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.Garibaldi, Giuseppe
History
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.
Garibaldi, Giuseppe
Garibaldi, Giuseppe, 1807-1882
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.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account