Born Francesco Xaverio Castiglione, pope from 1829–1830, a mere twenty months of reign. ALS in Italian, signed “F. S. Card Castiglioni,” one page, 7.25 x 9.5, August 16, 1821. Letter to Father Michele. The Cardinal says he had to postpone his duties to answer in his own hand. In this significant letter Castiglioni uses vivid images of domestic animals to figure his new turn of career, that he considers equivalent to his elevation to the Cardinalate five years earlier in 1816, and compares himself to a camel or an ass, so heavy the burden he has to carry. Second integral page bears an address panel in another hand. In very good condition, with intersecting mailing folds, scattered light toning, with heavier toning and paper loss to address panel. RRAuction COA.
