Beschreibung:

AN IMPORTANT RECORD OF A PROMINENT OFFICER'S SERVICE DURING BOLIVAR'S LIBERATION OF SOUTH AMERICA. This lot features the papers of the Venezuelan patriot Francisco Avendaño [1790?-1866], Chief of Engineers for the Venezuelan Army during the War of Independence, and later Venezuelan Minister of War and General-in-Chief. Most documents date from the revolutionary period, but Avendano’s entire career is represented in this archive. Highlights include: 1. BOLIVAR, SIMON. 5 items: Letter Signed, ordering Avendaño to go to José Bermudez, who will entrust him with an important mission (1818); Autograph Letter Signed of Avendaño to Bolívar by whom it has been signed and docketed for approval, urging recognition of his work since the never-to-be-forgotten defeat of Morales on 13 September 1814 (1818); Printed Commission Signed, naming Avendaño as “ayudante general del Estado Mayor General en Angostura” (1818); Printed Commission Signed, naming Avendaño lieutenant-colonel, counter-signed by Soublette (1818); Printed “patente mercantile” Signed, with official seal (unused and undated). 2. SANTANDER, FRANCISCO DE PAULA. 3 items: Autograph Letter Signed, to Simón Bolívar informing him that Avendaño is returning to Maracaibo as agreed, and strongly recommending him (1826): Printed Commission Signed, counter-signed by Gual, in the name of the “Republica de Colombia,” naming Avendaño commandant of Puerto Cabello and its dependencies (1825); Autograph Letter Signed congratulating Avendaño on all that he has done in utilizing the people of Venezuela in the cause of patriotism (1833). 3. SUCRE, ANTONIO JOSÉ DE. Autograph Letter Signed, informing Avendaño that Bolivar has decided to appoint him commandant of Cumaná (1819). 4. SOUBLETTE, CARLOS. 9 items: Commission Signed, confirming Avendaño in his appointment as adjutant general to the major general commanding Angostura (1818); Letter Signed, informing him that Bolívar has promoted him to lieutenant colonel of the engineers (1818); Letter Signed, informing Avendaño that Bolívar has appointed him “Jefe de Estado Mayor de la Guardia” (1820); Letter Signed, ordering Avendaño to reconnoitre the road from Caugagua to Capaya, for ease of troop movements (1821); Letter Signed, informing Avendaño that he has received the “Estrella de los Libertadores de Venezuela” (1826) with “Estrella de Libertadores” medal in gold; Letter Signed, appointing Avendaño commander of the province of Bogotá and to take charge of munitions during his absence (1826); Letter Signed, informing him that Bolívar has decided that he should take charge of the Bermudez Division; Letter Signed, ordering him to take charge of the Cumaná Division; Autograph Letter Signed, congratulating him on both his military and civil services to the Republic, which well qualify him for promotion to general (1847). 5. PAEZ, JOSÉ ANTONIO. 3 items: Letter Signed, ordering him in the name of the “Republica de Colombia/ Departmento de Venezuela,” to plan and start construction of a defense system for the Maracaibo strait (1823); Letter Signed, appointing him commander of Puerto Cabello (1825); Document Signed, appointing him Governor of the province of Cumaná (1839). 6. ESCANDON, PEDRO GUAL. 4 items, all signed on behalf of the Office of the Secretary of State for War: Document Signed, providing intelligence on the fortifications and armaments in Orinoco (1824); Document Signed, fragment, reporting on the state of the engineering infrastructure; Letter Signed, granting a salary (1825); Letter Signed, conveying the government's congratulations for Avendaño's work on the fortifications of the island of Bajo Seco (1824). 7. ARISMENDI, JUAN BAUTISTA 2 items: Printed Commission Signed, counter-signed by DIEGO BAUTISTA URBANEJA, issued in his capacity as acting president during Bolívar's absence in Colombia ("Nueva Granada"), appointing Avendaño colonel (1819); Letter Signed, naming him “Jefe del Estado Mayor de la División de Cumaná” (1819). 8. URBANEJA, D