The Ticino River rose in Switzerland. Its swift current would later become an important source of hydroelectric power in Italy, as well as a paradise for white-water rafting enthusiasts and anglers.
But at this time, it was an ill-omened place. Over the centuries, France and Austria had fought countless battles here.
It had left little impression on the Italians, however. After all, the last time anyone had fought here, it had been the Romans, Cornelius and Hannibal.
The only bridge across the river was hundreds of years old, so Eusebio, the old general of the Kingdom of Sardinia, had hastily built two pontoon bridges as well.
Although he was very optimistic about the war's prospects, he was being pressed hard from both sides. Ahead lay the Milanese rebels, while Austria had made no major moves—but the pressure alone was more than they could bear.
In fact, according to the messages carried by the rebels' homing pigeons, they had already driven the Austrian army into a corner of the city. Only City Hall and the city walls remained in Austrian hands.
But in General Eusebio's experience, the Lombards had most likely been surrounded. Their claim that just a little support would be enough to drive the Austrians out of Milan probably meant they were already out of ammunition and supplies.
He felt a little sorry for the Lombards, but Eusebio reckoned Radetzky's main force must be planning a major sweep. Radetzky would surely want to end the fighting before Eusebio arrived.
As the saying went, "Before resisting outsiders, first pacify those within." A general who had spent his life fighting wars knew the score. So Eusebio could safely cross the river and then go reap the wheat in Milan.
The pressure from behind did not come from King Carlo Alberto, but