Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Lot #214
Simon Bolivar

Rare letter from the dissolution of Bolivar’s empire: “I am preparing to go up North to see what can be done for our mother country which each day suffers more and more”

This lot has closed

Estimate: $0+
Sell a Similar Item?
Refer Collections and Get Paid
Share:  

Description

Rare letter from the dissolution of Bolivar’s empire: “I am preparing to go up North to see what can be done for our mother country which each day suffers more and more”

LS in Spanish, signed “Bolivar,” one page both sides, 8 x 9.75, September 28, 1829. Letter to brigade commander Colonel Jose Felix Blanco. In part (translated): "I have been very happy to know that you are in Jiron working in the tobacco establishments, and I wish to thank you a thousand-and-one times for your extraordinary efforts in Venezuela, as well as in New Granada, since without your zeal we would be without tobacco. I regret very much that you interceded for the first time, and so late, for your friends; unfortunately, the vacancies were filled many days ago. In addition, I must advise you that on future occasions it will be essential to write out Minister friends, since it is the Council of State which proposes the names of the applicants, and my function is only to accept them, and a rejection of the choice of this body would be regarded as casting aspersion on their judgment and on their candidate—and it would not be convenient for my political situation. Never have I governed more leniently than at this time, although my enemies say otherwise. Moreover, you do know that we have made peace with Peru, and it is for that very purpose that I am preparing to go up North to see what can be done for our mother country which each day suffers more and more in spite of my continuous successes.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, heavy overall toning, a few small holes to body (one repaired on the reverse), and small edge chips and tears.

Writing as president of Gran Colombia, a federation comprising much of northern South America, Bolivar was facing turmoil from many sides. A war between Gran Colombia and Peru over disputed border territories had come to a formal close earlier in the week on September 22 with the signing of the Gual-Larrea Treaty, and Bolivar turned to address the unrest in other areas of the nation, including New Granada, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Despite his best efforts to maintain a unified republic, Bolivar soon recognized that his dream was untenable and recommended that Gran Colombia be divided into three separate states—Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador—and decided to resign from power. This is the first Bolivar letter we have offered, and as a rare format with excellent content from the conclusion of the liberator’s life and career this is an outstanding, historically interesting example. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #452 - Ended May 13, 2015





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $75.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.