Giuseppe Garibaldi | Autograph manuscript orders, to Zambianchi, May 1860

Giuseppe Garibaldi

Autograph manuscript orders signed, to Comandante Zambianchi

at the time of the departure of the Thousand, instructing him to create a diversion by invading the Papal States and inciting a revolt there and in the states of the King of Naples, 1 page, folio, Genoa, May 1860, some wear at edges, light browning, ink somewhat faded

Garibaldi and the Thousand set sail from Genoa for Sicily in May 1860. He left behind a detachment of 130 volunteers under the command of Zambianchi, a "bloodthirsty ruffian" as Trevelyan called him, who had ordered the execution of six priests during the days of the Roman republic. To this small force was assigned the task of creating a diversion in the Papal States by inciting a rebellion there and then moving to invade the kingdom of the Two Sicilies from the north. The details of the plan were known only to Garibaldi and Zambianchi.

Zambianchi's expedition did not meet with success. He duly entered the Papal States and put to flight a squadron of Papal gendarmes at Grotte di Castro. But then, despite opposition from his men, he ordered a retreat and crossed into Tuscany, where they were all arrested. On release most managed to join Garibaldi in Sicily, But Zambianchi, by threatening to reveal all the details of the plan, obtained 20,000 lire and a passport for America. His treachery however brought him no profit, as he died during the voyage.

PROVENANCE:

Sotheby's, London, 21 May 1987, lot 247