Lot 185
López, Narcisco (1798-1851) An adventurer and soldier, born in Venezuela; he lived and fought in Venezuela, Cuba, and Spain. He fled to the United States in 1848 when the Spanish cracked down on Cuban revolutionaries, whom he had joined.Starting in 1849, he led three unsuccessful expeditions against Cuba. In his last attempt, launched from New Orleans, he led several hundred men, including many Americans under Colonel Crittenden.López was captured and executed, along with most of his followers, including Crittenden. Since Cuba was a colony of Spain, with whom the U.S. was at peace, President Milliard Fillmore denounced the invasion. Cuba's present-day flag was adopted from the flag used by Lopez' forces.
Manuscript poem signed Narcisco Lopez, 1 page, in Spanish, 8¼ x 5¼", Havana, Dec. 8, 1839. Lopez writes a poem for his sister's birthday, while mourning the death of his wife. Torn between celebrating and mourning, he begins: "Tierno llanto derrama, hermana mia, al pensar que las otras a esta hora allá en Cuba recuerdan que tu dia era siempre una fiesta alegradora. Acá en la Habana en mi compañia cuando mi esposa al fallecer te imploró, un parabien y un duelo en competencia me ponen en durisima violencia…." An emotional outpouring from the tough soldier. A couple of tiny pinholes, otherwise fine.
Estimated Value $800 - 1,000.
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