The Sun.
London, England, 1859-06-15 00:00:00

LATEST NEWS

THE WAR IN ITALY.

The following telegrams have been received at
Mr. Reuter's office :

BERLIN, Jui,lE 14,

The official Preussische Zeitung states t bat the
order for the mobilization of the corps d'arb lee has

been issued.

The same journal says as follows :
" The greater proportions the events at no seat
of war assume, the more serious becomes the duty
of Government to place itself in such a position as
may enable Prussia, in the regulation of the 1124:lion
question, to proceed in concert with her confed( :rate
German Powers with that weight which Prus: da is
called upon to use, and which corresponds to .# the
position of Germany as a Power in Europe. I cok-
ing from this point of view, and regarding the con-
tinually increasing armaments even of neutral
Powers, Government has found it imperative pa a tly
to mobilize the army, and will take further stet is in
connexion therewith (theils armee zu mobilis iron,
and wird danzit in verbindung stehende we itere
schritte than), in order that coming events may not
take Prussia and Germany by surprise and n-
prepared.

"The character of measures of precaution is so
fully impressed on all these steps that it is needle's
to make any new declaration respecting them. The
country will grant them its concurrence, and. the
German Federal Powers will also, as we hope, see
in this new measure, taken in the interest of the
security and position of Germany as a Power, their
confidence in the circumspect initiative of Prussia
realised."

BERNE, JUNE 14,

The Federal Council has disbanded the troops in
the Canton of Valais, and reduced the number of
troops in the Canton of Tessin to 3,000 men,. on
account of the seat of war having become removed
from that frontier of Switzerland. On the frontiers
of the Orisons, near Nanders, Austrian troops have
arrived and begun making intrenchments.

TURIN, JUNE 14.

The Austrians are in full retreat in the directicn
of the river Oglio. The bridges over the Adda and
other rivers have been destroyed by means of
mines. They have also evacuated Pizzighettonne
after having burned the bridge, and thrown their
guns, war material, and ammunition into the water.
Cremona, and Brescia are free.
A numerous body of the Austrians appears to be
assembling at Monte Chivaro.
A part of the Piedmontese army has crossed the
Adda at Vaprio and Canonica.
Bergamo and Lodi have proclaimed their union
with Piedmont.

The damage done by the Austrians to the forti
fications of Piacenza is of little importance.

TURIN, JUNE 13,

The Austrians evacuated Reggio and Bresello
last night and were also making preparations to
evacuate the other parts of Modena.
A deputation from Modena has arrived in Turin.

The Moniteur says :—" The Emperor, wishing to
re-establish old and glorious traditions, has decided
that any regiment which shall take a colour from
the enemy shall bear the cross of the Legion of
Honour attached below its eagle. Lieut.-Colonel
Schmitz has arrived in Paris on a mission, charged
by the Emperor to deliver to the Empress the flag
of the 9th regiment of Austrian infantry, which
was taken at the battle of Magenta."

A letter from Milan of the 11th, in the Constitu-
tionnel, gives some additional particulars relative
to the combat of 3lalegnano. The writer says :
" In addition to the houses changed into easemates, the
loop-holed barricades across the streets, and all the
crossings bristling with bayonets, the Austrians had
taken possession of a vast building used as a prison at
the end of the village, towards Lodi, strong enough
to form an important refuge, and to require a regular
siege like a real citadel. It was on this village,
more difficult to take than a faubourg of Paris, filled with
insurgents, that the soldiers of Bazaine's division, headed
by the Zouaves, made their attack. It was about five in the
evening ; the horizon was black with clouds, and a thunder
storm, which was soon to burst overhead, already lighted
up the plain with vivid flashes. Just beyond a little bridge
at the entrance of the village a barricade had been con-
structed. With their proverbial agility, the Zouaves at once
surmounted this obstacle, firing their muskets, and then
rushing forward with the bayonet. The regiments com-
posing Bazaine's division all came to the attack simultane-
ously, reinforced by two regiments of Ladmirault's divi-
sion, and then a combat ensued from street to street, and
house to house, which lasted four hours. The resistance
opposed by the Austrians was of the most obstinate
character, and whole companies, though completely sur-
rounded, fought to the last man. When the princi-
pal streets were occupied by the French, the Zouaves
and foot Chasseurs marched on the large building to
which I have alluded. This immense edifice was sur-
' rounded with a moat, like a prison of the middle ages. The
Zouaves had to attack the principal entrance, and thread
their way through a labyrinth of courts, yards, and pas-
sages, totally unknown to them all. Every step might lead
to some snare, and every wall sheltered scores of Austrian
soldiers ; night was coming on, the rain was falling in tot'-
rents, but still the fighting did not cease. At last the Aus-
trians gave way on every point, and a retreat commenced,
favoured by the thickeniig darkness. Hurrying across
the plain they were closely followed by the French, whilst
the batteries of Forey's division, which was on the left, sent
after them shot and grape. Every ball told, so that on the

