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.