Final Paper Vernon Turner

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Giuseppe Garibaldi:
A Study of Garibaldi, His Trip to England in 1864,
and How He Prevented Intervention in the American Civil War
Vernon Turner
History 498
Professor Doyle
4-29-2015
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As the Ripon, a passenger ship, comes into port around four o'clock the crowds begin to
amass. A cold April rain is coming down but it cannot dampen the spirits of the crowd, because
they all know who is aboard the ship - Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Hero of Two Worlds. By April 3,
1864, Garibaldi is widely known. He is no longer the young man that he once was, but he is still
the iconic leader that the whole world has fallen for. His name is on the lips of the people at the
port of Southampton, and Garibaldi knows that he will have crowds of people awaiting his
arrival. Even in his weakened and somewhat sickly condition, he prepares to greet the English
people. What Garibaldi does not want is for his arrival to turn into a political demonstration.
Garibaldi, before he leaves the Ripon, sends a telegram ahead stating, "Dear Friends, I do not
desire any political demonstration, and above all, not to excite and agitation".1 Garibaldi has
reason to believe that his presence could incite civil unrest and violence because of the idea he
epitomizes. During Garibaldi's visit to England, the British government would learn of the
republican fervor amongst the citizens which would prevent them from being able to intervene in
the American Civil War. However, a more in depth look at how Garibaldi became the icon whose
very presence could incite hordes of people needs to be examined before the aforementioned can
be understood.
Giuseppe Garibaldi was born on July 4, 1802, in Nizza.2 Nizza was a city that was founded by
emigrants from the Italian Peninsula. In 1796 Napoleonic conquest led to the name change from
1 Howard Blackett, Life of Giuseppe Garibaldi, Italian Hero and Patriot (London: W.
Scott, 1882), 291.
2 Giuseppe Garibaldi, Elpis Melena, and Anthony P. Campanella, Garibaldis
Memoirs: From His Manuscript, Personal Notes,and Authentic Sources (Sarasota, Fla:
International Institute of Garibaldian Studies, 1981), 2.
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Nizza to Nice. In 1814, Nice would revert back to the name Nizza, and again be under Italian
control. This back and forth led to cultural diffusion and an imposition of French culture on the
native Italians. During Garibaldi's younger years it is obvious how he would have seen Italian
identity and culture as something that was not a given. It was not until Garibaldi's adolescence
that he learned to speak Italian because of the French cultural sphere of influence over Nizza.3
The closeness to the French may have impacted the education Garibaldi received, but not in the
way that one might think. From a young age Garibaldi's father instilled in him both a sense of
duty to the fatherland and the need for a broad set of skills to serve the fatherland.4 The duty of
being a capable citizen is an idea that would propel Garibaldi into the path of greatness that
awaited him.
What is often forgotten about Garibaldi is that, like his father, he was a sailor. Garibaldi acquired
his masters certification to be a merchant captain in 1832. Becoming a merchant captain was a
way that Garibaldi could serve his sense of duty while also using his broad set of skills, which
would satisfy his aforementioned sense of duty. Soon after, he became involved in Young Italy,
an Italian nationalist movement that desired a unified Italy. In 1833 Garibaldi joined the
Piedmontese Navy as a seaman first class. It was during this time that Garibaldi met Giuseppe
Mazzini, an Italian nationalist. It did not take long for Mazzini and Garibaldi to become close
friends and brothers to the cause of a united Italy. Together, they attempted what became a failed
coup against the Piedmontese government. Following the failed coup, the Piedmontese
3Giuseppe Garibaldi, Elpis Melena, and Anthony P. Campanella, Garibaldis Memoirs:
From His Manuscript, Personal Notes,and Authentic Sources (Sarasota, Fla:
International Institute of Garibaldian Studies, 1981), 4
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government exiled Garibaldi from Italy. This exile is extremely important in the narrative of
Garibaldi. Up to this point, Garibaldi was a man that wanted a free and united Italian state.
After exile he became a man that desired a republican world consumed engrossed by freedom
and liberty. Garibaldi was a man who was admirable but he had not yet become not the Hero,
the symbol that caused hundreds of thousands to flood the streets of London in 1864.
During exile, Garibaldi traveled until he finally arrived in Brazil in 1836. Garibaldi never
explained to anyone why he chose Brazil for exile but it is thought that it was because of the
thousands of Italians that immigrated there.5 It was at that time that Garibaldi started his path to
become the Hero of Two Worlds. He volunteered to be a naval captain for the Republic of Rio
Grande's Navy. This Republic of Rio Grande was supported by the Young Italy branch in South
America. As the fight for freedom continued, and the cost of war increased, Garibaldi was unable
to continue the war for the Republic of Rio Grande. Garibaldi left for Uruguay as a cattle
herder.6 He arrived in 1840, but by 1842 he had already found himself in charge of the
Uruguayan Navy in their fight against Juan Manuel de Rosses, the dictator of Argentina. By
1843, Garibaldi created a legion of Italian soldiers that became known as the Red Shirts. The
Italian legion, and Garibaldi, became a symbol of Italian pride and proof of Italians fighting
abilities.7 Garibaldi remained in South America fighting for the Republic of Uruguay until 1848
when he returned to Italy to join the Risorgimento.
5 Jasper Godwin Ridley, Garibaldi (London: Constable, 1974), 39.

