However, at the time I write of things were rushing to a crisis.
The Pope, who a short time previously had been considered the great supporter of liberty, was now looked upon as its enemy.

Garibaldi was, in a mad sort of way, fighting in its cause--at least, he professed to do so.

He had marched with a band of howling volunteers to the gates of Rome, and established himself there as its conqueror, virtually making the Pope a prisoner in the Vatican.

In the meantime France interfered in the Pope's cause, and sent General Oudinot with a small army to dislodge Garibaldi.

England's doubtful diplomatic relations made it necessary to choose every sort of means of communicating with the Pope, and I had the honour on more than one occasion of being the messenger chosen to communicate, not only with His Holiness, but between Garibaldi and the French commander.