PRESIDENT BENITO P. JUAREZ (MEXICO) - DOCUMENT SIGNED 08/08/1849 - HFSID 285823

BENITO JUAREZ


The 26th President of Mexico and one of the more important of the nation signs an 1849 proclamation honoring those who fought for Mexico at the Battle of Molino del Rey in 1847, signed in iron gall ink


Document Signed: "Benito Juarez" as Governor of Oaxaca, 1 page, 10½x17½. Place: Oaxaca, Mexico. Date: August 8, 1849. In Spanish, not translated. Proclamation honoring officers and men of the Mexican National Guard who fought bravely for their country at the Battle of Molino del Rey, September 8, 1847. Benito Juarez had been elected Governor of Oaxaca in 1847. After being exiled in 1848 after the Mexican War, Santa Anna returned as President in 1853 and sent Juarez into exile. In 1855, Juarez returned, joined Alvarez in a revolution against Santa Anna, who was overthrown and once again, sent into exile. As Alvarez's Minister of Justice, Juarez in 1855 wrote "Ley Juarez", the law abolishing special courts and reducing the power of the army and the church. In 1858, Juarez proclaimed himself de jure President of Mexico, obtaining U.S. recognition in 1859. He served as President of Mexico from 1861 until his death in 1872. Juarez was Mexico's leader during the invasion and occupation by France (1864-1867), which ended with the capture and execution of Emperor Maximilian. The Battle of Molino del Rey, one of the bloodiest battles of the US war with Mexico, preceded General Winfield Scott's assault on the fortress of Chapultepec, gateway to Mexico City. Although the US Army achieved its objective, a cannon foundry, Mexican troops fought bravely and well, inflicting heavy casualties on US forces. Fragile, but encapsulated for protection. Shaded at edges and folds. Irregular and slightly nicked edges, especially the right edge. Tips of corners missing. Pinhead-size holes at crossfolds affect 2 words of text. Otherwise, fine condition.