Luigi SD 2

Luigi Scotti Douglas’s Later Role
Post-Gaeta Career: The text notes that Luigi Scotti Douglas, after the fall of Gaeta, served under King Ferdinand II and later Ferdinand IV (likely a reference to the Bourbon kings of Naples). Despite the Bourbon defeat, Luigi’s military career continued, as he was appointed General and Commander of the Guard Corps under Ferdinand I (possibly a typo for Ferdinand II). In 1820, he was sent to Carbonaro, a town associated with the Carbonari revolutionary movement, indicating his role in suppressing uprisings against Bourbon rule. His loyalty to the Bourbons, despite their eventual downfall, reflects the Scotti-Douglas family’s unwavering commitment to the monarchy.

Personal Reflections: The document includes a letter from Luigi to the Count of Cavour, expressing his dismay at the corruption and violence of the unification process. Luigi’s letter, written in a tone of “vivid and frank colors,” reveals his disillusionment with the new regime and his sense of betrayal, particularly given his family’s long history of service to the Bourbons.

Historical Significance
Risorgimento Critique: The text offers a critical perspective on the Risorgimento, emphasizing the corruption, violence, and exploitation that accompanied Italy’s unification. It challenges the romanticized narrative of Garibaldi’s campaign, highlighting the suffering of southern populations and the betrayal of Bourbon loyalists like the Scotti-Douglas family.

Scotti-Douglas Legacy: Luigi Scotti Douglas’s involvement in the Bourbon resistance at Gaeta adds a layer of complexity to the family’s history. While earlier documents highlighted their noble titles and honors, this text reveals the challenges they faced during the unification process, as their loyalty to the Bourbons placed them at odds with the emerging Italian state.

Southern Resistance: The document underscores the broader resistance in southern Italy to Piedmontese rule, known as the “Brigantaggio.” This resistance, fueled by economic hardship and political repression, persisted into the 1870s and reflects the difficulties of integrating the south into a unified Italy—a struggle in which families like the Scotti-Douglas were deeply implicated.

Connection to Previous Documents
Luigi Scotti Douglas: The Luigi Scotti Douglas mentioned here aligns with the Luigi Douglas Scotti from the 1801 diploma, who was appointed Commander of the Royal Order of San Lodovico by Charles III. His role as a Bourbon general in 1860–1861 continues the family’s tradition of military service to the monarchy, though now in a losing battle against unification.

Bourbon Ties: The family’s loyalty to the Bourbons, seen in earlier documents (e.g., Giuseppe Scotti’s service under Charles III), culminates in Luigi’s stand at Gaeta. This loyalty, while honorable, positioned the family against the tide of history, as the Bourbon Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was dismantled.

Genealogical Continuity: Luigi’s involvement in 1860–1861 connects to the later generations documented in the "Libro d’Oro" (1995–1999), showing how the family navigated the transition from Bourbon rule to unified Italy, retaining their noble status despite political upheaval.

Conclusion