Giuseppe Garibaldi

OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS: My greatest title to your confidence is the confidence which the man reposes in me who represents your noblest aspirations.

No wonder there has been such a burst of enthusiasm throughout all Europe for Garibaldi and his noble expedition.

The peasants took up arms spontaneously to the cry of 'Long live Victor Emanuel.' The cross of Savoy floated everywhere on the tri-color flag.

It is impossible for any generous mind to contemplate the position of Francis II. without compassion.

What a contrast was then presented between the cold, bloody cruelty of the Bourbons and the noble moderation of this long oppressed people!

Carriages dash by me full of red jackets, or of men and women brandishing swords and pikes, whilst the rain is pouring down in torrents, and the thunder is pealing, as if it were a salute of heaven for the liberator of the Two Sicilies.

People are beside themselves, and scenes are witnessed which, perhaps, have never been witnessed in any other country under the sun.

I wanted, together with my friends, to raise a chorus on our own account, for it was irritating enough to witness a number of people sitting and fanning themselves, as though they came to be amused, instead of pouring out their very souls…

But, take it altogether, the people have not been sanguinary, and, considering the immense provocation which they have received, order has been wonderfully preserved, and little blood shed.

If you do not disdain Garibaldi for your companion in arms, he only desires to fight by your side the enemies of the country.

The traditions of the Neapolitan government are hereditary perjury.

The new king, almost to prove the legitimacy of his descent, is preparing to perjure himself; and, in order to qualify himself for the task of forswearing himself, he must first swear.

It is beyond belief that, in the nineteenth century, in a Christian part of Europe, there have been scenes enacted within the last few months that renew the days of the Inquisition.

Every civilized land has echoed the bell which has been tolled in Italy for the annihilation of despotism.

The feelings of the people of Naples cannot be imagined, without some knowledge of the cruelties of the government.

I expected death, and desired and prayed for it as a relief, but it never came.

What he said I report, and time must unravel his story; but the world will know how to appreciate the influence of a priesthood under whose eye such enormities have been committed.

Sire, while it is yet time, save our house from the curses of all Italy!

Follow the noble example of our royal kinswoman of Parma, who, on the breaking out of civil war, released her subjects from their allegiance, and left them to be arbiters of their own destinies.

Europe and your subjects will take your sublime sacrifice into account, and you, sire, will be able to raise your brow in confidence up to God, who will reward the magnanimous act of your majesty.

All the nobility, the landowners, the chief inhabitants, the educated citizens, even the priests, were on the side of the insurgents.

Truce, then, to discord—the chronic misfortune of our land.

Italy, trampling on the fragments of her chains, points to the north—the path of honor, toward the last lurking-place of tyrants.

The truth is, that men who desire power, wealth, and undeserved honors, have too long accused their less ambitious or vicious fellow-beings of needing their government.

Near to you, or far from you, brave people of Palermo, I am with you, and with you for all my life!