Abraham Rivera says he was captured on 14
August 1928, and in fact he was, by
Capt. Merritt A. Edson during the Río Coco
Expedition (examined in detail by David C.
Brooks in his 1989
JLAS
article).
Seized along with him were at least 20 individual letters and other documents
spanning the 15 months from June 1927 to August
1928, most dealing directly with the
unfolding rebellion. In June 2012, the originals
were discovered in the US National
Archives (RG127/43A/29) and are presented here
in JPEG files alongside full
transcriptions (in progress). Together they offer a
fascinating glimpse into Abraham Rivera's life,
activities, and relationships.
I thank the
Arnold Grant at Lebanon Valley College for
funding the research trip that made it possible
to discover and digitize these documents;
Lebanon Valley College student researcher Daniel
Schramm for scanning them; and the kind
assistance of E. Arturo Castro-Frenzel for his
help with the transcriptions and the corrected
Spanish versions, and for his helpful
commentaries.
We
begin with the Marines' own inventory and
transcriptions; click on thumbnails to view full
images. We see eight pages listing, translating,
and transcribing 21 items:
This material is reorganized in chronological
sequence below. For each document, four
versions are presented, where appropriate: (1) an exact
transcription of the original; (2) a translation
into standard Spanish; (3) an exact
transcription of the USMC-GNN's transcription,
translation, and comments if any; and
(4) a better English translation.
1.
27.06.05.
Alfred E. "Frenchie" Webster
to Abraham Rivera, June 5, 1927.
[No. 10 on the Marines' list.]
"Bocay,
June 5th 1927. ¶ Don Abram Rivera. ¶ En
El Rio. ¶ My Dear Abram:- ¶ Su pongo que
este le encuentre en el rio, y ojala que
nos trae alguna buena noticia, pues
mandé á Mike hasta la Boca de Waspook y
vino anteayer pero solo traiendo las
mismas noticias que tenemos de arriva. ¶
Aqui no hay cosa de nuevo, la Magdalina
salió de su dificultad el dia despues
que si fueron Uds, el 6 de Mayo; tuvo a
un baroncito, pero disgraciadamente,
nació el pobrecito con un defecto en la
nariz y boca, pero como hacer Abram, hay
que aguantar los castigos de Dios. ¶ Yo
no haya que hacerhasta las cosas
normalisan. ¶ Jesus va para Jinotega,
para ver que si consiga su vaja. ¶ Si
estas en Jinotega todavia, no deja de
preguntar Don Enrique, Don Pablo y los
Nogueras, que si me tienen
corespondencia que me la mandan tambien
á Bonifacio, talvez me han venido
algunas telegramas de B-fields. Si le es
posible, traigame una Caja de Kerosine,
10 lbs Candelas, y 6 potes de Oat Meal.
¶ Damele saludes a mi comadre Petrona y
los chiquitos. ¶ Como aqui no hay otra
cosa que decirte, dispense la corta
carta. ¶ Su affmo ¶ /s/ A. E. Webster."
In standard Spanish:
"Bocay, June 5th 1927. Don Abram Rivera.
En El Río. My Dear Abram:- Supongo que
esta lo encontrará en el río, y ojalá
que nos traiga alguna buena noticia,
pues mandé á Mike hasta la Boca de
Waspook y vino anteayer, pero solo
trayendo las mismas noticias que tenemos
de arriba. Aqui no hay nada nuevo, la
Magdalena salió de su dificultad el día
después que si fueron Uds, el 6 de Mayo;
tuvo a un varoncito, pero
desgraciadamente nació el pobrecito con
un defecto en la nariz y boca, pero cómo
hacer, Abram?. Hay que aguantar los
castigos de Dios. Yo no hallo qué hacer
hasta que las cosas se normalicen. Jesus
va para Jinotega, para ver que si
consige su baja. Si estás en Jinotega
todavía, no dejes de preguntar a Don
Enrique, Don Pablo y los Nogueras si me
tienen correspondencia que me la manden,
tambien á Bonifacio, talvez me han
venido algunos telegramas de B-fields.
Si le es posible, traigame una Caja de
Kerosine, 10 lbs Candelas, y 6 potes de
Oat Meal. Damele saludes a mi comadre
Petrona y los chiquitos. Como aquí no
hay otra cosa que decirte, dispense la
corta carta. Su affmo ¶ /s/ A. E.
Webster."
NOTAS:
[1]
en español (Arturo).
[2]
en español
(Arturo).
[3]
en español
(Arturo).
[4]
"pedir la baja" o "solicitar
la baja" significa en español
(Arturo).
[5]
Don Enrique (Heinrich) Gülke, en español
(Arturo).
[6]
Idem, probable Don Pablo Möller,
en español
(Arturo).
[7]
The Noguera brothers (Gustavo &
bros.) en español
(Arturo).
[8]
Probably Don Bonifacio
Rizo, en español
(Arturo).
