they must have suffered! How
earnestly have I prayed for them!" He then listened with interest, and the
feelings of a father, to the recital of the sufferings of the French army
and their prolonged labors, which were patiently undergone; in order to
save the edifices and monuments of Rome from irreparable destruction.
Unable, at length, to contain his emotion, he spoke thus to Colonel Niel:
"Colonel, I have often said, on other occasions, and I am happy to be able
to repeat the same to-day, after so great a service, that I have always
relied on France. That country had promised me nothing, but I understood
full well, that when opportunity offered she would give to the Church her
treasures, her blood, and what is, perhaps, still more difficult for her
valiant children, that bravery which can restrain itself, that patience
and perseverance to which is due the preservation of Rome, that treasure
of the world, that beloved and sorely-tried city, towards which, during
these days of exile, I have always looked in great anxiety of mind. Say to
the commander-in-chief, to all the generals and all the officers--would it
could also be said to every soldier of France!--that there are no bounds to
my gratitude. My prayers for the prosperity of your country will be more
fervent than ever. My love for the French people has been increased, if,
indeed, anything could make it greater than it was, by the great service
which I now acknowledge."

(M16) At the same time, Pius IX. addressed an appropriate letter to
General Oudinot. He recognized the well-known valor of the French armies,
which was sustained by the justice of the cause which they came to defend,
and which won for them the meed of victory. In congratulating the general
on the principal share which he bore in the important event, the Holy
Father was careful to say that he rejoiced not over the bloodshed which
had necessarily occurred, but in the triumph of order over anarchy, and
because liberty was restored to honest and Christian people, for whom it
would no longer be a crime to enjoy the property which God had bestowed
upon them, and to adore Him, with becoming pomp of worship, without
incurring the risk of being deprived of life or liberty. In the difficult
circumstances which might arise, the Holy Father would rely on the Divine
protection. As it might prove useful to the French army to be acquainted
with the events of his Pontificate, he sent, along with his letter, a
numb