The campaign that followed did little credit either to theAustrians or the Neapolitans. The latter, commanded byGeneral Pepe (q.v.), who made no attempt to defend the difficultdefiles of the Abruzzi, were defeated, after a half-hearted struggleat Rieti (March 7th, 1821), and the Austrians entered Naples.The parliament was now dismissed, and Ferdinand inauguratedan era of savage persecution, supported by spies and informers,against the Liberals and Carbonari, the Austrian commandantin vain protesting against the savagery which his presence alonerendered possible.