Description
LUIGI ("LOUIS") PALMA DI CESNOLA (1832-1904) AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED, "Truly Yours, L. P Di Cesnola, New York, April 23, 1894", on a card 4.5 x 2.75,, by the veteran of European wars including the Crimean War, came to the US to teach languages, in 1862 during the American Civil War he joined the Union Army (under the name Louis P. di Cesnola) as a cavalry officer and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his conduct during the Battle of Aldie (June 1863), in which he was severely wounded and taken prisoner. Released from Libby Prison in 1864, he rejoined the Army of the Potomac in time to take part in the Battles of The Wilderness and Petersburg. Appointed US Consul in Larnaca, Cyprus from 1865 to 1877 during which he carried out controversial excavations of archaeological sites which resulted in the discovery of a large number of antiquities which he later sold to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and became the first director of the Museum in 1879. He wrote several books about his discoveries. In fine condition, with minor age toning.
$225 #12700