7 Jasper Godwin Ridley, Garibaldi (London: Constable, 1974), 45
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During Garibaldi's time under the service of the Republic of Rio Grande and the Republic of
Uruguay, he gained considerable skills in guerilla warfare. The skills Garibaldi gained in
guerilla warfare were bred from necessity rather than planned strategy. Garibaldi learned to
command men of different backgrounds, fight when the enemy had superior numbers and
resources, use his armys superior mobility to his advantage, and how to ride a horse.8 None of
the skills Garibaldi learned were useful in ideal battle scenarios, however, Garibaldi routinely
found himself in less than ideal battle situations and was forced to use his unique skill set.
Garibaldi's daring feats did not gain him much respect in the European courts. European nobles
believed that South American warfare was "ridiculous".9 European courts looked at South
American warfare as being small scale and incompetent because of the basic weapons they used.
What the monarchs of Europe could never have imagined is that the skills of guerilla warfare and
experience with small-scale conflicts that Garibaldi honed would one day allow him to sweep
through Naples with unimaginable success.
Garibaldi returned to Italy in 1848 with a small group of Italians to help with the Risorgimento.10
He would end up in Milan fighting with Mazzini for the liberation of Milan from the Austrians.
By 1849, Garibaldi and Mazzini traveled to Rome to help implement a change in the Roman
government absent the Pope.11 Garibaldi was attempting to create the same change in Italy that
he had in South America. In February 1849, the Republic of Rome had elected Garibaldi a
8 Lucy Riall, Garibaldi: Invention of a Hero (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2007),
44.
10Giuseppe Garibaldi, Elpis Melena, and Anthony P. Campanella, Garibaldis
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deputy of Rome in its first Roman National Assembly. The formation of a Roman Republic
showed Europeans that Garibaldi was more than a red republican that could only create change
in the back woods of South America. The response to Garibaldi's actions came in the form of
French troops on a mission to restore papal authority. The French response would initially not be
strong enough to break Garibaldi. At the battle near Palestrina a little over three thousand
Garibaldians (soldiers under Garibaldi's command) routed over six thousand French soldiers.12
Garibaldi would continue to best the French at Velletri where he again led a smaller force against
a larger French force.13 Using the skills he learned in South America, Garibaldi continued to
increase his own renown by accomplishing heroic feats all in the name of liberty. His time in
Rome would come to an end when the city of Rome fell under the siege of thirty-four thousand
well-armed and supplied French troops.14 Garibaldi and his ragtag band of troops were able to
hold out under a thirty-day siege with improvised siege defenses. Garibaldi was forced to
abandon the city on July second, and within twenty-four hours the French captured the city.15
Garibaldi was forced to go into exile again, but this time was different. During his first exile, he
International Institute of Garibaldian Studies, 1981), 113-114
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was a young mutinous sailor. This time, he was going into exile as the hero and defender of
Rome. Garibaldi was known after his bravery in Rome as the Hero of Two Worlds.
Garibaldi's second exile would be the start of his entangled history with the United States.
During the retreat from Rome, Anita, Garibaldi's wife, died.16 Garibaldi was devastated by her
death, leading him to seclude himself from social and political matters. To seek privacy away
from the world, Garibaldi traveled to the United States. Garibaldi would arrive in New York in
July of 1850.17 Upon his arrival he wrote to all the New York papers thanking the people of New
York and "all true Republicans" for their support and allowed refuge.18 During his time in New
York, he worked at a candle factory to earn a wage while he was exiled.19 Garibaldi would leave
New York for the Pacific coast and then travel to Peru, eventually to return to New York.
During Garibaldi's travels he made a living transporting goods, which would eventually provide
the means for his return to Europe.20 After doing business in England, the Sardinian government
had allowed Garibaldi to return and settle in Genoa.21 The Hero of Two Worlds had returned to
Europe, however he did not make a grand entrance. Instead he had quietly settled down with his
16 Lucy Riall, Garibaldi: Invention of a Hero (New Haven: Yale University Press,
2007), 98-99
2007), 107-108
2007), 109
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children whom he was exiled from. Garibaldi bought the island of Caprera in 1856 where he
would spend three years in a self-induced retirement.22 Retirement would not last long before the
Hero of Two Worlds would reignite his own legend and take up the cause of Republicanism.
Garibaldi's story is what makes him such a captivating figure. His victory in 1860 is what
caused him to leave his fingerprint forever on history. By 1859, Victor Emmanuel II had
declared that the "cry of anguish" could no longer be ignored in Italy.23 Garibaldi, along with the
rest of Europe, recognized this as a precursor to war. On top of the looming war in the heart of
Italy, Nice had been ceded to the French in spite of Garibaldi's emphatic protests.24 Garibaldi
used his unmatched ability to rally an army in 1860 in preparation of an invasion of Sicily and
Naples. The force he raised would become one of legend and known simply as The Thousand.25
The Thousand wore red shirts to symbolize Republicanism and Garibaldi. By 1860, the idea of
Republicanism was almost inseparable from Garibaldi. The Thousand had no state support but
believed that success was guaranteed because of Garibaldi's ability to lead and strategize. The
Thousand would have their first battle near Palermo. Garibaldi found a Neapolitan Army that
had superior numbers of five to three, had rifled weapons compared to Garibaldi's muskets, and
21Giuseppe Garibaldi, Elpis Melena, and Anthony P. Campanella, Garibaldis

