop. We then proceeded on the cruise, and -took several other prizes. After eight days' sailing we returned towards -the Lagoon. - -I had conceived a singular presentiment of the state of things in that -region, because, before my departure, the people of St. Catherine's had -begun to show a bad humor, and it was known that a strong corps of -troops was approaching, commanded by General Andrea, who was famous for -precipitation, and his atrocious system of warfare, which made him much -feared. When off St. Catherine's, on our return, we met a Brazilian -patachio, which is a sort of brig-schooner,—the Rio Pardo and the Seival -being together, the Casapava having parted company a few nights before, -when it was very dark. - -We were discovered; and there was no escape. We therefore attacked them, -and opening a fire. The enemy replied bravely; but the action could -produce but little effect, because the sea was very rough. The result, -however, was the loss of several of our prizes, the commanders of some -of which, being frightened by the superior force of the enemy, struck -their flags, while others steered for the neighboring coast. Only one of -the prizes was saved, that commanded by the brave Ignacio Bilbao, which -went ashore in the port of Imbituba, and remained in our possession. The -Seival had her gun dismounted in the engagement, and having sprung a -leak, took the same direction, and I was obliged to abandon the prizes. - -We entered Imbituba with a northerly wind, which changed to the south in -the night, and thus rendered it impossible to enter the Lagoon. It was -to be presumed that we would be attacked by the Imperial vessels -stationed at the island of St. Catherine's, because information would be -carried to them by that with which we had the engagement. It was -therefore necessary to make preparations; and the Seival's dismounted -gun was placed on a promontory which forms the bay on the eastern side, -and a battery was formed of gabions. At daylight three Imperial vessels -were discovered approaching. The Rio Pardo, which was at anchor at the -bottom of the bay, commenced the action, which was rather a singular -one, the Imperialists being in incomparably superior force. The enemy, -being favored by the wind in manœuvring, kept under sail, and gave a -furious fire, from favorable positions, all of them upon my one poor -little schooner. She, however, maintained the fight with resolution, and -at close quarters,—even carbines being used on both sides. - -But the injuries done were in inverse proportion to the forces of the -two parties; for the Republican vessel was soon strewn with dead bodies, -while the hull was riddled and the spars destroyed. We had resolved to -fight to the last; and this resolution was increased by the Brazilian -Amazon on board. My wife not only refused to land, but took an active -part in the engagement. If the crew fought with resolution, they -received no little aid from the brave Manuel Rodriguez, who commanded -the battery, and kept up a well-directed and effective fire. The enemy -were very determined, but operated chiefly against the schooner; and I -several times believed, as they came up, that they were going to board -us,—and was prepared for everything, except to submit. - -At length, after several hours spent in active fight, the enemy retired, -on account, as was said, of the death of the commander of the Bella -Americana, one of their vessels. We spent the remainder of the day in -burying our dead and in repairing our greatest damages. - -During the following day the enemy remained at a distance, and we made -preparations for fighting, and also for escape by sailing to the Lagoon, -the wind being then more favorable. - -[Here occurs a blank in our manuscript.—_Translator._] - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER X. - - - DISCONTENT OF THE PEOPLE OF ST. CATHERINE'S —REVOLT - AT JAMAICA—ATTACK ON THAT TOWN—CONDUCT OF THE - TROOPS—RETREAT TO THE LAGOON—PURSUED—THE IMPERIALISTS - GAINING STRENGTH—COL. TERCEIRA'S EXPEDITION AGAINST - MELLO—OUR DISASTER—RALLY. - - -Changes were expected to take place at Laguna on the approach of the -enemy, who were very strong on land; and little good-will shown by St. -Catherine's induced some of the towns to rise against the Republican -authority. Among these was the town of Jamaica, a place situated at the -extremity of the lake. Canabarro gave me a peremptory charge to reduce -it, and, as a punishment, to sack it. The garrison had made preparations -for defence towards the water; but I landed at the distance of three -miles, and attacked them unexpectedly from the mountains. The garrison -being discomfited and put to flight, the troops under my command were -soon in possession of the town. I wish, for myself, and for every other -person who has not forgotten to be a man, to be exempt from the -necessity of witnessing the sack of a town. A long and minute -description would not be sufficient to give a just idea of the baseness -and wickedness of such a deed. May God save me from such a spectacle -hereafter! I never spent a day of such wretchedness and in such -lamentation. I was filled with horror; and the fatigue I endured in -restraining personal violence was excessive. As for preventing robbery, -that was impossible. A terrible state of disorder prevailed. The -authority of a commander availed nothing; nor could all the exertions -made by myself and a few officers control their unbridled cupidity. It -had no effect to threaten them that the enemy would return to the fight -in much greater numbers, and if they should take them by surprise, -disbanded and intoxicated, would make a sacrifice of them,—though that -was true to the letter. Nothing would prevent them from engaging in a -general scene of pillage. The town, though small, unfortunately -contained a vast quantity of spirits; and drunkenness soon became -general. The men who were with me were new levies, whom I did not know, -and wholly undisciplined. I am sure that if even fifty of the enemy had -appeared, in those circumstances, we should have been lost. - -After a long time, by threats, blows, and some wounds, those wild beasts -were marched out and embarked; several pipes of spirits were shipped for -the division, and we returned to the Lagoon, while the Republican -vanguard was retiring before the enemy, who were advancing with -celerity, and very strong. - -When we reached the Lagoon, we took the baggage across to the right -shore. - -That day I had much to do; for, if the men were not very numerous, there -were many embarrassments, and many horses to be taken care of. And -besides, the outlet of the Lagoon was narrow at the entrance, the -current was strong, and when this was not found, the shores were not -distant. I had to labor, therefore, from morning until near noon, to get -the division over, and then stood near the bar to observe the enemy's -vessels, which were advancing in combination with the land forces with a -great number of troops on board. Before ascending the mountain, I had -already sent information to the General that the enemy were preparing to -force the passage of the bar, having been able to discover the enemy's -vessels while I was effecting the transport. Having reached the other -side, I satisfied myself of the fact. The enemy had twenty-two vessels, -all adapted to the entrance. I then repeated the message; but either the -General was doubtful, or his men wanted to eat or to rest. The fact was, -that not a man arrived in time to assist in operating at the point where -our infantry had been posted, and where we might have made great havoc -with the enemy. Resistance was made by the battery situated on the -eastern point, commanded by the brave Captain Capotto; but, in -consequence of the want of practice on the part of the cannoniers, very -little damage was done. The same result was experienced by the three -vessels under my command, the crews of which were very small, many of -the men that day being on land; and thus some would rest, and others -would not expose themselves to the tremendous battle which was -preparing. I was at my post in the Rio Pardo; and my wife, the -incomparable Anita, fired the first shot, putting the match to the gun -with her own hand, and animating with her voice the timid and the -hesitating. - -The battle was short, but a murderous one. Not many were killed, because -very few were on board; but I was the only officer in the three vessels -left alive. All the enemy's squadron entered, making a tremendous fire, -favored by the wind and the current flowing in, by which their velocity -was much increased, and anchored at the distance of a cannon-shot from -our vessels, still keeping up their cannonade. I asked Canabarro for men -to continue the battle; but received, in answer, an order to destroy the -vessels and retire, with all the remainder that could be landed. I had -sent Anna with the message, directing her to remain on shore; but she -returned on board with the answer, showing a coolness and courage which -excited my astonishment and highest admiration. To her boldness and -exertions was due the saving of the ammunition, which was safely landed. -When this was effected, I remained alone on board, having yet to perform -the last act of setting the little flotilla on fire. The enemy still -continued their severe cannonade. I had to contemplate a terrible -spectacle on every vessel, as I visited them all in succession, the -decks being strewn with the dead. Captain Enrique, of the Taparica, from -Laguna, was found shot through the breast with a grape shot; Griggs, -commander of the Cassapava, had been cut in two by a shot, and his trunk -was standing against the bulwarks, his face retaining its natural -rubicund look, so that he seemed as if living. A few moments afterwards -their bodies were sunk in the water: those victims of the empire were -lost to human sight. - -Night came on, as I collected the survivors, and marched behind the -division, on the retreat for Rio Grande, by the same road which they had -trodden a few months before, with their hearts filled with hope and -confident of victory. - -Among the many sufferings of my stormy life, I have not been without -happy moments; and among them, I count that in which, at the head of the -few men remaining to me after numerous conflicts, and who had gained the -character of bravery, I first mounted, and commenced my march, with my -wife at my side, in a career which had always attractions for me, even -greater than that of the sea. It seemed to me of little importance that -my entire property was that which I carried, and that I was in the -service of a poor republic, unable to pay anybody. I had a sabre and a -carbine, which I carried on the front of my saddle. My wife was my -treasure, and no less fervent in the cause of the people than myself; -and she looked upon battles as an amusement, and the inconveniences of a -life in the field as a pastime. Then, whatever might happen, I was -looked upon with smiles; and the more wild the extensive and desert -American plains appeared, the more beautiful and delightful they seemed -to our eyes. I thought myself in the performance of my duty, in -encountering and overcoming the dangers to which I exposed myself, as -the object I had in view was the good of men who needed my aid. - -We reached Las Torres, the boundary of the two neighboring provinces, -where we established our camp. The enemy contented themselves with being -masters of the Lagoon, and did not proceed beyond. But, in combination -with the division of Andrea, the division of Acunha advanced by the -Serra, having recently come from the province of St. Paul, and being on -the way for the Cima da Serra, (meaning the top of the mountains,) a -department belonging to Rio Grande. The Serrans, overwhelmed by a -superior force, asked assistance of General Canabarro; and he arranged -an expedition for their aid, under the command of General Terceira. I, -with my companions, formed a part of it; and, having joined the Serrans, -who were under Colonel Acunha, we completely beat that division at Santa -Victoria. The General was lost in the river Pelotas, and the greater -part of his troops were made prisoners. - -That victory brought the three provinces of Lages, Vaccaria, and Cima da -Serra, under the republic; and, a few days after, the conquerors entered -Lages in triumph. - -In the meantime the invasion by the Imperialists had restored their -party to power in the province of Missiones; and Colonel Mello, the -Imperial General, had increased his corps in that province to about five -hundred men. General Bento Manuel, who was to have fought him, was -unable, because he had retreated; and he contented himself with sending -Lieutenant-Colonel Portinhos in pursuit of Mello, who was marching in -the direction of San Pablo. The position in which I was then placed gave -us an opportunity not only to oppose Mello, but also to exterminate his -force. But such was not the event. - -Colonel Terceira being uncertain whether the enemy would come by -Vaccaria, or by the Caritibani, divided his forces into two, sending -Colonel Aranha, with the good cavalry of the Serra, to Vaccaria, and -marching towards the Caritibani with the infantry, and a part of the -cavalry, chiefly composed of prisoners. It was by that point that the -enemy approached. This division of the forces proved fatal. Their recent -victory, the ardent feelings of the corps, and the information received -concerning the enemy, which represented their numbers and spirit as less -than they really were, led to their despising them too much. - -After a three days' march we reached Caritibani, and went round by the -pass of Maromba, by which it was supposed the enemy would march. Guards -were placed in the Pass, and at other points, where they were thought -necessary. Towards midnight the guards at the pass were attacked, and -compelled to retreat, so that they had scarcely time to escape after -firing a few shots. From that moment until the break of day, the -Republican troops stood ready for action; and it was not long after that -hour that the enemy appeared, having crossed the river with their whole -force, and drawn up near it ready for action. - -Any other officer than Terceira, on seeing their superiority, would have -hastened to effect a junction with the column of Aranha, and would have -occupied the enemy until he could have accomplished it. But the ardent -Republican feared that the enemy might escape him, and deprive him of an -opportunity to fight. He therefore pressed on to the encounter, although -the enemy were in an advantageous position. Of that position they took -advantage, having formed their line of battle on a hill of considerable -height, opposite which was a very deep valley, obstructed with thick -bushes. I had covered our flanks with several platoons of cavalry, which -they did not see. Terceira ordered to attack, with a band of infantry, -taking advantage of the obstacles in the valley. The attack was made, -and the enemy made a feint of retreating; but, while the whole -Republican body, after passing the valley, was pursuing the enemy under -the hill, within musket-shot, it was charged in flank by a squadron -which had been concealed on the right flank of the enemy, obliged to -retreat in disorder, and to concentrate anew. In that encounter fell one -of the bravest of my officers, Manuel N., who was very dear to me. The -troops, being now reinforced, and sent forward with greater impetus and -resolution, the enemy finally retired, and took up their retreat, -leaving one of their men dead on the field. - -There were not many wounded on either side, for very few had taken part -in the action. The enemy, however, retreated precipitately, and the -Republicans pursued them to Aube; but the infantry were not able to -overtake them in nine miles, although they did their utmost to -accelerate their march. In the vicinity of the Pass of Maromba, the -commander of the Republican vanguard, Major Jacinto, informed the -Colonel that the enemy were crossing the Ganado and the Cavaladas,[2] -with indications that they would continue their retreat and not recover -from their panic. The brave Terceira did not hesitate for a moment, but -ordered the cavalry to proceed on the gallop, and directed me to follow -with the infantry as fast as possible. - -The watchful enemy, however, had only manœuvred to deceive us, and by -the precipitation of their march had got in an advantageous position of -which we were not aware, concealed by the ground. One of our platoons -had been placed far in advance, and two others near it, but the infantry -imprudently left far behind. The enemy suddenly extended their right and -made his appearance on our left, running out from a valley which had a -small declivity. They bore down upon the Republican platoon with their -lances, and gave them this first notice of their error, which there was -not time to repair. Attacked in flank, they were completely discomfited. -The other platoons of cavalry shared the same fate, notwithstanding the -courage and efforts of Terceira and several brave Rio Grande officers. -Being taken in detail, they opposed little resistance; and in a short -time all were scattered, flying and completely broken. To be so far with -the infantry was very painful to me, and the more so because the -materials of which it was composed were not good, the greater part being -men who had been prisoners in Santa Victoria. I therefore hastened on -the infantry as fast as possible to join in the fight, but in vain. -Having reached an elevation, I witnessed the slaughter of my friends, -and knew there was no time to do anything to turn the tide, and -therefore resolved to save as many as possible. - -I called to about a dozen of my old companions, whom I saw and -recognized; and, on hearing my voice, they hastened towards me. I left -an officer, to remain in charge of the body of infantry (Major -Peixotto,) and then, with that small band, I took a position, partly -sheltered by a few bushes, on an elevated spot of ground. There we began -to make a stand against the enemy, and to teach them that they were not -victorious everywhere. In an attack upon us, several companies of -cavalry were repulsed, although they made great efforts and displayed -much courage. The infantry at last joined us in our position, and then -the defence became powerful, and to the enemy terrible and murderous. - ------ - -Footnote 2: - - "Ganado" means herds of cattle, and "Cavaladas" herds of horses, which - animals abound in those regions, living in the rich pastures. The - cattle afford the only food for soldiers, and the horses are - indispensable for cavalry—the best troops in South America. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - - - THE ENEMY STILL HELD IN CHECK—NECESSITY OF - RETREAT—PREPARATION—COMMENCEMENT—PROGRESS—RESULT - —ARRIVAL AT THE TOWN OF LAGES. - - -In the meantime, strong in my position, and having now a band of -seventy-three, I fought the enemy with advantage. As the Imperialists -were destitute of infantry, they had little desire to engage with troops -of that arm. Notwithstanding the advantageous ground possessed by us, -however, it was necessary to seek a more secure cover, to prevent the -victorious enemy from bringing together all their forces, and to avoid -giving time for the courage of the defenders to cool. I observed a -cappon, or island of trees, which was in sight, at about the distance of -a mile, and undertook a retreat in that direction. The enemy manœuvred -to interrupt us, and every few moments charged with the advantage of the -ground. In such circumstances it proved highly important that my -officers were armed with carbines; and, as they were all good soldiers, -they repelled the enemy's charges with unshaken firmness. Thus the -remains of our conquered party reached the cappon, where the enemy -offered us no further molestation; while we penetrated a little distance -into the wood, chose a cleared spot, and collecting together, with our -arms ready, waited for night. The enemy were heard calling out to us -"Surrender! Surrender!" We kept silence and returned no answer. - -Night at length came on; and I made preparations for departure. A few -wounded men, who were of our number, presented the greatest difficulty. -Among them was Major Peixotto, who had received a ball in his foot. Near -ten o'clock in the evening, when the wounded had been accommodated in -the best manner possible, the march was commenced, by proceeding along -the skirts of the cappon, which we left on the right, endeavoring to -find the borders of the Matto, or forest. That forest, perhaps the -largest in the world, extends from the alluvial regions of the Plata to -those of the Amazon, crowning the crest of the Serra de Espinasso, which -forms the backbone of Brazil, over an extent of thirty-four degrees of -latitude. The number of degrees of longitude which it embraces we are -unable to give. In the midst of that immense wilderness are situated the -three departments of Cima da Serra, Vaccaria and Lages, which are -surrounded by the forests. The scene of our dangerous operations was now -Caritibani, in the last named department, a place which derived its name -from Caritiba, a place in the province of Santa Caterina, (St. -Catharine,) from which the inhabitants came. - -In order to reach the forest, the troops moved along the side of the -_cappon_, intending to take the course towards Lages, to find the corps -of Aranha, from which they were unfortunately separated. One of those -things occurred on their issuing from the wood, which prove how far man -is the child of circumstances, and what effect may be produced by a -panic, even on the most intrepid soldiers. The Republicans were marching -in silence; and, as may be supposed, prepared for action, in case the -enemy should appear in an attitude of opposing them. A horse, which -happened to be in that part of the wood, on hearing the little noise -made by the cautious soldiers in their march, took to flight, and ran -away. One voice was heard to exclaim: "The enemy!" and, in a moment, all -those seventy-three men, who had so lately most valiantly fought five -hundred, rushed at once into the thickest of the forest; and, so far did -they become separated and scattered, in that moment of fear, that it -would have taken many hours to collect them again; and, as it was -impossible for us to wait long enough, several were left behind and -lost. The others pursued their way with me; and when daybreak appeared, -we found ourselves on the long wished-for border of the forest, and -issuing in the direction of Lages. The next day the enemy approached, -but did not reach us. The day of battle was terrible, for its labors, -dangers and troubles; but we fought, and that idea overpowered every -other; but in the forest, where meat, the accustomed food, was in fact -wanting, and where no other kind could be obtained, we remained four -days without finding anything to eat except the roots of plants. The -fatigue we endured was indescribable, in following a retreat where there -were no paths, and where nature incomparably prolific and robust, had -reared up colossal pines in the immense woods, and the gigantic taquara, -(a kind of cane,) which formed insuperable barriers in many places. Many -of the company were discouraged, some deserted, and it was a great task, -first to collect them, and then to convince them that it was better to -accompany the corps than to desert it, though they might absent -themselves, if they preferred it, as they should be free to do as they -pleased. This manner of proceeding with them proved perfectly -successful. From that moment there was no more desertion; and the hope -of safety began to arise in the hearts of the troops. - -On the fifth day after the battle we reached the entrance of the -Piccada, (a narrow path cut through the forest,) where we found a house -and made a halt, killing two oxen. We made two prisoners in the house, -who belonged to the enemy, and who had fought us. We then continued our -way to Lages, which we reached after a day's march through the rain. - -The town of Lages, which had made such rejoicing on our arrival as -conquerors, had changed its flag on hearing of our disasters; and some -of the boldest of the inhabitants had established the imperial system. -On our approach they fled; and, as most of them were merchants, numbers -left their stores filled with everything necessary to restore the needy -soldiers; and thus their condition was greatly improved. Terceira wrote -to Aranha, in the mean time, ordering him to concentrate again; as he -had notice at that time of the arrival of Lieutenant Colonel Tartinho, -who had been sent by Bento Manuel in pursuit of the forces of Mello. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - - - MY HIGH ESTIMATE OF THE "SONS OF THE CONTINENT" —DEFECTS - IN DISCIPLINE—I DESCEND THE SERRA—DIFFICULTIES OF THE - MARCH—REACH MALACARA—GENERAL JORGE—GENS. NETTO AND - CANABARRO—TWO LARGE ARMIES MEET AT PINEIRINO, ON THE - SAGUARE—PATRIOTISM OF THE REPUBLICANS—A WISH FOR - ITALY—RESULT OF THE EXPEDITION. - - -I have served the cause of the people in America, and served it with -sincerity, as I everywhere fought against absolutism. Being warmly -attached to the system corresponding with my convictions, I was equally -opposed in my feelings to the opposite system. I have always rather -pitied than hated men who have been led to selfishness by misfortune; -and, when now viewing the scenes I passed through, from a far distant -country, and long after their occurrence, the accounts contained in the -succeeding pages may be regarded as impartial, with the care which has -been taken in recording facts, reviewing occurrences, and making -allowances for men and circumstances. - -It may be unhesitatingly asserted that "_The Sons of the Continent_" -(the name given to the people of Rio Grande,) were most ardent and -intrepid men. This character I claim for them, after having had many -opportunities to form a correct opinion. The occupation of Lages by our -troops was therefore a very bold step, with the intention of defending -it against an enemy ten times superior and victorious, and divided from -them only by the river Canoas, which could not be defended, and far from -any auxiliaries who might have wished to aid the Republicans. Many days -passed before the junction of Aranha and Portinho; and, during all that -time, the enemy were kept at bay by a small band of men. The -reinforcements had no sooner arrived, than the Republicans marched -resolutely against the enemy: but the Imperialists did not accept the -offer of a battle, but retired when we approached, making a stand in the -Province of San Paolo, where they were to be joined by large -reinforcements of infantry and cavalry. The Republicans then felt the -defect and the evils of being composed chiefly of men brave indeed, but -who did not know the importance of keeping their ranks, except when the -enemy appeared, and relaxed in discipline whenever they were either far -distant, or remained near without showing inclination for a speedy -battle. - -That fault was almost their ruin, and a more enterprising enemy would -have known how to take advantage of it. The Serranos, (or people of the -neighboring mountains,) began to leave the files, and throw their lazos, -not only over their own horses, but over those belonging to the -division. Those of Portinho, (the people of the Province of Missions,) -followed their example; and the force was soon so far reduced, that they -were obliged to abandon Lages, and retire to the province of Rio Grande, -fearing an attack from the enemy. The rest of the forces, being thus -weakened, and in want of necessaries, especially clothing, which was -quite indispensable in consequence of the commencement of cold weather -so early in those elevated regions, began to lose their spirits, and -demanded, with a loud voice, to return to their homes. Colonel Terceira -was then obliged to yield to so many necessities, and ordered me to -descend the Serra and rejoin the army, while he prepared to follow me. - -That descent was arduous, in consequence of the difficult roads, and the -decided hostility of the inhabitants, who were enemies of the -Republicans. I proceeded by the Piccada de Peluffo. The troops were only -about sixty in number, and they had to confront terrible ambuscades; but -such were their indomitable boldness and perseverance, that they passed -in safety. Although the path was very narrow, and everywhere -overshadowed by a very thick forest, the enemy, being natives of the -country, and therefore perfectly acquainted with every place, chose the -most thorny spots for their ambushes, rushed out with fury and -tremendous cries upon the Republican troops, who in return poured in -their volleys of musketry, and used their sabres. At length, the vigor -and perseverance of the latter so far intimidated the mountaineers, that -they killed but one horse, and only slightly wounded a few men. - -We arrived at the head-quarters, in Malacara, distant twelve miles from -Porto Allegre, where was the President, Bento Gonzales, then -General-in-chief. - -The Republican army were preparing to march. The enemy's army, after -losing the battle of Rio Pardo, had recruited in Porto Allegre, and gone -out, under command of the old general, Jorge, (George,) and had encamped -on the bank of the Cahi, waiting for General Calderon to join him, who -had left Rio Grande with a strong body of cavalry and was to effect a -junction, by crossing the country. The same defect which has been -mentioned above,—that is, the delusive security of the Republican troops -when there was no enemy in sight,—facilitated those movements of the -enemy: when General Netto, who commanded the country troops, had -collected force enough to fight Calderon, the latter, having now joined -the main body of the Imperial army, at Cahi, which was threatening the -Republicans with superior numbers, while besieging, compelled them to -raise the siege. It was indispensable to the President to join the -division of Netto, in order to be in a condition to fight the enemy's -army; and that junction, being happily effected, greatly honored the -military capacity of Bento Gonzales. They marched with the army from -Malacara, taking the direction of San Leopoldo, passing within two miles -of the enemy's army; and in two days and nights, almost without eating, -arrived in the neighborhood of Taguary, where they found General Netto, -who had come to meet them. - -The march had been made, as was just remarked, almost without eating; -and, as soon as the enemy had notice of the movement, they set off, at -forced marches, to fight them. By rare fortune they overtook the -Republicans when they had halted, and were engaged in cooking their -meat,—the only food, as has been remarked, which armies in that country -ever have to subsist upon. They were, therefore, obliged to desist, and -defer their meal until they could effect the junction designed. They -halted again at Pinheirino, six miles from Taguary, and made all the -arrangements for a battle. The Republican army, consisting of five -thousand cavalry and one thousand infantry, occupied the heights of -Pinheirino; the infantry being in the centre, under the command of the -aged Colonel Crescenzio; the right wing under General Netto; and the -left under General Canabarro. Both wings were wholly composed of -cavalry, which, without exaggeration, was the best in the world, -although ill-provided. The infantry was excellent; and the desire for -fighting was strong and general. Colonel João Antonio commanded the -reserve, which was a corps of artillery. - -The enemy had four thousand infantry, and, it was said, three thousand -cavalry, with a few pieces of artillery. They had taken positions on the -other side of the bed of a little torrent, which divided the two armies; -and their force and position were not to be despised. They were the best -troops of the empire, and commanded by a very skilful general, although -advanced in years. - -The enemy's general had marched in warm pursuit of the Republicans up to -that place, and now made every arrangement for a regular attack. Two -battalions of infantry had crossed the dry bed of the torrent; and two -pieces of artillery, placed on the bank, thundered upon the line of -Republican cavalry. On their side, the brave men of the first brigade, -under the command of Netto, had drawn their sabres, and waited only for -the sound of the trumpet, to launch themselves upon the two battalions -which were crossing over. Those warlike sons of the continent felt the -certainty of victory. Netto and they had never been conquered. The -infantry, échalloned by divisions, on the highest part of the hill, and -covered by its verge, were crying out for battle. The terrible lancers -of Canabarro had already made a movement forward, confusing the right -flank of the enemy, which was therefore obliged to change front in -confusion. The brave freedmen, proud of their force, became more firm -and resolute; and that incomparable corps presented to view a forest of -lances, being composed entirely of slaves liberated by the Republic, and -chosen from the best horse-tamers in the province, and all of them -blacks, even the superior officers. The enemy had never seen the backs -of those true sons of liberty. Their lances, which were longer than the -common measure, their ebony faces and robust limbs, strengthened by -perennial and laborious exercise, and their perfect discipline, struck -terror into the enemy. The animating voice of the General-in-chief had -been heard, as he rode along the lines: "Every one of you must fight for -four men to-day!" These were the few and only words of that -distinguished man, who possessed all the qualities of a great captain, -except good fortune. Every heart seemed to feel the palpitation of war, -and the confidence of victory. A more beautiful day, or a more splendid -scene, was never beheld. The ground was scattered with a few low plants, -and offered no obstacle to the view, so that everything was clearly -visible, even the slightest movement, and, as it were, all under my -feet. In a few minutes was to be decided the fate of the largest part of -the American continent, with the destinies of a numerous people. Those -bodies of men, so compact, so orderly and steady, in a few moments will -be broken up, and some of them thrown into confusion and defeated. Soon, -the blood, the mangled limbs, and the corpses of many of those young men -will disfigure the beautiful fields. Yes: now all are waiting and -panting for the signal of battle.—Yet in vain was all that preparation, -vain the expectation; that field was not to be a field of slaughter. - -The enemy's general, intimidated at the strong positions occupied by the -Republicans, and by their proud array, made his appearance, and had the -two battalions recalled from the opposite bank, to which they had -crossed without orders, and placed himself on the defensive. General -Calderon was killed in making a reconnaissance. Was that the cause of -the irresolution of General Jorge? As the Republicans were not attacked, -they ought to have attacked. This was the opinion of many; but would it -have been wise? If they had been attacked in their fine positions, there -would have been every probability of victory; but to descend from them -and meet the enemy on equal ground, it would be necessary to cross the -bed of the torrent, which was somewhat rough and difficult, although -dry, and the superiority in numbers of the enemy's infantry was by no -means small. In fine, there was no battle, and the enemies remained all -day in sight of each other, with only a little skirmishing. - -In the camp of the Republicans there was a scarcity of meat, and the -infantry especially were famishing. But, what was still more -insupportable, thirst also prevailed, for there was no water. But that -people are hardened by a life of privations. No lamentations were heard, -except for the want of permission to fight. Oh, Italians! oh, for the -day when you shall be united and enduring like those children of the -desert. The stranger shall not then trample upon your soil; he shall not -contaminate your air. Italy will then take her proper place among the -first nations of the earth. - -That night the old general, Jorge, disappeared, and in the morning the -enemy were nowhere to be seen on any side. The early mist remained until -ten o'clock; it then rose, and they were discovered in the strong -positions of Taguary. Soon afterwards news arrived that their cavalry -were crossing the river. The enemy, therefore, were retreating, and it -was necessary to attack them. The Republicans made no hesitation, and -the army marched, resolved on a battle. Only the enemy's cavalry, -however, had crossed the river, assisted in the passage by several -imperial vessels, but the infantry remained on the banks, protected by -the woods, having taken the most advantageous positions. The second -brigade of Republican infantry, composed of the second and third -battalions, was destined to begin the attack. This was performed with -all possible bravery, but the numbers of the enemy were very far -superior, and those courageous soldiers, after performing feats of -valor, were compelled to retire, supported by the first brigade, which -consisted of the first battalion of marines and the artillery, who had -no cannon. - -That was a terrible battle between the infantry in the forest, where the -reëchoing of the guns, and the frequent flashes among the thick clouds -of smoke seemed like a raging tempest. Not less than five hundred men -were wounded and killed on both sides; and the dead bodies of the -Republicans were found on the very bank of the river, to which they had -driven their enemies. But all this loss was of no use, for when the -second brigade retired the conflict was suspended; then night came on, -and the enemy were able to complete their passage without interruption. - -Among many brilliant qualities, General Bento Gonzales had a kind of -indecision, the effect of the disasters which had successively befallen -him in his enterprises. He would have wished that, because a brigade of -infantry, disproportionately inferior in numbers, had thrown itself upon -the enemy, the action should be closed by making not only all the -infantry take part in it, but also the cavalry on foot. - -Such a proceeding might indeed have given him a brilliant victory, if by -making the enemy lose their footing it had thrown them into the river; -and such a result might not have been improbable. But the general was -determined to adventure everything, and even the only infantry which the -Republicans ever possessed. The fact is, that the battle was a real -disaster to them, as they had not the ability to supply the loss of -their brave infantry, while the enemy chiefly abounded in that kind of -forces. - -The enemy remained on the right bank of the Taguary, because they were -almost wholly masters of the country. The Republicans repassed the road -to Porto Allegre, to recommence the siege of that town. The condition of -the Republic was now somewhat worse. The army recrossed to San Leopoldo, -and then to Settembrino, and afterwards to Malacara, into the old camp. -From that place, a few days after, they changed their encampment to -Bella Vista; and at the same time the General planned an operation, the -result of which was to restore them to excellent positions. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - - SAN JOSE DEL NORTE—ITS CAPTURE—ILL CONDUCT—ITS - RESULTS—DISASTERS OF THE REPUBLICANS—I GO TO SAN - SIMON—BIRTH OF MY FIRST CHILD—MY SOLITARY JOURNEY TO - PROCURE NECESSARY CLOTHING FOR MY LITTLE FAMILY—TRIALS - AND APPREHENSIONS, SAD DISCOVERY ON MY RETURN. - - -The enemy, for the purpose of making excursions into the country, had -partly garrisoned with infantry the strong places. San Jose del Norte -was in such a situation. That place, which stands on the north shore of -the outlet of the Lake Dos Patos, was one of its keys; and the -possession of it would have been sufficient to change the face of -things. The town was taken, and the Republican troops gave themselves up -to pillage and riot. - -In the meantime the Imperialists, having recovered from their surprise, -assembled in a strong quarter, and made head. The Republicans assaulted -them and were repulsed. The combatants endeavored to renew the attack, -but did not meet, or, if they met, they were unfit for fighting. Some -had damaged their muskets by breaking doors, and others had lost their -flints. The enemy lost no time. A few vessels of war lay in the harbor. -They took positions and raked the streets occupied by the Republicans, -sent to Southern Rio Grande for aid, and occupied the only fort which -they had not taken. The largest fort, called the Emperor's Fort, -situated in the centre of the line of fortifications, and which had cost -them a great assault, was rendered useless by a tremendous explosion, -which killed and wounded a great number. In short, the greatest triumph -was changed, towards noon, to a shameful retreat, almost to a flight. -Good men wept with anger and disappointment. The loss of the Republicans -was comparatively immense. From that time their infantry was a mere -skeleton. A few cavalry belonged to the expedition, and they served as a -protection on the retreat. The division marched to their barracks of -Buena Vista, and I remained at San Simon with the marine, which was -reduced to about fifty individuals, including officers and soldiers. - -My object in staying at that place was to prepare some canoes, (boats -made of single trees,) and to open communications with the other parts -of the lake; but, in the months which I spent there, the canoes did not -make their appearance; and for the reason that they had existed only in -idea. Instead of boats, I therefore occupied myself with procuring -horses, there being an abundance of wild ones, which furnished much -occupation to the sailors, who became so many knights, though all of -them did not manage their steeds with superior dexterity. And San Simon -is a very beautiful and spacious place, although at that time destroyed -and abandoned. It was said to belong to an exiled Count San Simon, or -his exiled heirs, who had left home because of opinions different from -those of the Republicans. There being no masters there, we strangers fed -on the cattle and rode the horses. - -At that place our first child was born, on the 10th of September, 1840. -The young mother, although so short a time before united to her martial -husband, had already passed through many trials and dangers. After the -terrible affair with the Brazilian men of war, she had accompanied me on -the marches, and even in the battles described in the preceding pages, -and had endured great fatigue and hunger, and had several falls from her -horse. During her stay at the house of an inhabitant of the place, she -received the greatest kindness from the family and their neighbors; and -I shall ever entertain to those who have shown kindness to me, and -especially to my wife, "Sarò reconoscientissimo, a quella buona gente, -tutta la mia vita" (I shall be most thankful to those good people all my -life.) It was of the highest importance that she had the comforts of -that house and those friends at that time, for the miseries suffered by -the army then rose to their height, and I was absolutely destitute of -everything necessary for my wife and little son; and in order to procure -some clothes, I determined to make a journey to Settembrina, where I had -several friends, particularly the kind-hearted Blingini, who would -cheerfully supply me with some things I wished to procure for them. I -accordingly set out to cross the inundated fields of that part of the -province, then all drenched by the rains. I travelled day after day in -water up to my horse's belly, and crossed the Rossa Velha, (an old -cultivated field,) where I met Captain Massimo, of the Free Lancers, who -treated me like a true and good friend, as he was. He was posted for the -guard of the Cavalladas. I arrived at that place at evening, in a heavy -rain, and spent the night; and the next day the storm having increased, -the good Captain determined to detain me at all hazards,—but I was too -much in haste to accomplish my object, to be willing to defer my -journey, and I set off again, in spite of every remonstrance, to brave -the flood. After going a few miles, I heard several musket-shots in the -direction of the place I had left, which raised some suspicion in my -mind, but I could only go on. Having reached Settembrina, I bought some -little articles of clothing, and set out on my return towards San Simon. -When I had recrossed the Rossa Velha, I learned the cause of the firing -I had heard, and the most melancholy accident which happened on the day -of my departure. - -Moringue, the man who surprised me at Camacua, had now surprised Captain -Massimo, and notwithstanding a very brave resistance, left him dead, -with almost all his thirty lancers of the garrison. Most of the horses, -including the best of them, had been embarked, the remaining ones were -almost all killed. Moringue executed the operation with vessels of war -and infantry, and then reëmbarked the infantry, going himself by land -towards Rio Grande del Norte, alarming all the little forces, which, -thinking themselves safe, were scattered about that territory. Among -these was my band of sailors, who were obliged to take their clubs and -go into the woods, taking my wife with them, who mounted the saddle, to -avoid the enemy, with her infant, then only twelve days old, although it -was in the midst of the storm. - -On my return I could not find any of my men, or any of the friends with -whom I had left my family; but I discovered them at length in the edge -of a wood, where they remained without any certain news of the enemy. We -went back to San Simon, where I remained some time, and then removed my -camp to the left bank of the Capivari. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - - THE RIVER CAPIVARI—MY NEW CAMP—CANOE VOYAGES TO THE LAKE - DOS PATOS—STATE OF THE REPUBLICAN ARMY DECLINING—DEATH - OF MY BOSOM FRIEND, ROSETTI—RETREAT —DIFFICULTIES AND - SUFFERINGS—LOSSES—ANNA'S EXPOSURE —OUR INFANT—KINDNESS - OF THE SOLDIERS. - - -The river Capivari is formed by the confluence of the different outlets -of numerous lakes which garnish the northern border of the Province of -Rio Grande, between the sea-coast and the eastern side of the chain of -Espinasso. It received its name from the Capivari, a species of -amphibious animal, very common in the rivers of South America. We made -two canoes, and in them made several voyages to the western shore of -Lake Patos, transporting both men and provisions. These voyages we -performed from the Capivari and the Sangrador de Abreu, one of the -streams in that vicinity, which is an outlet of a pond, connecting it -with a lake. - -In the meantime the situation of the Republican army grew worse and -worse. Every day their necessities became more pressing, while, at the -same time, the difficulty of satisfying them became greater. The two -battles of Taguare and Norte had destroyed the infantry, so that the -battalions had become mere skeletons. Prevailing wants produced -discontent, and that led to desertions. The inhabitants, as usually -happens in long wars, were wearied, and looked with indifference upon -the forces of the two parties. In such a state of things the -Imperialists made proposals for an arrangement which, although -advantageous, considering the circumstances of the Republicans, were not -acceptable and not accepted by the most generous portion of the enemy. -Their rejection much increased the discontent of the extreme and -disgusted party, and finally the abandonment of the siege, and the -retreat were decisive. The Canabarro division, of which the marine -formed a part, was to begin the movement, and climb the passes of the -Serra, occupied by General Labattue. Bento Gonzales, with the rest of -the army, was to march behind, covering the movements. - -At that time died Rosetti, an irreparable loss to the army, and -especially to myself. Having been left with the Republican garrison of -Settembrina, which was to march last, he was surprised by the famous -Maringue; and that incomparable Italian perished fighting bravely. -Having fallen from his horse wounded, he was called on to surrender,—but -he sold his life dearly. There is not a spot of ground on earth in which -do not lie the bones of some generous Italian, for whose sake Italy -ought never to cease from the struggle until free herself. She will feel -the want of them in the day when she shall rise to drive the ravens from -the corpses which they devour. - -The retreat was commenced in the worst season, among the broken ridges -of the mountain, in an almost unintermitted rain, and was the most -disagreeable and terrible which I had ever seen. We had supplied -ourselves with a few cows, which we brought with us, there being no -animals among the toilsome paths which we were to travel, made -impracticable by the rains. The numerous rivers were extremely swollen, -and much of the baggage was carried away by the torrents. The troops -marched in the rain, and without food; encamped without food in the -rain. Between one river and another, those who were appointed to keep -near the cows, had meat, but the others were in a terrible condition, -especially the poor infantry, for everything failed them except -horse-flesh. There were some dreadful scenes. Many women followed the -army, according to the custom of the country, and many children. But few -of the latter came out of the forest, and some were picked up by the -horsemen, one of whom, here and there, was fortunate enough to save his -horse, and with him a poor little creature, left by its dead or dying -mother, who had fallen a victim to hunger, fatigue, and cold. - -Anna was much distressed by the apprehension of losing her little son, -Menotti, who was saved with difficulty, and as if by a miracle. In the -most difficult parts of the road, and in crossing rivers, I carried my -poor little child, then three months old, in a handkerchief tied round -my neck, contriving to keep him warm with my breath. Of about a dozen -animals—horses and mules—with which we entered the woods, some of them -used for the saddle and some for baggage, there remained only two horses -and two mules. The others had tired, and were abandoned. To crown our -misfortunes, the guides had mistaken the road; and that was one of the -reasons which induced us to cross the terrible woods of Las Antas. The -word "Anta" signifies a harmless animal, of the size of an ass, whose -flesh is exquisite, and whose hide serves for making many strong and -many ornamental articles. This animal, however, I never had the fortune -to see. Although the troops continued to proceed, they could not find -the end of the piccada; and I remained in the woods, with two tired -mules, and sent Anna, with her servant and the child, to endeavor to -find a clear place where they might obtain some food for themselves and -the animals. The two remaining horses, which were used alternately, with -the surprising courage of the mother, overcame every difficulty. She -succeeded in getting beyond the piccada, and fortunately found some of -the soldiers with a fire, a very rare thing, and then not always to be -obtained, on account of the continued rain, and the miserable condition -to which we were all reduced. The men warmed some cloths, took the -infant and wrapped him in them, and thus resuscitated him. The poor -mother who had given up almost every hope of his life, took him again -and cherished him with the tenderest care, while the good-hearted -soldiers went to seek for some kind of food to restore the exhausted -strength of the mother. I labored in vain to save the mules. Being left -alone with them, I cut as many as I could of the leaves of the baguara, -a species of cane, and gave them to eat; but it was of no use. I was -obliged to abandon them, and seek to get out of the forest on foot, and -exceedingly fatigued. - -Nine days after entering it, the last of the division barely got through -the piccada, and only a very few of the horses of the officers were -saved. The enemy, who had preceded us in their flight, had left some -artillery in the forest of the Antas, which the pursuers were unable to -transport, for the want of means, and they were left buried in certain -caverns—who knows for how long? In that woody region the storms seemed -as if tired out; for, on getting into the open fields of the elevated -plain, called the Cima da Serra (or top of the ridge), the troops found -good weather. Some oxen, which were discovered there, afforded them a -welcome supply of food, and made some amends for the sufferings they had -passed through. They then entered the department of Vaccaria, in which -they remained several days, waiting for the division of Bento Gonzales, -which joined them much broken, and in a miserable state. The -indefatigable Maringue, informed of their retreat, had pursued that -division and harassed it in every way, aided by the mountaineers, who -were always decidedly hostile to the Republicans. - -All these things gave Labattue as much time as was required for his -retreat and junction with the Imperial army. They arrived, however, -almost without men, in consequence of desertions occasioned by the -severe and forced march, and privations, and sufferings endured by the -other troops. Beside all these, he had an adventure, which deserves to -be mentioned here on account of its remarkable nature. - -Labattue being obliged to pass in his march through the two forests -known by the names of the Mattos or woods of Portugues and Castellano, -met in them several tribes of the Bugre Indians, the most savage in -Brazil. These, knowing of the passage of the Imperialists, assailed -them, laying ambushes in different places in the bushes, and did them -much injury, letting us know, at the same time, that they were friends -of the Republicans. In accordance with this profession, my comrades and -I myself experienced no inconvenience from them on our march; but we saw -the _poge_, or holes, carefully covered with grass, into which the -incautious enemy might fall, when the savages would take advantage of -his misfortune and assault him. But all these were left open where the -Republicans were to pass, that we might not be exposed to the danger. - -On one of those days I met a woman, who had been stolen by the savages -in her youth, and profited by the opportunity offered by the -neighborhood of the troops. The poor creature was in a most pitiable -state. - -As we had no enemies to fly from or to pursue in those lofty regions, we -proceeded slowly on our march, almost entirely destitute of horses. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XV. - - - HUNTING HORSES—CATCHING WILD COLTS—ENTER THE PROVINCE OF - MISSIONES—HEAD-QUARTERS ESTABLISHED AT SAN GABRIEL—LOVE - FOR MY PARENTS—I TURN CATTLE-DROVER —RESULTS—REACH - MONTEVIDEO—TEACH MATHEMATICS—WARLIKE PREPARATIONS—JOIN - THE ORIENTAL SQUADRON. - - -The corps of Free Lancers, being entirely dismounted, were obliged to -supply themselves with wild colts; and it was a fine sight which was -presented almost every day, to see a multitude of those robust young -black men, leaping upon the backs of their wild coursers, and rushing -across the fields like a thunderstorm. The animal used every exertion to -gain his freedom and to throw off his hated rider; while the man, with -admirable dexterity, strength and courage, continued to press him with -his legs, drawing in his feet against his sides like pincers, whip and -drive him, until he at length tired out the superb son of the desert. - -In that part of America the colt comes from the field lassoed, and is -saddled, bridled, and rode by the domator, or horse-breaker, and in a -few days obeys the bit. Experienced men obtain many excellent horses in -a short time; but few come out well broken from the hands of soldiers, -especially when they are on a march, where neither the necessary -conveniences can be obtained, nor the necessary care taken to break them -well. - -Having passed the Mattos Portuguez and Castellano, we descended into the -province of "Missiones," proceeding towards Cruz Alta, its chief town. -It is a very small place, but well built, situated on a high plain and -in a beautiful position; as fine, indeed, as all that part of the State -of Rio Grande. The troops marched from Cruz Alta to San Gabriel, where -the head-quarters were established and barracks were constructed for the -encampment of the army. I built a cottage, and spent some time in it -with my little family; but six years of a life of dangers and -sufferings, far from the company of old friends, my father and mother, -from whom I had no news, among that people, isolated by the war with the -empire, made me wish to return to some place where I might obtain -information concerning my parents. I now found that although, amidst the -scenes of bustle and trial through which I had passed, I had been able -to banish the recollection of their affection for a time, my love for -them remained lively and warm in my heart. It was necessary to improve -my circumstances, for the benefit of my wife and child, and I determined -to make a journey to Montevideo, even if but for a short time. I asked -and obtained permission from the President, who also allowed me to take -a small herd of young cattle, to pay the expenses of travelling. - -And here I took up the business of a cattle-drover, or _trappiere_. In -an Estancia, called the Corral del Piedras, under the authority of the -Minister of Finance, I succeeded in collecting, in about twenty days, -about nine hundred cattle, after indescribable fatigue. With a still -greater degree of labor and weariness they were driven towards -Montevideo. Thither, however, I did not succeed in driving them. -Insuperable obstacles presented themselves on the way, and, more than -all, the Rio Negro, which crossed it, and in which I nearly lost all -this capital. From that river, from the effects of my inexperience and -from the tricks of some of my hired assistants for managing the drove of -animals, I saved about five hundred of the cattle, which, by the long -journey, scarcity of food and accidents in crossing streams, were -thought unfit to go to Montevideo. - -I therefore decided to "_cuercer_" or "_leather_" them,—that is, to kill -them for their hides; and this was done. In fact, after having passed -through indescribable fatigue and troubles, for about fifty days, I -arrived at Montevideo with a few hides, the only remains of my nine -hundred oxen. These I sold for only a few hundred dollars, which served -but scantily to clothe my little family. - -In Montevideo I spent some of my time in the house of my friend Napoleon -Castellani, to whose kindness, and the courtesy of his wife, I felt much -indebted. I acknowledge my obligations also to my dear friends, Giovanni -Battista Cuneo and Giovanni Risso. Having a family, but my means being -exhausted, I felt it necessary to provide for the subsistence of the -three individuals of whom it consisted. Other people's bread always -seemed to me bitter, whenever in my diversified life I have found it -necessary to partake of it; and I have been so happy as never to be -dependant on any friend. Two occupations, of small profit, it is true, -but which would afford me a subsistence, I assumed for a time. They were -those of a broker and a teacher of mathematics, given in the house and -to the pupils of the estimable instructor, Signor Paolo Semidei. This -manner of life I pursued until I entered the Oriental squadron. - -The Rio Grande question was approaching a settlement, and there was -nothing more to be thought on that subject. The Oriental Republic soon -offered me employment, and I accepted it. - -I was appointed to proceed on an expedition, the results of which, -through either ignorance or malignity, proved ruinous. - -With the sloop Constitucion, of eighteen guns, the brig Terceira, of two -eighteen pounders, and a transport, the schooner Procida, I was ordered -to proceed to Corrientes, an allied province, to assist in their -military operations against the forces of Rosas. - -The Oriental Republic of the Uruguay, like the greater part of the -Republics of South America, was a prey to intestine disputes; and the -occasion then was the pretension of two Generals to the Presidency, viz: -Rivera and Ouribes. Rivera, being more successful, succeeded after -several victories, in driving away Ouribes, and gained possession of the -power which he had held. The latter, being expelled, took refuge in -Buenos Ayres, where the Dictator, Rosas, received him, together with -many Oriental emigrants, and employed them against his enemy, who were -then under the command of General Lavalle. Lavalle being conquered, the -ferocious Ex-president of Montevideo undertook to regain his lost power -in his own country. In that Rosas found the object most agreeable to his -wishes; that is, the destruction of the Unitarians, or Centralists, his -mortal enemies, who were supported by the Oriental State; and the ruin -of a neighboring Republic, his rival, which disputed with him the -supremacy of the immense river, by throwing into her bosom the most -terrible elements of civil war. - -At the time when I embarked on the river, the Oriental army was at San -Jose de Uruguay, and that of Ouribes at La Bajada, the capital of the -province of Entre Rios, both making preparations for a great conflict. -The army of Corrientes then made arrangements for uniting with the -Oriental. I was to go up the Parana to Corrientes, pass over a distance -of more than six hundred miles, between two banks occupied by the enemy, -where I would be unable to anchor, unless at islands and desert places. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XVI. - - - ORIGIN OF THE WAR BETWEEN MONTEVIDEO AND BUENOS - AYRES.—CHARACTER AND CONDUCT OF ROSAS, OURIBES—THE - CENTRALISTS, CALLED UNITARIANS, OPPOSED TO THE - REPUBLICANS. - - -As has been said, the war in Montevideo was caused by the personal -ambition of the two generals, Ouribes and Rivera, who were aspirants for -the Presidency of the republic. The former was defeated by the latter, -about the year 1840, and obliged to emigrate to Buenos Ayres. - -At that time Rosas, the tyrant of Buenos Ayres, was engaged in war with -the Centralists, or Unitarians, who were the national and liberal party, -and were led by Generals Lavalle and Paz. Rosas received Ouribes and -many of his partizans, and gave them immediate employment in his own -army, while he conferred the supreme command of it upon the emigrant -General. Ouribes, being able to bring many reinforcements to the -tyrant's army, which was already strong, defeated Lavalle, who died in -the upper provinces of the Argentine Republic (I think Mendoza,) in a -surprise. General Paz, by intrigues and dissensions, was obliged to -abandon the struggle, after the brilliant victory of Caguazú, and to -return to Montevideo, where the greater part of the Centralists who had -fought against Rosas had retreated. - -The Argentine Republic being pressed by enemies, Ouribes descended -towards Montevideo, and established his camp at Bajada, the capital of -the province of Entre-Rios, having under his command an imposing army, -and meditating with Rosas, the invasion of the State of Montevideo. -Rivera was then on the left bank of the Uruguay, preparing and receiving -all the forces which he could dispose of, and doubtless expecting to be -attacked. - -Wise would have been the resolution to await the enemy in his own -positions; but, having much confidence in himself, and strengthened by -the junction with the army of Corrientes, he made arrangements to cross -the river, and seek the enemy. The Oriental and Corrientes armies -amounted to ten thousand men. Ouribes had fourteen thousand, and was -much superior in infantry and artillery. - -The battle was short; and the combined armies were entirely defeated on -the Arroyo Grande. Ouribes passed the Uruguay, invaded the territory of -Montevideo, and then laid siege to the capital. - -The catastrophe of Arroyo Grande, and the certainty that the implacable -ex-president would come, meditating terrible revenge, stimulated the -population of the State of Montevideo to take up arms _en masse_ and -repel the invasion by force. It should here be observed, that the war -had changed its character, and it was no longer a personal consideration -in favor of Rivera which induced the people to take up arms; but the -fear of becoming subject to the depredations and excesses of a foreign -and barbarous enemy, led them to fight for the independence of the -country. - -The beginning of patriotism, which then animated the people, was the -same which led them to so many heroic deeds, and to sustain the most -desperate of struggles, at the cost of unheard of sacrifices. Then began -the glorious contest carried on by the Montevideans, which still -continues, and which will astonish the world, when its events are -exactly known. - -General Paz, reduced to Montevideo, after the unfortunate occurrences in -the Argentine State, was received with acclamation by the government and -people, as general of the nascent army; and to him are certainly due the -beginnings of bravery and discipline by which it was distinguished, as -well as the system of defence which was adopted. - -Rivera kept the field, made skilful movements, and was defeated by -Ouribes at India Muerta. The errors of Rivera and his conflicts -completed his discredit, and entirely removed him from the scene of -events. He is now an emigrant in Rio Janeiro, and I do not think his -influence can produce any disturbance on the Rio de la Plata. - -The question of Montevideo, therefore, reduces itself to the following, -at the present epoch (1850): - -Rosas, the tyrant of Buenos Ayres, and chiefly interested in the -humiliation of Montevideo, maintains an army in besieging that city, in -order to destroy it. That army is commanded by a Montevidean, who -wishes, at any cost, to command in his country; and the people of -Montevideo are fighting against that army, because they are not willing -to submit to the hated and abominated domination of Rosas and Ouribes. - -Indignant at the sight of such a scene of arrogant and inhuman -oppression as that presented in Buenos Ayres and the Argentine Republic, -I was impelled to present myself in opposition to the Dictator, and to -adopt the cause of the injured as my own. Having mingled with the people -in my own country, and all my experience, short as it was, having taught -me to sympathize with them, against the old and hereditary aristocracy -of Europe, I could not regard with indifference the upstart oppressor, -Rosas, so treacherous to the principles of equality and republicanism, -which he pretended to love, while violating them, in the grossest -manner, for his own insatiable ambition. Notwithstanding the depressed -condition of the true patriot party in Montevideo, on my arrival in that -city, circumstances ere long proved favorable; and on their beginning to -renew their movements, I appeared among them with my native activity and -zeal. - -I conceived the idea of performing an important service for my own -country, while devoting myself to that in which I was residing. I soon -perceived that the spirit and character of the Italians needed great -efforts, to raise them from the depressed state in which they existed in -fact, as well as in the opinion of the world; and I was determined to -elevate them, by such a practical training as alone could secure the -end. - -By means of Napoleon's treachery to the cause of liberty, which he had -pretended to espouse on entering Italy, that unhappy country had been -led to a ruin more deep and complete than any of the other of his -victims; for she had been, more than any other, reduced to spiritual -slavery, as well as temporal. The allies (with Protestant Prussia and -England among them,) had restored the papacy along with monarchy and -aristocracy; and yet the Italians were vilified as a degenerate race, -and falsely accused of having brought their misfortunes upon themselves, -by their ignorance, fanaticism and pusillanimity. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XVII. - - - CONDITION OF THE ITALIANS IN MONTEVIDEO, AND - ELSEWHERE—MY WISHES AND DESIGNS FOR THEIR BENEFIT—IN - COMMAND OF THE "CONSTITUCION"—AT MARTIN GARCIA—A BATTLE - WITH THE ENEMY—PROVIDENTIAL RESULTS—PROCEED TO BAJADO—AT - CERITO—ANOTHER FIGHT—CAVALLO-QUATTIA —LOW WATER—JOIN THE - REPUBLICAN FLOTILLA—LABORS AND DIFFICULTIES. - - -There were many Italians in Montevideo, whose condition and feelings I -soon learned to appreciate. They were regarded with scorn by many of the -other foreign residents, especially the French, who were in much greater -numbers, and seemed to take pleasure in humiliating my poor and injured -countrymen. - -This was not the first case, though one of the most marked and -unrighteous, in which the wronged and suffering party were made to bear -the reproach of those very traits of character displayed by their strong -and false-hearted conquerors. In exile and poverty, under the bitter and -hourly personal experience of their national misfortunes, and reproached -by the world with having brought them upon themselves, the Italians in -South America were depressed and disheartened by their gloomy -recollections, their present sorrows and their cloudy future. Many of -them were occupying themselves with such labors and business as they -could find or invent, to obtain the means of subsistence, and laying the -foundations of the fortunes which they have since accumulated by -industry and economy; but few formed any sanguine expectations of -gaining that distinction for military prowess, which the more numerous -and vaunting Frenchmen around them then arrogated to themselves. I, -however, ere long, began to indulge in more daring anticipations; and -the sequel will show the results. - -I resolved to find employment for some of them, and to raise the courage -and hopes of all, and at the same time to prepare them for future -service as soldiers in Italy, by bringing them into the service which -was offered to myself. My progress and success will be seen in the -following chapters. - -On my entering the service of the Oriental Republic, I received the -command of the sloop of war "Constitucion." The Oriental squadron was -under the command of Colonel Cahe; the enemy under the orders of General -Brown. Several battles had taken place, but with results of but little -consequence. At the same time a man named Vidal was appointed Minister -General of the Republic,—a person of unfortunate and despicable memory. -One of his first and most fatal steps was, to gain the dislike of the -squadron, which proved highly injurious to its condition, which had cost -the Republic immense sums, and which, if it had been cherished as it -might then have been, would have established a marked preëminence in the -Rio de la Plata, but which was completely ruined, by selling the vessels -at shamefully low prices. - -I proceeded up the river with the vessels. We had an engagement with the -batteries of Martin Garcia, which are situated near the confluence of -the two great rivers Paraná and Uruguay, near which I had to pass, as -there was no other channel for large vessels. I had several killed and -wounded, and passed on. Among the dead was the brave Italian officer, -Pocaroba, whose head was taken off by a cannon shot. - -Three miles beyond Martin Garcia, the Constitucion was careened, but -unfortunately at a time when the tide was falling; and it cost an -immense amount of labor to get her afloat again. It was only due to the -most persevering labor, that the flotilla was saved from being lost in -those dangerous circumstances. While employed in removing heavy articles -on board the Procida, the enemy's squadron appeared on the other side of -the island, approaching under full sail. I was thus placed in a terrible -condition,—the larger of my vessels lying on the sand, and deprived of -her heaviest guns, which were placed in the Procida; the Procida being -in consequence useless; and no vessel remaining except the Terceira, -whose brave commander was near me with the greater part of his crew, -assisting in his work. - -In the meantime the enemy moved on proudly, presenting a superb sight, -and hailed by the acclamations of the troops on the island, assured of -victory, with seven strong ships of war. But I felt no despair—a feeling -which I have never known. The cause I have never pretended to give. I -did not think of my life at that moment; that appeared to me of little -value: but it seemed that dying would not save honor, and it was -impossible to fight in my position. Providence extended his hand over my -destiny, and I desired no other. The ship of the Admiral grounded near -the island; his pride was humbled, and the Republicans were safe. The -enemy's misfortune redoubled their alacrity; in a few hours the -Constitucion was afloat, and received her guns and loading. "Misfortunes -never come single," says the proverb. A very thick fog concealed us, and -everything we did, from the eyes of the enemy; and favored us greatly, -by preventing them from knowing which way we went. This was of the -greatest advantage: for, when the Imperialists got their ships under -way, being ignorant of the direction we had taken, they sailed to pursue -us, and went up the Uruguay, which we had not entered, and they -consequently lost many days before they learned our course. - -In the meantime I had entered the Paraná, under cover of the fog and -with the favor of the wind. I had the direction of the whole operation, -and must pronounce it one of the most arduous of my life. But certainly, -in that day, the pleasure afforded by the escape from that imminent -danger, and the solicitude caused by reflecting on the greatness of the -enterprise were embittered by the stupor and disaffection of my -companions, who until that moment had believed they were going to the -Uruguay. All declared that they were unacquainted with the Paraná, and -that they refused all responsibility from that moment. Responsibility -was of little importance to me; but something was to be done in some way -or other. After a few inquiries, one man confessed that he knew a little -of the river, but that he was confused by his fears; however, he was -soon able to collect himself, and proved useful. The wind favoring, we -soon arrived near San Nicolas, the first town in the Argentine -territory, which is situated on the right shore of the river. There we -found a few merchant vessels, which were wanted for transports and other -service, and, in a night expedition with launches, both were obtained. -An Austrian, named Antonio, who had been trading for a long time in the -Paraná, was among the prisoners, and he rendered important services in -the voyage. - -Proceeding up the river, we met with no obstacle until we reached -Bajada, where was the army of Ouribes. I operated in the transit. Some -landed to find fresh provisions, which consisted chiefly of oxen, in -which they were opposed by the inhabitants, and some troops of cavalry -stationed there to guard the shore. Several partial engagements took -place on that account—with some advantages and losses, sometimes on one -side and sometimes on the other—in one of which I had the great -affliction of losing the brave Italian officer, Lalberga di Leone, a -youth of surprising valor and of most promising genius. Another -monument, therefore, was demanded for another son of the land of -misfortune, who, like so many more, had hoped to shed his blood for the -redemption of his country. - -At Bajada, the capital of Entre Rios, where the army of Ouribes was -stationed, I found the most formidable preparations on my arrival; and a -battle seemed at first inevitable: but the wind being favorable, and we -being able to pass at a considerable distance from the enemy's -batteries, but little effect was produced by the heavy cannonade which -was made by them. At Las Conchas, a few miles above La Bajada, I -effected a landing by night, which procured me fourteen oxen, in spite -of strong opposition made by the enemy. My men fought with great -bravery. The enemy's artillery followed the coast, and profiting by the -contrary wind and the narrowness of the river, cannonaded us whenever -they could. At Cerito, a position on the left bank of the stream, they -established a battery of six guns. The wind was favorable, but light; -and at that point, on account of the crookedness of the river, our -vessels had to sail in face of them, so that it was necessary to go -about two miles under a battery, which was as if suspended over our -heads. A resolute battle was fought at that place. The greater part of -my men seemed unable to rise, and did not show themselves. The others, -at their guns, fought and labored with great alacrity. It should be -remembered that the enemy belonged to a party rendered proud by their -victory, who soon after conquered, at Arroyo Grande, the two combined -armies of Montevideo and Corrientes. Every obstacle was overcome with -very little loss; and after having stopped all the enemy's fire, and -dismounted several pieces of artillery, a number of merchant vessels, -coming from Corrientes and Paraguay, which had been placed under the -protection of the enemy's battery, fell into the power of the -Republicans with very little trouble. Those prizes supplied us with -provisions and means of all kinds. - -We then proceeded on our arduous voyage up the river. The enemy watched -us in order to throw obstacles in our way; but we arrived at -Cavallo-quattia, (or the White Horse,) where we joined the Argentine -flotilla, composed of two large launches and a balandra armed as a -war-vessel. We were thus supplied with some fresh provisions, so that -our condition was much improved. We had good and experienced men, but a -reinforcement was agreeable enough, especially in its effects on the -habits of our men. Having thus proceeded as far as the Brava coast, we -were obliged to stop on account of the shallow water, the difference of -which, with the draft of the Constitucion, was four palms. These -difficulties began to excite some suspicions in my mind, concerning the -final result of the expedition. I had no doubt that the enemy would do -their utmost to defeat it; for if it should arrive at Corrientes the -injury would have been very great to the enemy, by the Republicans -having command of an intermediate part of the river, by holding an -intermediate position between the interior provinces, the Paraguay and -the capital of the Argentine confederation. It would have been a kind of -nest of corsairs, to infest and destroy the enemy's commerce. - -The enemy accordingly resorted to every measure for our ruin; and they -were greatly favored by the want of water in the river, which was -altogether unexampled for half a century, according to the declaration -of Governor Ferri, of Corrientes. It being impossible to proceed -further, I determined to put the flotilla in the best possible state for -resistance. From the left bank of the Paraná, where the depth of water -was greatest, I drew a line of vessels, beginning with a merchant -_yate_, in which were placed four guns; the Terceira in the middle, and -the Constitucion on the right wing, thus forming a row, at right angles -to the shore, and presenting to the enemy all the force possible. