Rare ALS in Spanish, three pages both sides, 4 x 5.5, September 29, 1958. Letter to Revolutionary Air Force Chief Pedro Luis Diaz Lanz, one of the key personnel responsible for smuggling weapons and ammunition into Cuba, written while hiding in the "Sierra Maestra" mountains. In full: "Zoilo sent the following message: We try operation Tuesday to Thursday. Arrival seven thirty to nine night. Airplane same destroy. Mark direction landing field entrance. The rest condition to exaggeration same agree for operation cancel. Confirm urgent this code. ———Zoilo. This arrived a little delayed where I am. They responded in the plant to come. I send you the paper right now at night, so you have time to prepare everything. Hopefully this time we have a little bit of luck. There is much need for your trips. There is a lot of fighting and the month of October will be of extraordinary activity. The combat at Cerro was heavy. The two 87 mortars work with extraordinary precision. The encampment: tents, the command post, were direct targets of our mortar shots. They defended themselves with cannons, machine guns 50, mortars and other weapons. The object of the attack was to impede the removal of troops from here to Camaguey and other parts. Although we could not make them surrender, the strategic purpose was accomplished and they were defeated—no great number of casualties. Our troop suffered five casualties. All were mortal wounds. The people all performed very well and were valiant. I am sorry you didn't get to see that. Almeida inflicted a defeat to the enemy causing them 25 casualties, occupying 10 weapons and 55 prisoners, among them the Lieutenant Colonel Nelson Carrasco Artiles, wounded and prisoner. A lot of bullets are going to be needed, Pedro Luis. You all can not rest in the coming weeks. Good luck!" In fine condition, with scattered foxing and some feathering to ink.
After returning from exile in Mexico, Castro hid with his small band of followers in the Sierra Maestra mountain range while expanding their 26th of July Movement. This incredible letter describes the fighting of his guerrilla forces as well as the logistical concerns with organizing a rebellion. They would soon successfully overthrow Cuban President Fulgencio Batista, toppling his government on January 1, 1959. A truly remarkable letter of enormous significance.
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