Death of Filippo Visconti, duke of Milan—­The Milanese appoint Sforza their captain—­Milan becomes a republic—­The pope endeavors to restore peace to Italy—­The Venetians oppose this design—­Alfonso attacks the Florentines—­The neighborhood of Piombino becomes the principal theater of war—­Scarcity in the Florentine camp—­Disorders occur in the Neapolitan and Florentine armies—­Alfonso sues for peace and is compelled to retreat—­Pavia surrenders to the count—­Displeasure of the Milanese—­The count besieges Caravaggio—­The Venetians endeavor to relieve the place—­They are routed by the count before Caravaggio.

Pope Eugenius being dead, was succeeded by Nicholas V. The count had his whole army at Cotignola, ready to pass into Lombardy, when intelligence was brought him of the death of Filippo, which happened on the last day of August, 1447.  This event greatly afflicted him, for he doubted whether his troops were in readiness, on account of their arrears of pay; he feared the Venetians, who were his armed enemies, he having recently forsaken them and taken part with the duke; he was in apprehension from Alfonso, his inveterate foe; he had no hope from the pontiff or the Florentines; for the latter were allies of the Venetians, and he had seized the territories of the former.  However, he resolved to face his fortune and be guided by circumstances; for it often happens, that when engaged in business valuable ideas are suggested, which in a state of inaction would never have occurred.  He had great hopes, that if the Milanese were disposed to defend themselves against the ambition of the Venetians, they could make use of no other power but his.  Therefore, he proceeded confidently into the Bolognese territory, thence to Modena and Reggio, halted with his forces upon the Lenza, and sent to offer his services at Milan.  On the death of the duke, part of the Milanese were inclined to establish a republic; others wished to choose a prince, and of these, one part favored the count, and another Alfonso.  However, the majority being in favor of freedom, they prevailed over the rest, and organized a republic, to which many cities of the Duchy refused obedience; for they, too, desired to live in the enjoyment of their liberty, and even those who did not embrace such views, refused to submit to the sovereignty of the Milanese.  Lodi and Piacenza surrendered themselves to the Venetians; Pavia and Parma became free.  This confused state of things being known to the count, he proceeded to Cremona, where his ambassadors and those of the Milanese arranged for him to command the forces of the new republic, with the same remuneration he had received from the duke at the time of his decease.  To this they added the possession of Brescia, until Verona was recovered, when he should have that city and restore Brescia to the Milanese.