COLLECTION GUIDE
Prepared by Ruth Olivera, September, 1985.
Revised by Philip S. MacLeod, September, 1999.
Comprising this collection are four letters written by General Augusto Cesar Sandino, head of the guerilla forces opposing the United States marines occupying Nicaragua. All have headings which indicated that they were sent from the headquarters of the Defending Army of the Sovereign Nation of Nicaragua. All are signed by Sandino and bear his seal.
1. ALS 26 June, 1930. in Las Segovias, Nicaragua, to his friend Sr. José Idiáquez in Danlí, Honduras. Sandino is sending a report on the battle at El Saraguazca for the newspapers. He has no secretary and is in need of assistance because of wounds suffered. He would welcome Teresa (Villatoro) if she is able to come. He is concerned about money expected from Mexico and any correspondence which might have arrived. 2 leaves.
ALS 28 July, 1930 in Danlí, Honduras, José Idiáquez, replies on the reverse side of the same letter. Nothing but a letter from Teresa has arrived for Sandino. Concern is expressed sor Sandino's health. The Salvadoran press is the publish the news of the battle of Saraguazcoa.
2. TLS 20 June, 1931, a manifesto to the oppressed men of the Atlantic Slope. Sandino presents a brief history of the exploitation of Nicaragua since the discovery of the American continent, by Spain, other foreign powers, especially England, imperialists and later traitors loyal to Yankee bankers. He describes his army as multi-racial where all are workers and peasants from the humblest soldier to the Supreme Chief. He states his movement is non-caudillo and desirous of implementing the principles of fraternal brotherhood. He appeals for the moral and material support fo the Nicaraguan people. 2 leaves.
3. TLS 20 August, 1931, to his "queridos hermanos" don José Idiáquez and don Alfonso Irías in Danlí, Honduras. He explains something of his philosophy on Espiritismo. He expresses absolute confidence in both gentlemen but mentions previous doubt about a José de Paredes. As he has sent no money for stamps he suggests they each sell a shirt, with the satisfaction of knowing they have been useful to the cause. 2 leaves.
4. Carbon copy of TLS 23 May, 1932, in Las Segovias to "queridos Hermanos" don José Idiáquez and don Alfonso Irías in Danlí, Honduras. Following mention of press dispatches and his illness, he expresses grave distrust of a don Toribio. He reminds them that proposals for peace can be made through them only or through General Portocarrero and mentions a recent landing of marines, the burning of the property of a bananas company and certain photographs which he needs. 1 leaf.
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Last updated: October 26, 1999