Titus Livius (Livy), The History of Rome, Book 26
Frank Gardner Moore, Professor Emeritus in Columbia University, Ed.

9. Hannibal on the day that he crossed the [p. 33]Volturnus pitched camp not far from the river; on the¹ next day he made his way past Cales into the region of the Sidicini. [2] there he lingered one day devastating the country, and then led along the Latin Way through the territory of Suessa, Allifae and Casinum. before Casinum he remained encamped two days, and ravaged the country in all directions. [3] then passing Interamna and Aquinum he came into the region of Fregellae as far as the river Liris,² where he found the bridge broken down by the men of Fregellae, to delay his march. [4] Fulvius too had been detained by the river Volturnus, as the boats had been burned by Hannibal, and he had difficulty in getting together rafts for the transporting of his army, owing to the great scarcity of timber. [5] after the army had been carried across on rafts, the rest of Fulvius' march was unhampered, as supplies had been generously set out for them not only in the cities, but also by the roadside. and the eager soldiers kept encouraging one another to quicken their pace, remembering that they were marching to defend their native city. [6] to Rome a messenger from Fregellae, riding on for a day and a night, brought great alarm. [7] still greater confusion than at its first reception was occasioned by news of the danger spread by men who ran about, adding unfounded reports to what they had heard, and it stirred the entire city. the wailings of women were heard not only from private houses, but from every direction matrons pouring into the streets [8??] ran about among the shrines of the gods, sweeping the altars with their dishevelled hair, kneeling, holding up their palms to heaven and the gods, and praying them to rescue the city of Rome from the hands of the enemy and to [p. 35]keep Roman mothers and little children unharmed.³ [9] the senate awaited the magistrates in the Forum, in case they wished its advice about anything. some received commands and departed each to the duty assigned him; others volunteered, in case of any need of their services. garrisons were posted on the Citadel, on the Capitol, on the walls, around the city, even on the Alban Mount and on the citadel of Aefula.⁴ in the midst of this turmoil word came that Quintus Fulvius, the proconsul, had set out from Capua with an army. [10] and that his military power might not be annulled if he came into the city, the senate decreed that Quintus Fulvius should have equal authority with the consuls. [11] Hannibal, after laying waste the territory of Fregellae more ruthlessly on account of the breaking down of the bridges, came through the districts of Frusino and Ferentinum and Anagnia into that of Labici.⁵ [12] then over Mount Algidus he went to Tusculum, and not being admitted to the city, he descended toward the right below Tusculum to Gabii. thence he led his army down into the Pupinian district⁶ and pitched camp eight miles distant from Rome. [13] the nearer the enemy approached the greater was the slaughter of fugitives, as the Numidians were in the lead, and the greater was the number of the captured of every class and age.