Histories 2.103

1And at first the legate Valerius Festus loyally supported the zeal of the provincials; 1soon he was wavering, openly favouring Vitellius by letters and edicts, Vespasian by secret messages, ready to defend the one side or the other, according to which prevailed. 1Some soldiers and centurions, caught in Raetia and the Gallic provinces with letters and edicts of Vespasian, were sent to Vitellius and put to death: more escaped notice, hidden by the loyalty of friends or by their own cunning. 1Thus Vitellius' preparations were known, while most of Vespasian's plans were unknown, first through Vitellius' indolence, and then because the Pannonian Alps, occupied by garrisons, held back messengers. 1The sea too, with the Etesian winds blowing, was favourable for those sailing to the East, but adverse for the voyage back.