CHAPTER III.

CAMPAIGN OF 1478.

Allies and Opponents of the Florentines—The Duke of Urbino

on Lorenzo de’ Medici and the Political Situation of

Milan and Venice—Florentine Preparations—The Papal and

Neapolitan Forces—The Valley of the Chiana—Commencement

of the Campaign at Montepulciano—Brief of Pope Sixtus

IV. to the Florentines—Lorenzo de’ Medici before the

Council—Opposition of the Clergy to the Curia—Official

Vindication of the Republic—Reply of Pope Sixtus IV. to

the Florentine Document—Death of Donato Acciaiuoli—Revolt

in Genoa in the Interest of the Brothers Sforza and King

Ferrante—War in the Valley of the Chiana—Bad Condition of the

Florentine Troops—Gian Jacopo Trivulzio—Siege and Capture

of Castellina in Chianti—Ercole of Este Captain-General of

the Florentines—Wretched Management of the War—Loss of Monte

San Savino—Unfavourable Position of the Florentines—Lukewarm

Assistance from the Allies—Plans for the Second Campaign 356