Rule of the Monk; Or, Rome in the Nineteenth CenturyGaribaldi, Giuseppe
History
Rule of the Monk; Or, Rome in the Nineteenth Century
Garibaldi, Giuseppe
Italian fiction -- Translations into English; Rome (Italy) -- History -- 1798-1870 -- Fiction
The Paris correspondent of the _Morning Chronicle_, noticing the stormy
debates in the French Assembly, says: "In the last three days troops
have been pouring into Paris, and the number of men now garrisoning the
capital is upwards of 100,000."
We will now return to Rome, and to the day of the first victory over
the French. The joy which pervaded Rome in the evening and night which
followed this first combat may be easily supposed. The whole city was
illuminated, and presented the aspect of a national fête. Songs and
bands of music were heard in all directions. The next day, the 1st of
May, Garibaldi received from the Minister of War authority to attack the
French with his legion. He took up a splendid position on a height on
the flank of the French army; but at the moment the Italians were
about to charge, a French officer arrived and demanded a parley with
Garibaldi. He stated that he was sent by General Oudinot to treat for an
armistice, and to be assured that the Roman people really accepted the
Republican Government, and were determined to defend their rights. As
a proof of his good intentions, the French General offered to give up
Garibaldi's favorite chaplain, Ugo Bassi, who (having the evening before
refused to leave a dying man whose head he was holding on his knees) had
been taken prisoner.
The Roman Minister of War ordered Garibaldi to return to Rome, which he
did, accompanied by a French officer. The armistice requested by General
Oudinot was accorded by the Triumvirs, and the Republican Government
granted unconditional liberty to fully 500 French prisoners in their
hands. A letter from Garibaldi, after speaking of the bravery displayed
by the Roman troops, says: "A quantity of arms, drums, and other
matters have remained in our hands. The wounded French, before expiring,
expressed their sorrow for having fought against their republican
brethren."
The King of Naples, at the head of his army, was now marching upon Rome.
Seeing this, Garibaldi whom the armistice left unoccupied, demanded
permission to employ his leisure in attacking the King of Naples. This
permission was granted, and on the evening of the 4th of May, Garibaldi
left the city with his legion, now 2500 strong.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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