BANDITTI, from the Italian bandito; persons proscribed, or, as we call it, outlawed: sometimes denominated banditti or forti banditti. It is also a denomination given to highwaymen or robbers who infest the roads in troops, especially in Italy, France, and Sicily. Mr Brydone, in his Tour through Sicily, informs us, that in the eastern part, called Val Demoni, from the devils that are supposed to inhabit Mount Aetna, it has ever been found altogether impracticable to extirpate the banditti; there being numberless caverns and subterraneous passages round that mountain, where no troops could possibly pursue them: besides, they are known to be perfectly determined and resolute, never failing to take a dreadful revenge on all who have offended them. Hence the prince of Villa Franca has embraced it, not only as the safest, but likewise as the wisest and most political scheme, to become their declared patron and protector: and such of them as think proper to leave their mountains and forests, though perhaps only for a time, are sure to meet with good encouragement and a certain protection in his service, where they enjoy the most unbounded confidence, which, in no instance, they have ever yet been found to make an improper or a dishonest use of. They are clothed in the prince's livery, yellow and green, with silver lace; and wear likewise a badge of their honourable order, which entitles them to universal fear and respect from the people.
In some circumstances, these banditti are the most respectable people of the island, and have by much the highest and most romantic notions of what they call their point of honour. However criminal they may be with regard to society in general; yet, with respect to one another, and to every person to whom they have once professed it, they have ever maintained the most unshaken fidelity. The magistrates have often been obliged to protect them, and pay them court, as they are known to be perfectly determined and desperate, and so extremely vindictive, that they will certainly put any person to death that has ever given