723. Letters To Atticus Vol II by Cicero, Loeb.
90. Rome, July 27, 54. Politics in Rome- the big three care less about corruption but butchering a paterfamilias was not approved. Cicero asked to handle case about water problems at Reate. He seems to know about such things. Playful joke about an actor's performance. Bribery is so rampant that interest rates have risen. Except in the case of Tribunes. All candidates made a pledge to Cato to forfeit a deposit if candidacy is improperly conducted. Cicero is busy in court.
91. Rome, October 1, 54. Consul scandal- sitting consuls formed pact with two candidates to arrange deals if elected. Cicero wrote this letter before daybreak.
92. Rome, October 24- November 2, 54. The trials of Gabinius who is under one indictment after the next. The Republic is a mess but Cicero is enjoying his case work.
93. Rome, end of November, 54. Hints of dictatorship in the air, bribery is common.
94. Minturnae, May 5/6, 51. Cicero is on his way t his province. Cicero hopes that Atticus can make sure the loan from Caesar can soon be repaid. Problems with Pomponia.
95. Pompeii, May 10, 51. On his way from Pompeii to Trebula area. Cicero hopes to prevent any extension to his term. Cicero writes this before daybreak. Soon will make his way to Beneventum.
96. Near Trebula, May 11, 51. Stayed at Pontius' place. Needs to know the political rumors from Atticus.
97. Beneventum, May 12, 51. Working with Atticus to tidy up things in Rome.
98. Venusia, May 15, 51. Written early in the morning. Cicero will report later on about his talk with Pompey.
99. Tarentum, May 19, 51. Reminds Atticus about repaying loan to Caesar.
100. Tarentum, May 22, 51. Cicero spends three days with Pompey who convinces Cicero that he will back the Republic.
101. Brundisium, June2, 51. Cicero has not felt well. He is waiting for Pomptinus. Cicero has been trying to protect Milo's property.
102. Actium, June 14, 51. Plans to operate a very honest government. He asks to make sure that his term is not extended.
103. Athens, June 27, 51. As government, while traveling, is not taking advantage of his powers. Greeks are impressed. Putting with rudeness but gives no details in the letter. Enjoying Athens. He stays with Aristus, head of the Academy.
104. Athens, July 6, 51. He displays restraint at every turn. Cicero helps to preserve the house of Epicurus.
105. Delos, Mid July, 51. Took six days to get from Athens to Delos. Difficult sailing. He expresses concern for aqueduct at Tusculum. He wrote this on the Aegean Sea.
106. Ephesus, July 26, 51. Welcomed by huge crowds at Samos and Ephesus.
107. Tralles, July 27, 51. On the road, dusty and hot. No one is the poorer for Cicero's stay.
108. Laodicea, August 3, 51. Talks about how he misses the forum, Rome, home, friends. Mentions obvious mismanagement by Appius. He needs to be kept informed of matters in Rome.
109. Between Synnada and Philomelum, August 14, 51. Wrote this letter on the side of the road. Spent time in Laodicea, Apamea and Synnada. Beginning to hear of the desperate condition of the province. As people hear of Cicero's decency and good sense, they flock to his presence.
110. On the road, August 15, 51. Dictates this letter en route. Cicero's methods have been praised. His staff is excellent. The children have been left with Deiotarus for safety.
111. Camp near Cybista, September 20, 51. Partthians on the move. Heading toward Cyrrhestica, which is very near to Cicero's province. Army is small but very loyal. Cicero is very popular among the locals. Boys are with Deiotarus.
112. Camp at Cybistra, September 21, 51. A letter from Atticus took 46 days to go from Rome to Cicero. Attica was born and Atticus adores her. Details of troop movements in Cilicia and capture of Pindenissum.
113. Camp at Pindenssum, December 19, 51. Pindenssinum surrendered. Cicero makes jokes. Saluted as General. Cicero promises to keep staff clean. Keeping Quintus on tight rein.
114. Laodicea, February 13, 50. Concerns about the Parthians. Cicero and staff are very conservative concerning expenditures. He asks for nothing from the towns. Brutus in business with creditors in Cyprus. He used his association to get Cicero to have Cyprus pay what was owed. Cicero refused to grant power to one of Brutus' associates to force money out of them. Cicero ordered the troops out. Brutus was clearly in the grasp of greed and Cicero was not impressed.
115. Laodicea, February 20, 50. Appius, previous governor, is bugged with Cicero's methods. Because they make him look bad.Appius' agents claim Cicero is being honest in order to make Appius look bad. Brutus told Cicero that the Salaminians on Cyprus owed his friends money. Actually these were agents for Brutus. Brutus is not pleasant toward Cicero in his lettters. He sounds like a pushy rich kid, entitled. Cicero has good things to sday of other governors. Cicero uses his charm to get the tax farmewrs to lower the taxes. Gossip- in P. Vedius' lugggage 5 portraits of women.
