Italy. 18 August 1848
Italy.
* Milan, 11 August. It was only yesterday that Como was occupied by the Austrians. They have crossed the Ticino and occupied Gravellona. In doing so, they are said to have declared that they came only to protect the Sardinian king from any outrage by “malicious and turbulent innovators”. Naturally, one good turn deserves another. For his betrayal of the Lombards, Venetians, Modenese, etc., Charles Albert now receives protection against those who might be minded to call him to account. It is heard that he now intends to abdicate the crown in favour of his son, the Duke of Savoy. The order to surrender arms is said to have resulted in 50,000 muskets already being handed in. No newspapers are allowed into Milan, and therefore people in the city do not know what is going on outside. The regular troops of Lombardy, some 20,000 National Guards and very many families, have withdrawn to Piedmont with the Sardinian army.
* Verona, 11 August. The headquarters of the army division by which Peschiera is besieged has hitherto been at Cavalcasello. The siege is now over. A courier from Milan has brought an order from Charles Albert to the commander of Peschiera, according to which the fortress is to be evacuated on Sunday the 13th instant and handed over to the Austrians without further ado. This takes place in consequence of the six-week armistice which has been concluded, in which it was stipulated that the Piedmontese troops must vacate all the places they still held within three days.
* Genoa, 10 August. The “Corriere Mercantile” here reports that Charles Albert has sent despatches to the Venetians, in which, despite the capitulation of Milan, he urges them to continue resistance.