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - - - THE ENEMY APPEAR UNDER GENERAL BROWN—WE FIGHT —LABORS - AND FATIGUE BY NIGHT—DESERTION—PREPARATIONS TO RENEW THE - BATTLE—ANOTHER FIGHT—VESSELS BURNED —LANDING IN SMALL - BOATS—LAND TRAVEL—TREATMENT BY THE INHABITANTS—TRAVERSE - THE PROVINCE OF CORRIENTES —REACH SAN FRANCISCO—NOTICE - OF THE BATTLE OF ARROYO GRANDE, DEC. 6, 1842—SENT BY - GEN. AGUYAR TO VESSILLES WITH THE VESSELS—STRANGE - PRESENTIMENT—CATCHING HORSE —BAD NEWS. - - -This arrangement cost much labor, in consequence of the current, which, -although small, in that open place, required the use of all the chains -and cables to anchor the vessels, especially the Constitucion, the -heaviest of all. These labors were not terminated when the enemy made -their appearance with seven vessels, a superior force, and in a -situation where they could receive reinforcements and supplies of every -kind. The Republican flotilla, on the contrary, was far from Corrientes, -the only part of the country from which they could obtain assistance, -and where it was almost certain no aid would be received, as the result -proved to be too true. It was thought necessary, however, to fight, at -least for the honor of arms; and an engagement ensued. - -The enemy, under the command of General Brown, who enjoyed the highest -reputation as a maritime officer in South America, and justly, too, -proceeded in all the confidence of their power. They had a favorable -wind though a light one, keeping along the left bank, the right being -impracticable. As I had command of the left bank, on which rested the -left flank of his line, I landed part of my soldiers and sailors, to -dispute the enemy's advance, inch by inch. The Republicans fought -bravely, and greatly retarded the enemy's advance; but the superior -force of the latter prevailed, and the former were driven under the -protection of their vessels. Major Pedro Rodriguez, who commanded our -force on land, fought that day with all imaginable skill and valor. He -placed the outposts towards evening; and thus they remained through the -whole night, both parties preparing for battle on the following day. - -The sun had not risen on the 16th of June, when the enemy began a -cannonade, with all the force which they had been laboring to bring to -the front in the night. The battle was then commenced; and it continued -without interruption till nightfall, being sustained on both sides with -great resolution. The first victim on board the Constitucion was again -an Italian officer, of great bravery and of the highest promise, -Guiseppe Barzone; and I regretted that I could not take charge of his -remains, in consequence of the fury of the contest. Much damage was done -on both sides. The Republican vessels were riddled and shattered. The -corvette, in consequence of not having her shot-holes accurately -stopped, leaked so much that she could not be kept afloat without great -difficulty, the pumps being at work without cessation. The commandant of -the Terceira had been killed in a most daring enterprise by land against -the enemy's vessels. In him I lost my best and bravest companion. The -killed were numerous, and still more the wounded. The remaining time I -was constantly occupied on account of the sinking condition of the -vessels. However, there were still powder and shot on board, and we must -fight—not for victory, not to save ourselves, but for honor. Some men -laugh at the honors of a soldier; but Italians have given strong proof -of the existence and power of such a principle in their breasts, -particularly in other places and at a later period than that to which we -are now attending, especially when Rome was surrounded by the armies of -four nations, in 1849, and long defended herself. Those who scoff at the -idea of honor in an honest soldier who fights for his friends and -country, can too often show base respect for men who abuse and -assassinate their fellow-beings, or who claim to be the supporters of -their political or religious opinions, though they may be monsters in -cruelty or infamous in vice, especially if surrounded with the power of -the great or the splendor of courts. - -We fought for honor, although six hundred miles distant from Montevideo, -with enemies from all quarters, after a series of battles, privations -and misfortunes, and almost sure of losing everything. In the meantime -Vidal, the minister of war of the Republic, squandered doubloons to -support his splendid banquets, in the first capitals of Europe. Such is -the honor of the world! It is thus that the lives of generous Italians -are despised and sacrificed, and they are buried in a land of exile, in -the continent of their countryman, Columbus, or in other regions of the -earth. Such was Castelli, who was beheaded at Buenos Ayres; Borso di -Carminati, shot in Spain;—and this, although they were superior men, and -had rendered great services to ungrateful foreigners. - -Their sympathy those foreigners have shown for thee, O Italy! when thy -aged and venerable head was raised for a moment in Rome, from the -lethargy of opprobrium in which thy oppressors had conspired to hold -thee, thou Mother, Instructress and Mistress of Nations! When thou once -more shalt rouse thyself, they will tremble at the defeat of their -united powers, combined in the league of Hell, to oppress and degrade -thee. Be great, then, once more, O Italy! and then the powerful voice of -the Almighty will be heard by all thy sons; and the hungry and cowardly -vultures which destroy thee, will be stunned by its thundering sound. - -On the night of the 16th all my men were occupied in preparing -cartridges, which were almost entirely exhausted, and in cutting up -chains to supply the want of balls, and in the incessant pumping of the -leaky vessels. Manuel Rodriguez, the same Catalonian officer who had -been saved with me from shipwreck on the coast of Santa Caterina, was -occupied, with a few of the best, in fitting up several merchant vessels -as fireships, with the greatest possible quantity of combustibles, and -directing them towards the enemy. That expedient incommoded them during -the night, but did not produce the effect desired; the chief defect of -the Republicans being the extreme scarcity of men. Between the various -mishaps of that dreadful night, that which most afflicted me was the -defection of the little squadron of Corrientes. Villegas, the -commandant, like many others whom I have seen bold in a calm, became so -much terrified by approaching danger, that it was impossible to make him -useful in any way to the allied vessels, although they were manned with -good sailors, and fitted for any kind of service on the river, by their -swiftness. Seeing Villegas not quite self-possessed, I ordered him to -take his place behind the line of battle, where I had placed the -hospital—a small vessel destined to that use. Towards evening he sent me -word that he had changed his position to a short distance, for what -motive I could not imagine. Needing his coöperation in the work of the -fireships, I sent for Villegas in the night, and received the alarming -news that he was nowhere to be found. Not being willing to think him -capable of so much treachery, I went myself in a light palischermo, to -satisfy myself of the truth. Not finding him, I proceeded several miles -towards Corrientes, but in vain; and I returned, in bitterness of soul. -My fears were unhappily too well founded, for most of the little vessels -were destroyed in the service before the engagement began. I had counted -on the Correntine vessels to receive the wounded and to contain the -provisions necessary for all, as we were still far distant from the -inhabited frontier of Corrientes. My last hope was now lost, by a -cowardly retreat, which is the greatest of crimes when committed in the -moment of danger. - -I returned on board my vessel a short time before daybreak. A fight was -inevitable, but I saw nothing around me but men lying down overcome with -fatigue, and heard no sound except the lamentations of the unfortunate -wounded, who had not yet been transported to the hospital. Being now -unable to wait any longer, I gave the signal and ordered the men to -their stations. I gave the orders and spoke a few words of comfort and -encouragement, which were not in vain, as I found my companions, -although spent with fatigue, with spirit remaining which could yet be -excited. They replied with a general cry for battle, and every man was -immediately at his post. The engagement was recommenced when it was -hardly light; but, if the advantage appeared to be on our side in the -previous affair, we now decidedly had the worst. The new cartridges had -been made of bad powder; we had used all the balls of proper size for -the calibre of the guns, and those we now had were smaller, and, -therefore, in going out, did much injury to the pieces, which had before -done such service against the enemy. The latter observed the weakness of -our fire, and being then informed of our condition by some deserters, -showed great joy, while their vessels, which were unable the day -preceding to form a line, now effected it in security. Thus the -condition and prospects of the Republicans were growing worse and worse, -while those of their enemies every moment improved. At length a retreat -became necessary, not with the vessels, for it was impossible to move -them from their positions, in consequence of their broken condition, the -want of water, and the miserable state of the crews. Nothing could be -hoped for but the saving of their lives. I therefore gave orders for -landing, in a few small boats which remained, the wounded, the arms, the -little ammunition left, and all the provisions which they were able to -take. In the meantime the fight continued; although on our part but very -feebly, but with redoubled vigor by the victorious enemy. - -The matches were then prepared, and the firemen stood ready to burn the -vessels. All was ready; and, with the few men remaining with me, I got -into the boats. The enemy, on discovering our preparations for -debarking, naturally inferred our design of retreating, and put all -their infantry on the march, to attack us. I was not disposed to meet -them, with such inequality of numbers and arms, and in the condition of -the enemy's infantry. Besides, an open river was to be crossed. But the -burning of the vessels, by the Santa Barbara operation, blowing-up, was -performed in a terrible manner, and gave the enemy clear notice of our -movements. - -The scene presented by the burning flotilla was very striking. The river -lay as clear as crystal; and the burning cinders fell on both its banks, -while a terrible noise of explosions was continually heard. - -Towards evening, in our little boats, we approached the River Espinillo, -and encamped on its right bank. During the voyage to Esquina, the first -town in Corrientes, we spent three days, proceeding very painfully among -islands and ponds, and reduced to one ration a day, consisting of a -single biscuit, without anything else to eat. On reaching Esquina, our -condition was considerably improved; the wounded were placed under -shelter; and the men had meat in abundance. The inhabitants, who were -good Republicans, showed us the greatest hospitality. - -We spent some months in the Province of Corrientes, without the -occurrence of anything important. At length the Governor formed a plan -to arm a flotilla of small vessels; but succeeded in nothing but losing -time. I then received orders from Montevideo to march to the scene of -revolution in San Francisco, in Uruguay, and place myself and my forces -at the disposition of General Rivera, who was stationed with an army in -that neighborhood. - -I then traversed the entire territory of Corrientes, from Santa Lucia to -the Pass of Higos, on the Uruguay. Going through the Pass, we arrived at -San Francisco, partly by the river and partly by land. At the Falls I -had the pleasure of meeting Anzani, then transformed into a merchant. -Having reached San Francisco, I there found several vessels of war, of -which I took the command. General Rivera had gone into Entre Rios, with -the army, where the army of Corrientes was to meet him, and go to attack -that of Ouribes. On the 6th of December, 1842, occurred, at Arroyo -Grande, the celebrated battle in which the nation fought for their -sacred rights; but the power of a tyrant triumphed. Different -circumstances led to this result, which would require much time to give -in detail: but the chief cause was the discord fomented by the ambition -of a few, which plunged all into disaster, and exposed them to -extermination by an implacable conqueror. Oh, virtuous and generous -people! The same fortune befel Italy at a later day, which was suffered -by the provinces of La Plata, and brought about by the same cause, which -was sent by Heaven in wrath. - -At San Francisco, where I found General Aguiar staying on account of his -health, I remained only a short time, when I received orders from him to -collect all the disposable forces, and a few hundred militia, called -Aguerridos, commanded by Colonel Guerra, and march to the Pass of -Vessilles, to coöperate actively with the enemy. I reached that place -with the vessels, and there found the remains of the army's residence, -but not a single person. I sent scouts, to search the surrounding -country; but discovered nothing! That day was the fatal sixth of -December; and every man had been called to the field of battle, which -was decided at the distance of eighteen miles from the spot, on the bank -of the Arroyo Grande. There sometimes seems to be something in the -depths of our minds superior to understanding; at least so it seemed to -me on that occasion. Without pretending to explain it, I thought I felt -its effects; which, although in a confused manner, seemed something like -looking into the future. - -On that day I felt a solemn impression on my heart, mingled with -bitterness, like the feelings of warriors left languishing on a field of -battle, and trampled on by the insolent soldier, by the hoof of the -war-horse of the cruel, the implacable conqueror. Very few were saved -from that terrible battle; and the whole band, with me, experienced -feelings difficult to describe, indeed, quite unspeakable. Sadness was -mingled with a prevailing presentiment of disaster. Not being able to -find any living being who could give information of the army, and having -no orders from General Aguiar, I resolved to land all the troops, -leaving only a small number in the boats, and to march in search of the -army. It should be remarked, that I always pursued my favorite system of -the Rio Grande, and never marched without a contingent of cavalry, taken -from my amphibious companions in misfortune, men who had been thrown out -of the cavalry of the army, for some fault or perhaps some crime, but -who fought well, and whom I severely punished when they deserved it. - -Although no human beings were to be found in that region, we caught a -number of horses which had been abandoned, and obtained a sufficient -supply for the service. The abundance of horses in those countries -greatly facilitates such an operation. All things were soon ready; and I -was on the point of giving the order for marching, when, well for me, an -order was received from General Aguiar, recalling me to San Francisco. -But for this, I and my troops would doubtless have fallen victims: for -the army was so completely broken up on that day, that it would have -been impossible to find anything but the mere wreck of it, while we must -have met the victorious enemy, from whom escape would have been very -difficult, if not impossible. - -The troops, therefore, reëmbarked, without the object being known even -to their commander, and without obtaining any news whatever of the -events of the day. On reaching San Francisco, I received a note from -Colonel Esteves, beginning with the following terrible words: - - "_Our army has suffered a reverse!_" - -General Aguiar had marched along the left bank of the Uruguay, to -collect the fugitives, and requested me to stay in San Francisco, to -guard the great quantity of materials of every kind remaining there. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XIX. - - - PUBLIC DISMAY—ENTHUSIASM OF THE PEOPLE RISING —I RETURN - TO MONTEVIDEO—OURIVES COMING TO BESIEGE IT—PREPARATIONS - FOR DEFENCE—GENERAL PAZ—I AM ORDERED TO COLLECT A - FLOTILLA—A FORTUNATE ACCIDENT. - - -In the period which elapsed between the battle of Arroyo Grande and the -beginning of the siege of Montevideo, that confusion prevailed which is -common in such cases, when plans are by turns formed, rejected, and -again adopted. Fear, desertion, and irresolution existed; but they were -found only in rare and individual cases. The people stood firm and -heroic, at the voice of noble-hearted men, who proclaimed that the -Republic was in danger, and called upon all to rise in its defence. In a -short time there was a new army, which, although neither so large nor so -well disciplined as the former, was, at least, more full of energy and -enthusiasm, and more strongly impressed with the sacred cause which -impelled them. It was no longer the cause of a single man which -stimulated the multitude: the star of that man had sunk in the late -battle, and in vain endeavored again to rise. It was the cause of the -nation, in the presence of which personal hatred and dissention were -silenced. Foreigners were preparing to invade the territory of the -Republic; and every citizen came out with arms and horses, to range -himself under the banner, to repel him. The danger increased, and with -it the zeal and devotion of that generous people. Not a single voice was -heard to utter the word "submission," or "accommodation." Since the -battle of Novara, in Piedmont, I could never compare my countrymen with -the Montevideans without blushing. However, all Italy desired not to -submit to foreign dominion, but panted for battle; and I am convinced -that Italians, like Montevideans, possess constancy and generous -devotion to liberty. But they have so many and such powerful influences -to keep them enslaved! - -I had then orders to sink the small vessels in the channel of the river, -by which the enemy's fleet could come up. The larger vessels of the -patriot flotilla were then not to be sunk, but to be burned; I was -therefore soon engaged in burning a third fleet, but this was not to be -done, as on the two former occasions, while fighting, my sailors having, -consequently, once more been transformed into foot soldiers. I remained -with them a few days in San Francisco, to allow time to ship for -Montevideo the remaining materials of the army; and we then set off on -the march for the capital, in the neighborhood of which all the forces -were to be collected. Little or nothing of importance occurred on the -journey, except my acquaintance with General Pacheco, then a Colonel in -Mercedes. That illustrious Oriental commenced, at that dangerous crisis, -to display a noble superiority in energy, courage, and capacity. He, -beyond all question, was the principal champion of the gigantic struggle -sustained by his country against foreign invasion; a struggle which will -serve as an example to future generations, and to all nations who are -not willing to submit to force; and may God protect the Oriental people! - -Montevideo presented, at that time, a surprising spectacle. Ourives had -conquered, and was advancing at the head of an army, which had passed -through the Argentine provinces like a tempest, or rather like a -thunderbolt. At the Coriolano of Montevideo, neither the prostrations of -the priests would have availed, nor the tears of wives or mothers, to -soften the hearts of the soldiers. The idea of chastising that city, -which had driven him away, and seen him fly, gratified the soul of that -atrocious man. The army of Montevideo had been destroyed, and nothing of -it remained except small and disheartened fragments of forces, scattered -over the territory of the Republic. The squadrons were cut in pieces, -arms and ammunition were very scarce, or entirely wanting, and the -treasury! It is only necessary to imagine it in the hands of such men as -Vidal, intent on nothing but on getting doubloons, as the most portable -kind of money for a meditated flight. He was Minister General. - -It was, however, necessary to defend themselves. There were many men -belonging to Rivera's party for whom there was no escape after the -arrival of the others, and for whom the defence was an indispensable -condition. But they were powerless and trembling, being bound to their -employments and property. Yet the nation, the people, did not regard -Ourives as the antagonist of Rivera, but as the head of a foreign army, -which he led on for invasion, slavery and death; and they ran to the -defence with a feeling of their rights. In a short time the army, in -companies of cavalry, was made new. An army, chiefly consisting of -infantry, was organized in Montevideo, to support the capital, and under -the auspices of that man of victories, General Paz. That General Paz, -whom envy, but no good cause at all, had driven from the command, -replied to the call of his country in a time of danger, appeared at the -head of the forces of the capital, and organized, with recruits and -freemen, then emancipated by the Republic, that army which, for seven -years, was the bulwark of the country, and still maintains itself in the -presence of the most powerful enemy in South America. - -Many leaders, forgotten and not fond of wars in which only individual -interests were engaged, made their appearance in the files of the -defenders, and increased the enthusiasm and confidence of the troops. A -line of fortifications was to be drawn around the city towards the -accessible part from the country, and they labored with alacrity until -it was completed. Before the enemy's approach, manufactories of arms and -ammunition, foundries of cannon, shops for making clothes and -accoutrements for soldiers, all sprang up at once, as if by a miracle. -Cannons, which, from the days of the Spaniards, had been judged useless, -and placed as guards at the borders of the sidewalks in the streets, -were dug out and mounted for defence. - -I was appointed to organize a flotilla, for which several small vessels -were chosen. A favorable incident proved very valuable to me, by -enabling me to commence that armament. The enemy's brig Oscar, in -sailing at night in the neighborhood of the coast, ran upon the point of -the Cerro. That is the name of a mountain west of Montevideo, which -forms, with its base, the western side of the harbor. In spite of every -effort made by the enemy to get the vessel afloat, they were obliged to -abandon her. We profited much by that shipwreck. From the first the -enemy endeavored to prevent our saving her, and sent the sloop of war -Palmar to cannonade us; but not obtaining much advantage from this, and -the Republicans showing much obstinacy in seizing their prey, they soon -left them at liberty to pursue their work. - -Among the numerous objects removed from the wreck, were five cannons, -which served to arm three small vessels, the first in the new flotilla, -and which were immediately put to use in covering the left flank of the -line of fortifications. I regarded the loss of the Oscar as a good -augury of the terrible defeat which was preparing. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XX. - - - THE ENEMY REACH MONTEVIDEO—GEN. RIVERA'S MOVEMENT ON - THEIR LEFT FLANK—GEN. PAZ COMMANDS IN THE - CITY—SERVICES BY THE FRENCH AND ITALIAN CORPS - —TREACHERY—MISMANAGEMENT—GEN. PACHECO CORRECTS - IT—ATTACK ON THE BESIEGERS—ITALIAN LEGION - DISTINGUISHED—ANZANI—SERVICES OF THE FLOTILLA—A - PROVIDENTIAL EVENT—COMMODORE PURVIS—BRITISH - INTERVENTION—NEGOTIATION. - - -It was now the 16th of February, 1843. The fortifications of the city -had hardly had time to be completed, and to allow a few cannons to be -placed, when the enemy's army made its appearance on the surrounding -heights. General Rivera, at the head of the cavalry, although not strong -enough to be able to fight them, had gone out and taken the field, -turning the left flank of the enemy, and placing himself in their rear. -That manœuvre, performed in a masterly manner, placed him again in a -state to carry on the war with advantage. General Paz remained in -command of the forces in the capital, which were numerous compared with -the extent of wall which was to be defended. If, however, we regard the -materials of which they were composed, who were raw recruits, and the -pernicious elements at work, they could not be considered powerful. The -constancy of the General, however, was displayed to the utmost, who -sustained with them the first and most dangerous battles of the siege; -and notwithstanding the generous spirit displayed by the people, there -was no want of disturbers, cowards, and traitors. Vidal, then the -Minister-General, had robbed the treasury, and run away. Antuña, colonel -of a corps, and head of the police, deserted to the enemy, with many -other civil and military officers. A corps, called Aguerridos, composed -of foreigners hired by the Republic, in various affairs, had almost -entirely deserted; and one night, when they occupied an advanced post, -by their treachery they greatly exposed the security of the city. Such -examples also were imitated by single individuals, who, from various -motives, abandoned the files of the defenders, to pass over to the -enemy. - -Affairs did not go on well at first. I never knew why Ourives, who must -have been well acquainted with occurrences, did not take advantage of -such distrust and the bad state of the fortifications, to make a -vigorous attack upon the place. He did nothing but make reconnaissances -and false attacks by night. In the meantime foreign legions were -organized and armed. In whatever way the spirit of the French and -Italian legions may be viewed, it must not be denied that the first call -to arms was answered by a generous rising, to repel the invasion of -their adopted country: but afterwards individuals were introduced, whose -interested views were quite on the contrary side. The organizing and -arming of those corps, however, certainly availed in securing the safety -of the city. The French, being more numerous and more excited by -military display, soon had two thousand six hundred men under arms. The -Italians assembled, in number five hundred; and, although they might -seem few in proportion to the number in the country, and their -education, I was surprised at seeing so many, considering their habits. -They were afterwards increased, but never exceeded seven hundred. - -General Paz, profiting by the increase of forces, established an -exterior line, at the distance of a cannon-shot beyond the walls. From -that time the system of defence was settled, and the enemy were no more -able to approach the city. - -While I had charge of the flotilla, with the organizing of which I was -proceeding, Angelo Mancini was placed in command of the legion—a man of -infamous memory; and he was accepted. The flotilla performed its first -service in a sortie; and, as might be supposed, made no favorable -figure. Italian bravery was despised, and I consequently burned with -shame. The Legion was appointed to form part of an expedition to the -Cerro; and I was to accompany it. General Bauza, an experienced and good -soldier, but an old man, had the command. He appeared in the presence of -the enemy, marching and counter-marching, without accomplishing any -effect. It was, perhaps, prudent not to attack an enemy, who, if not -more numerous, were more experienced and warlike. I endeavored to excite -the veteran general, but in vain, when fortune sent General Pacheco from -Montevideo, who was then Minister of War. His appearance gratified me -very much, as I knew him to be an enterprising and brave man. We were -soon acquainted, and I was treated by the new chief with confidence and -familiarity. I requested leave to drive the enemy from a position beyond -a ditch, which then served as a dividing line to the besiegers. He not -only assented, but ordered General Bauza to support the movement of the -Italian Legion. We attacked the left wing of the enemy, who fearlessly -awaited us with a firm front and a terrible volley of musketry. But the -Italian Legion was victorious that day. Although numbers fell wounded, -their comrades pressed on fearlessly, and at length charged with -bayonets, when the enemy fled, and were pursued to a considerable -distance. The centre and right were also victorious, and took forty-two -prisoners, besides killed and wounded. - -That action, although of little importance in itself, was of very great -value in its effects,—greatly strengthening the spirit of the Republican -army, and diminishing that of the enemy, while it established, from that -day, the military character of the Italian Legion. It was also the -precursor of many great deeds performed by that corps, which was never -conquered. - -The next day the Italian Legion was in the principal square of the -metropolis, in view of the whole population, receiving the praises of -the Minister of War and the acclamations of all the people. The -impressive words of General Pacheco had resounded among the multitude. I -had never heard words more adapted to rouse a nation. - -The Italian Legion had now fought for the first time and by itself, and -there was that same Captain Giacomo Minuto who was afterwards captain of -cavalry in Rome, and there received a wound in the breast from a ball, -and died in consequence of loosening the bandages at the news of the -entrance of the French. - -Major Pedro Rodriguez also displayed much bravery. - -From that day until the appearance of Anzani in the Legion, I absented -myself but little from the corps, although engaged at sea most of the -time. About that period Anzani was at Buenos Ayres, where, receiving an -invitation from me, he came to Montevideo. The acquisition of Anzani to -the Legion was extremely valuable, especially for instruction and -discipline. Although he was much opposed by Manceni and by the second -chief, who could not submit to acknowledge his superior merit, being -perfect in military knowledge and direction, he systematized the corps -on as regular a footing as circumstances would permit. - -The flotilla, although of little importance, did not fail to be worth -something to the defence of the place. Posted at the left extremity of -the line of defence, it not only effectually covered it, but threatened -the right flank of the enemy whenever it attempted an attack. It served -as a link between the important position of the Cerro and the Island of -Libertad, by greatly facilitating and coöperating in the attempts which -were continually made upon the right of the enemy, who were besieging -the Cerro. The Island of Libertad had been watched by the enemy, who -laid a plan to get possession of it. Their squadron, under command of -General Brown, was prepared to invade it and gain possession. It was -determined that artillery should be placed upon it, and I transported to -it two cannon, eighteen pounders. - -About ten at night, that operation having been performed, I left the -island with a company of my countrymen, and returned towards Montevideo. -Then happened one of those unforeseen and important events which, I love -to say, are evidently brought about by the hand of Providence. The -Island of Libertad, placed in advance of the coast of the Cerro at the -distance of less than a cannon-shot, is less than three miles from -Montevideo. The wind blew from the South, and caused some agitation of -the sea in the bay in proportion to its force, and especially in that -passage between the island and the mole. I had embarked in a launch, -purchased by the government, and had with me sailors enough to perform -the service just executed, and the large lighter in tow, in which the -artillery had been transported. Between the waves rolling in from the -south and the weight of the boat, which was also exactly square in -shape, we proceeded slowly, drifting considerably towards the north end -of the bay, when, all at once, several vessels of war were discovered to -the leeward, and so near that the sentinels were heard calling to the -men, "Keep quiet!" It was doubtless the enemy's squadron. - -We wonderfully escaped being captured by them; but the principal cause -of our safety was, that the small vessels and the boats of the enemy had -gone to attack the island, and there was nothing left that could pursue -us. If this had not been the case, we should doubtless have been taken: -but, more than this, the enemy did not fire a shot, though they might -easily have sunk our little vessels, for fear of alarming their troops -who had gone to the island, to surprise it. But what an escape it -appeared to me when I reached the mole, and began to hear a terrible -discharge of musketry on the Island of Libertad! I immediately reported -the proceedings to the government, and then went on board my little -vessels, to prepare them to go in aid of the troops on the island. They -were only about sixty there, not well armed, and with but little -ammunition. I set sail at dawn of day, with only two small vessels, -called _yates_; the third, and only remaining one of the flotilla, not -being fit for use at that time. We proceeded, and soon entered between -the island and the Cerro, uncertain whether the enemy had got possession -or not in their night attack. But the brave Italians, although taken -unexpectedly, had fought with bravery, and had not only repulsed the -enemy, but driven them back with much loss; and the corpses of Rosas' -soldiers floated about in the waters of the harbor several days after. -Having sent a skiff to the island to ascertain its fate, I soon received -welcome intelligence of the successful resistance. I speedily landed the -munitions, and one of my officers with some men to serve the guns; and -this had hardly been accomplished when the enemy opened their fire, and -the island replied with its two cannon. I then, with my two boats, got -to windward of the enemy's vessels, and did all I could against them. -But the combat was unequal in the extreme. I had against me two -brigantines and two schooners, and one of the former had sixteen guns. -The cannons on the island had platforms, and were ill-supplied with -ammunition, and therefore did not fire well, or produce much effect. Had -they been better provided for, they might have done good service. -Although the sea was not very rough, it was sufficiently so to prevent -the guns of my two little vessels from firing with precision; and, in -short, it seemed impossible that the engagement could fail to be to the -enemy successful. But once more God provided for us! - -Commodore Purvis, then commander of the British station at Montevideo, -sent a messenger to Brown, on account of which he ceased firing. From -that moment the affairs turned to negotiation. The enemy's squadron left -the harbor, and the island did not again fall into the power of another. -Whatever the reasons of the Commodore may have been, it is undeniable -that some degree of chivalrous generosity towards an unfortunate but -courageous people entered into the sympathies and into the act of the -philanthropic son of Albion. From that moment Montevideo knew that she -had in the English Commodore not only a friend, but a protector. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXI. - - - EXPLOITS OF THE ITALIAN LEGION DURING THE SIEGE —TRES - CRUCES—THE PASS OF BOJADA—THE QUADRADO—GENERAL RIVERA - DEFEATED AT INDIA MUERTA, BUT WITHOUT DISCOURAGING - EFFORTS, INTERVENTION CONTINUED—AN EXPEDITION IN THE - URUGUAY, THE FLOTILLA BEING UNDER MY COMMAND. - - -The affair of the island increased the fame and importance of the arms -of the Republic, although its favorable result was more due to fortune -than to anything else, and although nothing more was gained by defending -it. Thus it was, that by insignificant, or at least small but successful -enterprizes, a cause was fostered and raised up, which had been -considered by many as desperate. A patriotic and excellent -administration of the government, at the head of which was Pacheco; the -management of the war by the incomparable General Paz; the fearless and -powerful support given by the people, then purged from their few -traitors and cowards; and the arming of the foreign Legions,—in short, -everything promised a happy result. - -The Italian Legion, whose formation was ridiculed by some, and -especially by the French, had now acquired so much fame, that they were -envied by the best troops. They had never been beaten, though they had -shared in the most difficult enterprizes and most arduous battles. - -At Tres Cruces, (the Three Crosses,) where the fearless Colonel Neva, -from an excess of courage, had fallen within the enemy's lines, the -Legion sustained one of those Homeric battles described in history, -fighting hand to hand, and driving the troops of Ourives from their -strongest positions, until they brought away the dead body of the chief -of the line. The losses of the Legion on that day were considerable, -compared with their small numbers, but on that account they gained more -honor. That success, which seemed as if it might exhaust it, on the -contrary fostered it exceedingly. It grew in numbers, with new recruits, -soldiers of a day, but who fought like veterans! Such is the Italian -soldier; such are the sons of the despised nation, when struck with the -generous idea of what is noble. - -At the Pass of the Bajada, on the 24th of April, was one of the most -serious conflicts. A corps of the army under the command of General Paz, -had marched out from Montevideo, passed by the right wing of the enemy, -proceeded along the shore of the north bend of the bay to Pantanoso, -where, joining the Republican forces of the Cerro, he intended to make a -decisive blow on the enemy's army,—who were thus drawn out of their -strong positions of the Cerrito,—to surprise two battalions, stationed -on the shores of that marshy little stream. As that operation was not -successful in consequence of a want of concert, they were obliged to go -through the Pass, involved in a very sharp action. Of the two divisions -comprising the corps, which were about seven thousand, that which formed -the rearguard was so much pressed by the enemy, that, when recovered -from surprise, they endeavored to regain their ground. This they would -have saved with the greatest possible effort, in consequence of the -extreme difficulty of the place. I commanded the division of the centre; -and the general ordered me to re-pass and support the troops in that -danger. I obeyed, but, to my surprise, found the battle a desperate one. -The Republicans were fighting bravely: but the enemy had surrounded -them, and then occupied a very strong salting establishment, (called -Saladero,) between us and the rearguard, who had exhausted their -ammunition. The head of the Italian column entered the Saladero, just -when the head of one of the enemy's columns had entered. Then commenced -a very warm contest, hand to hand; and finally Italian bravery -triumphed. At that place the ground was encumbered with dead bodies; but -my friends were safe, and the fight proceeded, with advantage to our -side. Other corps came in to support them, and the retreat was effected -in admirable order. The French Legion, on that day, going to operate -simultaneously on the line of the city, was defeated. - -The 28th of March, however, was highly honorable to the Republican arms, -and to the Italian Legion. The movement was directed by General Pacheco. -The enemy were besieging the Cerro, under the orders of General Nuñez, -who had shamefully deserted to the enemy's files, in the beginning of -the siege. They showed much boldness, and several times came up under -the heavy ramparts of the fortress, threatening to cut off the -communications with the city and destroying with musket shots the -light-house erected on the upper part of the edifices. General Pacheco -ordered several corps to be transported to the Cerro, among which was -the Italian Legion. That movement took place during the night; and at -the first light it was in ambush in a powder manufactory, half a mile -from the battery. That edifice, although in ruins, had the walls -standing, and afforded sufficient space to contain the entire Italian -Legion, though in a somewhat confined situation. Skirmishing was -commenced, and afterwards something more serious. The enemy stood boldly -against their opponents, and got possession of a strong position called -the _Quadrado_, or the Square, at the distance of a short cannon-shot -from the Powder-house. A number of men had already been wounded among -the Republicans, and, among others, Colonel Cajes and Estivao, in my -opinion the best of the officers. Such was the state of things, when the -signal was given for the Legion to make a sortie, and the conflict -became serious, under the command of Colonel Carceres, who had charge of -the force engaged. I shall always feel proud of having belonged to that -handful of brave men, having always seen them on the high road of -victory. - -It was proposed to attack the enemy on an eminence, behind the shelter -of a ditch and parapet. The space which it was necessary to pass, in -order to assault it, was unobstructed by any obstacle, and therefore the -enterprise was by no means an easy one. But the Legion, that day, would -have faced fiends, if they could have been conjured upon the field; and -they marched on against the enemy, without firing a shot and without -hesitating for a moment, except to throw themselves into the Pantanoso, -three miles distant from the field of battle. Nuñez was killed, and many -prisoners were taken. The Oriental corps, in company with the Italians, -fought very bravely; and, though the above-mentioned movement was -somewhat retarded, the order was given to the column on the right to -advance and place itself between the river and the enemy. And certainly -not one of the enemy's infantry was saved. - -That battle reflects great honor on the skill of General Pacheco. - -During the first years of the siege of Montevideo, the Italian Legion -sustained innumerable conflicts. They suffered the loss of many killed -and wounded; but in no engagement did they disgrace themselves. - -General Rivera was defeated at India Muerta; but the capital was not -conquered with him. The corps belonging to it were trained to war by -daily fighting, and also gained moral advantage over the besiegers. The -English and French intervention took place, and then all parties -anticipated a happy result of the war. - -A project for operations, combined by the government and the admirals of -the two allied nations, was an expedition in the Uruguay; and it was -placed under my command. In the period now past, the national flotilla -had been increased by the addition of several vessels, some of which -were chartered, like the first, and others sequestrated from certain -enemies of the Republic, and others still were prizes made from the -enemy, who sent their vessels to the Bucco and other places on the coast -in possession of the forces of Ourives. Then, between the acquisition of -the above-mentioned vessels, and of two others of the Argentine -squadron, sequestered by the English and French, and placed at the -disposition of the Oriental government, the expedition for the Uruguay -was composed of about fifteen vessels, the largest of which was the -Cagancha, a brig of sixteen guns, and the smallest were several boats. - -The landing corps was thus composed: the Italian Legion of about two -hundred men, about two hundred Nationals, under command of Colonel -Battle, and about a hundred cavalry, with two four pounders and six -horses in all. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXII. - - - THE EXPEDITION PROCEEDS FOR THE URUGUAY—COLONIA TAKEN BY - IT—BURNED—PAGE, A SUSPICIOUS FRENCHMAN—MARTIN GARCIA - TAKEN. - - -It was near the close of the year 1845 when the expedition left -Montevideo for the Uruguay, beginning an honorable campaign with -brilliant but fruitless results, for the generous but unfortunate -Oriental nation. We arrived at Colonia, where the English and French -squadrons were awaiting us, to assail the city. It was not a very -arduous enterprise, under the protection of the superfluous guns of the -vessels. I landed with my Legionaries; and the enemy opposed no -resistance under the walls: but, on getting outside of them, they were -found ready for battle. The allies then debarked, and requested their -commanders to support me in driving the enemy away. A force of each of -the two nations accordingly came out for my assistance. But the Italians -had hardly begun to fight, and obtained some advantage, when the allies -retired within the city walls. The reason for this unexpected movement -was never explained to me; but I was compelled to follow their example, -in consequence of the great inferiority of my force compared with that -of the enemy. - -When the other party proposed to abandon the city, they obliged the -inhabitants to evacuate it, and then endeavored to give it to the -flames. From that time, therefore, many of the houses presented the sad -spectacle of the effects of conflagration, the furniture having been -broken, and everything lying in confusion. When the Legion landed, and -the Nationals, they had immediately followed the enemy who were -retreating; and the allies, landing afterwards, occupied the empty city, -sending out a part of their forces to support them. Now it was -difficult, between the obstacles presented by the ruins and the fire, to -maintain the discipline necessary to prevent some depredations; and the -English and French soldiers, in spite of the severe injunctions of the -Admirals, did not fail to take the clothes which were scattered about -the streets and in the deserted houses. The Italians followed their -example, and, in spite of every exertion made by me and my officers to -prevent them, some of them persisted in the work for a time; and I have -the mortification of acknowledging that I did not entirely succeed in my -efforts to prevent them. The most important articles taken by the -Italians, however, were eatables; and this afforded some consolation, as -the fact was less discreditable to my countrymen than if they had chosen -objects of lasting pecuniary value. I feel also most confident in -saying, that nothing of that disgraceful conduct would have happened, -but for the beginning made by the allied troops. - -A Frenchman, named Page, who then resided in Montevideo, published a -description of the scene of plunder. It was said by his contemporaries, -that Page was a creature of Guizot, sent out as a fiscal, and to take -account of what happened. I could not ascertain whether he was a -diplomatic spy or not. It is certain that, in consequence of the French -sympathy, I was obliged, on landing on the shore of Colonia, to send the -men below, as their ship was thundering, with its cannon well pointed -towards us. We had several men wounded, receiving contusions from -splinters and fragments of rock. Besides, Page's _elegant_ "Narrative of -Facts," as he entitled a report which he published, called the Italian -Legion "Condoltreri," a term of contempt, in his opinion, but which they -were farthest from deserving. - -In Colonia I and my troops might have coöperated in an attack on the -city; but they were sent elsewhere, to restore the authority of the -Republic on the banks of the Uruguay. The Island of Martin Garcia, where -I arrived before Anzani with a small force, yielded without resistance. -There I obtained a number of oxen and a few horses. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII. - - - FIRST MEETING WITH A "MARTRERO"—DESCRIPTION OF HIS - HABITS AND CHARACTER—ANOTHER MARTRERO, JUAN DE LA - CRUZ—THE RIO NEGRO—JOSEPH MUNDELL—THE SEVERITY OF THE - ENEMY DROVE THE MARTREROS AND PEOPLE TO US. - - -At Colonia I met with the first "Martrero" I ever saw. He was named -Sivoriña, and was one of the remarkable men known by that title who -belonged to the patriot party. The services of that class of brave -adventurers were of great value to that expedition. - -The "Martrero" is a type of independent man. One of them often rules -over an immense extent of country in that part of South America, with -the authority of a government, yet without laying taxes, or raising -tribute: but he asks and receives from the inhabitants their good will, -and what is needful to his wandering life. He demands nothing but what -is necessary; and his wants are limited. A good horse is the first -element of a Martrero. His arms, usually consisting of a carbine, a -pistol, a sword, and his knife, which are his inseparable companions, -are things without which he would think he could not exist. If it is -considered that from the ox he obtains the furniture of his saddle; the -"_Mancador_," with which to bind his companion to the pasture; -"_Mancas_," to accustom him to remaining bound and not to stray; the -"_Bolas_," which stop the _bagual_, or wild horse, in the midst of his -fury, and throw him down, by entangling his legs: the "_Lazo_," not the -least useful of his auxiliaries, and which hangs perennially on the -right haunch of his steed; and finally the meat, which is the only food -of the Martrero;—if all these are borne in mind, in the forming and use -of which the knife is indispensable, some idea may be conceived of how -much he counts on that instrument, which he also employs, with wonderful -dexterity, in wounding and cutting the throat of his enemy. The Martrero -is the same as the _Gaucho_ of the Pampas, and the _Monarco de la -cuchilla_, (_Monarch of the Knife_,) of the Rio Grande, but more free -and independent. He will obey, when the system of government is -conformed to his own opinions and sympathies. The field and the wood are -his halls; and the ground is his bed. To him little appears sufficient. -When he enters his house, the Martrero there finds one who truly loves -him, and shares with him his toils and dangers, with courage and -fortitude equal to his own. Woman as the more perfect being, appears to -me to be naturally more adventurous and chivalrous than man; and the -servile education to which in that country she is condemned, probably -prevents the examples from being more common. - -Vivoriña was the first of the Martreros who joined my troops: but he was -not the best. On the banks of the channel of Inferno, the eastern one, -between the island of Martin Garcia and the continent, he had seized a -boat, and put his pistol to the breast of its master, and compelled him -to transport him to the Island, whither he came and presented himself to -me. Many other Martreros afterwards came in, and rendered much service -in the ulterior operations; but the man on whom I love to bestow a high -title, and who joined to the courage and audacity of a Martrero, the -valor, integrity and coolness of a good captain, was Juan de la Cruz -Ledesma, of whom mention will often be made in this narrative. - -Juan de la Cruz, with his black head-dress, his eagle eyes, noble mien, -and beautiful person, was my intrepid and faithful companion in that -Uruguay expedition, which I consider the most brilliant in which I was -ever engaged; and he, and Joseph Mundell, equally brave and better -educated, are impressed upon my mind for life. - -In Colonia were assembled Colonel Battle, and the Nationals of the -garrison. In Martin Garcia we had left some men, and raised the -Republican standard. The expedition then continued the voyage along the -river. Anzani had the vanguard, with some of the smaller vessels, and -took possession of a number of merchantmen under the enemy's flag. We -thus reached the Yaguary, a confluent of the Rio Negro with the Uruguay. - -The Rio Negro, which empties into the Uruguay at that place, forms -several islands of considerable size, covered with woods and -pasture-grounds in ordinary times; but in winter, when the rivers are -swollen by the rains, they are almost entirely flooded, so that only -animals are able to live there. The troops, however, found enough oxen -and some wild horses. The greatest benefit to the expedition there was -the landing of the horses, and allowing them relief from the evils of -the voyage. Beyond those islands towards the east, and bathed by the Rio -Negro on the south, by the Uruguay on the north, is the _Rincon de las -Gallinas_. This is a part of the main land, of considerable extent, -joined to the neighboring country by an Isthmus; and it abounded with an -immense number of animals, of various kinds, not excepting horses. It -was, therefore, one of the favorite spots of the Martreros. One of my -first cares was to march, with a part of the landing force, and take a -position on the shore of the Rincon, from which I sent out Vivoriña, -with Miranda, one of his companions, on horseback. They soon met with -several of the Martreros of the place, who joined the expedition, and -were soon followed by others; and, from that time, a beginning was made -in forming a body of cavalry, which increased very fast. Meat was -abundant; and in that same night an operation was undertaken against a -party of the enemy, which had the most successful issue. A Lieutenant -Gallegos, who had accompanied the troops from Montevideo, was intrusted -with the command. He surprised the enemy, in number about twenty; but -few were able to escape, and he brought in six prisoners, some of whom -were wounded. The affair gained for us several horses, which were a very -important acquisition in our circumstances. - -The system adopted by the enemy was, to send the inhabitants into the -interior, in order to cut off their communications with the troops; and -this induced many of those unfortunate people to join us, among whom -they found a kind reception and a safe retreat, in the largest of the -islands, to which the soldiers carried a great number of animals, and -chiefly sheep, for their subsistence. Thus, in different ways, the -expedition gained strength and was favored by circumstances, especially -by the arrival of Juan de la Cruz, whose discovery deserves to be -mentioned. - -The Martreros of the Rincon, who were assembled with me at the time, -informed me that Juan de la Cruz, at the head of a few parties of his -friends, had fought several bands of the enemy on previous days; but, -overcome by numbers, had been obliged to scatter his men, and take to -the woods alone, in the thickest bushes, and even to abandon his horse, -and to set off in a canoe, for the most obscure islands of the Uruguay. -There he was still an object of the chief persecution to the enemy, who, -after the battle of India Muerta, when there were no longer any national -corps in the country, could pursue the Martreros at their pleasure. In -such a painful situation was he found at that time; and I intrusted one -Saldana, an old companion of Juan de la Cruz, with a few Martreros, to -visit his retreat and bring him away. The undertaking was successful; -and after a few days spent in the search, they found him, on an island, -in a tree, and his canoe tied at its root, floating in the water, it -being the time of inundation, and the little island being flooded. He -had so placed himself that he could at once have retreated into the -woods, if enemies had appeared, instead of friends. - -The young Italians in the expedition at that time, learned a lesson of -the life they will be called to lead, when they shall see their country -redeemed. Juan de la Cruz was an important acquisition to the -expedition. From that day forward, we had with us all the Martreros of -the surrounding district, and a force of excellent cavalry, without -which little or nothing could have been undertaken in those countries. - -The Isla del Biscaino, (or the Island of the Biscayan,) the largest in -the Yaguary, soon became a colony, peopled by the families which fled -from the barbarity of the enemy, and various others, from the capital. -Many animals were sent over to it, a number of horses were left there, -and an officer was entrusted with the care of everything. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV. - - - THE EXPEDITION PROCEEDS—SURPRISE GUALEGUAYECHU— REACH - THE HERVIDERO—ACCOMPANIED BY AN ENGLISH AND A FRENCH - OFFICER—A LARGE ESTANCIA, AND ITS NUMEROUS HORSES AND - OTHER ANIMALS—I LEAVE THE VESSELS IN CHARGE OF ANZANI—GO - WITH THE MARTREROS—LA CRUZ AND MUNDELL—ATTACK ON THE - HERVIDERO—BATTLE OF ARROYO GRANDE. - - -The expedition then proceeded by the river, and arrived at a place on -its banks named Fray Bento, where the vessels cast anchor. About eight -miles below, on the opposite bank, in the Province of Entre Rios, is the -mouth of the River Gualeguayechu. The place is distant about six miles -from its mouth. That province belonged to the enemy. The expedition was -in want of horses for the operation; and good ones were to be found in -that region, as well as materials needed to make clothing for the -troops, and other necessary articles, with which the province was well -provided. An expedition was therefore formed, to obtain supplies. I went -up the river further, expressly for the purpose of preventing suspicion; -and then, in the night, the small vessels and boats embarked the Italian -Legionaries, and the cavalry with a few horses, and proceeded towards -the landing-place. At the mouth of the little river lived a family, and -it was known that several merchant vessels and a small war-vessel were -there, which it was necessary to surprise; and this was effected. The -troops were so successful, that they reached the very house of the -commandant of Gualeguayechu, while he was asleep in his bed. The Colonel -commandant of the country was named Villagra. All the authorities, with -the National Guards, were soon in our hands; and we garrisoned the -strongest places with Republican troops. The expedition then proceeded -to recruit horses and obtain other things of the most importance. - -We obtained many excellent horses in Gualeguayechu, with articles -necessary to clothe the men, harnesses for the cavalry, and some money, -which was distributed among the sailors and soldiers. All the prisoners -were released at our departure. A party of the enemy's cavalry, in -garrison in the town, were found to be absent, on the arrival of the -expedition, and returned during our stay. Being seen by the sentinels, a -few of the best mounted and equipped of the cavalry were sent out, and -an encounter took place, in which the enemy were repulsed. This little -affair greatly encouraged the Republicans, especially as it took place -in view of all. We had one man badly wounded. - -At the mouth of the river was a peninsula, formed by it and a small -stream, and there was the residence of the family before mentioned. The -infantry embarked in the small vessels in which they had sailed; the -cavalry marched by land to the peninsula, leading the horses they had -taken; and there they again remained. The labor of embarking and -disembarking horses was not new to them; and in a few days everything -was carried away—some to the island of the Biscaino, and some to the -other island in the upper part of the river, to serve in future -operations. - -The expedition then proceeded into the interior, as far as Paysandù, -with the occurrence of little or nothing worthy of notice. In that city -was a large guard, and the enemy had constructed some batteries and sunk -a number of vessels, in different parts of the channel of the river, to -obstruct the passage. All obstacles were overcome; and a few shot in the -vessels, and a few wounded men, were the only consequences of a heavy -cannonade with the batteries. Two officers deserved my particular -notice: one a Frenchman, and the other an Englishman, who commanded two -small vessels of war of their nations, and accompanied me in almost the -whole of that expedition, although their instructions were not to fight. -The English Lieutenant was named Tench; and he remained but a short -time; the French officer was Hypolite Marier, commander of the schooner -L'Eclair. The latter was with me the whole time, and became very dear to -me, being an officer of great merit. - -We reached Hervidero, formerly a most beautiful establishment, then -abandoned and deserted, but still very rich in animals, which were -highly valuable to the expedition all the time of our stay. That point -of the Uruguay was named Hervidero, from the Spanish word Hervir, which -means _to boil_; and indeed it looks like a boiling cauldron under all -circumstances, but especially when the river is low, abounding in -whirlpools formed by the numerous rocks lying under water, over which a -very rapid current pours all the year. The passage is very dangerous. A -very spacious house stands on an eminence, built with a terrace on the -roof, called Azotea, and overlooks all the left bank of the river. -Around it was a multitude of _Ranchos_, or barracks, with roofs of -straw, which attested the great number of slaves possessed by the -masters in more quiet times. When I first approached the house, I found -herds of the _Ganado manso_, or domestic oxen, near the deserted -habitations, in search of their exiled masters; and with them a -_majada_, or flock of sheep, amounting to about forty thousand, while -the _ganado cuero_ or _alzado_,—that is, the wild cattle,—of about the -same number, were scattered over the fields. Besides these there were -innumerable horses, ginetes and Poledres, chiefly wild, and many -quadrupeds of various kinds. These few lines may give some idea of the -aspect of that kind of immense estates in South America, called -_Estancias_. - -The Hervidero, however, a _Saladero_, or place for salting meat for -exportation, as well as for preparing hides, tallow, and, in short, -everything furnished by the animals slaughtered in their country. The -depth of the river did not permit them to take any other in larger -vessels. Anzani, with the infantry, lodged in the establishment, -occupying it in a military manner. The measures taken were very useful -in repressing an unexpected attack, arranged between the enemies of -Entre Rios, under the command of General Garzon, and those of the -Oriental State, under Colonel Lavalleja. That was undertaken while I was -not at the Hervidero. - -And, in the first place, as for the reason of my absence. Among the -cares of Juan de la Cruz, was that of sending some of his martreros to -inform the others, who were scattered along the left bank of the river, -and those of the Gueguay, who were quite numerous. A certain Magellano, -and one José Dominguez were among the most famous of them all. They were -then in the neighborhood of the Gueguay. José Mundell had come to that -country when a child, and had become identified with the inhabitants and -accustomed to their habits. He had a present of an estancia, one of the -best in that part of the country. Mundell was one of those privileged -persons, who seem to have come into the world to govern all around them. -With nothing extraordinary in his physical nature, he was strong and -active, "a free cavalier," and of a most generous disposition; he had -gained the hearts of all, on whom he bestowed benefits whenever they -were in want, thus securing their love and tempering their natures. He -was above all things adventurous. It may be added that Mundell, although -he had spent the most of his life in the desert, had, from his own -taste, cultivated his mind and acquired by study more than an ordinary -share of information. He had never taken any part in political affairs, -beyond those connected with the choice of men for the Presidency, etc. -But when the foreigners, under the orders of Ourives, invaded the -territory of the Republic, he regarded indifference as a crime, and -threw himself into the ranks of the defenders. With the influence which -he had acquired among his brave neighbors, he soon collected several -hundred men, and then sent me word that he was going to join me with -them. The bold fellows, commanded by Juan de la Cruz, had brought in -that news to the Hervidero; and I immediately resolved to meet with -Mundell in the Arroyo Malo, about thirty miles below the Salto, or -Falls. On the first night after my departure the attack was made on the -Hervidero. Hearing the cannon and musketry while I was near Arroyo Malo, -I was thrown into the greatest anxiety, as was very natural; but I -confided much in the capacity of Anzani, whom I had left in charge of -everything. - -The attack on the Hervidero had been conceived and planned in such a -manner that, if the execution had corresponded, its results must have -been fatal. Garzon, whose forces were not fewer than two thousand men, -most of them infantry, was to have approached the right bank of the -river, while Lavalleja was to attack the Hervidero. In order that they -might strike at the same moment, they had placed two fireships in the -Yuy, a small river of Entre Rios, a few miles above, intended, if not to -burn the flotilla, at least to occupy the sailors, and render it -impossible for them to give any assistance by land. The courage and -coolness of Anzani, and the bravery of the troops, rendered all the -efforts of the active enemy unavailing. Garzon effected nothing by his -steady fire of musketry, because it was too distant, and the side of the -river's bank was commanded by the cannon of the flotilla, which opened -upon it. The fireships, being abandoned to the current, passed at a -distance from the vessels, and were destroyed by their guns. Lavalleja -pressed his troops against the brave Legionaries in vain, they being -intrenched in the buildings, and terrifying the enemy with their silence -and proud resistance. - -Anzani had given orders that not a musket should be fired, until the -enemy were near enough to have their clothes burnt by the powder; and -this plan succeeded well, for, supposing the houses to have been -evacuated, they advanced without apprehension: but a general discharge -of musketry, when close at hand, from all quarters, put them immediately -to flight, making it impossible to rally again. - -Having arranged with Mundell about his entering Salto when occupied by -the Republicans, I returned to the Hervidero. I received notice, about -that time, from Colonel Baez, who was making arrangements to join me -with some men. The only vessel of the enemy stationed in the Yuy -deserted to us, with a portion of the crew. - -Thus everything smiled on the expedition. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXV. - - - THE PROVINCE OF CORRIENTES CALLS GENERAL PAZ FROM - MONTEVIDEO—ALLIANCE WITH PARAGUAY—I GO TO SALTO WITH THE - FLOTILLA, TO RELIEVE IT FROM A SIEGE—WITH LA CRUZ AND - MUNDELL, ATTACK LAVALLEJA—RETURN TO SALTO. - - -The Province of Corrientes, after the battle of Arroyo Grande, had -fallen again under the dominion of Rosas: but the admirable resistance -of Montevideo, and some other favorable circumstances, called the people -again to independence; and Madariaga and the principal authorities in -that revolution had invited General Paz from Montevideo, to take command -of the army. That old and virtuous chief, by his own fame and capacity, -induced Paraguay to make an offensive and defensive alliance; and that -state collected at Corrientes a respectable contingent for the army. -Things thus proceeded wonderfully well for that part of the country; and -not the least important object was the opening of communications with -those interior provinces, to collect in the Department of Salto the -Oriental emigrants who were in Corrientes and Brazil. I then sent from -the Hervidero a _balenera_, on a mission to General Paz: but, being -observed and pursued by the enemy, the men in it were obliged to abandon -the boat, and take refuge in the woods. I was obliged to repeat the same -thing three times; when at length a brave officer of the Italians, -Giacomo Casella, taking advantage of a strong flood in the river, -succeeded in overcoming every obstacle, and arrived in the Province of -Corrientes. During the same flood I arrived at Salto with the flotilla. - -The city was governed by Lavalleja, who attacked the Hervidero with a -force of about three hundred men, infantry and cavalry. He had been -engaged for some days in making the inhabitants evacuate the town; and -for them and his troops he formed a camp on the left bank of the Capebi, -at the distance of twenty-one miles from Salto. - -The Republicans took the town, without any resistance, and designed to -make some fortifications. That point being occupied, they remained -there, but, of course, besieged on the land-side, as the enemy were -superior in cavalry. One of the principal inconveniences which they -suffered was the want of meat, all the animals having been driven away. -But that evil did not last long. - -Mundell, having collected about a hundred and fifty men, drove back a -corps of the enemy who were pressing upon him, and arrived safe at -Salto. From that moment the Republicans began to make sorties, and to -bring in animals enough for the subsistence of the troops. With -Mundell's horsemen, and those of Juan de la Cruz, we were able to take -the field; and one fine day we went to seek Lavalleja in his own camp. -Some deserters from the enemy had given me exact information of his -position and the number of his forces; and I determined to attack him. -One evening I drew out two hundred of the cavalry and a hundred of the -Italian Legionaries, and moved from Salto, intending to surprise the -enemy before daybreak. My guides were the deserters; and, although they -were acquainted with the country, yet, as there were no roads leading in -the direction they took, they got astray, and daylight found us at the -distance of three miles from the camp we were seeking. Perhaps it was -not prudent to attack an enemy at least equal in force, entrenched, and -in their own camp, and which might receive reinforcements, which they -had asked for, at any moment; but to turn back would not only have been -disgraceful, but would have had a very bad effect on the feelings of the -new troops. I was a little troubled by the idea of retreating, and -determined to attack. I reached an eminence where the enemy had an -advance post. They retired on my approach. I could then see their camp, -and observed several groups returning towards it, from various -directions. They were detachments which had been sent out in the night -to different points, to observe the Republicans, the enemy having heard -of our setting out. I then immediately gave orders to Mundell, who had -the vanguard, to press on a strong body of cavalry, to prevent their -concentration. - -The enemy did the same, to repel that movement and protect their troops. -Mundell, with great bravery, succeeded, and drove and dispersed several -of their detachments; but he advanced too far, in the warmth of the -pursuit, so that his troops soon found themselves surrounded by the -enemy, who, recovering from their first fright, came upon them with -their lances, threatening to separate them from the main body, which, -although at a distance, was approaching for a battle. In the meantime, -seeing all this, I at first designed to have the whole little force of -the Republicans proceed in a mass, and give a decisive blow. I therefore -hastened the march of the infantry, forming the rear guard and reserve, -with the cavalry of Juan de la Cruz: but seeing the position of Mundell, -which admitted no delay, I left the infantry behind under the command of -Marrocchetti, and pressed forward the reserve of cavalry in échellons. - -The first échellon, commanded by Gallegas, pushed on, and somewhat -restored the resistance of the cavalry. The charge of Juan de la Cruz -drove the enemy back; and they retired towards their camp. I had ordered -the échellons of the reserve to charge in a compact mass, so that -Mundell and his men, who had fought bravely, might recover their order -in a moment. Our troops then moved on towards the enemy's camp, in order -of battle,—the infantry in the centre by platoons, and under orders not -to fire a shot; Mundell on the right, and Juan de la Cruz on the left; -while a small échellon of cavalry formed a reserve. - -The enemy's cavalry, after the first encounter, had formed again behind -the infantry, who were covered by a line of carts; but the firmness and -resolution of the Republicans, now marching on in a close body and in -silence, intimidated them so much that they made but little resistance. -In a moment the action was over; or, rather, it was not a fight, but a -complete discomfiture and precipitate flight towards the pass of the -river. On reaching that point some of the boldest endeavored to make a -stand; and they might have been able, but it would have been a very -arduous task; although the Republican cavalry had halted: for the -Legionaries, at the command of "Cartridges on the neck!" threw -themselves into the water with the greatest fury, and there was no more -resistance. - -The victory was now complete. All the infantry of the enemy were in the -power of the conquerors, and some of the cavalry, with all the families -of the Salto, who had been dragged from their homes, and a train -containing various objects of merchandize, consisting of thirty-four -loaded wagons. Above all, we had captured a great number of horses, -which were the most valuable of all things in our existing -circumstances. A brass cannon, made in Florence, some ages past, by a -certain Cenni, fell into our hands. It was the same piece which had been -fired upon us at the Hervidero; and being dismounted on that occasion, -was undergoing repair in the enemy's camp. After the action, which -lasted only a few hours, we collected everything useful, and set off on -our return. Our progress to Salto was quite a triumphal march. The -population poured blessings on us from their own houses, to which they -had been restored by our means; and the victory acquired for the army a -reputation which was well merited, proving that all the three classes of -troops were able to keep the field. - -Our celerity was of much importance; for, as has already been mentioned, -the enemy were in expectation of a strong reinforcement; and that was -the entire force of General Urquiza, which had just before been -victorious at India Muerta, and was then on the march for Corrientes, to -fight the army of that province. Vergara, who had the vanguard of it, -came in sight of Salto the day after our return, and captured a few of -our horses, which were dispersed in the neighboring pastures. Being in -the presence of those forces, which seemed to overwhelm us, we made -every exertion to resist it. - -A battery, marked out by Anzani, in the centre of the city, made a -progress that was quite astonishing. Both soldiers and people worked at -it, such houses as were adapted to defence were fortified, and every man -had a post assigned him. Several cannon were levelled from the boats, -and preparations were made to supply the battery. At that time arrived -Colonel Baez, with about sixty cavalry. Urquiza soon after presented -himself, who had assured his friends that he would cross the Uruguay at -Salto, with the assistance of the Republican flotilla, which he expected -to capture. But his prediction was not fulfilled. The attack by the -enemy was simultaneous with his appearance. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXVI. - - - URQUIZA BESIEGES US IN SALTO, WITH ALL HIS FORCES—OUR - DEFENCES INCOMPLETE—A SUDDEN ATTACK—REPULSED - SORTIES—BOLD OPERATION ON THE OPPOSITE BANK OF THE - RIVER—SURPRISING FEATS OF THE HORSEMEN—THEIR HABITS. - - -On the east of Salto was a hill, distant a musket shot from the first -houses; and it commanded the whole town. The Republicans had not -fortified it, for the want of sufficient force, as it would be -necessary, if occupied, to establish a line of fortifications -proportioned to the number of disposable troops. As might have been -expected, Urquiza took possession of the hill, and placed on it six -pieces of artillery. At the same time he sent forward his infantry, at -quick step, against the Republican right. Just at that moment two pieces -had been placed in the battery: but there was yet neither platform nor -parapet; and the enemy, after giving their fire, threw themselves upon -the ground, which was not even consolidated. The Republican right was -really the most vulnerable, as the enemy could reach it under cover, in -the hollow of a valley. And this they did; so that the defenders saw -them appear suddenly, and without warning, from that concealment. -Immediately the right wing fled, and those occupying the houses -retreated towards the river. - -I was then at the battery; and, in disposing of my troops, had reserved -a company of the Italian Legion at that point. I immediately made -one-half of that company charge the enemy; and after them sent the -second half to do the same. And that duty was executed with so much -courage, that the assailants were, in their turn, put to a precipitate -flight. The company of Italians which performed that service was under -the command of Captain Carone, and its lieutenants were Ramorino and -Zaccarello. - -The enemy were discouraged by their unsuccessful attempt, which -prevented them from making any decisive attack, and all their operations -were reduced to a cannonade. In that kind of fighting, although the -enemy had come upon the Republicans when ill-prepared, from the want of -time, yet we were able to maintain a respectable attitude. I had landed -the cannon from the vessels, under the orders of their officers, viz., -Scozini, Cogliolo, and José Maria, all of them brave and skilful men; so -that the enemy's artillery, although superior in numbers and position, -was pretty well opposed, and obliged to be occasionally brought under -cover of the hill. The enemy left several men dead, while the -Republicans had only a few wounded. The latter, however, lost the -greater part of their oxen, which were in a corral, or inclosure; and, -as they were wild, as soon as the gate was opened, they poured out, like -a torrent, and spread all over the country. - -For three days Urquiza continued his attempts; but every day found the -besieged better prepared. Not a moment was lost during the night. Five -pieces of cannon were placed in the battery, the platform was finished, -the parapet, and the "Santa Barbara," or mine for blowing up. A -proclamation was circulated at that time, signed by Colonel Baez and -myself, condemning to death any one who might leave his post; and the -smaller vessels were forbidden to come near the bank of the river, while -all which were there were made to draw off. - -At the same time the enemy, seeing that they were gaining nothing, -adopted a system of blockade, and shut up the city on the land side, in -the closest manner. But in that undertaking also they were frustrated; -for we were masters of the river, and could bring in all necessary -supplies of provisions by that water. During the eighteen days which the -siege continued, we were not idle, having to bring in hay for the cattle -and horses continually; and, as the enemy had formed a circular chain of -posts around us, we took advantage of moments of inattention, to attack, -and often with advantage. At length Urquiza became weary, and perhaps -was called away to other parts of the Uruguay, by more pressing affairs. -He withdrew, and marched off, to cross the river above Salto. - -The two divisions of Lamas and Vergara now remained to continue the -siege, with about seven hundred cavalry: but from that time the enemy -were unable to keep it closely, for the Republicans made sorties now and -then, sometimes bringing in oxen or wild horses, and that kept our -cavalry in a pretty good condition, who had lost almost all their -horses, in consequence of the strictness of the siege. It is to be -observed, that the horses of that part of the country are not accustomed -to eat anything but grass, being pastured in the open fields; and -therefore but few are fed with hay and grain. - -In those days an operation was performed by the Republicans, of a -superior kind. Garzon, who had been at Concordia, opposite Salto, had -marched, to unite with Urquiza, for Corrientes, under the orders of the -latter General; but a cavalry corps of observation remained at -Concordia. The sentinels of that body were visible from Salto, and their -_cavalcade_, or troop of horses, went every day to the river's bank to -feed, (probably finding better pasture,) and at night returned. A plan -was formed to capture those animals; and one day about twenty men -prepared, naked, and with nothing but their sabres; while a company of -Legionaries, divided among the vessels of the flotilla, waited, ready to -embark in the boats. About mid-day, when the sun shone hottest, the -enemy's sentinels were lying on the ground, having made a shelter of -their ponchos, and were fast asleep. The river, at the place where it -was to be crossed, was only about five hundred paces wide, and not -guarded. The appointed signal was given, and the cavalry soldiers -marched from behind their coverts on the shore, and threw themselves -into the water, while the Legionaries leaped into the boats; and, when -the sentinels awoke, they heard the bullets of their active assailants -whistling about their ears; and the amphibious centaurs pursued them -along the hill. - -Only the brave South American cavalry are capable of performing such an -enterprise. Being excellent swimmers, both men and horses, they can -cross a river several miles wide, the men holding by the tails of their -animals, or by their manes, and carrying their arms and baggage in their -_pelottas_, which are made of the _curona_, a piece of leather, which -forms a part of the harness. - -Some of the cavalry remained on the hill, watching the enemy, while the -others collected their horses which were scattered about the pasture, -and led them to the shore, where they hurried them into the water, and -got most of them over to the other side. Some of the enemy, who -resisted, were bound and carried across by the vessels. In the meantime -the Legionaries exchanged a few shots with the enemy, who were -increasing their numbers, but did not feel strong enough to charge them. -Thus, in a few hours, more than a hundred horses were obtained by the -Republicans, without having a single man wounded. - -That affair was a very singular and curious one, and performed in full -view from Salto. The horses of Entre Rios are generally esteemed; and, -for good reasons, that capture excited a desire to attack the besiegers. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXVII. - - - THE SIEGE OF SALTO CONTINUED—NIGHT ATTACK ON THE ENEMY'S - CAMP—SUCCESSFUL—GENERAL MEDINA APPROACHING—SEND GEN. - BAEZ AND ANZANI TO MEET HIM—A GREAT SURPRISE—ALMOST - OVERWHELMED BY THE ENEMY—FIGHT TILL NIGHT—RETREAT. - - -Vergara, with his division, was pressing the town very closely, and some -persons acquainted with the country were sent to spy his position, which -thus became known to the defenders. It would have been useless to make -an attack by day, because it was impossible to surprise them, and, -therefore, it was necessary to attack by night. I had given Colonel Baez -the command of the cavalry, and Anzani was with the infantry. They left -Salto after nightfall, and took the direction towards the enemy's camp, -situated about eight miles off. Although the march of the troops was as -silent and as cautious as possible, they were heard by the advanced -sentinels, and therefore Vergara had time to mount his horse. The -assault was made without loss of time, but only the cavalry of the -Republicans were able to fight, as the infantry, in spite of all their -exertions, could not reach the field of battle in season. The enemy -fought with spirit, but at the cry of "The infantry!" which was raised -at a favorable moment, they gave ground, and then broke their ranks and -took to flight. They were pursued several miles, but, on account of the -darkness, little was effected. A few prisoners were made and some horses -taken, while there were a small number of killed and wounded on both -sides. When daylight appeared, it was difficult to find the field of -battle, as the fighting had been done on the march. Several groups of -the enemy appeared, scattered on the distant hills, and Colonel Baez -remained with the cavalry to pursue them and to collect a herd of oxen, -while the other troops returned to Salto. - -About that time, which was the beginning of the year 1846, we received -news that General Medina, with a number of emigrants from the Oriental, -was coming from Corrientes for Salto. The discomfiture of Vergara had -given the Republicans an advantage, but had not produced the results -that might have been expected. Lamas, who was not far off, and engaged -in breaking horses, came up on receiving intelligence of the defeat, and -ordered the collecting of men. Both established their camps, and -recommenced the siege, driving away the animals. Their superiority in -cavalry expedited that proceeding. General Medina then came, who had -been appointed head of the army, and it was necessary to secure his -entrance. Colonel Baez, as has been mentioned already, had assumed the -command of the cavalry, and regularly organized it, skilled as he was in -that kind of troops. Being possessed of uncommon activity, he greatly -increased the number of horses, and provided the city and the troops -with cattle. Mundell and Juan de la Cruz were at his orders, and at that -time both were detached, with commissions to catch wild horses. Colonel -Baez, better known than General Medina, was in direct relation with him, -and knew that he was to be in sight of Salto on the 8th of February; and -it was therefore arranged that I should accompany him with the cavalry. -At dawn of day on the 8th of February, 1846, we left Salto, and took the -direction of the little river San Antonio, on the left bank of which -they were to await the approach of General Medina and his army. The -enemy, according to their custom in that region, showed several troops -of cavalry on the heights on the right, which approached at times as if -to observe whether they were collecting animals, and to interrupt them. -Colonel Baez stationed a line of marksmen of the cavalry against those -troops, and employed himself several hours in skirmishing with them. The -infantry had halted near the little stream, at a place called Tapera di -Don Vicenzio. I was separated from the infantry, and observing the -guerrillas, fighting, conducted by Baez. That kind of warfare afforded -the Italians an amusing sight: but the enemy concealed their "wasp's -nest" under that kind of military game, having put forward so feeble a -force only to deceive their opponents, and give their strong body, which -was behind, opportunity to advance. - -The country, in all parts of the department of Salto, is hilly, as is -also that of San Antonio. Therefore the large force which was advancing -was able to approach within a short distance without being discovered. - -When I had reached the place of observation, and cast my eyes on the -other side of San Antonio, I was overwhelmed with surprise by -discovering, on the west of a neighboring hill, where only a few of the -enemy had before been seen, a multitude of troops, as was shown by a -forest of lances: seven squadrons of cavalry, with banners displayed, -and a corps of infantry, double in size of our own, who, having come up -on horseback, within two musket shots, dismounted, formed in line of -battle, and were marching, at quick step, to charge with the bayonet. -Baez said to me: "Let us retire." But, seeing that to be impossible, I -replied: "There is not time enough; and we must fight." - -I then ran to the Italian Legionaries; and, in order to destroy, or at -least to mitigate the impression which might be produced on them by the -appearance of so formidable an enemy, said: "We will fight! The cavalry -we are resolved to conquer. To-day we have them, although we are a small -body of infantry." - -At the place where we took position there were numerous wooden posts -standing planted in the ground, which had served in the walls of an old -wooden edifice; and to each beam was assigned a Legionary. The -remainder, forming three small parties, were placed in column behind the -building, and covered by walls of masonry of the northern end of the -same building, which was in form of a room, capable of containing about -thirty men, and covering almost the front of the little column. On the -right of the infantry, Baez was posted, with the cavalry, those being -dismounted, who were armed with carbines, while the lancers remained on -horseback. The whole force comprised about a hundred cavalry, and a -hundred and eighty-six Legionaries. The enemy had nine hundred cavalry, -(some said twelve hundred,) and three hundred infantry. The Republicans, -therefore, had only one thing left that could be done—to defend -themselves—resist, and repel the charge of the enemy's infantry. I then -ran forward, and gave them all the attention in my power. If the enemy, -instead of charging in line of battle, forming an extended line, had -charged in column, or in alternate platoons, they must have destroyed -our force. By the impetus of their column they would certainly have -penetrated into our position, and mingled with the defenders; and then -their cavalry would have completed our ruin and exterminated us. Then -the fields of San Antonio would have been, to this day, whitened with -Italian bones! But, instead of this, the enemy advanced in line, beating -the charge, and bravely withholding their fire until within a few yards. -The Legionaries had orders not to fire until very near. When the enemy -reached the appointed distance, they halted and gave a general -discharge. The moment was decisive. Many of the defenders fell under -that fire: but the assailants were thrown into disorder, being thinned -by shots from the Republicans, who fired from behind the timbers, and -then charged them, not in order, but yet in a body, and forced them to -turn their backs, by falling upon them with bayonets, like mad-men. That -there occurred for the Republicans a moment of disorder and hesitation, -it cannot be denied. There were among us a number of prisoners, who, not -expecting a successful termination to the desperate defence, cast about -their eyes to find some way open for escape. But they were prevented -from doing anything, by some of our brave men, who then, at the cry of -"The enemy run!" threw themselves upon them like lions. - -From the moment when I directed my attention upon the enemy's infantry, -I saw nothing more of Colonel Baez and the cavalry. Five or six horsemen -remained with my men, whom I put there under the command of a brave -Oriental officer, Jose Maria. - -After the defeat of the enemy's infantry, I had hopes of safety; and, -taking advantage of the momentary calm produced by the stupefaction of -the enemy, I put my men again in order. Among the dead remaining on the -ground, especially those lying where the enemy halted, we found abundant -supplies of cartridges; and the muskets of the killed and wounded served -an important purpose, being taken, to arm those of the soldiers who were -in want, and some of the officers. - -The enemy, having failed in their first charge, repeated it several -times, many of their dragoons dismounting; and with them and masses of -cavalry, they attacked us, but succeeded only in increasing their loss. -I was always ready, with some of the bravest of the Legionaries, who -awaited the charge; and, when the enemy had made their attack, -invariably charged them in return. The enemy several times endeavored to -get a position near us; but I then posted the best marksmen among our -soldiers, and made them harrass them, until they took to flight. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXVIII. - - - PREPARATIONS FOR OUR RETREAT—ATTACKED ON THE WAY - —BRAVERY OF MY ITALIANS—I NEVER DESPAIRED OF ITALY —THE - NOBLE CHARACTER OF ANZANI—REACH SALTO—KINDNESS OF FRENCH - PHYSICIANS—COLLECT AND BURY THE DEAD. - - -The fighting began about one o'clock in the afternoon, and lasted until -near nine in the evening. Night came on, and found us surrounded by many -corpses and wounded men. About nine o'clock preparations were made for a -retreat. The number of wounded was very large, including almost all the -officers, viz.: Morrochetti, Casana, Sacchi, Ramorino, Rodi, Beruti, -Zaccorello, Amero, and Fereti. Only Carone, Traverse, and a few others, -were unhurt. It was an arduous and painful undertaking to remove them -from the ground where they lay. Some were placed upon horses, which were -numerous, while others, who were able to stand, were helped on, each by -two of his comrades. When the arrangements had been made for the -accommodation of the wounded, the other soldiers were formed in four -platoons; and as fast as they were put in order, they were made to load -themselves with some remaining ammunition, the less to expose themselves -to the continual fire of the enemy. The retreat was then commenced, and -I thought it a fine sight,—though there was but a handful of men, in -close column, with orders not to fire a single shot before making the -edge of the wood which borders the river Uruguay. I had directed the -vanguard to take the wounded, feeling confident that the charges of the -enemy would be made on our rear and flanks. As was natural, those -unfortunate men fell into some disorder, which it was impossible to -prevent; but they yet went on, all, it is believed, except two. The -little column proceeded in the most admirable manner, so that I must -ever speak of their conduct with pride. The soldiers fixed their -bayonets before setting off; and keeping close ranks, they reached the -designed place, though not for want of any exertions, on the part of the -enemy, to hinder them: for every effort was made, by repeated charges -from all quarters, and with their whole force. In vain did their lancers -come up and give wounds to men in the ranks; the only return made was -with the bayonet, while the soldiers pressed themselves more compactly -together. On reaching the verge of the wood, we halted; and the order -was given, "To the right about!" when immediately a general volley -filled the enemy's files with dead, and they were all instantly driven -back. - -One of the most severe sufferings endured that day was from thirst, -especially among the wounded. - -Having reached the bank of the river, it may be imagined with what -avidity the soldiers ran to the water. Some of them stopped to drink, -while the others kept the enemy at a distance. The success of the first -part of the retreat, now performed, secured the retreating troops less -molestation on the remainder of their way. A chain of sharp-shooters was -formed to protect the left flank, who kept up a continual fire, almost -until they entered the city; and thus we moved along the bank of the -river. - -Anzani was waiting for us at the entrance of the city, and could not -satiate himself with embracing me and my companions. He had never -despaired, although the enterprise was so arduous. He had collected the -few remaining men in the fortress, and replied to the enemy's summons to -surrender, which they made during the battle, with a threat to blow up -everything before he would submit. It is to be remarked, that the enemy -not only assured him that all the Italians were killed or prisoners, but -also the greater part of the soldiers with Baez. Still Anzani did not -despair; and I have mentioned him to those of my fellow-citizens who at -different times have despaired of Italy. Ah! there are few like Anzani! -But he that despairs is a coward! - -Our retreating troops entered Salto at midnight, and even at that hour -we found all the soldiers and all the inhabitants awake. The latter came -out with alacrity, and gave all possible attention and care to the -wounded, bringing everything necessary for their relief and comfort. -Poor people! Poor people, who suffered so much in the various -vicissitudes of war, I shall never think of you but with a deep sense of -gratitude! - -I had several severe losses to lament in that remarkable affair, though -the enemy were much the greater sufferers. - -General Servando Gomez, who was the author of the surprise, and who -seemed as if he would annihilate us forever, commenced his retreat on -the 9th, hastily taking with him his shattered division towards -Paisandu, with a great number of wounded men, and leaving the fields of -San Antonio covered with dead. The first day after our arrival was -occupied in giving attention to the wounded; and two French physicians -rendered them the most important services. They were the physicians of -the French ship L'Eclair, whose names have not been obtained, and Dr. -Desroseaux, another young man, then for some time connected with the -Italian Legion. He had fought all the way as a common soldier, and then -devoted himself to the care of his wounded companions. But what most -availed at that painful time were the delicate cares of the ladies of -Salto. - -The succeeding days were occupied in collecting and burying our dead. -The battle had been so extraordinary, that I thought it ought to be -commemorated by an unusual mode of interring the victims, and I chose a -spot, on the top of the hill which overlooks Salto, and which had been -the scene of successful battles. There was dug a trench for all, and -then handfuls of earth were thrown in by the soldiers, until a tumulus -rose, to stand as a memorial. A cross was then placed on the top, with -this inscription on one side: - - "_Legione Italiana, Marina e Cavalleria Orientale_." - -On the other side: - - "_8th Febbrajo, 1846_." - -(The Italian Legion, and the Oriental Marine and Cavalry.—8th February, -1846.") - -The names of those killed and wounded in that brave fight have been -preserved in the journals kept by Anzani. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXIX. - - - EFFECTS OF THE REVOLUTION IN MONTEVIDEO—CHANGE OF DUTIES - OF THE ITALIAN LEGION—NO IMPORTANT MILITARY MOVEMENTS—MY - OCCUPATION WITH THE MARINE—DIPLOMATIC NEGOTIATIONS—THE - TEMPORIZING POLICY OF ROSAS—CHANGE OF ENGLISH AND FRENCH - AGENTS AND ADMIRALS—EVIL CONSEQUENCES—RIVERA IN FAVOR IN - MONTEVIDEO—MY OPERATIONS AT SALTO CONTINUED—SURPRISE - VERGARA'S CAMP—LEAVE IT, TO RETURN. - - -General Medina was now able freely to enter Salto with his suite; and he -retained the superior command until the revolution made by Rivera's -friends in Montevideo. Nothing important, however, took place in all -that period. - -The revolution in Montevideo in favor of Rivera gave a terrible blow to -the affairs of the Republic. The war ceased to be national, and was -directed by miserable factions. About the same time occurred the -revolution in Corrientes, brought about by Madariaga, against General -Paz. Those young chiefs, who had become illustrious by surprising deeds -in delivering their country from the oppressive dominion of Rosas, now, -for jealousy and thirst of power, debased themselves by the meanest -treachery, and thus ruined the cause of their people. General Paz was -obliged to leave the army of Corrientes, and retire to Brazil. Paraguay -recalled her army after his departure; the troops of Madariaga, reduced -by neglect to their own resources alone, were completely beaten by -Urquiza; and Corrientes fell into the power of the Dictator. - -The affair of Montevideo also proceeded no better, and few events of -importance occurred. The Italian Legion, so justly esteemed for their -honorable and daring exploits, had continued their accustomed service of -advanced posts, alternating with the other corps of the capital. Anzani -was with them; and, although no very important engagements took place, -they never failed to prove themselves worthy of their fame. - -I occupied myself more with the marine, fitting up some of the vessels -which were most needed, and in cruising on the river Plata, in the -schooner "Maypú." - -In the meantime the French intervention proceeded every day, and no more -coërcive measure was it proposed to apply to the solution of the -problem; but several diplomatists, whom Rosas deluded and mocked at, -were sent to negotiate, but obtained nothing from him better than -insignificant armistices, which had no effect but to waste the limited -means collected with difficulty in the besieged city. With her change of -policy, France had changed her agents. Such men as Diffandis and Ouseley -for ambassadors, and L'Ainé and Inglefield for admirals, worthy to -sustain a generous policy, and dear to the public, were removed; and -such men were substituted as were devoted to a policy inevitably ruinous -to the people. - -The Oriental government, powerless from the want of means, was obliged -to submit to the dictates of the intervention. Deplorable situation! - -Rivera, being restored to power by his partisans, removed all others. -Most of those who had engaged in the noble defense from disinterested -love of country, had retired, weary of the enterprise, or were displaced -to make room for devotees of Rivera, and unfit men. I found, however, at -Montevideo, (that city of marvellous changes,) the new elements of -another army, and transported them to Las Vacas, on the left bank of the -Uruguay. The soldiers of Montevideo were made for conquerors; and they -proved it in their first encounters with the enemy in the country. At -Mercedes, especially, they performed prodigies of valor; but the evil -influence which misled Rivera at Arroyo Grande and India Muerta, beset -him at Paisandu, where, after a victory, he saw his army defeated. At -Maldonado he embarked again, to return to Brazil, whether more -unfortunate or more culpable, it is difficult to determine. - -The government of Montevideo having fallen into the power of Rivera, I -was left mourning over it, and apprehending public sufferings. The old -General Medina, appointed General-in-chief by the government, with the -consent of the former not only yielded to events, but, the better to -recommend himself to the favor of the new patron, intrigued against my -friend; but they deceived themselves. Both Italians and Orientals loved -him in Salto, and he would have been able, without fear of any one, to -rise independent of the new and illegal power. But the cause of that -unhappy people was too sacred in his eyes. He loved them, and ever -denominated them as good-hearted and generous. To increase their -distresses, by fomenting their internal dissentions, was wholly -incompatible with his views and feelings. - -To establish Rivera in power, the public squares of Montevideo were made -scenes of bloodshed. At Salto the same fatal game was planned; but it -proved impracticable. I contented myself with making reprisals, -assuming, as at first, the command of the forces. At that time occurred -the successful battle against the troops of Lamas and Vergara, on the -20th of May, 1846. Those two divisions, after the affair of San Antonio, -where they fought under the command of Servando Gomez, had been reformed -and reinforced; and they again occupied their positions around Salto, -changing their encampments, but always keeping at some leagues' -distance. We did not fail, now and then, to disturb our enemies as much -as we could, especially when they went out to catch animals. One Major -Dominguez, who had been sent for that purpose by General Medina, was -completely discomfited, losing all his horses and some men. I had the -positions of the enemy's camp examined by spies, and in the night of May -19th, I marched to attack him. I had with me about three hundred cavalry -and a hundred legionaries—the remains of a battalion. Poor youths! they -have since been sadly decimated! My object was to surprise the enemy's -camp at early dawn; and we arrived at the spot, for once, exactly at the -desired moment. I had the aid of Captain Pablo, an American Indian, and -a brave soldier. His infantry were mounted, and they marched all night, -and before break of day came in sight of the enemy's forces in the camp -of General Vergara, on the right bank of the Dayman. The infantry then -dismounted, and were ordered to attack. The victory was very easily -obtained. The troops of Vergara immediately took to flight, and were -driven into the river. They left their arms, horses, and a few men, who -were taken prisoners. But the triumph was far from being complete; for -the troops were to return, and we set off as the daylight increased. The -camp of Lamas was separated from that of Vergara by a small stream; and, -at the first alarm, the former had taken position on the top of a hill, -which commanded both camps. Vergara, with the greater part of his men, -had succeeded in joining Lamas. They were warlike and brave soldiers, -made at the opening of the war. - -Having collected, in the abandoned camp, all the serviceable horses, I -pursued the enemy, but without success. Most of my cavalry were mounted -on _Rodomones_, that is, horses caught and broken only a few days -before; and the enemy were better supplied. It was therefore necessary -to desist from pursuing them, and be content with the advantages gained, -and take the road to Salto. We were, however, very unexpectedly favored, -and in an important manner. While pursuing our march for Salto, we were -in the following order: a squadron of cavalry in platoons, at the head; -the infantry in column, in the centre; the remaining cavalry for the -rear guard, likewise in column. Two strong lines of cavalry, commanded -by Majors Carvallo and N. Fausto, covered our right flank; and the -_cavallada_, with the horses of the infantry, marched on the left. The -enemy, having reörganized, as has been said, and reconcentrated all -their detachments, amounted to about five hundred men in cavalry. Being -acquainted with my force, the enemy flanked us on the right, at a short -distance, so that he seemed disposed to revenge himself. - -I had placed Colonel Celesto Centurion in command of the cavalry,—a very -brave man; while Carone commanded the infantry. The latter was -particularly urged by me to guard against any confusion or disorder in -his ranks, and to prevent it at any sacrifice. He was to preserve their -order, which was that of close column, and never to make a movement by -conversion, but only by flanks and right-about-face. The infantry was to -serve as a point of support to Centurion, and also to re-form in any -event that might happen. The enemy were emboldened, being increased by -detachments. - -Our troops proceeded over beautiful hills, for about two miles from the -banks of the Dayman. The grass had but just begun to grow, but was very -green; and the surface of the ground was undulated like the waves of the -ocean, but lay in all the majesty of stillness, while not a tree or a -bush formed any obstacle. It offered indeed a battle-field, and for the -mightiest hosts. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXX. - - - ON THE MARCH BACK TO SALTO—SUDDEN ATTACK —DESPERATE - DEFENCE—FLIGHT, AND PURSUIT—THE "BOLLA"—EXCELLENCE OF - THE HORSEMEN—INCIDENTS. - - -Having reached the border of a brook, I thought it better not to cross -it, because our small force might be disordered in the passage, and the -hill on the right concealed the great body of the enemy, who were not -far off, and marching in a direction parallel to our own. I thought we -would be attacked at that point; and the result justified my -expectation. I halted, and, wishing to discover the enemy's condition, -sent orders to Major Carvello, to "charge that line of the enemy quite -to the hill." The charge was made, and with bravery, as far as the -eminence, where the assailants stopped, and an adjutant came galloping -up to me, to inform me that the enemy were marching towards us at a -trot, and with their whole force in order of battle. No time was to be -lost. The cavalry on the wings wheeled to the right, and were reinforced -by the line, suddenly concentrated. The infantry formed on the right -flank and towards the enemy. When the line reached the top of the hill, -the enemy's line was marching upon us within pistol shot. - -I must confess that the enemy had made a movement of which my troops -would not have been capable, and which proved that they were brave, -warlike, and well commanded. Seeing this, without taking time for -reflection, I gave the signal for a charge: for as soon as I discovered -them, the enemy were converging, from the centre to the wings, -laterally; and, after having made about half a circle beyond our flanks, -they charged our cavalry by platoons in flank, and so rendered our -infantry useless. I did not hesitate, but ordered my cavalry to close -in, and charge, to avoid losing the advantage of the impetus of the -horses. And indeed they charged well, and fought bravely. - -Several charges were made by the cavalry on both sides, and with -different results. It would be difficult to decide which party displayed -most valor. The enemy being superior in numbers, and in the excellence -of their horses, drove back ours upon our infantry, and soon measured -our lances with their bayonets. The latter, having reformed, with the -aid of their numbers, drove them back, fighting them hand to hand. The -young Italians then performed their feats to admiration; and I remember -them, and the 20th of May, with peculiar pleasure. Compact as a redoubt, -exceedingly active, they ran to every point where their assistance was -needed, always putting the assailants to flight. The enemy fired very -few muskets, but those few were deliberate and sure. - -At last the enemy, having become disordered by numerous charges, became -only a deranged mass; while, on the contrary, our troops, supported by -the infantry, were always able to reörganize for fighting well. The -engagement had lasted about half an hour, in that manner, when, being no -longer approached by organized forces, we were drawn up anew and made a -decisive charge. The enemy then broke, disbanded, and took to flight. A -cloud of "_bollas_" whirled about in the air, and presented a curious -spectacle. - -The _bolla_ is one of the most terrible weapons used by the South -American horsemen. It consists of three balls, covered with leather, and -fastened to three leathern cords, which are connected. One of the balls -is held in the hand, while the other two are flourished in the air over -the head, when the order is given to charge. When a horse is struck in -the leg with one of them, it stops him, and sometimes makes him fall; -and in this way many captures are made. The South American cavalry -soldier is second to none in the world, in any kind of combat; and in a -defeat, they retain their superiority in pursuing their enemy. They are -stopped in their course by no obstacles in the field. If a tree does not -allow them to pass while sitting erect, they throw themselves back upon -the crupper of the half-wild horse, and disappear among the trappings of -the animal. They arrive at a river, and plunge in, with their arms in -their teeth; and sometimes wound their enemy in the middle of the -stream. Besides the bolla, they carry the terrible _Coltelo_, or knife, -which, as before has been mentioned, they keep with them all their -lives, and manage with a dexterity peculiar to themselves. Woe to the -soldier whose horse tires! "Bollado," or struck with the bolla, he -cannot defend himself from the knife of his pursuer, who dismounts to -strike him with it in the throat, and then mounts again, to overtake -others. Such customs prevail among them, that sometimes, when men of -courage meet, even after a victory, scenes occur which would shock a -reader if they were described. - -One of those encounters I witnessed. It occurred at a short distance -from a line, between a party of our soldiers and one of the enemy, whose -horse had been killed. Having fallen to the ground, he rose and fought -on foot, first with him who had dismounted him, whom he treated very -roughly. Another then came to his assistance, then another; and at -length he was engaged with six, when I reached the spot, in order to -save the life of the brave man—but too late. - -Our enemy was now entirely routed, and the victory complete. The pursuit -was continued several miles. The immediate result, however, was not what -it might have been, for the want of good horses, as many of the enemy -escaped. But, notwithstanding this, during the whole time that the -troops remained at Salto, we had the satisfaction of seeing that -department free from the enemy. - -The action of the 20th of May has been described at length, because of -its remarkable success,—the fine, open field on which it was fought, and -the fine climate and sky, which reminded me of Italy. The struggle was -with a practised enemy, superior in number, and better provided with -horses, which are the principal element of that kind of warfare; and -several single combats took place on horseback, with great valor. Our -cavalry performed wonders that day, considering their inferiority. Of -the infantry, it will be sufficient to mention the case of Major -Carvallo, who was my companion at San Antonio and Dayman, and in both -actions fought like a brave man, as he was. In each of them, also, he -had the misfortune to be wounded in the face by a musket-shot. One -struck two inches below his right eye, and the other, in the same spot -on his left cheek, forming a strange symmetry in his face. He was -wounded the second time in the beginning of the battle of Dayman; and -after its close, he asked leave to return to Salto, to have his wounds -dressed. Passing under the battery of the city, he was asked what was -the fate of the day, when he replied, although he was able to speak but -little: "The Italian Infantry are more solid than your battery." - -The names of the dead and wounded in the engagement, as has before been -said, are given in Anzani's "Journal of the Italian Legion." - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXXI. - - - I RETURN TO MONTEVIDEO, WITH THE FLOTILLA—ROSAS - GAINS STRENGTH—THE ARMY OF CORRIENTES DESTROYED BY - URQUIZA—RIVERA'S MISMANAGEMENT—THE INTERVENTION - MISDIRECTED—FALL OF SALTO—DEFENCE AGAIN REDUCED TO - MONTEVIDEO—HIGH DESERTS OF ITS DEFENDERS, NATIVES AND - FOREIGNERS, NOT YET APPRECIATED—AN INTERVAL OCCURS, NOT - MARKED BY IMPORTANT EVENTS—THE REVOLUTIONS IN EUROPE. - - -After the battle of the 20th of May, at Dayman, nothing important -occurred in the campaign of Uruguay. I received orders from the -government to return to Montevideo, with the vessels of the flotilla, -and the detachment of the Italian Legion. A few of the smaller vessels -remained at Salto, and the place was left under the command of -Commandant Artigos, a brave officer, who distinguished himself in the -battle on the 20th of May. A few days after my departure, Colonel Blanco -arrived, and took command of the place at the orders of General Rivera. - -In consequence of errors committed at Corrientes and Montevideo, the -cause of Rosas gained strength very rapidly, and that of the people of -the Plata sunk into a desperate condition. The army of Corrientes was -destroyed by Urquiza in a battle; and that unfortunate people, after -swimming in blood, languished under despotism. Rivera, not profiting by -the lessons of misfortune, ended as he had begun, by removing from -office men who had executed their duties with faithfulness, and -substituting his partisans, destroying the materials of an army of -operations, which the courage and constancy of the people had created -and maintained with incorruptible heroism, and expatriating himself -under the contempt and malediction of all. The English and French -intervention was watched by intriguers and faithless men. The positions -in the interior fell, one after another, into the power of the enemy. -Salto, which had been so honorably acquired and maintained, was taken by -assault by Sevando Gomez, and Colonel Gomez perished in the defence—an -old and brave soldier—with a considerable number of men. At length the -defence of the generous Oriental people was once more reduced to -Montevideo; and there were collected all the men who had become bound -together like brothers, by six years of danger, exploits and -misfortunes. There they had again to erect an edifice, which had been -destroyed by mismanagement, almost to its foundations. - -Villagran, a veteran of forty years of war, a man of virtue, of the -greatest bravery, and reïnvigorated by fighting; Diaz Bojes, shamefully -banished by Rivera, because he would not serve him, but his country; and -many other young officers, who have been dismissed by him, returned to -their posts, with the conscience and the readiness of good men; and with -them the resolute and the faithful returned to the files of the -defenders. - -Orientals, French and Italians marched to the succor of the country with -alacrity; and not a word of discouragement was heard from any one. The -siege of Montevideo, when better known in its details, will be counted -among the noble defences of a people fighting for independence, for -courage, constancy, and sacrifices of all kinds. It will prove the power -of a nation resolved not to submit to the will of a tyrant; and, -whatever their fate may be, they merit the applause and the -commiseration of the world. - -From the time of my return to Montevideo, to that of my departure for -Italy, in 1848, a period intervened marked by no important event. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - OUTLINES - - OF - - GENERAL GARIBALDI'S CAREER IN ITALY - - During the Years 1848 & '9; - - - CHIEFLY GIVEN IN OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS, COLLECTED AND - TRANSLATED BY THEODORE DWIGHT. - - -The translator of the preceding pages applied to General Garibaldi, -while in New York, to write an account of the Roman Republic; and -afterwards requested several of the most intelligent Italian exiles here -to perform the task. They all declined, partly for the want of leisure, -being all engaged in daily business for their own support. They, -however, furnished valuable communications, some of which were embodied -in "_The Roman Republic of 1849_." The following pages are chiefly -occupied by official documents, which have been collected and translated -for this work, in order to present an authentic documentary history of -the great events in which General Garibaldi performed conspicuous parts, -through the momentous struggle for liberty in Rome, in the year 1849. - - - GARIBALDI'S RETURN TO ITALY FROM SOUTH AMERICA, IN 1848. - - -The following brief outline of General Garibaldi's movements, after the -period terminating with the close of his "Autobiography," and previous -to the first French attack on Rome, on the 30th of April, 1849, has been -furnished for publication here by Dr. G. Gajani, now a citizen of New -York, and then a member of the Roman Constituent Assembly, the author of -that highly interesting and instructive work, "The Roman Exile." - -In 1848, when the news of the Italian revolution reached Montevideo, -General Garibaldi gathered his Italian friends and sailed for Italy. -They had arrived in sight of Nice (the native city of Garibaldi), when -Colonel Anzani, the most intimate friend of Garibaldi, breathed his -last. Colonel Anzani was consumptive, and the emotion excited by seeing -Italy again proved too powerful for him. - -Garibaldi with his friends proceeded to the field of battle in Lombardy, -and offered his services to King Charles Albert, who received him -coolly. A few days after, the king was defeated, and signed an armistice -with the Austrians. Garibaldi was not included in that armistice, and -did not choose to lay down his arms. Pursued by the Austrians, he fought -several skirmishes at Como, Varese, Laveno, and other places; but his -troops, being overwhelmed by numbers, disbanded, and he retired into -Switzerland—and, after much suffering, finally made good his retreat -across the Po, into the Papal State, in October, 1848. General Zucchi, -the Minister of War of the Pope, happened to be at Bologna, and wrote to -Count Rossi, Secretary of State of Pius IX., that Zucchi had ordered two -Swiss regiments (which were at the service of the Pope) to march against -Garibaldi, who was then at Ravenna, and "throw him and his followers -_into the sea_"—meaning, probably, to compel them to embark. But, before -this order was executed, the Pope had fled from Rome, and the popular -government which undertook to govern the State, enrolled Garibaldi and -his followers, and gave him a commission to increase his band, and -protect the eastern boundaries of the Roman State against the King of -Naples. - -A short time afterwards the elections for the Roman Constituent Assembly -took place, and Garibaldi was elected at Macerata, and went to Rome to -take his seat in the Assembly, at its opening, on February 9th, 1849. - -After that day Garibaldi put himself again at the head of his troops, on -the boundaries of Naples, and returned with them to Rome, when the -French had landed at Civitavecchia. - - - PRINCIPLES OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLICANS, IN OPPOSITION - TO THE CLAIMS OF POPERY. - - -The Pope at this time published a long and tiresome "_Encyclic_" filled -with true Popish arrogance and subtleties, to which pungent replies were -made,—one entitled, "_The Pope Excommunicated._" - - -_Brief extracts from "Thoughts addressed to the Archbishops and - Bishops of Italy," "on the Encyclical Letter of Pope Pius IX.," - by Mazzini._ - - -The divorce between the world and him (Pius IX.), between believing -people, who are the true Church, and the fornicating aristocracy who -usurp its name, is impressed on every syllable of the Pope's letter. For -many years the Pope has lost the power to love and bless. Excited for a -moment by the immense spectacle of the resurrection of a people, Pius -IX., two years ago, murmured a benediction upon Italy; and that accent -of love sounded so new and unusual on the lips of a Pope, that all -Europe imagined a second era for the Papacy, and became intoxicated with -enthusiasm, ignorant of the history of past ages respecting him who had -pronounced it. Now the monarchs have been paid.... - -The few important points which the Pope's letter contains, are: - -1st, _A theory_ on authority: and 2nd, _A doctrine_ respecting the evils -of the poverty and ignorance which afflict the people in Italy, and in a -great degree elsewhere. Both these deny God, the Word of Christ, and -human nature. - -... The Israel (of Italy) is the revolutionary party, the national -party, who say to Italians, _You are not a race born to be slaves_ of -the Pope, or of the Austrian whip; _you are twenty-six millions of -people_, created free, equal, brethren, all children of God, and -servants of nothing but his law. - -The _theory_ of the Pope's letter is this: "That the poor exist in -consequence of things which cannot and ought not to be changed; that the -Catholic religion preaches to the rich to have charity, which will -obtain from God treasures of grace and eternal rewards; that the poor -should thank the Providence which keeps them in misery, and that they -know how to bear it in peace and a light mind, as an easier way of -salvation in heaven."... - -And to this _theory_ is superadded _the other_, respecting authority: -"Every authority comes from God; every government, _de facto_, is a -government of right. Obey, or, resisting, be condemned." - -In other words, or comprehending the two theories in one: Earth and -heaven constitute a perpetual antagonism—-Right, equality and truth -reign in heaven; fact, force and inevitable evil reign upon earth. There -are two human races: the race of the rich and powerful, and the race of -the poor and servants. The poor exist for the benefit of the rich, in -order that the latter may obtain heaven by exercising charity; and the -servants, in order that the masters can govern with clemency and the -spirit of love. When this is not done, God will give punishments and -rewards in heaven; but, every attempt at melioration on earth, by the -efforts of the poor and servile race, _is sin_. - -And this is the religious doctrine which the church of the Pope teaches -to mankind in the nineteenth century; and she teaches it in the name of -the Gospel of Christ, confronting it to the words— - - "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven:" - -the only prayer which Jesus taught to believers; confronting it to the -command, "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou -serve;" confronting it to, "That all may be one, as thou, Father, art in -me and I in thee." - -No—it is not true that heaven and earth are in antagonism; it is not -true, that, while in heaven the truth and justice of God reign, -submission to fact and reverence for brute force are a law of the earth. -It is not true that the salvation of human creatures is secured, as if -by expiation, by means of resignation or indifference. The earth is the -Lord's; the earth, on which, and for which, Jesus, first, and after him -all the holy martyrs of mankind, shed their tears and their blood. - - - THE CONDITION OF ROME. - - -The time approached when all eyes were to be opened to the real designs -of the French. A crisis was near, when all the charitable hopes of the -sincerity of their amicable professions were to be dispelled. The city -was to be attacked by a foreign army for the first time since the days -of Charles V., in the period of the Reformation, and for the second time -since that of the Northern invasions. In looking back for preceding -events of the same kind, the mind had but a single step more to make—the -attempt by the Gauls. How different the state of the world since those -times! How different the condition of the city; the mode and means of -warfare; the principles engaged; the effect to be anticipated on the -world! - -Never before had the city of Rome been voluntarily deserted by a pope, -and brought to a state of order and tranquility by a mere declaration of -a republic, and become practically and truly a Protestant city. Never -had she been, in the judgment of the world, more certain to be overawed -by a powerful host, and more unable to resist. Deeply interesting must -have been the situation of many a family. - -The negotiations which had been carried on with the Triumvirate, by M. -Lesseps, the French agent, had resulted in nothing but the manifest -exposure of the double-dealing of Louis Napoleon, and a display of the -integrity, ability and patriotism of the Romans. - -There was a mixed multitude within the walls, but most of them belonging -to the city, or other parts of the Roman States, and many of them -soldiers who had been engaged in one or more battles in other parts of -Italy. The whole number of Polanders and other foreigners was trifling. -Volunteers had been hourly arriving for several weeks, some in regular -corps, or companies, others in small bands, and some alone. Col. Manara -had entered the city, at the head of his legion of Lombards, raised and -paid out of his princely fortune, all which, with his services and his -life, he gave an offering to his country. - -The following extract from the Roman _Monitore_, the official journal, -of June 28th, will give a specimen of the style, and the dignity and -intelligence with which the people were daily addressed by the -government. After denying, in such terms, and by such arguments as have -been used in the preceding pages, the calumnious charges against the -character and origin of the defenders of Rome, the _Monitore_ enumerates -the troops in the city, as follows: "The army of the Republic being ten -regiments of infantry, and two of cavalry—_all of them from the Roman -States_; the Medici Legion, of 300 Tuscans; the Foreign Legion, of 250 -men, French and Poles; the Italian Legion of Garibaldi, about 2,000, -_all except_ 300 belonging to _the Roman States_; and, finally, several -battalions of the Military Guard Mobile, some of Rome, some of the -provinces.... The pretended _foreign banditti_, then, who _oppress_ the -Roman people, amount to 1,650 men, in a city of 150,000 inhabitants, and -with 14,000 National Guards. These are the men, too, who for a month -have repelled 30,000 French troops, not only from the city, but from the -country-seats around it, and defended a circuit of 40 miles! The most -solemn denial that can be given to the accumulated falsehoods of our -enemies, is to say to all the people of Europe, "Look, and judge! -Assaulted by four armies at once, in the rushing ruin of Italian -misfortunes, the Roman Republic raised her sacred standard on the towers -of the Capitol, and guards the sacred fire of liberty." - -Day broke on Rome, on the morning of April 30th, 1849, upon a scene -which no human foresight could have anticipated, even a few weeks -before, and which human ingenuity could scarcely have imagined, even in -its principal features. The whole city was in solemn expectation of the -arrival of a large French force, which was known to be on the march from -Civita Vecchia, and near enough to arrive at the walls in a few hours. -Arrangements had been made, and publicly announced, to apprise the -inhabitants of their first appearance in sight, by the striking of -bells. Preparations for defence had been made, and were still making, by -the erecting of works in various places in the squares and streets, to -oppose the French if they should enter the walls; while the troops were -prepared to fight them from the walls and the ground outside. The -elevated positions and buildings were crowded by spectators, some of -them foreigners, of different classes, and from different countries. The -French had pretended to come as friends and protectors, but persisted in -advancing, even after being assured by the Romans that they neither -needed nor desired their assistance. The French, then assuming a tone of -disdain, had plainly expressed their belief that _the Romans would not -fight_. The world was waiting, with anxiety, the result of that day's -movements; and, probably, very few men believed that the French would -meet with any great obstacle. They expected to dine that day in Rome, -and to remain masters of it as long as they pleased. - -Perhaps no news has ever been more unexpected, than that which was that -day sent from Rome to all parts of the world: that the Romans had fought -the French gallantly, with far inferior forces, for several hours, and -driven them twelve miles back towards Civita Vecchia. Such, however, was -the surprising truth; and, had not the Triumvirate peremptorily ordered -Garibaldi to pursue them no further, he would have continued to press -them, with the resolution which he had formed, of driving them into the -sea. - -Among the spectators who wrote accounts of what occurred that day, were -several intelligent men of different nations, who described the defence -as conducted with superior skill, and performed with the greatest vigor -and valor by the Roman officers and soldiers. Interesting letters from -some of these witnesses may be found in the newspapers of different -countries, published soon after; and many concurrent accounts in various -other publications, particularly "Italia del Popolo," a monthly -magazine, published by the exiled patriot leaders. We give below the -official reports of the principal events, during the period of Roman -liberty, in all of which Garibaldi was a conspicuous actor. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - OFFICIAL REPORT - - - OF THE REPULSE OF THE FRENCH ADVANCE OF 8,000 MEN UNDER - GENERAL OUDINOT, UNDER THE WALLS OF ROME—THE FIRST - BATTLE: APRIL 30TH, 1849. - - (Translated for the present work.) - - - ARRANGEMENTS OF THE BATTLE OF THE 30TH OF APRIL. - - -The Triumvirate, with information furnished by the Minister of War, -Citizen General Avezzana, publishes the following report: - -The time necessary to collect, from the different military chiefs, the -particulars relative to the engagement of April 30th, has prevented us -from publishing earlier a precise relation. Now, since such particulars -have been minutely transmitted, we fulfil that duty with such scrupulous -exactness, as is demanded by the truth of history and the just desires -of the public. - -From the 29th, the commander in chief of the arms of the Republic, -General Avezzana, who is also the Minister of War, was fully informed of -the enemy's approach by the numerous scouting parties, whose reports -were confirmed by a French prisoner, who, the same day, fell into an -ambush of our advance-posts. - -On the morning of the 30th, the telegraph giving notice of the advance -of the enemy's forces, announced at nine o'clock, that they were within -five miles of Rome; and the Minister of War sent a captain of the -general staff to the cupola of St. Peter's, to remain there until the -firing should commence, to observe all the movements of the enemy, and -discover their numbers and their intentions. - -In the meantime all measures were taken in the city to repel the -aggression, with such desperate energy as is inspired by the holiness of -right and the justice of the cause. Strong and numerous barricades, at -all the gates and in all the principal streets, especially on the right -side of the Tiber, forbade all access into the city; the bastions, -rising above, crowned with cannon, were prepared to fire upon the enemy; -and the young army, impatient with warlike ardor, placed at the -different points where the attack was expected, was disposed in the -following order: The first brigade, commanded by General Garibaldi, and -composed of the first Italian Legion, the battalion of the University, -the battalion of the Reduced, the Legion of Exiles, and the Mobilized -Finanzieri, occupied, outside of the walls, the whole line from the -Portese Gate to the gate of San Pancrazio; the second brigade, composed -of two battalions of the Mobilized Civic Troops and the First Light, -commanded by Col. Masi, occupied the wall of the Gates Cavalleggieri, -Vatican and Angelica; and finally, the third brigade, commanded by Col. -Savini, and composed of the first and second regiments of Mounted -Dragoons, formed the reserve in Piazza Navona. The fourth brigade, -consisting of the first and second regiments of the line, commanded by -Colonel Galletti, was in reserve at the Chiesa Nuova and Piazza -Cesarini, with all the field cannon not in position. General Giuseppe -Galletti, commander of Carabiniers, and Major Manara, with the Lombard -battalion, forming separate corps, were held ready to proceed wherever -necessity might require. - -Everything concurred to indicate that the enemy, who were eight thousand -men, with two squadrons of cavalry and twelve field-pieces, divided in -two columns, intended to make a double and simultaneous attack at the -gates Cavalleggieri and Angelica. In fact, about eleven o'clock in the -morning, proceeding by Villa Pamfili, they occupied two houses, from -which they commenced an active fire of musketry and artillery against -the Cavalleggieri gate. The valiant General Garibaldi moved from the -gate of San Pancrazio, to attack them in flank, with all his troops and -the University battalion; and there commenced a murderous and obstinate -battle, in which a hundred deeds of personal bravery proved, that the -modern Italians are prepared to imitate the ancient glories of their -fathers. The French made a determined resistance to the onset of -Garibaldi; and even repulsed their assailants, favored by their superior -numbers and by their artillery, which they fired briskly. But, being -reinforced by the Legion of Exiles, the Reduced battalion, the Roman -Legion, commanded by Col. Galletti, and two companies of the first -regiment of the line, charging simultaneously, with the bayonet, they -compelled the enemy to retire precipitately, leaving in the hands of our -troops about three hundred prisoners, among whom were six officers, with -the commander of a battalion, and a great number of killed. - -While they were fighting thus at San Pancrazio, other attacks were made -on the gardens of the Vatican, and along the entire line, from the -Cavalleggieri gate to that of Santa Marta, where the enemy endeavored, -with all their power, to silence our artillery, and where they made two -furious assaults, but were bravely repulsed by the Masi Brigade and the -Mobilized Civic, assisted in good time by the brave and ardent -Carabiniers. At all those points our troops sustained the attacks of the -enemy with admirable firmness and coolness, and, by fighting with the -bravery of veteran soldiers, compelled them to make a precipitate -retreat. In that encounter the National Artillery deserve special -commemoration, under the command of Colonel Calandrelli, who lost two -distinguished officers, besides wounded; and also the Civic Artillery, -who rivalled the former in zeal and ardor. - -Thus repulsed on the whole line, the French retired first to Bravella, -three miles from the city, whence, after a short stop, they continued -their retreat towards Castel di Guido, from which, doubtless, they will -go to Civitavecchia. - -This battle, which wonderfully consolidated the foundation of our -Republic, lasted about seven hours, beginning at ten in the morning and -ending at three in the afternoon, without including, as a part of the -contest, the little skirmishes which were continued until evening, -between our ardent soldiers and the bands of the enemy who were pursued -without ceasing. According to facts collected, and the statements made -by the prisoners, it appears that the enemy lost more than fifteen -hundred men, including killed, wounded and prisoners. On our part we -have to lament only fifty killed and two hundred wounded, among whom are -many officers, subaltern and superior. - -We have only a sentiment of admiration and a word of praise, equal for -all, officers, soldiers and people, who took part in the combat of the -30th. All fought like heroes; all showed that when the love of country -is living and ardent, the sacrifice of life is sweet. In such a case we -cannot make a better eulogium on the valor of our brave men, than by -repeating an extract of a letter written by General Garibaldi to the -Minister of War: - -"All the corps which have fought this day are extremely well-deserving -of the country. A detachment of the line, the first Roman Legion, the -University battalion, the Arcioni Legion, the battalion of the Reduced, -and the first Italian Legion have been rivals in valor. The chief -officers and the soldiers of those corps have merited the gratitude of -Italy and the title of valiant men. Many arms, drums and other articles -of war have remained in our power." - -The merits of the sanitary officers of our ambulances ought not to be -forgotten, who were diligent in collecting on the field, the wounded, on -whom were lavished, as is done in the hospitals, by the ladies, services -truly fraternal; and in mourning over losses, it is grateful to say, -that among the French themselves, many declared, before dying, that they -left life with remorse for having fought against brother-republicans; -while those who were saved, imprecating their government, know not how -to thank us for the assiduous cares of which they have been the objects, -but by repeating as often as their countrymen are made prisoners, '_Viva -la Republica Romana!_' - -In short, a profound sentiment of gratitude requires us to give to that -most truly Italian General, Avezzana, a word of encomium, though far -inferior to that great love of country which impels him to provide for -every exigency of the onerous ministry entrusted to him, with a -tenacious perseverance, and an indefatigable alacrity, which would have -been prodigious in a young man. From the first approach of the enemy, -followed by a portion of his staff, (for many other officers belonging -to it were appointed to the gates, to direct the corps which defended -them,) General Avezzana visited in succession the places attacked, and -by his voice and his example, raising to the highest degree the -enthusiasm of the people, until they asked for arms, and with the -soldiers who were fighting bravely, secured the triumph of the day and -the honor of the country. - -In this aggression, France, sacrificed by a government, the enemy of the -true interests of their country, has suffered immense losses, more moral -than material; she has lost all political influence; she has no right to -our sympathies; and if the justice of our cause has given so much energy -to conquer the most warlike soldier, we have now the profound conviction -of being able to contest, with glory and success, against all the -enemies of the Republic and of Italy. - - The Triumvirs, - CARLO ARMELLINI, - GIUSEPPE MAZZINI, - AURELIO SAFFI. - - ------- - - - FROM AN ACCOUNT OF THE SAME BATTLE OF APRIL 30TH, - BY CARLO RUSCONI. - - -General Oudinot, who, with 8,000 men and 12 field pieces, wished to raze -Rome to the ground, ordered a simultaneous attack on Porta Cavalleggieri -and Porta Angelica, and occupied two houses of Villa Pamfili, from which -he opened an active fire of musketry and artillery. He presented himself -against General Garibaldi, one of those men who serve as types in the -creations of art. Beautiful in person, simple in habits, frugal in -living, courageous as the heroes celebrated in chivalry, he exerted a -fascination on all who surrounded him. He had a thousand men about him, -who would have allowed themselves to be killed a thousand times at his -slightest command. Concise in manner, sparing of words, terrible in -wrath, you would have said that Byron must have had this extraordinary -man before his eyes, when he delineated his immortal Conrad;—Garibaldi, -who was not in his element except when balls were whistling round his -head, moved against the French, attacked them in flank, and, supported -by Col. Galleti, discomfited them, after many hours fighting. - -Garibaldi, having seen that the engagement with musketry proceeded too -slowly, and impatient at that mode of fighting, made a charge on the -French with the bayonet, in the most destructive manner, and which -secured him the victory. Finding that that method turned out well, he -never abandoned it in the successive conflicts; and this explains the -great number of killed in that obstinate war. - - - ------- - - SPIRITED PROCLAMATION TO THE PEOPLE OF ROME, BY THEIR - REPRESENTATIVES, THE DAY AFTER THE FIRST BATTLE. - - -People! yesterday commenced the entrance of the French into Rome. They -entered by the Porta San Pancrazio—as prisoners! To us, people of Rome, -this does not cause much surprise; but it may excite a curious sensation -in Paris. That also will be well. - -People! the attack will be renewed. Let us do as we did yesterday; and -especially do not be alarmed if a few batteries should be silenced by -their cannonade. Reports of cannon startle the ears, and somewhat shake -the houses: but, in fact, when they do not reach united masses of -people, they destroy but very few victims.... - -We request good shopkeepers to keep at their business constantly: that -will have a good influence and be very convenient at the same time. - -To-day we have need to fortify Pincio, (the Pincian Mount;) be there -early, in goodly numbers, and let us labor together. - - ------- - - - PROCLAMATION BY THE COMMITTEE OF THE BARRICADES, - TWO DAYS AFTER THE FIRST BATTLE. - - -People! General Oudinot promised to pay all and all in cash. Well, let -him pay, if he can, for the Tapestries of Raffaele, shot through with -French bullets; let him pay for the losses—no, not the losses, but the -insult cast on Michael Angelo. Napoleon at least carried to Paris our -master-pieces, and in a certain way Italian genius received the -admiration of the foreigner, as a recompense for the conquest. Not so -to-day. The French government invade our territory, and carry their -singular predilection for Rome so far, as to wish to destroy her, rather -than have her exposed to the impatience of the terrible (General) -Zucchi, and the threats of Radetzky and Gioberti, who are both at -several weeks' distance from the Tiber. General Oudinot is more hasty -than our enemies. The Republic is grateful to him. Do you know why? -Because, while the Imperialists occupy Alessandria, without a blow -struck by Charles Albert, it is a great Italian glory, that the People's -Rome honorably repels the Republicans of France, whom a black government -sends against us, after calumniating us as robbers and assassins. And -the Popes? Let us preserve, in memory of them, the cannon-balls which -solemnly celebrated the anniversary of the Pontifical Encyclic. Enough! -Of kingdoms and triple kings let us talk no more. Let us now think of -the Barricades. Let us think of our honor, which we must fully -vindicate. Rome, like Scævola, has still her arm on the burning torch, -and has sworn an oath. The three hundred of Scævola routed Porsenna. The -history of Rome is not yet finished. - - The Representatives of the People, - - E. CARNESUCHI, - V. CATTABENI, - V. CALDESI. - -_Rome_, May 2d. - - ------- - - - THE NEAPOLITAN INVASION. - - -On the same day the following Proclamation was published by the -Triumvirate, announcing the approach of the numerous army of the King of -Naples. Five days later they announced the arrival of the Spanish army, -of 5000 men, on the coast. Both those armies had been raised, in -obedience to the call of the Pope, as well as that of France, which had -just been so manfully driven from the walls of Rome. - - ------- - - - PROCLAMATIONS OF THE TRIUMVIRATE, - AT THE TIME OF THE NEAPOLITAN INVASION. - - -_Rome_, May 2d, 1849.—Romans! A corps of the Neapolitan army, having -covered the frontier, threatens to move against Rome. - -Their intent is to restore the Pope, as absolute master in temporal -affairs. Their arms are persecution, ferocity, and pillage. Among their -files lurks their king, to whom Europe has decreed the name of _the -Bombarder of his own subjects_; and around him stand the most inexorable -of the conspirators of Gaeta. - -Romans! We have conquered the first assailants: we will conquer the -second. The blood of the best Neapolitans, the blood of our brothers of -Sicily, lies on the head of the traitor-king. God, who blinds the -wicked, and strengthens the defenders of right, chooses you, O Romans, -for avengers. Let the will of the country and of God be done. - -In the name of the rights which belong to every country; in the name of -the duties which belong to Rome, in regard to Italy and Europe; in the -name of the Roman mothers, who will bless the defenders of their -children; in the name of our liberty, our honor, and our conscience; in -the name of God and the people; let us resist, soldiers and people, -capital and province. Let Rome be as inviolable as eternal justice. We -have learned that, to conquer, it is enough not to fear death. - - THE TRIUMVIRS. - - ------- - - - THE BATTLE OF PALESTRINA. - - -The retreat of the French army back to the seashore, and the armistice -which occurred after the first battle, of April 30th, afforded a -remarkably convenient opportunity to attend to the King of Naples and -his army, which amounted to about twenty thousand men. The following is -a description of their position, and the marching of the Roman army -against them, translated from the beginning of the report of Gen. -Roselli, then commander-in-chief. The report includes the time from his -leaving Rome, May 16th, until the occupation of Velletri, May 20th, -1849. - -"The Neapolitan army occupied the position of Albano, Velletri and -Palestrina, and had their line of operations directed towards Rome. - -The army of the Republic left Rome, to attack the enemy, on the 16th and -17th, and manœuvred to turn their flanks and cut off their -communications with the Neapolitan State. The point of direction of the -army was Monte Fortino, whence it might menace all the enemy's -communications. - -The Neapolitans had no other way but to retreat, or come out and attack -us in the positions we had chosen. The army was composed of five -brigades, and one of cavalry, with twelve pieces of cannon. The first -brigade, with a squadron of lancers and two pieces of artillery, -commenced the march. I left Rome at five o'clock, P.M., and took the -direction of Zagarola, by the road of Campanelle, to expose the right -flank as little as possible. The march was very rapid; we reached -Zagarola at ten before noon. The vanguard passed the town rapidly, and -encamped on the hills which defend the roads of Palestrina and Albano. -According to instructions, the next day it was intended to attack -Palestrina, and then march on Velletri; but we learned, from our patrols -and information, that the enemy were no longer in Palestrina, having -concentrated their forces in Velletri. It was then immediately decided -to occupy Monte Fortino. - -The order had been given to put the army in movement before daylight; -but, from misunderstanding, and insufficiency of the means of transport, -the arrival of provisions having been delayed, our brave soldiers were -compelled to lose precious time," &c., &c. - -The report of the commander-in-chief being deficient in details, I -sought for more particulars from Gen. Garibaldi, and soon obtained the -following succinct account, written down from his lips, accompanied with -a hasty plan of the battle-ground, drawn by his pen. It now became -evident that the common opinion was correct, which attributed the two -remarkable victories of Palestrina and Velletri to Garibaldi; as the -vanguard, led by him, had all the fighting to do; and the main body of -the Roman army, under Roselli, did not arrive until the result was -mainly secured. - - ------- - - - GEN. GARIBALDI'S ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLES - OF PALESTRINA AND VELLETRI. - - -"My first object," said he, "was to turn the enemy's flank; for I -thought that if the King of Naples once heard that I was in his rear, he -would be frightened; and so it proved." - -The following is the substance of his account of the engagements, from -notes taken in 1850: - -The Neapolitans occupied the strong positions of Tusculum mountains, -with their head-quarters at Velletri, and their advanced guard at -Albano. Their extreme left was at Castel Gondolfo, and their extreme -right a small village. - -The battle of Palestrina was about ten days before that of Velletri. The -troops present at the former were a hundred cavalry, under Col. Massina; -300 Bersaglieri, under Col. Manara; 200 Finanzieri of the Nationals; 200 -Students, mobilized; and the Italian Legion, of 1,000—in all, about -1,800 men. - -Garibaldi was sent out to harrass and observe the Neapolitans, with his -division, and was at Palestrina, when seven thousand of the enemy were -sent against him, with the intention of attacking him. - -Between the Tusculum Mount and Palestrina is a valley, in one of the -projections of the Apennines, in an amphitheatre. When Garibaldi -perceived that the enemy had arrived at Valmontone, he sent a detachment -to observe them. But it was repulsed, with the videttes, and retired -upon the corps. When the Neapolitans reached Palestrina, Garibaldi -prepared to defend himself. The enemy advanced, by two roads, against -Palestrina, when Garibaldi prepared two companies, to protect the -returning soldiers, or to harrass the enemy, if occasion should offer; -while he remained in the centre, with a reserve. - -The Neapolitans extended in line, and attacked; but were repulsed on the -left and the centre. The two companies on the right were driven back, -when Garibaldi, being victorious in other parts, proceeded with the -reserve to the right, and the rout of the enemy was then completed. A -strong body of royal Swiss troops, in the pay of Bomba, was present. The -Republicans being destitute of cavalry, and the speedy arrival of night, -saved the wrecks of the troops of Bomba. - -From Palestrina, Garibaldi returned to Rome. - - ------- - - - THE BATTLE OF VELLETRI. - - -A few days after, he again left Rome, with the Roman army, and was in -the vanguard, having under his orders the First Italian Legion, of -eleven hundred men; the Third of the line, eight hundred; fifty cavalry, -and two light guns. - -At Valmontone he received advices that the Neapolitans were sending back -their baggage and heavy artillery, and he therefore concluded that they -were retreating, and pressed forward, sending notice to the principal -corps. At Monte Fortino he received more positive information, and -continued to advance with haste. About eight o'clock A. M. he was in -sight of Velletri, which was on the road, and two miles distant. He then -discovered the enemy's cavalry, in _échellon_, on the Appian Way, to -protect the retreat of their army, for which they were preparing. The -main body of the Neapolitan army was then at Velletri; and, as soon as -Garibaldi's corps was discovered by them, the Neapolitans moved to -attack it. - -He drew up the Third of the line, in _échellon_, by companies, near the -road, which was among hills covered with vineyards, to protect his -retreat in case of necessity, and to act as a reserve in case the enemy -should attack. He placed the First Italian Legion on both sides of the -road, in the best position he could, and thus awaited the assault of the -enemy, leaving two companies in column in the road itself. The cavalry -and artillery he placed in positions adapted to be most serviceable. - -The enemy attacked: but all their attempts were fruitless. They had many -killed, and were finally obliged to shut themselves up in the city, on -the defensive. - -Garibaldi's corps alone was too weak to prevent the retreat of the -enemy, which was finally effected by night. - -The principal corps of the Roman army, of seven thousand men, under -Roselli, arrived late, and tired with their march. An attempt, however, -was made to attack the city in front, by charging, at the head of the -First Roman Legion, with the battalion of artillery placed in a good -position upon the road. The Neapolitans sustained the positions of the -city, in which they remained the rest of the day. The Republicans took -positions, in order to renew the attack the next day: but in the morning -the Neapolitans retreated, and disappeared from Velletri. - -These bold and successful operations, so briefly described, were of the -highest importance, in their results, both by driving back the enemy, by -encouraging the Republicans, and by adding to their reputation. The rout -of the Neapolitans was so decisive, that they gave no further annoyance, -and never appeared again during the war. - -As for the poor Spanish army, which had landed on the coast, in -obedience to the call of the poor Pope, they did nothing but issue a few -bombastic proclamations, and kept themselves out of harm's way. - -The French, in the meantime, were preparing to take decisive measures -against Rome. The wounded, whom they had left behind them on the 30th of -April, had been tenderly nursed by the Roman ladies, who had volunteered -to attend at the hospitals; and three or four hundred prisoners had been -harangued in the Corso, by the commander-in-chief, addressed as -brother-republicans, in the name of the government and people, and -dismissed without exchange or parole, with open gates, to return to -Civitavecchia. On their arrival there, however, full of their praises of -the noble Romans, they were immediately shipped for France, for fear of -their influence among the troops. - -The French army soon moved, in great force, for Rome, with heavy -artillery and all preparations for a siege. But their first step was to -violate the amnesty, by suddenly attacking the outposts, the night -before the time limited by the armistice, and while they were almost -unprotected. - - ------- - - - (Translated from the Monitore Romano, of June 8, 1849.) - - GENERAL GARIBALDI'S ACCOUNT OF THE - ACTION OF JUNE 3d, 1849, - - WITH THE FRENCH, AT VILLAS CORSINI AND VASCELLO. - - -On leaving the Bastion, the ground on the right rises a little in the -direction of the Villa Vascello; and on the left forms, by a gentle -descent, a little valley, which leads towards the French camp. - -From the gate of San Pancrazio a street leads directly to the Vascello, -(two hundred and fifty paces,) and then divides. The principal branch -descends on the right along the garden of the Villa Corsini, surrounded -by high walls, and goes on to join the great road to Civitavecchia. -Another, flanked by hedges, leads directly to the Villa Corsini, which -is three hundred paces in front of the Villa Vascello. And the third -road turns to the left, and is prolonged, like the first, by the wall of -the garden of the Villa Corsini. - -The Villa Vascello is a large and massive fabric of three stories, -surrounded by gardens and walls. In front of the Villa (fifty paces) is -a small house, from which firing may be made against the windows of the -Villa Corsini. - -On the left road, (one hundred paces,) beyond the point of separation of -the streets, are two small houses, one behind the garden of Villa -Corsini, the other twenty paces before, on the left of the street. - -The Villa Corsini, placed on the highest part of the ground, commands -all the neighborhood. It is surrounded by a garden and high wall. The -position of the Villa is very strong, and the more so because wishing to -attack it without showing any preparation of approach before hand, it is -necessary, while passing the concello, which is at the foot of the -garden, to bear the concentrated fire which the enemy, defended and -covered by the hedges and vases, or within the Villa itself, make upon -that point at which the garden-walls meet at an acute angle. - -The ground is also very descending; and, besides, the Villa Corsini is -very favorable to the enemy, because declining, and being scattered with -groves, and crossed by deep streets, they can concentrate their reserves -in security from our fire, when the cannon oblige them to abandon the -house. - -The first attack made by the Italian Legion was against the positions -Corsini and Quattro Venti, which had been abandoned by our troops, -because surprised, betrayed, and overpowered by the great number of the -enemy. The attack was made with the bayonet, without firing a single -shot; the Legion sustained, for about three-quarters of an hour, the -whole weight of the enemy; and Colonels Daverio and Massina, and -Commandant Peralta were killed, and most of the officers wounded. - -At that moment arrived the Manara Bersaglieri, who throwing themselves -into the garden, vigorously attacked the enemy, even under the walls of -the Villa. Here fell Captain Dandolo and many soldiers; and many -officers and soldiers were wounded. But from that moment the houses on -the left were ours. The enemy had stopped their progressive work, and -the Vascello, strongly occupied, poured on them a fire of grape shot. -The brave artillerymen very soon disturbed the enemy in the Villa -Corsini. - -The Manara Bersaglieri, from the Casini on the left, and the Italian -Legion from the Vascello, drove the French Tiraglieurs from the garden -and hedges. Both parties kept up a very warm fire. - -The enemy were no more able, although reinforced and protected by two -pieces of artillery, to take from our troops the position held with so -much valor. - -The artillery fired upon the Villa Corsini so vigorously, that the enemy -were compelled to retreat, after setting it on fire; while the cannon in -the right Bastion, and Bersaglieri, thrown forward of the Vascello, -attacked with great ardor the enemy, who were in the Casino Quattro -Venti, and who occupied numerous small adjacent houses, from which they -made a very heavy but useless fire. - -On the left, towards the French camp, two companies of the Manara -Bersaglieri were then sent, who went far in advance, to annoy the enemy, -hidden among the vines. - -A very severe conflict continued all day, always to the advantage of our -troops, who were able, even a second time, (the Manara Bersaglieri and -Italian Legion,) to charge the enemy beyond the Villa Corsini. - -Towards evening several companies of the third regiment of the line were -sent to reinforce our troops in the Vascello; and the Medici Legion was -sent to relieve the Manara Bersaglieri in the Casini on the left. - -The cannon reduced almost to dust the Villa Corsini and the Casino -Quattro Venti, being wonderfully well directed—due praise to the brave -Lieut. Col. Ludovico Calandrelli. - -The enemy were beaten at all points. Our troops, and especially the -Manara Bersaglieri and the Italian Legion, again and again charged the -enemy breast to breast. - -The first company of Manara Bersaglieri threw itself into the Villa -Giraud, and made many French prisoners. The Italian Legion several times -advanced up to Villa Valentini. - -At evening the Medici Legion vigorously charged the enemy among the -vineyards on the left. - -The night came, leaving to us the field of battle, the enemy admiring -our valor, and our troops desirous of renewing the battle, which had -been so courageously fought on the first day. This they did on the -following morning. - -All the officers, and especially the superior and subaltern officers -whom I wish to distinguish, are these here recorded, because martyrs and -dying as brave men. - -Cols. Masina, Daverio, and Ramorino; Adj. Major Peralta; Lieuts. Bonnet, -Cavalleri and Grassi; Capts. Dandalo and David, Lieut. Scarani, Col. -Polline, Lieuts. Larete and Gazzaniga. - - GARIBALDI, - Commander of the Division. - - -[The siege and resistance continued: but the particulars must be omitted -here. Passing over three weeks we come to the last great, but -unsuccessful attack on the Vascello.] - - - Translated from the "Monitore Romano" (Roman Monitor), - of June 26th, 1849. - - OFFICIAL BULLETIN OF EVENTS WHICH - TOOK PLACE ON THE 25TH AND 26TH OF - JUNE, 1849. - - -In the last night the enemy made an attack, to dislodge our troops from -the Casino, outside the gate San Pancrazio, called the Vascello, but -were repulsed with great loss. For the particulars of that action, -glorious to our arms, I publish the following extract from a report sent -to me by the brave general of division, Garibaldi: - - - GEN. GARIBALDI'S REPORT TO ROSELLI, - THE GENERAL-IN-CHIEF. - -CITIZEN GENERAL-IN-CHIEF: - -One hour after midnight the enemy tried a second attack, and assaulted -our right flank, breaking in towards the Vascello, which is under the -command of Lieutenant-Colonel Medici, and on the left side of the -Casetta, which is under the command of Major Cenni. - -With lively pleasure I communicate to you how heroically our troops -sustained themselves, and powerfully repulsed them. - -The very deep mist, which involved everything, rendered the conflict the -more interesting. Our soldiers gave proofs of their diligence and love -for the cause. - -Many dead, who still lie unburied on the enemy's ground, bear them -witness. And the highest encomium is due in general to the detachments -Medici and Melara, and to the Manara Bersaglieri, on the right wing, and -on the left to Major Cenni, of the staff of the division; and, of the -Arcioni legion, to Captains Joanny, Baily, Romagnori; 1st Lieutenant -Carlotti; 2d Lieutenant Bellonghi; and to all the soldiers of that -corps. Of the Regiment of the Union, Capt. Colombani and Lieut. Dezzi -distinguished themselves. The soldiers are the same as those who so -lately defended the Casetta, near the Vascello. - -And the detachment of the line should not be forgotten, commanded by -Sub-Lieutenant Ferrandi, of the 3d regiment, who showed themselves -openly, and intrepid under fire. When the firing had ceased, in -consequence of the repulse of the enemy, there was an almost perfect -silence, interrupted only by a few exchanges of shot, chiefly harmless. -Nothing important occurred before daybreak, and things still remain as -yesterday. - -Salutation and brotherhood! - -General Head-quarters, morning of June 26th, 1849. - - GARIBALDI. - General commanding the 1st Division. - - -The following editorial passage follows the preceding report, in the -same paper, the _Monitore Romano_. As it relates to a subject of which -much use was afterwards made by the French and Popish writers, to -justify themselves, and falsely to accuse the Romans, it seems proper to -insert it here, for the information of the reader. In spite of what is -here said (greatly to the disgrace of the French invaders), many of the -statues, buildings, pictures, and other valuable "monuments of the -city," were injured, and some destroyed, by their bullets, grape-shot, -cannon-balls and bomb-shells. They chose their point of attack near St. -Peter's church and the Vatican palace, and sometimes appeared to aim -their artillery for the wanton destruction or injury of those and other -edifices. - - - From the Monitore Roman of June 26th, 1849. - -The Paris _Constitutionnel_, and all the other journals of the (French) -government, make known the reason why General Oudinot has not yet -entered Rome, in the following passage: - -"It is wrong to believe that Rome can be, in a few days, rescued from -the state of defence in which it has been placed by the _foreigners who -occupy it_. Even if the possibility of success in an attack by main -force were demonstrated, with the use of all the means authorized by -war, other considerations should prescribe the greatest circumspection -to our general-in-chief. In reality, the order to attack, which was sent -to Gen. Oudinot, contains an express recommendation to adopt the most -complete measures to avoid the exposure of the monuments of the city, -which are now placed under the safeguard of France. Considerations of -humanity are no less in the plans of our generals, who in no case will -confound the Roman population with the bands of adventurers who ruin and -oppress it. For all these reasons, the besieging forces will confine -themselves to the attack of exterior works, and of positions from which -the city and the monuments can not receive any injury." - - -[Remarks on the preceding extract from the _Constitutionnel_, by the -editors of the _Monitore Romano_.] - -"This, it cannot be denied, is an ingenious expedient to justify the -slowness of the _brilliant successes_ of Oudinot under the walls of -Rome. It is not a posthumous expedient, but a witty one, invented _after -the act_. The General had first to think how to let his bomb-shells by -hundreds fall, not upon the _foreigners_ who defend Rome, but upon the -heads of the harmless population whom he has come to _protect_. He must -think first how to ruin the edifices of Raffaelle, the Aurora of Guido, -the temple of Fortuna Virilis, and, only yesterday, the most beautiful -fresco of Poussin, in the palace Costaguli, now irreparably lost, -because it has never been copied or engraved. - -"But this does not prevent the Roman monuments from being placed _under -the safeguard_ of the French arms! This did not prevent them from having -within their scope the defence of the liberty of the people, oppressed -by foreigners! Hypocrites and wretches! you do not possess even the -brutal frankness of Austria!" - -The following brief notices of events in Paris, published in the same -number of the _Monitore Romano_, convey striking hints of the condition -to which Louis Napoleon was reducing France, while his army was -attempting to overthrow the Roman Republic, and fabricating excuses for -his ill success. - -_Paris_, June 15th.—The members of the Legislative Assembly under trial -for revolutionary proceedings exceeds twenty; and the list is not yet -complete, (Ledru Rolin was at the head of these.) - -The Moniteur publishes two decrees of the President of the Republic. By -the first, considering that the existing condition of Paris renders -necessary the union in one hand of all the disposable forces of the -national guard and of the army, it is decreed, that General Changarnier -shall unite the superior command of the national guard of the Seine with -the command of the troops of the first military division, until the -public tranquillity shall be restored in the capital. By the second, the -city of Lyons and all the circuit comprised in the sixth military -division are placed in the state of siege. - -Arrests continue to-day. The whole number is three hundred.... Letters -and papers seized will lead to other arrests. - -By a decree of the Executive the following newspapers are suppressed, -(naming six.) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - THE BATTLE OF JUNE 30TH. - - - GENERAL GARIBALDI'S LAST OFFICIAL REPORT IN ROME. - - -_General Head-quarters, San Pietro in Montorio, July 1, 1849._—Yesterday -was a day fruitful in deeds of arms: losses and advantages. Yesterday -Italy counted new martyrs. Colonel Manara leaves a void in the -Republican files, difficult to be supplied. Young, of surprising merit -and valor, he was struck by an enemy's ball, while courageously -defending the Villa Spada against an enemy very superior. America -yesterday gave, with the blood of a valiant son, Andrea Aghiar, a pledge -of the love of liberal men of all countries for our fair and unfortunate -Italy. - -Lieutenant Colonel Medici distinguished himself by skill and courage, in -the defence of the first bastion on the right of the gate of San -Pancrazio, and of the position Savorelli. He was distinguished in the -company of the brave Colonel Ghilardi, commandant of that line. - -The Medici Legion and the first of the line fought like lions. They -several times repelled assaults in the breach, and paid with the -precious life of many young men, the hope of the country, the sacred -debt of all. - -Part of the Manara Legion fought at the point of the bayonet with their -accustomed courage, in union with the companies of the regiment Massi. - -The Italian Legion, under the command of Colonel Manara, showed itself -worthy of its fame in the defence of the Villa Spada. The Third of the -Line, in defending the positions which were confided to it, covered -itself with glory. - - GARIBALDI. - - ------- - - - THE CITY TO CEASE HER RESISTANCE. - - -It was now decided that the further defence of Rome was impossible, -without exposing the city to destruction. The enemy were within the -walls, and could not be dislodged. They were indeed so strong, that the -Romans would be obliged at least to abandon their line, and retire to -this side of the Tiber, which General Avezzana and Garibaldi proposed to -defend with obstinacy. But the inhabitants apprehended, from such a -step, the speedy ruin of their houses by the French cannon and shells; -and, after a Council which they held with the Assembly, it was resolved -to cease resistance. Garibaldi saw that his work was done in the -capital; and, with feelings which we may in some degree realize, he -resolved not to witness the disgrace brought upon his noble cause, nor -to leave his gallant companions to be disarmed and remain useless to the -country. He doubtless foresaw that many of them would follow wherever he -would lead; and then certainly, not less than at other times, he felt an -impulse to lead where only courageous men would follow. He thought of -the city of Venice, then besieged by the Austrians, by sea and land, and -indulged the flattering hope of being able to reach her, and join her -brave defenders. The wide space to be passed over, and the far superior -force which the enemy could send to oppose him, were insufficient to -discourage him; and he resolved to go. But one obstacle was in his way. -His wife was urgent to accompany him, which he opposed; but in vain. - -The government issued the following proclamations:— - - - [Translated from the Monitore Romano, of Monday, - July 2, 1849.] - - ROMAN REPUBLIC: - -The Constituent Assembly, in the name of God and the people, _decrees_: - -The Triumvirs, Armellini, Mazzini, and Saffi have deserved well of the -country. - - - ALLOCALETTI, _President_. - - SANTARGES, - COCCHI, - ZAMBIANCH, - PINNACCHI. - -_Rome, July 1st, 1849._ - - -The following was published yesterday:— - -Romans! The Triumvirate is voluntarily dissolved. The Constituent -Assembly will communicate to you the names of our successors. - -The Assembly, deeply affected, after the act of yesterday, performed by -the enemy, with a desire to deliver Rome from extreme dangers, and to -prevent the fruitless sacrifice of any more lives for the defence, have -decreed the cessation of hostilities. The men who were in the right -during the contest, could not well continue to govern in the new times -which are preparing. The mandate sent to them has ceased _de facto_, and -they hasten to resign it to the hands of the Assembly. - -Romans! Brothers! you have written a page which will remain in history, -a proof of the power and energy which slept in you, and of your future -deeds, of which no force can deprive you.... Assembled under the -Republican banner, you have redeemed the honor of the common country, -elsewhere contaminated by deeds of evil men, and overthrown by -monarchical impotency. Your Triumvirs, becoming simple citizens among -you, carry with them the highest comfort in their consciousness of pure -intentions, and the honor of having their names associated with your -bravest deeds. - -A cloud is rising to-day over your prospects and you. It is the cloud of -an hour. Remain firm in the consciousness of your rectitude, and with -the faith in which many armed apostles among you have died. God, who has -treasured up their blood, is surely for you. God wills that Rome shall -be great; and she will be. Yours is not a defeat; it is a victory of the -martyrs, to whom the tomb is the passage to heaven.... Viva la Republica -Romana! - - - The Triumvirs, - GIUSEPPE MAZZINI, - CARLO ARMELLINI, - AURELIO SAFFI. - - ------- - - - THE CONSTITUTION OF THE ROMAN REPUBLIC - ADOPTED—THE CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY DISSOLVED. - - -The Constituent Roman Assembly, in their session of yesterday, -definitively voted, with unanimity, and _viva voce_, the Constitution of -the Republic. - -Having fulfilled, by this act, the essential part of its high mission, -the Assembly decreed, on motion of the Deputy Agostini, that the law be -engraved on two marble tables and placed on the capital, as an eternal -monument of the unanimous will of the people, legitimately represented -by their Deputies. Woe to him who shall touch those tables of the new -civil and political compact which the Roman People form with themselves -before God, in the view of all civilized nations! This compact has been -sealed with the blood of martyrs, with the blood of all those who, -following the voice of their hearts, hastened to Rome, as to the ancient -Mother, to defend the honor and the liberty of Italy, and to lay the -first stone of her future and inevitable independence. - -Whatever may be the present results of measures which foreign supremacy -is preparing, the Assembly, the People, the National Guard and the Roman -Army have the consciousness of having fulfilled their duty. - - (From the same paper.) - -Before dissolving the solemn session, the Assembly decreed a funeral in -the Basilica of St. Peter, to all the heroes who have offered their -lives for the country and for the Republic, under the walls of Rome. As -to the wounded, as no less worthy of honor, and in need of care, the -Assembly voted a Hospital, and appropriated for the purpose one of the -national palaces. - -Finally, that nothing might be wanting to the harmony which always -prevails among the people, the Constituent Assembly and the citizens in -whom, in the last moments, they had entrusted the salvation of the -country, the Assembly declared, by a solemn decree, well deserving of -the country, the Triumvirs, Armellini, Mazzini, and Saffi. - - (From the same paper.) - -We have said it, and we repeat it, and we will repeat it always: The -Republic arose in Rome by universal suffrage; rose on the ruins of the -throne of the Popes, which the cry of all Europe, the maledictions of -all civilized nations, and the spirit of the Gospel, had crumbled into -dust. To-day, when on that throne, stigmatized by civilization, flows -the blood of so many victims, who will dare to raise it again? A -mountain of corpses shuts up, to the Pontiff, the way to that throne; -and to ascend it again, the white stole of the priest must be dyed with -human blood! Can the Pope, like the tyrants, sit upon a seat of -bayonets? But it is not in the power of France, it is not in the power -of Europe conspiring, to restore the Pope to the minds of citizens, -after the enormous events which have occurred. The sceptre of the Popes -is morally broken for ever. - - ------- - - - PROCLAMATION OF THE MINISTER OF WAR. - - -Romans! The last word of the Minister of War is a mark of admiration of -your valor, and an urgent request to you, to persevere in the sacred -enterprise of the redemption of Italy. - -Your martyrs died with this name upon their lips. - -Difficulties of your condition—adversity of destiny—diplomatic -snares—deceitful words—let them never arrest you. - -The legacy of the valiant who have fallen for you on the walls of the -Eternal City, is holy and inviolate! They have reopened Roman history—Do -you continue its fame. - - G. AVEZZANA. - - ------- - - - GARIBALDI'S DEPARTURE FROM ROME - - WITH HIS REMAINING TROOPS, AND HIS - CELEBRATED RETREAT TO THE ADRIATIC. - - -Garibaldi collected his troops after the government had determined to -cease resistance, and addressed them in his Spartan speech, which has -been so much admired; then proceeding out of the gates, followed by a -considerable portion of his troops, he took his course across the -Campagna, his wife accompanying him on horseback, notwithstanding all -his affectionate remonstrances. He had resolved to make a desperate -effort, to avoid the necessity of submitting to the enemy. - -The retreat of Garibaldi from Rome to the little port of Cesenatico, on -the Adriatic, while pursued by an Austrian and a French army, has been -much admired for the boldness, skill and judgment which were displayed, -through a daily change of dangers, discouragements and sufferings, which -would seem too great to be so long endured. His route lay through Forli -and Cantalupo to Terni, then declined to the left to Todi, Capretto and -Orvieto, where the French troops showed themselves; then on to the -frontier of Tuscany, after which they passed Arezzo, and crossing a -mountain, reached Cisterna; then, passing on to Borgo, Santangelo in -Vado, and Montefeltro, he arrived at San Marino, near the close of July, -and left there on the night of the 31st for Cesenatico, where they -embarked in several boats, and sailed for Venice. Several of these were -captured or sunk, and others driven to the shore, among which last was -that which contained Garibaldi, his wife, Bassi, Cicerouacchio, and his -two sons, whose fate has been mentioned in the preceding pages. