midday
Gradually the country becomes more broken until Mentana itself appears in view , a formidable barrier rising upon the direct line to Monte Rotondo . On all sides are irregular hillocks , groups of trees growing upon little elevations , solid stone walls surrounding scattered farmhouses and cattle-yards , every one of which could be made a strong defensive post . Mentana , too , possesses an ancient castle of some strength , and has walls of its own like most of the old towns in the Campagna , insignificant perhaps , if compared with modern fortifications , but well able to resist for many hours the fire of light field-guns . It was past midday when Gouache 's column first came in view of the enemy , and made out the bright red shirts of the Garibaldians , which peeped out from among the trees and from behind the walls , and were visible in some places massed in considerable numbers . The intention of the commanding officers , which was carried out with amazing ease , was to throw the Zouaves and native troops in the face of the enemy , while the French chasseurs , on foot and mounted , made a flanking movement and cut off Garibaldi 's communication with Monte Rotondo , attacking Mentana at the same time from the opposite side . Gouache experienced an odd sensation when the first orders were given to fire . His experience had hitherto been limited to a few skirmishes with the outlaws of the Samnite hills , and the idea of standing up and deliberately taking aim at men who stood still to be shot at , so far as he could see , was not altogether pleasant .