.jpg) |
A Documentary History |
||
| The Sandino Rebellion in Nicaragua | |||
| 1927-1934 | |||
| © Michael J. Schroeder, 2007-08 | |||
| Top 100, p. 11 | |||
|
October 1930-January 1931 |
|||
| Pages 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 | |||
16 October 1930. Statement of Captured Rebel Calixto González, Member of Roque Vargas Group, Quilalí Area.
This statement by captured rebel soldier Calixto González identified some of the leading members of the Defending Army in the Quilalí-San Juan de Telpaneca district. Many of these names crop up repeatedly in both EDSN correspondence and Marine-Guardia reports -- Coronado Maradiaga, Ladislao Palacios, Florencio Silva, and others. This was some good "dope." We also see here a classic case of rebel deception: when Captain Hunt took custody of his prisoner from the local Juez de Mesta (judge) in Buenos Aires near Quilalí (as seen in the ancillary document), the prisoner called himself Juan Diaz G., only later admitting his real name. The reason he gave for abandoning the rebel cause are wholly improbable (they had been "suffering" for several years now), though his observations on rebel ammunition shortages were probably accurate. We also get a sense of the intricacy and effectiveness of the Sandinista intelligence system: the comments on the "minute reports on everything" received by Cruz Flores of Jicarito are emblematic of the rebels' grapevine system of communication. Superior intelligence gathering remained the rebels' single most important military advantage till the end of the war. This report, like most, was part of a larger effort to redress that imbalance. The accompanying patrol report by Lt. Hunt gives a good sense of the district's physical geography. (Photo: Campesino hut like those destroyed by Capt. Hunt, ca. Nov 1928, USDS-M632, roll no. 48)
|
5/chk. QUOTED FROM THE DAILY OPERATIONS REPORT OF THE NORTHERN AREA #238- 16 October, 1930. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
The following statement from bandit Calixto Gonzalez, who was captured by Capt Hunt's patrol from Quilali in Buenos Aires and who belonged to the group of Roque Vargas:
I have belonged to Roque Vargas group, but I am determined to stay away from them now, because the bandits are suffering and I am willing to tell all I know. The last time that Roque Vargas passed through Casa Villegas, we were coming from Milagros. I left them at the Jicaro River and we were to meet again in the house of Cruz Flores who lives in Pedriga near the Jicaro River. On October 15, 1930 I witnessed the death of a man who was killed because he was a Moncadista. I was armed with a long bayonet of the Mauser type, the rest were armed with shotguns and 15 rifles, but no ammunition. The men who follow Roque Vargas are the following:
Everyone dispersed, but the following who stayed with Roque Vargas: Perfecto Chavarria, Maximo Lopez, Sinforoso Pastrana, Valentin Muñoz, Antonio Martinez, Victoriano Lopez, Alejos Martinez, Jose Maria Paz, Florentin Lopez, Juan Zamora, Elias Martinez, and Captain Sanchez.
I came with Roque Vargas to Suscallan sometime ago and from there to Guanacastillo, where we stayed four days, from there we took a day to get to Rio del Golfo. Afterward we went to Los Milagros, where we stayed 6 days and from there to Chipote. Cruz Flores of Jicarito receives minute reports of everything that happens to the different groups, for example he knew of the battle at Ojoche and at Embocadero. Also he knew that a Guardia deserter from Jinotega by the name of Calero took a Thompson Machine Gun with 1 magazine to Ortez.
Luis Ponce of Jicarito also learns of many things.
He says that he saw Rafael Altamirano pas Zapotillal about 20 days ago with rifles but without ammunition. Each one had two or three shells apiece. These men now have a camp in Remango near Monchones. This same Cruz Flores of Jicarito has about 150 shells in clips of 5 each. I saw them and he now has them hidden in brush.
