Page 50 - General Giuseppe GARIBALDI - english version

48 GENERAL GIUSEPPE GARIBALDI

Surprise was no longer possible, but neither was retreating without a fight.
A first nucleus of matreros cavalry is selected by Garibaldi to try and block
the road to groups of enemy’s cavalry, returning to camp from night patrol.
But with the arrival of most of the Argentinian cavalry, Garibaldi’s cavalry
was coming off worst. Garibaldi then leaving the lead of his foot soldiers to
Marocchetti, one of his brave officers led the cavalry of Ledesma that was in
reserve and with a surprising quickness of wit, launched a full force attack.
The enemy impressed by such audacity, wavered. Garibaldi’s foot soldiers
attacked with impetus the enemy’s positions. The Argentinians were unable
to withstand the attack and retreated disorderly. Many of them were taken as
prisoners. All the families of Salto were freed and able to return to the city.
Garibaldi’s men found a large booty, particularly that of horses, very valuable
for them, plus a bronze six-inch cannon. The troops returned to Salto victo-
rious and in very high spirits.

Meanwhile though, the arriving news was that for certain the Argentinian
general Urquiza was about to arrive in the region, marching towards the
province of Corrientes to break the uprising at all costs. Garibaldi and
Anziani doubled their febrile activity to make Salto ready for the defence.
The guns of the fleet were disembarked and placed in a more convenient
place. Troops and population did miracles under the influence of the Italian
leaders. By luck colonel Baez arrived in Salto from Brazil with about sixty
excellent cavalrymen as reinforcement for Garibaldi’s Corps.
The enemy vanguard, once arrived, attacked immediately and violently
the fortified positions of the Garibaldians. The implacable battle lasted for
three days but the Argentinians of Urquiza failed to take enemy’s positions,
or to cross the river. After a fruitless attempt to besiege, Urquiza pushed on
to continue towards Corrientes, retreated from the action and, crossing the
river much more up stream, continued on his way, leaving in the hands of the
Garibaldians in Salto two cavalry Corps led by Lamas and Vergara.
Frequent and daring raids by Garibaldi’s cavalry followed, always very
active, through which the prestige of his expedition Corps grew by the day,
while his beautiful Italian Legion acquired the reputation of invincibility
with the glory of Italy, where in those years of martyrdom and hope, the echo
of such noble deeds by the famous seaman from Nice was heard at least by
the more spirited.