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - TEN YEARS LATER. - - - - - CHAPTER I. - - "In thy bosom, fair Italia, - Fire is cherish'd warm and bright, - Ling'ring time alone delays it; - Hour expected—day of light! - Three long centuries we've waited; - Lo! it dawns—a glorious sight!" - "_Banks of Dora_"—_an Italian Song of 1846_. - - GARIBALDI WAITING HIS TIME—THE ISLAND OF CAPRERA—HIS - CONFIDENCE IN THE APPROACH OF ITALIAN DELIVERANCE, - EXPRESSED IN HIS PRECEDING AUTOBIOGRAPHY, AND AT - NEW YORK—HIS PERSONAL APPEARANCE—INJUSTICE DONE - TO HIS CHARACTER AND STYLE OF WRITING—M. DUMAS' - BOOK—PREPARATION OF THE ITALIAN PEOPLE FOR UNION AND - LIBERTY, BY SECRET SOCIETIES—CHANGES OF POLICY—THE - PRINCIPLES OF THE ITALIAN PATRIOTS ADOPTED BY FRANCE AND - ENGLAND—CONSEQUENCES. - - -The portion of Garibaldi's life recorded in the preceding pages, -interesting and important as it was, now proves to have been but the -prelude and preparation of the mighty and momentous scenes which -Providence had in reserve for an extraordinary man like him, fitted by -such a long, arduous, and perilous training as he had received, under -the supervision of heaven. A war like that of Armageddon, so awfully -depicted in the Book of Revelation, was now preparing; and all the -effects of the persevering labors and pious prayers of Italian patriots, -devoted to the liberation of their country, were now to be seen in the -spirit of harmony and bravery which had been inculcated by the secret -societies, fostered by the experience gained in the revolutions of 1820, -'31, and '46, and many insurrections attempted; and now for the first -time, under a leader long known for his unequalled, noble, pure, and -exalted character, as well as for his incomparable skill and boldness, -and his astonishing success in the field. And what unexpected changes in -the situations of Europe, and especially of Italy, were brought about by -events whose tendency was not discovered by human eyes, until war -commenced between Sardinia and France on the one side, and Austria on -the other. - -Only a short time before, peace might have been expected to continue, -and the oppression of Italians to be prolonged by Austria, the Pope, and -the King of Naples. There were no uncommon signs of approaching -disturbance; and Garibaldi, in his favorite island retreat, was quietly -cultivating his farm, and seemed likely to reap in peace the little -field which he was sowing. - - - THE ISLAND OF CAPRERA. - -This little rocky island, near the northeastern coast of Sardinia, has -now a peculiar interest, on account of its connection with Garibaldi. -Its greatest length is five miles, and its greatest breadth three. Its -name intimates the nature of its soil and surface, it being rough, -rocky, and barren, and well fitted for goats. - -It belonged to the government, and a portion of it was purchased by -Garibaldi, it is believed, about the year 1856, when he made it his -residence, took a number of his fellow-exiles thither, and founded a -small colony, directing his attention to the cultivation of the ground. -He afterward sent to New York for some American implements, and -prosecuted his design with diligence, until a vessel, which he had -loaded with necessaries, especially a quantity of lime, was lost on the -voyage, and left him without requisite means to proceed with his -buildings and other improvements. He still, however, regarded that -little secluded island as his home, and has returned to it at every -interval of peace and leisure. - -There was Garibaldi, waiting for the day to arrive, which he had so many -years anticipated, hoped and prepared for, and which he had endeavored -to make as visible to the eyes of his countrymen as it seemed to be to -his own. Yes, the day was near at hand which he had written down in his -preceding autobiography, pages 112, 115, etc. On page 125 he said: "Be -great, once more, O Italy, and then the powerful voice of the Almighty -will be heard by all thy sons; and the hungry, cowardly vultures which -destroy thee, will be stunned by its thundering sound." - -Such, also, was the expectation which he expressed in 1850, in his note -of courteous but decided refusal of the honors of a public reception in -the city of New York, and which we here translate from his refined -Italian original, addressed to the committee: - - - GARIBALDI'S REPLY TO THE NEW YORK COMMITTEE, - AUGUST 3d, 1850. - - - "GENTLEMEN: I much regret that my very poor health does - not allow me to take part in the demonstration which you - have appointed for next Saturday. The length of my - convalescence, and the uncertainty of the time of my - recovery, still render it impossible for me to fix a day - when I may be able to yield to the wishes of your - affectionate and flattering invitation. I hope you will - allow me to repeat, more warmly than at first, the - desire which I have often expressed to you, that you - will entirely abandon the proposed demonstration. - - "Such a public exhibition is not necessary to secure for - me the sympathy of my countrymen, of the American - people, and of all true republicans, for the misfortunes - which I have suffered, and for the cause which has - occasioned them. - - "Although a public manifestation of that affection would - be most grateful to me, exiled from my native land, - separated from my children, and weeping over the fall of - the liberty of my country by foreign intervention; yet - believe me, I would rather avoid it, content that it is - allowed me, tranquilly and humbly, to become a citizen - of this great Republic of free men, to sail under its - flag, to engage in commerce in order to earn my - livelihood, and to wait for a moment more favorable for - the redemption of my country from oppressors, both - domestic and foreign. - - "In regard to the cause to which I have consecrated - myself, I esteem nothing more than the approbation of - this great people; and I believe it will be sufficient - for them to know, how I have honestly and faithfully - served the cause of liberty, in which they themselves - have given a great and noble example to the world. - - "G. GARIBALDI." - -The committee published their reply to this letter, and closed it with -these words: - - - "We lament the modesty of Gen. Garibaldi, which, more - than his imperfect convalescence, has prevented the - success of our urgent requests." - - -A small volume has been published by Alexander Dumas, a French -novel-writer, of which different opinions have been expressed. It was -asserted, last summer, by the "Philadelphia Press," that it was pirated -from the first edition of this book, in the French language, and had -been translated into English and sold to an American bookseller for five -hundred dollars. There are many passages in it which might appear to -countenance such an assertion; but there are numerous passages, and even -entire chapters, which are wholly unlike anything in the latter; and a -large part of the volume contains views, sentiments and expressions -quite the opposite of Garibaldi's. Indeed, of the 337 small duodecimo -pages in the English translation, only 203 are claimed by M. Dumas to be -Garibaldi's, other writers being credited for the remaining 134. The 203 -pages contain passages which magnify Garibaldi's deeds or spirit much -more than he was ever known to do, (for he is always as modest as -brave,) with some of his most forcible expressions and passages greatly -weakened by useless amplifications. The English translation is in a very -loose and inferior style; and various cases occur in both Dumas and his -translators, in which ignorant blunders are made in interpreting the -standard before them, whatever it may have been. The motto of chapter -6th Dumas gives in his French, "Le Dieu des Bons Gens:" and his English -translator: "_The God of Good People_." And this is afterward repeated, -showing a surprising and laughable mistake in the import of the motto of -the Italian Republicans, "_Dio e Popolo_"—God and the People. - -The personal appearance of Garibaldi, his mien, address, and manners, -are so remarkably accordant with his character, that clear impressions -of them seem necessary to a distinct apprehension of the spirit with -which he lays his plans, and commences and accomplishes his great deeds. -A stranger may obtain such impressions, in a considerable degree, by -contemplating the fine steel engraving which forms the frontispiece of -this volume, and reading some of the descriptions written by different -observers on various occasions. That portrait is accurately copied from -a daguerrotype, for which he obligingly sat, at the request of the -author, soon after his arrival in New York in 1850; and has been -pronounced by many of his friends the best likeness they have ever seen. -It certainly is exactly like the daguerrotype, not only in the features, -but in the expression of the face. - -Any one who would form a correct opinion of the state of preparation in -which the people of Italy stood waiting for the time of their -emancipation, must recur to the labors of the patriotic leaders who had -been constantly laboring to enlighten and inspirit them during the last -forty years. Their efforts had been principally through secret -societies, formed and conducted somewhat on the plan of freemasonry. The -Carbonari (literally, colliers—the makers of charcoal in the mountains, -where the patriots often found refuge) were dissolved, after their -archives had been seized. The society of Giovane Italia (Young Italy) -was then formed, and directed by Mazzini and his friends, from foreign -countries, safe from the reach of the enemy. One striking case of their -sagacious and successful operations is described in that most -interesting and instructive work on Italy, "The Roman Exile," by G. -Gajani, formerly an eminent Roman jurist, an officer under Garibaldi in -1849, and now a respected citizen of New York. Thousands of other -instances might be mentioned, to prove the powerful influence of those -efforts. - -_The union of Italians_ was the great object aimed at, and -_non-interference by foreign powers_ was the principle claimed of -Europe. The Republicans of 1849 declared that monarchy was opposed to -both these ends; but, since Sardinia, England and France have all proved -by their actions that they have adopted these principles, the -Republicans have joined their old opponents, the constitutional -monarchists, and ranged themselves under the banner of Victor Emanuel. -Garibaldi was a Republican in South America, Rome, and everywhere, until -he became convinced of this change of policy; and now he is devoted to -Victor Emanuel—because Victor Emanuel is devoted to Italy. When the -voice of calumny shall have ceased, justice will be done to men who are -now iniquitously stigmatized. - -And what men those were, who then, like lions suddenly roused, sprang -from their lairs and rushed to the fight in May, 1859. Those alone who -knew them, can form an adequate conception of their feelings, because -each had passed through trials which none of us have known, or witnessed -among our own happier countrymen. Many of them had been exiles in -America, and a number had been residents in New York, and personally -known, respected and loved. - -A large collection of manuscripts now at hand, in various forms, of -various kinds, and of different dates, recall the characters and -histories of their authors; and what may hereafter be published from -them will be strictly true, except some changes of names, which -propriety may require. Among the papers are letters, notices of friends -in need, warnings against plotting enemies—Jesuits in disguise, and long -histories of romantic adventures. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER II. - - - "Shouting—'Shame on chains and slavery!' - Brothers, rouse and arm for war; - All united: now, Barbarians, - 'Tis your retribution hour!"— - _Banks of Dora._ - - POLICY OF LOUIS NAPOLEON SINCE 1849—HIS POSITION IN - 1859—CAUSES OF THE WAR IN LOMBARDY—AUSTRIAN ARMY - THREATENS PIEDMONT—FRENCH TROOPS SENT TO THE AID OF - VICTOR EMANUEL—GARIBALDI CALLED INTO SERVICE—MARCHES - NORTH—APPREHENSIONS OF HIS FRIENDS—HIS BRILLIANT - SUCCESSES AT VARESE AND COMO. - - -Louis Napoleon, in 1848, when a candidate for the presidency of the -French Republic, solicited the assistance of the clergy, saying that, if -elected, he would reinstate the Pope in Rome. Afterward, in April, 1849, -Louis Napoleon sent an expedition against Rome, under the command of -General Oudinot. That general, on his arrival before Civita Vecchia, -published a proclamation, printed in France, by which it was announced -that France would occupy Rome, in order to prevent Austria from doing -so. - -It seems that Louis Napoleon was not so much guided by his promise, or -by religious devotion, as by the shrewd design of securing to himself -the influence of the Pope, which Austria would have turned against him. -The Pope, however, continued to lean toward Austria; and, by her advice, -opposed all the suggestions of Louis Napoleon, and placed him in a false -position. - -From 1849 to '59 was a period of secret intrigue and struggles at Rome, -between France and Austria. The Crimean war added a new element of -hostility between the two courts. Napoleon, as a threat to Austria, -invited the king of Sardinia to participate in that war, and afterward -allowed Count Cavour to speak in the name of oppressed Italy, in spite -of the protest of the Austrian minister. - -At this, Austria became more active in preparing and countenancing the -ruin of Napoleon in France; and the Pope used his influence with the -clergy and the legitimists of that country. Napoleon was thus laid under -the necessity of striking a blow at Austria, in self-defence. This -explains his league with the king of Sardinia. But Napoleon neither -designed nor foresaw all that happened afterward. The complete -liberation of Italy and the downfall of the papacy were not in his plan; -because he feared that a general convulsion of Europe would be the -consequence of such events. In justice to him, however, we must -acknowledge, that he has countenanced and aided those events, since he -has seen that they were accomplished in a wonderfully quiet manner. -There can be but little doubt that Napoleon prefers to see the political -influence of the Pope dead forever, instead of being compelled to court -it, in competition with Austria. - -Early in 1859, the Emperor of Austria began to threaten Sardinia with -100,000 men, demanding that she should disarm, which was refused. The -Emperor of the French showed himself ready to sustain Victor Emanuel in -his position; and then the Emperor of Austria made an effort to gain -time by an artifice, and pressed a powerful army on to the frontiers. -With surprising promptitude, Louis Napoleon sent a very large force into -Piedmont, partly across Mount Cenis and partly by water to Genoa, -availing himself of the facilities offered by the railroads and steam -vessels, and armed with the most improved military weapons and -implements of modern warfare. - -Then commenced one of the most important and sanguinary conflicts of -modern times, and one most decisive of results in favor of Italian -liberty. The armies on both sides were very large and powerful, and -included many of the chiefs, officers, and soldiers who had been trained -in Africa and the Crimea, as well as in the European wars ten and twelve -years preceding. The sudden and rapid advance of the Austrians was -checked by the vigorous stand made by the Piedmontese, and the still -more rapid movements of the troops from France. We have not room to give -all the details of the battles which ensued, and with which the public -are acquainted. The service which our hero rendered in it was of the -utmost importance; and not only fully justified the high reputation he -had long enjoyed, but raised him to an eminence proportioned to the -magnitude of the immense military operations in which he acted a -leading, and we might say almost the decisive part. - -When Garibaldi was called by the king to engage in the war, he accepted -the office proposed, but, it has been reported, on two conditions: that -he should be allowed to act according to his own judgment, and as far -from the French as possible. We do not pretend to give credence to this -rumor, and can only say, on the one hand, that he showed some symptoms, -while in this country, of retaining a bitter recollection of the siege -and humiliation of Rome; but, on the other hand, that he is charitable, -generous, and forgiving beyond most other men who ever lived on earth. -No sooner was it known that Garibaldi was forming a band to act against -the Austrians, than patriots hastened from all parts of Italy to join -his banner. Such were their numbers and their enthusiasm, that the -authorities in vain attempted to detain them; and even from the Pope's -territories, and from the cruelly oppressed kingdom of Naples, -volunteers poured like torrents on toward Piedmont. Promptly a corps was -formed under Garibaldi's peculiar tactics, denominated, "_I Cacciatori -delle Alpi_" (The Huntsmen of the Alps), and, led by their spirited and -fearless leader, started toward the north, and disappeared among the -mountain passes of the Alps. No sooner was this news received in the -United States, than his friends here foretold that his aim would prove -to be, to turn the right wing of the Austrians, get into their rear, and -raise Lombardy in insurrection. With anxious solicitude the first -inquiries of all seemed to be first for Garibaldi; and the deeds of -daring, labor, fatigue, and skill which he performed were repeated -through that great and bloody campaign with skill and perseverance -equalled only in his uniform success. - -Those who have seen enough of Garibaldi to form a just estimate of his -character and powers, can never be at a loss in drawing a picture of him -in their imaginations, when they hear that he has been placed in a new -scene fitted to call forth his energy. So it was when the news was -received that he marched from Turin with 3,700 men, his chosen band, to -Biella and Borgomanero, toward the northeast, and had moved with such -promptitude and rapidity, and by such secluded and difficult paths, that -no certain information could be obtained of his route, plans, or -objects. Those who knew him at once declared that his former practices -compelled them confidently to predict that he had gone among the -mountains to turn the right wing of the Austrians, and raise the country -in insurrection in their rear. Many days passed, however, before the -truth was known, though various reports came through different channels. -At length it was published as certain that he had been successful in a -laborious march, and in the accomplishment of a sudden and bold attack -upon the Austrians at Varese. By ingenious arrangements he had deceived -the enemy, whose spies, as he had expected, carried them true reports of -his past movements, present position, and possible preparations, but -drew false conclusions of his intentions. - - - THE BATTLE OF VARESE. - -The Canton Ticino is a narrow part of Switzerland, lying along a small -river of that name, and extending down far into the north of Italy. The -interesting history of that small and rude territory deserves to be much -better known, especially on account of the devotion of its virtuous -inhabitants to the principles of the Reformation, and the persecutions -which they have at different periods endured for their faith. The river -Ticino is difficult of passage, and, as the Austrians were strong in -their position at Varese, beyond it, it was important to prevent them -from meeting him at that stream. At Borgomanero he prepared his plans, -and put them in harmony with the instructions given him at -head-quarters. The principal object was to cross the Ticino and effect -the passage and invasion without danger to himself or his men. Garibaldi -knew that all these men risked their lives, inasmuch as before becoming -soldiers they were refugees, and by bearing arms they incurred, -according to the Austrian code, the penalty of death. He accordingly -spread the report that he intended to stop at Arona, and he even himself -wrote orders to have stores and lodgings prepared there, and the -churches fitted up for the reception of horses. - -No sooner had he sent off these orders by special messengers to Arona, -which is on the Lago Maggiore, than he gave orders to his men, each of -whom carried two muskets, to leave for Castelletto, where they crossed -the Ticino in a ferry-boat to Sesto Calende, and by an astonishing -forced march of two days, proceeded to Varese. - -The Austrians, on learning how they had been tricked, assembled at -Camerlata, and intercepted the line of the Ticino at Varese, believing -that they would thereby cut off the retreat of the force and surprise -it. Garibaldi troubled himself little about that proceeding, and induced -the towns and villages to revolt. - -A proclamation was issued by the general, inviting the whole of the -Varesotto province to rise against their oppressors. The appeal was -generally listened to, and men of every age and condition hastened to -the official residence of Marquis Visconti, the extraordinary -commissioner sent by Count Cavour as the coadjutor of the Italian -general. In less than two hours the whole of the surrounding country was -in arms. Old men, children, and even women, came to the Town Hall, with -all sorts of weapons, ready to help the small band (3,000) of their -brethren. Varese was soon fortified, barricades erected, means of -defence carefully ordered. Bands of peasants were pouring into the town -from the numberless hamlets, villas, and villages which deck the -picturesque hills of that beautiful country—the finest in Lombardy, and, -perhaps of Europe. Garibaldi, who is always to be found everywhere when -danger is coming, began to array in companies the new comers, and gave -the necessary orders for the defence of the country, as he supposed that -the Austrians posted at Gallarate would attack him the next day. - -He was not deceived in his expectation, for on Wednesday morning, at -dawn three hundred Croats and one hundred and thirty Hussars, with a -field battery, marched from Gallarate to Sesto Calende, where the -advance guard of Italian Chasseurs was posted. This advance guard was -commanded by Capt. Decristoforis, a young man of great military ability, -who only two months before was in England, and kept a first-rate -military school at Putney. After a fight, which lasted two hours, the -enemy was completely defeated, leaving some prisoners. The Austrians -were obliged to retire on Somma, and nothing was heard of them till next -morning at four o'clock. - -This second attack was of a more serious character. It was effected by a -brigade, five thousand strong, with ten field pieces, and two squadrons -of Uhlans. After a first discharge of their muskets, the Italian -volunteers assaulted the enemy with the bayonet, and with so much -impetuosity that the Austrian centre was obliged to fall back on its -left wing, then engaged by a battalion of the Italian right. Now the -fight became general—a tremendous hand-to-hand fight, in which every -inch of ground was bravely disputed by both armies. The enemy's -artillery was of no more use, because Garibaldi, having none, had -ordered his men to fight hand-to-hand with swords and bayonets. At the -report of the musketry and artillery, the country people hastened to the -scene of action with pitchforks, half-pikes, and cleavers. "It was a -dreadful scene of slaughter," said an eye-witness, "which lasted three -hours." Nothing can give an idea of the impetuosity of those Italians -who could at last revenge so many wrongs, so many cruelties. It was -almost madness. Two brothers Strambio, one captain and the other -lieutenant, were seen to leap into the inside of a hedge of bayonets, -and cut down Croats as if they had been puppets. A Count Montanari, from -Verona, whose brother had been hanged, in 1853, by Radetsky's order, was -running up and down the bloody field, striking right and left with his -powerful sword. - -At 7 o'clock, the Austrian general was obliged to give the order for a -retreat, as his men were falling in all directions. Garibaldi was close -at their heels till they reached the strong position of Malnate, where -they stopped to repair their losses. - -This is a short but faithful sketch of Garibaldi's exploit. It will -always be recorded as one of the most brilliant actions of the war, -because he had no artillery, and his soldiers were but volunteers, -scarcely drilled, and unaccustomed to camp life. - -Garibaldi then went to Como, on the celebrated lake of that name, where -he received a positive ovation from the population. All the country was -in full insurrection. Young men were putting themselves in uniform, and -arming themselves. All classes, without distinction—nobles, peasants, -citizens, men, women, and children—were prepared for resistance. -Garibaldi had taken the precaution of being able to supply the -population with arms and ammunition. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER III. - - - "Morn is breaking! Rise, Italia! - He whose yoke thou still dost wear, - Soon will shake at sight of danger; - Well his coward heart may fear." - "_The Banks of Dora._" T. D. - - COMO—APPROACH OF GENERAL URBAN WITH 40,000 - AUSTRIANS—GARIBALDI RETIRES—COMO TAKEN—COUNT RAIMONDI's - DAUGHTER—GARIBALDI RETURNS AND EXPELS THE AUSTRIANS—THE - BATTLE OF CAMERLATA—THE AUSTRIANS DEMAND THE DISBANDING - OF GARIBALDI'S TROOPS—REFUSED —THEY ADVANCE—THE CANALS - OPENED—THEY RETIRE—THE BATTLES OF PALESTRO, MONTEBELLO, - AND MAGENTA—THE MINCIO AND ITS BANKS—THE BATTLE OF - SOLFERINO. - - -Como is a city beautifully situated on the northern end of Lake Como; -but on the low land near the margin, and overlooked by the mountains, -which rise beyond and around. - -The enthusiasm which prevailed on Garibaldi's arrival was extreme; and -the alarm bells were rung in all the communes of the Varesotto, -Tramezzo, Como and Lecco districts. The volunteers were pouring in from -every village and hamlet. In this manner the insurrection gained ground -in Upper Lombardy. At the first appearance of the braves, all the civil -authorities of Como and Lecco recognized the government of King Victor -Emanuel, which in those towns was represented by Count Visconti Venosta, -a young nobleman from Valtellina of great determination. His spirited -proclamations roused the enthusiasm of country folks and citizens, who -hastened to the scene of action with an ardor never witnessed in 1848. -Money, so much wanted, poured into Garibaldi's military treasury, -together with gold necklaces and other valuable trinkets from fair -Lombard ladies. The sum thus collected in two days reached 2,000,000 -francs. - -Garibaldi had been instructed to move in the direction of Varese by slow -marches, keeping himself in constant communication with Cialdini's -division, which did not follow. By the necessity of strategetical -combinations, Gen. Cialdini was obliged to march to and fro from -Vercelli and Stroppiana, guarding the right bank of the Upper Sesia, as -far as Gattinara. The necessary result of this constant marching and -countermarching was that of retarding the projects of Garibaldi. He -moved slowly for two days, but he could not stand it any longer; and -hastening from Romagnana to the headquarters of the king, he begged him -to observe that he did not and could not understand the scientific -principles of a regular war, and that he wished to be left to his daring -inspiration. - -Victor Emanuel saw directly that it was of no use to keep such a bird in -the cage of strategic rules, and, letting him loose, said: "Go where you -like, do what you like. I have only one regret—that of not being able to -follow you." - -While occupying the place, amidst the enthusiasm of the inhabitants, he -learned that General Urban was approaching with forty thousand -Austrians. He immediately retired from the city, leaving two hundred -men, with orders to hold the place, with the aid of the inhabitants, to -the last extremity. The enemy came on, attacked, and were bravely -resisted, but succeeded in taking the town. Supposing that Garibaldi had -retreated into Switzerland, without any intention of returning, they -appeared to entertain no apprehensions of danger from that quarter. It -then became highly important that he should be apprised of the condition -of things. Every effort was made to procure a messenger, and high -rewards were offered; but the hazards were so great that no one could be -found willing to run the desperate risk of his life, or rather to go to -certain death, as the Austrians were believed to hold and watch every -avenue to the country. - -Garibaldi, who was waiting in the mountains for an opportunity to make a -sudden descent upon the enemy, but cut off from communication, and in -ignorance of their situation, was surprised in his wild retreat by the -arrival of a lady, who had come from Como alone, on horseback, by -pursuing by-paths, and with great skill and boldness, finding her way -between and around the various points which were guarded by the enemy. -Although only twenty-four years of age, brought up in refined society, -and of aristocratic family—a daughter of Count Raimondi—this fair and -youthful stranger appeared before Garibaldi like a vision, and, with an -air corresponding with the spirit which had inspired her through her -wild and perilous expedition, presented to him the dispatches with which -she had been intrusted, at her earnest petition, in Como. Garibaldi -learned from them the position of the enemy, and the readiness of the -people to receive him again. Without a moment's delay, he set out on his -return, and by a forced march, conducted with the greatest skill, -suddenly returned to the Lake of Como, with his resolute band. - -Como was occupied after a hard fight of two hours at San Fermo and -Camerlata. This last-mentioned position is to be considered as the key -of the picturesque barrier of Como, for its elevated ground enables a -small body of men to oppose a long resistance even to an army of 15,000 -strong. The positions were carried at the point of the bayonet, for the -Cacciatori delle Alpi could not fire their muskets, so much inferior in -range to those of the enemy. It was a hard and bloody fight, which may, -without exaggeration, be compared to the struggles of old, when Roman -and Carthaginian legions met together. - -The news of the organizing of a corps by the celebrated Garibaldi, had -induced the Austrians to make their last demand upon Piedmont, which was -a very extraordinary one, and indicated the interesting truth that they -duly appreciated Garibaldi. It was, that, unless his band was -immediately dispersed, they would march forward in three days. This -demand was not complied with, but the King of Sardinia prepared to -receive the threatened invaders. With excellent judgment, however, he -did not attempt to occupy the line of the Mincio; he chose a stronger -one within his own territory, and occupied that extending from -Alessandria to the Apennines, toward Genoa, leaving the road to Turin -open to the enemy. The Austrians moved; but, as soon as they had crossed -the Ticino, the engineer who had charge of the canals which irrigate the -extensive valley, was ordered to open them and make an inundation. The -Austrians soon discovered that the water was rising, and the general -sent word to the engineer in terms like these: - - - "Your brother is a prisoner in my hands; if you do not - immediately stop the inundation, I will cut off his - head." - - -The engineer, with the greatest resolution, pressed the work with -redoubled vigor that night; and by employing two hundred more men, -completed it before morning. The Austrians, finding that they were -likely to be caught in a kind of trap, with the inundation rising on -their right, and the Piedmontese army on their left, soon retreated, and -recrossed the Ticino. - - - THE BATTLE OF PALESTRO. - - -This action was important, not only on account of its resulting in the -first victory against the Austrians, but also because of the excellence -of the Piedmontese troops, which had been denied, and was certainly -seriously doubted by Louis Napoleon, who had given to Victor Emnanuel -four battalions of French Zouaves for his body-guard. These were the -only French troops in that battle; and they so much admired the conduct -of the King of Sardinia, that they elected him "Corporal" on the field. -This is esteemed the highest military honor which can be in any way -acquired; and it is one which Louis Napoleon himself has never yet -received, even from his own troops. - -The battle of Montebello was the first ever decided by a railroad. When -the action commenced, there was only a single regiment to resist the -Austrians. This was a French regiment, which was so soon, so rapidly, -and so greatly reinforced by other French troops, transported on the -railroad, that the day was soon decided in their favor. The importance -and effect of this manner of conveying the troops was acknowledged by -the Austrians, in their official report of the battle. - - - THE BATTLE OF MAGENTA. - - -This was fought about twenty miles beyond the last engagement, that of -Montebello; and the chief honor of the day belongs to the French. That -battle was the first in which rifled cannon and electrical telegraphs -were ever brought into use; and both were proved successful in the -highest degree. Louis Napoleon was the inventor of the former; and their -efficiency was strongly doubted and even denied by many scientific and -practical men; but it was established beyond future question by the -experiment of that day. The French had also a corps of electricians -among them, with apparatus prepared for the establishment and change of -lines of telegraphic wires wherever troops were stationed; and these -proved of eminent service in conveying orders and information between -the positions. - - - THE RIVER MINCIO. - - -The banks of the Mincio are, as it were, formed for military scenes. -From the source of the river, down almost as far as Pozzolo, the river -winds through a succession of hills, rushing close to their base on one -side, and leaving fine open meadows on the other. At some points the -hills approach on both sides, and form a kind of gorge or neutral -ground, where the river is kept within proper bounds, and not allowed to -encroach on either side. Perhaps the most picturesque spot on the whole -river is here, between Borghetto and Vallegio. Two large semi-circles of -hills are opposed to each other, the direction of them being the bend of -the river on this spot; they intersect each other about their centre, -and a little below this point are the two villages of Borghetto and -Vallegio. The latter is behind the hills on the left bank; only two -mills, a church, and a little mediæval tower, erected on one of the -lower spurs, stand close to the water's edge. Borghetto has, likewise, -only a few detached houses on the banks of the river, the rest of the -village being built on the hill which skirts the right bank. On the -highest point of the Vallegio side rises a most picturesque group of -towers of pure Italian castellated architecture, slender and high like -campaniles, with a gallery on their summit, built on a succession of -small arches springing out of the body of the building. From these -towers, an old wall runs down to the banks of the river, where two other -lower, but more massive, towers stand, with the ruins of a bridge over -the river between them. From the second of these towers, the wall runs -up to the hill where Borghetto stands, and ends there in another square -tower. This castle, as well as the surrounding domain, belongs to the -Visconti family, and the fortifications were evidently intended to close -the passage of the river, which they may have done at one time; now they -form only a picturesque feature in the scenery. The road from Volta to -this place descends along the hillside in a gentle slope, and, after -traversing the river, winds up in a similar but much steeper rise, so -that you can keep in view the whole passage through the valley. On the -right bank of the river extends a fine meadow, through which the road -leads. It was now the camping-ground of the Cavalry of the Guard, and -was, during the passage, a chaos of troops, horses, carts, and mules, -which were huddled together there, waiting for a passage across one of -the four bridges which span the narrow but rapid little stream. It was -like the emigration of one of those nomadic tribes of which history -tells us. It seemed for a moment as if it were impossible to disentangle -that mass, and yet it kept moving, and passed over the river without -accident or delay. As all the bridges which had been broken down on the -river behind had been repaired, the pontoon train of the whole army -became available for the Mincio passage, and there must have been, at -the very least, from 12 to 15 bridges on this short line. - - - THE BATTLE OF SOLFERINO. - - -The Austrian army, after occupying the right bank of the Mincio, had -retired across the stream, in order to lead the French and Sardinians to -believe that they were retreating. When the latter had extended their -lines, the Austrians suddenly returned and reoccupied their old -formidable positions on the heights of Solferino, San Cassiano, and -Cavriana, and onward to Volta, all crowned with cannon. Their lines -extended five leagues. This movement was made in the night of June 23d, -and at three o'clock in the morning they were discovered, in large -bodies, marching across the plain to attack the allies. - -On the 24th, the emperor, who had arrived just before, ordered the -Sardinian army (which formed the left wing) to occupy Pozzolengo, and -the French to occupy Solferino and Cavriana. The king also sent a -detachment toward Peschiera. The Austrians resisted them powerfully. At -ten o'clock the battle became general, and was continued during a severe -storm. After twelve hours fighting, the Austrians brought up their -reserve of 80,000 men, and the allies theirs of 50,000. After three more -hours of severe fighting, the heights were taken by the allies, and the -Austrians retreated. - -In 1796, Solferino was the point most strenuously contested and won by -Augereau. On this occasion that position was taken three times by the -French, and the last time at the point of the bayonet. The Emperor of -Austria commanded in person, and greatly animated his troops, who fought -well. After they had been driven from Solferino, they made a powerful -concentrated attack on the right wing of the allies, but were repulsed -by a dash of cavalry. - -Although the allies were victorious, they were unable to pursue the -enemy, who retreated in good order. - - - THE AUSTRIAN OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE OF SOLFERINO. - -The official journal at Vienna, of June 26, published the following -official dispatch from the seat of war: - - - "VERONA, _Saturday, June 25_. - - "On the 23d inst., the imperial royal army crossed at - four places to the right bank of the Mincio. The right - wing of the army occupied Pozzolengo, Solferino, and - Cavriana. The left wing marched on the 24th inst. to - Guidizzolo and Castel-Goffredo, and repulsed the - advancing enemy on all sides. As the Imperial Royal - army continued its advance toward the Chiese, the - enemy—who had also assumed the offensive with his - whole force—pushed forward such large bodies of - troops, that there was a general engagement between - the two armies at ten o'clock, or thereabouts, in the - morning of the 24th instant. - - "The right wing, which was formed by the second army, - under the general of cavalry, Count Schlick, maintained - possession of the place which it had originally occupied - in the first line of battle until 2 o'clock in the - afternoon, and the first army (the left wing), under the - general of artillery, Count Wimpffen, continually gained - ground in the direction of the Chiese. Toward 3 o'clock - the enemy made a vehement attack on Solferino, and after - several hours' hard fighting, obtained possession of the - place, which had been heroically defended by the fifth - _corps d'armée_. An attack was then made on Cavriana, - which place was courageously defended until the evening - by the first and seventh _corps d'armée_, but was - eventually left in the hands of the enemy. - - "While the struggle for Solferino and Cavriana was going - on, the eighth _corps d'armée_, which was on the outer - flank of the right wing, advanced and repulsed the - Sardinian troops opposed to it: but this advantage did - not enable the Imperial Royal army to recover the - positions that had been lost in the centre. The third - and ninth corps, which were supported by the eleventh - corps, were engaged on the left wing, and the reserve - cavalry attached to this wing made several brilliant - attacks. Unusually heavy losses, and the fact that the - left wing of the first army was unable to make progress - on the right flank of the enemy, who directed his main - force in the centre against Volta, led to the retreat of - the Imperial Royal army. It began late in the evening, - during a violent storm. Yesterday evening Pozzolengo, - Monzambano, Volta and Goito, were still occupied by our - troops." - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - - - THE STATE OF THE CONTENDING PARTIES—SPECIMEN OF - THE BARBARITY OF SOME OF THE AUSTRIAN OFFICERS—THE - ARMISTICE. - - -The Austrian army, with its imposing numbers, high military reputation, -and menacing attitude a few weeks before, when threatening and afterward -invading Piedmont, from the line of the Mincio, had now become vastly -weakened, reduced, and disheartened by the successive conflicts and -defeats which have been briefly described. The causes of its misfortunes -have been accounted for, by an eye-witness, in remarks which we abridge -as follows: - - - "The Austrian military system has been changed - completely within the last six or seven years; yet the - change in part explains the shortcomings of the past few - weeks. The Austrian army, up to this date, has been an - army of very young soldiers, not long under training. - According to the regulations, a fixed number of corps - has to be maintained throughout the Austrian empire. At - a fixed period of every year the youth of that empire - are drafted into the army, and distributed among the - corps. The arrival of these new drafts liberates an - equal number of men who have already served. The latter, - after one, or two, or three years' service, at the - option of the colonels of regiments, retire to their - homes on a furlough of indefinite duration, and are only - called out again in the event of a war. The Austrian - army at Montebello, Palestro, Magenta, and Cavriana was - thus composed of young soldiers. It would have been - wiser, doubtless, had the Austrians thought of this - matter in time. They were aware that Louis Napoleon - would move, if he moved at all, with the flower of his - army. They knew that he had paid high premiums to induce - old soldiers to remain in the ranks after the expiration - of their usual time, and that the picked men of the - French army, tried under the fierce sun of Africa, and - in the hard campaign of the Crimea, would be opposed to - them, and be assisted besides by an artillery of a novel - and most effective kind. They did not take sufficient - heed of these important facts, any more than they - considered that generals who, ten years ago, fought with - ability and success in the campaigns of Italy might - possibly have lost some of their original vigor. The - result has been such as to open their eyes to the - necessity of supplying defects. The question, as far as - the present war is concerned, is this: Which is best, to - risk all the tried men first, and trust to recruits - after, or employ first the young soldiers, and bring up - reserves after? As far as the present campaign is - concerned, the results favor the first of these - alternatives. - - "The advisers of his Imperial Majesty Francis Joseph, at - last made up their minds that it was impossible, under - present circumstances, to defend the line of the Mincio. - Accordingly, the headquarters of the 2d Army, under - Count Schlick, came into Verona from Villafranca; the - headquarters of the 1st Army, under Wimpffen, being - transferred to Mantua. Verona, Mantua, and the other - strongholds of this great military quadrangle are very - much stronger than they were ten years ago. There are - great field works to be taken before any approach can be - made to the main defences, and in the meanwhile Austria - may have brought together again an army capable of - risking another general action. The soldiers had one - moment of enthusiasm; that was when the emperor led them - in person on the 23d to the advanced position from which - he intended to attack the enemy; but the events of the - 24th seriously affected the _morale_ of the army. - Instead of attacking, as they were led to expect, they - had to repel the assaults of the Allies, who knowing - what was before them, had halted for a meal at two - o'clock in the morning. The Austrians, whose baggage and - cooking utensils accompany the columns even in the - advance, bivouacked on the night of the 23d, and were - attacked before they could get their breakfast. The - baggage and cooking-carts were obliged to return to the - rear out of the fire of the Allies, and the result was - that the army of the Kaiser had to fight on empty - stomachs. Hunger and hard knocks have a tendency to - discourage even the bravest soldier. I was astonished to - see men from the field of Solferino retiring unwounded, - and lying down exhausted when out of the reach of the - enemy's fire. I am told that many so exhausted laid - themselves down only to die. The mystery is explained - when one considers that these cases arose from want of - ordinary sustenance. - - "Lichtenstein's corps (the 2d) which should have taken - part in the action of the day, was halted in consequence - of the approach of some French cavalry in its vicinity, - and Prince Lichtenstein, for reasons which he will - doubtless have to explain, returned to Mantua. Again, - General Zedwitz, commanding the cavalry brigade of the - 1st Army, instead of advancing, as he should have done, - fell back on Goito, thus depriving the emperor of six - regiments of horse and a considerable amount of - artillery. Thus, while on the part of the allies all the - available guns that could be brought into action were - used, on the side of the Austrians the artillery was - weak and utterly unable to oppose an effectual fire to - that of the enemy. It is true, on the other hand, that - the French artillery did not commit the havoc which it - might have done had its fire throughout the day been - true to the mark, instead of being over it. Still, the - effect of the inferiority under which the Austrians - suffered in this respect, was disastrous, as it - prevented them from repelling the advance of the - infantry opposed to them. Among the wounded, to the - number of 4,000 or 5,000 in Verona and the surrounding - villages, it is remarkable how few suffered from wounds - inflicted by artillery." - - -In contrast with the condition of the Austrian army, those of Piedmont -and France were in most respects superior, and still more in the -principles for which they fought. To mention again Napoleon's rifled -cannon, in the words of a late writer: - - - "The superiority of the French artillery during - the late Italian campaign was obvious to every one - who made himself acquainted with the details of - the great battles. At Solferino the heavy and very - dangerous Austrian cavalry was thrown into disorder and - rendered almost useless at distances to which their own - batteries, more favorably placed, would not carry. The - Austrians never yielded a foot on the hill of Solferino, - till a battery of French rifled cannon was brought to - bear upon them at a distance at which their own balls - fell short. The Tower could not have otherwise been - taken but with an infinitely greater slaughter than that - which occurred. When Niel and McMahon had driven the - Austrians back as far as the large open space known as - the plain of Guidizzolo, there was a fair trial of - artillery, which cost the Austrians dear; it was the - last stand made by the immense left wing of the Austrian - army, and one can well imagine how officers and men grew - dispirited in face of artillery that silenced their own - wherever it showed itself." - - -The following remarks on the plans and conduct of the war we abridge -from the "London Times," of July 8th, 1860: - - - "As far as the Allies are concerned, their aim was - driving the Austrians out of Italy. With this aim - clearly and distinctly before them, the difficulties and - chances could be more or less calculated in advance, and - all that vagueness and uncertainty avoided which gives - rise to those useless moves in two armies, neither of - which knows what it is to do next. - - "The Austrians were in this latter case when they began - the war, nobody knew why, and while they were allowed to - amuse themselves with their harmless offensive movements - you saw all those insignificant skirmishes occur on the - Sesia, which were put a speedy end to by the advance of - the Allies. Since that time the war has been rolling - along in great waves. The Allies went straight toward - their aim, and the Austrians were so hard pressed, that - they endeavored to oppose to a grand plan, executed with - the most determined will, equally grand operations. - - "Thus, when the Austrians found themselves outwitted by - the flank movement on the Ticino, they brought up their - troops in all haste to oppose the advance. They were - beaten, and immediately resolved to withdraw behind the - Mincio. The fight at Malegnano only took place in order - to insure this retreat, but from that time they avoided - opposing the advance of the Allies, by making a stand at - the river lines. On the other hand, the Allies, intent - only on carrying out their own great plans, did not - think for one moment of molesting their retreat. - - "After the Allies had crossed the Chiese, and made - preparations for the passage of the Mincio, the - Austrians attempted one great blow; and, collecting all - their forces, tried an offensive movement, which was - speedily checked by the battle of Solferino. The battle - lost, the French, whose preparations were not completed, - did not press the retreating Austrians very hard; while - these latter, instead of trying a desultory defence of - the Mincio, opposed no resistance to the passage of it, - but, without wasting any forces, retired between - Peschiera and Verona, to await there the attack of the - Allies, or perhaps watch their time for another great - offensive movement. - - "This avoiding on both sides of those little encounters, - deprives the war considerably of its picturesque element - of its individual features, as it were. This whole - campaign resolves itself into an alternation between - preparations and great decisive blows. - - "The Mincio passage was effected without any difficulty, - offering by its good arrangements matter of thought to - the military, but otherwise being a subject rather for a - landscape painter than for a painter of battles. - Although the Austrians had gone back from the river, all - the precautions were taken as if there had been a - constant danger from an attack. The whole had very much - the appearance of a field manœuvre in peaceable times, - with the difference, however, that even the thin line - representing the hostile forces on such occasions, was - entirely wanting. But the movements had to be so - combined, that the army should be in readiness to - receive the enemy in case he came down from his position - between Verona and Peschiera. The enemy's position was - on the left flank of the allied armies, facing the - Mincio, with Peschiera just at the angle formed by the - intersection of the Mincio with his extreme right. The - Allies were thus obliged, while crossing the Mincio, to - change their front and face to the left. For this - purpose the Sardinians, who had kept the position of San - Martino, took up the line from Rivoltella, on the lake, - in the neighborhood of Pozzolengo. The 1st French corps, - which had been next to them in the _ordre de bataille_ - of the 27th, marched to Pozzolengo, and, occupying - Ponti, faced against Peschiera. The 2d corps, next to - it, kept its original direction toward the Mincio, - joining the 1st corps at Castellaro, where the road - leads down to Monzambano. To the right of this corps was - the 4th, at Volta, likewise facing the Mincio, and the - 3d at Goito. The crossing took place at almost all - points simultaneously, with just sufficient interval - between the corps to allow time for that furthest to the - right to accomplish its change of front, and come into - the same direction with the others. Thus, the 4th corps, - which was furthest, with the exception of the 3d, - detached toward Goito, was the first to cross at - Borghetto and Vallegio, to gain the high road to Verona, - and take up its position toward Villafranca. This was on - the morning of the 29th. Since that time, all the corps - have crossed successively, changing their direction from - west to east, and making front against the Austrian - position. - - "While we are discussing the progress of the plot and - speculating as to the nature of the catastrophe, the - curtain falls. Yesterday France and Austria were upon - the point of joining in another desperate battle. The - celebrated fortified Quadrangle had been reached, - Peschiera had been invested, Mantua had been masked, - Verona was upon the point of being summoned, Venice was - threatened, and Garibaldi was manœuvering upon the rear - of the great fortresses. The waves of warfare were - undulating and vibrating to another great burst in foam. - To-day the Spirit of Peace has breathed upon the waters, - and the storm is for the moment at an end. Three months - ago we expected peace and were surprised by war. To-day - Europe was waiting in breathless expectation for a great - battle, fought in the very fortresses of Austria, and is - again surprised by the calm announcement that an - armistice has been concluded, and that the two great - armies are for the moment no longer enemies." - - -The cruelties practised by Austrians in Italy will be disgraceful to the -memory of their government, its officers and soldiers. A single instance -of the crimes of General Urban, in Lombardy, in 1859, will suffice. By -his order, a whole family were butchered. It consisted of seven persons, -including a grandfather, eighty-two years of age, a boy of fourteen, and -a girl of twelve. Merely for the purpose of striking terror into the -people; it appears, and without any pretext of fault in them, he had -them all put to death, and left their mangled corpses unburied. This -atrocious act has been denied; but the king's government have since -instituted a regular legal investigation, ascertained its truth, and -erected a monument in memory of it. - - - THE ARMISTICE. - - -The war, its progress, results, and prospects were not less unexpected -or surprising than the armistice which Louis Napoleon, without any -warning, suddenly concluded, in an interview with the Emperor of -Austria, on the 11th of July. The cause of it still remains a matter of -conjecture. It was followed by a treaty, by which the war was terminated -and harmony restored, but the promise of Louis not fulfilled, of driving -out the foreigners from Italy. Austria was left in possession of the -four great fortresses of Lombardy, as well as of Venetia. - -The armistice was first announced to France by the following telegram: - - - "VALLEGIO, _July 11, 1859._ - - "THE EMPEROR TO THE EMPRESS. - - - "Peace has been signed between the Emperor of Austria - and myself. - - "The bases agreed to are an Italian confederation, under - the honorary Presidentship of the Pope. - - "The Emperor of Austria cedes his rights over Lombardy - to the Emperor of the French, who hands them over to the - King of Sardinia. - - "The Emperor of Austria preserves Venetia, but - that country forms an integral part of the Italian - Confederation. - - "General armistice." - - -It was made known to the army on the following day, by this -proclamation: - - - "SOLDIERS—The bases of peace have been arranged with the - Emperor of Austria; the principal object of the war has - been obtained; Italy is about to become for the first - time a nation. A confederation of all the Italian States - under the honorary Presidency of the Holy Father, will - unite them together as the members of one family. - Venetia, it is true, remains under the sceptre of - Austria. It will, nevertheless, be an Italian province, - constituting a part of the confederation. - - "The union of Lombardy with Piedmont creates for us on - this side of the Alps a powerful ally, who will owe to - us his independence. The governments unconnected with - this movement, (_en dehors du mouvement_), or recalled - to their possessions, will comprehend the necessity of - salutary reforms. A general amnesty will cause to - disappear the traces of civil discord. Italy, henceforth - mistress of her destinies, will only have to blame - herself if she do not regularly progress in order and - liberty. - - "You will soon return to France. The grateful country - will welcome with transport those soldiers who have - borne so high the glory of our arms at Montebello, - Palestro, Turbigo, Magenta, Mariguan, and Solferino, who - in two months have emancipated Piedmont and Lombardy, - and only paused because the struggle was about to assume - proportions inconsistent with the interests of France in - connection with this formidable war. - - "Be also proud of your success, proud of the results - obtained, proud, above all, of being the well beloved - children of that France which will ever continue a great - nation, so long as it shall have a heart to comprehend - noble causes, and men like yourselves to defend them. - - "At the Imperial Headquarters of Vallegio, 12th of July, - 1859. - - "NAPOLEON." - - -The following considerations are suggested by the peace just concluded: - -The cession of Lombardy to Piedmont comprehends that of the two -fortresses, Mantua and Peschiera. The superfices of Lombardy is 8,538 -square miles. Its population is 2,800,000 souls. Lombardy has hitherto -been divided, administratively, into nine provinces or delegations, -viz.:—Milan, Pavia, Lodi, Corma, Cremona, Como, Mantua, Sondrio, -Breschia, and Bergamo. The fortified towns of Mantua and Peschiera form -part of the province of Mantua. The fortress of Pezzighettone is -comprised in the province of Cremona. After the annexation of Lombardy -and Piedmont, this kingdom (the island of Sardinia both included) will -contain a superfices of 37,640 square miles, with a population of -7,800,000. As regards territorial extent, it will occupy a tenth rank in -Europe, and will come immediately after the kingdom of the Two Sicilies, -and before Portugal and Bavaria. With respect to population, Sardinia -will stand in the ninth rank, on a level with Naples, and will be above -Sweden and Norway, Belgium, and Bavaria. - -The following table completes the comparison as regards Italy: - - - Area Sq. M. Population. - New kingdom 37,640 7,800,000 - Venetia 9,525 2,200,000 - Papal States 17,218 2,900,000 - Tuscany 8,741 1,750,000 - Parma 2,268 500,000 - Modena 2,090 410,000 - Two Sicilies 42,000 8,400,000 - - -Although disappointed, by the imperfect accomplishment of the work of -securing all Italy to the Italians, there was much reason to rejoice, -that the overflowing fountains of human blood, which had exhibited a -spectacle shocking to humanity, had been stopped. The terms of peace -were settled by the Treaty of Villafranca. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER V. - - "A brighter course has never - A hero true display'd; - Unblemish'd in the hour of peace, - In danger undismay'd."— - _Lines to Garibaldi._ - - THE CHARACTER OF ITALIAN PATRIOTS—HOW IT HAS BEEN - DISPLAYED BY EXILES IN THE UNITED STATES—IGNORANCE OF - ITALY IN AMERICA—GARIBALDI'S APPEARANCE AND CHARACTER - —HIS BAND—HIS "ENGLISHMAN," COL. PEARD. - - -And now that we have arrived at another peaceful interval in the life of -this extraordinary man, the astonishing effects of his superior skill, -bravery, and success, having broken the arm of Austria in Italy, and -nothing but the shield of Louis Napoleon having sheltered her head, a -sudden suspension of hostilities left the world at leisure to admire the -past, feel astounded at the unexpected present state of things, and look -with interest, but painful uncertainty, for the future. All observers, -who had not before made Italy or Italians their attentive study, were -anxious to know more of the people who had suddenly sprung from a low -general estimation as patriots and soldiers, to the rank due to the -conquerors at Palestro, Montebello, and Solferino, and had furnished the -files of the heroic and irresistible hunters of the Alps, and their -leader, Garibaldi himself. Let us turn a few moments to inquiries of the -same kind; for even at the present time, there is too much reason to -fear, there are few, even of our most intelligent countrymen, who have -paid sufficient attention to the affairs of Italy during the past half -century, to give full and clear replies to these questions. - -Few indeed have had the best opportunities to learn the general truths, -and fewer still have had access to many of those details, by which alone -the causes can be well understood, and the effects clearly accounted -for. The published accounts of Italians and their affairs have been -presented to the world in a detached, uncertain and often confused and -even contradictory form, which most readers had neither the disposition, -the time, nor the means to unravel, reconcile and correct. There have -always been, however, intelligent and virtuous patriotic Italians -residing in the United States, and especially in New York, who were able -and ready to communicate real facts and just opinions on every event and -question of importance. And to such are justly due some portion of the -facts contained in this volume, and of the views and spirit under which -they are now laid before the American people. With their assistance, and -at their urgent request also, was done the little which has ever been -effected in this country in past years, to explain and vindicate their -cause, to relieve its exiled victims, to expose the insidious intrigues -of their enemies against American institutions, and to invite and foster -mutual acquaintance, and brotherly affection and coöperation between us -and the noble patriots of Italy. - -Americans have but one excuse to give for their neglect of Italy in her -more triumphant struggle against her combined enemies and oppressors. -The intrigues of her enemies and their insidious calumnies were -sufficient to mislead the incautious and the honest. But we have long -since lost the spirit of our Protestant ancestors, who were men of -clearer sight, greater knowledge, stronger judgment, and more -resolution, bravery and perseverance than their descendants. They -distinguished, as we do not, between great truths and great falsehoods; -between great rights and great wrongs; and acted with promptitude and -vigor whenever the time arrived to vindicate or secure the one, and to -expose and counteract the other. And such a spirit was displayed by the -Italian exiles on our soil. They set us examples of similar ways of -thinking, speaking and acting; and well would it have been if we had -rightly appreciated the knowledge which they possessed, the manly views -which they entertained, and the plans which they proposed for our mutual -benefit. - -The following description of Garibaldi we translate from the "History of -the Glorious Campaign of the Cacciatori delle Alpi, in the war of 1859," -by one of his officers, Col. Francesco Corrano: - - - "Giuseppe Garibaldi is of middle stature, with broad and - square shoulders, herculean limbs, long brownish hair, - and beard slightly grey; a heavy and strong step, - sailor-like air, look, and manner of speaking; his vest - buttoned up to his throat, a hat with a broad brim, in - the Calabrian style, and large trousers. The noises of - the city annoy and disturb him. Commanding mountains - please him, covered with evergreen trees, and the sight - of the vast horizon and the boundless sea. - - "His nose is straight and almost vertical, and his - aspect at once vivacious and sweet. Often, under his - very heavy beard, his lips are gently moved by a natural - and fascinating smile. He converses frankly and - unaffectedly, condemns with decision, and praises warmly - but briefly; but he is ever animated, fluent, and even - eloquent, whenever the conversation turns on Italy, - liberty, and deeds of daring and skill; to overcome the - enemy, and to overdo them (_sopraffare_), his favorite - word. Above all things, he prizes faithfulness and valor - in chivalrous warfare, though it be not accompanied by - fame or popular applause. Proud despiser of pay and - money, he loves Italy above all things. - - "Cuneo, who is called his friend for life, by Garibaldi - himself, writes of him: 'A man of humanity, he is - laboring to secure in the future the brotherhood of the - people; but at the banquet of nations he will sit only - as an equal, or not sit at all.' He is by nature - tolerant of every suggestion. He has trust and sympathy - in discipline produced by love, more than by the rigor - of laws. - - "It would be difficult to find a successor to Garibaldi. - His name is popular in Italy, through all Europe, and in - America also, as no other is in our day; and it was - owing chiefly to his name, that ten thousand Italians, - from every province in the country, and in a short space - of time, hastened to join him, and to write their names - as 'Cacciatori delle Alpi.' But, more than to command - battalions, he is fitted to lead them in fine order; - prepared to fight, and with ten-fold moral force, by his - terrible name, to overcome and scatter the enemy; to - conquer or to fall with signal honor." - - -The intelligence and respectability of Garibaldi's soldiers were -attested by an English gentleman who visited his camp at Firano, August -5th. He wrote: - - - "You are already aware that in this singular corps the - soldier generally belongs to the best class of Italian - society. In consequence of this peculiarity, each of - this gallant band is a politician of the first class. - The doings of our ministers are sensibly discussed in - these bivouacs. - - "The only Englishman who is among them has become the - lion of this singular corps. In my former letter I had - occasion to speak of Captain Peard, the gentleman in - question. He comes from Cornwall, and belongs to a - militia regiment, whose uniform he wears with a - decidedly martial bearing. He is a man of tall and - colossal frame, nearer sixty than fifty, and is - considered the best shot in the party. Although he has - been attached to Garibaldi's staff, he makes war at his - own expense, and he was always to be found in the thick - of the fray. Whenever he had killed an Austrian, he was - seen to mark him down in his pocket-book. A few days ago - I met Captain Peard at Brescia, and he was kind enough - to show me his book, from which it was apparent that - twenty-five Austrians were killed by him during the - campaign, besides ten who were under the head of - 'uncertain.' - - "There are also with Garibaldi two rather eccentric - young Frenchmen, dressed in a peculiar costume of their - own, who are members of the Paris Jockey Club. These two - gentlemen have been so charmed by the gallant general, - that I am told they will share his fate, whatever it may - be. _Five American citizens_, and a few Germans, are - going to do the same, together with a Chinese, who, were - I to believe what he told me, is one of the few who - escaped the slaughter of Commissioner Yeh at Canton. - Most of Garibaldi's officers belong to the upper classes - of Lombardy, and have borne arms with him either in - South America or in Rome." - - -The interval which occurred between the day of Garibaldi's departure -from Turin, with his _Alpine Huntsmen_, and the dispersion of the forty -thousand Austrians at Calatrava, is one of the most interesting and -important in modern history. While the most anxious fears prevailed -among his friends, and the most alarming reports were circulated by his -enemies; while the promise of being supported by the number of troops -which he had thought indispensable was entirely disappointed, by the -inability of Cialdini to cross the rivers, Garibaldi, as we have seen, -undismayed by that and other difficulties, pursued his way with -unfailing resolution and complete success. He raised the country in -insurrection wherever he went; kindled a flame in every heart from the -electric fire which had so long been cherished in his own; -unhesitatingly attacked the opposing hosts of the enemy, and put them -all to flight. Thus he alarmed, weakened, and terrified the invaders, -and animated the Allies, whose precursor he was; gave an impulse to the -war at the commencement, and a most powerful support to it till the -close, which will ever secure to him an indisputable claim to a large, a -very large, share of the victory and its results. This claim, we may -surely foretell, will never be made by himself. It will, however, be -made by the world—by mankind—on whom he has conferred the inestimable -benefits of his great deeds, and his pure and noble example. Such -concurrences and successions of events, such men as have been employed -in the various scenes, and especially such a heroic leader, could have -been devised only by infinite wisdom, and conducted to such results only -by an Almighty hand. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - - - "Italia! I thank thee for life, and for pow'r - To fight with the foes of thyself and mankind." - _Lines on the death of Anna._ - - - GARIBALDI WITH AN ARMY AT RIMINI—GENERAL LAMORICIÈRE - AT PESARO—VICTOR EMANUEL APPREHENDS A PREMATURE - COLLISION—GARIBALDI GOES TO PIEDMONT—NICE AND SAVOY - CEDED TO FRANCE—GARIBALDI AT CAPRERA—THE SICILIAN - REVOLUTION COMMENCED—GARIBALDI'S EXPEDITION FOR - SICILY—THE ISLAND—THE PEOPLE. - - -After the interesting scenes described in the last chapter, Garibaldi -went to Rimini, and took command of an army which had been collected -there, to resist General Lamoricière, who was at Pesaro, 22 miles -distant, that French general, commanding the Pope's troops, being -menaced by Garibaldi's position, who was said to be urgent for -permission to pass at once through the Pope's territory into the -Abruzzo, and raise the Neapolitans in insurrection against their cruel -old king, Bomba. - -Victor Emanuel, disapproving such a movement at that time, wrote to -Garibaldi, requesting him to resign his command, with which he complied; -and General Fanti received it in his stead. He then proceeded to -Piedmont, where he published the following manifesto: - - - "TO MY COMPANIONS IN ARMS IN CENTRAL ITALY. - - - "Let not my temporary absence cool your ardor for the - holy cause that we defend. - - "In separating myself from you, whom I love as the - representatives of a sublime idea—the idea of Italian - deliverance—I am excited and sad; but consolation comes - in the certainty that I shall very soon be among you - again, to aid you in finishing the work so gloriously - begun. - - "For you, as for me, the greatest of all possible - misfortunes would be not to be present wherever there is - fighting for Italy. Young men who have sworn to be - faithful to Italy and to the chief who will lead you to - victory, lay not down your arms; remain firm at your - post—continue your exercises—persevere in the soldier's - discipline. - - "The truce will not last long; old diplomacy seems but - little disposed to see things as they really are. - Diplomacy still looks upon you as the handful of - malcontents which she had been accustomed to despise. - She does not know that in you there are the elements of - a great nation, and that in your free and independent - hearts there germinate the seeds of a world-wide - revolution if our rights shall not be recognized, and if - people will not allow us to be masters in our own home. - - "We desire to invade no foreign soil; let us remain - unmolested on our own. Whosoever attempts to gainsay - this our determination will find that we will never be - slaves, unless they succeed in crushing by force an - entire people ready to die for liberty. - - "But, even should we all fall, we shall bequeath to - future generations a legacy of hatred and vengeance - against foreign domination; the inheritance of each of - our sons will be a rifle, and the consciousness of his - rights; and by the blessing of God, the oppressor will - never sleep soundly. - - "Italians, I say again, do not lay down your arms; rally - more closely than ever to your chiefs, and maintain the - strictest discipline. Fellow-citizens, let not a man in - Italy omit to contribute his mite to the national - subscription; let not one fail to clean his gun, so as - to be ready, perhaps to-morrow, to obtain by force that - which to-day they hesitate to grant to our just rights. - - "GARIBALDI. - - "GENOA, _Nov. 23, 1859_." - - -Garibaldi then proceeded to Turin, and took his seat as a member of the -Sardinian Parliament, to which he had been elected two years before, as -the representative of Nice, his native country. - -Louis Napoleon having proposed that Savoy and Nice should be ceded to -France, the subject was brought before the Parliament and discussed at -length, Garibaldi opposing the project with great zeal in several very -animated speeches. The conduct of Napoleon, in 1849, against Rome, may -easily account for his feelings on that occasion. He soon withdrew from -the chamber, and departed for Caprera, where he remained until a new -scene was opened to him in another quarter, where Providence was -preparing for him to make that display of his noble character and -superior powers, which now has gained him the warmest love, as well as -the highest admiration, of the world. - -The Sicilians, unable any longer to suppress their discontent under the -cruel government of the king, began, in April, 1860, once more to show -signs of rebellion. An insurrection was made in Palermo, when the people -raised barricades in the streets, and fought the troops with resolution. -The combat was very bloody, but the citizens were soon overcome, and -most of the insurgents perished at the barricades. Several monks of the -convents were seized and imprisoned. Reinforcements had been sent into -Sicily. The commercial steamboats had been put into requisition, and the -army in Sicily was to be augmented to 30,000 men. - -Prince Castilcicala had returned to his post as governor of the island. -The panic at Naples on the 6th instant was general, but without -consequence. On the evening of the 6th an immense crowd, estimated to -number 80,000, blocked up the Rue Tolede at Naples, and raised numerous -shouts of "_Viva la Constituzione_" before the residence of the Papal -Nuncio. The street was quickly cleared by the patrols. - -Palermo had been placed in a state of siege. The insurgents were said to -number 10,000 well armed men. - -The insurrection at Messina broke out on Sunday morning, April 11th. The -popular movement commenced by shots being fired in the strada -Ferdinando. Pieces of furniture were thrown from the windows at the -troops. - -Count Cavour had telegraphed to Leghorn, ordering two steam frigates to -proceed at once toward the coast of Sicily, and shelter all fugitives -from political vengeance. The cry at Palermo, as well as at Messina, was -for union with the Italian kingdom. - -The disturbances increased, and the Sicilians rose in different places, -fought bravely, and maintained themselves with great resolution. - -Garibaldi was urgently called to their assistance, and was soon in -Piedmont collecting men for an expedition. Great enthusiasm was -displayed. Many volunteers pressed forward, and considerable numbers of -soldiers deserted from the king's army to join their favorite leader. -The government and its agents affected not to perceive the movement, and -no impediment was thrown in its way. Vessels were prepared at the little -port of Cagliari, and the volunteers, collected at convenient points not -far distant, marched quietly to the shore, embarked, and sailed in the -night of the 6th of May. - -As the events which followed this first step in the last grand drama of -Italian history are fresh in the minds of all, the following brief -review of them, recently published by the Paris "Siècle," may not be out -of place here: - - - "A man, accompanied by a few volunteers, sails from the - environs of Genoa in the night of the 6th of May, on - board of a vessel which is not even his own property. He - goes to liberate several millions of oppressed people, - and to overthrow a powerful monarchy; he is stigmatized - as a brigand, and all the penalties inflicted on pirates - are invoked on his devoted head; the cry is raised that - both he and his followers might be hanged from the - yard-arms of their vessel. On the 7th of September - this man has almost accomplished the task he had - undertaken; the monarchy he assailed is _de facto_ - overthrown. A nation is delivered. Now, which are the - wise counsellors? Those who advise sovereigns to make - concessions to the spirit of the age, or the flatterers - who promise them a protracted reign, if they will but - resist all progress? The answer is easy now. The king of - Naples is a fugitive. Another dynasty has fallen, though - surrounded by soldiers, and well provided with cannon - and gold; another hope of the counter-revolutionists has - fallen away. But the men bent on the ruin of princes - still persist in giving the same pernicious counsels. - 'The King of Naples has fallen,' say they, 'but General - de Lamoricière still remains; he will fight, he will; he - is ready, and the revolution will be overcome.' Wretched - counsellors! They are not yet satisfied with their work; - they want more catastrophes. Nevertheless, how easy the - dynasty of Naples might have escaped destruction! - Warnings were not wanting. Four years ago, during the - Conferences of Paris, did not Europe, by the voice of - her diplomatists, unanimously declare to the King of - Naples that he was courting destruction by his bad - government—that he was gathering around him all the - elements of revolution? Was he not, in a manner, - implored to adopt a different policy? Was he not duly - informed of the abyss that lay before him? - - "The general success of the Italian leader is thus - summed up: Five marvellous stages—Marsala, Palermo, - Milazzo, Reggio and Naples—performed in the short space - of three months, have been all that Garibaldi required, - supported as he is by the national sentiment, to - overthrow a monarchy deemed immovable; which, not yet - four years since, defied France and England; which, in - the face of the naval preparations of the two greatest - powers in the world, had determined to persevere in its - resistance." - - -The modern history of Sicily requires a particular study before the -sufferings and the spirit of its inhabitants can be well understood. The -cruelty of the government and its agents have surpassed belief. The -people, although few, compared with the numbers which that large and -fertile island might sustain under a better government, have made -repeated and strenuous efforts to obtain their freedom, and submitted -only to overwhelming and irresistible force. They commenced the Italian -revolution in 1820; and on several subsequent occasions they boldly -commenced insurrections, but always with ill success. The king of the -Two Sicilies would send troops from Naples, and then his immediate -subjects would endeavor to take advantage of the opportunity. Sometimes -the Sicilians rose against the king's troops, in secret concert with -arrangements made in other parts of Italy, and sometimes, as it seemed, -independently. Bloody scenes followed the victories of the king's -troops, but some fugitives were always able to escape, and numbers lived -in New York and other parts of the United States—some ever since 1820 or -1822. - -Sicily, as described by recent Italian authorities, contains about two -thirds as many inhabitants as the State of New York, or a little over -two millions, and a territory of 26,582,59 kilometers. A chain of -mountains through the northern part appears to be a continuation of the -Appenines, and the highest peak is the volcano of Etna, otherwise called -Mongibello. The island is the largest in the Mediterranean, extending -from N. latitude 36° to 38° 8´, and E. longitude 10° 5´ to 13° 20´. It -has always been celebrated for the fertility of its soil, and was long -called the granary of Rome. It contains several provinces, named from -their chief cities Palermo, Messina, Catania, Trappani, Syracuse or -Boto, Girgenti and Caltanissetta. The city of Palermo has 483,206 -inhabitants; Catania, 56,515; Messina, 93,822; and Syracuse, 16,916. The -land is but little divided, and all the province of Trappani is -possessed by only three proprietors. In consequence of bad government, -Sicily has only 126 persons to a square kilometer, and the rest of the -late kingdom of Naples 87, while Tuscany has 126. In 20 years, under a -free government, it may double its population. There were, last year, in -Sicily, 17,000 secular priests, 7,591 monks, and 8,675 nuns. Total, -33,976 drones in the hive. Many of those joyfully joined the revolution -on Garibaldi's appearance, and gave money from their treasures, and -offered their church bells to melt into cannon, preached, and even -fought for liberty and Victor Emanuel. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - - - "Native hills and plains are ringing, - With the sounds of joy once more; - Charming echos send the music, - From Alps to far Sicilla's shore."— - _Banks of Dora._ - - - ACCOUNTS OF THE EXPEDITION FOR SICILY—VOYAGE—TOUCH AT - TALAMONE, IN TUSCANY—PROCEED TO MARSALA—LANDING—MARCH - —OCCURRENCES ON THE WAY TO PALERMO. - - -For the following interesting accounts of Garibaldi's expedition to -Sicily, its arrival and operations, we copy from some letters published -in English papers. Being written on the spot, by intelligent -eye-witnesses, they are well adapted to our use: - - - DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION. - - "Garibaldi left the neighborhood of Genoa on the night - of the 5th of May. His intention had been to leave the - day before, but owing to the non-arrival of one of the - steamers singled out for the expedition, he had to defer - it to the next day. It is useless to say that the thorny - part of the transaction had been arranged beforehand - with the owners of the steamers, and that Garibaldi - merely consented to take upon himself the responsibility - of carrying off the steamers. The captain, engineers and - crew had received notice to leave them, the gallant - general being himself a good sailor, and having plenty - of men of his own to sail and handle the ships. On the - 7th a landing took place on the coast of Tuscany, at - Talamone, and on the 8th, another, at Orbitello, which - detained the expedition the next day. On the evening of - the 9th, the expedition set out for the coast of Sicily - direct. The Neapolitan government was perfectly well - informed, and the fleet was cruising about in all - directions except the right one. Little squadrons of two - or more steamers had been concentrated in the chief - seaport towns of the island, and tried by cruising to - keep a _cordon_ round the island. The south and - southwesterly coasts were, above all, a point of their - attention, for some of their ships reported having seen - the expedition going toward Tunis. Two steamers, the - Capri and Stromboli, were lying at Marsala, and not two - hours before the arrival of the expedition, had gone out - for a cruise." - - - THE LANDING. - - "The place for landing had not been fixed beforehand; an - inspiration of the moment induced Garibaldi to choose - the most frequented part of that side of the island, and - his star led him there just in the interval which - occurred between the going out and returning of the - steamers. Had it not been for this the landing might - have failed. One of the steamers struck on a rock just - at the entrance of the port, while the other went in as - close as possible. The information received, was that - there was a garrison of 600 men at Marsala, and the - orders had already been given to land a small party and - dislodge them from the barracks, when the boats from the - shore came off with the news that no one was there. This - made the landing easy enough; large barges were brought - alongside, and took everything ashore; but when - everything was landed, the Neapolitans made their - appearance, and began firing to their hearts' content, - without doing more than wounding slightly two men. - - "The first thing was to cut the telegraph wire, but it - was too late to prevent it from transmitting the news of - the landing to Palermo. The last two messages were: 'Two - steamers in sight making for the port; suspicious, as - they carry no flag;' and then: 'The two steamers having - hoisted the Sardinian flag, have come in and are landing - their men.'" - - -Another eye-witness, writing from Marsala, May 12th, thus describes the -landing: - - - "The extraordinary event which happened here yesterday - which still looks more like a dream than a reality - namely, the landing in this harbor of Garibaldi with a - band of about 1,500 as fine looking fellows as you - can well imagine, from two Sardinian steamers. The - landing was effected in gallant style, and with most - extraordinary celerity and order, and part of the time - under the guns of a Neapolitan frigate and two steamers. - One of the Sardinian vessels was run aground and - scuttled by themselves in the harbor, and the other was - taken outside by the Neapolitans; but after the landing - had been fully effected. I believe the brave adventurers - did not lose a man—only two or three wounded. We were - all in a state of alarm during the firing, as the shot - and shell from the frigate went flying about in a most - awkward manner—some into the town, some into Woodhouse's - stores, some into Wood's _baglio_ (factory), and one - actually over our heads here on the _baglio_ terrace, - which fell into the sea beyond the Salinella. - - "Our Vice-Consul, with the captains of the Intrepid and - Argus (both here fortunately for us at the time), went - on board the frigate during the firing to inquire into - the meaning of their missiles, so capriciously injuring - our factories, on each of which the English flag was - flying, and to inculcate more caution and accuracy in - their operations. The Neapolitan commanders, wisely - considering that it was their duty to expend a certain - quantity of powder and shot on such an important - occasion, gave the town the benefit of the residuary - dose, after the enemy was snug within the walls, and - laughing at this exhibition of impotent rage. It was, - however, no laughing matter to the poor inhabitants, - who, not accustomed to such phenomena, took to flight in - all directions to avoid the effects of the shell, which - did considerable damage about the Porta di Mare and the - Grazzia Vecchia, but fortunately without loss of life, - as many families were in the country for their spring - trip. A considerable number, high and low, flocked under - the protection of our flag here, and the old _baglio_ is - as crowded as Noah's Ark, only the animals are all - human." - - - MARCH INTO THE INTERIOR. - - - "In the morning the whole of Garibaldi's party set off - for Salemi, reinforced by a good many Marsalese - volunteers, and well provided with horses for the - officers, carts for their spare arms and ammunition, and - mules for the few field-pieces they brought with them. - Everything was managed with admirable order, and - apparently to the satisfaction of General Garibaldi; - though under the effect of the bombardment from the - Neapolitan vessels the poor Marsalese did not show an - enthusiastic welcome to their unexpected visitors. - - "MAY 14.—At Salemi they were received with open arms, - after having been joined on their march by several - large armed bands under Coppola, of the Monte, Baron - Sant Anna, of Alcamo, etc. Other two bands of armed - countrymen have set off from this place to join the - brave general, and with the reinforcements expected - from Castelvetrano, Santa Ninfa, and other neighboring - towns, they will soon muster a very formidable force. - Even their artillery is increasing, as some light - brass field-pieces, buried since 1849, have been - brought out, and found in good condition. Several - Franciscan monks have put themselves at the head, with - the cross in one hand and the sword in the other." - - - FIRST EFFECTS OF THE ARRIVAL OF GARIBALDI. - - "The arrival of Garibaldi changed the nature of the - insurrection in Sicily completely. Until then the - different _squadre_ (bands) of _picciotti_ (youngsters) - had carried on a kind of desultory guerrilla warfare - without much connection between them. The landowner, if - influential enough, or else some popular man more - energetic than the rest, collected for this purpose - whoever wanted to come and had some sort or other of - arms. Their tactics were to appear and disappear in - different parts of the country, and harass from safe - places the royal troops passing through the interior, - but as for concerting a plan or meeting the royalists in - the open field, no one would ever have dreamed of it. - The mountainous country, and the want of roads, greatly - facilitated this kind of warfare, while the absence of - danger and fatigue was sufficient inducement even for - those who were not driven there by their hatred against - the Neapolitans. The country between Palermo, Trapani, - Marsala, and Corleone was the chief seat of these - _squadre_, not a few of which were collected at the time - in the mountain chain above Palermo. - - "Garibaldi's name and prestige, and the succors which he - brought, became a link between these different squadre, - which placed themselves under his orders. Scarce had the - news of his landing spread, when the bands from Trapani, - Corleone, and one or two other places joined. It was to - meet this force, which was every day swelling, that - Brigadier-General Landi was sent in the direction of - Marsala and Trapani. The road to these places is the - same as far as Calata Fimi, situated on the top of an - elevated plateau; from thence it separates. A force, - therefore, stationed at the intersection, shuts off all - communication by regular roads from Palermo to Trapani - and Marsala. It was on the lower slopes of the plateau - that General Landi had taken his position, with four - battalions, one of them riflemen, and four mountain - guns. The road from Marsala, after passing Salemi, - descends one of those long terraced plateaus which are a - characteristic feature of this part of Sicily, and after - crossing a little valley, rises up to the other plateau, - where Calata Fimi is situate. The position was, - therefore, one of the most difficult to carry. Like all - soldiers of the same kind, the Neapolitans, whose - muskets are excellent, rely altogether on their fire, - especially if it can be carried on from afar. The - reception, therefore, of Garibaldi and his troops was so - hot that the _squadre_ soon sought shelter where they - could, leaving all the work to the troops Garibaldi had - brought with him. The Cacciatori delle Alpi justified - their renown, and in spite of the heat of the day, - the advantage of position and numbers, drove the - Neapolitans, at the point of the bayonet, from one - position to another, taking one of the mountain guns. - One of the students from Pavia, a youth certainly not - more than eighteen, was the first to lay hands on it. In - less than two hours, the Neapolitans were driven from - all their positions and flying back toward Palermo. A - letter, written by General Landi, was found in the - village. In it he writes to the commander of Palermo to - send him reinforcements, as he could not hold the place. - He excuses at the same time the loss of the gun, by - saying that the mule which carried it was shot—a - falsehood, for the gun carriage was taken with it, as - well as the two mules, which are in perfect health. - - "The retreat of the brigade, which had lost - considerably, was not molested at first, and they passed - Alcamo without being attacked, but at Partenico, where - they had sacked, burned, and murdered promiscuously, - throwing women and children into the fire, the people - were up and had occupied the houses, from which they - fired on the troops, converting their flight into a - regular rout, the eleventh regiment losing its colors. - Garibaldi is not the man to lose much time, but still - the necessity of concerting a common action with the - bands in the neighborhood of Palermo, prevented him from - taking the position of Monreale by surprise." - - - PALERMO. - - - "In order to understand the importance of this position, - as well as the rest of the operations, I must say - something about the topography of the basin of Palermo. - Long before you arrive at Palermo by sea, you have - before you a bold limestone mountain, standing there - isolated, and resembling somewhat the rock of Gibraltar, - but not so lofty. This rock forms the northern limit of - the Bay of Palermo and of the Conca d'Oro (Gold Shell), - the fertile plain in which the town lies. The plain - stretches out in a northwesterly and southeasterly - direction, which is likewise followed in a circular - sweep by the mountain chain. - - "The plain may be about twelve miles in its greatest - length, and from four to five in its greatest width. - Between the isolated Monte Pellegrino and the rest of - the chain the plain runs up to La Favorita, over which a - carriage road goes to Carini; on the opposite side of - the plain, skirting the sea-shore runs the highroad to - Messina, passing through Bazaria, and close to the ruins - of Solento. These are the two easiest outlets of the - plain. Everywhere else a continued chain of mountains - seems to close all outlet. Nearest to La Favorita a bad - mountain road leads in a straight line by San Martino to - Carini. To the left of this road rises a rugged, - magnificent mountain, looking like the worn side of an - extinct crater; it protrudes somewhat into the plain, - and throws out a high spur in the same direction as the - main chain. This spur is Monreale, and you can see the - famous convent and church, as well as the greatest part - of the village. Over this plateau passes the high road - to Trapani. Behind the spur and plateau of Monreale, the - mountain forms a kind of amphitheatre on a colossal - scale, the terraced cultivation helping to keep up the - illusion. Where it ends, and the mountain begins again - to protrude into the plain, you can see on the slopes - two white villages; they are Parco and Madonna delle - Grazie, over which a carriage road leads to the Piana - del Greci and Corleone, two old Albanian colonies, - established, like a good number in this part of Sicily - by emigration after the death of Skandorbeg. Another - spur runs out into the plain, and forms another - amphitheatre, more rugged and picturesque than that of - Monreale, and dominated by the Gebel Rosso. In the dip a - rugged horse-path ascends, called the Passo della - Mezzagna, leading down to the village of Misilmeri, - situate on the only highroad into the interior and to - Catania. The Gebel Rosso toward the sea and Cape - Zaffarano, and in the lower depression is the highroad - from Palermo to Catania. It runs almost parallel to the - road on the sea-shore as far as Abate, and then cuts - across to the south. From this description you will see - that the Neapolitans, possessing the command of the sea, - had all the advantages of a concentric position, - especially with an enemy who was weak in artillery, and - who was chiefly formidable in the mountains. A general - concentration of their forces in the plain was clearly - indicated, with the single exception of the plateau of - Monreale, which is a position in itself, and commands - the road from the interior for some distance. The - disadvantage of him who attacked was considerably - increased by the difficult nature of the mountains, - which makes all lateral communication between the roads - almost impossible, so that any change of the attack - implied a great circuit. The Neapolitans, who had - studied the thing for years, were fully aware of these - advantages, and concentrated their forces in the plain, - merely occupying the plateau of Monreale. - - "Garibaldi could not unite his forces in time to arrive - at Monreale before the Neapolitans had occupied it in - great force, and when he arrived in the neighborhood of - the position, four days after the victory of Calata - Fimi, he saw that the taking of Monreale could only be - effected with great loss. He therefore determined to - change his plans. The first thing was to surround and - watch all the outlets, and for this purpose the - different _squadri_ of the insurgents took up positions - all round the chain of mountains which inclose the bay. - It was one of the finest sights you could see when their - fires blazed up at night, and mingled their red glare - with the pale light of the moon. They were watched by - the inhabitants like the holy fire by the Parsee, and - the sole occupation during the last eight days or so - seemed to be to observe and comment on their meaning. - Now they seemed stronger on one peak, now more spread - and continuous on the slope of another mountain, and on - the hope kindled by these fires the uninitiated lived. - Palermo was in a state of excitement and ferment - impossible to describe, and strong enough to brave the - state of siege which had been proclaimed. The Secret - Committee, which had maintained itself in spite of the - vigilance and suspicion of the police, always found - means to communicate with Garibaldi, in spite of the - military authorities. The committee was known to exist, - and it circulated printed bulletins almost daily, but it - was so organized that the police, although aware of its - existence, could never discover the members. It was - a kind of freemasonry, with different degrees of - initiation. No one not a member knew more than one - member. The houses where the meetings were held were - continually changed, and all obeyed blindly. - - "The committee informed Garibaldi that Palermo was ready - to rise, but it imposed the condition that he should - appear before the gates of the town. He accepted this - condition, and made his plans accordingly. Seeing that - he had come too late for Monreale, he left a party of - the native insurgents to keep up the fires and engage - the Neapolitans, while he took off the mass of the - force, and, by an almost incredible march along the - mountain chain, where the guns had to be carried by the - men, he appeared all at once at Parco, on the road to - Piana, on the 23d. As soon as the Neapolitans saw their - mistake, they sent up in hot haste toward Parco - whatever they could muster of forces without exposing - their position in the town. They did not think them - sufficient; for, after some skirmishing on that day, - they withdrew again to their position on two lower - plateaus, the Piana Borazzo and Santa Theresa. The next - day, 24th, they got up some of the troops from Monreale, - and thus strengthened, made another attack—the same I - witnessed from on board ship. The purpose was gained; - they had got another change. Garibaldi withdrew, leaving - just a few of the bands behind. These latter did not - wait long to follow, and the 'Regii,' as the soldiers - are called, entered both Madonna delle Grazie and Parco - the same afternoon, and pillaged and burned the place, - according to time-honored custom, killing a number of - the peaceful inhabitants, and publishing as usual next - day, a splendid bulletin, announcing the defeat of - the bands of Garibaldi, and promising their speedy - subjection. Although Neapolitan bulletins are not much - believed, yet there were many in the town whose hearts - sank when they saw Garibaldi retire a second time. - - "They little knew the man with whom they had to do, nor - did the Neapolitans either—although they ought to have - remembered Velletri. It was _reculer pour mieux sauter_. - In order the better to deceive the Neapolitans, he went - back to Piana, and sent his artillery even farther back, - while he himself, with his chosen band, made his way - over the mountains again, and, while the Neapolitans - followed his track to Piana, he had arrived yesterday - morning at Misilmeri, on the highroad to Catania, where - he had given rendezvous to all the chieftains or - captains on that side of the mountain chain. - - "I was sick of uncertain rumors, which alone were to be - got at in town, and which would leave your readers in - darkness about the true state of things. Besides knowing - a little of the gallant general's tactics, I had a - strong suspicion that something was impending which - could be better seen from without than from inside the - town, so I determined to see whether I could not get - there. Some English and American officers had been out - in that direction, and had seen one of the captains, a - popular man of this place, called La Maza, so I - determined likewise to have a trial. Some friends in the - town indicated the way, and I set off in the carriage of - one of them. The road to Messina, starting from the - Marina and the Villa Giulia at the end of it, skirts the - sea as far as Abate, where it unites with the highroad - to Misilmeri and Catania. I was advised to take this - last, as the least infested by soldiers. What with their - confidence in their navy, and what with the stratagem of - Garibaldi, the Neapolitans had paid little attention to - this road and the southeasterly side in general. Two - sentries before the corner of the Villa Giulia, and a - post of a score of men a little further, in the _octroi_ - building, were all that were in the neighborhood of the - town. Straggling houses continue for some distance up to - a bridge leading over a little stream or torrent called - Orveto, which flows into the sea about a quarter of a - mile further on. All along these houses there is a chain - of sentries, and in the vicinity of the bridge a post of - perhaps eighty men who furnish these sentries. - - "I passed them without an inquiry, and was free. There - had been the Neapolitan steamers cruising about every - day all along this coast; no necessity was therefore - felt for any further precaution. I rolled along fast - enough with my two Calabrese horses, and passed some - American officers, probably bound for Solento. At the - very gates of the town the people had joined the - insurrection, but there was a kind of neutral ground - between the two, which ended in a village beyond Abate, - the name of which I cannot recollect. If the Regii were - careless, the insurgents were not, and at the entrance - of the village one of their armed men asked me for - permission to be my guide, a thing which exactly suited - me. As we drove through the village the people rushed - forward, and trying to kiss my hands, asked me for arms. - They were all ready to join, but had no arms, which did - not prevent their raising shouts for Italy, Victor - Emanuel, and Garibaldi. We had to gallop off in order - not to be stopped at every step. A drive of half an hour - or more in a gentle descent, with a lovely valley - beneath, and beautiful mountain scenery in front, - brought me to the town of Misilmeri, a wretched little - place, altogether wanting in character. In the little - square held out on one side the committee, which forms a - kind of provisional government, and on the other, up - some wooden steps fixed outside, was enthroned the chief - of the staff of Garibaldi's expedition in primitive - simplicity. Colonel Sirtori was just giving a pass to - two young American officers from the United State's - steamship Iroquois, without which no one was allowed to - enter the camp. As he had likewise given them an officer - as guide, I joined them, and up we sauntered toward the - heights leading to the Gebel Rosso and the pass the - Mezzagna. We had soon left behind us the few remaining - houses, and the ruins of the feudal castle to the left, - the white limestone walls of which had something in them - which reminded you of a skeleton. The ground all about - is planted with olive-trees, vines, and different sorts - of grain, which all grow luxuriantly in spite of the - stony nature of the place. The general had pitched his - camp on a tolerably extensive plateau just above the - ruins, looking down on one side toward the plain and the - range which ends at Cape Zaffarana, while on the other - the peaks of the Gebel Rosso and the pass of Mezzagna - were visible across a depression in the ground, looking - very much like an extinct crater, and now partially - filled with water, owing to the copious rains which had - fallen during the last few days. It was one of those - panoramas which suggest naturally your pitching your - tent there—that is, if you have one. The word tent is - erased from the military dictionary of Garibaldi. - However, a popular general has to yield at times to his - soldiers, and so he could not prevent them from sticking - into the ground four of the lances with which the - squadron, who have no muskets, are armed, and from - throwing over them a blanket. Under the tent you could - see the guacha saddle arranged as a pillow, and the - black sheepskin covering as a bed. As for every one - else, there were the olive-trees affording shade, plenty - of stones for pillows, and perhaps for every tenth man a - cloak or blanket. All around were picketed the horses, - most of them entire, and behaving accordingly. The - general himself was not there when we arrived; he had - taken one of his morning strolls, but in front of his - tent there were all his trusty followers—Colonel Turr, - the Hungarian, although still suffering from the shot in - his arm, received in last year's campaign, yet always - ready where there is danger; Colonel Bixio, another - trusty follower and well-known officer of the Cacciatori - delle Alpi; Colonel Carini, the bravest of Sicilians, - likewise an officer of that corps, besides a number of - others, all brave like him, among them Garibaldi's young - son, with a shot wound in his wrist, received at Calata - Fimi, and the son of Daniel Manin, wounded in the thigh. - There was the ex-priest Guzmaroli, a Romagnole, who has - vowed the most enthusiastic worship to his hero, and - follows him like his shadow, providing for his comforts, - and watching his person in the moment of danger. There - was a small cluster of guides, most of them of good - Lombard families, meant to serve on horseback, but now - on foot, and the foremost in the battle. Not the least - remarkable among all these figures was the Sicilian - monk, Frate Pantaleone—jolly, like the picture of a monk - of the middle ages, but full of fire and patriotism, and - as brave as any of the others. He had joined the force - at Salemi, and did his best to encourage and comfort - them. Several among the leading men from Palermo and its - vicinity were likewise present among them, with several - priests and monks, who are among the most sincere and - energetic promoters of the movement. They were a strange - sight, indeed, in this by no means very Catholic army; - but I assure you their behavior has been such that the - wildest among these youths honor and respect them, and - in them their order. - - "Well, all this motley crowd, increased now by the two - young American naval men, and soon after joined by three - British naval officers, was collected around a common - nucleus—a smoking kettle, with the larger part of a calf - in it, and a liberal allowance of onions, a basket with - heaps of fresh bread, and a barrel containing Marsala. - Every one helped himself in the most communistic manner, - using fingers and knife, and drinking out of the - solitary tin pot. It is only in this irregular warfare - that you see these scenes in their greatest perfection. - The long marches and countermarches, rains, fights, and - sleeping on the ground, had made almost every one worthy - to figure in a picture by Murillo, with all those grand - Sicilian mountains, not unlike those of Greece, forming - a background such as no picture can reproduce." - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - GARIBALDI IN COUNCIL. - - - "Soon after my arrival, Garibaldi made his appearance, - and received his foreign visitors with that charming, - quiet simplicity which characterizes him, lending - himself with great complaisance to the invariably - recurring demands of autographs, and answering the - numerous questions which were naturally put to him. It - was only after the departure of his guests that the - general resumed business. The question debated was - nothing more nor less than to venture on a _coup de - main_ on Palermo the same night. There was no doubt, all - the information went to show, that the Neapolitans had - taken the bait thrown out for them—that they had taken - a feigned retreat for a defeat, and the sending - back of the guns toward the interior as a sign of - discouragement. As to the flank movement to Misilmeri, - they seemed to have no idea of it, for men come from - Piani stated that they were in force in that place. - Another considerable body of men was at Parco, and on - the road beyond it. In Monreale, the reports spoke - likewise of several thousand. In fact, the approaches to - these two last-named places, called the Piana di Borazzo - and the Theresa, both of which are close to the Palazzo - Reale, in the southwest part of the town, were the - points of concentration, while the outlets from the - southerly and the southeasterly parts of the town were - comparatively undefended. Former events had forced the - Neapolitans to pay attention to the topography of the - town, so as to remain masters of it in case of a popular - rising. This was not very easy in such a town as - Palermo, which, like a true southern town, forms a - labyrinth of small and tortuous streets, flanked by - high houses all provided with balconies. This was a - serious drawback for the troops in a street fight. The - Neapolitans did their best to repair the disadvantage. - There are two streets, evidently of Spanish origin, - which form the main arteries of the town. The first, - called Via di Toledo, starting from the Marina at Porta - Felice, traverses the town in a straight line from - northeast to southwest, passing close to the Cathedral - of Santa Rosalia, and ending at the Piazza Reale, the - largest square of Palermo, on the opposite side of the - town from which the roads start to Monreale and Parco. - Besides the royal palace, supposed to be on the site of - the old palace of the Emirs of Sicily, there are several - large public buildings which line the square, the - Archivescovado forming one corner, and the large convent - of St. Elizabetha the other. The ground rises gently - toward this part, which commands the whole town. At - right angles to the Via di Toledo runs another street - equally straight, the Strada Moquerada, which, starting - from the Porto San Antonino, and traversing the whole - town, leads out the road to La Favorita and to the Mole. - The two intersect each other right in the centre of the - town, where the octagonal place is called the Piazzi - Bologni. The lower half of the town, from the sea to - this place, had been almost abandoned, or rather - committed to the tender care of the shipping and the - Castello, which occupies a projecting height on the - seashore, near the northeasterly corner of the town. A - few posts at the gates of the town on this side, rather - points of observation than of action, and a company or - so in the building of the Finanze, situated in this part - of the town, were all that remained of troops on that - side. - - "In order to establish and keep up the communication - between the upper half of the town, the real point of - defence, and the sea-shore, two large _stradoni_ have - been opened outside of the town, both of them starting - from the neighborhood of the royal palace, and running - down to the sea, near to the Villa Giulia, a large - public garden adjoining the Marina, and the other - passing through the Quartiere dei Quatri Venti, to the - Mole. This latter _stradone_ has always been considered - as the line of retreat to the place of embarkation, and - is flanked by large buildings, the political prison, - some barracks, the criminal prison, and finally the - works on the Mole itself. - - "The plan which Garibaldi conceived from these - dispositions, was to surprise the posts in the lower and - comparatively ill-defended part of the town, to throw - himself into the town, and then gradually work his way - from street to street. The two roads leading to this - part of the town run almost parallel, and not far from - each other. That close to the sea-shore was the least - guarded, containing merely a company or so, altogether - cut off from all communication. The task would have been - easier from this side, had it not been for the fear of - the march of a long column being discovered, and thus an - alarm given. The second, the highroad from the interior, - was therefore chosen as the line of operations. It - crosses, about half a mile from the town, the route Del - Ammiraglio, leads through a large open street to the - _stradone_ on this side of the town, and enters the town - at the Porta di Termini. At this gate the Neapolitans - had made a sandbag barricade, which was occupied by two - companies. The _stradone_ before it was enfiladed by a - couple of mountain guns, placed at the gate of Sant' - Antonino. Beyond the _stradone_ small forts extended all - along the road up to the bridge, and the outposts were - just on the other side of the bridge. - - "With that just _coup d'œil_ which Garibaldi certainly - possesses, he had singled out this point as the most - practicable. Having, with the exception of the troops - he had brought with him, but rough, undisciplined - guerrillas at his disposal, he saw that the best - chance was to concentrate all his forces, and surprise - or break through by main force. The operation was to - be assisted by a general rise of the people in the - town. - - "Having sketched out his plan, he convoked the different - guerrilla chiefs and informed them of his intention. He - told them that it was not his custom to have councils of - war, but he thought it for once good to consult them, as - upon the resolution taken must depend the fate of - Sicily, and perhaps of Italy. There were only two things - to be done—either to try and get possession of Palermo - by a _coup de main_, or else to withdraw and begin a - regular organization in the interior, and form an army. - He, for his part, was for a _coup de main_, which would - at once settle the fate of the island. He told them to - be brief in their remarks, and not deliberate long. Most - were utterly astonished at the boldness of this plan, - and some made remarks about the want of ammunition for - their men. They were told for the hundredth time, that - it was not long shots which imposed on the well-armed - Neapolitans, but a determined rush in advance—that they - ought not to waste their ammunition and fire off their - guns for sport, and were promised whatever could be - spared. This objection being waived, all expressed more - or less loudly their approbation of the plan, and were - dismissed with the injunction to animate their people - and keep up their courage." - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - - "I saw Garibaldi, and watch'd him nigh; - I saw the lightnings that flash from his eye: - He's not of the dust of which mortals are made, - And what reaches his heart will not be of lead." - _Dall'Ongaro._ T. D. - - - PREPARATIONS TO ATTACK PALERMO—NIGHT - MARCH—ATTACK—BATTLE—THE BOMBARDMENT. - - - "The first idea was to make the attack in the middle of - the night—the Neapolitans don't like to stir at night, - and there was every chance of a panic among them; but - there was some danger that way likewise for the Sicilian - insurgents, and it was thought best to make such - arrangements as would bring the force at dawn to the - gates of the town. According to the original and better - plan of the general himself and his adjutant-general, - Colonel Turr, the movement was to have been made along - the main road from Misilmeri, broad enough to admit of - considerable development of the columns, and commodious - in every respect. The native captains, however, - suggested the Pass of Mezzagna, which descends from the - heights behind Gebel Rosso into the plain of Palermo. - According to their statements, it was much shorter and - by no means difficult. Their statements were believed, - and the whole force received orders to be concentrated - by nightfall on the summit of the pass, crowned with a - church. - - "According to the first disposition, the troops brought - by the general himself were to lead the way, and the - _squadre_ to follow; but some of the chiefs begged it as - a favor for their corps to have the honor of being first - in the town—a claim which could not be very well - refused. The plan was, therefore, modified. The guides - and three men from each company of the Cacciatori delle - Alpi, were formed into an _avant-garde_, confided to - Major Tüköri, a Hungarian, an officer who distinguished - himself under General Kméty on the 29th of September, at - Kars. Behind this _avant-garde_ followed the Sicilians, - commanded by La Maga, an emigrant, who had come over - with Garibaldi. The second line was led by the riflemen - of Genoa—excellent shots, all armed with the Swiss - carbine. Behind them came the two battalions of - Cacciatori delle Alpi, and in the rear the rest of the - Sicilians. - - "The order having been distributed, the different bands - gradually worked their way toward the summit of the - pass. The packing up at headquarters did not take much - time; it soon after broke up its camp and followed the - troops. I was mounted on a regular Rosinante, with a - halter passed round the jaw, and provided with a saddle - which seemed to have been formed to fit on the vertebræ - of my lean black charger. A blanket was, however, found - in due time, and on the whole I cannot complain. The - road up to the pass winds along rows of gigantic cactus - hedges, which give a thoroughly eastern character to the - country. It was just sunset when we arrived on the top, - where, through a gap, we could see the bay and town of - Palermo and the sea beyond, looking more like a fairy - picture than reality. All the mountains, with their - rugged points naturally of a reddish tint, seemed to - have drunk in the rays of the setting sun, and exhibited - that rosy color which I had thought hitherto a special - gift of the plain of Attica. While you had this charming - scene before you, you looked behind, as it were, into - the hearts of the mountains. It was one of the finest - spots I ever saw, and all the country was fragrant with - spring flowers, the perfume of which came out with - redoubled vigor as soon as the sun had set. It proved a - bad road for the expedition, that mountain pass, but it - was lovely to look upon. - - "In order to entertain the Neapolitans with the idea - that all was safe on that side, the usual large fires - were kindled on the tops of the mountains, and kept up - long after our departure by men left behind for that - purpose. Garibaldi went up to look at the position - underneath, or, perhaps, to indulge in that kind of - reverie to which he is subject in such solemn moments, - and which ends in a concentration of all his faculties - on the sole aim he has before him. - - "The evening gun in the fort had been long reëchoed by - the mountains, and the moon had risen clear and bright - above our heads, giving a new charm to this lovely - scenery, before we stirred." - - - THE NIGHT MARCH. - - - "During this interval the _picciotti_ (youngsters), as - the patriots are called, were put into some kind of - order, which, you will believe me, was no easy matter in - the comparative darkness which prevailed; no chief - knowing his men, and the men not recognizing their - chief—every one acting for some one else, and no one - able to give an answer. With the exception of the troops - brought over by Garibaldi, all the rest seemed an - entangled mass almost impossible to unravel. However, by - degrees, those belonging to the same chief found - themselves together, and the march began about ten, P.M. - Either the Sicilian chieftains had never looked at the - Pass of Mezzagna, or else they have curious ideas of a - road; the whole is nothing but a track among big stones, - crossing and recrossing the bed of a mountain torrent, - following not unfrequently the bed of the torrent, - leading over smooth masses of stones and across most - awkward gaps—all this at an angle of twenty-five - degrees, to be passed on horseback at night! Even the - men could only go singly, which made our line a - frightful length, and caused continual delays and - stoppages. The general vowed never to believe another - Sicilian report on the state of a mountain road. - However, in the end, we reached the plain and came in - among the olive-trees below, with few falls among the - sure-footed horses. A halt was made until all the - columns had descended, and during this halt an incident - occurred which did not promise much for the future - behavior of our _picciotti_. The horses in Sicily are - left for the most part entire, hence continual fighting - and considerable neighing, which was so inconvenient in - a night expedition of this kind that several of the most - vicious steeds had to be sent back. One of them still - remained, and began its antics; the rider lost patience, - which made matters worse. Those nearest threw themselves - back in haste, and communicated the movement to those - behind. These, many of whom had sat down and began to - doze, mistook in their dreams, probably, the trees for - Neapolitans, the stars for so many shells, and the moon - for a colossal fireball; at any rate, the majority of - them were, with one bound, in the thickets on both sides - of the road, several fired off their muskets in - their fright, and very little was wanting to cause a - general panic. Every one did what he could to restore - confidence, but the effect was produced and reacted, as - you will see by and by. Another incident occurred, which - might have led to the failure of the whole expedition. - The Sicilian guides who were with the _avant-garde_ - missed the road, and instead of taking a by-road which - led into the main road we had to pursue, they continued - on the road near the hill-side, which would have brought - us just where the Neapolitans were in the greatest - strength. The mistake was perceived in time and - repaired, but not without considerable loss of time. At - last the column emerged on to the main road, which is - broad and skirted by high garden walls. As we had lost - considerable time with all these _contretemps_, and as - dawn was approaching, we had to make haste, but whether - from fatigue or the impression of the night panic, the - _picciotti_ could not be brought to move very fast. It - was just the first glimmer of dawn when we passed the - first houses, which extend in this direction a long way - out of the town of Palermo. The _squadre_, who ought to - have known the locality better, began shouting and - 'evvivaing,' just as if we had been close to the gates. - Had it not been for this blunder, the _avant-garde_ - might have surprised the post on the bridge of the - Ammiragliato, and probably penetrated into the town - without the loss of a man. As it was, the shouting not - only roused those on guard on the bridge, but likewise - gave an opportunity to the Neapolitans to strengthen the - force at the gate of Termini, and to make all their - dispositions for a defence from the flank. - - "Instead, therefore, of surprising the post on the - bridge, the _avant-garde_ was received by a - well-sustained fire, not only in front, but from the - houses in their flanks. At the first sound of the - musketry, most of the _picciotti_ were across the garden - walls, but not with the view of firing from behind them, - leaving thus the 30 or 40 men of the _avant-garde_ all - isolated in the large exposed street which leads to the - bridge. The first battalion of the Cacciatori was sent - up, and as it did not carry the position fast enough, - the second was sent after it soon after. While these - were driving back the Neapolitans, every one did his - best to drive the _picciotti_ forward. It was not so - easy, in the beginning especially, when the sound of - cannon was heard in front, although its effects were - scarcely visible. However, the _picciotti_, who remind - me very much of Arnout Bashibazouks, can be led on after - the first unpleasant sensation has passed away, - especially when they see that it is not all shots that - kill or wound—not even the cannon-shots, which make so - formidable a noise. They could see this to perfection - this morning, for although the Neapolitan rifles are - scarcely inferior to the best fire-arms, I never saw so - little damage done by so much shooting. Every one put - himself, therefore, to work to lead and urge on the - _picciotti_, driving them out of the sheltered places by - all kinds of contrivances, and often by blows and main - force. After some trouble, most of them were safely - brought through the open space before the bridge, but - the general tendency was to go under rather than above - the bridge, which is, like all bridges over torrents, - high, and was, in this instance, exposed to a heavy - cross fire from the Piana di Borazzo, where the - Neapolitans had a loopholed wall and some guns mounted, - which threw a few ill-aimed shells. While the general - himself, and many of his staff, did their best to make - them leave this shelter again and proceed, the - _avant-garde_ had chased back the Neapolitans to the - _stradone_ which runs down to the sea just in front of - the Porta di Termini. The Neapolitan fort at the gate, - considerably reinforced, opened a hot fire, which swept - down the long avenue of houses leading to the bridge, - while at the same time the two guns and the troops - posted at the Porta Sant' Antonino, brought a cross fire - to bear on the attackers. But this was no obstacle to - the brave fellows who led the way. They did not lose - time with firing, but rushed on with the bayonet. The - commander of the _avant-garde_, who was a Hungarian - major, and three of the guides, were the first across - the sand-bag barricade in the town, but the leader was - wounded by a shot which shattered his left knee. - Otherwise the loss had been trifling. While the - _avant-garde_ and the Cacciatori chased the Neapolitans - from spot to spot, the Palermitans began likewise to - stir, but, justice compels me to say, only in the parts - which the troops had left. - - "The same scene as at the bridge was repeated at the - crossing of the _stradone_ by the _picciotti_, who - followed in a straggling movement. And yet it was - important to get into the town, in order not to be - outflanked or taken in the rear by the Neapolitans - holding the Piana di Borazzo. In order to avert this - danger, the order was given to some of the bands to get - behind the garden walls which line the road by which the - Neapolitans might have come down on our left. These - diversions, and probably the dislike to fight in open - field, were sufficient to parry this danger until the - greatest part of the stragglers had passed. At the same - time a barricade was thrown up in the rear with anything - which could be laid hold of. This work pleased the - _picciotti_ so well, that they began throwing up a - barricade in front likewise. At any rate, they blocked - up a part of the road before they could be prevented. - - "But the most critical thing was decidedly the crossing - of the _stradone_, where the cross fire was kept up, and - all kinds of dodges were resorted to to make them risk - this _salto_, which they thought mortal. I and one of - the followers of Garibaldi held out one of the men by - main force exposed to the fire, which soon made him run - across. It was here, above all, that the bad firing of - the Neapolitans told. I was looking on for some time, - and did not see a single man even wounded. In order to - encourage the _picciotti_, one of the Genoese riflemen - took four or five chairs, planted the tricolor on one of - them, and sat down upon it for some time. The thing took - at last decidedly, and you saw the _picciotti_ stopping - on the road to fire off their muskets. - - "Close to the Porta di Termini is the Vecchia Fiera—the - old market-place. One must know these Sicilians to have - an idea of the frenzy, screaming, shouting, crying, and - hugging: all would kiss Garibaldi's hand and embrace his - knees. Every moment brought new masses, which debouched - in troops from one of the streets, anxious to have their - turn. As the Cacciatori gradually cleared the lower part - of the town, most of the inhabitants came to have a - look, and give a greeting to the Liberator of Palermo - and Sicily. The entrance was effected about half-past 5 - A.M., and by noon more than one-half of the town was - clear of the troops. But two hours before this was - effected, the citadel had opened its fire on the town, - at first moderately enough, but soon after with great - vigor, firing large 13-inch shell, red-hot shot, and - every other projectile calculated to do the greatest - possible damage. About noon or so, the ships in the - harbor opened their fire, and between the two they - contrived to destroy a great number of houses in the - lower part of the town, killing and wounding a great - number of people of all ages and both sexes. Two of the - large shells were sent right into the hospital, and - exploded in one of the wards. Everywhere you perceived - ruins and conflagrations, dead and wounded, not a few of - whom must have perished among the ruins of their houses. - It was especially the part of the town near the Piazzi - Bologni, and some of the adjoining streets which was - ill-treated. If the object of the Neapolitans was to - inspire terror, they certainly succeeded. Whoever could, - took refuge in whatever he thought the most bomb-proof - place, and those who could not, you saw crying, praying, - and wringing their hands in the streets. It was a - pitiable sight, indeed, and it did more harm to - inoffensive people than to those who might have - retaliated. Before opening the fire, the commodore sent - a polite message to all the men-of-war which were in the - way to get out of it, and all the vessels which were - moored inside the Mole had to shift their berths and - take up positions outside." - - - THE BOMBARDMENT. - - "EVENING. - - "The bombardment is still kept up, with only short - intervals, especially from the Castle, where the _alter - ego_ of King Bomba II. reigns. There is no doubt that - Admiral Mundy made very strong representations to the - Neapolitan commodore about the bombardment, but they - have not been listened to. Some parts of the town will - have to be entirely rebuilt, the large shells having - passed right through from top to bottom, shaking those - ill-built constructions. Several of the churches have - come in for their share; yet all this useless - bombardment has not prevented the soldiers from being, - by degrees dislodged from all their positions in the - town, with the exception of the parts about the royal - palace and their line of communication with the Mole. In - the lower part of the town they possess only the - Castello Amare and the Finanze, which is held by a - company or so of soldiers. Most of the foreign subjects - have taken refuge on board the men-of-war, and all the - consuls, with the exception of Mr. Goodwin, our own, who - sticks like a true Briton to his consular flag. - According to all accounts, there is no comparison, - between the bombardment in 1848 and the present one. - Then the Neapolitans were satisfied with sending one or - two shells every half hour, while now they take just - time enough to let their guns and mortars cool. - - "All those who came in this morning with Garibaldi are - dead beat, having had no sleep last night, and plenty of - work since. The general himself is reposing on the - platform which surrounds the large fountain in the - Piazza del Pretorio, where the committee is sitting - _en permanence_. This committee, the same which - carried on the whole movement from the beginning, has - constituted itself as a provisional government, under - the dictatorship of Garibaldi. It has appointed several - special committees for the different branches of its - operations, and provides as well as possible for the - many wants which occur every moment. Considering the - oppression under which the people have been, very - little preparation could be made for the emergency, - and everything has to be provided now under the - pressure of the moment—arms, as far as possible, - ammunition, provisions for the troops, hospital wants - and arrangements, besides the great fact of satisfying - every one who wants, or thinks he wants, something, and - listening to every one who has something to say, or - thinks he has. There is a great deal of good-will on the - part of the committee, but I must say it is not so - energetically seconded by the Palermitans as one could - have expected from their enthusiasm. There is a - semi-oriental _laissez aller_ about them, which only - produces fits of activity scarcely equal to the moment. - - "At our first entrance into the town, there was a good - deal of haste made about the barricades, but as the - extension of the occupation constantly requires new - barricades, there is some difficulty in keeping them up - to the work; a great many _evvivas_, but all preferred - to run about the streets to laying hand to the work. - Even the ringing of the bells, the most demoralizing - sound to an army in a populous town, can, in spite of - all injunctions, be only kept up in fits and starts. It - is the southern indolence, which soon gets the better of - all good dispositions. - - "The town is illuminated, and presents, during the - intervals of the bombardment, an animated appearance; - but all the shops are still closed. The illumination, - with the antique-shaped glass lamps suspended from the - balconies, presents a very pretty effect, rather - heightened by the shells flying through the clear sky." - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - - - "A nun of Sicily said to me: - 'He must brother be to Saint Rosalie: - For there's a wild brilliancy beams in his eyes, - Sent down by his sister from Paradise.'" - _Dall'Ongaro's lines on Garibaldi._ T. D. - - - JOURNAL OF AN EYE-WITNESS CONTINUED—PALERMO AFTER THE - CAPTURE—GARIBALDI IN A DANGEROUS CRISIS—THE ARCHBISHOP - OF PALERMO AND MANY OF THE HEADS OF CONVENTS WITH - GARIBALDI—ADDRESS OF THE CORPORATION—INCIDENTS IN - PALERMO—GARIBALDI'S DECREE FOR POOR SOLDIERS AND THEIR - FAMILIES. - - - "THE taking of Palermo has had decidedly its effect on - the country around. There is no end of the _squadre_ - which are approaching in all directions and hovering - about the Regii. As soon as these latter had left - Monreale, the insurgents in the neighborhood descended - to occupy it as well as San Martino. All about Piana and - Corleone they are swarming and skirmishing, so that the - column of 1,500 or 1,600 men which has been sent in that - direction is rather compromised. They hoped to destroy - Garibaldi and his partisans, and the fate they prepared - for them may await themselves. - - "But while thus the general march of events is decidedly - favorable, I must say the Palermitans are scarcely up to - the mark. They are all well-intentioned, but they - are distressingly indolent, and want that general - coöperation which is most calculated to insure success. - There is no initiative or activity on their part, and - their sole occupation seems to be to invent and spread - rumors. Not a quarter of an hour passes without some - fellow or other coming in out of breath and announcing - the advance of the royal troops; now they are from one, - now from the other side. Above all, horses and cavalry - seem to be the nightmare of the Palermitans. They see - the solitary regiment of Neapolitan cavalry everywhere. - It is in vain that their noses are thrust against the - barricades with which the whole town is blocked up, they - _will_ see the cavalry. But, although they are thus - haunted by the royal troops, few seem to think that - they ought to do some thing for themselves—making - preparations for the defence of their houses and - streets, and being always ready to meet an attack. It - never occurs to them, as it did to the Lombards last - year, that it is their duty to think day and night how - to alleviate the sufferings of those who bleed in their - cause. It is not the want of will, but a deficiency in - acting otherwise than by order. The only thing which - they do spontaneously, is to cry "Evviva," and promenade - the streets, eager for news and gossip. - - "The irregulars are decidedly improving. They are - getting a taste for barricade and street fighting; they - still blaze away their ammunition in a frantic manner, - but they are beginning to keep to their posts and even - to advance, if not too much exposed. This is our - advantage in these street fights; the longer they last, - the more they increase the confidence of the irregulars, - and destroy the discipline of the regular troops. - - "Every hour brings new proofs of this in the shape of - prisoners and deserters from the Neapolitan forces. - With those taken in the hospitals, there must be above - 1,000. There is an order from the general to treat - them well, and there is no animosity prevailing - against them, but so much the greater is that against - the _sbirri_ and '_compagni d'armi_,' a kind of local - police, who have committed great horrors. They are - picked out everywhere, and brought up in gangs of five - and six to the committee, trembling for their lives; - but only one of them has been killed hitherto, having - been taken in the act of firing at those who wanted to - arrest him. - - "The ceasing of the bombardment, or rather the - diminishing of it, has brought people out into the - streets again." - - - GARIBALDI IN A DANGEROUS CRISIS. - - - "_May 29_—6 P.M. - - "About 3 P.M. one of those panics suddenly broke out - again which occur every moment, and serve more than - anything else to demoralize the town and the _squadre_. - The steamers which had gone off yesterday came back, and - the rumor was that they were disembarking their troops - before the Porta dei Greci;—great running and movement, - great confusion, all caused by a column of dust on the - road running along the sea-shore. In the afternoon there - was some heavy firing, both toward the Piazza Reale and - on the left of it, where the Neapolitans have a bastion - which flanks the palace and is itself defended from the - Castello. All yesterday and to-day the object on that - side was to get possession of a cluster of houses, so as - to isolate that bastion, and force them out of this, as - from that of Sant' Agata. The town is too large, and - Garibaldi's immediate followers are too few to be sent - everywhere, and too precious to be exposed, except in - the greatest necessity. Thus it is the _squadre_ who - form the mass in most places. - - "The Archbishop of Palermo, and many heads of religious - orders, paid a visit to Garibaldi, and returned, - delighted with the simplicity and modesty of his - bearing. Garibaldi finds himself more at home with the - Sicilian clergy than with any other, because it has - never made common cause with tyranny, or lost the manly - virtues of the citizen. 'It was worth while to come to - Sicily,' he said, 'if only to find out that there is - still an Italian clergy.' Garibaldi, on the other - hand, must contrast favorably in their eyes with the - Neapolitan generals who have profaned their churches and - plundered them of their sacred vessels, as General Clary - did at the sack of Catania, in the confident expectation - that the Pope would absolve him as he absolved the - Swiss, who, in sacking Perugia, laid ecclesiastical as - well as lay property under contribution." - - - ADDRESS OF THE PALERMO CORPORATION TO GARIBALDI. - - - "A deputation of the municipality of Palermo presented - an address to Garibaldi, expressing its thanks to the - liberator of Sicily. The address contains the resolution - that the Porta Termini, by which the forces of Garibaldi - entered, is to be called henceforth Porta Garibaldi, and - the Piazza Vecchia the Piazza di Vittorio Emmanuell. A - statue has been likewise decreed to Garibaldi. It is to - be erected by subscription. - - "Garibaldi answered the deputation by one of those - heart-stirring speeches that he knows how to make, - reminding them that all was not done, and that every - effort must be concentrated to complete the work. He - gave them good advice about their duty to organize the - people; that there was but one choice between the - Neapolitans and a general armament; that Sicily could - only be free as part of Italy. He told them that they - ought to work for this, but that the time for annexation - had not come. It would lead to foreign interference, - which ought to be avoided. When the time came, he would - be the first to lead in this matter, to which he - had devoted his life. Cheering and an enthusiastic - expression of thorough confidence was the answer." - - -Thus it was that Garibaldi, after a brief career, marked by wonderful -success at every step, entered Palermo by the eastern gates, and between -daybreak and ten o'clock in the morning, had possession of the greater -part of the city. - -The Neapolitans were driven into a number of strong positions round the -royal palace, to the southwest of the town, and to the northwest toward -the Mole, their line of retreat, and, not being able to do anything -more, the ships opened their fire, always the last remedy. Almost all -the civilized nations had representatives of their fleets on the spot to -witness and approve by their presence this noble proceeding—English, -French, American, Sardinian, Austrian—none of them were wanting; nay, -they anchored in a way which might not hinder the movements of the brave -Neapolitan fleet. - -The young King of Naples, though only twenty-three years old, has shown -so much of the spirit of his father, recently deceased, that he has been -justly named Bomba Junior, or the young Bomb-shell. When the landing of -Garibaldi produced the first fit of terror at Naples, the youthful -Bourbon sent to his brave fleet concentrated in the Bay of Palermo the -order to bombard his faithful Palermitans, and reduce their town to -ashes if they should dare to rise against his paternal authority. The -Palermitans had been treated once already in this paternal manner by the -illustrious father of the present sovereign, who figures in history as -King Bomba, for having given these souvenirs of his love to every large -town of his kingdom. - -During the latter part of the fighting between Garibaldi's troops and -those of the king, when the latter were nearly driven from the streets -of Palermo, the ammunition of the _picciotti_ (or little boys, as the -patriot recruits were called) was exhausted at that point, one party of -them fell back in one of the streets, and thus allowed the royalists to -shut in a street of houses in which another party of them was still -holding out. - -Garibaldi was at dinner when the news arrived. There had been so many -rumors of an advance of the Neapolitans during the day, that the first -impression was that this was merely another of those wild rumors; but -Captain Niva, who brought it, was one of the Garibaldians, and there -could be no doubt about its truth. Garibaldi jumped up from his chair, -saying, "Well, then, I suppose I must go there myself." He saw it was -one of those moments when the chief must be at the head of his troops to -restore their confidence. He went downstairs, and took with him whatever -troops he found on the road to that exposed point, and proceeded to -retake the lost ground. - -"His presence (wrote a person who was in the city at the time), not only -soon checked the advance of the royalists, but made them likewise lose -the advantage they had gained a moment before. With that marvellous -ascendency which he exercises over those around him, he succeeded in a -short time in making the _picciotti_ fight, and even in animating the -population which had remained in the houses." - -In spite of the urgent entreaties of his followers not to expose -himself, he remained in the open street, without any shelter, haranguing -and encouraging the men; the enemy seeing this, issued out from the -houses and from behind the barricade. One of the _picciotti_ was shot -through the head just before Garibaldi, who, seeing him falling, held -him up for a moment; and Colonel Turr, at his side, got a ricochet ball -against his leg as he took hold of the general and dragged him by main -force under shelter. But the effect was produced. One rush brought the -party close enough to throw one of Orsini's shells, which prostrated -seven or eight men. The bugler, who is always at Garibaldi's side, -sounded the charge, and the Neapolitans ran. The sound of this bugle -seems to act formidably on the nerves of the Neapolitan troops; they -know they have to do with Garibaldi's men, and at Calata Fimi they ran -before even the charge took place. - -Royal troops were disembarked in the night of the 29th of May, went out -of the Castello toward the Mole, and then by a circuit, rejoined the -troops on the other side, anxious to hold their ground in and about the -royal palace, rather than to make an attack on the town. - -The news from the country could not have been better. Everywhere the -people were rising and the troops withdrawing. On the evening of the -23d, General Alfan di Heisia abandoned Girgenti. As soon as the troops -left, the population hoisted the Italian flag. A committee was formed, -and a national guard. The cries were, as everywhere else, "_Viva -l'Italia_," "_Viva Vittorio Emmanuele_," and "_Viva Garibaldi_." The -civil authorities were respected, and although the prisoners, two -hundred in number, were let out, no disturbance occurred. The whole -province there, as everywhere else, followed the example, rising, -instituting a committee, and arming itself. The province of Catania -rose, with the exception of the town, which was still held by the -military, as well as that of Trapani. And all this occurred before the -taking of Palermo. - - - GARIBALDI'S PROCLAMATION IN PALERMO, AS DICTATOR, JUNE 2. - - - "_Italy and Victor Emanuel!_ - - "JOSEPH GARIBALDI, - - "Commander-in-Chief of the national forces in Italy, - - "In virtue of the power conferred on him, decrees: - - "Art. 1.—Whoever shall have fought for the country shall - have a certain quota of land from the communal national - domain, to be divided by law among the citizens of the - commune. In case of the death of a soldier, this right - shall belong to his heirs. - - "Art. 2.—The said quota shall be equal to that which - shall be established for all heads of poor families not - proprietors, and said quotas shall be drawn by lot. If, - however, the lands of the commune are more than - sufficient for the wants of the population, the soldiers - and their heirs shall receive a quota double that of - other participants. - - "Art. 3.—Where the communes shall not have a domain of - their own, they shall be supplied with lands belonging - to the domain of the state or the crown. - - "Art. 4.—The Secretary of State shall be charged with - the execution of this decree. - - "The Dictator, GIUSEPPE GARIBALDI. - "Secretary of State—(Signed)—FRANCESCO CRISPI. - - "PALERMO, _June 2, 1860_." - -This is a characteristic act of Garibaldi, in whom sympathy and -compassion for the poor, weak, and defenceless, form the basis of his -character, and have ever given the impulse to his great enterprises, his -perseverance, dauntless heroism, splendid successes, and disinterested -rejection of honors and rewards. (See these traits, as displayed in -childhood, on pages 14 and 15 of this volume, and recorded by his own -pen.) Oh, when shall we see such principles ruling our legislators and -our citizens? When will they rule in the early education of our -families? When all our mothers and fathers are more like Garibaldi's! - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER X. - - - "There are some good priests in Italy, but so few, - that we call them _Mosche Bianche_ (White - Flies)."—_Adventures of Rinaldo._ - - GARIBALDI SOLICITED BY THE SICILIANS TO ACCEPT THE - DICTATORSHIP—DEMAND FOR ARMS—GARIBALDI'S PROCLAMATIONS - ESTABLISHING A GOVERNMENT, ETC.—HIS DIFFERENT WAYS OF - TREATING GOOD PRIESTS AND JESUITS—REASONS—THE KING OF - NAPLES' LIBERAL DECREE—REJECTED. - - -As soon as Garibaldi landed and went a little way into the interior, all -the most influential members of the aristocracy, as well as the free -communities, asked him to assume the dictatorship in the name of Victor -Emanuel, king of Italy, and the command in chief of the national army. - -The first thing, of course, was to organize the military forces. Until -then it was an affair of volunteers, who collected round one or another -influential man of their town or district, all independent of each -other, and remaining together or going home, as they pleased. A decree -of the 19th May, from Salemi, instituted a militia, to which all belong -from 17 to 50; those from 17 to 30 for active service in the field all -over the country; those from 30 to 40 in their provinces, and those from -40 to 50 in their communes. The officers for the active army are named -by the commander-in-chief, on the proposal of the commanders of the -battalions; those of the second and third categories, only liable to -local service, are chosen by the men themselves. But it is rather -difficult to act up to this decree under the circumstances. Still, the -thing in and about Palermo made progress. The _squadre_ were now -regularly paid, and probably they could not be kept together if they -were not. They are called "Cacciatori del Etna" (Hunters of Etna). - -The Sicilian patriots received pay, while the enthusiastic North -Italians, who came to help, had not received a farthing, and did not -expect to receive anything. - -The native militia wore their brown fustian suit, which is generally -worn all over the country, and is so alike that it made a very good -uniform. - -Not two months after the last disarmament took place, it was astonishing -what a quantity of guns seemed to be still in the country. They were, -for the most part, short guns, looking rather like old-fashioned -single-barrelled fowling pieces than muskets. Most of them were -percussion, however, and only a few with the old flint-lock. The longing -for arms was extraordinary. - -It might be said of Sicily, at that time, as was said of Piedmont in -central Italy about the same time, by a writer in Turin: - - - "There is no pen able to describe, nor imagination - strong enough to conceive, the nature of the present - Italian movement. It is a nation in the struggles of its - second birth. Half the youth of the towns are under - arms; young boys of 12 or 13 break their parents' - hearts by declaring themselves, every one of them, - irrevocably bent on becoming soldiers. There are - fourteen universities, and at least four times as many - lyceums in the North Italy kingdom, and all of them are - virtually closed, for nearly all the students, and many - of the professors, are under arms. Those scholars whom - mature age unfits for warlike purposes, either sit in - parliament, or go out to Palermo to lend a hand to the - provisional Italian government. They are everywhere - organizing themselves into committees, instituting - clubs, or '_circoli_,' and other political associations, - inundating the country with an evanescent but not - inefficient press. There is a universal migration and - transmigration. Venetia and the Marches pour into the - Emilia and Lombardy. The freed provinces muster up - volunteers for Sicily. From Sicily ghost-like or - corpse-like state prisoners—the victims of Bourbon - tyranny, the remnants of the wholesale batches of 1844 - and 1848, the old, long-forgotten companions of the - Bandiera, the friends of Poerio, the adventurers of the - ill-fated Pisacane's expedition—creep forth from - the battered doors of their prison, stretch their - long-numbed limbs in the sun, gasp in their first - inhalations of free air; then they embark for Genoa, - where the warm sympathy of an applauding multitude - awaiting them at their landing greets their ears, still - stunned with the yells and curses of the fellow - galley-slaves they have left behind. Such a sudden and - universal swarming and blending together of the - long-severed tribes of the same race the world never - witnessed. Under the Turin porticoes you hear the pure, - sharp Tuscan, the rich, drawling Roman, the lisping - Venetian, the close ringing Neapolitan, as often as the - harsh, guttural, vernacular Piedmontese." - - - GARIBALDI'S PROCLAMATIONS ESTABLISHING - A PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT, ETC. - - - "_Italy and Victor Emanuel!_ - - "JOSEPH GARIBALDI, Commander-in-Chief of the National - forces in Sicily, etc., considering the decree of May - 14, on the Dictatorship, decrees: - - "ART. 1.—A governor is instituted for each of the 24 - districts of Sicily. - - "ART. 2.—The governor will reside in the chief place of - the district, and wherever circumstances may require his - presence in the commune that shall be deemed by him best - adapted for serving as a centre of his operations. - - "ART. 3.—The governor will reëstablish in every commune - the Council and all the functionaries, such as they were - before the Bourbonic occupation. He will replace by - other individuals such as are deceased, or who from - other causes may not appear. - - "ART. 4.—The following will be excluded from the civic - council, and cannot be members of the corporation, or - communal judges, or agents of the public administration: - - "(_a._) All such as shall favor, directly or indirectly, - the restoration of the Bourbons. - - "(_b._) All such as have filled or do fill public - situations in the name of the Power now tormenting - Sicily. - - "(_c._) All such as are notoriously opposed to the - emancipation of the country. - - "ART. 5.—The governor will have to decide on the grounds - of incapacity as stated in the foregoing article, and in - case of need will exercise the powers conferred on the - district committees by the decrees of July 22, 1848, and - Feb. 22, 1849. - - "ART. 6.—The governor will appoint in each chief place - of the district a quæstor, and in each commune a - delegate for the public safety; in the cities of - Palermo, Messina, and Catania, an assessor for each - quarter. - - "The delegates and assessors will be, in the exercise of - their functions, dependent on the quæstor, and the - quæstor on the governor. - - "ART. 7.—The governor will preside over all the public - branches of the administration, and direct their - proceedings. - - "ART. 8.—The sentences, decisions and public acts will - be headed with the phrase, 'In the name of VICTOR - EMANUEL, King of Italy.' - - "ART. 9.—The laws, decrees and regulations, as they - existed down to the 15th of May, 1859, will continue in - force. - - "ART. 10.—All regulations contrary to the present one - are cancelled. - - "G. GARIBALDI, - "F. CRISPI, Secretary of State. - - "ALCAMO, _May 17, 1860_." - - ------- - - "_Italy and Victor Emanuel!_ - - "JOSEPH GARIBALDI, Commander-in-Chief, etc., decrees: - - "1. In every free commune of Sicily the municipality - will have to ascertain the state of the local - treasuries, and what small sums are there. A report of - the same, signed by the Municipal Chief, the Treasurer, - and Municipal Chancellor, will have to be drawn up. - - "2. The tax on the articles of food, and every kind of - tax imposed by Bourbonic authority since May 15, 1849, - are abolished. - - "6. In the communes occupied by the enemy's forces, - every citizen is bound to refuse to the Bourbonic - government payment of the taxes, which taxes from this - day henceforth belong to the nation. - - "G. GARIBALDI. - "FRANCESCO CRISPI, Secretary of State. - - "ALCAMO, _May 19, 1860_." - - -To account for the different ways in which Garibaldi treated some of the -ecclesiastics in Sicily, two or three facts should be borne in mind. -Innumerable instances have proved, in our day, as well as in various -past ages, that some of the orders of monks and nuns are naturally -predisposed to be liberal, humane and inoffensive, by the doctrines -which they are taught, their inert state of life, the manner in which -they are brought into partial contact with the world, or the oppression -which they endure from their superiors, while other classes are inclined -in opposite directions by influences of a contrary nature. Luther -probably owed some of his freedom of thought, and his attachment to the -doctrine of justification by faith, to the system to which he was -trained in his convent, and became acquainted with some of the good -traits of common people, by receiving their daily charity when a poor -boy. The mendicant monks in Palermo, because they daily mingled with the -people and received their bounty, took a leading part in the -insurrection, and were forward and faithful aids of Garibaldi. The -Italian patriots know how to discriminate between good and bad priests, -many of whom are their enemies, either open or secret, but some of whom -have always been their staunch friends. Several of the Sicilian exiles -in America have acknowledged their obligations to priests for assistance -or for life. - -But the Jesuits! Of them there is never any doubt. They are always -regarded as deadly foes, and are generally treated very summarily. -Exile—immediate expulsion—is the rule toward them; and this short -method, like the suppression of their society, has been forced upon -those whom they operate against by the necessities of the Jesuits' own -creating. While, therefore, Garibaldi treated some of the clergy with -friendliness and confidence, he turned the Jesuits out of Sicily almost -the first day. - -The King of Naples, as his father did in the previous revolution, issued -a decree on the 28th of June, promising privileges to his subjects, and -concord with Victor Emanuel: but his word was utterly despised by the -people. - - - NAPLES. - - -The following is the text of the royal decree: - - - "1. General amnesty. - - "2. The formation of a new ministry which shall, in - the briefest possible time, draw up a statute on the - basis of the Italian and national representative - constitutions. The formation of this ministry is - confided to Commendatore Spinelli. - - "3. Concord shall be established with the king of - Sardinia, for the interest of both crowns and of Italy. - - "4. The flag of the kingdom shall be the Italian - tricolor with the royal arms of Naples in the middle. - - "5. Sicily shall receive analogous institutions, capable - of satisfying the wants of the populations, and shall - have a prince of the royal house for Viceroy. - - "The Commendatore Spinelli is reported to have laid down - the following conditions for his acceptance of the - Presidentship of the ministry: The immediate banishment - of the Queen Mother; impeachment of the displaced - ministry; an immediate publication of the electoral law, - in order to the prompt convocation of parliament; - lastly, an alliance offensive and defensive with - Piedmont, with reciprocal guarantees. - - "On receiving the dispatches announcing that the king - had proclaimed a constitution at Naples, Garibaldi - decided that the Sicilian committee should assemble on - the 18th inst. to vote on a _plebiscitum_ (universal - suffrage,) proposing immediate annexation to Piedmont. - - "The fundamental point of the programme of the commander - Spinelli, was the formation of an Italian Confederation, - as recommended by the emperor of the French. This - confederation to be essentially of a defensive - character, and the independence of every State to be - maintained, although national unity may be favored." - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - - - "All unfurl the same bright banner, - All one army rush to form, - Pious lips shout one hozanna, - With one fire all hearts are warm." - _The Banks of Dora._ - - - MEDICI'S EXPEDITIONS FROM PIEDMONT TO AID GARIBALDI - —PREPARATIONS, DEPARTURE, VOYAGE, ARRIVAL, ETC. - —CAPITULATION OF MESSINA, ETC.