M30.10.16. RG127/209/2.
|
19 November 1930. Report of Interview with Miguel Angel Ortez, by Juan Midence, Butcher.
This description of a chance encounter with Sandinista General Miguel Angel Ortez by Juan Midence, a butcher of Pueblo Nuevo, offers some intriguing glimpses into the rebel organization in the Western Segovias. It seems that Ortez liked playing the gracious host -- as he did with Camilo Castellon in 1928 -- offering his guest dinner and a bed for the night, all the while grilling him for information about Guardia dispositions in Pueblo Nuevo. The description of Ortez, "perfumed and powdered and rather well groomed," also accords with other evidence. So does much else, including the description of Ortez's optimism about the looming success of the rebel cause. Ortez lived for another six months, till his death on 15 May 1931 in a failed assault on Palacagüina. (Photo of Sandinista rebels, ca. 1930, www.wikipedia.com/Sandino)
|
MEMO FOR AREA COMMANDER:
The following account of an interview with Miguel Angel Ortez may be of interest: It was given me today by one Juan Midence who came to my office, or rather, I sent for him, having heard that he had had some conversation with Ortez. Midence is a butcher and kills a beef about twice a week to sell here in town [Pueblo Nuevo]. He told this story:
Last Wednesday afternoon he went to a place on the mountain between Jicarito and Limay to buy a beef. He arrived at the house of one Acevedo just as it was getting dusk. First thing he knew he was surrounded by a group and they were on the point of treating him rough when one said, "take him before the general." He was taken to the house and within was Miguel Angel Ortez himself. On the way, however, they relieved him of all his cigarettes and five dollars. Ortez asked him who he was; if any relation to Esteban Midence, deputy elect; and if he had taken part in the election. He seemed satisfied on hearing that the prisoner was a nephew of Esteban, and that the election was quiet and orderly. He asked about the Guardia in Pueblo [Nuevo], how many, if active, well armed, etc., all of which (according to Midence) being answered in the affirmative. Ortez then told him that he would have supper with him and stay the night. There was nothing for him to do but agree and he stayed the night. The second in command came in, who was addressed as Colonel, and Ortez told him to make the usual dispositions for the night.
Midence was riding a horse that was taken by the bandits several months ago, recaptured by Lt. Castillo near San Lucas, and returned to him by the guardia in Somoto. He said that Ortez saw the horse and asked him if it was not one once used by him. After supper Ortez took some papers from his pocket and looked through them remarking that they were reports from Gen. Salgado, Gen. Jose Leon Diaz, Col. Hernandez [Fulgencio Hernandez Baez, or Inez Hernandez] and Col. Santos Benavides [Santos Lopez].
Ortez then discoursed at some length on the situation. Said the outlook was very good and that they would soon have the Yankees out of Nicaragua. Said that all the country would soon be in arms and they would have Moncada out of the Presidency. Said that Sandino was now on a trip to Mexico getting together the elements for war and would soon return. That he would bring some fifty machine guns, five thousand rifles, and twenty cannons. Said the Mexican Government was giving them $5,000 a month and that they were getting funds from other sources not mentioned.
Ortez flourished his pistol in front of Midence (Midence said it was just like mine) and said that he took it from a Yankee in some battle, the name of which Midence could not remember. He said that Ortez was dressed in puttees, black trousers, khaki shirt and broad brimmed hat rolled at the sides. Said he was perfumed and powdered and rather well groomed.
After a time he took off his pistol and laid it on the table and went to sleep on a bench. About six o'clock in the morning they moved out forcing the owner of the house Acevedo, to furnish Ortez with a horse, and to act as a guide. Didn't say which way they were going but he thought they went towards Colorado. There were forty men, a boy about 13 years old, and Ortez. Said the boy carried a revolver and a cutacha. All the men were armed with rifles of various kinds. He didn't notice any machine guns. Said the Colonel took the lead with about ten men and Ortez followed with the rest, riding about the center of the column. All but Ortez were afoot.
He also asked about Marcial Lopez, owner of Hacienda Labyrintos. Said Lopez was a good friend of his father and grandfather, but that he had offended him personally and if he ever got his hands on him he would kill him.
M30.11.19. RG127/209/2.
|
31 December 1930. Declarations of Captured Rebels Pilar López and Felix Zambrana, El Jícaro.
These statements by two rebels captured by the Guardia near El Jícaro offer yet another local perspective on the occupation and rebellion. One sees here the rebels' intricate intelligence network; the family-based nature of local bands; and the very local horizons of the region's inhabitants (Pilar López's comment that he didn't know the names of some other Sandinistas because "they are from the other side of El Zapotillal" captures this localism pretty well). Also noteworthy is the name of Cirilio Moran, who was involved in the original San Albino uprising of late October 1926, at the beginning of the civil war. Surprising to see him still active and involved with the rebellion. Maybe Pilar López was lying. Meanwhile, the lists of Sandinistas compiled by the Guardia keep growing longer. (Photo: mountains near El Jicaro, late 1990s; from www.nuevodiario.com)
|
GUARDIA NACIONAL DE NICARAGUA. DISTRICT OF JICARO, NUEVA SEGOVIA. 31 December, 1930.
