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A Documentary History |
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| The Sandino Rebellion in Nicaragua | |||
| 1927-1934 | |||
| © Michael J. Schroeder, 2007-08 | |||
| Top 100, p. 7 | |||
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February-April 1929 |
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| Pages 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 | |||
25 February 1929. Intelligence from Domingo Pérez, surrendered from Pedrón's Band.
This report, produced by Merritt "Red Mike" Edson during his Río Coco expedition of early 1929, is remarkable in part because the surrendered rebel who provided this information, Domingo Perez, is very probably the same man who gave his oral testimony to the Instituto de Estudio del Sandinismo in 1980. By that time he was around 80 years old; in his oral testimony he described Pedron in some detail, while his tales of his involvement with the rebels focused on the early years and skipped over the period after 1929. Edson's 1929 report on the "dope" provided by Domingo Perez provides additional insight into Pedron's field tactics, and shows something of the determination of the Marines & Guardia to "trap" him, which they never came close to doing.
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HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE MARINE CORPS MANAGUA, NICARAGUA 25 FEBRUARY, 1929
B-2 REPORT.
From: 0000 10 February, 1929 To: 2400 23 February, 1929 ...
... Following additional information from Domingo Perez, surrendered from Altamirano group:
Armament of Pedron: 2 Lewis machine guns - 1 Browning auto. - 50 Con Cons and Springfields - 5 rounds ammunition per man -- Plenty ammunition for machine guns - Clothing very good - Food poor and very scarce.
Altamirano has no camp South of the Coco River. His only permanent camps are near the Naranjo-Remangon-Oconguas area. While in the Cua-Guapinol-Pantasma area he is continually on the move. He crosses the Coco at the following places: - Lira (north of Boca de Cua) - Boca de Cua - Entaral - Coco and Guana. The band always crosses together at one time and does not divide into small groups for the crossing. Nicolas Davila is now at La Pita (Upper Guasaneras Valley) and is no longer an active bandit. Relative to Jiron's statement of 2-8-29 I would suggest that Spicer be given dope of Narciso Cruz mentioned therein. My present plan is to return to Poteca via the Guiguili River which will give me an additional trail to enter this area. If considered advisable I can return via Rempujon, but it is thought such a move would be abortive at this time. Knowing the approximate location we might trap Altamirano there later. The plans for operations requested in Major Schmidt's letter of 2-6-29 will be submitted immediately upon return to Poteca. The best plan, I believe, is active and continual patrolling by all three areas affected -- Northern, Southern, and Eastern. I would also suggest an outpost permanently stationed at Boca de Cua and large enough to keep a maneuvering unit in the field. Will clear Oconguas at daybreak 2-15-29. Edson 1400.
IR29.02.25. RG127/209/1
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26 March 1929. Information on Pedrón's Band from Anonymous Jinotega Finca Owners.
This intelligence memorandum by Capt. Hanneken summarizes information on Pedron's band provided, reluctantly, by an anonymous married couple, owners of a finca in the coffee district near La Flor, Jinotega. The final line is especially noteworthy: Pedron told her that if she told the Marines that he had camped at her finca, he would come back and cut her head off -- underscoring the chasm separating the rebels from wealthy landowners, and the Sandinistas' tactics of terror used to compel compliance among property owners and others opposed to their movement.
Also noteworthy is that our anonymous finqueros (finca owners) were personally acquainted with three-quarters of these men -- again suggesting the local nature of Sandinista operations. The repeating surnames in the list (Garcia, Gutierrez, Romero, Rivera, and others) suggests the family-based nature of Sandinista bands. The report also illustrates the modus operandi of the Marines & Guardia -- compiling lists of "bandits" and their places of origin so they might be "hunted" down and eliminated. As the war dragged on, such lists only grew longer, and the "hunting" expeditions only more intensive.
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HEADQUARTERS, NORTHERN AREA, OCOTAL, NICARAGUA. 28 March, 1929.
INTELLIGENCE MEMORANDUM: LA FLOR March 26, 1929.
Memo: Area Commander, Northern Area.
1. "The following information was given by Mrs. (Blank) and substantiated by her husband. Mr. (Blank) has a finca about (blank) miles S.E. from La Flor [Jinotega].