2007), 207.
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had the high ground.26 Garibaldi assessed the dangers of attacking and ordered his men to charge
the hill. To great surprise, especially to the Neapolitans atop the hill, Garibaldi charged with few
casualties and took the hill. The Neapolitans eventually lost the battle and were forced to retreat
in an epic failure. On July 21, 1864, Garibaldi would lead his troops to Faro where he used his
guerrilla tactics to outmaneuver and break the morale of the Neapolitan forces.27 Garibaldi's
losses were higher than the Neapolitan forces, however the guerilla tactics instilled fear in them
that caused them to lose the will to fight. After the Neapolitan forces were repelled, Garibaldi
conquered Sicily. However, he did not settle for only Sicily and by August had prepared to move
towards Naples.
Garibaldi's legacy had followed him to Naples. There is an account where six Garibaldeans lost
their way and ran into a battalion of French troops. The six men told the troops they were scouts
and that Garibaldi and his forces would arrive in a matter of minutes.28 The men surrendered to
the Garibaldeans by laying down their arms and retreating. This shows the sheer magnitude of
Garibaldi's renown in Europe. His renown would grow when he finished his conquest of Naples.
After his conquest of Naples, he ruled as its dictator for sixty-two days.29 Unlike most men in his
position, Garibaldi had no intention of holding on to the power of dictatorship. This modesty
and humility is what fueled the symbol and idea of Garibaldi. Garibaldi wanted to turn Naples
26 Jasper Godwin Ridley, Garibaldi (London: Constable, 1974), 446-447

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over to King Victor Emanuel. On November 7, 1860, Garibaldi surrendered power over Naples
to King Emanuel II.30
After his success in Sicily and Naples, Garibaldi gained international prestige in a way that he
had not before. People began writing him asking for trinkets or favors to show his support for
their cause. One of these people was none other than Abraham Lincoln, sixteenth President of
the United States. On September 8, 1862, Lincoln sent Henry Sanford to parley with Garibaldi
on his coming to the United States to fight for the Union.31 At the time this seemed like a unique
opportunity for Lincoln to harness the power of the symbol Garibaldi had spent his entire
shaping. Unfortunately for Lincoln, the talks resulted in nothing more than a possibility that
never materialized into anything. The reports in America were that the General Garibaldi wanted
to speak with King Emanuel II before making any decisions.32 It is thought that the reasons
Garibaldi even entertained the notion of going to America to lead Union forces was to apply
pressure on King Emanuel II to march on Rome. The Confederate newspapers did not pass up
the opportunity to ridicule Lincoln for his inability to coerce the Hero of Two Worlds to fight for

