e for France and the other civilized nations
to come to his assistance. He, a French general, relied on France, so
completely were Frenchmen deceived. He also trusted, and with better
grounds, to Austria. This confidence emboldened him to reply defiantly to
the insolent message of General Fanti: "We are only a handful of men. But
a Frenchman counts not his enemies, and France will support us."

Before the invasion took place, the Ambassador of France, the Duke of
Gramont, whose word was corroborated by the presence of a French army at
Rome and in the neighborhood, had, several times, reassured Cardinal
Antonelli, who was much disquieted, affirming that the concentration of
Piedmontese troops was intended to check the banditti, and protect the
Pontifical frontier, but would not attack it. Lamoriciere testifies to
this fact in the report of his operations. When there was no longer any
doubt as regarded the violation of Papal territory, the Ambassador,
Gramont, communicated to Cardinal Antonelli, and telegraphed, in clear and
distinct language, to the Vice-Consul of France, at Ancona, the following
despatch: "The Emperor has written from Marseilles to the King of
Sardinia, that if the Piedmontese troops advance on the Pontifical
territory he will be compelled to oppose them. Orders are already given
for the embarkation of troops at Toulon; and these re-inforcements will
forthwith arrive. The government of the Emperor will not tolerate the
criminal attack of the Sardinians. As Vice-Consul of France, you will
govern yourself accordingly." M. de Courcy, the Vice-Consul, to whom the
despatch was addressed, took it immediately to M. de Quatrebarbes, the
civil governor of Ancona. His great age would not admit of his carrying it
in person to Cialdini, but he lost no time in sending it by an employee of
the Consulate, making no doubt that a despatch which bore the signature of
France would prevent bloodshed. He was mistaken. Cialdini read the paper,
and coolly put it in his pocket, saying: "I know more about these matters
than you. I have just had an interview with the Emperor." When the clerk
asked for a receipt, he signed one, remarking that "it would make a good
addition to other diplomatic papers." He then continued to advance. The
general was no less explicit, a few days later, at Loretto, when
conversing with Count Bourbon Busset and other prisoners taken at
Castelfidardo. "You astonish me, gentlemen," said he; "how could you