USMC-GNN translation: "Abraham Rivera,
The River. ¶ My dear Abraham: ¶ I
suppose this will find you in the river
and I hope that we bring good news, for
I sent Mike to the mouth of the Waspuc
and came yesterday alone, bringing the
same news we had on arrival. ¶ There is
nothing new here, Magdalena ended her
difficulties the day after you left, May
6, had a boy but unfortunately the poor
thing was born with a defect in the nose
and mouth, but as Abraham does we have
to bear the punishments of God. ¶ I do
nothing but the usual things. Jesus went
to Jinotega to see if he could get his
(vaja). If you are still in Jinotega,
don't forget to ask Enrique, Pablo, and
the Nogueras if they got the
correspondence I sent them, also
Bonifacio, perhaps some telegrams from
Bluefields have come for me. ¶ If it is
possible bring me a can of kerosene, 10
lbs. candles, and 6 boxes of oatmeal. ¶
Salute my child's godmother Petrona and
the little ones for me. ¶ As there is
nothing else to tell you, excuse the
short letter.
¶ /s/ Frenchie Webster"
A better English translation with
explanatory notes:
"Abraham Rivera, The River. My dear
Abraham: I suppose this will reach you
at the river and I hope that it will
bring us some good news, for I sent Mike
to the mouth of the Waspuc and he came
yesterday, but he brought only the same
news we had from above
[1].
There is nothing new here, Magdalena
ended her difficulties
[2]
the day after you left, May 6th, had a
boy but unfortunately the poor thing was
born with a defect in the nose and mouth
[3],
but, Abraham, what shall we do? we have
to put up with the punishments of God. I
don't know what to do until things get
normalized. Jesus went to Jinotega to
see if he could get his withdrawal
[4].
If you are still in Jinotega, don't
forget to ask Don Enrique
[5],
Don Pablo
[6],
and the Nogueras
[7]
if they have correspondence sent to me,
also Bonifacio
[8],
perhaps some telegrams from Bluefields
have arrived for me. If it is possible
bring me a box of kerosene, 10 lbs.
candles, and 6 cans of oatmeal. Give my
regards to my child's godmother Petrona
and to the little ones for me. As there
is nothing else to tell you, please
excuse for the short letter. /s/
Frenchie Webster"
NOTES:
[1]
Upstream.
[2]
"Difficulties" of childbirth.
[3]
A cleft
palate.
[4]
"pedir la baja" or "solicitar la
baja" means to request withdrawal
or discharge from
a hospital, military duties, or other
responsibilities. In this context it
means requesting withdrawal from
military duty.
[5]
Don Enrique (Heinrich) Gülke, a
prominent German
merchant.
Campesinos outside the town of Jinotega
would commonly ask Jinotega merchants to
let correspondence be addressed to their
houses, since normal post service did
not reach the countryside.
[6]
Idem, probably Don Pablo Möller,
another prominent German merchant.
[7]
The Noguera brothers (Gustavo &
bros.) had a large commercial house in
Jinotega.
[8]
Probably Don Bonifacio
Rizo, a prominent Jinotega merchant
a.k.a. "Don Juacho".
Return to EDSN-Docs
2.
27.07.26. María Luisa
Fuerta Rivera to Abraham Rivera,
Neptune, July 26, 1927.
[No. 19 on the Marines' list, with
second image of rear of letter
containing another message, on
stationary of the shuttered Eden Mining
Company.]
"Julio 26 D./ 27 ¶ El neptuno ¶ Don Abran
Ribera Estimado Señor deseo que cuando
esta llegue a sus manos gose de buena
felisidad nosotros buena grasias a Dios
Don Abran deseo saber sinba abenir
aberlos tambien dise mi mamita que si le
trago los encargos que le iso y que si
no los trago aora que se los traiga
cuando buelba nosotros Rogando a dios
Por usted nosotros lo esperamos todos
los dias desiamos berlo Como Siempre
deciandole felisidad Reciba nuestros Re
cuerdos ¶ S.S. M. Luisa Fuerte R ¶
[on rear:] Para Don Adolfo Castrillo ¶
Cartillas – Libro 1° - Libro 2° - Caton
¶ Semillas de tabaco de D. I. Cruz ó A.
Telle[ez] ¶ moral y urbanidad -
Muestrario Calíg(ra)fo Spencer"
In standard Spanish:
"Julio 26 D./ 27 ¶ Don Abraham Rivera ¶
Estimado Señor ¶ Deseo que cuando esta
llegue a sus manos goce de buena
felicidad. Nosotros bien gracias a Dios.
Don Abraham, deseo saber si va a venir a
vernos. También dice mi mamita que si le
trajo los encargos que le hizo y que si
no los trajo ahora, que se los traiga
cuando vuelva. Nosotros rogando a Dios
por Usted. Nosotros lo esperamos. Todos
los días deseamos verlo. Como siempre,
deseándole felicidad. Reciba recuerdos,
¶ S.S.[Su Servidora] M. Luisa Fuerta R."
USMC-GNN translation & commentary: "Abraham
Rivera, Neptune. ¶ Dear Sir: ¶ I hope
that when this reaches your hands I will
know your good health, we have (?) the good
thanks of God. Abraham I want to know if
you have had them also. Tell my little
mother that if I bring the loads that
were made up, if I don't bring them now
I will bring them when we come back. ¶ I
pray God for you, we await you every
day, we want to see you, as always
dedicated to your happiness receive our
regards, ¶ /s/ María Luisa Fuerta
Rivera. ¶ [On rear:] ¶ For Adolfo
Castillo, books, ¶ First book - 2nd book
¶ seed of tobacco of Dr. F. Cruz or A
Telles morals and desires (?) ¶
Professor Saligrafo Spenser."