31 Don Harrison Doyle, The Cause of All Nations: An International History of the
American Civil War (New York, NY: Basic Books, 2015), 31.
32 Garibaldi and the American Government., New York Times, October 5, 1861.
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the Union.33 Both Unionists and Confederates were keeping their eye on Garibaldi to see if he
was going to come to America, showing the power of Garibaldi's renown and prestige.
Garibaldi Visits England
The Garibaldi that is stepping off the Ripon in Southampton, England is a man that all peoples
feel they can identify with. He has come from very humble beginnings and met and befriended
kings and queens. He has fought and won battles in both South America and Italy. It would be
an understatement to profess that Garibaldi, by 1864, is both an international hero and celebrity.
The people that are surrounding him in Southampton are all cold and wet but will not leave until
they have seen a glimpse of Garibaldi as he prepares to board his carriage with the Duke of
Sutherland.34 They would travel to the Brook House where Garibaldi would stay for the next
eight days entertaining guests and going to civic receptions in the surrounding area. 35 By April
eleventh Garibaldi had decided that it was time for him to visit London where they had been
preparing for his arrival.
London was packed from top to bottom awaiting the arrival of Garibaldi on April eleventh. One
journalist reported that it would have been impossible to have a dense crowd and that every
basement, window, balcony, and roof was packed with people waiting to catch a glimpse of the
33 Dallas Herald. (Dallas, Tex.) 1849-1873, November 13, 1861, Image 1,
November 13, 1861, http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84022278/1861-1113/ed-1/seq1/#date1=1860&index=3&rows=20&words=Garibaldi+Lincoln&searchType=basic&
sequence=0&state=&date2=1862&proxtext=Garibaldi+and+Lincoln&y=16&x=17
&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1.
34 Garibaldi in England., New York Times, May 8, 1864.
http://www.nytimes.com/1864/05/03/news/garibaldi-in-england.html.
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General.36 The city knew that there would be a large turnout because the city had a long standing
tradition of greeting distinguished people upon their arrival to London. The police had prepared
for an assembly of 100,000 people, but the city was unable to imagine the crowd that Garibaldi
would draw. It was reported that close to 500,000 people amassed at Nine Elms, a larger
demonstration than Princess Alexandra of Denmark received when she arrived to marry the
Prince of Whales.37 The band present began playing the Garibaldi Hymn, which was well known
to the people in the crowd. Upon Garibaldi's arrival everyone rushed to get a closer look of the
Italian war hero. Garibaldi would move through the crowd toward his carriage that would carry
him and the Duke of Sutherland to the Stafford House.38 The journey from Nine Elms to the
Stafford House was a three mile ride. It took Garibaldi six hours to make the journey because
the streets were flooded with admirers. The admirers followed Garibaldi all the way to the
Stafford House until he exited the carriage.
During Garibaldi's time in London he was beset with the affection of people from all kinds of
backgrounds. Many of them wrote him letters while he was staying in London, all with different
hopes and motives. Emilia Smith wrote Garibaldi to praise him for his glory and for fulfilling
her request for an autograph.39 Garibaldi frequently received autograph requests from the
36 The Welcome Of General Garibaldi To London, The Times, April 12, 1864, The
Times Digital Archive. http://find.galegroup.com.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/ttda/infomark.do?
&source=gale&prodId=TTDA&userGroupName=colu68650&tabID=T003&docPage=
article&searchType=BasicSearchForm&docId=CS201891468&type=multipage&cont
entSet=LTO&version=1.0
39 Emilia Smith, Letter go Giuseppe Garibaldi, 17 April. 1864, folder 9, box 1, letter
#92 Anthony Capanella Collection, Thomas Cooper Library, University of South
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citizens of England during his stay. Others would send Garibaldi a token of their gratitude for his
bravery. Women would send locks of their hair as a token for him to keep.
Others felt that Garibaldi's presence in London was a prime opportunity to help advance their
own causes. Garibaldi received poetry from multiple poets highlighting his adventures his South
America and Italy while in London. Fred Leserne wrote Garibaldi poetry and asked for him to
send back an autograph to show support and satisfaction with the poetry.40 This may seem
strange because Garibaldi was the farthest thing from a critic, however, his opinion meant a great
deal in London. If Mr. Leserne could gain the support of Garibaldi then he could have advanced
his own career as a poet. James C. L Carson from Ireland had the same motive when he asked if
Garibaldi would permit him to make a plaster of his head for a bust.41 All these requests and
gestures towards Garibaldi may seem strange and a bit over the top, however it shows the effect
he had on the people of England.
Individuals were not the only ones trying to gain the favor of Garibaldi while he was in London.
On April sixteenth, the Board of Directors to the Scientific Explorer Institute voted to make
Garibaldi an honorary member.42 Garibaldi was an amateur astronomer but not a scientist by
