And now, when all things were sufficiently prepared for crossing, the enemy
over against them occupying the whole bank, horse and foot, deterred them. In
order to dislodge them, Hannibal orders Hanno, the son of Bomilcar, at the first
watch of the night, to proceed with a part of the forces, principally Spanish,
one day's journey up the river; and having crossed it where he might first be
able, as secretly as possible, to lead round his forces, that when the occasion
required he might attack the enemy in the rear. The Gauls, given him as guides
for the purpose, inform him that about twenty-five miles from thence, the river
spreading round a small island, broader where it was divided, and therefore
with a shallower channel, presented a passage. At this place timber was quickly
cut down and rafts formed, on which men, horses, and other burthens might be
conveyed over. The Spaniards, without making any difficulty, having put their
clothes in bags of leather, and themselves leaning on their bucklers placed
beneath them, swam across the river. And the rest of the army, after passing
on the rafts joined together, and pitching their camp near the river, being
fatigued by the journey of the night and the labour of the work, are refreshed
by the rest of one day, their leader being anxious to execute his design at
a proper season. Setting out next day from this place, they signify by raising
a smoke that they had crossed, and were not far distant; which when Hannibal
understood, that he might not be wanting on the opportunity, he gives the signal
for passing. The infantry already had the boats prepared and fitted; a line
of ships higher up transporting the horsemen for the most part near their horses
swimming beside them, in order to break the force of the current, rendered the
water smooth to the boats crossing below. A great part of the horses were led
across swimming, held by bridles from the stern, except those which they put
on board saddled and bridled, in order that they might be ready to be used by
the rider the moment he disembarked on the strand.
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