Declaration given by the bandit Pilar Lopez to First Sergeant Juan J. Diaz and Cpl. H. C. Juan Umana. Lopez was captured by the same sergeant Diaz and Umana in this town at 9 p.m. on this date.
When asked by me, the already mentioned man declared the following:
That his name is Pilar Lopez, that he lives in Palacaguina and that he belongs to the group of bandits of Pedro Blandon. That he is a mail carrier. That he went to Jicaro 3 days ago to see his wife that is sick. That he had been away about 10 months. That his family lives in Las Animas. His mother's name is Rosa Hernandez. His brother's names are Esteban Lopez, Francisco Lopez, Benito Lopez, and Doroteo Lopez. They live in Las Animas.
That Pedro Blandon is in Chipote with 200 men well armed. That the men that come frequently to Jicaro are Rafael Garmendia, of Potrerillo and Demetrio Garcia, Jose Garcia, all of the same place and they take information to the bandits. That the people that give them this information are Victoriano Bellorin, Camilo Reyes, Francisco Carcamo and Rafael Reyes. These men give them an exact statement of the operations of the Guardia in this district.
That another Jefe called Silva and called by his people "CHICHARRA" have a group of 15 men, sometimes he joins Roque Vargas. Then the group is of about 25 men.
The informer says that he don't know the names of the others because they are from the other side of El Zapotillal. From El Bosque.
That 5 days ago, Leonardo Gradis came to this town and he took information to the mentioned people.
That Sandino is now in the place called Rempujon with 800, well armed with 150 rounds of ammunition each. That their thoughts are to attack Jicaro, then Apali, Ocotal, and the last Somoto. That these people, all, are from Honduras, rifles, ammunition etc Springfield, Con Con, Lewis Machine Gun, Thompsons. That they have 7 mules loaded with ammunition. He entered Nicaragua in November, by Malacate / p. 2 / by land, and then he arrived in Rempujon on the 8th of the same month. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
The information given by the other prisoner called Felix Zambrana, captured by the same Sgt. Diaz and Lopez.
That he knows that Tranquilino Rosales is a Jefe and that he has 50 men. That he was told by Pilar Lopez (prisoner) that he is now in the place called El Cua.
Zambrana says taht Silva Chicharra is now in the place called La Jimerita after passing (ahead) of San Gregorio. That he belonged to his group but that he left it about 1 year ago. That he prefers to work. He gives us names and places of the men that are with the already mentioned Jefe.
Place of meeting (La Bujona) (Quilali) Tranquilino Rosales the Jefe. That Antonio Olivas, of this town, gives information to Micaela Ceron who lives in San Jeronimo. This is an old lady and she comes to Jicaro on Sundays. She boards in the house of the Olivas family.
That she gives the information to Tranquilino Roasales of El Cua.
That the persons hereby denounced have been detained (captured) with the exception of Victoriano Bellorin who left today for Ocotal on personal business.
M30.12.31. RG127/192/1.
|
4 January 1931. Statement of Captured Rebel Suspect Tomás Martínez, El Jícaro.
Once again, a Sandinista voice filtered through his interrogators. Here captured rebel suspect Tomas Martinez, who claimed to be a courier for General Miguel Angel Ortez, offered his captors some conflicting information: that Ortez was in Chipote with 50 men, and in Mosonte (50 miles west of Chipote) with 20 men. He claimed ignorance about many things, including how much ammunition they had. The "Achuapa contact" referred to here was the single deadliest episode for the Marines in Nicaragua; on December 31, 1930, more than 100 rebels under Ortez ambushed a detail of 10 Marines sent out of Ocotal to repair a telegraph line. Only two survived.