Carolina
40 Fred Leserne, Letter go Giuseppe Garibaldi, 14 April. 1864, folder 5, box 2, letter
#158-159 Anthony Capanella Collection, Thomas Cooper Library, University of
South Carolina
41James C.L Carson, Letter go Giuseppe Garibaldi, 15 April. 1864, folder 7, box 2,
letter #170 Anthony Capanella Collection, Thomas Cooper Library, University of
South Carolina
42 J.B. Owens, Letter go Giuseppe Garibaldi, 22 April. 1864, folder 4, box 2, letter
#141 Anthony Capanella Collection, Thomas Cooper Library, University of South
Carolina 141
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anyone's definition. The institute wanted to add Garibaldi's prestige to their own along with
bestowing him the highest honor they could. The Free Masons Guild also invited Garibaldi into
their ranks. On April 17, 1864, the Free Masons Guild made Garibaldi "a deputy of all the
nations of the members of the Free Masons Lodge".43
Not everyone was excited about the arrival of Garibaldi in London though, specifically
government officials. Garibaldi met with Foreign Secretary Lord John Russell and during their
private meeting he asked Garibaldi quite bluntly to "Not start a European war".44 Lord Russell
was not using his imagination or being paranoid when he put forth this request. Two years prior
to his trip to London, Garibaldi had marched towards Rome. He believed that he was doing so
with the verbal approval of King Emanuel II and possibly had a small box with a letter inside
that proved his march was sanctioned.45 As Garibaldi marched towards Rome with his
Garibaldians, he encountered the Italian army at Aspromonte. With Garibaldi out in front of his
troops, where he could almost always be found, the Italian army started to march towards him.46
As they marched they began to discharge their weapons, but Garibaldi thought this was all for
show and that once they reached him they would join him and they would all march on Rome
together. Garibaldi told his men to hold fire because he would never fire on an Italian army. As
the Italian army continued to march and fire, two of the bullets that were discharged ricocheted
43 Howard Blackett, Life of Giuseppe Garibaldi, Italian Hero and Patriot (London: W.
Scott, 1882), 293
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off a tree and struck Garibaldi in his right ankle and left thigh.47 The Italian army immediately
ceased fire and ran to Garibaldi. He and his troops were arrested and the news sent shockwaves
through Europe. Specifically, in London there was a gathering in Hyde Park. Originally, the
gathering was to show support and sympathy for Garibaldi and his men. What started out as a
gathering of a few hundred supporters at 2:00 p.m. ended up being a rioting mob by 4:30 p.m.48
All this occurred without the presence of Garibaldi. So when Lord Russell told Garibaldi not to
start a European war, he was referring to his ability to gather a large crowd and incite large scale
unrest.
Queen Victoria was also unhappy with Garibaldi's visit to London. The Queen was in an alliance
with the King of Prussia, who Garibaldi had repeatedly denounced.49 She felt that his very
presence in England was foolish because his enemies were her allies. The Queen also viewed
Garibaldi in the same light that Lord Russell had. She believed that Garibaldi was dangerous
and possibly radical, and the sooner he left and the crowds dissipated, the better. Lord Granville,
the President of the Council, wrote to the Queen claiming that Garibaldi had "all the qualification
for making him a popular idol", which worried the Queen because of Garibaldi's bold republican
stance.50
48 Riot In Hyde Park, The Times, October 6, 1862, The Times Digital Archive.
http://find.galegroup.com.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/ttda/infomark.do?
49 Jasper Godwin Ridley, Garibaldi (London: Constable, 1974551
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As Garibaldi's time in London continued, the demonstrations and letters of support did not
soften. In fact, Garibaldi had planned to extend his tour into the northern cites and then to the
working men of Scotland.51 The idea of this scared many government officials for a multitude of
reasons. One reason was that the northern cities were filled with more commoners. Garibaldi
drew a demonstration of half a million people in London, however the reaction in a different area
of the nation would have been unpredictable. Also, the northern cites contained many more
Catholics than London. Garibaldi was a sworn enemy of the Catholic Church, so the response he
might receive could immediately turn violent with Garibaldi supporters fighting papal
supporters.
Before Garibaldi could make it up north or even leave London, rumors started circulating about
the condition of his health. When he had arrived in London he was still bothered by the wounds
that he had received at Aspromonte. On April 17, 1864, the surgeon who was monitoring
Garibaldi, William Furgusson, sent a statement to the Daily Telegraph stating that Garibaldi
would not be able to visit any of the northern provinces and needed to return to Italy as soon as
possible.52 The next day Garibaldi announced to his staff that he had no intention of visiting any
more provinces. The original reason that was going to be given to the public for Garibaldi's
change in itinerary was "in consequence of fatigue", but Garibaldi scratched through the words
51 Joseph Cowen, Letter go Giuseppe Garibaldi, 16 April. 1864, folder 9, box 2,