A better English translation with
explanatory notes:
"July 26, 1927 ¶ El Neptune ¶ Don
Abraham Rivera ¶ Dear Sir: I hope that
when this reaches your hands you will be
enjoying all good happiness. Thanks to
God we are doing well. Don Abraham, I
would like to know if you are coming to
see us. My mother also asks if you
brought her the goods she asked you to
bring. She says that if you did not this
time, please bring them the next time
you come here. We pray God for you.
Every day we desire to see you and as
always we wish you happiness. Receive
our regards, ¶ Your servant, ¶ M. Luisa
Fuerta Rivera
¶ [On rear:] Reading primers
- 1st book - 2nd book – Caton ¶
Tobacco seeds. By D. I. Cruz or A.
Tell[ez?] Moral y Urbanidad
¶
Samplebook of Caligraphy ¶ Spencer
[1]"
NOTE:
[1]
References are to primary-school primers
and texts, e.g. for an updated Spencer's
Caligraphy see
http://www.ilunik.com/caligrafia-spencerian
[offsite]
Return to EDSN-Docs
3.
27.08.14. Eustaguia Rivera
to Abraham Rivera, August 14, 1927.
[No. 21 on the Marines' list.
Original letter missing from collection
in RG127/43A/19, making transcription of
the original impossible.]
USMC-GNN translation: "Abraham Rivera. ¶
Dear little brother: ¶ I have received
your little letters you have sent me and
also the money for the coffee and for a
dress. Alfredo gave me $4 more, he said
you saw them on the road. Marrita is
well, goes to school every day and the
teacher says she behaves well. Chepita
says she had found out from Rafael that
he now ought to be in La Ceiba,
Honduras. My father has been sick with
more 'miguillas' in the arm; I see my
papa more afflicted every day, I don't
know why this is done to me but it seems
that the same will happen as occurred
with my little mother. ¶ God grant that
you have been well and that you will
return soon. Antonio has given aid to
help you from your difficulties and not
be late in reuturning. Alfredo gave me
two pieces of cashmere for my father. I
want to see if he will have it made
these days. God has blessed you for your
good sentiments. Manuel works in the
shoeshops of Pancho, God wants him to
learn something that will serve him
later. ¶ We all, all embrace you with
love and affection, ¶ /s/ Eustaguia
Rivera"
Return to EDSN-Docs
4.
27.08.15. T. D. Rivera to
Abraham Rivera, August 15, 1927.
[No. 18 on the Marines' list. Letter
inside missing; envelope only.]
"A
mi hijo ¶ Abraham M. Rivera ¶ Bocay"
USMC-GNN translation & commentary:
"To my son Abraham M. Rivera,
Bocay: ¶ (Mourning card bearing name of
Dolores Rivera and the following
message): Dear Son: Luisita and I are a
little ill, lightly. ¶ In respect to
Sandino's war there is nothing more;
some say he is now in Chipote, and
others that he has gone away. ¶ I
suppose we will see bye and bye. ¶
Jinotega, Aug. 15, 1927."
Return to EDSN-Docs
5.
27.10.30. Frenchie Webster
to Abraham Rivera, October 30, 1927.
[No. 9 on the Marines' list.]
"My Dear Abram: ¶ Recibí tu
cartita con Felipe en la que me dice que
le mande un bote a la bodega de Culi
para el 10 de noviembre y hoy me agarran
de sorpresa Bastard y Felipe, quienes
dicen que quieren ir a trbajar algo con
Usted primero. Así es que no tengo un
bote grande pero les estoy diciendo a
ellos que voy a ver si puedo conseguir
el de Wilie Gordon y mandarlo más tarde.
¶
Hasta el 25 de agosto pude
regresar de Jinotega. Fui bien recibido
por los amigos de allá pero casi no he
hecho nada de trabajo por haber estado
tan mal el lugar de Tilba Crivan. ¶ Toda
tu familia en Jinotega estaba bien. Sólo
lo la Niña M. Luisa
[1]
estaba algo enferma pero no de gravedad.
Con Bastard le mando cuatro cartas,
cumplí con todos sus encarguitos,
tambien dí el vestido al Viejo. ¶ Supe
ahora después, por Jesús Duarte, que
Rafael ya estaba en Jinotega tamaño
gordo. ¶ Don Cayetano había ido al
interior a traer su surtido. Don Antonio
estaba bueno. ¶ Se murió la mamá de los
Rizo, Doña Paula. ¶ Las cosas siempre
siguen lo mismo. La última noticia que
tuve, en el interior todo tranquilo,
sólo el lado de Segovia siempre lo
mismo. ¶ Mi comadre Petrona y los
muchachos estaban buenos. ¶ Yo estoy
solo aquí ahora, como tuve que mandar a
Mike a arrear las maderas de Guelke
[2],
Pío
[[3]
y todos, como estoy tan fregado, talvez
así podré comprar sal en el Cabo
[4].
Bueno Abram, perdona esta corta carta, y
cuando lleguen estos Sumus donde Usted,
si acaso va a venir Usted con gente y
carga bastante, yo creo que sería bueno
que despaches a éstos para atrás ya,
para llevar el pipante de Willy de
Limnabun mientras uno viene llegando a
la bodega. Si no viene para el 12 al 15,
talvez no me halla. ¶ Que se conserve
bien, Abram, y cuidado, es mejor ser
algo cobarde como yo en estos lugares.