next day the envirens of Malegna no presented a dreadful

spectacle, the roads and ditches beini; strewn with dead
bodies. The rain converted the water-courses into torrents,
which carried away scores of bodies. Many of the Aus-
trians fell into these streams and were drowned, and unfor-
tunately some of our own men suffered the same fate."
Another litter from Milan, in the Sleek, says :

" In the affa'r of Malegnano, General Forey, who com-
manded the reserve, foreseeing the flight of the enemy,
turned the village ; he caused 120 canisters of grape shot of
80 balls to be fired at the flying Austrians, and they strewed
the ground with dead. I saw one spot in the plain which
was literally covered with the corpses of Austrians piled one
on the other. If the enemy could have been dislodged be-
fore night set in, it is not doubtfUl that the greater part of
them would have been killed. The loss of the Austrians
has been immense, if I may judge from the innumerable
dead bodies which this day remain on the field of battle.
The Austrians have singular ideas on the way of making
war. .11I6las considered that General Bonaparte defeated
him in violation of all rules; and the countrymen of
M6las now pretend that the combat with the
bayonet is unworthy of a civilised nation. I conversed
yesterday with an officer who is a prisoner, and he spoke
frankly on the subject :—' I can understand that the Turcos
fight with a bayonet, for they are almost savages ; but the
French ! . . . That is not fair warfare, it is down-
right butchery !' Fighting with the bayonet is, in truth,
more destructive than firing muskets, and the French know
better how to use that weapon than the Austrians; but
those are not reasons why the French should abstain from
using the bayonet. Besides, there is another reason why
the bayonet has been the principal arm used in the combats
which have taken place. Our army is in a friendly
country, and with the bayonet it obtains possession of
villages, occupied by the Austrians, in order to spare
the property of the inhabitants. With the new can-
non, which carry 3,000 yards, it would be easier
for us to kill the enemy under the walls of houses
than to march against them with the bayonet, and we
should lose much fewer soldiers; but it is desired that the
French army shall not mark by ruins its passage through
a country which it has come to deliver. General Forey
only fired his canister and grape when the corps d'acinee
of Benedek was in retreat across the country. The situa-•

tion of an army in a friendly country has undoubtedly its
advantages ; but any one can see that it has inconveniences

also."

A third letter from Milan of the above date

says :

" The Emperor went to Malegnano yesterday, leaving
Milan at nine, and, after minutely inquiring into all the in-
cidents of a combat which precipitated the enemy's
flight and harassed their march, returned in the afternoon.
There was a performance at La Scala last evening ; a vocal
and instrumental concert, with a ballet, having been orga-
nised in less than twenty-four hours. The artistes wore
collected from all quarters, and the house, which had been
long closed, appeared in all its splendour. It was crowded
ih every part. The boxes were occupied by the Milanese