letter #196 Anthony Capanella Collection, Thomas Cooper Library, University of
South Carolina 196
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and wrote above them "for various reasons".53 The ambiguity of this act only seemed to increase
as two plausible stories began developing as to why Garibaldi was leaving England.
Many, including government officials, claimed that Garibaldi's health was beginning to fail due
to the stress of his trip to London. Garibaldi received a response to a letter he had written to Dr.
William Dockrall. Dockrall wrote the response on April fifteenth, so Garibaldi most likely
received it the sixteenth or the seventeenth when the statement about his health was released in
the Daily Telegraph. The letter from the doctor gave the impression that Garibaldi had written to
him about a seizure or seizures that he had experienced.54 On May 24, 1864, Garibaldi wrote a
letter which was printed in the Morning Post saying that he owed a debt of gratitude to the
English people and that he was not asked to leave England.55 However, before Garibaldi left
England he was saying something very different.
Towards the end of Garibaldi's stay in London he was starting to feel that the English
government no longer wanted him in England. Many aristocrats were worried about Garibaldi
inciting a riot or revolution, but these feelings had been present during his entire time in London.
Garibaldi sensed that the government wanted him to leave. Garibaldi told Joseph Cowen, a
prominent citizen in London, that the British government had made it clear that they were
embarrassed by his presence.56 Charles Adams, an American diplomat in London, wrote back to
54 William Dockrall, Letter go Giuseppe Garibaldi, 15 April. 1864, folder 4, box 2,
letter #147 & 147a Anthony Capanella Collection, Thomas Cooper Library,
University of South Carolina 147 & 147a
55Jasper Godwin Ridley, Garibaldi (London: Constable, 1974), 563
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America stating that the British government was embarrassed by Garibaldi because the people
were neglecting other sovereigns of Europe as they arrived in London.57 A "Garibaldian fever"
had swept through England and the people were neglecting almost all other issues to focus solely
on Garibaldi.58
Garibaldi finally prepared to leave London on April 22, 1864, but not before taking a few
meetings with people, including with the Price of Whales or future King Edward of England.59
Queen Victoria was not pleased at all at the prince's desire to meet with Garibaldi, and they met
against her wishes. Garibaldi had only good things to say of the prince and the queen, stating
that they were relieved of the many flaws that plagued other monarchs.60 That day Garibaldi left
London and by April 28, 1864, Garibaldi left England altogether and was headed back to
Caprera.
How Garibaldi's Visit Was Perceived
To understand how Garibaldi's visit fits into the American Civil War you have to understand the
American Civil War not solely as an American event, but a developing event on the international
stage. When the Confederate States of America broke away from the Union they were making a
statement not just the Union, but to the world. They told the United States that they no longer
57Adams to Seward London, April 28, 1864, FRUS, no. 670
http://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi-bin/FRUS/FRUS-idx?
type=goto&id=FRUS.FRUS1864p1&isize=M&submit=Go+to+page&page=640
58 GARIBALDI IN ENGLAND., The New York Times, May 3, 1864, sec. News,
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wanted to be a part of the Union and were telling the world that they were now a new and
separate nation. The Union was told the world that secession was illegal, that the South was in a
state of rebellion, and that they would be dealt with accordingly. Both sides were trying to
convince the family of nations that their cause was the just cause, but meanwhile nations like
England tried to remain neutral. Each nation in the family of nations could formulate an opinion
on the American conflict, but their actions were bound by the public opinion of their nation. In
turn, both the Union and the Confederacy were interested in how events were being perceived in
other countries and how that could affect their cause. Garibaldi's visit to England was an event
that the United States of America, the Confederate States of America, and England were all
paying close attention to because of how it could affect each of their own causes.
In 1861 the Union formed the Garibaldi Guard in honor of the Hero of Two Worlds.61
This regiment was made up of Germans, Swiss, Italians, Hungarians, Spaniards, and Portuguese
soldiers.62 Colonel Frederick George, a prominent Hungarian soldier in the Union army, led this
regiment. Garibaldi was chosen to be the symbol of this regiment because the Unionists viewed
him as someone who could transcend nationality, race, and class. This is likely the same reason
that Lincoln felt that Garibaldi was capable of leading the Union army altogether. In 1862,
Garibaldi fully supported the Union in its attempt to defeat the Confederacy in his letter "To the
English Nation". 63 This letter was an obvious attempt by Garibaldi to sway public opinion in
61 Don Harrison Doyle, The Cause of All Nations: An International History of the
American Civil War (New York, NY: Basic Books, 2015), 60
62 Garibaldi Guard., New York Times, May 26, 1861.
http://search.proquest.com/docview/91628993?accountid=13965
63 Garibaldi on America, New York Times, October 18, 1862.
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England towards favoring the Union. By 1864 when Garibaldi visited England, Northerners in
the United States had plenty of reasons to admire Garibaldi. Garibaldi had been romanticized
into a symbol of hope, human liberty, and red republicanism.
Northerners interpreted Garibaldi's visit to England much like the rest of the world. The New
York Times reported on his entrance into London as being something of the greatest magnitude,
with people filling every basement to roof of every house. What was interpreted somewhat
differently from the British perspective was the romantic American imagery that was applied to
Garibaldi's entrance into London. Garibaldi was described as being brave, just, and standing for
human liberty, while also being humble and content with a modest living.64 One reporter went as
far as describing Garibaldi as a bringer of civilization that would one day unite all of humanity.65
The description of Garibaldi by The New York Times sounds almost like what many during the
time would have described as the perfect American citizen. What is most interesting is the
observation and interpretation The New York Times makes of the masses of people that showed in
support of Garibaldi. The New York Times reported that the crowds and masses of people that
came out to support Garibaldi showed an English "alliance with red republicanism".66 At first
glance this may seem like a stretch, however, Garibaldi spent his life fighting for republicanism
and was viewed by many as the platonic form which all republicans should strive to imitate. The
crowds of Garibaldi supporters can very much be understood as also being supporters of
64 "Garibaldi in England." New York Times (1857-1922), May 08, 1864.
http://search.proquest.com/docview/91819618?accountid=13965.
65 Great Britain.: Garibaldi. His Entrance into London., New York Times, April 28,
1864.
Turner 21
republicanism. Something that the American government took notice of was that during
Garibaldi's stay in London, the American question of whether or not to recognize the
Confederate States of America had fallen out of the English conversation.67 This shows the
power Garibaldi had over the public, for his being in England totally drowned out other public
affairs.
When Garibaldi abruptly left England, the Unionists were just as confused as the English.
Northerners received reports that Garibaldi was touring different provinces and was drawing in
huge crowds of people everywhere he went, until they received word that he had left London and
was headed home. The interpretation that Northerners had of Garibaldi leaving was that,
officially, his health was deteriorating and he needed to return home. However, there was also a
circulating rumor that the English government forced Garibaldi to leave.68 The New York Times
reported that the governing class tried to control Garibaldi, but was unable, and this is what led
to him feeling unwelcome and forced out of England. There would be demonstrations showing
support for Garibaldi and protests over the way he was treated by the English government.69 As
Americans interpreted the events unfolding with Garibaldi in London, Unionists perceived that
there was massive support for Garibaldi and for red republicanism in England. There was so
67 Adams to Seward London, April 14, 1864, FRUS, no. 655
http://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi-bin/FRUS/FRUS-idx?
type=turn&id=FRUS.FRUS1864p1&entity=FRUS.FRUS1864p1.p0621&q1=Garibaldi
68 Why Did Garibaldi Go?, New York Times, May 5, 1864.
69 "GARIBALDI." New York Times (1857-1922), May 10, 1864.
Turner 22
much support that the people of England were violently protesting the alleged mishandling of
Garibaldi during his stay in England.
The Confederacy had a very different outlook on Garibaldi. In 1861 they viewed Garibaldi as a
talented leader who they were proud of for turning down the role to lead the forces of
"yankeedom".70 As the Civil War evolved though, he more and more became the enemy of the
South by association. Garibaldi was a sworn enemy of the Catholic Church, more specifically
Pope Pius IX. One of the Pope's strongest allies was Napoleon III, Emperor of France. Both
Napoleon III and Pope Pius IX were in constant conflict with Garibaldi over the years. As the
Civil War progressed, the Confederacy found themselves attempting to ally with both the Pope
and Emperor Napoleon III in an attempt to gain recognition. This placed Garibaldi on the wrong
side of the battle for recognition, because the two most likely candidates to recognize the
Confederate States of America were sworn enemies of Garibaldi. A Dudley Mann, English
diplomat for the Confederate States of America went as far to write in 1862 that the fall of
Garibaldi, referring to his wound at Aspromonte, was a good thing because it secured tranquility
in Europe for the year and would allow the French to move as they pleased throughout Europe
and within their puppet state, Mexico.71
When Garibaldi entered England, little was reported on his visit. By 1884, the Confederates
were no longer interested in romanticizing Garibaldi like the rest of the world seemed to be.
70 Dallas herald. (Dallas, Tex.), 13 Nov. 1861. Chronicling America: Historic American
Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. <http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84022278/1861-1113/ed-1/seq-1/>
71 Mann to Benjamin Brussels, Sept 1, 1862, ORN, no. 21

