LT. GENERAL ANTONIO MACEO GRAJALES - MANUSCRIPT LETTER SIGNED 05/30/1878 - HFSID 217694

ANTONIO MACEO
The Cuban military leader discusses his emigration to the United States, which was imposed after the Ten Years War. Letter of historical interest
Manuscript letter signed: "Antonio Maceo" in iron gall ink. 6x6. Fully Translated in English: "I have come to this city in order to complete a commission with the patriots of the emigration, on behalf of the Provision Government of Cuba. I would like you to come tomorrow night at eight o'clock to 19 and 21 West 9th Street, in order to explain the purpose of this commission. Please accept all my considerations. Antonio Maceo, New York May 30, 1878". Lieutenant general Antonio Maceo (1845-1896) was second-in-command of Cuba's Army of Independence, and as so one of the most noteworthy guerrilla leaders of nineteenth-century Latin America. The son of a Venezuelan mulatto and an Afro-Cuban woman, Maceo began his fight for Cuban liberation by enlisting in the army in 1868 at the beginning of the Ten Years War; within five years he had been promoted to the rank of general due to his bravery and strategic prowess. Although most believed that Cuba could not defeat Spain, Maceo refused to surrender without independence and the abolition of slavery, ultimately being forced to leave Cuba. He returned when the war with Spain began again, and is best remembered for his invasion into Western Cuba when his troops (Afro-Cuban soldiers on horseback) covered more than 1,000 miles in 92 days and fought the enemy in 27 separate encounters. On December 7, 1896 Maceo was captured and killed as he attempted to aid Maximo Gomez' forces, and his death prompted yet another congressional resolution for belligerent rights for Cuba. Toned. Worn and soiled. Upper left corner irregularly cut. Creased throughout. Otherwise, fine condition.