Ya estamos viejos. Affmo amigo, ¶
Frenchie Webster"
NOTAS:
[1]
Probablemente María Luisa Fuerta Rivera.
[2] Enrique (Heinrich)
Gülke, un empresario alemán que tenía un
gran negocio comercial en Jinotega y
era exportador de grandes
cantidades de madera.
[3]
Probablemente Pío Castellón, un
comerciante jinotegano.
[4] Cabo
Gracias a Dios.
USMC-GNN translation & commentary: "My
dear Abraham (This is in
English, the rest is in Spanish):- ¶ I
received your little letter by Felipe,
in which you tell me to send him in a
boat on the Bodega of Culi by Nov. 10
and today Bastard and Felipe got hold of
me by surprise and said they wanted to
go and work some with you first and I
have no big boat but am telling them
that I will go get one if I can secure
Willie Gordon's and send it later. ¶ I
could return from Jinotega up till Aug.
25, I was well received by friends there
but did almost no work because Tilba
Crivan's place was so bad. ¶ All your
family in Jinotega were well, only the
baby M. Luisa was a little sick but not
seriously. I send four letters by
Bastard, complied with all my errands,
Rafael was then in Jinotega, big and
fat. ¶ Cayetano has gone to the interior
to get his supplies, Antonio was well.
¶ Paula, mother of the Rizos, died. ¶ Things
are always the same, the last news I had
everthing was quiet in the interior only
Segovia is always the same. ¶ My child's
godmother and the children were well. ¶ I
am alone here as I had to send Mike to
Gulke's Lumber, Pio and all, as I am
very busy, perhaps I can buy salt in the
Cape. ¶ Well, Abraham, excuse this short
letter, and when the Sumus (Indians) arrive where
you are, if in case you are coming with
people and plenty of cargo, I think it
will be well to send this back now to
take Willy's boat from Limnabum, while
one is arriving at Bodega. ¶ If I do not
arrive by the 12th to 18th perhaps I
will not call. ¶ Take care of yourself,
Abraham, and look out, it is better to
be a coward like me in these places, we
are old now. ¶ Affectionately, ¶
Frenchie Webster ¶
NOTE: (Typewritten and addressed
¶ to Abram Rivera, Pis Pis.)"
A better English translation with
explanatory notes
:
"My dear Abraham :- ¶ I received your
little letter sent with Felipe, in which
you ask me to send a boat to the
storehouse at Culi by Nov. 10th. Today
Bastard and Felipe surprised me
and said that they want to go and work a
bit with you first. So I don't have a
big boat, but am telling them that I'll
see if I can get Wilie Gordon's and send
it later. ¶ I could onlyreturn from
Jinotega until the 25th of August. I was
well received by friends there but did
almost no work because Tilba Crivan's
area was in such a bad condition. ¶ All
your family in Jinotega is doing well,
only the Niña
[1] M. Luisa was a little
sick but not seriously. With Bastard I'm
sending you four letters. I accomplished
all of the little orders you had given
me and also gave the dress to the old
man. Later, through Jesus Duarte, I
found out that Rafael was already in
Jinotega, big and fat. ¶ Don Cayetano
has gone to the interior to get his
supplies, Don Antonio was doing fine. ¶
Doña Paula, the mother of the Rizo's,
died. ¶ Things are always the same, the
last news I had everthing was quiet in
the interior. Only at Segovia things are
always the same. ¶ My child's godmother
and the children were doing well. ¶ I am
alone here as I had to send Mike to ride
herd on the Lumber of Guelke
[2], Pio
[3] and all those, for I'm quite
penniless and maybe so I can purchase
some salt at the Cape
[4]. ¶ Well,
Abraham, excuse this short letter, and
when these Sumus arrive where you are,
if in case you are coming with people
and plenty of cargo, I think it will be
well to send these back right now to
take Willy's boat from Limnabum, while
one is arriving at the storehouse. ¶ If
you do not arrive by the 12th to 15th
perhaps you will not find me. ¶ Take
care of yourself, Abraham, and look out,
it is better to be a bit coward like me
in these places, we are old now. ¶
Affectionately, ¶ Frenchie Webster"
NOTES:
[1] Probably María Luisa Fuerta Rivera.
[2] Enrique (Heinrich)
Gülke, a German entrepreneur who had a
big general store in Jinotega and also
exported large amounts of wood.
[3] Probably
Jinotega merchant
Pío Castellón
[4] Cabo Gracias a Dios
Return to EDSN-Docs
6.
27.11.18. Luis Pineda, Bonanza Mine, to Abraham Rivera,
November 18, 1927.
[No. 2 on the Marines' list.]
