| Citation |
PG-P.745.007
19 Mar 1745:12 (849)
Rome, Nov. 7. After having seen the Campagna di Roma the
seat of war for some months, we are just recovered from
apprehensions of seeing a battle at our gates. The night,
between Saturday and Sunday last, part of the Austrian army
actually decamped; and on Sunday, by the time it was
daylight, the rest of the army drew up in order of battle,
and took their leaves of the Spaniards in a very polite
manner, by causing a merry German tune to be played by all
their military musick. After continuing for some time in
this posture, and perceiving the Spaniards not in the humour
to honour them with their company, they marched off, drums
beating, and colours flying; and arrived the next day about
17 o'clock, at the gates of the city; from whence,
continuing their march, they reached Ponte Molle about the
hour of 21: The Spanish army followed them so close, that
their van guard appeared within three quarters of an hour
after the rear of the Austrians had passed the city; and
they reached the Tiber, while the others were passing it.
The Austrians had taken the precaution to have three pieces
of heavy cannon on the middle of the bridge; some field
pieces in the tower which covers it; all the eminences lined
with their troops; and a battery or two near the banks of
the river. The Spaniards durst not attack them in this
posture, but remained on this side the river, cannonading
them all Monday night, all Tuesday, and the night following;
in which the Austrians withdrew their cannon . . .
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