—GARIBALDI AT MESSINA—HIS - RECEPTION, MANNERS, AND SIMPLE HABITS—DIFFICULTIES IN - ARRANGING HIS GOVERNMENT—LETTER FROM VICTOR EMANUEL - FORBIDDING HIM TO INVADE NAPLES—GARIBALDI'S REPLY. - - -Colonel Medici, who had been an officer of Garibaldi in South America, -and afterward in Rome and Lombardy, raised and directed several corps of -volunteers, who in June enthusiastically enlisted under the country's -standard in Piedmont, and hastened to Sicily at different times. The -following account of the expedition of the 8th of that month, is -abridged from a private letter, written in the form of a journal, by one -of the volunteers. It begins on "Thursday, the 14th of June, on board -the ship Washington, lying off Cagliari," a small port of Piedmont a -little east from Genoa: - - - "I little thought on Friday night, as I went to - Cornigliano to witness the departure of the 1,200 - volunteers, in the clipper Charles and Jane, that on the - following night we ourselves should be _en route_ to - Sicily. Yet so it was. Our intention had been to wait - for the third expedition. On the 8th of June came - dispatches from Garibaldi, quite different from any - previous ones, asking for men; so at 3, P.M., on the - 9th, A—— went to Medici, and was at once accepted. I - followed, and with the same success. Our rendezvous was - for 9, P.M., at Cornigliano. Toward evening we learned - from fresh dispatches that the Neapolitan troops had - evacuated Palermo; this made us hesitate, as for a - thousand and one reasons we should prefer the third - expedition: but calculating that if there should be - nothing to do in Sicily, we could return, we took a - carriage at midnight and drove off to Cornigliano. The - gardens of the Villa della Ponsona, where was the - rendezvous for the volunteers, were deserted, and we - could see the two steamers lying at anchor off Sestri. A - little fishing-boat was lying on the shore, so we coaxed - the men to push off, and entered; we found it ankle deep - in water, and in about ten minutes were climbing up the - vessel's side. Medici had furnished us with a letter to - the commander, who gave us a first-rate cabin, and told - us that we were the first on board. Some delay had been - occasioned by the little steamer Oregon jostling against - the Washington in coming out of the port of Genoa; but - with the exception of smashing the woodwork near the - paddle-box, and breaking away a portion of the rails of - the upper deck, no great damage was done. For a while we - sat on deck, watching the volunteers coming up. Genoa - looked more beautiful than ever, the moonlight flooding - her marble palaces and spires; and almost the only - constellation visible between the fleecy clouds was - Cassiopeia, Garibaldi's star, by whose light he wended - his way at night-time across the mountains that divide - Genoa from Nice, when condemned to death by Charles - Albert, in 1834. - - "The expedition was composed of—ship Charles and Jane, - of Bath (U.S.), left Genoa at midnight, 8th June, in tow - of steamer L'Utile, with 1,200 men, under command of - Major Corti. - - "Steamship Franklin, left Genoa at 10, P.M., 9th June, - for Leghorn, to receive on board 800 men, under command - of Colonel Malenchini. - - "Steamer Oregon, left Genoa 10th June, 4, P.M., with 200 - men, under command of Major Caldesi. - - "Steamship Washington, of New York, flag ship, Captain - Wm. De Rohan, of Philadelphia, with 1,400 men, under - command of Lieutenant-Colonel Baldisseratto, an officer - of the Sardinian navy, left Genoa at half-past three, - A.M., 10th June. - - "Total effective force of 3,600 men, well equipped and - armed, the whole under the command of Colonel Medici, - accompanied by a full staff. - - "There was plenty of food on board, but no getting - at it. No one murmured; indeed the patience and - cheerfulness of the volunteers are beyond all praise. - Some of them, many of them, are from the first Italian - families, who have never known a hardship in their - lives; here they cannot even lie down to sleep, but - huddle together, rolled up like balls; many have to - stand all night. We had a long chat with twenty of the - famous Carabinieri of Genoa, who are going out to - reinforce their company, of whom, out of thirty-five in - one attack, six were killed and fifteen wounded. These - twenty seem to dream of naught save a like fate. - - - "'Chi per la patria muoja vissuto ha assai,' - ("He who dies for his country has lived long enough,") - - they sing. One's faith in humanity increases wonderfully - here. - - "On the morning of the 11th, we passed Caprera, - Garibaldi's Island, coasted along Sardinia all the day, - and at 6, A.M., on the 12th, anchored off Cagliari. - Medici hired two brigs, and dividing the volunteers into - three portions, gave them breathing room. They looked - extremely well in their simple uniform, white trousers - and grey or blue blouse, faced with red. It is a - pity, considering the heat of Sicily, they have not - retained the regular Garibaldi hat, which would have - sheltered the face somewhat. By the way, we have the - famous Englishman, Captain Peard, on board; he missed - Garibaldi's expedition, and is now going to join him; he - is captain of the 2d Pavia brigade—a handsome man, with - long hair, beard tinged with grey; blue, English eyes, - and an honest English heart, much amused at the absurd - stories that have been told about him—a true military - man, and a worshipper of Garibaldi, intent on doing his - utmost for Italian independence. - - "Captain De Rohan, too, is a character. I am not at - liberty to tell you how much we owe to him for his - exertions and pecuniary sacrifices in this expedition. - If the Neapolitans respect these 3,600 Sicilian exiles - going home, we may thank the stars and stripes under - which we sail. - - "Medici would be in trouble, as he has positive orders - from Cavour not to go; and this is natural. Cavour could - not act otherwise since his advice was asked. Medici, - had he wanted to do it, should. Medici is a splendid - soldier and a good patriot. - - "Before quitting Milazzo, I must tell you that I visited - the citadel, the field of battle, and other places of - interest, besides making the personal acquaintance of - Garibaldi, and all the persons of note and interest - staying here. Among others, none possess a larger share - of the latter, for our countrymen at least, than Captain - Peard, 'Garibaldi's Englishman,' a fine English - gentleman, and not the melo-dramatic hero that people at - home are fondly led to believe. I saw him for the first - time under circumstances highly contributing to enhance - the interest with which reputation and curiosity have - invested him. He had left the café where he had taken up - his quarters, and was walking quietly toward the shore, - accompanied by his friends, and a few other persons." - - -Captain Peard was frequently mentioned, as a volunteer in the corps of -Garibaldi, or at least in his company, during his daring and perilous, -but successful career in Lombardy in 1859. The public have never been -informed whether he was actually an officer and soldier of the -Cacciatori delle Alpi, or only accompanied that incomparable band. - -Garibaldi's Englishman, Captain J. W. Peard, wrote as follows to a -friend at Florence, from Palermo, June 22d: - -"Here we are, all safe, although I hear the papers say the contrary. We -left Genoa with three steamers, one of which ran on to Leghorn, to -embark laborers for the Isthmus of Suez, and after a good passage, got -into Cagliari. Not so the American clipper, wit a battalion on board, -that sailed 24 hours before us. The Neapolitans fell in with her off -Cape Corso, and captured her. She is now, with all her cargo, both alive -and dead, at Naples. Yesterday the American man-of-war on the station -sailed for that port to demand her peremptorily. She was taken on the -high seas, not in Neapolitan waters—therefore her capture is an act of -piracy by the law of nations. Notwithstanding that loss, we landed 2,500 -men and large supplies of Enfield rifles and ammunition. - - -"Palermo is in a frightful state from the bombardment. Accounts vary as -to the number of shells thrown into the city; but the best report I can -get gives them at about 800. The Toledo is in places quite blocked up -with ruins. Near the palace nearly an entire street is burned. In other -parts ruins meet you at every step. At present the people are hard at -work removing the barricades and levelling the Castellamare, from which -the shells were thrown. All the works toward the city are to be razed to -the ground. The people are wild with joy at their deliverance. A friend -of mine asked a man yesterday if it was a festa. 'Yes, signore, every -day is a festa now,' he said, with tears rising to his eyes. Those who -were present tell me never was anything like Garibaldi's entry into the -city. He had not above 600 available men, besides the Sicilian levies, -and the enemy was 20,000 strong. Extraordinary are the ravages of the -royal troops—villas sacked and burned. I was in one yesterday that -belonged to the Neapolitan minister, Cavona. They had destroyed -everything they could not carry away. The floor was strewed with broken -mirrors, chandeliers, marbles, busts, vases, etc. His own room they had -piled up with furniture, and tried to set the building on fire. In -another villa a valuable library was totally destroyed, the torn books -being as high as a man's waist. I saw some Spanish MSS., royal decrees, -etc., which would be invaluable to Sicilian historians, torn to pieces. -After the armistice the royalists sacked upward of a thousand houses, -and committed numberless murders." - - -Messina, the second city in Sicily, capitulated to General Medici, on -the 28th of June. The commander, Field Marshal De Clary, stated that he -was animated by sentiments of humanity, and wished to avoid the -bloodshed which would have been caused on the one hand by the occupation -of Messina, and on the other by the defence of the town and forts. The -terms were: - - -"1. That the royal troops shall abandon the town of Messina, without -being disturbed, and the town shall be occupied by the Sicilian troops, -without the latter, on their part, being disturbed by the royal troops. - -"2. The royal troops shall evacuate Gonzaga and Castellaccio after a -delay of two days, to commence from the date of the signature of the -present convention. Each of the two contracting parties shall appoint -two officers and a commissioner to make an inventory of the cannon, -stores and provisions; in short, of everything in the above-named forts -at the time of their evacuation. - -"3. The embarkation of the royal troops shall take place without -disturbance from the Sicilians. - -"4. The royal troops shall remain in possession of the citadel, and the -forts of Don Blasco, Santerna, and San Salvadore, but shalt have no -power to do damage to the town, except in the event of those works being -attacked, or of works of attack being constructed in the town itself. - -"5. A strip of ground parallel and contiguous to the military zone shall -be neutralized. - -"6. Communication by sea remains completely free to both sides, etc. - -"In the last place, the signers of the present convention shall have the -liberty of agreeing on the subject of the inherent necessities of civil -life which will have to be satisfied and provided for in the town of -Messina, in respect of the royal troops. - -"Done, read, and concluded at the house of Signor Francesco Fiorentino, -banker, at the Quattro Fontaine. - - "TOMMASO DE CLARY. - "G. MEDICI." - - -Messina and other cities of Italy were all captured or otherwise secured -by the patriots, under various and highly interesting circumstances; but -the particulars cannot be here recounted for want of space. The -following account of Garibaldi's reception in Messina is from the pen of -an eye-witness, and contains a just description of the simple manners -and habits which he retains under all circumstances: - - -"At the appointed hour we went to the palace, where about forty or fifty -persons were assembled. The banquet passed off very quietly and happily. -Garibaldi, as I had noticed before, is very temperate at his meals, -drinks water only, and very quickly rises immediately after he has -finished, and returning to his office, resumes his business, which he -dispatches with remarkable promptitude and ease—no hurry, no confusion, -no excitement, even in the most pressing emergencies. On the present -occasion he spent a little more time over his dinner, and after dessert -he wrote, and chatted with those present. While at dinner a public band -of music, improvised for the occasion, playing in the street in front, -where a large number of people had assembled, who kept up a round of -cheering when anything occurred, such as an arrival of a detachment of -volunteers or some public favorite, to excite their curiosity and -interest. - -"The great event of the evening, however, came off some time later, when -the palace having been illuminated, Garibaldi went on the balcony -leading out of the banqueting room, for the purpose of showing himself -to the people and addressing them. On making his appearance, a -tremendous ovation was offered to the liberator by the Messinians. The -applause, the cheering—genuine cheering—the clapping of hands, and the -manifestations of joy and approbation, were of the most hearty and -enthusiastic character. When this demonstration had quite subsided, -which required great perseverance and some time to effect, Garibaldi -proceeded to address the people. The thousands of upturned faces were -all directed toward him, and amid a silence as still as the grave he -spoke. The substance of his speech was to this effect: He said that he -presented himself to them because they wished it, but that he himself -objected to such exhibitions. He did not play the comedian; he was for -deeds, not words. They had achieved a great triumph, but the time was -come when they must achieve still greater. He thanked the Sicilians for -the courage and enthusiasm they displayed in effecting their own -deliverance, and said if they were true to themselves, not Sicily only, -but with the blessing of Providence, the whole of Italy, would be -liberated. He therefore urged upon them the necessity of still following -up the good work, and invited them to come forward and enroll themselves -in the ranks of their liberators. I need not dwell on the enthusiasm -which this address excited; it was of the most vehement character I ever -witnessed. After acknowledging its cordial reception for a few moments, -Garibaldi withdrew." - - -Garibaldi had various difficulties in arranging his government, the -causes of which may, perhaps, not yet have been fully explained. We -will, therefore, only mention some of the leading facts. Farina, -Grasselli, and Toti, whom Garibaldi had found very troublesome to him in -Palermo, were sent out of the island, because, according to the official -journal, they were "affiliated to the police of the continent," and had -"conspired against order." The ministry resigned in consequence, and a -new one was formed, including Messrs. Amari, the historian, Emeranti, -and the following members of the old: Logothe, Laporta, and Orsini. -Reports were published, from time to time, in Sicily, as afterward in -Naples, accusing Republicans of efforts to counteract Garibaldi: but as -the enemies of Italy have long showed their malice chiefly against the -Republicans, of whom Garibaldi has been one, and as Mazzini himself had -declared his ardent adhesion to the cause of united Italy under Victor -Emanuel, such accusations are generally suspicious. - -The following letter from Victor Emanuel to Garibaldi, and the reply, -brief as they are, are two of the most important documents connected -with the war, and, indeed, with the lives of their two distinguished -writers. It is a most impressive truth, and must ever be regarded as a -proof of Garibaldi's sound judgment, independence, resolution and -impregnable firmness, in a great and glorious cause, at an epoch of his -career when nothing else gave the right turn to the results then -pending. On which side the "statesmanship" then lay, when the king wrote -such a veto, with Cavour sitting at his right hand, and Garibaldi -disobeyed it, standing alone, the world can determine, both now and -hereafter. - - - LETTER FROM VICTOR EMANUEL TO GARIBALDI. - -"DEAR GENERAL: You know that when you started for Sicily you did not -have my approbation. To-day, considering the gravity of existing -circumstances, I decide upon giving you a warning, being aware of the -sincerity of your sentiments for me. - -"In order to put an end to a war between Italians and Italians, I -counsel you to renounce the idea of passing with your valorous troops to -the Neapolitan mainland, provided that the King of Naples consents to -evacuate the whole of the island, and to leave the Sicilians free to -deliberate upon and to settle their destinies. - -"I would reserve to myself full liberty of action relative to Sicily in -the event of the King of Naples being unable to accept this condition. -General, follow my advice, and you will see that it is useful to Italy, -whose power of augmenting her merits you would facilitate by showing to -Europe that even as she knows how to conquer, so does she know how to -make a good use of her victory." - - -Garibaldi replied to the king as follows: - - -SIRE: Your majesty knows the high esteem and the devotion which I feel -toward your majesty; but such is the present state of things in Italy, -that, at the present moment, I cannot obey your majesty's injunctions, -much as I should like it. I am called for and urged on by the people of -Naples. I have tried in vain, with what influence I had, to restrain -them, feeling, as I do, that a more favorable moment would be desirable. -But if I should now hesitate, I should endanger the cause of Italy, and -not fulfill my duty as an Italian. May your majesty, therefore, permit -me this time not to obey! As soon as I shall have done with the task -imposed upon me by the wishes of the people, who groan under the tyranny -of the Neapolitan Bourbon, I shall lay down my sword at your majesty's -feet, and shall obey your majesty for the remainder of my lifetime. - - "GARIBALDI." - - -The letter is dated Milazzo, the 27th of July. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - - "And with such care his busy work he plied, - That to naught else his acting thoughts he bent. - In young Rinaldo fierce desires he spied, - And noble heart of rest impatient, - To wealth or sov'reign power he naught applied - His wits, but all to virtue excellent." - _Fairfax's Tasso._ - - - GARIBALDI'S POSITION—A PAUSE IN HOSTILITIES—A - PERIOD OF PREPARATION—PUBLIC ANXIETY—THE SICILIAN - FORTRESSES—CATANIA— MILAZZO—BOATS, MEN AND ARMS - COLLECTED AT FARO—LANDING ATTEMPTED AT SCYLLA—A - SMALL BODY SUCCEED. - - -Garibaldi had now been forbidden by the king to attempt any further -conquests, and warned not to attempt to dethrone the King of Naples; and -he had declared that he should do both. From that moment Victor Emanuel -was virtually proclaimed "King of Italy," in spite of his own will and -word. What induced Victor to write that letter may easily be imagined; -what induced his prime minister to dictate it, will probably be always a -matter of conjecture. Garibaldi's reply, and the measures which he -subsequently adopted, with the results to which they led, will ever -stand on record, where they can be read by the present and succeeding -generations; and the world will form their own opinions of his character -and capacity, without the aid of many comments or explanations. - -Much was said and conjectured respecting the dissension which had -existed before this time, between Garibaldi and Farina, a particular -friend of Count Cavour. Garibaldi had appointed Farina counsellor at -Palermo, and afterward dismissed him. It appears, even from Farina's own -statement, that it did not arise from any disposition in Garibaldi to -establish a republic, or otherwise to prevent the final annexation of -Sicily to the kingdom of Sardinia, but was merely to postpone it for a -time which he thought more favorable. It appears from other evidence, -that Farina wished to have severe measures taken against some of the -Republicans, but that Garibaldi rejected the proposal with noble scorn; -and to prevent his further interference, banished him and two others -from Sicily, by the following decree: - - -"'Signor La Farina, Grasselli and Toti, are affiliated to the police of -the Continent. The three were expelled for having conspired against -order. The government, which watches over public tranquillity, could not -tolerate the presence of such individuals.' - -"The 'Opinione National' of Turin, stated that Farina had full power -from the Sardinian government to assume the title of royal commissioner, -as soon as annexation was declared. Garibaldi, while advocating -annexation, thought it advisable that his dictatorship should continue -till the whole island was subjected, and finding that the presence of -Farina was detrimental to the cause, he ordered him off." - - -La Farina afterward published the following explanation: - - -"The causes of my difference with General Garibaldi were as follow: I -believed, and still believe, that the only salvation for Sicily is -immediate annexation to the constitutional kingdom of Victor Emanuel, -the most ardent wish of all the Sicilians, already manifested by the -chiefs of more than three hundred municipal bodies. General Garibaldi -believed that the annexation should be postponed till the liberation of -all Italy, including Venetia and Rome, had been effected. I believed -that it was a great act of imprudence to confide a share of authority -and of the public forces to unpopular ministers, etc." - - -There was now a general suspension of hostilities. The entire island of -Sicily was quiet, and none of the king's troops remained, except in a -few of the fortresses. The circumstances under which some of these had -been captured, or been forced to cease resistance, are interesting, but -with the exception of Palermo, they have not been given for want of -room. - -The strait between Sicily and Calabria has been invested with peculiar -interest to readers of history from early ages. The rocks and quicksands -of Scylla and Charybdis, with the fabulous sirens of which we read in -Virgil in our youth, give us impressions which are never lost. But there -are more modern associations with that arm of the sea and its shores, of -more real importance in the view of persons acquainted with them. -American ships have long visited Palermo, Messina, Catania, and some of -the other ports of Sicily, and oranges are brought to us from that -fruitful island, many of which grow on the opposite coast of Calabria, -or Magna Grecia, as it was formerly called. Hills arise from near the -water, and mountains appear behind them, where scenes of rocky -barrenness are intermingled with valleys of verdure and fertility, -inhabited by a population in a simple state of society, the descendants -of ancient Greeks, mingled with races which at successive periods came -in from different countries. These had been for ages subject to the -degrading influences of Romish spiritual rule, and of the despots of -various countries, especially those of Spain and the Bourbons. But the -seeds of intelligence have been assiduously sown and cherished of late -years by the patriotic societies of Italy, who by their cautious, yet -often daring and hazardous efforts, have long since brought many of the -poor and rude, but brave and faithful Calabrians into the band of -Italian unity. The events of late years had proved that the people of -that part of the peninsula were to some extent connected with the great -union; but the approach of Garibaldi and his reception have since shown -that the influences so long and so secretly at work had not been justly -appreciated. There was no considerable insurrection in Calabria during -the conquest of Sicily, and it might have been presumed, from the -general quietness of the population, that they were unable or unwilling -to join with the patriots against the government of the King of Naples. -Some practised observers of Italian affairs, however, regarded that -general tranquillity as the best evidence of a general concert, and -looked for a general rising of the people when the hour should arrive, -and the signal should be given. Garibaldi, in the whole course of his -proceedings, acted as if he had information not known to others; and a -review of events, since they have passed, and are now fresh in our -memory, is calculated to confirm us in this opinion. - -In the long and anxious suspense which occurred before any movement was -made against Calabria, questions were asked, how the flotilla of boats, -which Garibaldi was collecting on the coast of Sicily, could be risked -across the strait without a single ship of war to convoy them, and with -only two small steamers and one larger one to tow them, while a squadron -of the king's steamers was cruising between the shores, and the -landing-place was strongly defended by three forts, with heavy cannon, -and the whole Calabrian coast was occupied by royal troops. The -currents, so terrible to mariners in ancient times, are still violent -and irregular. - -It was natural to ask, What is coming? What is about to happen? Are the -apprehensions of Victor to be realized? Has the king a clearer sight -than his gallant precursor, who has hitherto proved his prudence an -equal match with his valor? Is this famous strait to prove its fatal -character, so long ago recorded in fable; and is this passage then, so -dreadful to mariners, to be the destruction of our noble sailor? Will he -pass safely between Scylla and Charybdis, or meet his end on one or the -other? On which and how will he be wrecked; and by what unfortunate -circumstances? Not far distant from this spot, on a point on the coast -of Calabria, the two Bandieras, sons of an Austrian admiral, but true -Italian patriots, were decoyed to their death, by means of letters -violated in the British postoffice. Has Garibaldi been made a dupe, by -any artifice; and has Victor been apprised of danger? Has Louis Napoleon -once more changed his policy, and, after favoring Italy in her "latest -victories," as Garibaldi recently acknowledged, has he prepared, in -consistency with his conduct in 1849, a scheme for something on the -opposite side? - -These, and many other questions, naturally disturbed the minds of the -friends of Italy, while standing in reality or in fancy on the shore of -Sicily, and looking in vain for any sign of the fate which awaited him -on the other coast? But, when we turned, even in imagination, to observe -Garibaldi, there was, as ever, something to dispel apprehension, and to -encourage the highest hopes; for, as that patriot priest-poet, -Dall'Ongaro wrote: - - - "O, well you might say that a saint was his mother, - For there a mild brilliancy beams in his eyes, - Which sure was sent down from Paradise." - - -But on the morning of the 8th of August, Garibaldi began to collect his -troops near Faro, which amounted to 15,000 or 18,000 men, without -counting the garrison of Messina. The Point of Faro had the appearance -of a vast fortified camp, being covered with cannon of all sizes, from -mountain howitzers to English 68-pounders, ready to be embarked in the -three steamers, which were under steam; while 300 boats were drawn up -ready to receive Garibaldi's troops. - -About midnight twenty-five or thirty boats sailed from the coast of -Sicily. They were going to attempt a first landing. In three quarters of -an hour they crossed to the other side. Unfortunately the current did -not permit them to keep the order of their position. Some were driven -toward Faro, others swept under the forts of Scylla; some ran fast on -sandbanks further south, while others again were thrown toward Pizzo. -The soldiers, however, did not lose their courage at this misfortune. -Two or three hundred were landed in all haste, and the flotilla returned -to Faro without accident. - -On the morning of the 10th a new attempt was made, under the command of -an old officer of the French marine service, M. Deflotte: but scarcely -had this expedition appeared on the coast, when the enemy rushed upon -them from a thousand ambuscades, vineyards, gardens, ditches, and -houses. A sharp firing ensued: two Garibaldians were wounded, and the -expedition was compelled to return, not, however, without having -vigorously responded to the fire of the Neapolitans. - -On the night of the 10th and 11th, another landing was vainly attempted. -The Neapolitan squadron came up nearer to Faro, and watched every -movement of the Garibaldians. The day of the 11th was passed in -embarking the artillery. A desperate attempt was spoken of for the next -night. At seven o'clock in the evening the Garibaldian steamers began to -fire up, and the troops placed themselves in readiness for embarking; -but at eleven o'clock a counter-order arrived. About one o'clock in the -night was heard a loud cannonade; the firing extended from the forts of -Scylla to the fortifications of Pizzo. The squadron remained silent; the -engagement had therefore taken place on the land. - -It seemed to be evident that the forts were simultaneously attacked by -the volunteers and the Calabrians. At a quarter past two the firing -ceased: it recommenced after a quarter of an hour in order to cease -again after a few minutes. At daybreak, a small boat, chased by a -Neapolitan corvette, sought protection under the guns of Faro. - -The small party destined to land first in Calabria were under Major -Missori, and had been picked from the different volunteer corps. They -had been ordered to land on the opposite coast between Scylla and Forte -del Cavallo. It is on the extreme point of the Calabrian shore that -these forts are situate, at a little distance one from the other. The -castle of Scylla stands upon a rock, quite inaccessible from the -seaside. Forte del Cavallo is a little further to the left of it, and -its walls and fortifications slope gradually down toward the road which -skirts the sea, very much like that from Nice to Genoa, which is called -the Corniche Road. - -On Wednesday evening, the sky so generally blue and bright in this -country, was covered with dense whitish clouds, and the night, -therefore, was very dark. Garibaldi, who knows how to take advantage -even of the smallest incident, at once ordered Missori to sail. Major -Missori, having embarked his men on board of large fishing vessels, -consequently started at half-past nine o'clock from the Sicilian shore. -The Neapolitan cruisers steaming up and down the straits, though -numerous and powerful, did not seem to possess the eyes of Argus, and -therefore the little expedition was able to land at the intended point. -Before reaching the Calabrian coast, however, one of the boats parted -company from the other, and sailed a little down toward Scylla Point, -just where a Neapolitan battery had been erected. The men on guard in -this battery gave the alarm, and the boat was fired at and one English -volunteer wounded. Garibaldi had ordered Missori to endeavor to surprise -the garrison of Fort Scylla, and to capture the fort. But on hearing the -rattling of musketry, and the report of a gun on his left, Missori -rightly thought that it would be impossible to seize Fort Scylla by -surprise. He therefore hastened to make the concerted signal, informing -the Dictator that he had safely landed, and he and his men ascended the -rough paths into the Calabrian mountains. As for his companions in the -boat which had missed its way, they returned to the Sicilian shore to -relate the cause of their failure. - -Menotti, Garibaldi's eldest son, arrived at night from Palermo with 800 -of the volunteers of Bertani's last expedition. The Dictator had then -20,000 or 25,000 men. His army had been formed into four divisions. That -of Medici was at Messina, watching the movements of the Neapolitans, who -still held the citadel; the other three were partly concentrated at -Faro, a brigade posted at Milazzo and Barcelona, and another, under -Bixio, was sent to Bronte, in the province of Catania. - -Through the evening of August 11th, fires were seen on the Calabrian -mountains behind Pizzo. They were evidently signals made to Garibaldi by -the Calabrian bands which had joined the expedition of Major Missori. -From about half-past ten, firing was heard in the direction of Fort -Scylla; but as that place is hidden from view by the land about Torre -del Cavallo, nothing could be clearly distinguished except the heavy -boom of artillery. The Neapolitan steamers were cruizing all night, as -usual; but they did not fire, and only made signals with rockets. It is -supposed that the firing was caused by an attack made by Major Missori's -party on Fort Scylla. - -The following proclamations appeared the next day: - - - ORDER OF THE DAY. - - - "FARO, AUG. 12. - - "OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF THE LAND AND SEA FORCES: The - General Dictator having for a short time quitted - headquarters, left me the following Order: - - - "GENERAL SIRTORI: I leave to you the command of the land - and sea forces, being obliged to leave for a few days. - - "G. GARIBALDI. - - - "OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS: My greatest title to your - confidence is the confidence which the man reposes in me - who represents your noblest aspirations. I trust that - you will obey me as you would obey Gen. Garibaldi. - - "G. SIRTORI, Chief of the Staff." - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - - "Two seas and the Alps shall Italy bound, - The oppressors no more in our land shall be found - The banner of freedom we'll spread to the air, - And from Apennines rush in a chariot of fire." - _Garibaldi's National Hymn._ - - - THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE - PROSPECT—APPREHENSIONS—GARIBALDI'S MYSTERIOUS - DISAPPEARANCE—THE EXPEDITION PREPARED IN SARDINIA—HIS - CHANGE OF PLANS—SAILS FROM GIARDINI, AND LANDS AT - REGGIO. - - -A new epoch in the war had now arrived, and one of the highest interest. -What might be the results none could easily conjecture with any degree -of confidence, because the grounds of calculation were known only to -Garibaldi. His friends in America as well as in Europe were anxious, -fearing that some great disappointment might then await him, after all -his brilliant successes. He was about to land on a wild coast, lined -with strong forts, garrisoned with numerous troops, and guarded by -war-steamers, while not a sign could be discovered of any friends -prepared to join him. He, it was to be presumed, had secret information, -on which he was acting; but might not that be erroneous or deceptive? -Reliance, however, was generally placed on his prudence and skill, and -all waited impatiently to see whether he would succeed in this -independent enterprise, undertaken against the command of his friend and -king. - -But, just when things appeared to be all prepared for a descent upon the -Calabrian coast, new anxiety and great surprise were caused by the -sudden disappearance of the chief. Garibaldi had disappeared, leaving -behind him the proclamation which closes the last chapter. He had left -his trusted and faithful friend Sirtori in his place; but why or whither -had he gone, or when he would return, no one could even conjecture. The -explanation is now easily given; for the facts were known after the -reasons for concealing them had ceased. Garibaldi, it now appears, had -been acting in a manner quite consistent with himself. - -About the middle of August, 6,000 men were collected by Dr. Bertani, -Garibaldi's agent in Genoa, for an expedition to the states of the Pope. -They were sent in detachments to the little retired Golfo d'Orangio, on -the eastern side of the island of Sardinia. Bertani went to Messina for -orders from Garibaldi, having been urged by Farina and Major Trecchi not -to complicate matters by invading the Papal territories before the -question of Naples was settled. It was to Golfo d'Orangio that Garibaldi -went secretly on the 12th. The "chivalrous regard" which he has been -said to have for Victor Emanuel, as the head of Italian unity, seems to -have induced him to consent, and the 6,000 men were ordered to Sicily. -One thousand of them were therefore sent round the island of Sicily, to -Taormina, with the intention of invading Calabria with the brigade -Bixio, on the south coast. This was a characteristic plan of Garibaldi, -when all eyes were turned to the Straits, as he is fond of making -surprises, especially to attack in the rear. - -Garibaldi therefore left Messina on the 18th of August, for Giardini, by -land, where the troops arrived before him; and the materiel and horses -were shipped at night, in the two steamers, Torino and Franklin, which -had transported thither about 2,800 soldiers. These and others—9,000 in -all—were embarked in these steamers and two sail vessels, which were -taken in tow. Garibaldi and his son accompanied this first brigade, -which was to be followed by the second, and both were to act in -combination with the expedition across the Strait. - -At dawn of day the two steamers entered the harbor of Melito, without -opposition, about twelve miles south of Reggio, and east of Capo -dell'Armi. But, unfortunately on approaching the shore, one of them, the -Torino, got aground, and efforts were made in vain to get her off. -Garibaldi, seeing that the case was a serious one, said that he was -needed to examine the bottom, and began to throw off his clothes, -preparatory to diving. But his sailors were too quick, for ten or twelve -of them leaped over the side of the vessel into the sea. - -As he intended to take Reggio by surprise, he hastened on shore, and -effected a landing, with three cannon, in a wonderfully short time. -Knowing that almost all the enemy's troops were down at the forts on the -west coast, from Scylla onward, he lost no time, expected no assistance, -and gave them not time to learn of his arrival in their rear, but -speedily gained the neighboring heights. A frigate and corvette in the -King of Naples' service were posted on the watch exactly off the spot at -which Garibaldi landed, but, wonderful to relate, they not only did not -sink his ship, but opposed no serious obstacle to his disembarkation, -although they fired some shots which killed a few of the Garibaldians. -Four thousand insurrectionists in the Calabrias fraternized with -Garibaldi almost on the moment of his landing. It was rumored also, that -the defection of the army of Naples was extremely probable. - -We now return to Faro, where the army was left still anxiously looking -across the strait: - - -"Nothing was heard of Missori's expedition till it was reported in the -camp that he had established himself at Aspromonte, a small village in -the mountains near the Calabrian shore. But before reaching this place, -he had to fight a company of Neapolitan riflemen, which was dispatched -from Villa San Giovanni to stop his march. The skirmish was a sharp one, -but at last Missori had the best of it, and was enabled to make his way -through the mountains without much difficulty. In this affair, however, -he had seven men wounded, and one was made a prisoner by the -Neapolitans, as he was so severely hurt that he could not move. In spite -of the remonstrances of the surgeon, who told the Neapolitan officer -that the man would die if he were taken to Reggio, he was removed, and -died on the road. Missori held Aspromonte, and Calabrian patriots joined -him from the neighboring villages of the coast: 150 men of Villa San -Giovanni, commanded by a Calabrian baron, were among the number. - -"During the course of the night, other small expeditions sailed from -Sicily, notwithstanding the shining moon which made the night as clear -and bright as the day. - -"The first of them was directed to land between Azzerello and Villa San -Giovanni. The second successfully landed at Fiumara Zaccherella. The -third reached Cannamiele. In all, these three expeditions did not number -more than 300 men." - - -Few scenes in history can be found, to be compared with those which soon -followed the landing of Garibaldi and his troops, in the manner and at -the different points, above mentioned. His combined movements show the -wisdom, as well as the ingenuity of his plans; and the results were -probably more favorable even than his anticipations. While amusing the -enemy with his preparations, and making his repeated essays to land on -the near parts of the coast, he had suddenly got in their rear with a -powerful force; and while the line of forts along the shore were -expecting an attack in front, they suddenly discovered the hills behind -and above them covered with Garibaldi's army. Their consternation may be -imagined, and some idea may be formed, by an active fancy, of the -feelings of the soldiers of freedom, as they showed themselves on the -lofty heights, which they had attained unperceived, and from which they -now looked down into the enemy's forts, and saw what passed, being able -to distinguish minute objects and the positions and motions of the men. - -Garibaldi sent a summons to the enemy, demanding an immediate surrender. -A flag of truce soon appeared, proceeding from below, with a request for -an armistice of a few hours, until orders could be received from the -commander-in-chief. "You will never receive them," replied Garibaldi. "I -have cut off all communications." "What do you require?" was the next -question. "Surrender." "On what terms? May we march out with our arms?" -"Certainly; and all the troops will be at liberty to return to their -homes." - -When the messenger returned to the fortress, there was a commotion -visible—men running about to spread the news; and a moment after, a loud -shout arose, of "Viva Garibaldi!" But little time was required to -arrange the capitulation, and then Garibaldi descended the heights and -entered the place, where he was received with acclamations, and the -warmest expressions of joy. The soldiers crowded round, kissed his hands -and hailed him as their friend. Thus relieved from all their -apprehensions in a moment, and, instead of a scene of battle and -bloodshed, of which they had expectations, and the forebodings of defeat -and its consequences, they found themselves treated with the humanity -and tenderness so universally displayed by their conqueror, and at -liberty to leave their hard and miserable military life, and to return -to their homes and families. The Calabrians, who had already joined the -patriot army in great numbers, were continually pouring in from the -country; and they, being in want of arms and ammunition to equip them -for the ranks of the liberator, purchased those of the disbanded -soldiers, who having no intention of remaining in the service of the -king, were glad to sell what they no more desired to use against their -brethren. - -The capture of the forts was thus a scene of peaceful jubilee, and -effected without shedding a drop of blood. The results of Garibaldi's -proceedings now showed that he must have laid his plans and pursued his -movements on information before received, and which fully justified them -at every step. His progress, from that part of Calabria toward Naples, -afforded equal evidence of his sagacity and of the preparations made to -facilitate and secure it. The people rose in his favor wherever he came, -and insurrections were made in different and some distant parts of the -country, often with a boldness and success which proved extensive and -well-laid combinations. To secret societies and the patriotism of the -people belongs the credit of that great and almost bloodless revolution. -The following brief account of proceedings in several places may serve -as a specimen of the movements in the country. - - -"Three thousand men, assembled from Polla, Sant'Angelo, San Rufo, and a -number of other places, marched into Sala, commanded by Colonel -Fabrizii. There, in the presence of an enthusiastic population, the -downfall of the Bourbons was declared, and the government of Victor -Emanuel established, with Garibaldi as dictator, and Giovanni Matina as -pro-dictator. A _procès verbal_ of the whole affair was made, and signed -by the authorities. In western Lucania, under the direction of Stefano -Passaro, a committee was appointed to collect arms and ammunition, -another to collect voluntary offerings, and a third to provide for -public security. Three of the four districts of the province of Salerno, -Campagna Vallo, and Sala, had already risen. Of the insurrection, or -rather of the popular festivity in Vallo, we have these details: that on -the 29th the _tambour_ was beaten at 2 P.M., when the male population -rushed in arms to the _piazza_ of the city. They were shortly after -joined by many of the youth of the neighboring communes, and, forming -themselves into a column, with music at their head, they went through -the streets, taking down the arms of the Bourbons and substituting those -of Victor Emanuel. All the women of the place accompanied them, -scattering flowers and confetti, and thus, amid tears of joy, they all -marched toward Goi. - -"The scene is described as having been one of marvellous enthusiasm, and -it is added that not a single quarrel or theft took place. Life, order, -and property were religiously respected." - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - - "Oh, short be his joy in our sorrow and pain, - I see his dark fate writ by destiny's pen." - _Eco di Savonarola._ - - - THE CONDITION OF NAPLES IN PAST MONTHS—THE GOVERNMENT - CRISIS—ROYAL DECREE—HOW IT WAS RECEIVED—CRUELTIES - PRACTISED—FIRST MOVEMENTS OF THE PEOPLE. - - -THE excitement in Naples, in consequence of the movements in Central -Italy, had been very great so early as in June, and a crisis ere long -occurred in the cabinet. At a meeting of the Council of State, the Count -of Aquila advocated liberal principles, and the Count of Frani resisted -him. Concessions were afterward agreed to, and after a conference of six -hours, between Baron Brenier and the Count of Aquila, the following -decree was published: - - - "SOVEREIGN ACT. - - -"Desiring to give to our most beloved subjects a mark of our sovereign -benevolence, we have determined to grant constitutional and -representative institutions to our kingdom, in harmony with national and -Italian principles, so as to guarantee future security and prosperity, -and to draw always closer the bonds which unite us to the people whom -Providence has called us to govern. For this object we have arrived at -the following determinations: - -"1. We grant a general amnesty for all political offenders up to this -day. - -"2. We have charged the Commander, Don Antonio Spinelli, with the -formation of a new ministry, who shall compile, in the shortest possible -time, the articles of the statute, on the basis of representative, -Italian, and national institutions. - -"3. An agreement will be established with the King of Sardinia for the -common interests of the two crowns in Italy. - -"4. Our flag shall be from this day forward adorned with the national -colors in vertical bands, preserving always the arms of our dynasty in -the centre. - -"5. As regards Sicily, we will grant it analogous representative -institutions, such as to satisfy the wants of the island; and one of the -princes of our royal house shall be our viceroy. - -"PORTICI, _June 25, 1860_." - - -A letter from Naples of that date, said: - - -"Wrung from the sovereign as have been these concessions, against his -inclinations and convictions, if his majesty can be said to have any, -and known as all these facts are, the decree was received with the -greatest indifference. People read it on the walls and passed on. I have -not heard one cry of pleasure raised, but I have heard official people -say. 'Too late! What a pity that it was not given six months ago.' It -was the concession of one with his back to the wall, and who may -hereafter say, as Ferdinand II. said, that he yielded on compulsion, and -it was not binding. - -"An order was given for the immediate release of the political prisoners -in Santa Maria Apparente, and a steamer, hired by their friends, went to -Capri to-day to bring back the victims of a long and cruel persecution." - - -Everywhere this decree was regarded in the same manner. The celebrated -Poerio, who had been released from a long and cruel imprisonment a few -months before, for supporting the constitution to which the father of -the present King of Naples had himself sworn, was at this time a member -of the House of Deputies of Sardinia, and in a speech said: - - -"The traditions of the Neapolitan government are hereditary perjury. The -new king, almost to prove the legitimacy of his descent, is preparing to -perjure himself; and, in order to qualify himself for the task of -forswearing himself, he must first swear. It is with that view that he -declares himself ready to swear constitutions and alliances. His object -in proposing an alliance with the king's government is obvious. He is -only meditating the reconquest of Sicily. These are the old fox-like -wiles of the Neapolitan government. As these have thrice availed them, -they hope, even now, from the same arts, to attain the same results. But -if these are very clearly the intentions of the government of Naples, -there is also no doubt but the government of the king—of that king who -for the last twelve years has held aloft the banner of Italian -nationality, will never desert his post, never will associate itself -with a faith-breaking government, a government by the nature of its very -institutions an implacable foe to Italian regeneration." - - -The following is an extract from the letter of an English lady in -Florence: - - -"The details that have reached here, through both private and public -information, of the horrible sufferings endured by the Sicilians, are -enough to account for the fiendish hatred excited by the Neapolitans, -whose conduct to the unfortunate islanders is almost a repetition of the -frightful barbarities of the Indians during the late war, for neither -sex, age, nor innocence, are any protection against the perpetration of -the most awful atrocities. It is beyond belief that, in the nineteenth -century, in a Christian part of Europe, there have been scenes enacted -within the last few months that renew the days of the Inquisition. A -gentleman, residing in Florence, has received intelligence of his family -in Sicily, giving details of the sufferings of his brother, who was -subjected to a 'torture' that even surpassed all the refined cruelty -that was ever imagined by Ximenes and his inquisitorial establishment, -having been chained to a copper chair, under the seat of which was -lighted a charcoal fire! This is only one of the many incidents that -have taken place—incidents that make the cheek grow pale, even to hear -of. No wonder there has been such a burst of enthusiasm throughout all -Europe for Garibaldi and his noble expedition. Every civilized land has -echoed the bell which has been tolled in Italy for the annihilation of -despotism. There has not been raised one sympathetic voice to cry to -Francis of Naples, 'Hear it not Duncan, for it summons thee' to join the -circle of deposed tyrants that have sought asylums within such short -distances of each other, imitating the instinct of the featherly tribe, -who only seek society with companions of the same color." - - -The feelings of the people of Naples cannot be imagined, without some -knowledge of the cruelties of the government. The following shocking -account of the cruelty practised on a man who was called an American, by -the priests of Rome and Italy, is from a letter written in Naples, just -after the revolution, by a person who saw him and obtained from him -since his own story: - - - BARBAROUS TREATMENT OF A POLITICAL PRISONER. - - -"Amongst the many cases of brutal and illegal imprisonment which have -been brought before the public during the last ten days, none has been -worse than that of Francisco Casanova, _calling himself an American_. He -was confined in San Francisco, and some young men who had formerly been -placed in the same prison, though not in the same room, remembering his -case, went, on the amnesty being proclaimed, to deliver him; but he was -all but naked, and he could not leave until an advocate called Arene, -who has acted with great benevolence, sent him some clothes, and has -since received him in his house and fed him. Last night I went to see -him, and I cannot tell you whether indignation against this most -Christian government or compassion for the victim was the strongest -feeling. 'When he entered my house,' said Arene, 'he was supported by -two persons, for he was unable to walk. He looked like a ghost.' 'Where -am I?' he exclaimed, as he looked confusedly around; and well he might, -after six years and a half of confinement from all intercourse with man. -But I give you his own description of his sufferings, as nearly as -possible in his own words, premising merely that there were witnesses of -all that I relate, in Arene himself, a Neapolitan friend, and a foreign -consul. - -"I landed in Genoa from Boston some time in 1853, and wishing to see the -south of Italy, travelled till I came near to Viterbo, when I was -cautioned not to go to Rome; but I still persevered in my intention of -doing so, when I was arrested as not having a passport, and carried to -the Eternal City, where I was placed in the Carcere Nuova. Not satisfied -with the report I gave of myself, I was tortured for three months as -follows. My hands and arms were bound together, and then, by ropes tied -round the upper part of the arms, they were drawn back till my breast -protruded, and my bones sounded, 'crick, crick.' There was another -species of torture practised upon me, which was this: At night, whilst -sleeping, the door was secretly opened, and buckets of water were thrown -over my body. How I survived it I cannot tell; the keepers were -astonished, and said they never had such an instance; 'but you will -never get out alive,' I was told. I replied that I never expected to do -so, and prayed for the angel of death to come. The worst torture of all, -however, was the prison itself—a room into which a few rays of light -struggled from above, and the stench of which was as bad as death. For -three months I suffered thus, and then, without any reason assigned, was -taken from it and placed, always alone, in a room called 'Salon del -Preti,' a large airy room, and was well fed and well treated for -twenty-one months more. I was a prisoner of the Cardinal Secretary -Antonelli. About the middle of 1855 again, without any reason being -given, I was sent off to Naples, was placed first in the Vicaria and -afterward in San Francisco, in a small, close room, where I was detained -for four years and a half. I was questioned on several occasions, and at -last refused to answer, saying that my persecutors already knew what I -had to say, that I was unjustly and illegally confined, and nothing -could compel me to utter another word. On another occasion I was called -before Bianchini, the director of police, who interrogated me. I -appealed against my sufferings, and all the reply I received was, 'Va -bene, va bene,' from a Christian man to one suffering as I was, but my -invariable answer was, I will die first; never will I ask anything of -this government. When first I arrived here I had a little money, which -for a short time procured me better food than prison fare, and then by -degrees I sold my clothes. At last I sold my black bread to have a -little salt to sprinkle over my beans, and sometimes to procure some -incense to relieve the horrid stench of my prison. As for water for -purposes of cleanliness, it was never supplied me, and all that I could -do, was to dip one of my own rags in a jug of drinking water, and wash -some portions of my body. During the day I could repose, but at night I -was covered with black beetles, fleas, lice, and every conceivable -species of vermin. I expected death, and desired and prayed for it as a -relief, but it never came. My clothes were at last so reduced, that I -was all but naked, and so I have passed four summers and winters, pacing -up and down my narrow chamber. - -"'I will show you my prison-dress,' said he; and going out, returned in -a few moments. He might have stood as a model for Lazarus risen from the -tomb. The lower part of his body was covered with a thin pair of linen -drawers, nothing more. On his feet was a pair of shoes, with soles and -upper leather all in holes. He had no shirt, but over the upper part of -his body, was thrown a rag, something like a common kitchen-towel, one -corner of which he had placed on his head, as the long elfin locks which -had not been cut, for many years hung down over his neck and shoulders. -He appeared more like a brute than a Christian man. 'See this rag,' said -he, 'how I have botched it. This was my dress, and so clad, I paced up -and down my solitary den.' - -"There is much that Casanova reports of himself that I do not repeat, -for it is so mysterious that I require further evidence of its -correctness. There can, however, be no doubt of his sufferings and -imprisonment in Naples. It has long been whispered about here that an -unknown individual was lying in the prisons of San Francisco, but -nothing was known of him. He was one of the mysteries of the dungeon, -and even now there is much to unravel. Who is he?—what secret motives -led to his double confinement here and in Rome?—why was he transferred -from the hands of a Christian cardinal to the mercies of De Spagnoli? -What he said I report, and time must unravel his story; but the world -will know how to appreciate the influence of a priesthood under whose -eye such enormities have been committed." - - -In Naples, on the 26th of June, assemblages of the population commenced. -The populace shouted "GARIBALDI forever!" "Annexation forever!" "Death -to the police!" The following day a panic took place; the police were -maltreated, and disappeared as soon as the same cries were raised by the -populace. - -The king had twice sent Signor Aquila to Baron Brenier, and had promised -to make a strict investigation. - -On the 28th of June all the police stations were pillaged in open day; -forty of the agents were surprised, and either killed or wounded. The -archives were burnt. The spoils were carried about in triumph by the -populace. - -The king had arrived at Naples, and had ordered the immediate formation -of a national guard. - -A proclamation was issued, prohibiting seditious shouts, and -recommending the military to disperse assemblages of the population with -moderation. - -As the successes of Garibaldi in Calabria became known in the city of -Naples, and his unimpeded advance toward that capital, the excitement -daily increased. A letter, dated there on the 5th of September, said: - - -"Seven-league boots must be in fashion again, and Garibaldi must have a -pair. It was but yesterday he was at Faro; then we find him at Pezzo, -Tiriola, Nicastro, Paolo, until, by a series of gigantic strides, by -last reports he was at Campagna, the capital of one of the four -districts of Salerno. I shall expect at any hour to meet the great -dictator in the Toledo. His march has been a continual triumph—war in -its severer aspects he has not seen in the kingdom of Naples, but -wreathed with flowers scattering confections and weeping tears of -welcome and joy. Apart from a hatred of the Bourbons, Garibaldi is -worshipped as a demi-god, and I believe that the veriest reactionist in -the kingdom would sheathe his sword to look at him. It is hero-worship -which has smoothed the passage of the dictator rather than anything more -definite or settled in principle." - - -The priests, the same letter declared, were much connected with the two -last revolutionary attempts: - - -"For that of Prince Luigi (Count of Aquila), the vicars of some -parishes, just before the outbreak was to have occurred, placarded the -doors of the houses of their faithful followers with little bills, one -of which is in my possession, bearing this inscription: - - "'Viva Jesu Christo! - Viva la Madonna Immacolata! - Viva San Francesco!' - -"This was to protect those houses. - -"Naples is in a state of the greatest excitement. It is one great heart -without a head, and the most singular contrasts present themselves at -every step. I left a scene of wild confusion in the Toledo late last -night, when the names only of Garibaldi and Victor Emanuel were heard, -and, going down to Santa Lucia, I found every house illuminated, torches -burning, and fagots borne by a crowd of rabble, a small bell tinkling, -and a priest bearing the host, surrounded by hundreds of devotees. They -stop, and the vast crowd fall upon their knees. Silence! not a sound was -heard, except the indistinct roar of voices from the Toledo. On the -walls close behind were the cannon of the Bourbons, and in the offing -the fleets of many nations, all brought out as distinctly as possible by -the gorgeous moonlight of our southern sky. What a host of conflicting -ideas were here brought into juxtaposition and contrast! - -"Last night it was decided that the king should leave immediately; at -midnight it was deferred, but _only_ deferred. The throne has well nigh -fallen." - - -The following Address to the Clergy of the Kingdom was issued by the -Ecclesiastical Committee of Union: - - - "THE CLERGY OF THE KINGDOM. - - - "_Viva Italian Independence!_ - "_Viva Victor Emanuel!_ - "_Viva Giuseppe Garibaldi!_ - - - "PROGRAMME. - - -"Italianism, Activity, Catholicity—these are the duties demanded of -every good Neapolitan Christian, whether priest or layman; these he is -called upon to practise both in thought and action for the benefit of -the country. Such, in fact, is the speculative and practical principle -which in Naples animates the Union Ecclesiastical Committee in order to -arrive at the most holy object of independence, in the noble undertaking -of Italian redemption. For these reasons the committee are intent on the -union of ideas with facts; they profess it to be their indispensable -duty to labor unweariedly, so as not to go in opposition to the orthodox -faith, which rests in Christ and his vicar on earth—in Christ as -God-man, in his vicar as the first religious and the first civil power -of the world. Hence, taking its stand on these axioms, the committee -declares its intention of realizing the evangelical maxim that -spiritually the state is in the church, as temporarily the church is in -the state; and so it labors to establish the unity of Italy in the order -of religion and civilization; in the order of religion, of which the -pontiff of Rome is the œcumenical moderator; in the order of -civilization, of which Victor Emanuel is the only regulator in the -Italian kingdom." - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XV. - - - "Expect not, O Pope! a second retreat - To find in Gaeta, or a stool for your feet: - A worse fate than even your own may await - The felon to you who once open'd the gate." - G. ROSETTI. T. D. - - - THE CONDITION OF NAPLES SINCE THE REIGN OF TERROR IN - APRIL—AGITATION ON GARIBALDI'S APPROACH. - - -THERE was a reign of terror in Naples in April, 1860, in consequence of -numerous arrests and imprisonments of persons of all classes, many of -them on the merest suspicion. The British minister in that city, who had -repeatedly distinguished himself by his humane exposure and protest -against the cruelties of the old savage, Bomba, now made new -representations to his government, that these measures were taken by the -Intendants in compliance with a circular from the Minister of Police. On -the 1st of March they arrested numbers who were not suspected at all, -and among them several dukes, marquises, counts, and princes. Other -evidences were given by the government of their great fear of an -insurrection. - -The following is from the letter addressed to the King of Naples by the -Count of Syracuse: - - -"Civil war, which is already spreading over the provinces of the -continent, will carry away the dynasty into that ultimate ruin which the -iniquitous arts of perverse advisers have long been preparing for the -descendants of Charles III. of Bourbon; the blood of the citizens, -uselessly spilt, will again flood the thousand towns of the kingdom, and -you, once the hope and love of the people, will be regarded with horror -as the sole cause of a fratricidal war. - -"Sire, while it is yet time, save our house from the curses of all -Italy! Follow the noble example of our royal kinswoman of Parma, who, on -the breaking out of civil war, released her subjects from their -allegiance, and left them to be arbiters of their own destinies. Europe -and your subjects will take your sublime sacrifice into account, and -you, sire, will be able to raise your brow in confidence up to God, who -will reward the magnanimous act of your majesty. Your heart, tempered by -adversity, will become accessible to the noble aspirations of -patriotism, and you will bless the day when you generously sacrificed -yourself for the greatness of Italy. - -"With these words, sire, I fulfill the sacred duty which my experience -imposes upon me, and I pray to God that he may enlighten you, and render -you deserving of His blessings. - - "Your majesty's affectionate uncle, - - "LEOPOLD, Count of Syracuse. - -"NAPLES, _Aug. 24_." - - -In the latter part of August, reports of the nearer approach of -Garibaldi, and of risings in different parts of the country, were -multiplied daily; and the secret patriotic committee more openly and -freely circulated their publications, which were to be seen in every -house. Movements had been made, before the 25th, in Matera, the -Capitanata, Bari, Monopolo, and Sassinoro, and in Potenza and Corleta -provisional governments were formed in favor of Victor Emanuel. Indeed, -the kingdom was in a state of general revolution, and a pro-dictatorial -committee held its sessions to direct "the great Lucanian insurrection." -An order was also published in Naples, in the name of Garibaldi, -Dictator of the Two Sicilies, providing that all authorities should -remain at their posts; that acts of the government should be published -in the name of Victor Emanuel; that a committee of public security and a -commission of engineers should be formed to barricade the city; and that -all capable of bearing arms should join the National Guard. Committees -were also formed for looking after the commissariat, and attending to -the sick and wounded, on which committee were the names of seven -ecclesiastics. The headquarters of the insurrectionists were at Potenza, -in the province of Basilicata, and to this point were crowding hundreds -and thousands of volunteers. The people of the country itself had taken -up arms. All business was suspended; one thought alone occupied the -public mind. The great fear of many was of pillage; and the want of -occupation, and the almost general famine among the lower classes, gave -such a fear yet greater appearance of reasonableness. - -The landing of several detachments of the Garibaldians was now a -confirmed fact. - -The following account of the revolution in the Basilicata will afford an -idea of the changes then made in the country: - - -"The province of Basilicata had long been agitated; it is a mountainous -country, subject to earthquakes. The war of Italy, the adventures of -Garibaldi, the constitution of Francis II., precipitated the crisis. The -reactionary attempts at Matera gave the signal for the movement. -Potenza, the chief town of the province, was only defended by gendarmes. -They were apparently on good terms with the national guard, and their -chief, Captain Castagna, had given his word of honor that he would not -be the first to commence the attack. - -"On the morning of the 18th of October, the gendarmes formed in column, -left the town, and took up a position within musket shot of the houses -on the Monte. Castagna removed his men in this way to tranquillize the -country, as he said. However, a picket of national guards at the Salsa -gate watched the movements of the gendarmes. It was well they did, for -Captain Castagna all at once returned with his men at double-quick pace, -dividing them into two columns, one of which was to attack the post held -by the national guard, and the other to open the prisons. - -"The first discharge of the royalists took place before the men attacked -had time to cry 'To arms!' A bullet struck Captain Asselta in the -temple. He had firmly stood the charge with some fifty of the national -guardsmen. Not till then did the latter open fire, and the gendarmes -were put to flight. They disbanded about the town and the open country, -striking at random, pursued and hunted everywhere by the peasants, who -were armed with hatchets. They also lost some fifty prisoners: about -fifty were wounded, and more than twenty slain. - -"Besides the wound of Captain Asselta, the insurgents had to deplore the -loss of two young men, and count both women and children among the -wounded. Nevertheless, this strange insurrection, provoked, hastened at -least, and justified like the Italian war of last year, by the attack of -the gendarmes, was entirely successful, and it spread most rapidly. -Clouds of armed mountaineers came down from all parts of the heights to -help their brethren in the town. The wounded and royal prisoners were -not only spared, at the simple command of a chief, but received every -assistance, just as if they had been fighting for the good cause. - -"On the 19th, at Tito, the national guard drove out the gendarmes; on -the 20th there were more than 10,000 armed men at Potenza; on the 22d -16,000 were mustered. All the nobility, the landowners, the chief -inhabitants, the educated citizens, even the priests, were on the side -of the insurgents. The peasants took up arms spontaneously to the cry of -'Long live Victor Emanuel.' The cross of Savoy floated everywhere on the -tri-color flag. The forces were commanded by a Neapolitan, who had -already figured in two former Italian wars—Colonel Boldoni. - -Strong detachments were stationed _en échelons_ around the town and upon -the mountains. Good positions were occupied, amongst others that of -Marmo, whence a handful of men can keep in check an army, and renew the -defence of Mazagran. The insurrection assumed such proportions that it -kept the royal forces at a distance. Neapolitans and Bavarians had been -sent against it; the former stopped at Auletta, the latter at Salerno. - -"Potenza was barricaded, and preparing to resist to the death. It had -already a provisional government, whose two first acts the National -Committee published, headed: - - - "'VICTOR EMANUEL, KING OF ITALY. GENERAL GARIBALDI, - DICTATOR OF THE TWO SICILIES. - - -"'A pro-dictatorial government has been formed to direct the great -Lucanian insurrection. (Basilicata is the ancient Lucania). - -"'The members sit permanently in the old hall of Intendants. - -"'POTENZA, _August 19, 1860_.' - - - "'FOR THE DICTATOR, GARIBALDI. - - "'_The pro-dictators, N. Mignona, G. Albini; - the secretaries, Gaetano, Cascini, etc._ - - -"'It is ordained: 1. That the authorities shall remain at their posts -and actively assist in maintaining order, providing for the proper -carrying on of the judicial and civil administration. 2. The acts of the -government relating to the civil and judicial administration shall be -headed: Victor Emanuel, King of Italy; Joseph Garibaldi, Dictator of the -two Sicilies. 3. A committee of public safety is established and a -committee of engineers for barricading the town.' - -"The fifth article nominates the majors and captains of the national -guard. The sixth directs them to form the several corps. The seventh -appoints a deputation to see to the conveyance of provisions, etc. The -eighth appoints a deputation for providing quarters. The ninth names a -committee for attending to the sick, wounded, and prisoners. - -"Rumors of the defection of the king's officers were repeated every -moment. It was asserted in Naples that General Nunziante had just gone -over to Garibaldi. The Duchess of Mignano, the wife of the exiled -general, having been ordered to quit Naples, proudly refused to go, and -defied the ministers to remove her by force." - - -During a few days about the beginning of September, the king's -ministers, his army and the city, were in a state of the greatest -agitation. On the 3d, General Cotrufiano sent in his resignation, but -expressed his hope that the ministry would remain in power. The National -Guard, who had before communicated with them, then told them that if -they did not remain they would commence the revolution in the city. - -As circumstances, however, were, the ministers considered it impossible -to remain with dignity or advantage to the country, and, _en masse_, -again sent in their written resignation. "We have been called traitors," -they said. "We have the troops against us, and no longer enjoy the -confidence of the sovereign; we are supported by the National Guard and -the people, it is true, and are their ministers rather than the king's; -but this is not according to the principles of the Constitution, and we -therefore earnestly beg your majesty to choose a transition ministry. -Besides, we will not undertake the responsibility of the war against -Garibaldi and his followers, for it will be altogether useless." Such, -remarks a writer who was at that time in Naples, was the manner in which -the ministers addressed his majesty, and put into plain English, it -means this: "_If your majesty will abandon all self-defence, we will -serve you, but if you are determined to risk an action, we will persist -in resigning, and then barricades will be formed directly._" The choice -left to Francis II., then, was revolution or abdication, and this is the -end of that vast structure of despotism which Ferdinand II. reared with -so much labor, and cemented with so much blood. On Sunday morning, the -ministers met in the council chamber, and waited for some decision on -the part of his majesty, but none came; but later in the day, De Martino -was sent for by the king, and requested to form an administration. This, -however, De Martino declined doing, and the king exclaimed, in great -sadness, "Then I am abandoned by all." So stood the matter on Sunday -night. It was clear that the ministers had no hopes or intentions, even -if they remained in power, of doing anything more than keep things -together till Garibaldi came. To them, as to all in Naples, it was -evident enough that the game was up, and that all they could do for the -country was to make the fall, or transition, as easy as possible. Up to -that time their conduct was beyond all praise. There was an impression -in the city that the ministerial difficulties had been arranged, and, in -consequence, on Saturday and Sunday night there was a partial -illumination of the city, and bills were placarded bearing the -inscription, "_Viva Garibaldi!_" "_Viva Romano!_"—the chief minister. - -It is impossible for any generous mind to contemplate the position of -Francis II. without compassion. Not gifted by nature with much -intelligence, kept in gross ignorance, and reared in a school of -political despotism and religious bigotry by his father, misguided and -betrayed by evil counsellors in the early part of his reign, and finally -abandoned by his oldest uncle, and by the contemptible nobility and -parasites who supported or tolerated the corruptions of the government -so long as they were to their own advantage, he sat alone in his palace, -the last sovereign of his family, hesitating as to the moment when he is -to lay down both crown and sceptre. Close to his palace crowds were -reading and rejoicing in the latest dispatches from the camp of the -enemy, who was advancing by rapid marches—an enemy whom he had no force -to repel; and not much more distant resided the minister of a sovereign -who subscribed himself the "beloved cousin" (or by some similar -hypocrisy) of Francis II., at the same time that he was doing all that -in him lay to drive him from the throne. The position was a hard one, -created by the Bourbons themselves—a fulfillment of the great decree, -that the sins of the fathers shall be visited on the children. - -What a contrast was then presented between the cold, bloody cruelty of -the Bourbons and the noble moderation of this long oppressed people! -Thousands in the city had in some form or other been victims of revenge -or suspicion; and it is truly wonderful that not a hand, nor even a -voice, was raised against the unprotected king. - -As for placing himself at the head of the army, his majesty had no army -to command. During the whole of Sunday night, boats were going backward -and forward between the land and the Spanish vessels with royal -property. The queen mother was already in Albano, near Rome. - -There was in the bay a most imposing fleet, representing every nation in -Europe. Even the Pope had his flag lying off the Villa. On that side of -the city there were fourteen vessels of war, and as many off Santa -Lucia. - - - FLIGHT OF THE KING OF NAPLES. - - -"At 6 o'clock in the evening of September, his majesty went on board a -Spanish vessel, and at 8 o'clock left Neapolitan waters. Before leaving, -his majesty published his protest, which is given below. - -"It would appear that the French admiral thought, with the prefect, that -some precautions were necessary, and he therefore called on the British -Admiral Mundy in the course of the evening, and announced his intention -of sending some men on shore. Admiral M. replied that he saw no -necessity for the step, as the city was perfectly tranquil." - - - PROTEST OF FRANCIS II. - -"Since a reckless adventurer, possessing all the force of which -revolutionary Europe can dispose, has attacked our dominions, under the -name of an Italian sovereign who is both a relation and a friend, we -have striven for five months long, with all the means in our power, on -behalf of the sacred independence of our states. - -"The fortune of war has proved contrary to us. The reckless enterprise -of which the above sovereign protested his ignorance in the most formal -manner, and which, nevertheless, at the moment when negotiations were -going on for an intimate alliance between us, received in his own states -its principal support and assistance, that enterprise at which the whole -of Europe assisted with indifference, after having proclaimed the -principle of non-intervention, leaving us alone to fight against the -common enemy, is now upon the point of extending its disastrous effects -to our own capital. The forces of the enemy are now approaching this -neighborhood. - -"On the other hand, both Sicily and the provinces of the continent, -which for a long time have been agitated in every manner by a -revolution, rising in insurrection under so great an excitement, have -formed provisional governments under the title and nominal protection of -the above sovereign, and have confided to a pretended dictator full -authority and the decision of their destiny. - -"Strong in our rights, founded upon history, in international treaty, -and in the public law of Europe, we intend to prolong our defence, while -it is possible; yet we are no less determined upon every sacrifice in -order to save this vast metropolis, the glorious home of the most -ancient memories, the birthplace of national art and civilization, from -the horrors of anarchy and civil war. - -"In consequence, we shall retire beyond the walls with our army, -confiding in the loyalty and the love of our subjects for the -preservation of order and for respect being shown to authority. - -"In taking this determination we are conscious of a duty which our -ancient and uncontested rights, our honor, the interest of our heirs and -successors, and more than all, the welfare of our most beloved subjects, -have imposed upon us, and therefore we protest loudly against all acts -which have been accomplished up to this time, and against the events -which are on the point of completion, or which may be accomplished in -future. We reserve, then, all our rights and privileges, arising from -the most sacred and incontestable laws of succession as well as from the -force of treaties, and we declare solemnly that all the aforesaid acts -and events are null, void, and of no effect. For what concerns us we -leave our cause, and the cause of our people, in the hands of Almighty -God, under the firm conviction that during the short space of our reign -we have not entertained a single thought that was not devoted to the -happiness and the good of our subjects. The institutions which we have -irrevocably guaranteed are the proof of this. - -"This protest of ours will be transmitted to every court, and we desire -that, signed by us, provided with the seal of our royal arms, and -countersigned by our minister of foreign affairs, it should be preserved -in our royal offices of the exterior, of the privy council and of grace -of justice, as a record of our firm resolution always to oppose reason -and right to violence and usurpation. - - (Signed,) - - "FRANCESCO II. - "DE MARTINO. - - "NAPLES, _Sept. 6, 1860_." - - ------- - - - ROYAL PROCLAMATION. - - -"Among the duties prescribed to kings, those of the days of misfortunes -are the grandest and the most solemn, and I intend to fulfill them with -resignation, free from weakness, and with a serene and confident heart, -as befits the descendants of so many monarchs. - -"For such a purpose I once more address my voice to the people of this -metropolis, from whom I am now to depart with bitter grief. - -"An unjust war, carried on in contravention to the law of nations, has -invaded my states, notwithstanding the fact that I was at peace with all -the European powers. - -"The changed order of government, and my adhesion to the great -principles of Italian nationality, were not sufficient to ward off the -war; and, moreover, the necessity of defending the integrity of the -state entailed upon me the obligations of events which I have always -deplored; therefore, I solemnly protest against this indescribable -hostility, concerning which the present and future time will pronounce -their solemn verdict. - -"The diplomatic corps residing at my court has known since the -commencement of this unexpected invasion, with what sentiments my heart -has been filled for all my people, as well as for this illustrious city, -with a view of securing her from ruin and war, of saving her inhabitants -and all their property, her sacred churches, her monuments, her public -buildings, her collection of art, and all that which forms the patrimony -of her civilization and of her greatness, and which being an inheritance -of future generations, is superior to the passions of a day. - -"The time has now come to fulfill these professions of mine. The war is -now approaching the walls of the city, and with unutterable grief I am -now to depart with a portion of my army to betake myself whither the -defence of my rights calls me. The remainder of my army remains in -company with the honorable national guard, in order to protect the -inviolability and safety of the capitol, which I recommend as a sacred -treasure to the zeal of the ministry; and I call upon the honor and the -civic feeling of the mayor of Naples and of the commandant of the said -national guard, to spare this most beloved country of mine the horrors -of internal discord and the disasters of civil war; for which purpose I -concede to the above-named the widest powers that they may require. - -"As a descendant of a dynasty that has reigned over this continent for -126 years, after having preserved it from the horrors of a long -vice-royalty, the affections of my heart are here. I am a Neapolitan, -nor could I without bitter grief address words of farewell to my most -dearly beloved people, to my fellow citizens. Whatever may be my -destiny, be it prosperous or adverse, I shall always preserve for them a -passionate and affectionate remembrance. I recommend to them concord, -peace, and a strict observance of their civic duties. Let not an -excessive zeal for my dynasty be made a pretence for disturbance. - -"Whether from the fortunes of the present war I return shortly amongst -you, or whatever may be the time at which it may please the justice of -God to restore me to the throne of my ancestors, a throne made all the -more splendid by the free institutions with which I have irrevocably -surrounded it, all that I pray from this time forth is to behold again -my people united, strong and happy. - - "FRANCIS II." - - - THE LATE KING OF NAPLES DESCRIBED BY HIMSELF. - - -A late number of the "Revue de Paris" publishes a curious correspondence -between Louis Philippe and Ferdinand II., the late King of Naples. -Shortly after the revolution of July, Louis Philippe addressed a letter -to Ferdinand II., advising him in the government of his kingdom, to -relinquish a little so that all might not be lost, to give up his system -of compression and severity. "Imitate," said Louis Philippe, "the system -in France; you will be a gainer in every respect; for, by sacrificing a -little authority, you will insure peace to your kingdom and stability to -your house. The symptoms of agitation are so strongly pronounced and -numerous in Italy, that an outbreak may be expected sooner or later, -accordingly as the stern measures of Prince Metternich may hasten or -adjourn it. Your majesty will be drawn into the current if you are not -prepared to stem the tide, and your house will be burst in two, either -by the revolutionary stream or by the measures of repression the Vienna -Cabinet may think fit to adopt. Your majesty may save everything by -anticipating voluntarily and with prudence the wishes and wants of your -people." - -To this excellent advice and very remarkable counsel, coming as it did -from a Bourbon, Ferdinand II. returned the following answer: - - -"To imitate France, if ever France can be imitated, I shall have to -precipitate myself into that policy of Jacobinism, for which my people -has proved feloniously guilty more than once against the house of its -kings. Liberty is fatal to the house of Bourbon; and, as regards myself, -I am resolved to avoid, at all price, the fate of Louis XVI. and Charles -X. My people obey force and bend their necks, but woe's me should they -ever raise them under the impulse of those dreams which sound so fine in -the sermons of philosophers, and which are impossible in practice. With -God's blessing, I will give prosperity to my people, and a government as -honest as they have a right to; but I will be king, and always. My -people do not want to think; I take upon myself the care of their -welfare and their dignity. I have inherited many old grudges, many mad -desires, arising from all the faults and weaknesses of the past; I must -set this to rights, and I can only do so by drawing closer to Austria -without subjecting myself to her will. We are not of this century. The -Bourbons are ancient, and if they were to try to shape themselves -according to the pattern of the new dynasties, they would be ridiculous. -We will imitate the Hapsburgs. If fortune plays us false, we shall at -least be true to ourselves. Nevertheless, your majesty may rely upon my -lively sympathy and my warmest wishes that you may succeed in mastering -that ungovernable people who make France the curse of Europe." - - -Here it was well remarked by a writer: - - -"We have the father of Francis II. exactly as he was, and exactly as his -son has been after him. Out of the lips of the Bourbon it is proved that -a Garibaldi was sadly wanted in Sicily. Well, the Garibaldi has come, -and the necks of the people bend no more; the people have begun to have -a desire to 'think;' have raised their necks 'under the impulse of those -dreams which sound so fine in the sermons of philosophers,' and the -'woe's me,' which the Bourbon Ferdinand II. feared would fall upon him -when the people did so rise, has fallen upon the head of the Bourbon -Francis II. 