three o’clock in the morning
There , and only there , lies the whole mystery of the affair . The total want of unity of action on the part of the Italians assured to the Austrians , not the victory , but the chance of rendering impossible Lamarmora 's attempt to break through the quadrilateral . This no one can deny ; but , on the other hand , if the Italian army failed in attaining its object , the failure-owing to the bravery displayed both by the soldiers and by the generals-was far from being a disastrous or irreparable one . The Italians fought from three o'clock in the morning until nine in the evening like lions , showing to their enemies and to Europe that they know how to defend their country , and that they are worthy of the noble enterprise they have undertaken . But let me now register one of the striking episodes of that memorable day . It was five o'clock p.m. when General Bixio , whose division held an elevated position not far from Villafranca , was attacked by three strong Austrian brigades , which had debouched at the same time from three different roads , supported with numerous artillery . An officer of the Austrian staff , waving a white handkerchief , was seen galloping towards the front of Bixio 's position , and , once in the presence of this general , bade him surrender .