<P> Mazzini was discontent with the perpetuation of monarchical government and continued to agitate for a republic . With the motto "Free from the Alps to the Adriatic", the unification movement set its gaze on Rome and Venice . There were obstacles, however . A challenge against the Pope's temporal dominion was viewed with great distrust by Catholics around the world, and there were French troops stationed in Rome . Victor Emmanuel was wary of the international repercussions of attacking the Papal States, and discouraged his subjects from participating in revolutionary ventures with such intentions . </P> <P> Nonetheless, Garibaldi believed that the government would support him if he attacked Rome . Frustrated at inaction by the king, and bristling over perceived snubs, he came out of retirement to organize a new venture . In June 1862, he sailed from Genoa and landed again at Palermo, where he gathered volunteers for the campaign, under the slogan o Roma o Morte ("either Rome or Death"). The garrison of Messina, loyal to the king's instructions, barred their passage to the mainland . Garibaldi's force, now numbering two thousand, turned south and set sail from Catania . Garibaldi declared that he would enter Rome as a victor or perish beneath its walls . He landed at Melito on 14 August and marched at once into the Calabrian mountains . </P> <P> Far from supporting this endeavour, the Italian government was quite disapproving . General Cialdini dispatched a division of the regular army, under Colonel Pallavicino, against the volunteer bands . On 28 August the two forces met in the Aspromonte . One of the regulars fired a chance shot, and several volleys followed, but Garibaldi forbade his men to return fire on fellow subjects of the Kingdom of Italy . The volunteers suffered several casualties, and Garibaldi himself was wounded; many were taken prisoner . Garibaldi was taken by steamer to Varignano, where he was honorably imprisoned for a time, but finally released . </P> <P> Meanwhile, Victor Emmanuel sought a safer means to the acquisition of the remaining Papal territory . He negotiated with the Emperor Napoleon for the removal of the French troops from Rome through a treaty . They agreed to the September Convention in September 1864, by which Napoleon agreed to withdraw the troops within two years . The Pope was to expand his own army during that time so as to be self - sufficient . In December 1866, the last of the French troops departed from Rome, in spite of the efforts of the pope to retain them . By their withdrawal, Italy (excluding Venetia and Savoy) was freed from the presence of foreign soldiers . </P>

Who served as the first leader of italy following unification