'The Bourbons are very ancient,' said Ferdinand, 'and if -they were to try to shape themselves according to the pattern of the new -dynasties, they would be ridiculous.' Well, Francis II., penned up there -in Gaeta, with a very small pattern of an army, strikes us as a very -ridiculous king, and ridiculous because he did not shape himself -according to the pattern of a wise and liberal monarch. This letter of -Ferdinand II. is one of the most striking lessons of history that the -present century has afforded." - - - - - CHAPTER XVI. - - - "Garibaldi! Garibaldi! thy glorious career - Is worthy thee and Italy: thy name to man is dear, - A brighter course has never a warrior true displayed: - Unsullied in the hour of peace, in danger undismayed, - Thy heart with every virtue warm, compassion all and love, - In war resistless as the storm, in peace a gentle dove." - _MS._ - - - GARIBALDI'S JOURNEY THROUGH CALABRIA—REACHES PALERMO - —ENTERS NAPLES—ENTHUSIASM AND GOOD ORDER OF THE - PEOPLE—THE NEW GOVERNMENT—THE ARMY AND NAVY—VARIOUS - OCCURRENCES. - - -GARIBALDI, after his wonderful triumph over the royal army in Calabria, -made rapid marches through the wild regions of that part of the -peninsula toward Naples. By rising early, pressing on and resting but -little, he performed a journey of about two hundred and eighty miles to -Salerno, in a fortnight from the day of his landing at Reggio. - -Before Garibaldi's entry into Naples, the Sardinian admiral had -threatened to fire upon any Neapolitan vessel which should attempt to -proceed to Gaeta. - -A _Te Deum_ had been celebrated in the cathedral by Father Gavazzi, the -people shouting "Hurrah for Victor Emanuel!" "Hurrah for Garibaldi!" The -people were armed, some even with pikes and sticks. - -General illuminations had taken place. The Papal Nuncio, a great part of -the ambassadors, and Count Trapani, had followed the king to Gaeta. The -king had appointed Signor Ulloa, brother of General Ulloa, as his prime -minister, and had issued a proclamation. - -On the morning of the 7th of September, Garibaldi was at Salerno, a town -near the southern extremity of the vast and splendid bay of Naples, and -about thirty miles distant from the capital, preparing to proceed to it -by the railroad. The love with which he attaches his friends to him was -evident, in the manner in which his personal staff clung to him at the -station. Very few accompanied him; but 25,000 troops were to follow him -in four days. - -The following account of Garibaldi in Salerno, is from a letter of Mr. -Edwin James to a friend: - - -"The long roll of the 'spirit-stirring drums,' the discordant noises of -the Calabrese soldiers as they were endeavoring to form their ranks, the -dashing in of carriages from Naples with their cargoes of deputations to -attend Garibaldi, roused me before four o'clock, September 7th, from my -bed, in a wretched 'albergo' in Salerno, where I had been the prey of -mosquitoes since midnight. Garibaldi was astir as early as four o'clock; -he had seen members of the committee from Naples, and was arranging his -_entrée_ into the city. At my interview with him yesterday at Eboli, -which was a hurried one, he had requested me to see him in the evening; -he was so surrounded by crowds of admirers, all anxious for a glimpse at -the 'great man,' that I delayed my interview until this morning. On -entering the large rooms of the Hôtel de Ville, or 'Intendenza,' the -throngs of people and their agitation and excitement were most striking. - -"The national guard of Salerno lined the avenues; priests of every -denomination crowded to touch the 'hem of his garment.' Officers of -State of the king were in earnest conversation with him, urging his -coming without delay into Naples. - -"A special train of about 20 carriages was in waiting at 10 o'clock, and -we obtained a seat in the carriage next to that in which Garibaldi was. -Throughout the journey to Naples, in every village, at every station, -the joy and enthusiasm of the people exceeded the powers of description. -Women and girls presented flags, threw flowers into the carriages, -struggled to kiss the hand of the general. Mayors and syndics ejaculated -their gratulations; priests and monks stood, surrounded by their -wretched flocks, on the hill-side, and shouted their 'Vivas,' and -holding the crucifix in one hand and the sword in the other, waved them -in the air, and bawled out their benedictions. As the train passed the -king's guard at Portici, the soldiers threw their caps into the air, and -joined lustily in the 'Viva Garibaldi!'" - -It was reported in Naples, about eleven o'clock, that Garibaldi was to -arrive that day, and a great part of the inhabitants, on first hearing -the news, hastened to the station. A detachment of national guards -marched with the national colors flying, and in the yard assembled all -the leading liberals in their carriages, the secret committee, now no -longer concealed, and several foreign ministers, including the French, -M. Brenier, to do honor to the hero. - - -"Many ladies were in the waiting-saloon, which was crowded with national -guards and gentlemen in plain clothes and all sorts of uniforms. - -"After waiting an hour (writes a spectator), shouts were heard, and the -scream of an arriving train. 'He is come!' The train steams in. In the -first carriage, standing on the roof, is a giant of a man, with a cap, a -red shirt, and the handkerchief fastened on his shoulders. The cries and -cheers increase. Suddenly all is hushed again, and we are down to zero. -It is only a train of disarmed Bavarians en route from Salerno. At last -he does come. The enthusiasm is overpowering. Surrounded by a band of -soldiers, sons of Anak as to size, and dressed in the wild and -travel-stained costumes of an irregular army on a campaign, comes -Garibaldi. The first thing that strikes you is his face, and the deep -determination of his extraordinary forehead. A face that might serve as -a model for the sculptor, is softened almost to sweetness by the -mildness of the eyes and the low tone of the most musical voice I have -ever heard. Long, grizzly curls hang from his broad hat. He wears a red -shirt with a silk handkerchief on his shoulders, like the 'panuelo' of -the South American, and grey trousers. He escapes as well and as soon as -he can from a reception, which he accepts rather than covets, and -proceeds to take possession of his new abode. - -"Garibaldi entered the private carriage of the French minister, his -staff following in other carriages, and some few on horseback; the -cortége consisted of about twenty vehicles. Individually I have never -seen such men as his body-guard, and the picturesque dress sets off -their height and the squareness of their build. Compared with these -soldiers, Garibaldi is short, but very powerfully made. Along the -crowded Marinelli, the headquarters of lazzaroni, now constitutional -popolani, one of whom rode before Garibaldi's carriage, through the -Largo del Castello, the Strada di Toledo, and finally to the Palazzo -della Regina di Savoia, opposite the Palazzo Reale, which the dictator -refused to inhabit, the cortége makes its way, and Garibaldi enters into -what was once a palace of the Bourbons. The shouts of the crowd now -gathered together in the square penetrate the inmost recesses, and -presently the window opens and Garibaldi appears, followed by a large -staff of officials. The others stop, and he advances alone to the centre -of the balcony that extends along the palace, and the cheering is -deafening. It is no use for the hero to speak till the people have a -little exhausted their powers; so he stands there alone, leaning on his -hand, with his fine features in repose, and an almost melancholy -expression on his face, as if he felt that his career was a duty which -had its thorns as well as its roses; and that, though the end sanctifies -the means, yet carnage and slaughter, tottering thrones and crumbling -dynasties, leave their impression on the brow that caused them. I have -never seen so grand a study as Garibaldi, as he stood silently -speculating, perhaps, over the true value of the people whom he had just -freed. He spoke at some length, but it was impossible to distinguish -what he said, though it was easy to perceive that he speaks with great -energy. Having satisfied, for the moment at least, the desires of the -bassa-gente (the populace), it was time to re-enter the palace and -receive the welcome of the upper classes. The stair and entrée to the -dictator's levée were an extraordinary spectacle. The door leading to -the suite of apartments in which the general held his reception was kept -by the national guard, who were perpetually assailed by persons desiring -to see the dictator 'face to face.' Men of all nations and in all -costumes seemed suddenly to have started up in the heart of Naples. - -"The reception was brief—even Garibaldi requires repose—and after having -appeared on both sides of the palace, and received the compliments of -all classes, including a Venetian deputy, who said, 'We are ready, and -only await Garibaldi,' to which the dictator replied, with a quiet -smile, 'Aspetta, aspetta!' (Wait, wait), he retired from the palazzo to -his quarters in the Palazzo Angri, Strada Toledo, where another ovation -awaited him. On his way he went to the cathedral, and was received with -due honors. The generality of priests have retired to their cells, but -many are still about, and I met one in the presence chambers in full -canonicals, crossed by a tri-colored scarf, and bearing an enormous -Sardinian flag—'_Tempora mutantur et nos._'" - -On Saturday, the 8th, there was a sudden commotion in the Castelnovo, on -the shore, a description of which will convey a just idea of the state -of Naples and the garrison. A spectator wrote: - -"One of those uproarious bursts of applause which come upon us like -hurricanes, called me to the window. The soldiers in the garrison at the -Castelnovo had just burst out, and were running, jumping, galloping past -my house like so many slaves who had burst out of the house of bondage. -Some were armed with muskets; most had their sacks full of loaves of -bread, which dropped from their wallets as they ran along, shouting, -like so many madmen, 'Viva Garibaldi!' At every step they met with -crowds of men and women, armed with naked swords, daggers, and pikes, -which they flourished in the air, uttering at the same time the usual -magic cries. Dirty-looking fellows, in the Neapolitan uniform, were -hugged and kissed by persons as dirty as themselves, and then uniting, -all surged onward to the Toledo. It was impossible to remain in the -house, and escaping from my chains, which fell from me as soon as the -post left, I hurried into the street. I turn round to Criatamone, and -just above me, peering over the walls, I see a number of soldiers in -garrison in the Pizzofalcone, and watching if the road was clear. The -people about me were waving their hands to them, and inviting them to -come down. There are iron doors at the bottom, and sentinels stand by -them. Down come the troops in a torrent—sentinels are motionless, the -doors bend, at last yield, and at length out they come like so many -madmen out of Bedlam, and run after their companions from the -Castelnovo. Sentinels still stand, 'pro formâ,' at the doors of both the -forts, but they are abandoned, and empty walls and harmless cannon alone -remain to be guarded. Meanwhile, Garibaldi is going to Pie di Grotta, -like another Emperor Carlo III., on the first day of his entry into -Naples. Carriages dash by me full of red jackets, or of men and women -brandishing swords and pikes, whilst the rain is pouring down in -torrents, and the thunder is pealing, as if it were a salute of heaven -for the liberator of the Two Sicilies. The weather prevented any grand -display, though the disposition was not wanting on the part of the -people, as the flags which hung down lank from the windows abundantly -showed. The weather brightened up toward the evening, and the town was -more brilliantly illuminated than last night. There can be no mistake -about the matter, the enthusiasm is very great. People are beside -themselves, and scenes are witnessed which, perhaps, have never been -witnessed in any other country under the sun. Two lines of carriages go -up and down the Toledo filled with persons decorated with tri-colored -ribbons and scarfs, and carrying the flag of Piedmont, or rather of -Italy. There are people of every class: there are priests and monks, as -gaily decorated as any, and some are armed; there are women in the -Garibaldian dress, and many carry daggers or pikes; there are red -jackets of Garibaldi and red jackets of England; there are people from -the provinces, who have scarcely dared to speak or breathe for twelve -long years, who are now frantic with joy. What wonder if they have lost -their senses? - -"But many adjourn to San Carlo,[3] for Garibaldi is to be there, and, -indeed, one of our autumnal hurricanes of rain is coming down. I was -there when he arrived, and we knew of his approach from the shouts of -the populace outside. Every one is standing and craning over his seat to -catch a view of the great man, and at last he enters the stage box, -while many of his followers take possession of the neighboring boxes, -and a storm of applause greets him, and calls him to the front. There -are few spectacles so brilliant as San Carlo when lighted up in gala -fashion; and this evening particularly, with the banners waving from the -boxes, and from above the stage, it showed better than I have ever -before seen it; but altogether the demonstration was a failure. The -theatre was not two-thirds full, and when those two magnificent pieces -of music were performed, the 'Hymn of Garibaldi' and 'The Chorus of the -Lombardi,' not a voice joined in. I wanted, together with my friends, to -raise a chorus on our own account, for it was irritating enough to -witness a number of people sitting and fanning themselves, as though -they came to be amused, instead of pouring out their very souls in honor -of the great man who had liberated them. I shall not say anything more -of San Carlo. On my road home, a poor fellow was found not far from my -door with a dagger in his body. I regret to say that several, if not -many, cases of assassination have occurred during the last three days. -Political fanatics have stopped every one, and threatened them with the -knife if they were not prompt in crying out 'Viva Garibaldi;' and -private vengeance has demanded its victims too, perhaps. But, take it -altogether, the people have not been sanguinary, and, considering the -immense provocation which they have received, order has been wonderfully -preserved, and little blood shed." - ------ - -Footnote 3: - - This theatre is one of the most splendid in Europe, and has five - galleries, all entirely covered with gilding. - ------ - -Garibaldi, from the first, gratified the Neapolitans, by appointing -natives to office. All public officers were, for the moment, retained in -their old stations. The holding of several offices by one and the same -person was forbidden, and pluralists were to select, within five days, -which office they would retain. - -All military men willing to serve were ordered to present themselves at -the nearest station, give in their adhesion to the actual government, -and take their certificate of it. - -Those officers who presented themselves with their troops were retained -in their positions in full activity; those who presented themselves -alone were placed in the second class, to be employed when the army is -reformed; those who did not send in their adhesion in ten days were -excluded. - -The "Official Journal" of Naples of Sept. 9th, published a series of -decrees, of which the following are the most important: All the acts of -public authority and of administration are to be issued in the name of -His Majesty Victor Emanuel, King of Italy, and all the seals of state, -of public administration, and of the public offices, are to bear the -arms of the Royal House of Savoy, with the legend, "Victor Emanuel, King -of Italy." The public debt of the Neapolitan state was recognized; the -public banks were to continue their payments, as also the Discount Bank, -according to existing laws and regulations. Passports for the United -Italian States were abolished; those for foreign states and Italian -states not united were to be signed by the Director of Police. The -following address to the army was published: - -"If you do not disdain Garibaldi for your companion in arms, he only -desires to fight by your side the enemies of the country. Truce, then, -to discord—the chronic misfortune of our land. Italy, trampling on the -fragments of her chains, points to the north—the path of honor, toward -the last lurking-place of tyrants. I promise you nothing more than to -make you fight. - - "G. GARIBALDI. - -"NAPLES, _Sept. 10_." - -A series of dispatches was published from Nola, Benevento, Aquila, and a -host of other places, expressive of the public joy at the arrival of the -Dictator in the capital. In Arriano and Avellino there had been a -reactionary movement among the liberals. Some disturbances also took -place in Canosa, and in the island of Ischia. - -In Naples, the castles had all capitulated, and were in the hands of the -National Guard. The population gradually settled down into its usual -sober state, which had recently been disturbed by the madness of -exultation, and before that by apprehension. - -Naples continued tranquil on the 11th of July, to the surprise of -everybody; and the means by which the public peace was preserved at that -time and afterward, may well be a subject of curious inquiry. The public -anticipations of mobs, violence, robbery and bloodshed were as much and -as agreeably disappointed, as when the "_levée en masse_" in Turkey was -disbanded after the Russian war, and the soldiers went home joyfully and -peaceably. The truth is, that men who desire power, wealth, and -undeserved honors, have too long accused their less ambitious or vicious -fellow-beings of needing their government. Naples with her 70,000 -lazzaroni, who are destitute even of shelter at night, remained quiet -during and subsequently to one of the most peaceful revolutions on -record. - -The following accounts were reported on the 11th of September: - -The tranquillity of the town had not been disturbed, and the same -enthusiasm still prevailed. The Elmo and the other forts have -surrendered. The English admiral paid a visit to Garibaldi, who -afterward went on board the Hannibal, the English ambassador being -present. On that occasion the Sardinian fleet fired a salute of -seventeen guns in honor of the dictator. The Sardinian troops -disembarked by order of the Dictator. It was said that the king, in -leaving Naples, ordered the bombardment of the town and the burning of -the royal castle, and that the original of the order has been found. The -king had formed a new royalist ministry, the members of which are -Caselli, Canofini, Girolamo, and Ulloa. The Austrian, Russian, Prussian, -and Spanish ministers, and Papal nuncio, had followed the king to Gaeta. -The whole army of Garibaldi was to arrive at Naples in four days, and, -with the revolutionary bands, the total force was 20,000 or 30,000 men. -The revolution was everywhere triumphant. The Bixio and Medici brigades -had just arrived in port. The entrance of Garibaldi into Naples was -celebrated at Milan in the most enthusiastic manner. The whole city was -illuminated and decorated with flags. The very name of the dictator -inspired electric enthusiasm. A number of illuminated drums, fixed on -long poles, were carried through the streets. The drums bore significant -inscriptions, as follow: "To Rome!" "To Venice!" "Rome, the capital!" -Most cities of Italy celebrated the annexation of Naples. - -The Neapolitan navy, which had deserted, all together, to Garibaldi, he -delivered to the Sardinian admiral. The Neapolitan navy is of very -respectable size, taking a place in respect to materiel at least above -the second rank in Europe. It does not fall much below that of the -United States. The whole number of vessels amounts to ninety, carrying -786 guns, with a complement of upward of 7,000 sailors and officers of -all sorts. Of the vessels, 27 are propelled by steam. Of these, one is -of large size, carrying 60 guns; 11 are frigates, armed with 10 guns -each; 8 corvettes, with 8 guns each, besides seven smaller vessels, each -with four guns. Of the sixty or more sailing vessels, the largest is -armed with 80 guns. There are five frigates, carrying an aggregate of -252 guns, or about 50 each. Among the rest are bomb and mortar boats in -considerable number, and others armed with Paixhan guns. These latter -have been found useful by the king, when he has felt inclined to indulge -his propensity of knocking down the palaces and cities of his -disobedient subjects. - - - GARIBALDI'S PROCLAMATION TO THE CITIZENS OF NAPLES. - - -"To the beloved population of Naples, offspring of the people! It is -with true respect and love that I present myself to this noble and -imposing centre of the Italian population, which many centuries of -despotism have not been able to humiliate or to induce to bow their -knees at the sight of tyranny. - -"The first necessity of Italy was harmony, in order to unite the great -Italian family; to-day Providence has created harmony through the -sublime unanimity of all our provinces for the reconstitution of the -nation, and for unity, the same Providence has given to our country -Victor Emanuel, whom we from this moment may call the true father of our -Italian land. - -"Victor Emanuel, the model of all sovereigns, will impress upon his -descendants the duty that they owe to the prosperity of a people which -has elected him for their chief with enthusiastic devotion. The Italian -priests, who are conscious of their true mission, have, as a guaranty of -the respect with which they will be treated, the ardor, the patriotism, -and the truly Christian conduct of their numerous fellow ecclesiastics, -who, from the highly to be praised monks of Lagracia to the -noble-hearted priests of the Neapolitan continent, one and all, in the -sight and at the head of our soldiers, defied the gravest dangers of -battle. I repeat it, concord is the first want of Italy, so we will -welcome as brothers those who once disagreed with us, but now sincerely -wish to bring their stone to raise up the monument of our country. -Finally, respecting other people's houses: we are resolved to be masters -in our own house, whether the powerful of the earth like it or not. - - "GIUSEPPE GARIBALDI." - -The following were some of the occurrences in Naples immediately after -the entrance of Garibaldi. - -The four battalions of chasseurs whom the king had left behind in his -flight, quartered here and there about the town, disbanded. Many of the -soldiers went home; those who wished to remain at Naples, secure from -harm, did obeisance to the new powers, by wearing a small badge with the -Savoy cross on their breasts. The fortress of St. Elmo followed the -example of the fleet. It fired a thundering salvo in honor of Garibaldi, -hoisted the Sardinian colors, and admitted the national guards within -its walls. The other forts were garrisoned by this same burgher militia. -Naples, in short, was now wholly in the hands of the patriots, and -Garibaldi had already pushed forward one or two brigades, which gained -possession of the royal palace of Caserta. The king had shut the gates -of Capua. There and at Gaeta he was to abide till his enemies should -come on. Meanwhile Garibaldi, master of the seas, sent his steamers to -Paola, to Sapri, to all the small ports near which his overtasked -legions lingered behind. Every morning were shouts of a joyous landing -and a triumphant march of those several brigades. The whole force was -soon brought together, and the respite allowed to the king at Gaeta was -of no long duration. - -The joy of the good Neapolitans at their cheaply-gotten emancipation, -became daily more noisy and frantic. Every evening the Toledo was all -alive with banners and torches, with thronged masses of possessed -people, all shouting out with all the might of their southern throats, -that favorite cry, "_Una! Una! Una!_" —conveying their desire that all -Italy should be made _one_ country. There was a grand gala night at San -Carlo, when the proscenium, the pit, and the boxes became one vast -stage. The whole performance consisted of _Io Pæans_ to Garibaldi, who, -calm and serene in his homely garb, had a pleasant word for all the -friends who surrounded him in his box, and was, in fact, less insensible -to that popular demonstration than he might have wished to avow. - -One of the greatest objects of interest was the easily-won castle St. -Elmo. The whole population of Naples, male and female, seemed bent on -performing a pilgrimage to that shrine of their patriot martyrs. - -One of Garibaldi's soldiers thus described it: - - -"Yesterday I went up myself with a party of friends. We first walked -through St. Martin's marble church and monastery, where our Garibaldian -red shirts, I dare say, boded little good to the white-cowled monks, who -gazed at us as we passed, tall, stately, and motionless, so that we at -first mistook them for statues;—good Carthusian monks, doing penance in -a marble paradise, bound by vow to perpetual silence, and affecting an -easy, unconcerned air, though in their heart of hearts, probably, -trembling not a little for the visible and invisible treasures of which -their sanctuary has been, time out of mind, the repository. - -"From the marble cells of the monks to the iron dungeons of the victims -of Castle St. Elmo the transition is but short, but the contrast is -appalling. The stone steps wind down six floors, and at every floor room -was made for about half a score of victims. Some of the miserable cells -had windows; but, as the view from the hill over the loveliest panorama -of land and sea would have been too great a solace to the lonely -captive, the window was latticed over by thick wooden bars, not intended -to prevent escape—for from that height only a bird could attempt it—but -simply to rob the poor recluse of the distant view of his familiar -scenes. In the lowest floor there is no window to the dungeons—only a -little wicket in the door, opening outwardly, for the gaoler to -communicate with the prisoner if he has a mind. That wicket would be -opened one moment in the morning to let in a little bread and water; -then the wicket would fall to, and for twenty-four hours all would be -darkness inside. - -"I do not like to witness horrors, much less to dwell upon them, else I -could tell you of the loopholes we were shown, through which the -sentries could shoot the prisoners in their cells and their beds. I -could repeat the instances of wholesale executions of Swiss and Sicilian -mutineers of which St. Elmo has been the theatre, and of which the world -never knew anything. The caitiffs who were but yesterday in the king's -pay are eager to promulgate abroad the infamy of his doings, and I have -no doubt St. Elmo will soon become the subject of books or pamphlets, -yielding but little in interest to the stories of La Bastille, of which -it will soon share the fate. - -"The good people of Naples are bent upon demolishing St. Elmo, and are -only awaiting the dictator's bidding to lay hand to the work. A tough -job they will find it, I am sure. As I was walking yesterday along the -upper battlements the impatient citizens were already busy pulling back -the huge brass guns, each of which was most offensively pointed at some -of the most densely crowded quarters of the town, and turning their -muzzles inward. What a fortress that was, and what a protection to the -city! It was no bad emblem of the whole sea and land might of the -Bourbon—worse than useless against foreign aggression, wholly and -exclusively directed to crush internal commotion." - -The condition of Naples on the 12th of September was thus described in a -private letter of that date: - -"There is much to be done here, and Garibaldi is doing it well. It is -impossible to take up a journal, or move about in the midst of the vast -crowds which throng the capital, without feeling that a master-spirit is -here. Long before the city has shaken off its slumber, the dictator is -up and driving about. Yesterday he went to visit Nisida, and surprised -the British library, on his return, with a visit at half-past six -o'clock A.M, wishing to purchase some books. During the day he was hard -at work receiving visitors and legislating, and the following are some -of the fruits of his labors: - -"All political prisoners are to be liberated immediately. All -custom-house barriers between Sicily and the Neapolitan continent are -abolished. Twelve infant asylums, one for each quarter, are to be -established in the capital at the public expense, and are to be -municipal institutions. Secret ministerial funds are abolished. The -trial by jury in criminal cases is to be established. The order of -Jesuits, with all their dependencies, is abolished in the territory. Two -Sicilies, and their property declared national. All contracts on -property for the benefit of the order are annulled. Considering that -religious fanaticism and aristocratic pride induced the late government -to make distinctions even between the dead, the burial of the dead is -henceforward absolutely forbidden within the walls of a city. The -traffic in grain and flour with Ancona is prohibited. - -"All these decrees have a history attached to them, which, if narrated, -would tell of sufferings and persecutions almost incredible. They are -admirable, and in themselves amount to a beneficial revolution; but the -better and the more sweeping the changes that are introduced, the -greater the necessity for some established government. - -"His majesty, Francis II. has already formed his ministry, and placed at -the head of it Gen. Cotruffiano; and among his colleagues are Caselli, -Ulloa—not the general—and Canofari, all of the legal profession. - -"MM. Maniscalchi, father and son, notorious for having been the most -active agents of the late king's tyranny at Palermo, were arrested on -the 7th, at Caserta, and taken under escort to Naples." - -Another letter, written on the same day, gave the following additional -particulars: - -"Troops are continually coming in and marching to the frontier. The -Piedmontese admiral, with another steam frigate and the ex-Neapolitan -ships, is in the harbor. - -"I hear the sound of cracked trumpets, and, looking out, see the first -ranks of a Garibaldi division coming down the Santa Lucia. I am struck -by the youthful appearance of some, certainly not more than twelve, or -at the furthest fourteen years old—fair, pretty-looking boys, who might -have had a satchel instead of a knapsack on their backs. There were, -however, some glorious-looking fellows, and all, whether men or boys, -seemed to be animated by a spirit little known to the Neapolitan troops. -The latter were a sect to defend a vile political creed, and inflict -chastisement on those who opposed it; but the former are banded together -to assert the sacred rights of liberty. I saw it in their march; there -was an elasticity about it which denoted what was passing within. I -cannot say much for their uniforms; they were very dirty, out of order, -and irregular, and I have no doubt but that so eminent a general officer -as Ferdinand II. would have been much scandalized; but they were -evidently working men, had an object in view, and were not going to -fight for money. I have seen hundreds of them about the town to-day; -they are billeted about in the hotels and lodging-houses, while the -Piedmontese troops are in Castel-Ovo. - -"The city is in immense confusion—crowded, picturesque, almost mad. -Foreigners seem to outnumber the Neapolitans, and the red jacket every -other colored cloth. Such a Babel is every public place that I imagine -myself to be living some thousand years back—Englishmen just arrived, -hob-nobbing with Italians, whose only common lingo is that of the -fingers. Many of our countrymen came on Tuesday, and I watched some of -them carrying on a most animated, though purely gesticulatory, -conversation with Frenchmen yesterday morning." - -After the peaceful and triumphal entry of Garibaldi into Naples, new -rumors were put into circulation of a pretended disagreement between him -and the King of Sardinia. These were most satisfactorily refuted by the -measures which the victorious general adopted immediately afterward. On -the 14th of July, he proclaimed the government of Victor Emanuel, placed -all the ships of war and commerce, the arsenals and materials of marine, -by decree, at the disposal of Sardinia, and put them into the hands of -Admiral Persaro; the portfolio of the interior was confirmed to Liborio -Romano, the only member of the late ministry who enjoyed the confidence -of the people. The choice of Scialoia, who had already left Genoa to -assume the ministry of finance, was very generally applauded. Two -battalions of genuine Piedmontese Bersaglieri were landed from the -Sardinian men-of-war, and took possession of the Darsena. Telegraphic -orders were sent for two more Piedmontese regiments to garrison the -Neapolitan forts. By taking the Neapolitan marine under its command, and -occupying the strongholds, dockyards and arsenals about this place, the -Sardinian government committed itself more openly to the annexation of -these kingdoms than it ever dared to do in the case of Tuscany or -Romagna last year. And all these measures were taken not only with the -consent but by the express desire of Garibaldi, who certainly exhibited -no apprehension that the king's government would interfere with his vast -undertakings. - -The extreme joy with which the news of Garibaldi's entrance into Naples -was received by all classes and parties, from Messina to the Alps, can -be best understood by those who know the detestation with which the -oppression and vindictive cruelty of the late government were -universally regarded. This feeling was greatly increased by the -disappointment of the nation in all those hopes to which the death of -Ferdinand had given birth, and the conviction that his successor was -determined to tread in his father's steps rather than enter sincerely on -any new course. When Francis II. ascended the throne, it was felt that a -young monarch, above all, one educated as he had been, had every claim -to public consideration, and very sincere hopes were for the time -entertained, that he would cease to follow the beaten track of Bourbon -perjury and despotism, and frankly identify himself with the wants and -aspirations of his country. Possessing, through his mother, a -considerable hold on the affections of his subjects, and succeeding a -sovereign who was detested by his people, he had an excellent position, -and by a judicious system of even moderate reforms, might have -conciliated all parties and opposed a successful barrier to the tide of -revolution that was soon to sweep over the landmarks of Italy. - -The amnesty was followed by a "circular" which struck at its very root -and replaced thousands under the surveillance of the police. Then came -the infamous and illegal deportation to Capri of men who had never been -put upon their trial, and upon whose liberation England had insisted, -through her minister, in the strongest terms. A system was pursued that -has been characterized as a perpetual violation of all law, and a -practical denial of Christianity. - -The general satisfaction felt by the people of Naples after Garibaldi's -arrival amounted to enthusiasm. An Englishman, writing from that city on -the 14th of July, thus described the aspect of the people: - - -"I do not know Naples now, so changed is its aspect. Faces that I have -not seen for twelve years appear in every street and square. They have -come from foreign exile; from confinement in some frontier town or -village; from some voluntary lurking place, the retirement to which was -their only security from persecution; from the prison and the bagnio; -all have met together again, by hundreds and thousands, in the capital -of what was once the two Sicilies. Revolution is said to turn the dregs -uppermost; yet the appearance and manner of those who now appear on the -scene contradict the common proverb. In their very attitude, there is an -air of self-respect and independence to which I have long been a -stranger. I do not see the assumption or the swagger of the overbearing, -or the timidity of the man who leaves his friend, and walks on before, -because a spy is coming, or whispers and looks over his shoulder for -fear that such a person is listening. No; all this has passed away, and -I meet erect, independent men. My life here has brought me, too, into -frequent intercourse with them; and, accustomed as I have been to the -trivialities and the nullities rendered at first necessary, and -afterward habitual, by despotism, I have been astonished at the new tone -of thought and conversation. The Neapolitans now reason and talk like -men, and there is a degree of self-restraint about them which is in the -highest degree creditable after the sufferings to which they have been -so long exposed. It is clear that the intellect of the country has for -years been out of it, or in seclusion, or in imprisonment. Nor is this -to be wondered at, when ignorance was rewarded and learning discouraged -by those twins of darkness, the sovereign and the clergy, and the only -hopes of the Bourbons and the Vatican depend upon brutalizing the -national mind. Ferdinand II. it was who interrupted a father describing -the acquirements of his son by saying, 'Better he had a stone round his -neck, and be thrown into the sea;' and it was a priest who held a high -public office, who checked a person indulging in a similar style of -speaking by saying that it would be well for the rising generation to be -'little asses and little saints.' These times are, however, passing -away; heaven grant that the light of freedom and intelligence may not -dazzle the as yet unaccustomed vision of the natives. - -"We have likenesses of Victor Emanuel and of Garibaldi in every shop -window, and multitudes crowd around them to admire; in short, there is -at present a _furia_ for the _Re Galantuomo_ and the Hero of Sicily." - - -The prisons of the police were thus described by the same writer: - - -"I yesterday saw some of them. Several members of the commission -appointed to close them—themselves once prisoners here—accompanied me. A -grated door led down to an ante-chamber, which was lighted only through -these bars. Stone walls, stone floor—stone everywhere, except the -ground, which was covered over with burnt fragments of books, that had -been taken in domiciliary visits and destroyed here. 'Here one -breathes,' said a pardoned prisoner; 'but bring a light,' he said to a -jailer, and we descended from this twilight room into another which -received the reflection of the twilight through a hole in the door. It -was small and of stone—nothing but stone—and on the right I observed a -stone bed three feet high from the ground, with an elevation of stone -called a pillow. A door is opened and leads into another room, where no -twilight, no reflected twilight, nor a ray of light nor a breath of air -can penetrate. 'I was imprisoned here,' said one of my conductors. I -looked at him as if expecting to find that he was turned into a brute -beast, for it was a den for a wild animal, not a chamber for a Christian -man, in a country teeming with Christ's ministers, and where the holy -Apostolic Catholic religion is the only one permitted to be professed. -In some parts a man could not stand upright, so that there he lay in -Stygian darkness, without any change of air, 'and on bare ground,' said -my friend, 'unless he could afford to pay an extortionate price for a -mattress, to a licensed spy and denouncer, who drove a good trade in -human misery.' 'Let us leave this den,' I said, and so we groped back -into the chamber where the reflection of twilight penetrated. 'Take -care,' cried the jailer, as I stumbled over a mountain of old books and -papers. On the opposite side was another _criminale_ about eleven by -five palms, where five or six persons were at times confined. The smell -of the prison was insufferable. Now mark, who were the men confined in -these places not fit for beasts? Not condemned criminals; no! but men -arrested on suspicion and waiting for an order for their committal—men -of rank and education accustomed to the comforts of a home." - -The following passages from a letter written at Florence, are very -appropriate in this place: - -"The ministry appointed by the Dictator is a liberal but moderate one. -Garibaldi is in earnest in his devotion to the King of Sardinia, and in -his determination to unite Italy under his rule. It is to be hoped that -he will, as soon as may be, commence the work of raising the Neapolitan -people out of some of the absurd superstitions which have always kept -them in ignorance, and made them the serfs of juggling priests. He has -not yet countenanced, by his presence at the operation, the ridiculous -juggle of the liquefaction of the blood of Saint Januarius, which is -held in such high esteem by the Neapolitans, that all the conquerors of -the city have heretofore been obliged to respect it. Saint Januarius, -according to tradition, was exposed to be devoured by lions in the -amphitheatre of Pozzuoli, when the animals, instead of devouring him, -prostrated themselves before him, and immediately became tame. So many -persons were converted to Christianity by this miracle, that the saint -was ordered to be decapitated, which was done at Solfatara, in the year -305, and the body was buried at Pozzuoli, until the time of Constantine, -when it was removed by St. Severus, the Bishop of Naples, and deposited -in the church of St. Gennaro. When this removal was made, the woman who -is said to have collected the blood at the time of the execution, took -it in two small bottles to St. Severus, in whose hands it is said to -have immediately melted. After undergoing several removals, the body of -the saint was brought back to Naples in 1497, and deposited with great -pomp in the cathedral, and the phials containing the blood secured in a -tabernacle kept securely locked with two keys, one of which is kept by -the archbishop and the other by the municipal authorities. Twice a year, -and at other times, on extraordinary occasions, the phials are brought -out, and the clots of dried blood, by some chemical process which has -been secretly preserved among the priesthood and handed down for four -centuries, made to liquefy and run in the phials. Can a people -appreciate and derive much benefit from free institutions so long as -they permit their senses to be cheated by such a palpable swindle as -this? - -"But if detestation for young Bomba and his government have been -heightened by his flight, how much more grandly than ever Garibaldi -looms up in the light of a brave, noble, disinterested, patriotic man. -Three months from the day when he left Genoa with a handful of -adventurers, denounced as a filibuster and a pirate by the lovers of -legitimacy and tyranny, he enters Naples with but five of his staff, -knowing that his deeds had made him a home in the hearts of the people -there, who welcome him as their angel of deliverance. Naples lights up -with joy—the free flag of Italy waves from her windows, her long -oppressed citizens shout exultingly, and crown the hero with wreaths of -laurel, and fill his ears with glad cries of 'Long live Garibaldi.' Well -does he deserve them. Five marvellous stages mark the progress of the -hero, Marsala, Palermo, Malazzo, Reggio, and Naples, all passed over in -the short space of three months—and this has been all the time which -Garibaldi required, supported as he was by the national sentiment, to -overthrow a monarchy deemed immovable, which, not four years since, -defied France and England, and which in the face of the naval -preparations of the two greatest powers of the world, had determined to -persevere in its resistance. Such triumphs, such ovations, would have -turned the brain of a weaker or more ambitious man, and Garibaldi has -given the lie to those adherents of tyranny who have charged him with -personal ambition, by immediately, upon taking possession of the capital -of the Two Sicilies, proclaiming the territory and himself under the -reign and rule of Victor Emanuel. In future ages, when the deeds of the -Cæsars and the Alexanders and the Napoleons shall be appreciated as they -deserve, according to their merits, how high above them all will rise -the memory of the two greatest of the world's heroes, of the two men -whose personal ambition was merged and forgotten in the welfare of their -country, of two men worthy to stand ever side by side and hand in -hand—Washington and Garibaldi." - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XVII. - - - "Thou, Æneas' nurse, Caieta, gav'st thy name, - In dying, to our shores, with deathless fame; - Thy name the place shall keep, thy bones shall guard, - In great Hesperia, if that be reward." - _Virgil's Æneid_, _Book_ vii. T. D. - - - THE GOOD ORDER IN NAPLES—ITS CAUSES—GARIBALDI VISITS - PALERMO—RETURNS—THE KING AND HIS ARMY AT GAETA AND - CAPUA—DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY OF GAETA AND CAPUA—PRESENT - CONDITION OF GAETA. - - -In what a peculiar, unexpected, and unaccountable condition must the -minds of the citizens of Naples have been before and after the arrival -of Garibaldi! Whoever has visited that city, as thousands of our -countrymen have done, and, while admiring the celebrated climate and -scenery, observed the poverty, ignorance, superstition, and idleness of -the mass of the people, especially the Lazzaroni—seventy thousand of -whom, it has often been asserted, have no home or shelter, or certain -means of subsistence—must have been ready to believe that scenes of -lawless violence might be excited there with great facility, and that -riots might occur if the government were weakened even for a moment. How -strong and general, then, must have been the salutary influences at work -to preserve peace and order in that population of nearly a million, -under the circumstances which have been reviewed! What could possibly -have secured such results but the faithful care of wise and good men? -The patriotic committee must have been successful in their efforts to -enlighten people of all classes, and to instill patriotic sentiments -into the hearts even of the Lazzaroni themselves; and they and the -rulers must have been well acquainted with the effects which had thus -been produced, or they would never have suffered, much less invited, -Garibaldi to enter Naples as he did, with only a few unarmed friends, -and meet with so peaceful and kind a reception. - -On the 17th of September, Garibaldi made a flying visit to Palermo, in -the Neapolitan steamer Electrica. His arrival was entirely unexpected; -but, on his way from the landing to the palace, he was recognized by the -crowd, who followed and assembled beneath the palace windows. He made -his appearance on the balcony, and addressed them in these words: - - -"People of Palermo, with whom I have shared fatigues, perils and glory, -I am once more among you. Your memory is dear to me, and whatever part -of the world I may be in, I will always think of you. - -"Those who wished to urge you to a speedy annexation, were putting you -in the wrong path. If I had followed their advice, I should not have -crossed the Straits and restored seven millions of men to Italy. - -"They would have prostrated us at the feet of diplomacy, which would -have bound us hand and foot. There would have been brothers beyond the -Vulturnus, with chains on their ankles. People of Palermo, I thank you -in the name of Italy for your resistance. I love Italy and Victor -Emanuel; no one is a greater friend than myself of Victor Emanuel, the -representative of Italy. You despised their counsels, and I thank you -for it, you invincible people of the barricades." - -The following proclamation was issued by Garibaldi to the inhabitants of -Palermo: - - -"The people of Palermo, who showed no fear in face of those who -bombarded their city, have shown themselves recently equally regardless -of fear in face of corrupt men, who want to lead them astray. - -"They have spoken to you of annexation, as if any one was more fervent -than myself for the regeneration of Italy; but their object was to serve -personal interests, and you replied like a people who felt its own -dignity, and placed confidence in the sacred and unviolated programme -which I proclaimed—'Italy and Victor Emanuel.' - -"At Rome, people of Palermo, we will proclaim the kingdom of Italy, and -there only will be sanctified the great family-bond between free men and -those who are still slaves of the same country. - -"At Palermo annexation was demanded, that I might not pass the Straits; -at Naples it is demanded that I may not cross the Volturno. But as long -as there are chains to be broken in Italy, I will follow my course or -bury my bones there. - -"I leave you Mordini, as pro-Dictator, and certainly he will show -himself worthy of you and of Italy. I have yet to thank you, as well as -the brave national militia, for the faith you have placed in me and in -the destinies of our country. - - "GARIBALDI. - -"PALERMO, _Sept. 17, 1860_." - -The following proclamation was addressed to the Palermitans a few days -before: - - -"Near to you, or far from you, brave people of Palermo, I am with you, -and with you for all my life! - -"Bonds of affection, community of fatigue, of danger, of glory, bind me -to you with indissoluble ties; moved from the very depths of my soul, -with my conscience as Italian, I know that you will not doubt my words. -I separated myself from you for the common cause, and I left you another -self—Depretis! Depretis is confided by me to the good people of the -capital of Sicily; and, more than my representative, he is the -representative of the holy national idea, 'Italy and Victor Emanuel.' -Depretis will announce to the dear people of Sicily the day of the -annexation of the island to the rest of free Italy. But it is Depretis -who must determine—faithful to my mission and to the interest of -Italy—the fortunate epoch. The miserable beings who talk to you of -annexation to-day, people of Sicily, are the same who a month ago spoke -to you and stirred you up; I ask them, people, if I had condescended to -their individual littlenesses, could I have continued to fight for -Italy—could I have sent you this day my salutation of love from the -beautiful capital of the Southern Italian continent? Well, then, noble -people, to the cowards who hid themselves when you fought in the -barricades of Palermo for the liberties of Italy, you will say, from -your Garibaldi, that the annexation and the kingdom of King Victor -Emanuel we will proclaim quickly; but there, on the heights of the -Quirinal, when Italy shall count her sons in one family, and receive all -as free men in her illustrious bosom, and bless them. - - "G. GARIBALDI." - -Garibaldi has always been humane and sympathizing, and especially with -his own suffering soldiers. Of this there are proofs in the preceding -pages. Few men ever knew as well as he how to make the unfortunate feel -that they were compassionated. The following is an account of one of his -visits to the hospitals of Palermo, from the letter of one of our own -countrymen, who had offered his services as a surgeon early in the -Sicilian war: - -"One of the most moving sights it has been my lot to witness, was -Garibaldi's visit here the other morning. As he entered the different -wards, it seemed as though an electric shock had been communicated to -all the inmates; after the first joyful cry: '_E lui! E Garibaldi! E il -Generale!_" a dead silence prevailed; all eyes were fixed upon him as he -passed from bed to bed, taking the thin, wasted hands in his, or -pressing his own upon many a feverish brow, making each patient feel -that he was his general's favorite son, and that from him he might -expect all that a father's tenderness could give. All his own men were -known to him; he called them by their names, remembered where and how -they were wounded, promoted this one, promised honorable employment to -others disabled for military service, granting permission to others to -go home, and providing them with ample means. When he came to the -Sicilians, he inquired kindly into their wants and condition; ordered -that the pay of one should be doubled, that another should be pensioned, -and so on. But perhaps the most interesting scene of all was his visit -to the Neapolitan ward, where we have eleven wounded prisoners, who have -petitioned to enter our ranks. After being told that they were wounded -at Calata Fimi, he said, 'Then you are brave men, truly! You have been -misled; taught to look on us as enemies. I am fortunate to have you for -my soldiers and for brothers.' Those men, strong and stalwart as they -were, wept like little children, and in Garibaldi's eyes were tears; -none could help weeping, and one felt why it is that he is so loved, so -idolized by all. When the emotion had a little passed, they tried to -kiss his hands; he snatched them away. 'No, no!' he said, 'no more -_Eccellenza_; no more kissing of hands; that is servile. We are -Italians—brothers—we are equals!'" - -On Garibaldi's return to Naples, he had soon to turn his attention from -the city toward the strongholds to which the poor king had retired, in -the northwestern extremity of his late kingdom. The only territory now -remaining to him of "the Two Sicilies," was the remarkable promontory of -Gaeta and the adjacent range of mountainous and hilly country, extending -southwesterly a few miles, near the frontier of the Pope's dominions, -and along the courses of the rivers Volturno and Garigliano, to the -heights of Capua. Gaeta and Capua have long been strong fortresses, and -have known, at different periods, the hard fate of war. In Gaeta the -present pope found a refuge, when he fled from Rome in 1848; thence were -sent the calls to his spiritual subjects in all countries, to make -contributions of "Peter's pence," and the demands on "Catholic powers," -to reinstate the "Gentle Shepherd" in his sheepfold—by force of arms. -That call was answered by four monarchs; one of whom, the savage father -of the now fugitive King of Naples, had his armies, too, routed by the -now victorious Garibaldi; and another, Louis Napoleon, after having his -advance of 8,000 men driven back by the same hero, at the point of the -bayonet, afterward, by false faith and overwhelming numbers, took the -city by fraud and bombshells, and, on one pretext and another, has held -it to the present time. He, however, has recently done so much for -Italy, and seems resolved to do so much more, that her friends gladly -indulge the hope, that he will continue a course quite the opposite of -that which history was compelled to record nearly twelve years ago, and -which posterity will ever be compelled emphatically to condemn. - -A description of Gaeta, Capua, and Caserta will be necessary to many -readers, before a connected account is given of the important military -events which took place in that remarkable vicinity in October and -November, 1860. - -The traveller who leaves Naples for Rome, soon joins the route taken by -the Apostle Paul from Puteoli. He first crosses the Campagna di Lavoro -(country of labor), formerly called by the Romans, the Campania Felix -(happy country), and now covered with countless fields, pastures, -gardens and forests of vineyards. At the distance of about twenty miles, -he reaches the foot of the bare mountain range above mentioned, where -are seen the ruins of ancient Capua; and after winding among -eminences—among scenes desolate compared with those he has seen—and -crossing the Volturno and the Garigliano, he stops at Castello or Mola -di Gaeta. From the windows or terrace of the post-house he looks out -through a garden of flowers and orange-trees, upon a fine bay, several -miles across, the shores of which, low and curving round on the right, -extend to a high, round mountain opposite, where a city is seen at its -foot, and the zigzag walls and batteries of a mighty fortress on its -sides and summit. That is Gaeta. - -When seen and sketched by the writer, not a ship or boat lay on the -noble bay, and there was scarcely a sign of life on the land. Cicero's -tomb (if tradition may be trusted) is one of the large square masses of -brick-work, overgrown with ivy, which stand near the road beyond the -hotel; for on his way to Gaeta was the great Roman orator assassinated, -by command of the treacherous Octavius. - -An old Latin itinerary of Italy gives several pages to the history and -description of Gaeta, which was considered an almost impregnable -fortress two centuries ago, being a peninsula connected with the -mainland only by a fortified bridge, and having many forts and -batteries. - -We translate the following account of Gaeta with abridgments, from a -celebrated work, "The History of Naples from 1734 to 1835," by General -Pietro Colleta: - -The first walls of this city were raised by the Trojans, according to -ancient tradition; and Æneas named it after his nurse, Caieta, who was -buried there. It soon increased and was extended. Alfonzo, of Aragon, -erected a castle; Charles V. inclosed the city with fortified walls, and -succeeding kings added new defensive works. In 1734, it was besieged by -the Spaniards, and was then almost as it is now. It is situated on a -promontory, at the end of a low isthmus of the Tirrenian sea, the -descent to which is very abrupt. The isthmus extends, in a narrow plain, -to the mountains of Castellona and Itri. - -On the summit of Gaeta is the very ancient tower of Orlando. The walls -of the fortress follow the declivities of the ground, and present -bastions, curtains and angles defending every point, modern science -being brought into use, as far as the nature of the ground would permit. -On the land side is a second inclosure within the first, with two -fosses, two covered ways, and several parade grounds. The citadel is -called the Castle of Alfonzo. - -The Duke of Liria besieged the place with 16,000 Spaniards, well -provided with ships of war, arms, machines and supplies, when it was -defended by 1,000 Germans and 500 Neapolitans of the battalion formed by -the Duke of Montaleone. Trenches were soon opened, and approaches made, -by covered ways, toward the wall, while several cannon and mortar -batteries were raised, to batter the citadel, and reply to the guns of -the fortress. The Duke of Montemar and Charles V. joined the besiegers, -pressed the siege, and, after some delay, the place was surrendered, -after small loss on both sides. Only Capua then remained bearing the -standard of Cæsar; the Count de Traun commanding the Germans, and Count -Marsillac the Spaniards, who had been, as on previous occasions, -friends, enemies, and prisoners to one another, often disappointed by -ill-fortune, but always with benevolent hearts. The preceding facts we -have abridged from the first volume of Colleta's history. - -Between the time of the surrender in 1734 and the treaty of Aix la -Chapelle, and during the fears of war in the reign of Ferdinand, the old -walls and bulwarks were restored, and the place surrounded by two walls, -and in front were formed a fosse and two covered ways. The siege was -commenced in February, by about 14,000 men against 7,000, in the form of -a blockade, as the besiegers were destitute of heavy artillery and -besieging apparatus. By the end of May, cannon being obtained, and -batteries having been constructed at Montesecco, the trench was opened, -and branches extended toward the two sides of the isthmus, and formed -the first parallel. But, the soil being bare and composed of hard -calcareous rock, earth was brought from a distance, and fascines and -gabions from the woods of Fondi, twelve miles distant. Much wood, -however, was obtained by destroying the houses in the vicinity, which -had been inhabited by nine thousand sailors and other industrious -people, who had fled from the scene of war. Batteries were raised to -fire upon ships approaching, and Sicilian and English vessels were -several times driven off with loss. The fortress kept up firing day and -night, and 2,000 shots were made in twenty-four hours without doing any -injury or receiving any reply from the besiegers. By the beginning of -July, preparations were made to open breaches in the citadel and the -Bastion della Breccia; and on the 7th, after the long silence on the -part of the besiegers, a tremendous fire was opened with eighty heavy -cannon and mortars, to which the besieged promptly replied. After ten -days of continued firing, the citadel was breached, but the bastion held -out until the 19th. On the morning of the 20th, when the French had -shown themselves ready to assault, the garrison demanded terms and -surrendered. They took an oath not to fight France or her confederates, -and 3,400 were transported to Sicily, some hundreds remained in the -hospital, some escaped, and others deserted to the conquerors. About 900 -Bourbonists were killed and wounded, and 1,100 Frenchmen. Among the -former was Prince Phillipstadt, and among the latter, General Vallongue. - -In 1798, Gaeta was surrendered to General Rey. While the left wing of -the French army was proceeding slowly through the Abruzzi, the right -wing reached the Garigliano, and summoned the Swiss commander of Gaeta, -Marshal Tschiudi, to surrender. The latter being a Swiss mercenary, who -had risen to rank by marriage and promotion without merit, urged by the -bishop and intimidated by the first missile thrown by the French, gave -up the fortress without conditions. Four thousand men, and a formidable -fortress well prepared for resistance, were thus given up, with 60 brass -cannon, 12 mortars, 20,000 arquebuses, a year's provisions, machines, -ships in the harbor, and innumerable materials for defence. The soldiers -were sent into prison, but the commander secured himself and officers -the shameful distinction of liberty on parole. - -General Mack still held out in Capua, and Gen. Macdonald hoped to find -him also a coward or a traitor; but his assault was resisted with vigor, -after the outposts had been driven in, and the attempt was fruitless. -Capua was given up to Gen. Championet by the treaty of Jan. 13, 1799. - -The present condition of Gaeta is thus described by recent Turin papers: - -"Gaeta is a second Gibraltar. It is armed with seven hundred pieces of -artillery. All the sovereigns, from Charles V. downward, have added to -its defences. Ferdinand II. fortified its most vulnerable points. Our -army will find great difficulties in taking it; but this siege will not -hinder the political and military reorganization of southern Italy, a -task to which the government is devoting its utmost efforts. Gaeta has -provisions for six months, and during the siege, the representatives of -foreign powers will remain on board ships of war belonging to their -nations at anchor in the port. - -"The front of attack on the land side does not exceed 700 metres in -extent. It is defended by works cut in the rock, and armed with three -rows of faced batteries, one of which has rifled cannon. These batteries -together mount about 300 guns, and their line of fire converges on the -points from which the attack must necessarily be made. The ditch at the -foot of the escarpment is cut in the rock, and the bottom of the -escarpment itself is completely covered. The other fortified points are -protected by masses of rocks, which render them unapproachable. The -ground in front of the place of attack is so rocky that any approaches -must be most difficult, and occupy a considerable time. Independently of -those defences, Gaeta possesses a certain number of works established on -the heights, among which may be mentioned the Castle, the Tower of St. -Francis, and the Monte Orlando, a strong fort, which commands both the -land side and the sea. As to the port, it is defended by considerable -works, which would cause great damage to vessels of war built of wood. -In the situation in which Gaeta now is, and with the sea side remaining -free in consequence of the non-recognition of the blockade by European -powers, it may, with a garrison of from 6,000 to 7,000 men, with -supplies of all kinds, defend itself for an almost indefinite period. -The struggle will be confined on both sides to a combat of artillery. -The besiegers may establish mortar batteries and bombard the place, but -that means will only occasion the destruction of the churches, public -buildings and private houses, but will not make the defenders of it -surrender, for the batteries and forts are all bomb-proof. The king had -put one wing of his palace into strong defence, and to it retired with -his family." - -Francis II. had issued the following order of the day: - -"SOLDIERS: When, after two months of generous efforts, perfect -self-devotion, labor and fatigue, we thought we had completed the work -of crushing the revolutionary invasion of our country, there arrived the -regular army of a friendly sovereign, which, by threatening our line of -retreat, has obliged us to abandon our position. Happen what may from -these events, the whole of Europe, in estimating and judging them, will -not be able to do less than admit the valor and fidelity of a handful of -brave men, who, resisting the perfidious seduction, as well as the -strength of two armies, have not only made resistance, but have once -more rendered illustrious the history of the Neapolitan army by the -names of Santa Maria, Cajazzo, Trifisco, Sant' Angelo, etc. These facts -will remain indelibly graven on my heart. To perpetuate the remembrance -of them, a bronze medal will be struck, bearing the legend, 'Campaign of -September and October, 1860,' and these words on the reverse, 'Santa -Maria, Cajazzo, Trifisco, Sant' Angelo,' etc. The medal will be -suspended by a blue and red ribbon. While ornamenting your noble -breasts, it will remind every one of your fidelity and your valor, which -will always be a claim to glory for those who shall bear your name. - - "FRANCIS II." - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - - - "Though soft the couch on which oppressors lie, - A harder fate will meet them ere they die."— - - - _MS._ - - - "Then Fingal eyed his valiant chiefs; - His valiant chiefs replied; - The storm of battle roar'd again, - And Lochlin fled, or died. - - "Never did joy o'er fallen foe - Upon my face appear - But I the feeble sav'd—the proud - Found that my rage was fire." - _Ossian versified._ T. D. - - - THE ROYAL PALACE AND GARDENS OF CASERTA—CHANGE OF - TIMES—THE RIVER VOLTURNO—POSITIONS OF THE KING'S TROOPS - AND GARIBALDI'S—THE BATTLE OF VOLTURNO. - - -Before we return to scenes of battle, we must stop to survey the -splendid and luxurious retreat of the King of Naples, where Garibaldi -had now established his head-quarters. - -The palace and gardens of Caserta, as we saw them in a time of peace, we -may thus briefly describe: An avenue opens before us a mile in length, -at the end of which is seen the palace, presenting a front of white -marble, seven hundred and forty-six feet in length, with a spacious -square in front. From the broad steps the visitor discovers that he has -unconsciously been rising some distance above the level of the Bay of -Naples, now far behind him. But his attention is attracted within the -splendid palace, where a noble portal receives him, with a staircase on -his right, made of the celebrated variegated marbles of the kingdom, -which has had few if any equals. - -It would require chapters to describe the almost innumerable apartments, -ante-chambers, waiting halls, reception halls, etc. Within its vast -compass are two theatres, one of which is said to be inferior only to -San Carlo in the capital. The front view of the edifice gives a very -inadequate impression of its real dimensions; as it covers an area five -hundred and sixty-four feet deep, with sides and a back front in the -same style, and two interior ranges crossing at right angles. - -The glimpses we catch of the garden, through the spacious halls, or from -the upper windows, invite us to hasten through the palace; and a -charming view bursts upon us as we reach the rear portal. A tract of -land a mile in extent gradually rises to the hills of Capua, covered -with gardens and groves, lawns and avenues, interspersed with winding -paths, cascades and fishponds, glowing with flowers and adorned with -statues, whose beauties are redoubled by the shady foliage, the velvet -grass and the perfumes which fill the air. Directly before the observer -the main avenue of the garden opens the view up the ascent of the -sloping ground, where many terraces rise behind each other in -succession, by broad steps of white marble, on the right and left sides -of the wide avenue, while cascades pour down between them, in the -various forms of broad sheets and broken streams, intermingled with dark -rocks and white statues of animals, sea-gods and nymphs, and alternately -supplying and draining basins, ponds and small lakes, with grassy or -flowery margins, where swans, gazelles and other harmless creatures -sport in peace. On one of the lakes, formed in the adjacent fields and -groves, is an island, accessible in a ferry-boat, with a pavilion, where -refreshments are in waiting for the royal visitors; and on the shore of -another, a mimic fortress, with towers, battlements, moats and -drawbridges for the young princes to practise the art of war. Ah! what a -pity that Caserta should so long have been the only spot in the -dominions of Bomba where peace and happiness could be seen! Had he been -as mindful of the rights of his subjects as of the convenience of his -brute favorites, there would have been no need of the fortifications of -Gaeta, the protests of Europe or the invasion of Garibaldi. - -A friend and admirer of that great man, while viewing, years before his -arrival, from the upper end of the grand avenue, this garden and the -adjacent "English garden" (which alone is three miles in circuit), and -seeing the campagna stretching to Naples, with her noble bay beyond, -thirty miles wide, marked by its islands on the west and Vesuvius on the -east, exclaimed: "Oh! this land is worthy of better masters!" The -response to this wish has been recently fulfilled in a most unexpected -manner, by placing the two Sicilies in the power of the Dictator, and -giving him that splendid palace for his head-quarters during the war in -earnest, which he has so successfully waged against the tyrannical -Bourbon, in one of the last of his strongholds. - -Late in September was fought the battle of Caserta, which forced the -royal army to retire across the Volturno, to the fortress and batteries -of Capua. - - - THE BATTLE OF VOLTURNO - - -Was fought on the 1st of October, 1860, and was the greatest, for the -number of troops engaged, in which Garibaldi ever took part. - -Both armies knew that Victor Emanuel was approaching at the head of the -Sardinian army, which passed so victoriously through the papal -territories, and was unopposed in those of Naples; and, while it was the -policy of Garibaldi to wait for his coming before fighting, it was that -of the royalists to gain a victory, if possible, before the arrival of -his powerful reinforcement. The Neapolitan generals had, therefore, -brought together all their available forces, and supplied the losses -caused by sickness and desertion. - -The heights of Sant' Angelo and Bosco di San Vito form a long range, -reaching from the northwest of Caserta toward the river Volturno, two -miles northeast of Capua, passing to the left of the plain of Santa -Maria. This range descends precipitously to the rapid and narrow -Volturno, leaving room only for the road toward the Scafa di Carazzo. It -commands the country around and has much brushwood, while there are many -trees on the plain. Garibaldi often examined this ground; and he erected -several batteries to sweep the road on the opposite bank; dug a trench -near the shore to cover riflemen, and brought barges from Naples to -cross with if necessary. There he stationed several corps of troops. The -left flank and communication with Santa Maria were rather exposed. On -the right the position was pretty well guarded by the ground and the -troops. - -The positions formed a semicircle of nearly thirty miles along the hills -to Limatola by the river's course, and then curving back. Along the -chord of this arc, nearly ten miles long, lie Santa Maria, Caserta and -Maddaloni. - -"October 1st at dawn," writes an officer, "the Neapolitan army of forty -or fifty thousand men, who were strongly fortified in the fortress of -Capua opposite, and its numerous outworks, attacked all parts of this -line at once. But, before that hour, Garibaldi had left Caserta by -railroad for the line. When he arrived, the firing had already begun. -The three places, Capua, Santa Maria, and the Spur of St. Angelo, form -almost an equilateral triangle, which is indicated by the three roads -which connect these places. They run with little curves almost -straight—that from Capua to St. Angelo, close to the river; that from -Capua to Santa Maria, parallel to the railway; and that from Santa Maria -to St. Angelo, at some distance from the hills till close to this latter -place, where it is joined by the road coming from Capua. - -"This triangle, which is in most parts thickly wooded with olive, and -other trees, and has only few open spots, the Neapolitans had chosen as -their field of operations on our left, and as the chief attack of the -day. During the night all the troops stationed in the Polygon behind had -passed through the town and had collected in the Campo, a large open -space before the fortress. Here they opened out in two directions—one -column, the left, toward St. Angelo, and the right toward Santa Maria. - -"I shall first speak of the left column. Besides the great road from -Capua, alongside the river, there is a by-road, which, leaving the main -road at a little distance from the town, strikes across the country and -goes straight toward the village of St. Angelo, which lies on the -retreating slopes of the heights. This was chosen by the Neapolitans as -the centre of their operations against this point, while they sent one -column by the main road toward the right, and another to the right -across the country to take the village in the other flank. - -"The by-road which runs direct from Capua to St. Angelo, intersects the -road from Santa Maria to the river, just where the road turns up to St. -Angelo. In order to guard this position a barricade was constructed a -little beyond this point, and armed with four guns. The country near the -river is so low that every morning the exhalations of the ground cover -it with a thick white mist. Besides this, the torrents which come down -from the hills have artificial beds of 15 to 20 feet in depth, very -steep, and covered with brushwood, which are dry now, and serve as -roads. The Neapolitans, advancing by these, and taking advantage of the -mist, approached quite close to the barricade, and carried it at the -first onset, driving our men across the main road toward St. Angelo. -Having taken this position, they came out and formed in an open field -which lies along the road, in regular order of battle. Their left had -been equally successful, driving ours from the trench near the river, -and forcing them back on the heights of St. Angelo. The column to the -right again had not only passed the road, but had gone up a little hill -commanding St. Angelo. - -"It was at this critical moment that Garibaldi arrived. He had taken, -with his staff, carriages at Santa Maria, and was coming on in the main -road toward St. Angelo. The balls and grape were flying about, but the -carriages still proceeded. When they arrived in the neighborhood of St. -Angelo they were in sight of the Neapolitans, who were drawn up there in -line of battle. Fortunately, close to this spot was one of the torrents -dammed, which formed a covered way. In this the carriages turned down, -except the last, which was struck by a cannon ball, and remained on the -road. Through the road Garibaldi advanced, revolver in hand, toward St. -Angelo, and arrived just in time to give new courage to the defenders. -The object was to drive away the column in the rear of the hills to the -left of St. Angelo; this was easily done by throwing some skirmishers on -the heights above those occupied by the intruders. There was, -fortunately, some artillery in front, which was turned to good account, -but as usual, it was the bayonet which decided. The Neapolitans tried to -penetrate by a cavalry attack, but were beaten back, chiefly by the -coolness of the Calabrese, who behaved splendidly. After three or four -hours' fighting, whatever could be got together of available men were -carried forward, and the Neapolitans not only driven back from their -position on the great road, but likewise the barricades retaken. This -was about nine o'clock. - -"During this time the fight had been equally hot at Santa Maria. General -Milvitz, who commanded there, was obliged to confine his defence to the -immediate vicinity of the town, holding the main road to Capua and the -space between it and the railway. Some light earthworks which he had -thrown up lately were of good service. But the enemy brought up fresh -and fresh troops, which he kept in reserve in the Campo before Capua. -The shells and shot flew into the houses of Santa Maria, and the -inhabitants left in masses. Dispatch after dispatch was sent to Caserta, -where the reserve was, to ask for reinforcements. But the reinforcements -were likewise claimed on another side. Early in the morning a column had -shown itself toward Castel Morone, but was easily driven back, and did -not renew its attack. More serious was the advance against Maddaloni, -where a column of four thousand or five thousand men attacked Bixio. It -was a hard fight, for there were not more than two thousand to two -thousand five hundred men to oppose on a long line where the hills had -to be kept on both sides. But the struggle was soon decided. By noon the -news came that the enemy had not only been driven back from their -position, but had likewise been followed up to the river. A part of -their forces were cut off, and threw themselves into the mountains -between Caserta and Maddaloni. - -"Then there was a little breathing time, at least on our side, and the -whole effort could be directed against Capua. There were but two -brigades remaining in reserve, both weakened by detachments sent in -different directions. The first was sent on by rail; the second went by -the road, and both arrived almost at the same time, about one P.M. And -it was time. The Neapolitan bullets and balls were coming freely into -Santa Maria, while Garibaldi sent orders to let any disposable troops -advance as quickly as possible toward St. Angelo. The defence of Santa -Maria was quite confined to the outskirts of the town, where the -Piedmontese artillerymen were behaving beautifully. The first thing was -to oppose this, and a battalion of Bersaglieri and one of the regiments -of the Brigade Eber, were sent to advance, while the Brigade Milano was -sent by the Porta St. Angelo to take the enemy on the left flank. But -before this occurred, the newly-formed Hungarian Hussars had been sent -out by the Porta Capua to drive back the enemy's cavalry, which ranged -close to the gate. Although not more than sixty horsemen, they charged -and drove back the two squadrons, cutting them down and taking a number -of prisoners. - -"The infantry soon followed, and General Turr took the command of that -side. Although mostly fresh troops, with the exception of the _cadres_, -composed of the Cacciatori of the first expedition, they went on like -old soldiers. The enemy, who had evidently all day long the idea of -intimidating our troops with his cavalry, charged: but the Picciotti, -guided by the soldiers of Calata Fimi, formed groups, and not only stood -firing, but bayoneted the horsemen. After this it was almost nothing but -advance with the bayonet, till the Convent of the Capuchins and the -Cemetery, the two chief positions of the Neapolitans, were permanently -taken. - -"While this was going on on that side, the rest of the Brigade Eber, the -last reserve, was called by the Dictator toward St. Angelo. Scarcely out -of the gates, it fell in with Garibaldi, who, accompanied only by a few -officers, was waiting for further reinforcements to fall on the flank of -the enemy, who, on withdrawing from St. Angelo, had taken to the woods, -and occupied some houses with his artillery. - -"After the first defeat in the morning, the enemy had returned with new -forces to carry St. Angelo. Not only did all his field guns scatter -death in every direction, but likewise three batteries from the opposite -bank, and the mortars from the fortress, began to open a tremendous -fire, under the protection of which the Neapolitans advanced between 10 -and 11 A.M. They carried once more the position of the barricade, and -occupied even the first houses leading up toward St. Angelo. Medici and -Col. Spangaro, besides Garibaldi, did everything to steady the wavering -troops, who, seeing themselves so much outnumbered, and attacked by such -formidable artillery, began to think the day lost. For hours the fight -lasted, a continual advance or retreat on both sides, but still the -Neapolitans could not gain much ground. This was, perhaps, the most -strongly contested spot on the whole line, and only in the afternoon the -advantage began to show on our side. The Neapolitans had again to clear -the road, but they still held our barricade and the woods on both sides -of it. With great trouble two skirmishing lines were formed, and sent to -threaten their left and right, and then a hundred men were collected -behind the first house, and these made a rush, at the cry of 'Viva -Garibaldi!' and carried the position about 2 P.M., which was kept, as -well as the guns which were in it. - -"Garibaldi returned to Santa Maria and brought on the rest of the -Brigade Eber to complete the success which had been gained. Scarcely -half a mile from Santa Maria, an open space lies on the left of the -road, through which a detached barrack is visible. Here the Neapolitans -had placed some guns, while their infantry lined the woods. As soon as -they saw the column, they opened fire. Garibaldi, not heeding, still -advanced, until he came to the first body. Here he gave orders to the -Hungarian legion and the Swiss company to advance and drive them away. -The two threw themselves into the woods, and, scarcely using their arms, -advanced with the bayonet, driving the Neapolitans before them like -sheep. A cavalry charge of several squadrons followed, and did a good -deal of harm to the little body of brave fellows, but did not hinder -them from following up their success and pushing forward to the very -edge of the Campo before Capua. - -"Garibaldi still advanced with the few remaining companies in the -direction of St. Angelo, sending off one after another to continue the -work of the Hungarians. Medici had, in the meantime, also pushed in -advance, and by 4 P.M. the Neapolitans were flying in all directions, -and our men had occupied the edge of the wood at half a mile from Capua, -where they remained all night. - -"It was as complete a defeat as ever an army suffered. - -"They had on the whole line quite 30,000, to which we could scarcely -oppose 15,000. - -"The losses were not so serious as might have been expected. Many -wounded, but few dead. - -"The column which was cut off by Bixio showed about Caserta, and next -morning Garibaldi went to give them the finishing stroke. - -"We have five guns which were left by the Neapolitans early in the day, -but could only be secured toward evening. Two British sailors -distinguished themselves in removing them." - -The king's troops had erected strong defensive works along the right -bank of the Volturno, where they had, besides the formidable fortress of -Capua, on the margin of the water, every favorable point occupied with -forts or batteries. They entirely commanded the river, which is there -only a ditch, with bridges crossing from the castle. From San Clemente -to Cajazzo their bank was covered with well masked batteries, redoubts -and barricades of trees; while the low parts of the shore were full of -impediments and dangerous, concealed obstructions; and the whole was -supplied with numerous chosen troops, well intrenched, excited by the -promise of rewards. - -We here translate _Garibaldi's Order of the Day_, after the battle of -Volturno: - - -"On the 1st of October, a fatal and fratricidal day, when Italians -fought, on the Volturno, against Italians, with all the energy which man -displays against man; the bayonets of my companions in arms found also -on that occasion the victory in their gigantic footsteps. With equal -valor they fought and conquered at Maddaloni, St. Angelo and Santa -Maria. With equal valor the courageous champions of Italian independence -led their brave men to the conflict. - -"At Castel Morone, Bronzetti, a worthy rival of his brother, at the head -of a handful of Cacciatori, repeated one of those deeds which history -will surely place by the side of the combats of Leonidas and the Fabii. -Few, but splendid with the crown of valor, the Hungarians, French and -English, who attended the southern army, worthily sustained the martial -fame of their countrymen. Favored by fortune, I have had the honor, in -the two worlds, of fighting against the first soldiers; and I have -become convinced that _the plant Man grows in Italy not inferior to any -country_; I have been made to believe that these same soldiers whom we -have fought in southern Italy would not be placed behind the most -warlike, when assembled under the glorious standard of emancipation. - -"At dawn on that day, I arrived at Santa Maria from Caserta, by the -railroad. While entering the coach for St. Angelo, Gen. Milwitz said to -me: 'The enemy have attacked my outposts of San Tamaro.' Suddenly, -beyond Santa Maria, toward St. Angelo, was heard a lively fusilade; and -near the posts of the left of the said position, they were powerfully -engaged with the enemy. A coachman and a horse of the coaches in my -train were killed. I might, however, pass freely, thanks to the bravery -of the Simonetta brigade, Division Medici, which occupied that point, -and courageously repulsed the enemy. I thus reached the crossing of the -Capua and Santa Maria roads, the centre of the position of St. Angelo, -and there were the Generals Medici and Avezzana, who, with their -accustomed courage and coolness, made their arrangements to repel the -enemy, breaking in upon their whole line. I said to Medici, 'I am going -alone to observe the field of battle. Defend the position at any cost.' -I had hardly proceeded toward the heights behind, when I found the enemy -were masters of them. Without loss of time, I collected all the soldiers -at hand, and placing myself on the left of the ascending enemy, I -endeavored to prevent them. I sent, at the same time, a company of -Genoese Bersaglieri toward Mount St. Nicolas, to prevent the enemy from -gaining possession of it. That company and two of the Sacchi brigade, -which I had demanded, and which made their appearance opportunely on the -heights, arrested the enemy. - -"Then moving myself toward the right, on their line of retreat, the -enemy began to descend and fly. Not until some time afterward, I learned -that a corps of the enemy's Cacciatori, before their attack in front, -had got to our rear by a covered way, without being known. In the mean -time, the battle was warm on the plain of St. Angelo, now favorable to -us, and then compelling us to retire before so numerous and tenacious an -enemy. For several days unequivocal signs had announced to me an attack; -and therefore I was not left to be deceived by the different -demonstrations of the enemy against our right and left; and this was of -much importance, because the royalists had collected all their -disposable forces against us on the first of October, and attacked us -simultaneously in all our positions. - -"At Maddaloni, after varying fortune, the enemy had been repulsed. At -St. Maria equally; and at both points they had left prisoners and -cannon. The same happened at St. Angelo, after a fight of more than six -hours; but, our forces at that point being very inferior to those of the -enemy, he had remained, with a strong column, master of the -communications between St. Angelo and St. Maria. I was, therefore, -obliged, in order to get to the reserve which I had asked of General -Sistori from Caserta, to pass to the east of the road leading from St. -Angelo to the latter point. I reached St. Maria near 2 P.M., and there -found our troops commanded by the brave general Milwitz, who had bravely -repulsed the enemy at all points. The reserves sent for from Caserta -reached us at that moment; and I placed them in column of attack on the -St. Angelo road; the Milan brigade, at the head, followed by the brigade -Eber; and I ordered in reserve part of the brigade Assanti. I then -pressed to the attack the brave Calabrians of Pace, who were in a wood -on my right, and fought splendidly. The head of the column had hardly -issued from the wood, about 8 P.M., when it was discovered by the enemy, -who began to fire grape. This caused a little confusion among the young -Milanese Bersaglieri, who marched in front; but those brave soldiers, at -the sound of charge from the trumpets, rushed upon the enemy, who had -begun to retire toward Capua. The lines of the Milanese Bersaglieri were -soon followed by a battalion of the same brigade, which fearlessly -charged the enemy without firing a shot. - -"The road from St. Maria to St. Angelo forms, in the direction of St. -Maria to Capua, an angle of about forty degrees; so that, while the -column was proceeding along the road, it must always be on the left, and -alternate forward. When, therefore, the Milanese brigade and the -Calabrians were engaged, I sent forward the brigade Eber against the -enemy on the right of the former. It was fine to see the veterans of -Hungary march under fire with the tranquillity of a parade-ground, and -in the same order. Their fearless intrepidity contributed not a little -to the retreat of the enemy. With the movements in the front of my -column and on the right, I soon found myself joining with the column of -Medici, which had bravely sustained an unequal contest through the whole -day. The courageous Genoese carabiniers, who formed the left of the -division Medici, did not wait for any command to charge the enemy again. -They, as always, performed prodigies of valor. The enemy, after fighting -obstinately all day, toward 5 P.M., reëntered Capua in disorder, -protected by the cannon of the place. - -"At evening I had noticed in St. Angelo, that a column of the enemy of -4,000 or 5,000 men was in Old Caserta. I ordered the Genoese carabiniers -to be ready at two in the morning of October 2d, with 350 men of the -corps of Spangaro, and 60 mountaineers of Vesuvius. I marched at that -hour on Caserta by the mountain road and St. Lencio. Before reaching -Caserta, the brave Colonel Missori, whom I had directed to discover the -enemy, with some of his brave guides, informed me that the royalists -were on the heights between Old Caserta and Caserta, which I was soon -able to verify. I went to Caserta to concert with General Sistori, and -not believing the enemy bold enough to attack that city, I combined with -him to collect all the forces at hand, and march against the enemy's -right flank, and attack him by the heights of the park of Caserta, thus -placing him between us and the division Bixio, which I had ordered to -attack him on that side. - -"The enemy still held the heights; but discovering only a small force in -Caserta, had projected its capture, ignorant, no doubt, of the result of -the battle of the previous day, and, therefore, pushed half his force -upon that city. While I was thus marching under cover, on the right -flank of the enemy, he attacked Caserta in front, and would, perhaps, -have gained it, if General Sistori, with his accustomed bravery, and a -band of valorous men, had not repulsed him. With the Calabrians of -General Stocco and four companies of the northern army, I proceeded -against the enemy, who was charged—resisted but little, and was driven -almost at a run to Old Caserta. There a small number of the enemy -sustained themselves for a moment, firing from windows, but they were -soon surrounded and made prisoners. Those who fled in advance fell into -the hands of the soldiers of Bixio, who, after fighting bravely on the -first at Maddaloni, arrived on the field of battle like lightning. Those -who remained behind capitulated with Sacchi, whom I had ordered to -follow the movement of my column; so that, of all the enemy's corps, few -were able to escape. This corps, it appears, was the same which had -attacked Bronzetti at Castel Morono—and that his heroic defence, with -his handful of brave soldiers, had restrained them the greater part of -the day, thus preventing them from getting into the rear all that day. -The corps of Sacchi also contributed to detain that column beyond the -Park of Caserta on the first day by repulsing it bravely. - - "G. GARIBALDI. - -"CASERTA, _October_, 1860." - - -GARIBALDI'S PERSONAL HEROISM. - - -A correspondent of the Paris "Journal des Débats" says: - -"The most brilliant episode of the action of the 1st of October was the -recapture of the battery at the foot of Mont St. Angelo. When I left -Santa Maria, I knew that this battery had been very much disabled in the -morning. Garibaldi arrived at nine o'clock, when the enemy was -thundering at it with all his strength, because it took him in flank, -and was causing him severe loss. The triple battery courageously -resisted the attack, and never slackened fire, when all at once the one -situated at the foot of the hill became silent. The royalists, to the -number of 2,500, got round the hill, and rushing upon the guns, spiked -five of them, and killed several of the men at their pieces. Garibaldi, -on the San Tannaro side, soon observed the silence of his favorite -battery, and an aid-de-camp from General Milwitz soon informed him of -the disaster, which would probably have lost him the battle. Garibaldi -at once started off, crossed Santa Maria, followed by Medici and his -staff, and collecting what men he could, cried out in a voice which -caused all to shudder, 'We are going to die, but the Italians must win -the day: at all other points we have conquered.' Followed by one hundred -men, at a rapid pace, Garibaldi leading the way in a small, disabled -carriage, went right forward. But just as they got near the Casino of -St. Angelo, some Neapolitan Chasseurs, who were lying on the ground, -rose and fell upon them. The coachman drove his horses into a ditch and -formed a barricade of the carriage. Garibaldi jumped up, indignant, and -went up to the Chasseurs, shouting, 'Viva Italia!' Some of his men -coming up at the same time, the enemy became demoralized and took to -flight. Garibaldi was slightly wounded in the stomach, and his trousers -were riddled by two or three bullets. 