Giuseppe Garibaldi embarked on the legendary Expedition of the Thousand from Quarto, accompanied by a wave of young idealists from every corner of Italy. Among his loyal officers was a new and notable figure—Colonel Vincenzo Giordano Orsini of Palermo. Among the many volunteers who joined Garibaldi's cause were two Sicilians: Domenico Tricò, a farmer who had migrated north, and Rosario Spitale, an illusionist. Upon landing in Sicily at Marsala, the Thousand immediately engaged the Bourbon army, whose numerical superiority was glaringly apparent. With the enemy's strength seeming overwhelming, it appeared nearly impossible for Garibaldi to break through their defenses and reach Palermo. However, just when retreat seemed inevitable, Garibaldi conceived a brilliant and daring plan.