LlFB OF G.A.BJBALDJ,

45

heavy force, the first to oppose the progress of the Garibaldians in
Tuscany, the se,cond to prevent any attempt on their part in the Romagnas,
which were burning for revolt. They wished, as they said, " to bring back
to their the bands which infested the countries occupied 'by the
victorious arms of the Emperor." The French, under the command of
General Morri11, after detaching a battalion to occupy Viterbo, were
encamped in the vicinity of Collereco. Garibaldi's small band thus
appeared encloE1ed in an immense circle of men and obstacles, which must
eventually crm1h him, but the rare experience of the leader, and his
skilful evolutions, saved him from an imminent danger.

u <zedbyGooglc

LIFE OP G.A.II.IBALDI.

CHAPTER VII.

The Continued-Defeat of the Royalists-The Bishop of Chiusi-March on
Prospecta-Arev.zo-A Renegade-Colonel Forbes-Gent'!'al
Marino-The Surpril!e-The

ON the morning of July 15, Garibaldi left Todi with the main body of
his forces, crossed the river by the bridge of Acuto, and proceeded to
Orvietc1, which town he reached on the 16th. As soon as the arrival of
his column became known, the reactionists hired persons who went
through the streets shouting, "Down with the brigands," but this time
the villanous attempt to turn Italian arms against Italian hearts failed.
The m1!jority of the inhabitants even gave the legionaries a solewn
testimony of their sympathy. The camp had been formed on a plain to
the left of the river Pallia, where a deputation proceeded to the general,
him to enter the town with his soldiers. The offer was accepted,
and the warmth of the reception surpassed everything that could ha¥c
been ell:pected. On July 17, Garibaldi quitted Orvieto, and, crossing the
Tuscan frontier without any obstacle, entered Cetona on the 19th. To
give an idea of the skill and precision with which the geql'ral's mo¥ements
were combined we need only say, that within an hour after the column
left Or1rieto the French occupied that town.

In addition to the carbineers usually guarding Cetona, a strong walled
town, it was garrisoned by two companies of Tuscan regular infantry.
The letLder of these troops was not informed of the approach of the
Garibaldians unlil some armed scouts appeared before the town walls,
whose leader and soldiers fled at full speed. So great was the disorder
and hu1Ty of this flight that Garibaldi on entering the town captured
seven! troopers, who had not time to saddle their horses. An hour
sooner 1md all the garrison would been taken prisoners. The troops
who flecl eo hurriedly from Cetona halted at Chiuai, where, being joined
by BOIIIe rustics, they attempted to prevent Garibaldi's advance by
digging trenches and throwing up barricades across the road.

Doub tful of the point of crossing, and supposing from the march of the
main body on Orvieto that the Garibaldians would attempt to embark on