Dallas herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1849-1873, 1860-11-28
THE BATTLE OF voLTURNo

TIE BATTLE OF VOLTURNo.
The first regular grand battle be,
tween the King of Naples army and
that of Garibaldi, took place on the
river yolturno, which runs directly
from the east to thcwcst, in the Ne
apolitan dominion, into the Med
iterranean, and is intcrsectcd by the
main road from Naples to Rome.
The Neapolitans-2O,OOO picked
troops, commanded by the king in
person, held the right bank of the
river, on which they had formida-
Bile entrenchments, bristling with
artillery; they held the strong for
tress of Capua, on the right bank
and could cross the river thersand
elsewhere easily,
Garibaldi's forces were less nu-
merous than the Neapolitans, aud
had many not very reliable bands
who could shout and make strong
demonstrations, but did not do much
effective fighting. The Sicilian vol
unteers and those from the city OF
Naples were of this class.
Garibaldi's strongest position, on
the left bank, was Monte San An
eelo. commanding the course OF the
river. 1t had three special batteries
of % guns, entrusted to a picked
corps. To this position Garibaldi
paid particular care.
On Sunday, Both September, he
made an attempt to throw Il bridge
over the river; but instantly the
right bank was covered with royal
troops, and a terrible fired opeLe lon
the two battalions trying to make
this bridge. The latter were COM
PEELED to retire. .
The next morning at half past 3
o'clock, the great struggle com
menced in earnest. The Reyalists
sent heavy bodies of men across the
river at various points. backed by
strong artillery, and driving back
the Garibaldians, especially over
the railroad bridge at Capua. AT
s o'clock, the Royalists had dceid-
edly the advantage. An eye wit
ness of the fight says:
1t is quite impossible for me to de'
scribe the terrible obstinacy of the
struggle, and the real and calm
courage of the engaged.
| went through the whole cam
paign in Lombardy, ! was present
at Magenta and Solferino, and yes
terday | fanciefI was there again
Three times were the position OF th'
Garfbaldians taken and retaken ~
the point Of the bayonet. The grape
. swept men down numerically. Nc
quarter was asked or given. Will
my own eyes l saw wounded mel
bayonettcd, and the stilletto ane
pistol used in fight which com
menced with the rife. Except th'
Sicilians and the Ncapolitans Of th'
city of Naples, every man did hi
duty with enthusiasm. A strang
and atrocious circumstance, II W.
consider the character of the ltal
ians, they fought without nttering
shout, almost in silence. 1t was
lovely day, the sun shining In al
it's glory, and the ground adorne'
with rich produce.
Garibaldf finally executed q ma
neuvre by which he attacked tn
main column of his foe on bot
tanks. and finally surrounded
1 completely. So desperate was tn
hand to hand fight here, that out
one large Royalist regiment, only .
men and 3 officers were left alive.
One of the strongest efforts tn
Royalists made was to crush Carr
baldi's three batteries at Monte Sa
Angelo. They fred artillery at ther
from all sides, from the first me
ment of attack, because these too
them in flank and caused them Sc
we're loss. The batteries were muc
disabled; and at 9 o'clock, one
them Mt the foot of the hill was ovel
whelmed by 2500 Royalists by
|, s,ldden attack, some of the gun
spikcd, and the artillerymen fiile
at their pieces An aid de cam
soon informed Garibaldi of the di'
aster, which would probably los
} him the battle.
Garibaldi at once started OF
} crossed Santa Maria, followed b
| Medici and his staff, and, collcctin
what men he could, cried ont in
, voice which caused all to shudde
: awe are going to die, but the ia
ians must win the day; at al otn'
. points we have conquered" fo
Q lowed bv one hundred men, at a raj
id mace. Garibaldi, leading the wa
in = small disabled carriage, wei
| forward But just as they got ne;
E the Casino of San Angelo son
fl Neapolitan chasseurs, who wei
living on the ground, rose and fe
5 nnon them. The coachman droN
r his horses into the ditch, and forn
ed a barricade of the carriage. q
: ribaldi jumped up indignant, an
p went up to the chasseurs, shoutir
n 81 Viva Italiai" Some of bis ms
coming up at the same time, the G
r. epy became denofalizcd and Too
!. to fiight. Garibaldi was slight
/ wo.mded in TIE stomach, and i
o trowse.s were raidled by two
/ three bullets. -,
aIf | only had another pair,
V said and without further .rema