Rare Latin Americana from the William Reese Company

This next broadside declaration, from August 27, 1828, announces Simon Bolivar Libertador Presidente de la Republica &c &c &c. At this time Bolivar declared he was assuming dictatorial powers for life. The Liberator had not changed his ideals, but he feared Gran Colombia was disintegrating and, like Lincoln, hoped to preserve the Union. Even though naming himself dictator for life, Bolivar intended this only as a temporary measure, and so he also states that he will stay no longer than necessary, and he did, as promised, resign in 1830. Item 22. $17,500.

Most of Mexico's days of foreign domination were as a colony of Spain, but for a brief period in the 1860s, the French seized control. In 1864, with America consumed by the Civil War, France saw an opportunity to grab power in the neighborhood. It installed Maximilian I as emperor with the aid of certain segments of Mexican society that were not enthralled with ideas like democracy. It would not last, and Mexicans would overthrow and execute Maximilian in 1867. Item 77 is a look at the last days of Maximilian: Queretaro. Memorias de un Oficial del Emperador Maximiliano, by Albert Hans, published in 1869. Hans had served under Maximilian and was imprisoned for six months after his fall. In this book he writes of the siege at Queretaro and the capture, trial, and execution of the Emperor. $675.

The William Reese Company may be reached at 203-789-8081 or amorder@reeseco.com. Their website is www.williamreesecompany.com.