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Ink docketing notation in the hand of George Washington, “From, Edw’d Livingston, Esq., 26th Nov’r 1785,” penned on the reverse of an ALS from Edward Livingston, one page, 7.25 x 9, November 26, 1785. Addressed from New York and sent to “His Excellency Gen’l Washington, Livingston’s handwritten letter reads: “I have the honor of introducing to your acquaintance the Count De Castiglioni, an Italian Nobleman who has been well recommended to many Gentlemen in this City and [and] appears to be a man whose Conversation will justify the liberty I take in bringing him acquainted with your Excellency. My Mother and Sisters beg to be remembered to your Excellency & Mrs. Washington.” In fine condition.
Count Luigi Castiglioni, an Italian nobleman, traveled through the thirteen states and a portion of Canada from May 1785 until 1787. He studied various aspects of American life, particularly political institutions and the young nation’s flora and fauna. It was one of the earliest trips of an Italian person of some fame to the United States. Castiglioni arrived at Mount Vernon on December 26 and left on December 29.
Luigi Castiglioni (1757-1832) was born in Milan, Italy, and displayed a strong interest in the natural sciences, especially botany. In 1784, he traveled through France and England. From late 1785 to 1787, Castiglioni visited the United States, where he developed an admiration for George Washington. In 1790, he published a two-volume work entitled Viaggio negli Stati Uniti dell’America Settentrionale fatto negli anni 1785, 1786 e 1787 con alcune osservazioni sui vegetabili più utili di quel paese (Travels to the United States of North America in the Years 1785, 1786 and 1787, Some Observations on the Most Useful Plants of that Country). At various times in his life, he was Director of the Royal Mint, President of the Academy of Fine Arts of Milan, Senator of the Kingdom of Italy, Chamberlain of the Emperor of Austria, Chevalier of S. Stafeno, P.M., and a Knight of the Iron Crown.
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