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