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Therefore the multitude, on the very instant
united themselves with the man who person
ified the wants of the moment—and who
was the hope of all. Thus the public need
restored to Garibaldi his title of General which
had been contested in his last campaign by
the very people for whom he was fighting.
Ugo Bassi and Gavazzi his friend, were a providence
to the army. His (Ugo's) powerful eloquence not only
raised the Italians to the love of Italy and a devotion
for her, but it drew from the most rebellious coffers
numerous and rich offerings. At Bologna
the rich gave money by thousands: the women
gave their jewels their ring and their ear-rings. One
young girl having nothing to give him, cut off
her magnificent hair, and offered to him.
He was present at all the Battles, and all acts of
devotedness, he acted as a sister of Charity, an
apostle and was an intrepid soldier!
Garibaldi thus speaks of his friend Ugo Bassi—
"His
powerful word fascinated the people, and if
God had marked a term to the misfortune of Italy
—the Voice, Bassi, like that of St Bernard, might
have drawn whole populations to the field.