'If I only had another pair,' he -said, and without further remark he continued his march toward a -battalion of one hundred and fifty Hungarians, commanded by General -Mogyorady. He pointed to the Neapolitans who were in possession of the -battery, and cried out to them, 'Forward, my lads, disperse that rabble -for me!' This 'rabble' consisted of a regiment of the line, a squadron -of Cavalry, a company of Chasseurs, and a company of Artillery. The -Hungarians, without waiting to count the numbers of the adversary, -rushed forward and charged with the bayonet. After a contest of twenty -minutes, the battery was retaken, and once more it poured its storm of -grape on the Neapolitan troops, who fled in confusion across the fields. -The Hungarians, in this encounter, had thirty men put _hors de combat_, -the Neapolitans about two hundred. Garibaldi did not wait to dress his -wound, but hurried elsewhere. The day, however, was now won." - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XIX. - - - "This Pius the Ninth for us, Romans, has made - Short joy and long grief by his treacherous trade. - Beguil'd and oppress'd, we have lost ev'ry hope: - Then unpope him, unpope him, unpope the false pope." - _G. Rossetti._ - - "Priests of Italy! we can conquer without you, but do - not wish to. Are you not our brothers?"—_Manzini._ - - "Have the Roman people submitted quietly to the Popes' - temporal power? History records more than one hundred - and sixty rebellions against it in ten centuries."—_An - Italian writer._ - - "Curia Romana non petit ovem sine lana."—_Modern Roman - proverb._ - - - THE POPE URGED BY FRANCE AND SARDINIA TO DISMISS HIS - FOREIGN TROOPS—INCONSISTENCIES OF LOUIS NAPOLEON —MARKED - CHANGES OF TIMES, DOCTRINES, AND MEASURES —VICTOR - EMANUEL'S DEMANDS PRESSED ON THE POPE —CONSPIRACIES AND - INSURRECTIONS IN THE POPE'S REMAINING DOMINIONS—THE - ULTIMATUM REFUSED—GENERAL CIALDINI MARCHES—BATTLE OF - CASTELFIDARO—CAPTURE OF SPOLETO, ANCONA, PERUGIA, AND - OTHER PLACES—VICTOR ENTERS THE KINGDOM OF NAPLES. - - -We must now leave Garibaldi for a time, and devote a chapter to the -affairs of the Pope and Sardinia. - -The Emperor of the French and Victor Emanuel had long since advised and -urged the Pope to dismiss his foreign troops, with which he garrisoned -his fortresses, and not only kept the people in awe, but oppressed them -intolerably; but he, under the influence of his prime minister, -Antonelli, stubbornly refused, as well as persisted in denying every -proposition for the removal of abuses. Adhering to the old and impious -claim of divine right, as the vicegerent of God on earth, and hoping, no -doubt, that Austria would be able to come to his aid with her armies, -when every intelligent eye saw that Austria was hardly able to stand -alone, the pope had excommunicated Victor Emanuel, and even Louis -Napoleon in fact, though without naming him, at a time when the latter -was still upholding with his army the papal power in Rome, which he had -restored by besieging that city in 1849. There was an abundance of -inconsistencies and self-contradictions on all sides; and it would have -been difficult to point out any way in which either of the three -sovereigns could consistently move, speak or even stand still. But good -men rejoice when good is done, and sometimes the more when it is -effected in an unexpected quarter. In 1849 the Roman republic was -overthrown by French cannon, though created by the free suffrage of the -Pope's subjects; and, in 1860, most of the Pope's territory and -fortresses were to be captured in siege and battle, in order to drive -out foreign troops, whose presence was "an insult to Italy," and to -allow the inhabitants freedom to vote for annexation to Piedmont. - -England had often protested to the kings of Naples against their -inhumanity toward their subjects; and thus she was prepared to approve, -as she has done, of the invasions of her territory by Garibaldi and -Victor Emanuel. - -We can find here but little space to notice the events which followed -the Pope's final refusal to accede to the demands made upon him. How -unreasonable soever they appeared to him, or however inconsistent they -may have seemed to the world, especially the appeal to free, universal -suffrage, which would be hardly submitted to in any other country in -Europe, no alternative was left. - -After the iniquitous overthrow of the republic by Louis, the occupation -of Rome by his army in fact conciliated the entire papal priesthood of -the world, and the population which has remained under their spiritual -influence; and it has prevented Austria not only from taking that place, -but of every excuse and possibility of aspiring to obtain it. While the -Pope has been surrounded by French troops, he has appeared to be under -safe guardianship, even although during the few months which have passed -since the fulmination of the Bull of Excommunication against Victor -Emanuel, Louis Napoleon himself has also been, by plain innuendo, laid -_under the ban_ by the same instrument, and has been transformed from -"the eldest son of the church—the beloved in Christ," as the Pope used -to denominate him, to an enemy, delivered over to Satan, and -anathematized, in every part and member of his soul and body, from the -crown of his head to his accursed feet. - -But now things have changed wonderfully, and we have indications that -the French emperor is about to change his position accordingly. If -events take such a course as we may anticipate, the Pope's temporal -power will soon be entirely gone, and his respectability in the eyes of -the world will be only such and so much as can be bought with two -millions of dollars a year, and by a train of cardinals, with ten -thousand dollars apiece. This is the plan now proposed for the future -position of Pius IX., which Victor Emanuel seems likely to carry into -operation, with the approbation of Louis Napoleon. There is now no -longer any danger from Austria, weak as she is by bankruptcy, the loss -of most of her Italian possessions, threatened with the invasion of the -remainder by Garibaldi on "the ides of March," and with Hungary ready to -rise at the first signal. The Italians can now take charge of the Pope -and of Rome, without fear of Austria or assistance from France; and, -either before any more fighting in Lombardy and Venetia, or, if need be, -after it, the kingdom of all Italy is likely to be proclaimed, according -to Garibaldi's announcement, from the Quirinal, one of the seven hills -of Rome. - -When this shall have been done, the anticipations of the Italian -patriots will be realized, who have long regarded the loss of the Pope's -temporal kingdom as surely involving the destruction of his spiritual; -and many of them were early advocates of the doctrine preached by -Gioberti twenty years ago, although he was a devotee of popery and they -were its radical enemies, because they had sagacity to foresee the -necessity of this act, which was beyond his perception. They knew full -well, what millions of the unwilling subjects of the papacy have known -for centuries, that nothing but severe and cruel oppression could ever -keep the human mind submissive to such a system of tyranny, spiritual -and physical, and that, whenever force and fear were removed, -individuals, communities and nations would throw off the galling and -degrading yoke. This the world has seen proved within the past few -months, in ways and modes, in a degree and to an extent, which only -those who were acquainted with popery, with human nature and with Italy -would have expected. As soon as freedom of speech and action was granted -to the people of Lombardy, the Duchies, Tuscany and Emilia, and a free, -universal suffrage was proclaimed, the inhabitants rose in a mass in -city, villages and country, and proceeded, with banners, music and -acclamations, to the election urns, and voted unanimously for immediate -annexation to the constitutional kingdom of Victor Emanuel. And this -expression of the universal and enthusiastic popular will was greatly -enhanced by the circumstance that the king had just before been -excommunicated by a Bull of the Pope, which consigned him to outlawry, -persecution, torture and death in this world, and to eternal misery in -hell; and yet many Italian archbishops, bishops and priests, of all -degrees, have openly approved the rejection of allegiance to the papacy, -and urged and even led their people to the polls, themselves, in many -instances, putting in the first votes. - -But not only have the hopes of good Italian patriots been gratified: the -prophecies of God himself have been fulfilled, by the recent astonishing -course of events in Italy. So striking is the resemblance between those -changes and the scenes recorded in the Bible, that the mind is filled -with solemn awe and grateful adoration while contemplating them in -comparison. "The souls under the altar" introduced to the reader of the -book of Revelation, with their purity, faithfulness, patience, but -earnest inquiry: "How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not avenge -our blood?" how much do they resemble the victims of the Inquisition, -whose horrible secrets were disclosed by the opening of that infernal -edifice in Rome by the republican government in 1849! And how much does -the present period resemble that described in chap. xviii. ver. 13 of -that book, where the destruction of Babylon the Great is described, and -one of whose chief articles of traffic were not "the persons of men," as -in Tyrus (Ezekiel xxvii.), but their "souls!" - -And how Garibaldi appears like the agent by whom that destruction is to -be accomplished, when we hear him repeat his open and tremendous -denunciations against the papacy, now, recently, standing in Naples, -almost in the same words which he wrote in New York in 1850, for this -volume, and recorded on page 233. - -Before the war with Italy the States of the Church were divided into -four legations, not counting the district of Rome. The first comprised -the provinces of Bologna, Ferrara, Forli and Ravenna, and was called -Romagna. This is the portion which had been already annexed to Piedmont. -The second, which separates the Romagna from the Neapolitan states, is -composed of the provinces of Urbino, Pesaro, Macerata, Loreto, Ancona, -Fermo, Ascoli and Camerino. It is this portion of the Roman territory -which is commonly known under the name of the Marches, and is bounded on -the north by Romagna, on the east by the Adriatic, on the south by the -Neapolitan territory, and on the west by the provinces of Spoleto and -Perugia. The third legation was composed of the provinces of Spoleto, -Perugia and Rieti. The first two corresponded to what is generally known -under the name of Umbria. The fourth legation comprised Velletri, -Frosinone and Benevento, the last province being surrounded by -Neapolitan territory. The district of Rome was placed under a special -_régime_, and consisted of that city, of Viterbo, Orvieto and Civita -Vecchia. - -The course of policy recently adopted by Sardinia had now been made -known by what was deemed a semi-official announcement by a Turin -gazette, under the direction of Cavour. It was this: that the cabinet of -Turin, in placing itself in the position of the representative of -Italian nationality, had a right to reproach Austria for not having -given to Venetia, either a separate government or an Italian army. This -violation of the treaty of Villafranca had very naturally disquieted the -Sardinian government, which, however, had no intention of provoking an -imprudent war. On the contrary, it desired to prevent this, and demanded -to this end, the dismissal of the foreign hordes which had been united -by General Lamoricière. "It cannot be permitted," says the paper in -question, "that Italy should be made the camping ground of twenty-five -thousand foreign mercenaries, who entertain toward the Italians feelings -of hatred and aversion." The Sardinian government cannot look on with -indifference at the renewal of the massacres of Perugia. It owes -protection to the populations of Umbria and the Marches, who are -subjected to a military dictation which they hate, and it is better for -the government to take the responsibility of energetic measures, which -will be too late if it waits for the attack. Such was the substance of -the article written while the people of Umbria and the Marches were in a -state of insurrection. For, before that time, the following accounts had -been received from different parts of the Pope's dominions. At Fano, -Sinigaglia and Ancona, the government of Pius IX. were in serious -danger. The last-named town in particular, which had revolted, and had -been brought back to obedience rather by stratagem than by force, was -said to be the centre of agitation and the hotbed of revolutionary -incendiarism. A correspondence had just been discovered which -compromised a great number of persons. Many had been arrested. It was -connected with a conspiracy, the ramifications of which were said to be -so widespread, and included men so high placed in society, that the -authorities admitted that they were incapable of guarding against the -storm without the assistance of an armed force. Advocates, officials, -private individuals, and even a certain number of Roman officers, were -compromised in the affair, but no general arrest could be attempted for -fear of leading to a most dangerous collision. The mass of the people -only waited as a signal the arrest of some eminent personages to rise in -insurrection, and the police were well aware that a large depot of arms -existed, but they were ignorant of the spot. Such was the situation of -Ancona, which, it would appear, regulated the movements of the towns on -the coast of the Adriatic, such as Sinigaglia, Fano and Pesaro, and of -those in the interior, as Osimo, Loretto and Recanati, and as far as -Macerata. In this state of things the Roman government had just ordered -troops to proceed by forced marches on Ancona from Pesaro, Perugia and -Rome. - -At length Count Cavour gave notice to the Pope, in the following letter -to Cardinal Antonelli, that he must immediately decide on what course to -pursue. - - "TURIN, _Sept. 7_. - -"EMINENCE: The government of his majesty, the King of Sardinia, could -not without serious regret see the formation and existence of the bodies -of foreign mercenary troops in the pay of the Pontifical government. The -organization of such corps not consisting, as in all civilized -governments, of citizens of the country, but of men of all languages, -nations and religions, deeply offends the public conscience of Italy and -Europe. The want of discipline inherent to such troops, the -inconsiderate conduct of their chiefs, the irritating menaces with which -they pompously fill their proclamations, excite and maintain a highly -dangerous ferment. The painful recollection of the massacre and pillage -of Perugia is still alive among the inhabitants of the Marches and -Umbria. This state of things, dangerous in itself, becomes still more so -after the facts which have taken place in Sicily and in the kingdom of -Naples. The presence of foreign troops, which insults the national -feeling, and prevents the manifestation of the wishes of the people, -will infallibly cause the extension of the movement to the neighboring -provinces. The intimate connection between the inhabitants of the -Marches and Umbria and those of the provinces annexed to the states of -the king, and reasons of order and security in his own territory, lay -his majesty's government under the necessity of applying, as far as in -its power, an immediate remedy to such evils. King Victor Emanuel's -conscience does not permit him to remain a passive spectator of the -bloody repression with which the arms of the foreign mercenaries would -extinguish every manifestation of national feeling in Italian blood. No -government has the right of abandoning to the will and pleasure of a -horde of soldiers of fortune, the property, the honor and lives of the -inhabitants of a civilized country. - -"For these reasons, after having applied to his majesty, the king, my -august sovereign, for his orders, I have the honor of signifying to your -eminence that the king's troops are charged to prevent, in the name of -the rights of humanity, the Pontifical mercenary corps from repressing -by violence the expression of the sentiments of the people of the -Marches and Umbria. I have, moreover, the honor to invite your -excellency, for the reasons above explained, to give immediate orders -for the disbanding and dissolving of those corps, the existence of which -is a menace to the peace of Italy. - -"Trusting that your eminence will immediately communicate to me the -measures taken by the government of his holiness in the matter, I have -the honor of renewing to your eminence the expression of my high -consideration. - - "CAVOUR." - - -The following is the reply of Cardinal Antonelli: - - - "ROME, _Sept. 11_. - - - "EXCELLENCY: Without taking into account the manner in - which your Excellency has thought proper to have your - letter of the 7th inst. conveyed to me, I have directed - my whole attention calmly upon the subject you lay - before me in the name of your sovereign, and I cannot - conceal from you that it has cost me an extraordinary - effort to do so. The new principles of public law - which you lay down in your letter, would be, indeed, - sufficient to dispense me from giving any answer at all, - they being so contrary to those which have constantly - been acknowledged by all governments and nations. - Nevertheless, feeling deeply the inculpations cast upon - the government of his holiness, I cannot refrain from at - once noticing the blame, as odious as it is unfounded - and unjust, pronounced against the troops belonging to - the Pontifical government, and I must add, that I find - the pretension of denying the right belonging to the - Pontifical government as well as to any other, of having - foreign troops in its service, utterly unjustifiable. In - fact, many governments of Europe have foreign troops in - their pay. On that subject it may be expedient to - observe that, owing to the character with which the - Sovereign Pontiff is invested as the common father of - all believers, he ought to be less subject to criticism - than any other for receiving in the ranks of his troops - all who come and offer themselves from the various parts - of the Catholic world, for the defence of the Holy See, - and of the States of the Church. - - "Nothing is more false or insulting than to attribute to - the Pontifical troops the disorders which have taken - place in the states of the Holy See. There is no - necessity for asking, for history has already - enregistered whence came the troops who have violently - constrained the will of the people, and the artifices - which have been made use of for throwing into - perturbation the greater part of Italy, and ruining all - that was most inviolable and most sacred, both in right - and in justice. - - "As to the consequences which it has been sought to make - weigh on the legitimate action of the troops of the Holy - See, to put down the rebellion of Perugia, it would - truly be more logical to throw that responsibility on - those who, from abroad, have excited the revolt; and you - know perfectly well, M. le Comte, where that outbreak - was concerted, whence were derived money, arms and means - of all kinds, and whence instructions and orders were - sent to the insurgents. - - "There is, consequently, reason for representing as - calumnious all that has been said by a party hostile to - the government of the Holy See, as to the conduct of its - troops, and for declaring that the imputations cast on - their chiefs by the authors of proclamations of a nature - to excite dangerous ferments, are not less. Your - excellency concludes your painful dispatch by inviting - me, in the name of your sovereign, to immediately order - the disarming and disbanding of the said troops. This - invitation was accompanied by a sort of menace on the - part of Piedmont in case of refusal, to prevent the - action of said troops by means of the royal troops. - - "This involves a _quasi_ injunction which I willingly - abstain from qualifying. The Holy See could only repel - it with indignation, strong in its legitimate rights, - and appealing to the law of nations, under the ægis of - which Europe has hitherto lived, whatever violence the - Holy See may be exposed to suffer, without having - provoked it, and against which it is my duty now to - protest energetically in the name of his holiness. With - sentiments of consideration, I am, etc., - - "G. CARDINAL ANTONELLI." - - -The occupation of the Roman States by the King of Sardinia was one of -the most important and unexpected steps in the war, which soon followed -the preceding announcement. The above note was sent by Count Cavour to -Cardinal Antonelli, minister of the Pope, in compliance with the urgent -demand of the people of Umbria and the Marches, in which the Sardinian -government had demanded the immediate dismissal of the papal -mercenaries, affirming that the presence of upward of 20,000 foreign -troops in the centre of Italy was incompatible with the treaty of -Villafranca. The note threatened that unless this demand should be -agreed to in 24 hours, the Sardinian army would enter those territories. -No reply was received within that time, and then Victor Emanuel issued -the following proclamation: - -"SOLDIERS: You enter the Marches and Umbria to restore civil order in -their desolated cities, and to afford the people the opportunity of -expressing their wishes. You have not to combat powerful armies, but to -free unhappy Italian provinces from foreign bands of mercenaries. You go -not to avenge the injuries done to me and to Italy, but to prevent the -bursting forth of popular hatred and vengeance against misrule. You will -teach, by your example, forgiveness of injuries, and Christian tolerance -to him who in his folly has compared to Islamism our love for our -country, Italy. - -"At peace with all the great powers, and without any idea of -provocation, I intend to remove from the centre of Italy a perpetual -source of disturbance and discord. I desire to spare the seat of the -head of the church, to whom I am ready, in accord with allied and -friendly powers, to give all those guarantees for independence and -security which his blind counsellors have vainly imagined they could -obtain from the fanaticism of that mischievous party that conspires -against my authority and the liberty of the nation. - -"Soldiers; They accuse me of ambition! Yes! one ambition is mine—that of -restoring to Italy the principles of moral order and of preserving -Europe from the continual peril of revolution and of war. - - "VICTOR EMANUEL." - -Before the middle of September, General Cialdini had taken the town of -Pesaro, and captured twelve hundred of the German troops, being a -portion of those bands of foreign soldiers, against the keeping of which -France and Piedmont had so long protested, and the retaining of which -was the chief ground of the war. Orvieto was also taken. Fossombrone had -risen in insurrection, as Pesaro had done before Cialdini's arrival; but -Fossombrone, being unsupported, had been reduced to obedience, by such -savage punishment as had been suffered by Perugia. - -The "London Times" remarked, on receiving this news, and in reviewing -the manifesto of Victor Emanuel: - -"We freely admit that nothing but the extremity of the evil could -justify the step which Sardinia has taken, but we think that step is -justified. The evil would not cure itself. For all these reasons, we -think the King of Sardinia is entitled to the sympathy of Englishmen in -the war in which he has engaged. We wish him cordially success, and that -his success may be rapid as well as decisive." - - -The war, in fact, was begun by the rulers and their hired butchers -against the people, before the Sardinian troops crossed the frontier. -The presence of those troops was also an insult to Italy, as their -express object was to oppose the movement in the free territories. The -same writer added the following remarks: - - -"Then there is the intolerable oppression of the Pope's government. The -best proof of that oppression is the fact that the Pope dares not trust -his own subjects with arms, but places himself, like Dionysius of -Syracuse, in the hands of foreign mercenaries. The spectacle of a people -kept down by such means is an outrage on the civilization of the age, -and a danger and menace for all the rest of Italy. Till some government -be established in the centre of Italy, which can be maintained without -ten thousand French troops to garrison the capital, and five and twenty -thousand foreign mercenaries to sack insurgent towns, it is in vain to -hope for peace." - - -General Cialdini approached Ancona, and a naval squadron was to -coöperate. The battle of Castelfidaro was fought on the 18th of -September, when Lieut. General Cialdini was furiously attacked by -General Lamoricière, with eleven thousand men and one hundred and forty -cannon. Four thousand other papal troops made a sortie from Ancona, to -support the latter. The contest was short but bloody. Many of the -wounded papists used their daggers against the Piedmontese, who went to -assist them. The results, said Cialdini's report, were as follows: - - -"The junction of Lamoricière's forces with Ancona has been prevented; we -have taken six hundred prisoners, among whom are more than thirty -officers, some of them of high rank; we have taken six guns, among -others those given by Charles Albert to the Pope in 1848, one standard, -and numerous ammunition wagons, etc. All the wounded, including General -Pimodan, who led the attacking column, are in our hands, and a great -number of killed." - - -General Cialdini conceded the honors of war to this corps, and officers -and men were allowed to return to their homes. - -General Lamoricière, accompanied by a few horsemen, fled from the field -of battle on the 18th, and, following the road by the sea through the -defiles of Conero, succeeded in reaching Ancona. All the prisoners and -troops were indignant at his conduct. Nothing remained of Lamoricière's -army except the troops shut up in Ancona; all the rest were in the hands -of the royal troops, with the exception of two thousand men dispersed in -the mountains. The Sardinian government offered to the English -government to set all the Irish prisoners at liberty. The latter sent a -courteous reply, leaving it entirely to the Sardinian government to take -such resolutions as it might deem most suitable. The Sardinian -government ordered the release of all Frenchmen taken prisoners from -Lamoricière. - - -"The mercenary army of General Lamoricière (as the "London Times" -remarked) was the last hope of the Pope. Lamoricière, whom the last -accounts had described as seeking a junction with the Royalist -Neapolitan troops, and threatening a southward movement upon the -Garibaldians, had appeared suddenly before Ancona. Cialdini accepted the -offered battle, and the event has been that the African general was -totally and entirely routed. Those bands, from whom so much was -expected, seem to be of no avail whatever against the Sardinian -soldiers. This fire-eating and pious soldado, who had fulminated such -dreadful threats, and who was known to have done such strong deeds among -the Arabs, has really done nothing in Italy which might not have been -done by one of the College of Cardinals. With eleven thousand men, and -the vigorous aid of the garrison of Ancona, he has simply marched up to -a signal defeat." - -Ancona was soon after besieged, blockaded, bombarded, and captured. The -Sardinian navy and army displayed great skill as well as discipline and -courage in this operation. The particulars of this must be omitted, as -well as most others connected with the march of Victor Emanuel on his -triumphant course toward Naples. - -The city of Spoleto was besieged and soon taken. The besieged had three -guns, two on a platform above, overlooking the town, and one below, -placed in an embrasure on the left of the outer gate of the _enceinte_, -so as to command the road leading up to it. They were iron guns of no -great range, but still serviceable. The smallest of the three, in the -embrasure by the gate, was the only one that did any execution. - -The Piedmontese arrived at Spoleto in the morning. They were between two -thousand and three thousand strong, and had one battery of field -artillery, consisting of six guns. The fact is, that the whole thing was -a farce; there was very little attack, and still less defence. The -report of the commandant of Spoleto is an enormous exaggeration. - -The Piedmontese, on their part, did not press the siege with much vigor. -The Italians were positively disaffected, and threatened their foreign -comrades to blow up the powder magazine if they did not give in. Most of -the Irish asked nothing better than to escape from the service and from -the country, and the rest of the garrison—the motley crew of German, -French, Swiss, and Belgians—they were few in number and of little worth. -The whole loss of the Piedmontese was, according to the evidence -afterward obtained, under one hundred men. The loss of the garrison is -stated at three killed and ten wounded. - -Nothing, certainly, says a visitor, could be more complete or miserable -than the failure and break-down of the Irish contingent to the Pope's -harlequin army. It would be very unjust, however, to consider this to be -in any degree a stain on the gallant Irish nation, whose impetuous -courage and many excellent military qualities, every one must recognize -and admire. The same ignominious disasters might, and no doubt would, -have fallen to the lot of any body of men, no matter of what nation, -similarly recruited, and deceived, and neglected, and sent into the -field without the training and education which make the soldier. The -shame falls not on Ireland, but on those who insnared unwilling recruits -to prop a bad cause. - -Perugia, which was the scene of an inhuman butchery last year, committed -by some of the horde of foreign wretches who formed the Pope's army, was -now held by about three thousand of them, who made a strong resistance. -The garrison had raised barricades in all parts of the town, and -occupied the houses, from which they fired upon the Sardinians. Every -street was the scene of a conflict; but the assistance afforded to -General Fanti by the inhabitants made the struggle much shorter than it -would otherwise have been. A considerable portion of the Pontifical -carbineers contrived to escape out of the town—the others retired to the -citadel, which could not hold out long. Toward evening the fort -capitulated, and the whole of the garrison, consisting of 1,600 men, -were made prisoners, as well as General Schmidt, who commanded them. He -was the worthy chief of the adventurers whom the Italians so cordially -detested. Switzerland refused to acknowledge him. He was one of the -heroes of that impious war of the Sonderbund, which caused much -bloodshed in the Swiss cantons. He was subsequently exiled. - -Victor Emanuel's address to the people of Southern Italy, dated at -Ancona, October 9th, 1860, concludes thus: - -"PEOPLE OF SOUTHERN EUROPE: My troops are advancing among you to -establish order. I do not come to impose upon you my will, but to cause -yours to be respected. You will be able to manifest it freely. -Providence, which protects just causes, will inspire the vote which you -will deposit in the urn. Whatever be the gravity of events, I wait -tranquilly the judgment of civilized Europe and that of history, because -I have the consciousness of having fulfilled my duty as king and -Italian. In Europe my policy will not be useless in reconciling the -progress of the people with the stability of monarchies. In Italy I know -that I terminate the era of revolutions. - - "VICTOR EMANUEL. - "FARINI. - - -"Given at ANCONA, _Oct. 9, 1860_." - -In the middle of October Victor Emanuel entered from the north the -kingdom of Naples, which Garibaldi had now won for him, though by -expressly disobeying him, as we have before seen. The Piedmontese army, -approaching by two columns, was now drawing, as a writer remarked, "the -iron circle, out of which there is no outlet. One column has already -passed Foggia on its way to Benevento and the Upper Volturno; it has -landed at Manfredonia, and is making its way through the plains of the -Capitanata. The other, under the personal command of the king himself, -has landed at Giulia, and has pushed forward to Pescara, whence a branch -leads into the main road from the north through the Abruzzi into the -rear of Capua. - -"As for the Piedmontese troops landed at Naples, they have already taken -up their position in line. It was high time, for the fatiguing service, -in the heavy autumnal rains, with the cold winds, the heavy dews, and -chilly mornings, was fast thinning the ranks. For the most part in the -open air, or with but indifferent huts, constructed of branches and -straw, without camp fires at night, and with continual alarms, it was a -wonder that these young volunteers could resist as they did." - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XX. - - - "Our Tricolor, not as in days that are gone, - Shows Italia disjoin'd, but united in one; - The _White_ is the Alps, our volcanos the _Red_, - And the _Green_ the rich fields over Lombardy spread,". - _Dall' Ongaro._ T. D. - - - THE PRESENT POSITION OF THINGS—DOUBTS RESPECTING - GARIBALDI—DESCRIPTIONS OF THE CAMP AT CAPUA—ENGLAND - DECLARES FOR VICTOR EMANUEL—GARIBALDI'S PROCLAMATIONS - —MEETING OF GARIBALDI AND VICTOR EMANUEL. - - -And now the short but momentous drama of the year was drawing rapidly -toward its close. Whatever opinions may be entertained respecting the -original intentions of Louis Napoleon, Victor Emanuel, or their -counsellors, or the period when they were expected to come to their -accomplishment, it seems certain that the steps taken by them not only -hastened the epoch, but secured its success. The world may perhaps never -know what part was performed by individuals in plans and councils, nor -be able to judge of their comparative merits or abilities. But of -Garibaldi we have much better opportunity to form our opinion, and on -most points there is little room for doubt or misapprehension. One -question still remained to be solved to those who had not attentively -observed his career in former times; and some, probably, expected to see -him ultimately break the promise which he had made, to resign his power -and possessions to Victor Emanuel; while more, it is natural to believe, -expected to see him claim a high reward, or at least to accept such -splendid honors and permanent powers as the King of Sardinia would, of -course, be ready to bestow. Anxious fears were expressed, and eager -inquiries were made, by many well-wishers of Italy and admirers of her -hero, especially about the epoch at which we have arrived. - -The siege of Capua was pressed. A Scotch gentleman, who had visited -Garibaldi's camp and hospitals, thus wrote on the 6th of October: - -"Let any man go to the hospital—what cruel wounds, what horrific sights! -and how cheerfully some of the sufferers bear their troubles. We have -heard much of the noble way in which our English heroes in the Crimea -conducted themselves. Truly many of the common soldiers of this patriot -army might take rank beside them. Again, as to the officers. If -Garibaldi has thought it advisable to break some of their swords, how -many instances can be cited of a heroism in others which cannot be -surpassed. There is a young Sicilian nobleman, Baron de Cozzo, commonly -termed 'The Flower of Sicily,' and beloved by Garibaldi as a son, now -lying cruelly wounded and suffering in the hospital of Caserta. He had -fought untouched all through the campaign, from Palermo to Capua. He was -in the thick of the battle of the 12th at Capua, and was still unhurt, -but he observed a private of his company in the front struck down -wounded; he returned, put the man on his back, and was carrying him off, -when he received his own wound, and such a one as will most probably -render him a painful cripple the rest of his days, if, indeed, he -survives it. Hundreds of wounded men, and many others mere boys, came -into Naples yesterday, after the battle; and we must reflect how many -more must have fought bravely to render such an account. - -"Yesterday morning, Captains Smelt and Davidson started early for the -batteries situate on the hills of St. Angelo. On arriving at the camp at -the base of the hill, they joined Lieutenant Cowper, of Major Pietuni's -brigade, and proceeded to the batteries where the guns had been put into -position in order to prevent the royalist army from getting round to -Caserta, as they had previously succeeded in doing. On gaining the -summit of the hill they perceived a body of artillery with a couple of -guns advancing from the right of Cajazzo, with some cavalry on the left. -The officers having been granted the use of the guns, opened fire upon -the enemy as they gradually approached. Although the first trial shots -fell somewhat short, they had the effect of checking the artillery. The -cavalry, however, advanced notwithstanding, when another shell fell in -amongst them, and sent them flying. Captains Davidson, Smith, and -Cowper, finding that they were now making tolerably good practice, and -seeing a house on the other side of the river where there appeared to be -something stirring, they dropped a shell right into the centre of the -said mansion, and out came the contents like so many bees disturbed in -their hive. - -"We started this morning for Santa Maria. The havoc amongst the avenues -of trees on the roads shows how severe the contest must have been. - -"The view of the field of operations from the top of Mount St. Angelo -toward Capua, is most commanding. Garibaldi, in a round black hat turned -up at the rim, and in a light brown cloak, lined with Rob Roy tartan, -was coming down the hill with his staff, and we joined in. He held a -sort of standing council at the bottom of the hill with one or two -officers who met him, but he spoke so low, that only those quite close -to him could hear a word. We then returned to Caserta with Colonel -Peard, Major Wortley, Captains Sarsfield and Davidson." - - -An American gentleman who visited the camp before Capua, and the Palace -of Caserta in October, thus spoke of them in a letter: - - -"In company with two English gentlemen and Madame S., of Naples, I -visited the camp before Capua. As we drove down the road leading to the -River Volturno, we reached the extreme point where the road turned round -the base of St. Angelo, when a sentinel stopped us, saying, 'You are in -great danger from the batteries from the other side, which command the -entire road you have just come down, and they have been firing upon us -this morning.' We at once halted, and sent our carriage back, and under -the conduct of one of Garibaldi's men, ascended the mountain till we -reached the summit of the rising ground, and had a good view of Capua -and its defences. While thus standing at gaze, aided by glasses, a gun -was fired from a small battery we had not before observed on the side of -the opposite mountain. In an instant the ball flew over our heads, and -chanced to fall in the camp beyond, near a group of officers, and killed -a horse. With this notice to quit, we descended and reached the road of -St. Angelo, just as Garibaldi and his staff were ascending, and soon saw -him standing alone on the highest point, scanning the enemy's position -with his glass. One of his aids who had joined us, and who was known to -Madame S., said it was the general's custom to remain for hours upon the -mountain; so we were compelled to give up all hope of seeing him. As we -were walking toward the place where our carriage was, we were addressed -by an English gentleman, such a one as we have in our minds when we hear -the song sung of 'The fine old English gentleman, all of the olden -time.' His dress and bearing were alike the type of a landed gentleman -out of the agricultural counties. He begged us to avoid the road, as we -were within the range of the enemy's guns. Thanking him for his kindness -we left him, and among our guesses we thought he must be no other than -Colonel Praed, who is to command the English contingent—a regiment of -men just arrived, and who had been that day sent forward as far as the -king's palace at Caserta. - -"When we reached the palace, whose magnificent courts and rooms we found -filled with English, we there met this gentleman (Col. Praed), and asked -Lieutenant Campbell, whom we knew, if that was his colonel. 'Oh no! that -gentleman came down with us, and has offered his services as a private. -He has declined a commission, and will act only with us as a common -soldier.' We mixed with the soldiers, who told us that they were to be -sent to the front that night, and expected to be in action the next day. -They were as joyous as they would have been going out to a May party. -While thus occupied, Lieutenant Campbell called our attention to a lady -in a military costume, just entering the court, attended by a gentleman. -Her dress was a velvet cap, with a feather, a grey suit, the full skirt -of which hung in many folds to her knees. She wore military boots with -spurs, and a sword hung by a waist belt. Her face was handsome—a dark -brunette, with fine flashing eyes. The English clustered around her, and -she addressed them a few words of welcome, whereupon the cheers of the -soldiers made the walls of the palace vocal with strange music for such -a place. The lady was the Countess de la Torre, who commands a company, -and has greatly distinguished herself by her courage and coolness. In -the battle of the 1st instant a shell fell near her, and those near by, -thinking as most persons do at such times, that 'discretion is the -better part of valor,' fell upon their faces awaiting the bursting, but -the countess, following the example of the great Frederick under similar -circumstances, stood with her arms folded, and when it exploded, she -uttered the most fierce reproaches on those who cowered." - - -On the 11th of October, Lord John Russell, in an official dispatch to -the British minister at Turin, declared that although the Emperor of the -French had expressed his displeasure at the invasion of the Roman -territory, the Emperor of Russia that of Naples, and the Prince of -Prussia had also objected, the British government could see no cause -sufficient for those objections. He closed with these words: - -"Her majesty's government will turn their eyes rather to the gratifying -prospect of a people building up the edifice of their liberties, and -consolidating the work of their independence, amid the sympathies and -good wishes of Europe. I have, etc., - - (Signed) "J. RUSSELL. - -"P. S.—You are at liberty to give a copy of this dispatch to Count -Cavour. "To Sir James Hudson, etc., etc." - - -Garibaldi, on the 15th of October, issued the following proclamation: - - -"_Italy and Victor Emanuel!_ - -"To satisfy a wish cherished by the whole nation, I, the dictator, -decree as follows: - -"The Two Sicilies, which have been redeemed by Italian blood, and which -have freely elected me their dictator, form an integral part of one and -indivisible Italy under her constitutional king, Victor Emanuel, and his -descendants. - -"On the arrival of the king, I will depose in his hands the dictatorship -conferred upon me by the nation. - -"The pro-dictators are charged with the execution of the present decree. - - "G. GARIBALDI. - -"CASERTA, _Oct. 15_." - - -After this decree, both parties which had been vying with each other to -destroy Garibaldi, saw that there was an end to their calculations. His -enemies felt that, in spite of all intrigues and ingratitude, he rose -higher than ever at the moment they thought of crushing him, and his -false friends understood that his noble nature will always find out the -right way, in spite of the abuse which is made of the sacred name of -friendship, to lead him where their interest might wish him to go. -Indeed, this time they fell into their own snare, for this announcement -was accelerated by their last effort to divert Garibaldi from the right -path. - -The day was now at hand, when an end was to be put to doubts and fears, -and the mouths of calumniators were to be stopped forever. How can the -enemies of Garibaldi look upon their aspersions without mortification; -or even the greater part of the first journalists of Europe as well as -of America, reperuse their evil prognostications, without a desire to -recall or to make some amends for their unworthy suspicions? How must -the character of Garibaldi rise in the view of those who were -unacquainted with his previous life, and allowed themselves to attribute -to him the weakness of judgment, the selfish aims, or the uncontrolled -passions of common men, since they have found him exalted far above the -ordinary level of soldiers and statesmen! How must his willful -calumniators turn, not only in bitter disappointment, after the defeat -of their criminal efforts, but with self-loathing, from the -contemplation of a character which makes their perfidy appear doubly -hideous by contrast. - -Can we not imagine, in some just degree, what must have been the -feelings of his own heart, even through the periods of his greatest -darkness, when, independently of the opinions or fears of friends, and -the aspersions and intrigues of foes, he proceeded on his gigantic task -with unshaken resolution, undeviating step, and unfailing success, from -the beginning to the end? The difficulties, dangers, delays, obstacles -and opponents continually around him, far from overpowering, impeding or -disheartening him, never seemed to agitate or excite him. -Self-possessed, as if in tranquil scenes, he appears never to have lost, -even for a moment, the full exercise of his judgment or the perfect -control of his passions. He entered every new scene with a consciousness -of these extraordinary faculties, and came out of it confirmed, by new -experience, in his ability to do everything necessary in future. With -such conscious integrity and powers, how lofty must have been his -feelings during every stage of his career; and how exalted and -delightful when he arrived at its close! - -The contemplation of such a character cannot fail to be useful as well -as delightful to every virtuous mind and heart; and the new model which -he has bequeathed to the world by his pure and splendid example, must be -extensively and long appreciated, and have great and blessed effects. -And one way in which it must most naturally act, will be by encouraging -men possessing traits like his own, in different spheres of life, duly -to estimate those humble virtues, which have been so much underrated in -our country in late years, because thrust aside or trampled down by the -empty vanity of wealth, or the impudence of corrupt party power. Indeed, -we may hope that the example of the pure and noble Garibaldi, since it -has been so displayed as to strike all eyes, and to engage all minds, -will impress upon good citizens a sense of the duty which they have so -long neglected, of combining to cast bad rulers from the seats designed -for better men. - -A letter from Naples, dated the 29th of October, gave the following -affecting account of the interview between Victor Emanuel and Garibaldi: - -"I was on my way to the head-quarters of Victor Emanuel, at Teano, and -took a cut through the mountains. While waiting for a conveyance, I met -Major Cattabene, commandant of Garibaldi's head-quarters. He was coming -from Teano, and to him I am indebted for the following account of the -interview between Victor Emanuel and Garibaldi. Garibaldi had taken up -his quarters at a small inn, about four miles and a half between Teano -and Speranzano, on the 25th. He ordered his column to advance and take -up positions, and sent Count Trecchi to see the king. On the following -morning, Count Trecchi and Missori came to inform him that Cialdini was -within an hour's march, and the king not far behind. Garibaldi left -immediately with his staff, and three-quarters of an hour afterward he -came in sight of the head of the Piedmontese column. He put spurs to his -horse. The Piedmontese advanced as follows: the 23d and 24th regiments -of the Como Brigade; the 26th and 27th of Pinerolo's Brigade; and then a -battery of rifle cannon. The columns presented arms to Garibaldi, and -opened to allow him to pass through. Cialdini rushed forward, and -Garibaldi, jumping from his horse, embraced him affectionately. After -exchanging a few words, Garibaldi remounted to meet the king. Victor -Emanuel was not far behind, leading on his own division. Seeing the red -shirts, the king took his telescope, and, recognizing Garibaldi, put -spurs to his horse and galloped toward him. Garibaldi did the same. When -they were within ten paces of each other, the officers of the king and -of Garibaldi shouted, 'Long live Victor Emanuel!' Garibaldi advanced, -took off his hat, and in a voice somewhat hoarse with emotion, said, -'King of Italy!' Victor Emanuel put his hand to his kepi, then held it -out to Garibaldi, and equally moved, replied, 'Thank you.' They stood -thus, hand in hand, nearly a minute, without uttering another word. - -"Garibaldi and the king, still holding each other's hand, followed the -troops for about a quarter of an hour. Their suites had mingled -together, and followed at a short distance behind them. Passing a group -of officers, Garibaldi saluted them. Among them were Farini, minister of -war, in the foraging cap of a staff officer, and General Fanti. The king -and Garibaldi were conversing. After the king followed the 17th, 18th, -19th, and 20th regiments of the line, then sixty guns, and four -regiments of cavalry. His majesty was at the head of 30,000 men. - -"Before reaching Teano, King Victor Emanuel halted, and ordered a -portion of his army to file off in presence of Garibaldi, that every one -might observe the good feeling which prevailed between him and the -chieftain. He then reviewed Bixio's Brigade, which was posted a little -beyond Calvi. He was received with the enthusiastic and unanimous shout -of 'Long live the King of Italy!' Garibaldi has 7,000 men divided -between different positions. The king remained at Teano; Garibaldi -returned to Calvi to give orders." - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXI. - - - "Rest in thy shadowy cave, O sun! - But soon return with joy, - For Crona's bloody strife is done: - Let songs the night employ, - For Fingal there, on Crona's banks, - His foes had triumph'd o'er, - And backward turn'd their foreign ranks, - Like surges from the shore." - - "Now spread the sail! said Morven's king, - And catch the winds for home. - We rose upon the wave with joy, - And rush'd through Ocean's foam." - _Ossian Versified._ T. D. - - - GARIBALDI'S ANNOUNCEMENT OF VICTOR EMANUEL'S APPROACH TO - NAPLES—THEY ENTER TOGETHER—GARIBALDI RESIGNS HIS - DICTATORSHIP—CAPITULATION AND SURRENDER OF CAPUA—HIS - ADDRESS TO THE HUNGARIAN HUZZARS—HIS FAREWELL TO HIS - TROOPS—HE SAILS FOR CAPRERA—UNEXPECTED CHANGES —LETTERS - DESCRIBING THEM. - - -The siege of Capua was now pressed; and, during its continuance, the -besiegers were joined by the Sardinian army, which had already, after -its victorious career through the territories of the Pope, approached -Naples. - -Garibaldi announced the approach of Victor Emanuel in the following -terms: - - -PROCLAMATION OF GARIBALDI TO THE INHABITANTS OF NAPLES. - - -"To-morrow, Victor Emanuel, the king of Italy, the elect of the nation, -will cross the line which has divided us from the rest of our country -for so many centuries; and, listening to the unanimous voice of this -brave population, will appear here among us. Let us receive, in a -becoming manner, him who is sent by Providence, and scatter in his path, -as a pledge of our rescue and of our affection, the flower of concord, -so grateful to him, so necessary to Italy. - -"No more political distinctions! no more parties! no more discords! -Italy one, as the people of this metropolis have expressed it, and the -gallant king, be the perennial symbols of our regeneration and of the -greatness and prosperity of the country. - - "G. GARIBALDI." - - -Victor Emanuel and Garibaldi entered Naples together, on the 7th of -October. The following animated description of the scene is from a -letter of that date. - - -"King Victor Emanuel and Garibaldi entered Naples together, for it would -have been a grievous thing if, as had been feared, the apostle of -Italian liberty, the man of a century, had not been united with the -sovereign on this great occasion. When they left the railway _en route_ -for the cathedral, there were Victor Emanuel and Garibaldi on his left -hand, and the pro-dictators of Sicily and Naples sitting opposite them -in the same carriage. The suite followed, and all along the railway to -the Duomo there was a perfect ovation. The streets, which are very -narrow, and scarcely wide enough to admit of more than two fat persons -abreast, were festooned with flowers and evergreens, hung from window to -window; pictures, tapestry, banners, and all the adjuncts of a great -_fête_ in Naples were there, but looking as _triste_ and downcast as -heavy rains could make them. On arriving at the Duomo, or the cathedral, -the piazza of which was beautifully decorated, his majesty was received -by the authorities, and conducted to the high altar, amidst such a storm -of shouts and applause as could only be compared to the storm which was -raging outside. 'Viva Victor Emanuel!' 'Viva Garibaldi!' 'Viva Italia -Unita!' Such were the cries which rose, not from one, but from a united -body of many thousands, who waved their hats, and handkerchiefs, and -flags, as the royal party advanced to the high altar; and this in the -cathedral church of San Januarius, the special protector of the -Bourbons, whose favor (the saint's) Baron Brenier not long since -requested as an honor for M. Thouvenel. - -"The king did not take his seat on the throne, but stood a little -below it, and wiped his hands, and then his face, with his -pocket-handkerchief, and then looked round with that bold, undaunted -aspect which indicated an iron nerve. Shortly after, the ceremony -began, and his majesty knelt at the _prie-Dieu_ (a stool for -kneeling), whilst Garibaldi, the pro-dictators, Farini, and others, -stood behind him. The _Te Deum_ was sung in magnificent style. - -"As soon as the ceremony was over, they came down the aisle, and I had -an admirable view of the king and the Liberator face to face, and as a -gleam of sun shone out on the monarch, every line was visible. -'Humanity' came first, and 'Divinity' after. The difference in the two -expressions could not fail to strike the most insensible. I looked at -Victor Emanuel's unvarying face and bold glance, and said, he is the _Re -Galantuomo_, true to his word, and ready to maintain it with his sword; -but I looked on Garibaldi, and felt all the moral grandeur of his -character—not a statesman, because he is something much higher—he -carries in his face his character: an amiability which wins all hearts, -and an energy which overcomes all difficulties. The crowd around each -was immense, though the soldiers round the church on either side did all -they could to keep the path open, but it was all of no use; one of the -poorest of the poor laid hold of his sovereign's hand and walked with -him; and the people clung to Garibaldi and kissed and embraced him as a -father. He was the greater idol in a temple of idols; and so the royal -party walked down the church, and entered their carriage in the midst of -the bursts, and long-continued storms of applause, as heretofore. The -king was dressed, let me say, as a general of division, and Garibaldi in -the same simple dress in which he had conquered the Two Sicilies and -given away a kingdom. - -"As the cathedral clergy refused to officiate on this occasion, the -clergy of the palace offered their services." - - -On the 8th of November, the day after his entry into Naples with the -king, at eleven o'clock, Garibaldi, followed by the ministry, presented -to his majesty, in the throne-hall, and in the prescribed form, the -_Plebiscitum_, or Vote of the People. The Minister of the Interior and -Police thus addressed the king: - - -"SIRE: The Neapolitan people, assembled in Comitia, by an immense -majority, have proclaimed you their king. Nine millions of Italians -unite themselves to the other provinces governed by your majesty with so -much wisdom, and verify your solemn promise that Italy must belong to -Italians." - -The king answered in a few noble words. The act of union was performed. -The ministry then offered their resignation, the dictatorship having -expired from which they had received their powers. The enthusiasm of the -people of Naples continued to be expressed in the highest degree. - -The Capitulation of Capua was signed November 2, and, abridged, was in -these terms: - - -"Convention on the capitulation of Capua, arranged by mutual agreement, -by order of his excellency, Gen. Della Rocca (commander of the corps of -the Sardinian army), commanding the besieging corps, and by order of -Field Marshal De Cornet, commanding the place, by the undersigned -commissaries, and afterward ratified by the respective generals in -command. - - "1. The place to be given up in twenty-four hours to the troops of - Victor, with the entire armament, arms, clothes, provisions, bridge - equipage, horses, carts, and all else, civil and military, belonging - to - the government. - 2. The gates and fortifications to be immediately - given up. - 3. The garrison to march out with the honors of war. - 4. The forces to go with banners, arms and baggage, 2,000 men - hourly, laying down their arms outside (officers retaining their - swords), and proceeding to Naples on foot, embark for a Sardinian - port. The generals to go to Naples by railroad. The families - of soldiers not to follow the column. The sick and wounded to - remain in Capua. - 5. A mixed commission to superintend affairs, - and an inventory to be made," etc. - - -The scene presented at the surrender is thus described by an American -who was in Garibaldi's army. - - -"At 7 A.M. we took up the line of march for Capua. The sun rose in all -his glory, after having hid his face for three days. The troops were in -the finest spirits, and decked their arms and colors with branches and -flowers, and as they marched up the road the bands played the opera of -'Don Giovanni,' the troops joining in the chorus, the gay Calabrese -dancing with very joy. With such music as this, with glorious mountains, -and a beleaguered city lying prostrate before us, you can imagine that -we do not sigh for the Academy of Music. At 11 A.M., 12,000 men laid -down their arms in the beautiful plain in front of the city. A sadder -sight I have not witnessed since the surrender of Vera Cruz to -Lieutenant General Scott. The city is now in the quiet possession of our -troops, and all the cities in the valley are illuminated. General -Avezzana's division marched tonight for Caserta, the palace of the king. -Captain Warwick, the young Virginian, is now with Colonel Wyndham, the -gallant commander of General Dunn's brigade (General Dunn having been -severely wounded). General Jackson, a major general of the English army, -has been here for three weeks past, lending his sympathy and his -presence, even upon the field of battle, to this glorious cause. "The -palace and hunting park at Caserta are said to be the most magnificent -in the world." - - -After the surrender of Capua, the battalions of volunteers were -disbanded, to be reorganized in the regular Italian army, if they wished -to remain in service. They were to be sent to Northern and Central -Italy, and disposed as follows: The Medici division in Parma; the Turr -division in Palermo; the Cosenz in Bologna; and the Bixio in Florence. - -Garibaldi asked of the king amnesty for all the soldiers who had -deserted from the Sardinian army to join his expeditions, and the -request was immediately granted to both regulars and volunteers. - -Garibaldi decreed as follows on the 15th of October: - -"That the Two Sicilies, which owe their rescue to Italian blood, and who -have freely chosen me as Dictator, form an integral part of Italy, one -and indivisible, with her constitutional king, Victor Emanuel, and his -descendants." - - -GARIBALDI'S ADDRESS ON DELIVERING FLAGS TO THE HUNGARIAN HUSSARS IN -NAPLES. - - -"NEAPOLITANS: This is a fine day—a great day! It is fine and great, -because it reunites, with a new chain, the brotherhood which binds Italy -to Hungary. The peoples are consolidated together. The free Italians -cannot, ought not, to forget it—nor will they forget it." (Here the -people broke out in overwhelming applause, "_Viva Garibaldi!_" The -general replied:) "Italians free! Yes, they shall be—all, and soon. To a -life wholly consecrated to the cause of liberty—to the thought of our -nationality—nothing else have I added, nothing else do I wish to add, -but the right to speak the truth—to speak it equally to the powerful and -the people. - -"Hear me, then, generous people of this great and beautiful metropolis, -and, if I deserve anything of you, believe my words. - -"The canker, the ruin of our Italy, has always been personal -ambitions—and they are so still. It is personal ambitions which blind -the Pope-king, and urge him to oppose this national movement, so great, -so noble, so pure—yes, so pure—that it is unique in the history of the -world. It is the Pope-king who retards the moment of the complete -liberation of Italy. The only obstacle, the true obstacle, is this. - -"I am a Christian, and I speak to Christians—I am a good Christian, and -speak to good Christians. I love and venerate the religion of Christ, -because Christ came into the world to deliver humanity from slavery, for -which God has not created it. But the Pope, who wishes all men to be -slaves—who demands, of the powerful of the earth, fetters and chains for -Italians—the Pope-king does not know Christ: he lies to his religion. - -"Among the Indians, two geniuses are recognized and adored—that of good -and that of evil. Well, the Genius of Evil for Italy is the Pope-king. -Let no one misunderstand my words—let no one confound Popery with -Christianity—the Religion of Liberty with the avaricious and sanguinary -Politics of Slavery. - -"Repeat that. Repeat it. It is your duty. - -"You who are here—you, the educated and cultivated portion of the -citizenship—you have the duty to educate the people. Educate them to be -Christian—educate them to be Italian. Education gives liberty—education -gives to the people the means and the power to secure and defend their -own independence. - -"On a strong and wholesome education of the people depend the liberty -and greatness of Italy. - -"Viva Victor Emanuel! Viva Italia! Viva Christianity!" - -Garibaldi's proclamation to his troops, when about to retire to Caprera, -commences thus: - - "_To my companions in arms!_ - -"We must consider the period which is now about to close as the last -step but one in our regeneration, and prepare ourselves to finish -splendidly the stupendous conception of the choice men of twenty -generations, the fulfillment of which Providence has assigned to this -fortunate generation. - -"Yes, young men! Italy owes to you an enterprise which deserves the -applause of the world. You have conquered, and you will conquer, because -you are now trained to the tactics which decide battles. You have not -degenerated from those who entered the Macedonian phalanxes, and struck -to the heart the proud conquerors of Asia. - -"This stupendous page of our history must be followed by one more -glorious still; and the slave will finally show to the free brother a -sharpened iron which belonged to the links of his chains. - -"To arms all!—all!—and the oppressors, the supremely powerful, shall be -turned into dust." - -Garibaldi embarked in the small steamer, Washington, for his island, and -was so eager to be once more in retirement, that he cast off the hawser -with his own hands. - -The following account of his arrival at Caprera we translate from a -letter dated: - - - "MILAN, _Nov. 16, 1860_. - -"By the return of the steamer Washington to Naples, we have received -direct news from the Island of Caprera, where Garibaldi has established -his winter quarters. As soon as he placed his foot on shore in the -island, the dictator felt himself free as from an incubus weighing on -his mind and heart. As Garibaldi never could remain inactive under so -seductive a sky, like Victor Emanuel, he is in his element only when in -the field of battle, or hunting among rocks. In fact, he speaks of the -re-conquest of his own individual liberty, which he wishes to divide -with his three war-horses, which, when he had first stepped on the sand -on the island, he unbridled and left free among the fields. - -"But a pleasing surprise came, on his arrival, to enliven the mind of -the Italian hero. The modest cottage which had served him as an abode -the past year, during his absence had been changed for a handsome and -elegant _casino_. The avenues were well marked out, and, instead of the -nakedness of the ground, the wild and uncultivated aspect in which he -had last seen it, he observed marks of recent cultivation, plantations -of trees and hedges, well arranged, convenient and well-made roads. - -"Garibaldi, full of wonder, went about trying to imagine and divine what -magical hand could have made so great a change. He even almost began to -doubt whether it was the Island of Caprera. Entering the house, and -looking about in every part, he found in the centre a rich and -commodious hall, and, supported from the wall, a large and beautiful -portrait. It was one of Victor Emanuel!" - -The following is from a letter of the Rev. J. Newman, dated "Naples, -November, 1860:" - - - AN INTERVIEW WITH GARIBALDI. - - -It was my good fortune to have an interview with General Garibaldi, in -the royal palace at Caserta, a day or two before his departure. When I -arrived at the palace, the dictator was in the king's garden, sitting -for his photograph—a pretty Italian lady acting as artist. General Turr, -and the other officers of his staff, were present; also the wife of the -mayor of Palermo, and two other ladies. As in ordinary cases, the artist -had great difficulty in arranging the general's head and hands, but -still more in getting him to keep them arranged, according to order. And -after the picture was finished, he was the first to look at it, which he -jocosely pronounced _good_. He then walked with one of his staff, and -again with the mayor's wife, through the broad avenues of the garden, -and finally strolled off alone, with his arms thrown behind and his head -inclined forward, like one in deep reflection. - -He kindly received me into his private apartments in the palace, where, -by a most winning manner, he made me feel myself quite at home. Learning -that I was an American, and having himself travelled through North and -South America, the conversation turned upon the United States. He -indicated his comprehensive and penetrating mind by a marvellous -familiarity with our history and prosperity. Nothing can exceed the -grace and dignity with which he conversed. He was mild in his manner -till I suggested the great want of railroads in Italy, when he -immediately grew animated, and drew a striking contrast between Italy -and America, as to material greatness, and concluded with expressions of -hope that a brighter day is dawning upon his native land. Garibaldi is -so justly proud of his American antecedents, that it is not egotism for -me to claim for our country an important agency in the Italian -Revolution, by the impressions our institutions and greatness made upon -his mind while there. My previous admiration for the man was increased -by this brief interview. He seemed to me to be a man of exalted purpose -and of generous sympathies. He is now in the prime of life, and in the -enjoyment of robust health, which he preserves by his simple mode of -living. He is above the medium height, and has a powerful muscular -frame. His complexion is florid; his hair and beard sandy; his brow -lofty, and his eyes are of a light chestnut hue, and when at ease they -have that dreamy expression so peculiar to many great men. He is not -particularly dignified in his address; his gait is even careless; his -carriage might be thought uncourtly, yet there is that indefinable -something in his presence which, while it does not overawe you, yet -impresses you with a profound respect for the man. He is certainly an -extraordinary character, and the most popular man now before the world. -He is honest in his principles, unselfish in his purposes, unalterable -in his decisions, lasting in his friendships, bitter in his enmities, -and magnanimous to all. When I saw him he was attired in grey pants, a -red shirt, and a grey mantelet, lined with a red and black plaid, the -sides of which were looped upon his shoulders, giving free play to his -arms. He wore a Chinese cap, common in England, and a serviceable sword -was dangling at his side, which constituted his uniform. His mode of -living is extremely simple, so much so that his staff joke him by saying -they do not expect to get much to eat where he is. He never takes wine, -and generally breakfasts upon a cup of coffee and a few Italian -chestnuts. He had formed the decision to retire to his island home. If -you will turn to your map, you will see a little island on the northern -coast of Sardinia, near the entrance of the Straits of Bonifaccio, and -opposite to the southern point of Corsica. This is Caprera, where the -famous Garibaldi, with his son and daughter, together with a few choice -friends, is now residing. The island is less than six miles in length -and not two in breadth. It consists of two rocks, which belonged to an -Englishman and the general. The former is now dead, and Garibaldi is -left alone in his rockland glory. But on reaching his island, he was -most agreeably surprised; the appearance of his home had been so changed -since he left. Well cultivated fields and beautiful plantations, with -shady groves and spacious avenues, had taken the place of a stony -desert. It looked as if a magician had been there, and struck the island -with his wand, bidding nature forthwith to lavish her treasures on this -chosen spot. But the general was still more surprised when, instead of -his humble cottage, an elegant villa stood before him; but on entering -it the mystery was solved, for on the wall hung the portrait of his -friend Victor Emanuel, whose generosity had anticipated his happiness. - - -The following extract of an unpublished letter from a gentleman in -Piedmont to a friend in New York, contains a most particular description -of Garibaldi's arrival at Caprera: - - - "TURIN, _Nov. 24, 1860_. - -"What do you say of all that has been passing here, and of Garibaldi, -the king-maker? You will have heard that this true patriot refused the -rank of first marshal of the kingdom of Italy, which would have made him -the first person after the king; and the order of Annunziale, which is -equal to that of the Golden Fleece, and generally only given to born -princes. - -"Garibaldi lives near the Island of Sardinia, on the small Isle of -Caprera, right in front of the Pass of Bonafaccio. It is a mere rock, -uninhabited or nearly so, where he has a small house and a little -garden, where he lives with his daughter, spending his time fishing. To -this hermitage he has retired, after having made a present to Victor -Emanuel of the kingdom of Naples. But you may fancy his surprise, when, -on arrival, he found his little garden had given room for a park, with -large trees, more than a century old, with flower-beds, etc., etc. He -entered his house. The outer walls were as he left them; but the -interior had become a palace, with magnificent furniture and velvet -hangings, with gold fringes, etc. He passed into the study, and there -above the massive mahogany table, hanging against the wall, upon the -velvet tapestry, a large painting, made by one of the first artists of -the day, in which he could not but recognize himself, sitting at a -table, his head bent over a drawing of a plan of battle he was forming, -while the king standing next him, his right arm leaning familiarly on -his shoulder, was looking, in a bending position, at what he was doing. - -"Was this not a pretty surprise which the king prepared for his faithful -follower, the fisherman's son, who had given him a kingdom and would -accept nothing—neither rank, nor honors—in return?" - - - THE END. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - GOOD AND POPULAR BOOKS, - - PUBLISHED BY DERBY & JACKSON. - - _TEN YEARS OF PREACHER LIFE._ By Rev. 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