LIFB OF GJ.BIB..lLDI .
there were, who, ignoring the weakness of their own band, the strength
of the enemy, and the state of the whole Peninsula, demanded to be led
into action, so that, by a decisive victory, they might see the termination
of their misfortunes. In a word, all announced a speedy and inevitable
dissolution . Garibaldi perceived it, and, to avoid any precipitate deter
mination which might have caused the utter ruin of the corps, he formed
a resolution which did as much honour to his mind as to his heart. In
order to render defection less disastrous even for those who meditated it,
he sought to gain a spot, where the malcontents, leaving the legion, might
obtain less severe terms from the enemy. He would then reorganise the
more resolute, and gain Venice by bye-roads, whither he was so anxious
to proceed.
A very lofty mountain, scarped on the side commanding the Adriatic,
and descending in a gentler slope on the side toward the province of
U rbino, and at the foot of the latter side a zone of land, undulating in hilly
and fertile vallies, with a diameter of about six miles, compose the country
of San Marino, which was remarkable for the antiquity of its castles, as it
was celebrated through its laws and traditions. A· town, built on the crest
or' the precipice, is the seat of splendid reminiscences ; the traffic in the
native productions renders another town on the northern slopes flourish
ing . The labour of a people, generous, hospitable, and as virtuous as the
founders of its institutions, renders this country most prolific; and men,
chosen by suffrage, govern it as a Republic. The papal government was
ever a grave obstacle to the expansion of the noble feelings of this people,
educated in fraternity and love; but, although the gloomy intri,"'Ues of
the clerical party have repeatedly assailed it, the right of asylum still
exists there, protected by its traditional antiquity, and the sympathy of
the European governments.
As San Marino was the only country favourable to Garibaldi•s plans, he
strove to reach it without an engagement with the Austrians. But fresh
masses of troops were advancing by various routes to cut off his road
to the cent re of the Romagna. Great .attention was therefore necessary
to deceive them, and save him from being compelled to make flank
marches, or retreat before them. In the present condition of the legions
a combat on such unequal terms must be ruinous. The column marched
the whole of the 29th along abrupt paths, frequently losing themselves in
the woods, or coming up to torrents which they were obliged to ford,
while the rear-guard constantly had the enemy's cavalry at their heels.
Still, on the same evening, the legions arrived intact at Macerata; but
the camp was scarce formed ere imposing forces again menaced them.
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