Major de BORGHESI (1733 - after 1796) - Director of the Roya - Lot 341

Major de BORGHESI (1733 - after 1796) - Director of the Royal Engineering Academy of Potsdam (Königlichen Ingenieur Akademie), founded in 1788 by Frederick William II (Friedrich Wilhelm II) - Letter in French written and signed "de Borghesi Major au Corps du Génie et second Directeur de l'Académie du dit Corps", POSTDAM (Germany), July 18, 1791, to a "Sire" (Frederick William II?): "About 2 months ago, I took the liberty of offering Your Majesty a firework display, which six of the students of his academy made during their recreation days, to give them an idea of Pyrotechnics. I was in despair to learn that Your Majesty's stay in this city was so short, since if I had been informed a fortnight in advance to put the finishing touches to the brilliant fireworks which cannot be preserved, I might have obtained from Your Majesty that in the festivities she gives, she would have added one of this kind, which everyone can enjoy. This firework display, which has grown insensibly over the duration of the instruction to the point where it can be counted among the mediocre, is worked in the Italian taste and its decoration is a transparent arabesque. If Your Majesty could foresee a time when it could be executed, it would be a particular grace for both me and my pupils, if she would deign to accept it and give the execution, and the place where she would destine it fifteen days before the day of its destination. With the deepest respect, Sire, I am Your Majesty's most humble and obedient servant" - 2 pages small in-4°.