The New York herald., 1866-07-09

The War in Italy-The Opening Battle
Fought in tho Heart or tho Quadri-
lateral.
The war in Italy has been begun by an
important engagement, fought on the anni-
versary of the battle of Solferino, by the
centre Of the Italian army against the con-
centrated forces of Austria, in the very heart
Of the quadrilateral. The vigor of Frederick
Charles in saxony has been equalled by
Victor Emanuel in Venetia; and we now have
the two wars in Europe fairly inaugurated.
Former news from Italy brought us intelli-
gence of the declaration of war by Victor
Emanuel and the issuance of three days. notice
that he should commence hostilities on June
28. At that time Victor Emanuel was with
the centre Of his army on the Mincio facing
the historic square," his headquarters being
at or near Solferino. General Cialdini, COM
manding the right wing, was on the river Pc,
with quarters at Ferrara, and so disposed as
to threaten Padua and the rear of the fortresses
Of Verona, Legnago, Peschiera and Mantua,
which form the quadrilateral. Garibaldi, COM
manding the volunteers which form the left
wing Of the Italian army, was at Como, with
orders to move to the left of the defences of
the quadrilateral. The navy, under Admiral
Persano, LEFT the Gulf of Taranto for the
Adriatic on the 2Sd Of June, and il doubtless
now ready to cooperate in the movements Of
Cialdini.
No sooner had the three days notice expired
than Victor Emanuel began his operations, and
with his "army of the Mincio" crossed that
stream between Mantua and Pcschicra, and ad-
vanced upon Villa Franco and Verona Be-
fore reaching either point. however, he met the
Austrian forces hurrying from Verona to the
defence of the line of the Mincio, and at once
gave them battle near the village of Custozza.
The engagement lasted the whole day. II is
characterized by both parties as very spirited
and bloody, and defeat is admitted by the
Italians. Their last position at Custozza was
carried by assault at five O'Clock in the after
noon. The losses on both sides were severe.
During the night of the Gath ult. and on the
following day Victor Emanuel retreated to the
Mincio, and, recrossing that stream, re-es-
tablishcd himself in his former position.
This battle was evidently fought for an ad.
vantage Of strategic character in another
quarter. Victor Emanuel must have known
thatin invading the quadrilatcral he was moving
against the concentrated and superior numbers
of the enemy; and il was doubtless his plan
and purpose in fighting them to keep them thus
concentrated. If this result was attained. Gen.
eral Cialdni was doubtless enabled with the
principal wing Of the army to cross the Po al
Ferrara unmolested, and TO move rapidly
upon Rovigo and Padua. The success
Of such movement would be al
OuCc tncouIukmB ohu h@1niuouos ~
would place the Italians at Padua, directly
between the quadrilateral and Venice. Com.
munication between these two points is Of such
vital Importance to the Austrians that battle
would be Immediately fought to recover II and
the ground thus lost or threatened. Unless
Cialdin should be prepared in the numbers
and the quality Of his men TO Withstand, un-
aided, the assault Of The Austrians, the move.
ment is full Of hazard, for II entirely disconnect
him from the other parts Of the army. This
operation-if such an one has been made-is
Of the most dangerous of divergent marches
though the probable cooperation OF the fee,
with the right wing robs ii Of some Of la
terrors.
For the details Of this engagement and tho
results Of these strategic movements we must
however, await the development, Of further
pewS