Milan. Tuesday. Cattaneo, leader of the republicans, prepares a letter for King Charles Albert of the Kingdom of Piedmont: “From the war council, March 21, 1848 – The city belongs to the fighters who conquered it; we cannot recall them from the barricades to deliberate. We scour the countryside day and night for help. If Piedmont generously comes to us, it will have the gratitude of the generous of all opinions. The word gratitude is the only one that can silence the word republic and unite us in a single will. I cordially greet you – Carlo Cattaneo.” Martini does not feel like presenting the king with the letter from the republican leader, and includes a letter signed by prominent Milanese citizens, including Manzoni, who signs on a friend’s hat (the signature will turn out crooked).
