Around 19 May 43 BCE: To Cicero (at Rome) from Lepidus (near Forum Voconium)
Lepidus and his army set up camp across from Antony
From Lepidus, twice imperator, Pontifex Maximus,1 to Marcus Tullius Cicero, greetings. If you are well, that is good—I and the army are well.
When I heard that Mark Antony had sent Lucius Antonius ahead with part of the cavalry and was coming into my province with his troops, I struck my camp at the confluence of the Rhone and the [...] and started to move against them with my army. And so through continuous marching I have reached Forum Voconium, and made camp east of the town on the River Argenteus, across from the Antonii.
Publius Ventidius has joined Antony with three legions, and has set up camp east of me. Antony previously had the Fifth Legion, and a great number of men from other legions, although unarmed. His cavalry is strong; for it left the battle without any losses, so that he has more than five thousand cavalrymen. A fair few of his soldiers and cavalrymen have deserted to me from him, and his force is shrinking every day.2
Silanus and Culleo have abandoned him. Even though they seriously hurt me by going over to Antony against my will, still, for the sake of kindness and friendship I have spared their lives—however I am not employing them or keeping them in my camp, nor have I put them in charge of anything important.
As far as this war is concerned, I shall not fail the Senate or the Republic. I shall let you know what I do next.
Latin text of Cic. ad Familiares 10.34 | Glossary | Historia Civilis video overview of 44-43 BCE
Lepidus had become Pontifex Maximus after Caesar’s death.
Footnote borrowed from Shackleton Bailey: ‘These ‘deserters’ were probably sent to tamper with Lepidus’ troops.’