"Mina Bonanza ¶ Nobre 18/1927 ¶
Don Abraham Rivera ¶ Mina Eden ¶
Estimado Señor: ¶ Debiendo comenzar a
practicarse las Elecciones para
Diputados y Senadores de la República,
rogamos a Ud. Tener la bondad de avisar
a los vecinos de esa mina y a los de la
linea y de la Bodega de Miranda por
medio de los muchachos para que
concurran a inscribirse y a votar. La
votación queda abierta el domingo 20 de
este mes o sea pasado mañana. ¶
Agradeciéndole mucho quedamos de Ud. muy
attos S.S. y amigos ¶ Luis Pineda (P?) ¶
Pedro Vasquez"
USMC-GNN translation & commentary: "Sr. Abraham
Rivera, Eden Mine. ¶ Dear Sir: ¶ Owing
to the beginning of elections for
Deputies and Senators of the Republic,
we beg you to have the kindness to
notify the neighborhood of this mine and
of the area and of Bodega de Miranda
through the medium of the boys, to
gather to register and vote. The polls
will be open Sunday the 20th of this
month or day after tomorrow. ¶ Thanking
you, etc., we remain your servants, ¶
Luis H. Pina D (?), Pedro Vasquez."
A better English translation:
"Mina Bonanza ¶ February 18th, 1927 ¶
Mr. Abraham Rivera ¶ Eden Mine. ¶ Dear
Sir: ¶ Since elections for Deputies and
Senators of the Republic are due to
begin, we beg you to have the kindness
to send the boys around to notify the
neighbors of that mine, the mine
railway, and Miranda's storehouse to get
registered and to vote. The polls will
be open on Sunday the 20th of this
month, i.e. the day after tomorrow. ¶ We
thank you very much and remain your
servants and friends, ¶ Luis Pineda
[1]
¶ Pedro Vasquez."
NOTE:
[1]
Arturo Pineda, also employed at Bonanza
Mine, gave a detailed eyewitness
description of Gen. Girón's sacking of
the mine in April-May 1928, and is
likely to have been Luis Pineda's
brother or relative; see
TOP 100 PAGE 9.
Return to EDSN-Docs
7.
28.01.04. M. A. Thompson, Bocay,
to Abraham Rivera, January 4, 1928.
[No. 20 on the Marines' list. Map
at right pinned to letter, despite
being numbered #22; there is no #22 on
the USMC-GNN list.]
"Dear Don Abram, ¶ I received
letters from my uncle written on the 25
of December, from the foot of curious.
He gave me the glad news that Lewis was
alive and well, some one of his mozos
came and told him that they had left
Lewis in Bilway about the 10th of Dec.,
that he was awfully thin, owing to his
illness, but was then entirely better.
¶
Don Abram poor old Don Marcelino was
killed here on the 30th of Dec.,
Manzanaus was down at Modesto's place,
raising hell with everybody, Marcelino
went to bring up Modesto, when Manzanaus
jumped on him, wounding him in several
places. Marcelino shot him, and returned
his wounds with his machete, as it was
dark no one could interfere. When a
light was lit both of them were dead.
[p. 2]
Marcelino had his left bust split open,
we buried him on the 31st. ¶ Be good to
yourself father Abraham, and come quick.
Miguel is here but will be leaving again
on the 15th. Everybody sends their best
regards. ¶ Your friend as ever, ¶ /s/ M.
A. Thompson"
USMC-GNN transcription & commentary: "Dear Don Abram,
¶ I received letters from my uncle
written on the 25th of December, from
the foot of curious. He gave me the glad
news that Lewis was alive and well. Some
one of his mozos came and told him that
they had left Lewis in Bilway about the
10th of Dec., that he was awfully thin,
owing to his illness, but was then
entirely better. Don Abram poor old Don
Marcelino was killed here on the 30th of
December. Manzanans was down at
Modesto's place, raising hell with
everybody. Marcelino went to bring up
Modesto, when Manzanans jumped on him,
wounding him in several places.
Marcelino shot him, and returning his
wounds with his machete, as it was dark
no one could interfere. When a light was
lit both of them were dead. Marcelino
had his left bust split open. ¶ Be good
to yourself father Abraham, and come
quick. Miguel is here but will be
leaving again on the 15th. Everybody
sends their best regards. ¶ Your friend
as ever, ¶ /s/ M. A. Thompson, Bocay"
Return to EDSN-Docs
8.
28.01.18. Guadalupe Rivera
to Abraham Rivera, January 18, 1928.
[No. 14 on the Marines' list.]
"El portador Don Abram Rivera
anda en negocios propios y de comercio
suplico a las autoridades civiles y
militares no atrazarle en su pasada. ¶
Patria y Libertad ¶ Guadalupe Rivera ¶
Enero 18 de 1928"
In standard Spanish:
"El portador, Don Abraham Rivera, anda
en negocios propios y de comercio.
Suplico a las autoridades civiles y
militares no atrasarlo en su pasada. ¶
Patria y Libertad ¶ Guadalupe Rivera ¶
Enero 18 de 1928"
USMC-GNN translation: "The bearer,
Abraham Rivera, goes on private business
and commerce. I beg that the civil and
military authorities do not hinder him
on his journey. ¶ Patria y Libertad ¶
Guadalupe Rivera"
Return to EDSN-Docs
9.
28.02.08. B. Garay to
Abraham Rivera, February 8, 1928.
[No. 7 on the Marines' list.]
"Zarpa pipante veloz con
dirección a Bocay, al mando su Capitán
Antonio Blandón y tres marineros
conduciendo la familia de Don Abraham
Rivera. ¶ Sackling [?] de Febrero de
1928 [stamped seal reads:] Inspeccion de
Pol. ¶ Comandancia Local Sackling ¶
Comarca Cabo Gracias a Dios, Nic."