aristocracy, mid ifwas gratifying to see the reception which
the audience grve to our officers. The ;fusion of the two
nations was complete. Two flags only, the French and
Sardinian, decorated the interior of the house; they were
plated over the royal box, which the Emperor and King
entered at 8 o'clock, accompanied by a considerable num-
ber of officers. The ovation given to their Majesties by
the Milanese who had been able to obtain admission
was extraordinary, rand the applause lasted for nearly
half an hour. The performance was composed of ten
pieces of music and dancing, and at every fall of the cur-
tain the whole house rose to salute their Majesties. The
ladies presented a splendid sight, in white dresses trimmed
with ribbons of the Sardinian colours, as they waved their
handkerchiefs with indescribable enthusiasm. The receipts
of the night, which were very considerable, are intended
for the relief of the families of the soldiers who have pe-
rished in the cause of Italian independence. On leaving
the theatre, still excited by the reception given to the
Emperor, chance made me witness of another scene
which terminated my evening most agreeably. It was
a half squadron of African Chasseurs, who entered the
.city from Lodi, escorted by tin thousand persons at
least. They advanced sword in hand, the first of
them proudly holding in his hand an Austrian colour. I
asked where it had been taken, and a chasseur just found
timtVe say, We took it near Lodi, where we gave them a
beatiNr.' "

The Parma Gazette of the 9th publishes the fol-
lowing proclamation of the Duchess Regent, before
leaving her States :
" How I have governed the country during my Regency,
I call upon history, and upon you all, inhabitants of the
State, to testify. .111 ore fervid ideas, flattering to Italian
minds, have arisen to disturb the pacific and wisely liberal
improvements which engrossed all my attention, and the
events now in progress have placed me between two opposite
exigencies ; either to take part in a war declared to be a na-
tional one, or not to infringe the conventions to which Pia-
cenza especially, and the State generally, were bound long
before I assumed the Government. I must not oppose the
wishes proclaimed by Italy, nor can I break my faith.
Hence, since a neutral attitude, such as the exceptional
condition created by those treaties, seemed to advise; has
become impossible, I yield' to the pressure of events, recom-
mending the Parmese municipality to appoint a governing
commission for the protection of order, persons, and pro-
perty, for the public administration, for the proper disposal
of the troops, and for other provisions called for by circum-
stances. Meanwhile,, I retire to a neutral country to join
my beloved children, ti-iose right-s I hereby declare to re-
serve in their integrity, confiding in the justice of the high
Powers and the protection of God. Good inhabitants of
every commune of the duchies, everywhere and always
your memory will be dear to me.

" LOUISA, Regent.
Countersigned " G. PALLAVICINO."
Next follow various instructions left by the duchess,
relating to the transfer of the sovereign power to
the governing commission, and other proclamations,
one of which is by the Director of General Police,
recommending the people Rot to allow themselves
to be betrayed into acts of violence or vengeance.
The Piedmontese journals are full of addresses of
adhesion to the Sardinian Government voted by
various municipalities of Lombardy, all expressive
of joy at being delivered from Austrian rule.
Chevalier Vigliani, the new governor of Lom-
bardy, has issued a decree, dated the 10th, laying
the same restrictions on the press during the
war as were imposed in Piedmont at the commence-
ment of military operations. The Director of
Public Security has also issued an order, calling on
all Germans, being Austrian subjects, to present
themselves before the authorities of their respective
quarters, with the papers necessary to establish
their rank and identity.
A letter from Leipsic of the 10th says :—" The
passage of Austrians troops through Saxony ceased
for the present two days ago ; but another Austrian
brigade is shortly expected to pass. In the space of
eighteen days 60,000 men, the horses of three tegi-
ments of cavalry, and 80 pieces of cannon have been
conveyed on the Saxon railways."
Baron de Budberg, Russian minister at Berlin,
has returned to that city from the baths of Koten.

