Leading figure in the Mexican revolution, who was assassinated by army officers in 1919. TLS in Spanish, one page both sides, 8 x 10.5, Correspondencia particular del General Emiliano Zapata letterhead, July 31, 1917. Letter to Don Genovevo de La O. In full (translated): “The present letter will be presented into your hands by Colonel Joaquin Rojas, whom I recommend to you for using his services, which I had already offered to you previously. This gentleman has been working as an agent in Mexico in this Headquarters to advise and inform on the situation of the enemies since December 15 of the past year; he has been in continuous correspondence with me. So much for this, as well as for the previous experience that I already have, I am convinced of his loyalty to our cause and, furthermore, he has been in Mexico the last few months. He had to enter Cuernavaca in July of this year to pick-up an electric battery to be delivered to General Benjamin Garcia. He was denounced by Jesus M. Ochoa, who previously had been his secretary, and conducted to prison in Cuernavaca. He was brought to Mexico four months later. After about one more month he obtained his freedom in November and, afterwards, he entered in contact with this Headquarters and with you. For this reason, you can follow up by giving him employment in your forces without any fear because I have widely examined him already. Without another topic, I leave you as the always affectionate friend and sincerely.” In very good to fine condition, with central horizontal and vertical fold, one through a single letter of signature, some scattered light soiling, and tack holes to left edge.
Zapata, like Genovevo de la O, the recipient of this letter, was a leading figure in the Mexican Revolution that removed President Porfirio Diaz from power. Zapata was viewed by some as one of Mexico’s outstanding national heroes who worked for the peasants...and by others as a barbarian and a terrorist. Those who earned his trust, men like Colonel Rojas—of whose loyalty Zapata was certain—were indeed. Agents viewed by the general as having failed the revolution were lined up against a wall and shot. Ironically, Zapata would be betrayed and murdered by another general. RRAuction COA.