USMC-GNN translation & commentary: "Velos
started his boat toward Bocay in command
of his Captain Antonio Blandon and
three. ¶ Sailors are conducting the family
of Abraham Rivera. ¶ Sackling (5) 8
Feb. 1928. ¶ B. Garay
¶ Sealed with the seal of
Inspector of Police and Hacienda of Cabo
Gracias a Dios."
A better English translation:
"Rapid canoe is leaving towards Bocay,
at the command of Captain Antonio
Blandón and three sailors who are
conveying the family of Don Abraham
Rivera. ¶ Sackling [--] February, 1928. .
. ."
Return to EDSN-Docs
10.
28.05.17. A. C.
Sandino to Abraham Rivera, May 17, 1928.
[No. 3 on the Marines' list.
Only rear side scanned; impossible to
separate from the underlying paper without
damaging the document. Evidently Abraham Rivera's commission
as a colonel in the EDSN.]
[Transcription of legible
portions forthcoming]
USMC-GNN
translation & commentary: "Abraham
[Badly defaced; Abraham Rivera's
commission]: The undersigned General
_____ of the forces defending the
national rights of Nicaragua, in use of
the powers which that same Army allows
him, Resolves: To name the - - - -
Abraham Rivera as (chief of the?)
traffic in the River Coco - - - in order
to - - - - the case - - - - aid (verb) -
- - - that - - - - - - Also with the
same naming - - - - - Mr Rivera to
acquire - - - - - provisions - - - -
general headquarters. All that Mr.
Rivera does to favor our cause will be
approved (by) this (commander?) for
(after?) he resolves to do all that he
thinks - - - - carrying out - - - - the
interests (of?) the Counter Revolution.
- - - - - Mr. Rivera to comply
faithfully with (the obligations) which
(this?) confers. ¶ The - - - - - May 17
of 1928. ¶ Patria y Libertad ¶ /s/ A. C.
Sandino ¶ /seal/"
[Likeliest
phrasing from similar documents:
forthcoming]
English translation of the likeliest
phrasing: [forthcoming]
Return to EDSN-Docs
11.
28.05.19.
Unknown author, no definite date, ca.
May 19, 1928.
[No.
1 on the Marines' list.]
"CULEBRA O STOPE O ¶ DATE / May
I'19 ¶ CU.FT.BROKEN / 2,646 ¶ WIDTH /
7.2 ¶ TONS / 2.03 ¶ OZ.AU. / 0.80 ¶ TONS
REMOVED / 203 ¶ TONS IN STOPE / none ¶
Luis Rivera ¶ 'Sixi Cuass "Wawa" ¶ Mr.
Davis"
Likeliest meaning: This appears
to be a mining company ledger that
summarizes work done at the mine over
the first 20 days of May 1928, listing
the number of cubic feet of ore crushed
(2,646), etc., along with the number of
ounces of gold (AU) per ton (0.8, or
almost one ounce per ton of ore). But
this remains largely conjectural.
Return to EDSN-Docs
12.
28.05.28. Porfirio Sánchez
H. to Abraham Rivera, May 28, 1928.
[No. 8 on the Marines' list.]
"Sr. Abraham
Rivera V ¶ Estimado Amigo: ¶ Ruegole se
digne mandarme en pipante al Cuartel
General al soldado Aguilera G para que
lo curen de un golpe. ¶ Saludole ¶
Patria y Libertad ¶ P. Sanchez H. ¶ Peña
Cruz
[1]
¶ Mayo 28 – 1928"
NOTA:
[1]
Pareciera referirse a La Peña de la
Cruz, la montaña al Oeste de la ciudad
de Jinotega, pero es poco probable que
sea eso por cuanto Sánchez habla de un
pipante y en esa zona no hay ríos
navegable. Más bien podría ser "El Caño
de la Cruz" (véase:
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/69993318,
afuera del website).
USMC-GNN translation: "Sr. Abraham
Rivera. ¶ Dear Friend: ¶ I beg you to
send me by boat to General Salvador
Aguilar G.'s barracks because I have
received a bruise. ¶ I salute you, ¶
Patria y Libertad /s/ Porfirio Sánchez,
Pena Cruz, May 28, 1928."
A better English translation:
"Mr. Abraham Rivera ¶ Dear friend: ¶ I
beg you to have the kindness to send to
me by boat the soldier Aguilera G to the
General Headquarters to be treated for a
blow he suffered. ¶ I greet you ¶
Homeland and Liberty ¶
Porfirio Sánchez,
Peña Cruz
[1]
May 20th – 1928"
NOTE:
[1]
This sounds like "La Peña de la Cruz"
west of the town Jinotega, but this is
unlikely, since Sánchez is talking about
travel by boat and there is no navigable
river there. He could be referring to
"El Caño de la Cruz" (see
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/69993318,
offsite).
Return to EDSN-Docs
13.
28.07.02. A. C. Sandino, El
Triunfo, to Abraham Rivera, July 2,
1928.
[No. 11 on the Marines' list.]
"El Triunfo 2 Julio 1928 ¶
Estimado companero: ¶ Recibí su nota y
la hoja suelta que me mandó y mucha risa
me dio el pasquin sin firma de Moncada.
¶ Moncada está en temblores y es por eso
que procura desepcional al pueblo. ¶ Lo
espero en este campamento.No hay
novedad. ¶ Patria y Libertad ¶ A. C.
Sandino."
