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Father of Cuban Independence
Rare, Important Content A.L.S.
MAXIMO Gomez Baez (1836-1905). Military Commander who commanded Spanish Troops when he traveled to Cuba in 1865. Supporter of Cuba’s first struggle for independence. He traveled to the Unite States and met with Jose Marti., but they had two different approaches to Cuban liberation. Gomez favored the military angle. In 1895, Marti asked Gomez to lead the struggle. His tactics of hit and run and burning plantations used the kind of rapid mobility for which small well trained guerrilla forces are especially suited. The revolution of 1895 installed civil authority headed by Salvador Cisneros Betancourt. When he ordered Gomez to replace Jose Maceo and break away from Antonio Maceo, Gomez refused and was dismissed. Gomez responded by calling on Maceo for aid ,a request that resulted in Maceo’s death on December 7, 1896. Gomez fought on despite the considerable obstacles presented by Weyler’s 160,000 men. Prime Ministers Canovas offer of autonomy won him esteem in the United States. When the U.S. entered the war in 1898, it supplied Gomez forces who in turn ordered General Calixto Garcia to work with the U.S. troops to defeat the Spanish. At war’s end, Gomez was 75 years old having spent more than half of his life dedicated to the liberation of Cuba. He died in Havana.
Autograph letter signed, three full pages on Gral. Maximo Gomez, printed black bordered letterhead, 6 M (arch) 1899 to Cuban Patriot and Ambassador Gonzolo De Quesada y Arostequi. Gomez writes and requests that a letter be delivered to President (of the United States) William McKinley. In this letter Gomez refers to the unstable political situation in Cuba and in the First Provisional Military Cabinet which is led by provisional Governor General Brooke. He states the Cuban people are hurting and the Cuban Army will be disabled but the Cuban people will bear arms. A very rare letter with excellent political content during a most historical time in Cuban history. Two file holes at the top of each page not touching the writing. Overall in near fine condition ................$1,650.00
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