Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1860-07-06
now dARlpArpr TOOK PALERMO.

HOW GARIBATDI TOOK PALERMO.
OF the siege Of Palermo and how it termi-
mated. the well informed correspondent of the
London Times writes :-
"Garibaldi could not unite his forces in
time to arrive at Monreae before the Neapo-
litans had occupied it in great force and
when he arrived in the neighborhood Of the
position, four days after the victory Of Calata
Fimi, he saw that the taking Of Monrcae
could only be effected with great loss. lie
therefore determined to change his plans.
The first thing was 20 surround and watch all
the outlets and for this purpose the different
squddii Of the insurgents took up positions
all around the chain of mountains which en-
close the bay. 1t was one of the finest sights
you could see when their fires blazed up at
night and mingled their red glare with the
pale light of the moon. They were watched
by the inhabitants like the holy fire of the
Parscc and the sole occupation during the
last eight days or SO seemed to be to observe
and comment on their meaning, Now they
seemed stronger on one peak, now moro
spread and continuous on the slope of am
other mountain, and on the hope kindlcd by
these fires the uninitiatod lived. Palermo
was in a state Of excitement and ierment inn
IN''t'A'
brave the state Of scigo which had been
proclaimed. Tho secret committee, which
had maintained itself in spite the vigil
anco and suspicion of the police, always
found means 90 communicate with Garibaldi
in spite of the military authorities. The
committee was known to exist, and it circu-
lated printed bulletins almost daily, but was
so organized that tho police though aware of
.s Al
bcrs. 10 was kind of free masonry, with
different degrees Of initiation. No one not a
member knew moro than ono member. The
houses where the meetings were held were
continually changed, and all obcycd blndly.
"Garibaldi's original plan was 10 surprise
the posts in the lower and comparatively ill.,
defended part Of the town at night, TO enter
and gradually work his way from street to
street On the opposite side of the city from
that intended for the attack, watch fires were
kept burning 20 misoad the Neapolilan
troops Unluckily some Of the insurgents
began shouting and attracted the attention Of
the guard stationed at the bridge OF the Am
miragliato, or otherwise the town might have
been entered without the loss of a single
man. The entrance being effected. the inhab-
itauts began TO assist the insurgents in those
quarters from which the troops were just
driven and when Garibaldi stopped, for the
first time, in The old market place at the up-
per end Of the town. one must know these
Sicilians 10 have an idea of the frenzy.
screaming. shouting. crying and hugging all
would kiss his hand and embrace his knees
Every moment brought new masses. VIII ch
debouched in troops from one of the streets,
anxious ~ have their turn. As the Cacciaori
oI. 81.
most OF the inhabitants came to have a look.
and give greeting to the Libcrator OF palcr.
mo and Sicily. Tho entrance was Eff cicd
about halfpast a. M and by noon moro
than ono half of the town was clear of the
troops. But two hours before this was effect
ed the citadel had opened its fire upon tho
town, at first moderately enough but soon
with great vigor. firing large thirtecn-inch
shells, red-hot shot aud every other proicctilo
calculated to DO the greatest possible damage.
About noon or so the ships in thc harbor
opened their fire, and between them they con-
riyod to destroy q great number of houses i'm
the lower part Il the town, killing and
wounding large number Of people of all
ages aud both sexes. Two Of the large shells
were sent right into the hospital, and cxplod-
ed in ono of tho wards. Everywhere YOU
perceived ruins and conhagraGous, dead and
wounded, not a few of whom must have per-
ished among the ruins of the houses. If the
object of the Neapolitans was to inspire ter
ror they certainly succeeded Whoever could
took refuge in the most bomb-proof place,
and those who did not, YOU saw crying pray
ing. md wringing their hands i'm tho street.
"lhe bombardmcnt was kept up during the
next day but Notwithstanding this, and while
a..