12 Facts About Guglielmo Pepe

Guglielmo Pepe was an Italian general and patriot.

Guglielmo Pepe was brother to Florestano Pepe and cousin to Gabriele Pepe.

Guglielmo Pepe was married to Mary Ann Coventry, a Scottish woman who was the widow of John Borthwick Gilchrist, linguist and surgeon to the East India Company.

Guglielmo Pepe entered the army at an early age, but in 1799 he took part in the Neapolitan Republic, inspired by the French Revolution.

Guglielmo Pepe entered Napoleon's army and served with distinction in several campaigns, including those in the Neapolitan kingdom: first under Joseph Bonaparte, and later under Joachim Murat.

Guglielmo Pepe had hoped that the king would grant a constitution; but when that hope failed he contemplated seizing Ferdinand, the emperor of Austria, and Metternich, who were expected at Avellino, in order to compel them to install a liberal constitution in Italy.

Guglielmo Pepe himself was sent against them; but while he was deciding on which course to follow, Ferdinand promised a constitution.

Guglielmo Pepe attacked them at Rieti, but his raw levies were repulsed.

Guglielmo Pepe then spent several years in England, France and other countries, publishing a number of books and pamphlets of a political character and keeping up his connection with the Carbonari.

Guglielmo Pepe was given command of the Neapolitan army, which was to cooperate with Piedmont against the Austrians.

Guglielmo Pepe, after hesitating between his desire to fight for Italy and his oath to the king, resigned his commission in the Neapolitan service and crossed the Po with 2,000 volunteers to take part in the campaign.

Guglielmo Pepe again went into exile and died in Turin in 1855.