LlFB OF G_.BIBJo.LDI,
board some .A,meriean vessels of war, whicll had shown themselves off
San Stefano, General d 'Aapre had concentrated a large body of troops at
Sienna. Gent!ral Stadion, who commanded them, received instructions
to wait till Garibaldi's movements were more fully developed, but he
must take such a tepa in any ca.ae as would prevent the colWIUl reaching
the Mediterranean. In addition, Duke Ernest, sent from Florence with
3,000 men, in 1search of Garibaldi, wa.a stationed near Montepulciano, and
wu in a po11ition to attack. All those movements were owing to
confidential CCJ>mmunica.tions made to General D'Aapre by the diplomatic
Agents. Mr. Cass, the .American Envoy at Rome, had repeatedly offered
to protect Garibaldi and his men; the AustriAn Commander, informed of
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this fact, hence redoubled his vigilance.
In fact, everybody was combined to pursue and overwhelm this
unlucky column in its retreat. More than once, armed bands of farmers
led by their monks, showed themselves on the summits of the .Appeninea
to cut o.fl' the Garibaldiana who· remained behind the column, and who
lost in the diffieult paths. When they could do nothing
better, these tiwatica served as acouts for the foreigners. But, in spite
of all their adnntages, the Austrians never ventured to offer battle; or
rather, would not do so, until joined by the Tuscan troops, so that they
might save th.eir own men. Hence, the Garibaldians were offered the
cruel alternative of either fighting against Italians who had been their
comrades in Lombardy, or refusing the combat. Garibaldi always chose
the latter, an<l the result redounded to his glory. Rapid marches and
principally at night: the dispersion of the corps in
small columns in various directions : unexpected concentrations,
continual eToRutions, wondrous stratagems, permitted him to avoid a
fratricidal contest, while gradually drawing nearer to his great object.
Soldiers who have studied the details of these combinations and
innumerable stratagems, declare unanimously that they evince the
experience of a consummate general. But what could skill and courage
avail Garibaldi, when he had everything against him, while his opponents
had all in thei:r favour P
In ordel' to reconnoitre the enemy's position, and mask his own designs,
Garibaldi sent a squadron from Cetona in the direction of Sienna. The
wretched con1mander of the troops, lacking, perhaps, heart for the
enterpriae, halted when ten miles from that city. He then sold his
horaes to the enemy, and escaped to .America. Eternal infamy on the
traitor! WhEm the legions reached Foiano, provisions ran short, and the
General, unaware of the made at Chiuai by the fugitivee
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