**SPARAGANA, Ludovico.** – Pontifical officer, b. at Monte S. Giovanni (Frosinone) on 30 March 1813, d. in Rome on 21 Aug. 1885.
Volunteer in the Pontifical infantry on 25 Apr. 1813, he took part in the engagements of that year and the following, later distinguishing himself, as lieutenant, during the campaign of 1848. In 1859, when the Austrians left the Legations prey to revolution, Major S. conducted himself as a loyal soldier, reaching with great difficulty, with his entire battalion, Pesaro and helping to restore order in several centres of the Marches.
Between May and Sept. 1860 he was part of the Pimodan column (v.), which routed Garibaldi’s Zambianchi volunteers (v.) at Grotte di Castro, and fought valiantly with the indigenous troops at Castelfidardo. Later placed in command of a line infantry regiment, he contributed actively to the safeguarding and reconquest of the Viterbese in the autumn of 1867. As lieutenant-colonel commanding the Cacciatori battalion, on 20 Sept. 1870 he directed with vigour and skill the defence of the walls of Rome between Porta Portese and Porta S. Pancrazio, subsequently retiring into private life.
**