PREPARATIONS FOR OUR RETREAT—ATTACKED ON THE WAY
—BRAVERY OF MY ITALIANS—I NEVER DESPAIRED OF ITALY —THE
NOBLE CHARACTER OF ANZANI—REACH SALTO—KINDNESS OF FRENCH
PHYSICIANS—COLLECT AND BURY THE DEAD.
The fighting began about one o'clock in the afternoon, and lasted until
near nine in the evening. Night came on, and found us surrounded by many
corpses and wounded men. About nine o'clock preparations were made for a
retreat. The number of wounded was very large, including almost all the
officers, viz.: Morrochetti, Casana, Sacchi, Ramorino, Rodi, Beruti,
Zaccorello, Amero, and Fereti. Only Carone, Traverse, and a few others,
were unhurt. It was an arduous and painful undertaking to remove them
from the ground where they lay. Some were placed upon horses, which were
numerous, while others, who were able to stand, were helped on, each by
two of his comrades. When the arrangements had been made for the
accommodation of the wounded, the other soldiers were formed in four
platoons; and as fast as they were put in order, they were made to load
themselves with some remaining ammunition, the less to expose themselves
to the continual fire of the enemy. The retreat was then commenced, and
I thought it a fine sight,—though there was but a handful of men, in
close column, with orders not to fire a single shot before making the
edge of the wood which borders the river Uruguay. I had directed the
vanguard to take the wounded, feeling confident that the charges of the
enemy would be made on our rear and flanks. As was natural, those
unfortunate men fell into some disorder, which it was impossible to
prevent; but they yet went on, all, it is believed, except two. The
little column proceeded in the most admirable manner, so that I must
ever speak of their conduct with pride. The soldiers fixed their
bayonets before setting off; and keeping close ranks, they reached the
designed place, though not for want of any exertions, on the part of the
enemy, to hinder them: for every effort was made, by repeated charges
from all quarters, and with their whole force. In vain did their lancers
come up and give wounds to men in the ranks; the only return made was
with the bayonet, while the soldiers pressed themselves more compactly
together. On reaching the verge of the wood, we halted; and the order
was given, "To the right about!" when immediately a general volley
filled the enemy's files with dead, and they were all instantly driven
back.
One of the most severe sufferings endured that day was from thirst,
especially among the wounded.
Having reached the bank of the river, it may be imagined with what
avidity the soldiers ran to the water. Some of them stopped to drink,
while the others kept the enemy at a distance. The success of the first
part of the retreat, now performed, secured the retreating troops less
molestation on the remainder of their way. A chain of sharp-shooters was
formed to protect the left flank, who kept up a continual fire, almost
until they entered the city; and thus we moved along the bank of the
river.
Anzani was waiting for us at the entrance of the city, and could not
satiate himself with embracing me and my companions. He had never
despaired, although the enterprise was so arduous. He had collected the
few remaining men in the fortress, and replied to the enemy's summons to
surrender, which they made during the battle, with a threat to blow up
everything before he would submit. It is to be remarked, that the enemy
not only assured him that all the Italians were killed or prisoners, but
also the greater part of the soldiers with Baez. Still Anzani did not
despair; and I have mentioned him to those of my fellow-citizens who at
different times have despaired of Italy. Ah! there are few like Anzani!
But he that despairs is a coward!
Our retreating troops entered Salto at midnight, and even at that hour
we found all the soldiers and all the inhabitants awake. The latter came
out with alacrity, and gave all possible attention and care to the
wounded, bringing everything necessary for their relief and comfort.
Poor people! Poor people, who suffered so much in the various
vicissitudes of war, I shall never think of you but with a deep sense of
gratitude!
I had several severe losses to lament in that remarkable affair, though
the enemy were much the greater sufferers.
General Servando Gomez, who was the author of the surprise, and who
seemed as if he would annihilate us forever, commenced his retreat on
the 9th, hastily taking with him his shattered division towards
Paisandu, with a great number of wounded men, and leaving the fields of
San Antonio covered with dead. The first day after our arrival was
occupied in giving attention to the wounded; and two French physicians
rendered them the most important services. They were the physicians of
the French ship L'Eclair, whose names have not been obtained, and Dr.
Desroseaux, another young man, then for some time connected with the
Italian Legion. He had fought all the way as a common soldier, and then
devoted himself to the care of his wounded companions. But what most
availed at that painful time were the delicate cares of the ladies of
Salto.
The succeeding days were occupied in collecting and burying our dead.
The battle had been so extraordinary, that I thought it ought to be
commemorated by an unusual mode of interring the victims, and I chose a
spot, on the top of the hill which overlooks Salto, and which had been
the scene of successful battles. There was dug a trench for all, and
then handfuls of earth were thrown in by the soldiers, until a tumulus
rose, to stand as a memorial. A cross was then placed on the top, with
this inscription on one side:
"_Legione Italiana, Marina e Cavalleria Orientale_."
On the other side:
"_8th Febbrajo, 1846_."
(The Italian Legion, and the Oriental Marine and Cavalry.—8th February,
1846.")
The names of those killed and wounded in that brave fight have been
preserved in the journals kept by Anzani.
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