LS in Spanish, signed “Ant. Lopez de Santa Anna,” one page both sides, 8 x 11.5, presidential letterhead, May 18, 1833. Letter to a “Most Illustrious Sir,” in part (translated): “I have the pleasure of enclosing for Your Most Illustrious Lordship two copies of the speech I delivered upon taking possession of the Presidency of the United Mexican States. In order to obtain the aid for which I have implored celestial providence, I am writing to Your Most Illustrious Lordship so that, in union with your venerable clergy, you may beseech for me the necessary illumination from the One who dispenses every good.
At the same time that I must seek to conserve without stain the holy religion that we profess, I expect with entire confidence that Your Most Illustrious Lordship and your clergy will continue carrying out your functions of peace, will take care to avoid every motive of discord, and that the spirit of charity…will abound.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds passing through the signature, significant staining to lower portion affecting some of the main writing, and tape repairs to bottom edge.
Before Santa Anna was even sworn in as President of Mexico, the relationship between the Catholic Church and his government was a major source of tension. As his newly selected vice president Valentin Gomez Farias began instituting liberal reforms in April of 1833 (shortly after Santa Anna’s election), many aimed against the church—abolishing tithing as a legal obligation and seizing church property and finances, among other things—his intentions of reducing the power of the church became instantly clear. A fascinating letter, signed just two days into his official presidency, asking first for the prayers of the “venerable clergy,” then for their obedience. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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