Latin American Leaders: Letters, May 29, 1828 - December 5, 1875

COLLECTION GUIDE

Prepared by Ruth Olivera, November 1983.

The collection consists of six letters, of diverse natures, relating to a few of the most prominent nineteenth century leaders in the independence movement and in the era following. Four of the letters are addressed to General José Antonio Páez, a hero of the war of independence against Spain and twice president of Venezuela, are sent by men who were themselves outstanding figures in their own countries. Two of the letters are written by General Tomás Cipriano Mosquera, who had been an intimate friend and aid of Simón Bolivar and a president of Colombia.

1. José Padilla, Bogotá, May 29, 1828, writes to "mi querido general" (assumed to be General Páez) requesting intercession with the Liberator, General Bolivar, in in his behalf concerning his unjust imprisonment. Padilla was later to be executed because of his alleged conspiracy against Bolivar. L.S. 1 leaf.2. Juan José Flores, Guayaquil, June 25, 1830, writes to General en Jefe José Antonio Páez, regarding his naming of General Guerra to consult with Páez about the mutual well-being of their countries after the separation of the southern countries (Colombia and Ecuador) from Venezuela. Flores was later to be president of Ecuador. L.S. 2 leaves.

3. Antonio López de Santa Anna, Mexico City, May 12, 1842, writes to General D. José Antonio Páez with a view to re-establishing the Confederación Americana. He named D. Manuel Cresencio Rejón as plenipotentiary in the continuation of the assembly in Panama; he requests that other republics send like representatives and that the needs of Rejón be supplied, for which expense Santa Anna will be responsible. L.S. 2 leaves.4. Pedro Santana, Santo Domingo, July 10, 1849, writes to General José Antonio Páez, regretfully informing him that he cannot contribute to the cause of peace and order in Venezuela as requested. He mentions a similar struggle in his country. L.S. 2 leaves.

5. Tomás Cipriano Mosquera, Papayán, May 10, 1875, writes to Luis Felipe Mantilla in New York City asking that Mantilla, as publisher of the autobiography of General Páez, undertake the publication of his memorias, in which he, the only surviving general of the early struggle for independence and a confidant of Simón Bolivar, rectifies the history of Colombia. He touches on his view as a liberal and mentions the first volume of his memorias published in 1853 and the difficulties encountered in the publication of this second volume. L.S. 3 leaves.

6. Tomás Cipriano Mosquera, Popayán, December 5, 1875, writes to Luis Felipe Mantilla, concerning details of the proposed publication of his memorias with mention of his near blindness. With reference to contemporary political problems in Colombia, he announces his intention to leave for Bogotá as senador plenipotenciario of his state. L.S. 3 leaves.

Latin American Library Home Page

Last updated: August 17, 1998