2. "That Altamirano's band at the time he camped at (Blank's) finca on or about March 11, 1929, consisted of about 40 Bandidos, 35 of whom were armed with rifles, 7 with cutachas; that he had one Lewis machine gun and one sub-Thompson; the men did not have very much ammunition for the rifles and that they had perhaps several hundred rounds for the machine guns.
"That Pedron had about 15 Indians, who were not armed, but who carried all the baggage. That Altamirano camped at the finca for about 24 hours waiting for (Blank) to make an appearance as Pedron wanted to kill (Blank). That no mention was made about Sandino and that they, Altamirano's men, were not looking for armistice, but want to fight the Marines, Guardia, and Voluntarios.
"The following are the men with Altamirano, whom Mrs. (Blank) knew and which was substantiated by (Blank):
"The rest they did not know with the exception that Mrs. (Blank) often heard them calling Filadelfia Gomez -- Note: (Was in Sandino's immediate Guard) and Sebastian Centeno.
"Three quarters of the above men were known to (Blank) who states they are Altamirano's bandidos. (Bland) also states that a Mrs. Senora Fibersia Garcia [Tiburcia Garcia] who lives near San Potreros is an Altamirano spy and that Altamirano often passes at her place when crossing the Coco River.
"Mr. and Mrs. (Blank) also stated that the above woman had come alone at their finca about 20 days ago and had stopped for a few hours and then left.
"From (Blank) and from other sources it is to be noted that Altamirano does not use any of the trails except at impassable localities. Pedron cuts thru the mountains and brush.
"(Blank) further states that Altamirano uses the following areas when crossing the Coco:
"Mr. and Mrs. (Blank) were afraid to give the names of the bandits and only after promising them that it would never be known except by myself, Gen. Escamilla and Headquarters, Ocotal and that no other persons would ever know did they consent to do so.
"It is thought that the above information may be of value to patrols operating in the area around Pena Blanca.
"(Blank) also stated that Rosendo Zelaya, who owns a finca at La Flor, had taken in this area, large numbers of beef. (16 alone from (Blank).) Large quantities of dulce, coffee, etc., and money for Sandino's cause about a year ago. And that Zelaya is a strong supporter of Sandino. Rosendo Zelaya is now in Jinotega.
"That Mrs. Zelaya had found a bandolier of ammunition on the trail near La Flor and had sent it to Sandino. (About a year ago.)
"Altamirano told Mrs. (Blank) that if she told the Marines that he Altamirano had been and camped at her finca, he would return and cut her head off."
M29.03.28. RG127/209/1.
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Guerrilla war, say the experts, is like a game of cat-and-mouse. These reports offer a fine-grained look at such cat-and-mouse games during an 11-day period in the Honduran borderlands. In late March and early April 1929, a concerted effort by five Marine, Guardia, and Volunteer columns, led by Captain George F.. Stockes, succeeded in chasing the major rebel columns across the border into Honduras. The rebels, led by Generals Carlos Salgado and Miguel Angel Ortez, decided to stay in Honduras for a while, laying low until things cooled down. These reports, all included in a single intelligence report covering a two-week period, show some of the dynamics at play in the Northwestern Segovias. (Click on map at right to view a more detailed map of the zone indicated, with some of the places mentioned in the report highlighted.)
Captain Stockes, as I have explored elsewhere, was among the shrewdest and most doggedly determined of all Marine field commanders. At the time these reports were produced, the Marines & Guardia were in the midst of trying something new -- combining their forces with columns composed of "Voluntarios" [Volunteers], and led by Voluntario
Generals -- in this case, Flores and Castillo. Other Voluntario columns were active in Jinotega during this period, including one led by the Mexican Juan Escamilla. This Voluntario experiment lasted another month or so before it was abandoned as impractical and counterproductive. (Photograph of Captain Geo. Stockes & mounted patrol, Dipilto, Nicaragua, late 1928)
The reports help us to better understand the differences between the Honduran borderlands and, for example, Pedron's haunts in Jinotega -- with the border and friendly Hondurans, not vast expanses of trackless jungle, affording the rebels succor and protection. We also see the autonomy and independence of the rebel columns. Sandino was not directing any of this -- it was all up to local jefes like Salgado and Ortez to figure out how to evade their pursuers. We also see the frustration of the Marines, unable to cross the Honduran border to give chase. We see, too, the systematic collusion between the rebels and Honduran border officials, and the shared material interests and familial relations that linked them. We see much else besides. Stokes was an exceptionally perceptive observer, as was Hakala. Their reports always merit a very careful read.
