"Rose, and found Count P.G. in my apartments. Sent away the servant. Told me that, according to the best information, the Government had not issued orders for the arrests apprehended; that the attack in Forli had not taken place (as expected) by the Sanfedisti--the opponents of the Carbonari or Liberals--and that, as yet, they are still in apprehension only. Asked me for some arms of a better sort, which I gave him. Settled that, in case of a row, the Liberals were to assemble _here_ (with me), and that he had given the word to Vincenzo G. and others of the _Chiefs_ for that purpose. He himself and father are going to the chase in the forest; but V.G. is to come to me, and an express to be sent off to him, P.G., if any thing occurs. Concerted operations. They are to seize--but no matter.
"I advised them to attack in detail, and in different parties, in different _places_ (though at the _same_ time), so as to divide the attention of the troops, who, though few, yet being disciplined, would beat any body of people (not trained) in a regular fight--unless dispersed in small parties, and distracted with different assaults. Offered to let them assemble here, if they choose. It is a strongish post--narrow street, commanded from within--and tenable walls.
"Dined. Tried on a new coat. Letter to Murray, with corrections of Bacon's Apophthegms and an epigram--the _latter not_ for publication. At eight went to Teresa, Countess G. At nine and a half came in Il Conte P. and Count P.G. Talked of a certain proclamation lately issued. Count R.G. had been with * * (the * *), to sound him about the arrests. He, * *, is a _trimmer_, and deals, at present, his cards with both hands. If he don't mind, they'll be full. * * pretends (_I_ doubt him--_they_ don't,--we shall see) that there is no such order, and seems staggered by the immense exertions of the Neapolitans, and the fierce spirit of the Liberals here. The truth is, that * * cares for little but his place (which is a good one), and wishes to play pretty with both parties. He has changed his mind thirty times these last three moons, to my knowledge, for he corresponds with me. But he is not a bloody fellow--only an avaricious one.