116. Laodicea, End of April, 50. Domestic problems between Quintus and Pomponia. Cicero writes of the quality of his administration. He rises before dawn. People are impressed at his accessibility. Still more about Brutus and Salaminians. Atticus asked Cicero to send 50 soldiers to do Brutus' bidding. Cicero was shocked. Wrote this letter before dawn. Crowds gather to see Cicero.
117. On way to Tarsus, May/June 50. Cicero worries about whom to leave in charge. No successor has been appointed. More of Brutus' associates: rude, impolite, pushy. Brutus' letters have been pushy, rude, arrogant and unappreciative.
118. On the way, June, 50. Concerns about Terentia's business activities.
119. On Pyramus, June 25/26, 50. More on Terentia, problems with Parthians.
120. Tarsus, July, 50. Tiro left sick at Issus. General comments on province, brother and Terentia.
121. Side, August 3, 50. Tullia is engaged to Dolabella. Hortenius is dying. Cicero leaves Coelius in charge of province. Mentions possible Triumph.
122. Ephesus, October 1, 50. Looming political problems in Rome. Thoughts on potential Triumph.
123. Athens, October 15, 50. Atticus is not well. Cicero could tell by handwriting. Rumors about Caesar's troop movements.
124. Athens, October 16, 50. The looming political battle between Pompey and Caesar. Cicero explains why he became close friends with Caesar via Pompey. Cicero sees no room for fence sitting. Staff expects Cicero to distribute expenses allowed to them. Instead he returns the money to the Treasury. He now begins to think of political advantages of seeking a Triumph.
125. Brundisium, November 25, 50. His line of poetry:
flavit ab Epiro lenissimus Onchesmites
This even amidst political crisis. Atticus has been ill. Tiro left sick at Patrae. Atticus is enjoying his daughter. Discussion of love of children is part of nature. Without this there can be no ties between one human and another. Atticus met with Pompey who made very favorable remarks about Cicero. Hortensius died. Cato was married. His wife divorced and married Hortensius. Hortensius dies. She marries Cato again. Cicero irritated about Cato's attitude toward Cicero's success as governor.
126. Near Trebula, December 9, 50. Cicero glad he has returned to see what good he can do in this crisis. Cicero balances his part of independent statesman and his bid for Triumph. Review of Caesar's treatment of Cicero and other close associates. Section is stuffed with info much of which is obscure. Cicero says that two men battle for their own power to the detriment of the state. When Caesar was Consul he cared nothing for the Republic. Cicero was not helped leading up to his exile. Caesar's command was extended. His candidacy for Consulship was granted in absentia. Caesar is a man very bold, very ready to do anything surrounded by those condemned in courts, afflicted with disgrace, youth and rabble, he has no cause but is loaded with everything else. Caelius has changed sides. Cicero disappointed. Cicero- his staff has been good. But some problems with Quintus. He hoped for profit. Cicero talked him out of it. Discusses the correct grammatical use of Piraeus. He finds Tullia's new husband charming.
127. Cumae, December 13, 50. Praise for Dionysius. Met with Pompey for two hours. Pompey sees war coming. But Cicero can not believe that Caesar would jeopardize his 2nd Consulship.
128. Formiae, Mid December, 50. Always glad to hear from Atticus. Does not plan to go to Tusculum as it is out of way for people visiting.
December 29- to Terracina, then to someplace in the Pomptine Marshes. then Pompey's place at Alba, then Rome January 3 for his birthday. Cicero reports that everyone he talks to wants peace. Cicero- it is too late to oppose someone we have nourished against us for ten years.
129. Formiae, December 18, 50. Worries about political situation. Everyone wants to grant Caesar's request rather than war. In his heart he feels that any concession is worth it if war is avoided but in the Senate he will support Pompey to whom Cicero owes his recall.
130. Formiae, December 19, 50. January 2 Cicero does not want to visit Pompey because it would add difficulties to Pompey's household as it would be the Compitalia. Looks as though Triumph plans are shaping up. Talk of sending Cicero to Sicily as military commander. But Cicero observes that he has no orders from the Senate. Cicero sees a weak Senate which has left the state rudderless. Where are the Boni? He asks. Cicero never liked granting Caesar the right of in absentia while holding command. But this is better than war. Too late to oppose him. Time to stop writing as lamp is going down.