In standard Spanish:
"El Triunfo 2 Julio 1928 ¶ Estimado
compañero: ¶ Recibí su nota y la hoja
suelta que me mandó y mucha risa me dio
el pasquin sin firma de Moncada. ¶
Moncada está en temblores y es por eso
que procura decepcionar al pueblo. ¶ Lo
espero en este campamento. No hay
novedad. ¶ Patria y Libertad ¶ A. C.
Sandino."
USMC-GNN translation: "El
Triunfo 2 July, 1928. ¶ Mr. Abraham
Rivera ¶ Esteemed companion:- ¶ I
received your note and the pamphlet you
sent me and the lampoon without the
signature of Moncada made me laugh a
lot. Moncada is in tremors and that is
why he deceives the people. ¶ I await
you in this camp. There is no news. ¶
Country and Liberty, ¶ A. C. SANDINO"
A better English translation:
"Dear companion: ¶ I received your note
and the flier you sent me and I laughed
a lot at the unsigned lampoon of
Moncada. ¶ Moncada is in tremors and
that is why he tries to deceive the
people. ¶ I await you in this camp.
There is no news. ¶ Homeland & Liberty ¶
A. C. Sandino."
Return to EDSN-Docs
14.
28.07.03. A. C. Sandino to
Abraham Rivera, no date, ca. July 3, 1928.
[No. 12 on the Marines' list.
Undated.]
"Señor ¶ Abraham Rivera ¶
Ruégole ayudarmele a Guatemala
[1],
para que nos traiga sal, frijoles, maiz,
arroz y las cosas necesarias porque no
saldremos mañana, sino pasado mañana ¶
Patria y Libertad ¶ A. C. Sandino"
Nota:
[1]
Referencia a Tomás "Tuma" Guatemala;
véase
TOP 100 PAGE 15.
USMC-GNN translation: "Mr.
Abraham Rivera: ¶ I beg you to help us
in Guatemala by bringing us salt, beans,
corn, rice, and the necessary things,
for we will not leave tomorrow but the
day after tomorrow. ¶ Country and
Liberty, ¶ A. C. SANDINO"
A better English translation:
"Mr Abraham Rivera: ¶ I beg you to help
Guatemala
[1]
to bring us salt, beans, corn, rice and
the necessary things because we are not
leaving tomorrow but the day after
tomorrow. ¶ Homeland & Liberty ¶ A. C.
Sandino"
NOTE:
[1] Reference to Tomás "Tuma"
Guatemala; see
TOP
100 PAGE 15.
Return to EDSN-Docs
15.
28.07.04. A. C. Sandino to
Teresa Villatoro, no date, ca. July 4, 1928.
[No. 13 on the Marines' list.
Undated.]
"Señora Doña ¶ Teresa Villatoro ¶ Mi
amor: el Señor Abraham
Cent Rivera va para llevarte
donde yo estoy que es en Los Montesillos
de Oro. ¶ tuyo A. C. Sandino"
USMC-GNN translation & commentary:
"Mrs. Teresa Villatoro, ¶ My love: Mr
Abraham (started to write "Centeno" but
crossed it out) Rivera is going to bring
you where I am which is in Los
Montisillos de Oro (hillocks of gold). ¶
Thine, ¶ A. C. SANDINO."
A better English translation:
"Ms. Teresa Villatoro ¶ My love: Mr.
Abraham Rivera is going to bring you
where I am which is in Los Montesillos
de Oro ¶ Yours,
¶ A. C. Sandino"
Return to EDSN-Docs
16.
28.07.05. A. C. Sandino to
Abraham Rivera, July 5, 1928.
[No. 15 on the Marines' list.]
"Don Abrahan Rivera ¶ Amigo, va
el General Salgado Como Jefe de la
Comicion y los Coroneles J. Rodriguez y
Jose Mercedes Idiaquez para que salgan a
la hora que crean oportuno. ¶ Saludole ¶
Patria y Libertad ¶ A. C. Sandino"
USMC-GNN translation: "Abraham
Rivera, ¶ Friend, ¶ General Salgado goes
as leader of the commission with
Colonels J. Rodriguez and Jose Mercedes
Idiaguez (?), for they will leave at the
hour they think opportune. ¶
Salutations, ¶ Country and Liberty, ¶ A.
C. SANDINO"
A better English translation:
"Abraham Rivera, ¶ Friend, ¶ General
Salgado goes as leader of the commission
with Colonels J. Rodríguez and José
Mercedes Idiáquez, so that they will
leave at the time they think opportune.
¶ I greet you, ¶ Homeland and Liberty, ¶
A. C. Sandino"
Return to EDSN-Docs
17.
28.07.06. Unknown to
Agustín Rivera, July 6, 1927.
[No. 17 on the Marines' list.
Document could not be removed from paper
backing without damaging it, so only one
side scanned.]
