Leading figure in the Mexican revolution (1879–1919) who was assassinated by army officers in 1919. Scarce war-dated TLS in Spanish, one page, 8.75 x 13.5, May 2, 1918. Letter to General Gildardo Magaña. In part (translated): “I take note of the information in date 27 of April that you transmitted about the revolt of the soldiers of Cirilo Arenas and the works that were carried out, favored by this event, to attract the population included in the territory of the 'Arenistas.' In reference to the organization that you showed to me, I have to let you know that there is no way that I approve the appointment of Engineer Soto y Gama to the branch of Public Instruction and Agriculture. It does not escape you that Agriculture is for us the most important branch, the initial job, our flag; we cannot in any way leave in charge of this department a person, like Eng. Soto y Gama, who does not have the energy to work and, the most indispensable thing, who knows only the most rudimental form of agriculture. At this point it is necessary that you decide on what is not permitted for us to pass lightly. The person to be in charge of this branch has to know how to deal with people and, overall, negotiate with the population with tact and with total freedom of criteria; never must he be inclined to favor one party rather than the other and, most of all, has to have experience in these things. Unfortunately, Engineer Soto y Gama never thought of spending his energy as he should have done to the matters handled by this General Headquarters; for this reason, he lacks the experience and the knowledge needed to fill the position that you entrusted him with. You understand that what I advised above is to avoid that tomorrow something might happen to expose us to ridicule; today is the time to handle the persons that can successfully carry out any job. You know what they say 'a rite in time is very useful.' Should tomorrow a conflict arise with the population, do you sincerely believe that Engineer Soto y Gama could solve it satisfactorily? That is, could he talk to both parties in conformity? Except for the above, which I have outlined in all clarity, I approve the organization and hope that you have success in your efforts.” Partial separations to intersecting folds (repaired with tape to reverse), a vertical fold passing through a single letter of the signature, and various small edge tears, otherwise fine condition.
This letter most likely refers to Antonio Diaz Soto y Gama, who had joined the Mexican Revolution in 1913 and was most interested in the Zapatismo agrarian movement, which seems to be the subject at question here. Unlike Zapata—who was clearly unimpressed with his fellow revolutionary’s abilities as a leader—Magaña maintained a close relationship with Soto y Gama and frequently sought his advice after succeeding Zapata as commander-in-chief of the Zapatist army the following year. Soto y Gama went on to form the National Agrarian Party in 1920, under a platform that called for redistribution of land to peasants; he served four terms in the Mexican Congress between 1920 and 1928 as a member of the party. An interesting letter connecting three important figures, rife with political content, signed by the leader of the revolution just one year before his brutal assassination. RR Auction COA.
