Page 179 - General Giuseppe GARIBALDI - english version

THE 1860 CAMPAIGN IN SICILY 177

nating our position forced me to order the retreat before their arrival”. And
the retreat was rapidly conducted, through Portella Pozzillo and Cozzo
Campanaro. “The general and his Staff and scouts swiftly galloped away; and
we immediately followed them, at a run. We rushed along at breakneck speed
for a while, and then we slowed down a little, then again we ran. I saw many
people throw themselves to the ground, desperate and out of breath, others
cried in pain…..the retreat was a mourning, almost a flight” (Abba).
To get free from the advanced column (Mechel), a strong rearguard (the
Genoese Carabinieri, three companies and some Sicilian squads) led by Türr
remained to defend the cemetery of Parco and Cozzo di Crasto. Türr opposed
a bold resistance, then withdrew in good order to Piana and joined Garibaldi.
The Carabinieri, to slow down their pursuers, were forced to turn back and fight
again. In the skirmish, Carlo Mosto died and Rivalta was taken as prisoner.
The attacked and outnumbered squads broke up; at first they withdrew to
Parco, thinking that Garibaldi’s soldiers were still there, then, at the sight of
the abandoned positions, they thought they had been betrayed and withdrew
towards Mezzagno, while also the town residents fled to Moarda or down the
Fico Valley or along the carriageway; everywhere, there was panic, confusion
and an indescribable bustle.
The retreat to Piana did not in the least solve the safety problem, since
from Portella Pozzillo the royal army could reach the opposite side of the val-
ley and the carriageway towards Piana dei Greci in 45 minutes. It was there-
fore a great relief to Garibaldi to hear that they were camped in the square at
Parco, but he thought they would resume their pursuit the morning after.
From Piana the roads led to Corleone, southward, through Mount
Pizzuto, Mount Cometa and Mount Malanoce; but at about one kilometre
from Piana a mule track (not yet a carriageway at that time) led to S. Cristina
Gela and then merged into a group of mule tracks leading to Marineo along
the Palermo-Roccapalumba route.
Garibaldi, after a discussion with his Staff and hearing their opinion, said
to Orsini: “Although it is possible to fight one against two or one against five,
this is not possible if we are one against twenty-five, which is our situation
now; I now demand a great sacrifice from you: take the Corleone road with
the artillery and all carriages, so that our enemy will be deceived and follow
you believing that they follow our column; I will go to the right and will be
able to operate from a more important point. The mission I am giving you
is dangerous. Will you accept it?” “I will willingly accept it”, said Orsini; and