|
... From CO Jicaro, Jan. 3/31: For your information bandit suspect captured and following obtained:
Statement given by the bandit Tomas Martinez to Cpl. H. C. Juan Umana who captured him in this city today at 7:30 pm. That Miguel Angel Ortez and his group was in Chipote. Group of 50 men. States he was with Miguel Angel Ortez 5 months ago and that the following people were in the group: Gilberto [Gilberto Gonzalez], Pascacio [Pascacio Gonzalez], and Agapito Gonzalez and Sixto Hernandez. That he don't know these people well and don't know how much ammunition they have. That he works as a mail carrier for Miguel Angel Ortez and he was to get information about the post in Jicaro. Was to find out the Guardia strength there. Plans were to attack Jicaro if few Guardias were there. That Miguel Angel Ortez is in Mosonte with 20 men. Had machine guns and rifles and they are going to lay an ambush either for the Marines or for the Guardia. Claims that he was in the Achuapa contact, in the rear guard and that they killed 4 marines. That when he left for Jicaro, the rest of the group was in Las Cruces. He went to get some tortillas for the group. That he was to leave Jicaro early in the morning and that he would find the group in Rio Grande. They were coming to attack Jicaro at 11 o'clock today. That while the group was coming to Jicaro via the Apali road, they saw a Marine patrol coming. That they laid an ambush for the Guardia at San Francisco but that the Guardia did not return. They were to enter Jicaro by the Apali road and by the river. That is all he says.
IR31.01.04: Ocotal: 3-4. RG127/209/2.
|
28 January 1931. Anonymous Informant on Sandinistas in the Western Segovias.
As the war dragged on, rebels' fears of betrayal grew -- with more & more local people who knew about their operations, and mounting Marine & Guardia determination to stamp out "banditry" once and for all. This report by an anonymous informant, which focused on the northwestern Segovias, illustrates some of the challenges confronting rebel jefes, and the extraordinary precautions they took to protect their secret hideouts. One also glimpses here the fuzzy line separating rebel soldiers from peaceful civilians, and the Sandinistas' parallel state apparatus -- with their "Jueces de Mesta" (local judges) punishing local inhabitants "for anything wrong they do."
Area Commander, Northern Area:
From reliable source I got the following information:
The General Headquarters of Miguel Angel Ortez is in Quebrada Grande (the same creek of Cuje) and this camp is called El Gorrion. There is always a sentinel with field glasses watching over this camp from a cliff called El Barro. The resident commandant of this camp is Cleto Lopez [Anacleto Lopez] who is the one to get the food supplies and he too fines the people, thru the Jueces de Mesta, for anything wrong they do. There is a very steep place near this camp that serves the bandits as a hiding place when the planes are flying over. Right after any of their operations, they go to this place and then leave for their houses, with their equipment to live as honest citizens. Margarito Padilla is a man that can show where this place is. He is a retired bandit and has been sentenced, by the other bandits, to be killed. There are some men there that do what the bandits tell them to do. I know them and they can give some important information. This zone is northwest of Telpaneca, east of Totogalpa, and south of Mosonte. It is right in the middle of the jurisdiction of these 3 places.
Their second camp is in La Pita, jurisdiction of Mosonte, zone of Zazalo, in a creek in a lone place between cliffs and at the shade of a big mountain. They get their food products from Zazalo. Servando Lopez is their food supplier. He works together with Gregorio Lopez, liberal Jefe of that place and thought to be an honest man by the best people of this city. Once he was a prisoner here as he was denounced as giving food to Miguel Angel Ortez. La Pita is very near Zazalo, between the Achuapa River, San Miguel Mountain and Rio Grande, or better called the Rio Coco. They left this camp on the 30th of December to go and attack the Marines in the place called Portio Raspado on the 31st.
There are some houses in this zone that are subdue to the bandits. They wouldn't come to denounce them because they don't want to abandon their homes and their chickens; a home that is more like a rabbit nest. If these people would try, they could help to put an end to this banditry. I know who they are: Tiburcio Landero, now a prisoner (a request of Gregorio Lopez thru Florian Peralta, Secretary of the Alcalde of this city).
I think that he knows this place and is willing to work with the Marines as they have helped him ever since their arrival here.
/s/ Genaro Lopez H.
M31.01.28. RG127/209/8.
Sandino Rebellion Homepage Top 100 Home