http://digital.library.cornell.edu/cgi/t/text/pageviewer-idx?
c=moawar;cc=moawar;q1=Garibaldi;rgn=full
%20text;idno=ofre2003;didno=ofre2003;view=image;seq=0545
Turner 23
Romanticizing him would have been detrimental to the goal of the Confederacy, which was to
gain recognition from one of the states within the family of nations. The little that was reported
about Garibaldi's visit to England from Confederate newspapers had to do with the reception that
he received in London. One paper simply wrote that "The reception is believed to be
unparalleled".72 The simplicity of the description is telling of the opinion the Confederacy had of
Garibaldi. The New York Times described every detail of Garibaldi's reception down to a little
boy presenting him with flowers. The Memphis Daily Appeal had no intention of glorifying the
event or even reporting on the bare bones news.
Judah P. Benjamin wrote a more detailed account back to President Jefferson Davis of the events
that were occurring in London. In his diplomatic correspondence he wrote how he believed that
Garibaldi had worn out his welcome in Italy and was in London trying to agitate its people.73
This is very close to the opinion of the conservative leaders that were in London. They believed
that Garibaldi was in London to incite unrest. Benjamin continued in his account by writing
about how the people of London were acting wild because of Garibaldi's visit.74 Benjamin was
72 Memphis Daily Appeal. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, April 30, 1864, Image 1,
April 30, 1864, http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83045160/1864-04-30/ed1/seq1/#date1=1864&index=2&rows=20&words=Garibaldi+London&searchType=basic&
sequence=0&state=&date2=1865&proxtext=Garibaldi+in+London&y=18&x=16&d
ateFilterType=yearRange&page=1.
73 Mann to Benjamin Brussels, April 8, 1865, ORN, no. 84
Turner 24
referring to the "Garibaldi fever" that had swept through London during his visit.75 His
description sounds less exciting and more disappointed about the fact that London seemed so
taken with Garibaldi. Finally, the most profound thing Benjamin wrote was "I know of no
European who could harm our cause more, in occasioning an estrangement of public sentiment
from us in the British Isles".76 Benjamin made the same assessment that the Unionists had about
the visit of Garibaldi. The massive demonstrations that formed in response to Garibaldi had been
a sign of republican support on the part of the English people. Benjamin believed that
Garibaldi's presence in London showed how much support there was for republicanism in
England.
Finally, it is important to understand how the English people interpreted Garibaldi's visit. Both
the Union and the Confederacy believed that Garibaldi's visit showed England's massive support
for republicanism. During Garibaldi's stay, the newspapers were constantly writing about
Garibaldi's every move. To many of the people in England, it appeared that the citizens were
more caught up with the man than they were with the symbol he stood for. Queen Victoria
herself received a letter about how the people were infatuated with Garibaldi because of his
"physical and moral bravery" and his ability to "achieve great things by dash".77 However, it can