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HEADQUARTERS, NORTHERN AREA, OCOTAL, NICARAGUA. 8 APRIL, 1929.
INTELLIGENCE REPORT, R - 2. FROM: 0000 23 March, 1929 TO: 2400 7 April, 1929. ...
[March 27] ... From Capt. Stockes, Mar. 27: After my departure from Somoto received message from [Honduran Expeditionary Chief Juan B.] Mendoza that he would confer with me in Calpules. He moved North along the border and arrived here 2300 yesterday. Hakala column cleared Santa Emilia 0400 and arrived here via border trails at 1030. Stockes column cleared Yaraje at 0430 via Jocomico and arrived here 1100. Conference immediately with Gen. Mendoza who has 50 men and is camped here on the Honduran side. Col. Abie Vallodarez [Ballardes] had conference with Salgado [EDSN General Carlos Salgado] yesterday. He was representing Mendoza and offered Salgado a guarantee in Honduras if he would surrender with his force. Salgado has 50 armed men. He requested 8 days armistice in which to decide and expressed a desire to have a conference with my column. Vallodarez told him no armistice could be arranged until after he had talked with me. Salgado left following the border trail North toward Bado Grande. Neither Mendoza nor I believe Salgado is sincere. He is in a bad way and only trying to get us off the trail for the time being. We move after him, Mendoza stating he will continue to operate along the border on the Honduran side. Patrol dispatched from Yaraje yesterday captured commandant of Bandit Civicos of Las Cabullas. Have also taken into custody several other bandit supporters and turned over to Mendoza list of suspects who have fled to Honduras. ... [ p. 4 ]
[March 27] ... [From Lt. Hamas] 27 March, 1929. Las Manos. Arrived at 12:30 a.m., native agent reports Salgado at Pedregalito, Ortez at Las Limas, Area Commander notified. ... [p. 9 ]
[March 27] ... From C.O., G.N., Dipilto, Mar. 27: Native reported that Salgado is in Pedregalito, Honduras, according to same report Ortez is at Las Limas, Honduras. Ortez was seen passing through Las Manos with cargo of coffee at midnight March 23. Lt. Hamas' patrol has searched El Naranjo and El Poste, La Laguna, Cabo Blanco in Las Manos area. Request further instructions at Las Manos. Hamas. ... [ p. 5 ]
[March 28] ... Lt. Hamas and 15 Guardias patrolled Suyatal, El Horno, Buenas Aires Area, captured Cypiano Salgado [Cipriano Salgado], armed with 38 revolver, Pedro Calix [Pedro Calis] was captured also, near Suyatal. Cypiano Salgado suspected of being a recruiter for the bandit force, he also states that bandits are at Las Champas and Las Limas. Miguel Angel Ortez bandit leader reported at Las Manos at the home of Alejandro Ballardes. Bansillio Sauceda, Guadalupe Umanzor, David Umanzor, great bandit supporters at Las Manos. Sabino Galindo, Ortez's agent lives in a home of Alejandro Ballardes, all this information furnished by two intelligence agents. Hamas patrol at Las Manos at 7:30 p.m., left for Suyatal arrived at Suyatal at 11:00 p.m. ... [ p. 10 ]
[March 28] ... From Stockes-Flores Column, 100 yds. South of Pedregalito, Mar. 28: Arrived here 0700 today. Hakala column will arrive later today from Zapotal from Sapilde and Las Planos. Honduran patrol has not yet arrived. Expect them this afternoon. Salgado cleared here about 1400 yesterday heading toward Suyatal where Ortez is reported. Salgado is obtaining his food etc. from Honduras, inhabitants of Pedregalito and Suyatal, are well known supporters of Ortez and Salgado. ... [ p. 8 ]
[March 28] ... From Div. Cmndr., G.N., Ocotal, Mar. 28: Two natives reported that at 9:00 p.m. Mar. 23rd 20 bandits came to the house of Celso Paguaga and tied up the above mentioned man. Ortez was jefe, one man named Baquezana [Verbonico Vaquedano] was recognized in the group. Ortez told these men that at that time Salgado was attacking Dipilto and had by that time captured the place. Also said that they were not to tell anyone that he was jefe of this group, but to tell the Marines that they (the bandits) would be at Milote, they had the mules captured in the coffee raid a few days before, loaded these mules with 2,000 lbs. of coffee taking the other mule also from the owner to help carry the coffee, the telegraph line was cut between Dipilto and Honduras. It seems according to the dope that Ortez does not care for contacts right now but is interested in getting some money out of this coffee before it is all moved. ... [ p. 4 ]