131. Formiae, December 25/26, 50. Dionysius talks about Cicero behind his back. At Lavernium Cicero met Pompey. Back to Formiae. Long talk. Pompey says he does not want peace for to cave to Caesar's request wold destroy the constitution. Both read a speech by Marcus Antonius attacking Pompey. Pompey remarked how will Caesar behanve when this nobody talks like this?
132. Formiae, December 27, 50. One of Cicero's letters was lost when Quinctus was robbed at Basilus' Tomb on the Via Appia near Rome. Cicero luists possibilities:
1. Caesar runs for office and keeps his army by will of Senate or Tribunes.
2. Caesar may be persuaded to hand over province and become Consul.
3. If not, election without his candidacy without his oppoosition and retain province.
4. If he opposes there will be an interregnum.
5. If he marches we must fight.
But Pompey opposes Caesar to hold army and run for office.
133. Outside Rome, January 18, 49. Upon the rumor of Caesar advancing to Rome, many leave. The process reveals that Pompey is not prepared.
134. Formiae, January 21, 49. Caesar has crossed the Rubicon. Cicero is shocked. Caesar says he does this top protect his honor (dignitas) Where is dignitas without moral goodness (honestas)? Cicero is shocked that Pompey abandoned Rome. Cicero is charged with recruitment in Campania.
135. Formiae, January 22, 49. No one knows what Pompey is up to. Cicero saw Consul Lentulus, no plan. Pompey is going south to get troops. Labienus left Caesar but enters an empty Rome.
136. Mintunae, January 23, 49. Labienus is a hero. Piso rejects Caesar.
"Bellum' civile … non ex civis dissensione sed ex unius perditi civis audacia… tenet multos spe et promissis, omnia omnium concupivit.
Complains of Pompey's poor performance. Rumor is that Pompey is in a panic: e portu sine gubernaculis egressi tempestate nos traderemus.
Worries about what to do with families for their sake and political reasons. Mentions Peducaeus.
137. Minturnae, January 24, 49. On the 23 rd saw L. Caesar at Minturnae (Caesar's go between with Pompey). Pompey left Teanum on way to Larinum, staying at Venafrum. Cicero wonders about Domitius. Thermus in Iguvium and P. Attius at Cingulum. This letter was dictated as Cicero suffered from eye inflammation.
138. Cales, January 25, 49. Heading for Capua. L. Caesar brought terms to Pompey. Approved by Pompey, but Pompey asked Caesar's troops to withdraw. Cicero has hopes. Cicero to meet Pompey at Capua. Worries about family. Wonders what Sextus is going to do.
139. Capua, January 26, 49. Cicero met the Consuls, many Senators. All hope that Caesar will withdraw troops, even Cato. Most do not trust Caesar but Cicero hopes he will do so.
140. Cales, January 28, 49. Pompey hopes to return to Rome. Convinced by Labienus of Caesar's weakness. Consuls plan to meet again February 5.
141. Formiae, February 2, 49. L. Caesar on way to Caesar with Pompey's reply. Cicero bugged that Pompey let Sestius write the document as Pompey is a fine letter writer. Trebatius from Caesar wrote Cicero asking him to stay near Rome. Cicero replies to Trebatius that he was at his properties and had not undertaken troop recruitment.
142. Formiae, February 3, 49. Cicero's wife and daughter arrive at Formiae. Cicero knows that during this peace negotiation, Caesar has been preparing for war. Dionysius has betrayed Cicero.
143. Formiae, February, 49. Cicero's hopes that Caesar accept terms are dashed.
144. Capua, February 5, 49. Arriv ed at Capua in pouring rain. Consuls have not a clue what to do. Hint that Pompey intends to leave Italy. Cicero shocked. Cicero has no idea what kind of despot Caesar will be.
145. Cales, February 8, 49. Cicero sums up Pompey: non animus, non consilium, non copiae. Complete chaos. Cicero puzzled what to do.
146. Formiae, February 9, 49. Cicero expects Pompey to leave.
147. Formiae, February 10, 49. Cicero informed that Domitius has strong army aided by Lentulus and Thermus. But Cicero sees no hope.
148. Formiae, February 11, 49. Constant rumors of troop movement.
149. Formiae, February 11/12, 49. More rumors of the strength of Pompey's army. Cicero does not believe.
150. Formiae, February 13, 49. Cicero's spirit improved. Good news of Domitius. But his mistrust of Pompey makes him hesitate to oppose Caesar as Cicero knows that he would be thrown under the bus if they patched things up.