Turner 25
also be said the symbol that Garibaldi stood for is exactly what coerced half a million people out
of their homes and into the streets.
After Garibaldi's departure is when most of England reflected on his trip. Many had been
excited that Garibaldi made the trip, but many others were upset about the manner in which he
left. One newspaper printed an article of possible reasons why Garibaldi left. Among the list of
reasons given were "Because Lord Palmerston begged him to lest he might incite democratic
feeling" and "Because the most Illustrious Person believed he had his eye on the crown".78 The
second reason given is most likely satirical, however it drives home the point that Garibaldi
commanded such a large demonstration that jokes can be made that he could have possibly
challenged crown authority. The ability of Garibaldi to incite democratic feelings addresses the
very real concern conservatives and officials in the English government had about the influence
Garibaldi commanded over the people of England. This well known fear was partially what fed
the rumor that the English government forced Garibaldi out of England. Even though Garibaldi
and released a statement that he was not asked to leave England, many were convinced that he
had been forced. A widely circulating rumor was that it was in fact the wishes of Emperor
Napoleon III that Garibaldi leave England and, because England and France were allies, the
English government did its best to force Garibaldi out.79 Two weeks after Garibaldi's departure
from London, there was a gathering at Primrose-Hill to discuss the sudden departure of
78 Why Did Garibaldi Leave So Soon!, The Times, May 5, 1864, The Times Digital
Archive.
79 Police Version Of The Primrose-Hill Affair, The Times, May 6, 1864, The Times
Digital Archive. http://find.galegroup.com.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/ttda/infomark.do?
article&searchType=BasicSearchForm&docId=CS84844198&type=multipage&conte
ntSet=LTO&version=1.0
Turner 26
Garibaldi. About 50,000 people turned out for the discussion and the police feared that the
discussion could turn into a riot.80 To prevent any possible violence the police broke up the
gathering and sent everyone home. This shows that the people of England felt very attached to
Garibaldi and were concerned about the way that he was treated while he was in England. This,
to the conservatives and officials in the English government, legitimized their fears about
Garibaldi. Overall, the showing of support for Garibaldi was a surprise to the government and
the crown. After Garibaldi's visit to England, the English government knew how much public
support there was backing both Garibaldi and republicanism.
How Garibaldi's Trip to London Affected the American Civil War
As an international event, the story of the American Civil War is a story of the Confederate States
of America trying desperately to receive recognition from England while America tried to
prevent them from receiving recognition.81 The Confederacy would have accepted recognition
from any major world power, however, as the American Civil War progressed it became very
obvious that France, the most likely to recognize the Confederacy, would only recognize in
conjunction with Britain. The advantage that the Confederacy had, and why there seemed to
always be a threat to the Union of possible intervention, was Britain's heavy reliance on
80 Police Version Of The Primrose-Hill Affair, The Times, May 6, 1864, The Times
Digital Archive http://find.galegroup.com.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/ttda/infomark.do?
article&searchType=BasicSearchForm&docId=CS84844198&type=multipage&conte
ntSet=LTO&version=1.0
81 Jones, Howard. Blue & Gray Diplomacy: A History of Union and Confederate
Foreign Relations. Chapel Hill, North Carolina: University of North Carolina Press,
2010. 11
Turner 27
American cotton to supply their textile industry.82 The Union had been doing everything in its
power to prevent the British from recognizing the Confederates as any more than belligerents.
Historical hindsight revels that the British never recognized the Confederacy, but not because of
a lack of desire to do so. The Confederates, to try and raise money to field and supply their
army, had been selling cotton bonds on the European market. From January to September of
1864 the cotton bond prices kept increasing due to high demand. If the European community
lacked faith in the South's ability to win or did not believe that intervention was coming, they
would not have been buying cotton bonds. However, the increase in sales of cotton bonds shows
the desire from the European elite, who would have been buying the cotton bonds, for a
European power to intervene and bring an end to the American Civil War by recognizing the
Confederacy as a nation.
The question now is how could Garibaldi's visit to England have affected the American Civil
War, a seemingly unrelated event? Garibaldi spent his life fighting for human liberty and
republicanism. With success in both South America and Italy, Garibaldi came to symbolize the
very idea of republicanism. In fact many of the conservatives, as mentioned earlier, viewed him
as the essence of red republicanism. As early as 1860 he developed a close public relationship
with the United States with his contemplation of leading the Union forces. By 1862 there was no
doubt that Garibaldi was a supporter of the Union in his "Letter to the English Nation" where he
not only supported America but encouraged Britain to intervene on the side of the Union to help
emancipate the slaves.83
82 Jones, Howard. Blue & Gray Diplomacy: A History of Union and Confederate
Foreign Relations. Chapel Hill, North Carolina: University of North Carolina Press,
2010. 119
Turner 28
By the time Garibaldi arrived in Europe he was carrying a great deal of symbolic baggage.
When the people of England greeted Garibaldi he was perceived as The Hero of Two Worlds, the
Liberator of Italy, friend of the United States, ally to human liberty, and a red republican willing
to topple a monarchical government infringing on its citizens' natural rights. All of these things
contributed to the grand showing of half a million Englishmen and women Garibaldi received at
Nine Elms when he entered London.84 As Garibaldi continued his tour through London he was
bombarded with support and gratitude for the liberty that he brought to Europe.
Garibaldi's visit to England revealed to America, the Confederacy, and Britain that there was
strong support for republicanism in England. The United States perceived Garibaldi's visit to
London as a representation of the alliance between the British people and red republicanism.
The Confederacy recognized Garibaldi as an absolute danger to their interests because of the
feelings of liberty and republicanism that he incited in people. This detracted from the
Confederate argument for intervention because their society was built on the system of slavery.
The English government had to recognize that the people within their own borders were huge
supporters of Garibaldi, but more importantly the causes that he fought for. Human liberty,
equality, justice, and freedom for all were ideas that resonated heavily in English society and
Garibaldi brought that to light with his visit.
83 Garibaldi To The English Nation, The Times, October 3, 1862, The Times Digital
Archive. http://find.galegroup.com.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/ttda/infomark.do?
84 Great Britain.: Garibaldi. His Entrance into London., New York Times, April 28,
1864. http://search.proquest.com/docview/91833404?accountid=13965
Turner 29
Garibaldi's visit in itself did not do anything. However, from all the facts presented, it is
easy to see that the English government became aware of a massive faction of support for
Garibaldi and what he stood for. Prior to realizing this, the English government believed it could
intervene in the American Civil War if the conditions were right. What Garibaldi revealed to the
English people was that no situation or outcome in the American Civil War would set the stage
for the British government to intervene. This is because of public diplomacy. Every government
that has ever existed can only govern its people with the consent of the people. If the
government loses the consent of the people then the people will revolt, riot, or incite revolution
until the government becomes more accommodating. This was the situation that Garibaldi
revealed to the British government. If they chose to recognize the Confederacy, they would
likely have demonstrations, protests, and quite possibly riots. The people of England rioted over
the alleged mistreatment of Garibaldi by the British government, making the idea of rioting over
intervention in the American Civil War, intervention being something that Garibaldi asked the
British people not to do, a very real possibility. With the very real threat of civil unrest occurring
if the British government recognized the Confederacy, the British government was left with only
one choice, which was to remain neutral. This realization that the British government had to stay
neutral because of the threat of civic unrest all occurred because of Garibaldi's visit to London.
Without the recognition of either Britain and France, the Confederates' hopes of intervention by a
third party to end the war were all but lost.
Turner 30
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Turner 31
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5 Jasper Godwin Ridley, Garibaldi (London: Constable, 1974), 39.

21Giuseppe Garibaldi, Elpis Melena, and Anthony P. Campanella, Garibaldis

26 Jasper Godwin Ridley, Garibaldi (London: Constable, 1974), 446-447

30 Jasper Godwin Ridley, Garibaldi (London: Constable, 1974), 508

51 Joseph Cowen, Letter go Giuseppe Garibaldi, 16 April. 1864, folder 9, box 2,

71 Mann to Benjamin Brussels, Sept 1, 1862, ORN, no. 21

75 "Garibaldi in England." New York Times (1857-1922), May 08, 1864.

76 Mann to Benjamin Brussels, April 8, 1865, ORN, no. 84

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