From what I saw this morning, coming back from the front, I presume that something, and that something new perhaps, will be attempted to-morrow.  So far, the proposed armistice has had no effect upon the dispositions at general headquarters, and did not stay the cannon’s voice.  In the middle of rumours, of hopes and fears, Italy’s wish to push on with the war has as yet been adhered to by her trusted leaders.

Headquarters of the first army corps,
Piadena, July 8, 1866.

As I begin writing you, no doubt can be entertained that some movement is not only in contemplation at headquarters, but is actually provided to take place to-day, and that it will probably prove to be against the Austrian positions at Borgoforte, on the left bank of the Po.  Up to this time the tete-de-pout on the right side of the river had only been attacked by General the Duke of Mignano’s guns.  It would now, on the contrary, be a matter of cutting the communications between Borgoforte and Mantua, by occupying the lower part of the country around the latter fortress, advancing upon the Valli Veronesi, and getting round the quadrilateral into Venetia.  While, then, waiting for further news to tell us whether this plan has been carried into execution, and whether it will be pursued, mindless of the existence of Mantua and Borgoforte on its flanks, one great fact is already ascertained, that the armistice proposed by the Emperor Napoleon has not been accepted, and that the war is to be continued.  The Austrians may shut themselves up in their strongholds, or may even be so obliging as to leave the king the uncontested possession of them by retreating in the same line as their opponents advance; the pursuit, if not the struggle, the war, if not the battle, will be carried on by the Italians.  At Torre Malamberti, where the general headquarters are, no end of general officers were to be seen yesterday hurrying in all directions.  I met the king, Generals Brignone, Gavone, Valfre, and Menabrea within a few minutes of one another, and Prince Amadeus, who has entirely recovered from his wound, had been telegraphed for, and will arrive in Cremona to-day.  No precise information is to be obtained respecting the intentions of the Austrians, but it is to be hoped for the Italian army, and for the credit of its generals, that more will be known about them now than was known on the eve of the famous 24th of June, and on its very morning.  The heroism of the Italians on that memorable day surpasses any possible idea that can be formed, as it did also surpass all expectations of the country.  Let me relate you a few out of many heroic facts which only come to light when an occasion is had of speaking with those who have been eyewitnesses of them, as they are no object of magnified regimental—­orders or, as yet, of well-deserved honours.  Italian soldiers seem to think that the army only did its duty, and that, wherever Italians may fight, they will