Military despatch

Iturbide, Agustin de

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Written by Iturbide (1783 -1824), dated April 4, 1816, from Salvatierra (Guanajuato province ?), to Lt. Col. Jose Maria Esquivel, military commander of the region, in Spanish. ".I have appointed Lieutenant of Dragoons of Puebla Don Blas Magana .as Commandante of the Cavalry of the loyal Royalists of that region, and therefore Second Lieutenant Manuel Gallardo is subject to his immediate orders. In regards to the responsibilities heretofore expressed, Magana will be in charge of armaments, horses and other affairs of the loyal Royalists, without you being relieved for that reason as my Military Commander in that and adjacent regions. To the extent required I shall have you give Magana wide-ranging power to act against the Rebels, since from what I know of his bravery and military prudence I am certain he will never endanger the King's forces; and by limiting these powers the disadvantage would be that he may not take full advantage in his movements of the opportunities that the occasion provides him. I have stated this for your knowledge and in accord with Document #1 issued on the 21st of last month, and so that you will apprise me of the results and benefits of having taken this measure." This dates from the period in which Iturbide still belonged to the Royalist Spanish camp. By 1821 he had become a proponent of independence, and forced the Spanish to capitulate by the Treaty of Cordoba, in Sept. of that year, from which dates Mexican independence. He quickly assumed power, first as President, then as Emperor (1822). A rebellion in 1823 broke out, led by Santa-Anna, and he was forced into exile. The next year, he returned to try to recover power, but was apprehended on landing and put before a firing squad. Though not, in the event, a true republican, he was a true patriot, and is recognized as such in Mexico today. Letter is one sheet, folded, with writing in narrow columns, as was usual at this period. Fine condition. N° de réf. du libraire 5289

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Titre : Military despatch