151. Formiae, February 15/16, 49. Cicero writes of a letter he received from Pompey asking Cicero to come to Luceria to be safe. Cicero replies- he was not looking for the safest place. Cicero urges Pompey to hold the sea coast for supplies. He knows it was a waste of time. But he puts his opposition to the abandonment of Italy on the record. Cicero depressed with this lack of plan except to run. Cicero will follow Pompey but only because he owes him.
152. Formiae, February 17, 49. Cicero sent Caesar a letter. Pompey hopes Cicero will mediate. Atticus suggests that Cicero should not have written to Caesar. Cicero replies I have to worry about what people will make up. Cicero sees no signs of courage. Written by lamplight.
153. Cales, February 18/19, 49. If Pompey leaves Italy what should Cicero do? Cicero's case:
Pompey helped restore Cicero.
Personal friendship
If he stays he comes under Caesar's control.
Cicero does not trust Caesar
Pompey has lacked wisdom in preparation
Pompey has not consulted Cicero
Pompey built up Caesar
He backed a dubious law.
added Transalpine Gaul to Caesar's command
married Julia
served as Augur for Clodius' adoption
no help in banishment
but had concern for recall
prolonged Caesar's command
kept guard for Caesar ion Rome.
pressed Tribunes to pass candidacy in absentia
opposed Marcellus when he proposedMarch 1 as end for Caesar's command
withdrew from Rome
flight
154. Formiae, February 20, 49. Cicero hopes Pompey will support Domitius but Pompey's letter seems to suggest otherwise.
155. Formiae, February 21, 49. If Pompey does not help Domitius, he has completely failed. Cicero does not think that he will help Domitius.
Famous line:
ego vero quem fugiam habeo, quem sequar non habeo.
156. Formiae, February 22, 49. Dionysius is bad news. He dumped Cicero when his fortune turned. Cicero has a ship ready.
157. Formiae, February 22, 49. Cicero does not trust Dionysius.
158. Formiae, February 23, 49. Corfinium has fallen after learning that Pompey would not come.
159. Formiae, February 24, 49. Cicero not impressed with Dionysius' visit.
160. Formiae, February 25, 49. The 24th Balbus visits Cicero with message for Lentulus with promose of province if he returns to Rome. Cicero thinks that Lentulus will not accept. Balbus said that Caesar would love to meet Pompey. Cicero says oh yes but not to be reconcilled. Balbus also tells Cicero that Caesar would be happy to liver under Pompey's domination. Cicero- sure, right.
161. Formiae, February 27, 49. Cicero believes that great leaders looks to the interest of the people. Something Pompey has never done. Both have aimed at domination. Cicero sees only severe damage to the Republic. Cicero asks Atticus for Demetrius' of Magnesia On Harmony. Cicero has a plan.
161A. Luceria, February 10, 49. Pompey to Cicero
161 B. Formiae, February 15/16, 49. Cicero to Pompey- defend Italy.
161C. Canusium, February 20, 49. Pompey to Cicero. Tells him to come to Brundisium.
161 D. Formaie, February 27, 49. Cicero to Pompey. Cicero expresses disapproval of Pompey leaving Italy and lack of support for Domitius. Cicero can see not safe way to reach Brundisium. We are captives just like those at Corfinium. He regrets not knowing Pompey's plan. Cicero surprised that cause could not be maintained in Italy. Cicero prefers peace to the mess the state now finds itself.
162. Formiae, February 28, 49. This letter was dictated and given to Fabius Gallus. Cicero treads carefully as he did not want to come between Pompey and Caesar mutual offers of peace since each had an army. Cicero second guesses what he should have done. Still needs the books On Harmony.
162 A. Luceria, February 18, 49. Pompey to Cicero. Domitius should have come to Brundisium.
162 B. Luceria, February 11, 49. Pompey to Domitius. Adandon Corfinium and come to Brundisium.
162 C. Luceria, February 16, 49. Pompey to Domitius. Clear that Pompey will not help Domitius.
162 D. Luceria, February 17, 49. Pompey to Domitius. It is a mistake to remain at Corfinium.
163. Formiae, March 1, 49. Letter dictated. Hopefully Caesar will find Pompey at Brundisium and war will not expand. Populace is beginning to fasvor Caesar because offers no threat.
164. Formiae, March 2, 49. All will be decided at Brundisium what will be the nature of the war.
165. Formiae, March 3, 49. Cicero worries about how angry each contestant is and what this portends for whoever in the winner. Cicero's problem: to stay is the wiser course, to leave Italy is the more honorable. Both choices fraught with advantage and problems.
165 A. Rome, March 1, 49. Balbus to Cicero. Asks Cicero to negotiate between Pompey and Caesar for intrigue has put them at odds. He tells Cicero that nothing would please Caesar more.
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