as the movement is extremely difficult of execution under an enemy's
fire, the French army fell into confusion, and Regnier was obliged to
retreat." A retreat which history calls a precipitate flight. General
Pépé's version of the affair reads like the bulletin of a vanquished
commander trying to make the best of his disaster. The General, although
he inveighs against the French when they interfere with the independence
of his _cara patria_, betrays a leaning to them on mere campaigning
questions. This is not unnatural. Both in Italy and Spain he fought by
their side and witnessed their gallantry. With regard to the English,
however his subsequent residence in this country and intimacy with
various Englishmen may have modified his opinion of them, they were
certainly in 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 Pépé 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,