Both the Calderari and the Carbonari had in view the political unification of Italy, and its liberation from foreign dominion, but differed from each other so widely, in regard to the means and the results, that a decided hostility has been the consequence.
[4] He distributed 20,000 muskets among them; but, when the king was apprized of this hazardous undertaking, which had begun without his knowledge, a stop was put to any further proceedings by Canosa's dismissal and banishment.
Canosa was turned out of his office, which he had held but six months, on June 27, 1816; and, three monthns after his banishment, a royal decree was issued, renewing the prohibitions and penalties against all secret societies, not excepting the Calderari, and commanding their prosecution, although they had lately manifested their attachment to the king.
The 'coppersmiths' or Calderari, in particular, declared to the queen Maria Carolina their readiness to take up arms against the British, and disturbances ensued, in which Neapolitan émigrés took a conspicuous part.
Lord Bentinck had them sent to Naples, where they became active in the secret associations against Murat; and, on this occasion, one of the old societies, which had hitherto borne the name of Trinitarians, assumed that of Calderari.