February 43 BCE: To Cassius (in Syria) from Cicero (at Rome)
Cicero updates Cassius on the situation in Italy
I assume that it is winter that is still preventing us from having any certain knowledge about what you are doing, and most importantly, where you are. Still, everyone is saying (presumably because they want it to be true) that you are in Syria, gathering an army. This idea is more readily believable because it seems like something that could resemble the truth.
Our dear Brutus has gained an outstanding reputation. For his actions have been so great and so unexpected that while they are appreciated in their own right, they are celebrated even more for their swiftness.1 But if you hold the areas we think you do, then the Republic can rely on very strong support. From the shores of Greece, all the way to Egypt, we shall be defended by the armies and authority of loyal citizens.
Although, if I’m not mistaken, the current situation is that the whole balance of the entire war rests on Decimus Brutus. If, as we hope he will, he breaks out of Mutina,2 I feel like the war will end there. Right now, he is being besieged by a tiny force, because Antony is holding Bononia with a very large detachment. Our friend Hirtius is at Claterna, and Caesar3 is at Forum Cornelium. Each of them has a strong army, and Pansa is raising a very large force through levies in Italy.
Winter is still preventing things from getting done. Hirtius seems like he will not act at all without careful consideration—as he indicates in frequent letters to me. Besides Bononia, Regium Lepidi, and Parma, all of Gaul remains devoted to the Republic. Even your clients across the River Po are wonderfully attached to the cause.4
The Senate is very strong—except for the consulars. Out of them, it is only Lucius Caesar who is strong and proper. We have lost a great protector now that Servius Sulpicius has died. For the rest of them, some are weak, and some are shameless. A number of them are envious of the praise given to those whose policy seems to be widely approved of.5 But there is a wonderful consensus across the people of Rome and the whole of Italy.
This is almost all of what I wanted to let you know. I pray now that the light of your virtue shines out from those lands where the sun arises.
Goodbye.
Latin text of Ad Familiares 12.5 | Glossary | Historia Civilis video overview of 44-43 BCE
Brutus had raised an army, taken control of Macedonia from Gaius Antonius, and taken control of the legions in Illyrium from Publius Vatinius.
Where Decimus Brutus was being besieged by Antony.
Octavian.
Footnote(s!) borrowed from Shackleton Bailey: ‘Why the Transpadanes are called clients of Cassius is unknown. They were indebted to Caesar the Dictator for Roman citizenship.’ ‘There is no other evidence of this connexion. Possibly it had something to do with M. Brutus’ governorship of Cisalpine Gaul. The loyalty of the Transpadani is often praised in the Philippics.’
Footnote borrowed from Shackleton Bailey: ‘‘Some are jealous of the credit of those whose statesmanship they see gaining approval’, i.e. of Cicero.’