"Don Agustin Ribera ¶ sirvase
mandas dos marinos a traer guineos abajo
en mi cayuco para mi campamento con el
portador de la presente ¶ Jefe De Dia"
USMC-GNN translation & commentary:
"Agustin Rivera:- ¶ Please send two
marines (sailors?) to bring bananas down
in a canoe for my camp with the bearer
of this note. ¶ Officer of the Day. ¶
NOTE: (The opposite side has a list of
names as follows: ¶ Segundo / Ruperto /
Blco / Mor--- / 2 boys ¶ Carlos Corozo /
Carlos / Jaenudos / Ramos / Sinforeano /
Benedicto / Silvestre / Servando /
Jacuerdo / Eurilio / Tamos / Jos--aria /
Inez / Felix"
A better English translation:
"Don Agustin Rivera ¶ Please send down
two boatmen with the bearer of this note
to bring up bananas in my canoe for my
camp ¶ Officer of the Day"
Return to EDSN-Docs
18.
28.07.12. Simón González to
Ladislao Palacios, July 12, 1928.
[No. 4 on the Marines' list.]
"El Chipotón, 12 de julio 1928 ¶
Señor Don ¶ Ladislao Palacios ¶ Estimado
Compañero: ¶ Por medio de la presente
saludo a Ud. muy afectuosamente. - y le
pido que a la primera oportunidad se
sirva Ud mandar buscar mi macho, del
cual tengo noticias esta en el caño de
Par Par, por donde salimos de la picada.
¶ Sin mas a que tener el gusto de
refirirme soy ¶ Su Afmo. y S.S. ¶ /s/
Simeon Gonsalez"
USMC-GNN translation & commentary:
"Chipoton, 12 July, 1928. ¶ Mr. Ladislao
Palacios ¶ Dear Companion, ¶ Through
this medium I salute you very
affectionately and beg that at the first
opportunity you send my mule which I am
informed is in Par Par brook where we
left the trail. ¶ Without more than
having pleasure in addressing you, I am,
your servant, ¶ Simon Gonzales. ¶ (Word
"Constarn" in ink crossed out.) ¶ (The
above is typewritten)"
Return to EDSN-Docs
19.
28.07.22. A. C. Sandino, El
Chipotón, to Abraham Rivera, July 22,
1928.
[No. 16 on the Marines' list.]
"El Chipotón, 22 de Julio 1928 ¶
Don ¶ Abraham Rivera ¶ Estimado Don
Abraham ¶ Suplico a Ud. que a su
regreso de Bocay, con las proviciones
déje alguna cantidad de ellas en
Mastaguas, al Capitán Aguilar, conforme
y según crea Ud. que las necesitan,
repartarlas de un modo equitativo. ¶
Patria y Libertad ¶ A. C. Sandino"
USMC-GNN translation: "El
Chipoton, July 22, 1928. ¶ Mr. Abraham
Rivera ¶ Esteemed Abraham:- ¶ I beg you
on your return from Bocay with the
provisions to leave a supply of them in
Mastaguas with Captain Aguilar,
conforming with what you think they
need, dividing them equally. ¶ Country
and Liberty, ¶ A. C. SANDINO"
A better English translation:
"Sr. Don Abraham Rivera ¶ Esteemed Don
Abraham: ¶ I beg you that on your way
back from Bocay with the supplies that
you leave some of them with Captain
Aguilar in Mastaguas, according to what
you consider they might need, to be
distributed equitably."
Return to EDSN-Docs
20.
28.08.01. T. D. Rivera to
Abraham Rivera, no date, ca. August 1, 1928.
[No.
5 on the Marines' list. Undated.]
"Abraham: ¶ He llegado a Los
Prendedizos a las 4 pm con Merceditas y
[familia] y Eustaquita. Espero que si no
tienes inconveniente que me consigas
bestias para llegar a la finca de Lucas
C[eas] [1]. Dime si vienes. Sandino
sufrió con su fuerza [...] como él y me
dijo que él no podía quedar[se] en un
hoyo a esperarme asta [que...] que
estábamos en guerra ¶ Tu papa J. D. R."
[1]
Probablemente la finca de Lucas Zeas,
llamada Los Nogales.
USMC-GNN translation: "Abraham: ¶
I arrived at the Prededizos at 4 p.m
with (elurseditas) and family and
Eustegonta (?). ¶ I will wait here if it
is not convenient to get animals and go
to Lucas Cea's farm. ¶ Tell me if (you
are coming?). ¶ Sandino went away with
his force. I talked with him and he told
me that he could not stay in a (?) hole
to wait an attack that we might bring on
the place where we put the families that
were in the war. ¶ Your father, ¶ T. D.
R."
A better English translation:
[Forthcoming. Regrettably this document
was cut off on its right margin during
scanning, so a better translation will
have to await a return visit to the
archives.]
Return to EDSN-Docs
21.
28.08.01.
Unknown author, El Chipotón, August 8,
1928.
[No.
6 on the Marines' list.]
"El Chipoton 1 de agosto de
1928"
USMC-GNN translation & commentary:
"El Chipoton August 1, 1928. ¶ (NOTE: I
have seen this handwriting before and
think it is Coronado Maradiaga's. Will
try to check up on it. E.H.C.)"
Note: EDS1
means "Edson 1"
and is code for the first of two batches
of rebel documents seized by Merritt A.
Edson, as described at
the bottom of the EDSN-Docs homepage.
|
"The last photo of
the Sandinista jefe Abraham Rivera, killed
in the attack on Wiwilí".
Newspaper
clipping, no date, ca. March 1934, RG165/77. As the caption indicates, Rivera was
killed
during the Guardia's assault on Wiwilí
after Sandino's assassination in Feb. 1934;
this is obviously the same photograph that
appears in Somoza's book.
|