4622. Isa Blagden to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 27, 221–222.
[Florence]
[16 March 1860] [1]
<***> The piazza was one solid mass of human beings. All up the Loggia, all over the great fountain, a wall of human creatures, men, women, boys, children—banners waving in files above them, but all so closely wedged that they seemed to grow out of the wall—all with upturned faces looking to the lighted windows of the Palace. For an hour and ten minutes we stood there—no impatience—nothing fierce, but a cheerful exultation. The people within had been verifying the votes, and it was to be known as soon as the last community was counted over, that the Union would be proclaimed, for every one was aware of the stupendous majority. At last, on the balcony, all hung with crimson tricolor, some men were seen preparing to illuminate the Giglio (lily) of Florence, [2] and the great star on either side of it. Such a shout! such a voice! then great chandeliers charged with burning lights were brought out—the lights within the Palace turning to and fro—then came the numbers on the balcony—the bells rung—cannons fired—rockets flew up—tricolored flames seemed to issue from everywhere, giving the most preternatural appearance to the marble figures, all swarming with people, and to the whole piazza—and then came the most deafening shouts. At last there was a fall of silence, and in the clearest, most distinct voice was given out the solemn tidings: “The Court of Cassation has verified the results of the votes in Tuscany,” (here they were given,) [3] and the numbers were scarce heard, for the shouts recommenced like thunder. Again, seeing the Minister wished to speak, there was a sudden silence: “And we therefore proclaim that Tuscany is henceforth united to the constitutional kingdom of Piedmont.” Another deafening hurrah. Then at last the Minister clasped his hands, and the people, he and every one, gave a Viva for Victor Emanuel—hats waving—torches blazing—banners waving. Then came a shout for Ricasoli, and then the Carro, as it was called, one mass of banners on wheels, was seen coming to bear the heralds who were to proclaim this at the four squares of the city—illuminated for the purpose. <***>
Text: The Independent (New York), 3 May 1860, p. 1.
1. Date provided by Isa Blagden’s description of the celebration marking the announcement, shortly after midnight on 16 March 1860, that Tuscany had voted overwhelmingly for annexation by Piedmont.
2. The stylized red lily (actually, an iris) on the coat of arms of Florence.
3. The plebiscite for annexation by Piedmont or the creation of a separate kingdom was held on 11 and 12 March. The results were 366,571 votes for annexation; 14,925 votes for a separate kingdom. A plebiscite held in Emilia (formerly Parma, Modena, and Romagna) on the same dates resulted in 426,006 votes for annexation and 1506 votes against (see Edgar Holt, Risorgimento: The Making of Italy, 1815–1870, 1970, p. 224).
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