TO HIS SOLDIERS[1]
(1860)
Born in 1807, died in 1882; exiled in 1834, he went to South America, and in 1850 came to the United States; commanded an independent corps in the war against Austria in 1859; organized the expedition against Sicily in 1860; expelled Francis II from Naples; organized expeditions against Rome in 1862 and 1867. but was defeated; commanded a French force in 1870 against Germany.
We must now consider the period which is just drawing to a close as almost the last stage of our national resurrection, and prepare ourselves to finish worthily the marvelous design of the elect of twenty generations, the completion of which Providence has reserved for this fortunate age.
Yes, young men, Italy owes to you an undertaking which has merited the applause of the universe. You have conquered and yon will conquer still, because you are prepared for the tactics that decide the fate of battles. You are not unworthy the men who entered the ranks of a Macedonian phalanx, and who contended not in vain with the proud conquerors of Asia. To this wonderful page in our country's history
- ↑ Delivered late in 1860 on his departure from Naples after having relinquished into the hands of Victor Emmanuel his dictatorship over the Neapolitan provinces. Given here as reported in the London Times.
229
