During the month of September, 1866, for the first time in my life, I
crossed the ocean on my way to the United States, where I remained
until May 17th of the following year. It was in the elegant Lyceum
Theatre of New York that I made my debut, on the 20th of September,
with "Medea." I could not anticipate a more enthusiastic reception
than the one I was honoured with. I felt anxious to make myself known
in that new part of the world, and let the Americans hear me recite
for the first time, in the soft and melodic Italian language. I knew
that in spite of the prevailing characteristics of the inhabitants of
the free country of George Washington, always busy as they are in
their feverish pursuit of wealth, that the love for the beautiful and
admiration for dramatic art were not neglected. During my first
season in New York I met with an increasing success, and formed such
friendly relations with many distinguished and cultured people that
time and distance have never caused me to forget them. While writing
these lines I send an affectionate salutation to all those who in
America still honour me with their remembrance.