n no good odour with him forty years ago, at least as a
nation. They supported the cause he detested, that of an absolute King;
and to their greatest naval hero, he attributes the death, not only of
Carraciolo, but of a long list of Italian patriots. His book is written
in something of a partisan spirit, nor could it well be otherwise, with
so fervent a politician. His account of many events and circumstances
differs widely from that given by his former companion in arms,
Colletta, whom he speaks of with contempt and dislike, and frequently
accuses of misstatement and wilful falsehood. "Men," he says, "of loose
morals, and so corrupt that they reflected contempt and abhorrence upon
those who associated with them. Such were Catalani d'Azzia and the
historian Pietro Colletta." That party feeling influenced Colletta, to
the prejudice of the impartiality of his writings, is pretty generally
admitted. But does General Pepe feel that his own withers are unwrung?
Can he, hand on conscience, declare himself guiltless of exaggeration?
Probably he believes himself so; there is evidence in his memoirs of
honesty of purpose, and of a wish to do justice to all; but the best of
us are led astray by our predilections, and it is right to be on one's
guard against the colouring given to men's actions, and to great events,
by the political prejudices of an ardent partisan.
Delivered into the hands of Pano di Grano, the ex-galley slave, now a
royalist chief, Pepe was kindly treated, and, being carelessly guarded,
effected his escape. Recaptured, he was about to be shot, when an order
for his release was obtained from Sir John Stewart, who offered him, he
informs us, the command of an English regiment, if he would change sides
and serve King Ferdinand. He blames that general for having been in such
haste to re-embark his troops, thus abandoning the insurgents to their
fate; and is of opinion, that if he had continued to advance, flanked by
the Calabrian bands, his forces would have increased, and he would have
reached Naples. On the departure of the British, Massena commenced
vigorous operations for the suppression of the insurrection, and Pepe
was actively employed in the organisation of the Calabrian patriots.
Massena promised him the colonelcy of a light infantry regiment about to
be raised; but upon the Marshal being summoned to Germany by Napoleon,
the project was given up, and Pepe could not even get employment in his
rank of lieuten
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