Carta de hum cidadam de Genova a hum seu correspondente em Londres

A Genoese citizen writes to a trusted friend in London, offering a candid snapshot of his city caught in the throes of a sudden war. He recounts the shock of the Austrian commander’s demands—massive levies of money, iron and fire—that have plunged the populace into fear and anger. The letter paints the streets with anxiety, as ordinary merchants and families watch their savings evaporate under the weight of impossible contributions.

The writer explains how the Republic has been forced to tap the sacred vault of St. George, a repository once reserved for the nation’s most prized treasures, in order to meet the relentless extortion. He also details the desperate diplomatic pleas sent to Vienna, hoping the Empress’s mercy might ease the burden, only to learn that promises of relief have been rescinded. Through vivid detail and personal reflection, the correspondence captures the palpable tension of a city struggling to preserve its liberty and livelihood amid relentless external pressure.