A letter from. Milan of the 9th, in the Constitu-
tionnel, says :
" I arrived here by railway from the field of
battle of Magenta ; the Austrians, in their retreat,
not having had time to destroy the iron way. By
means of. it a great number of the wounded,
French and Austrians, have been transferred to
the hospitals here. I had some intention of going
back on the victory of Magenta, but you must ere
this have had full details. I may, however, state
that in the village itself, during the battle, every
house was occupied with detachments of Austrians,
varying from 50 to 200 men. The walls were all
loop-holed; the furniture served to make barri-
cades ; and every house required a regular siege ;
hence, the desperate character of the fighting there.
I travelled to Milan in company with an Austrian
captain, made prisoner at Magenta. He told me
that he had had with him 300 men, with whom he
I entrenched himself in a large house, which he
defended against the attacks of the soldiers of the
division La Motterouge, until all his men were
either killed or wounded, except a young sub-
lieutenant and a private. Seeing himself thus left
nearly alone, he descended to the street, in the hope
of being killed. But although the balls whistled
about him in every direction, he remained.
untouched. He again entered a house, and con-
tinued to fight on until he and the two others were
at last made prisoners. He was taken before a
general officer, whose name he does not know, but
who said. to him and to the other officer, You
have conducted yourselves so bravely as to merit
to keep your swords, and therefore I return them
to you.' And, in fact, the captain wore his sword
in the railway carriage. This officer spoke French
exceedingly well, and assured me that there was
not a single general in France whose services and
character were not well known in Germany. Before
I started by the railway, I saw the Emperor Napo-
leon on horseback watching the troops file off before
him on their way to Milan. It is needless to say
that he was cheered with almost frantic enthusiasm.
He had something to say to every one, and all his
observations were happily appropriate. I heard
him say to the officer in command of one of the
regiments engaged at Buffalora, ' I am glad to see
you safe and sound, colonel. I heard you had bee*
wounded.' 'No, Sire; nothing whatever,' was the

reply, in a tone that seemed to imply regret at not
having a wound to show for the engagement. It
was not your fault, colonel,' graciously observed
his Majesty, in the hearing of all. The colonel
bowed low to the compliment, and as the moment
after he glanced proudly around, his eye was
glistening with moisture. When I arrived here
I was astonished at the enthusiasm which pre•
vailed, and as a Frenchman I would certainly
have been welcome to take up my quarters in
any house. Every street was dressed out with
flowers and flags, and bright with all the colours
of the rainbow. Some of the French soldiers
who had been allowed to come on by railway
were feted as if the dearest relatives, and the
more so, that they announced that the Emperor
and King would soon arrive. Their Majesties
entered the station about half-past eight yester-
day morning, and at once left it on horseback
from the Corso di Porta Orientate, where is situated
the Palace Busca, which the King now occupies,
and ,their passage through the streets was one con-
tinued ovation: The Emperor was preceded by an
escort. of Cent Gerdes, and followed by a body of
the Guides. Victor Emmanuel had with him the
whole corps d'armee of General Cialdini. The
crowd of spectators precipitated themselves under
the very hoofs of the horses, and how accidents
were prevented is an absolute wonder. Add to
that, the waving of handkerchiefs from the balco-
nies, flowers showered down, and the loudest
acclamations, and you will have a faint idea of the
scene. After the King had alighted at the palace,
the Emperor went on to the Villa Bonaparte, a
private residence; long the residence if not the
property of the Bonaparte family. Scarcely had
his Majesty arrived there, when he again issued
forth on horseback, accompanied by a small escort,
and went through the city, receiving everywhere
a fresh ovation. Soon after the Emperor had
returned to the villa, the whole city was again
thrown into a delighted agitation by the arrival of
the main body of the French and Piedmon tese
troops. Every soldier was seized on by a
inha-
bitant • and men, women, and children lrivalled
each dher in giving them a warm reception. I
myself saw a zouave two hours later walking
with the
about
the place, visiting the principal re
little hand of a Milanese child in eachs of his, neither
party understanding a word that the other said;
and many others might be seen walking about en-
joying the fine weather, in company with some of
the most respectable inhabitants of Milan ; all
seemed perfectly at home. This morning again the
whole city is on foot, as a grand Te Deum is to be
celebrated at the Cathedral."

As it would appear that the Austrians have
resolved, in consequence of the late events, to retire
definitively within the celebrated quadrangle formed
by Peschiera, Mantua, Legnago, and Verona, it may
not be uninteresting to our readers to have a full
description of th.s important military position :
i
Peschiera s a small fortress
situated on an
island formed by the Mincioat its issue from the
Lake of Garda. At the time
Republic it was a simple of the Venetian
pentagon, to which the
French, while they occupied the country, added
three lur..ltes, forming a kind of erownworkt with.