[March 29] ... At 6:00 a.m. Lt Hamas saw one bandit armed with rifle at the home of Paulino Lopez, about 500 yds. in Honduras at Las Champas and about 10 more men not armed but mounted. At 6:30 a.m. Lt. Hamas and 12 men left to patrol El Ayote, destroyed two main, and one small bandit camp on top of El Ayote, found and destroyed on cususera [moonshine still], also found a large supply of corn stored in small shack near bandit camp. ... [ p. 10 ]
[March 30] ... From Stockes-Flores Column, Mar. 30: Just after plane made pick up yesterday conflicting reports re route taken by Salgado were received. It is now certain Salgado split his force in two sections here. One section about 25 men heading toward Oropoli, Honduras, a town about 40 houses, 12 miles West of Pedregalito. The other section following the border trail East toward Suyatal. Commandant here claims Salgado paid for all supplies in Honduras, also that the Commandant to Alauca was notified promptly that Salgado with a large armed group was in Honduran territory near Pedregalito. Mendoza with patrol has not yet arrived. If he intends to cooperate he will probably show up today. Hakala-Castillo Column will clear here at 0830 today for vicinity of Mata de Platano following the border trail. Stockes-Flores will remain here in an attempt to get in touch with Mendoza. Conflicting information about Ortez some claiming he effected junction here with Salgado others that he had talked with Salgado then left in direction Northeast. If latter is true then he was at that time two and a half days ago undoubtedly camped in Honduras between Alauca and Suyatal. I believe he had conference here with Salgado but is now operating independently. All well. Stockes. ... [ p. 8 ]
[March 31] ... From Capt. Stockes, 100 yds. South of Pedregalito, Mar. 31: Following received from Hakala 0730 today by native runner. Quote One and one half miles West of Boujie 1640 30th of March, 1929, to Capt. Stockes. At about 1200 today near Chinampa we captured suspect who states (a) He was a member of Salgado's band but had been left behind to spy on our movements, (b) That both Salgado and Ortez with approximately 80 are in vicinity of Brujil, (c) That Salgado wants to quit and go to Tegucigalpa accompanied by Maldonado arms to be turned over to either Ortez or Honduran authorities, (d) That both Salgado and Ortez left Pedregalito about 1500 Mar. 28 traveling East through Honduran territory, (e) That Salgado had ordered him (the prisoner) to tell Carcamo Salgado wanted to see him about laying down their arms (Adan Carcamo), jefe Bandit Civicos at Santa Maria. We will move immediately into Brujil our prisoner as guide in order to force a contact. Prisoner states he is willing to pay with his life if bandits are not in that vicinity. Hakala. Unquote. So far no contact here with Mendoza here or other Honduran troops. Unless such contact is gained by 1300 today we move East toward Suyatal and unless Hakala has had contact with enemy he will retrace his route to Pedregalito. Hakala and I will pace the border between here and Suyatal for the next few days. All well, Stockes. ... [ p. 5 ]
[April 1] ... From Capt. Stockes Column, Brujil, Apr. 1: Native just reported that about 2000 yesterday large group of bandits were camped at Las Limones, Honduras. Las Limones is midway between Las Manos and Paraiso. Report believed true. Stockes. ... [ p. 6 ]
[April 1] ... From Stockes-Flores Column, Brujil, Apr. 1: Group Salgado and Ortez definitely located night of 30-31st in Honduras occupying positions between Las Limas and Suyatal. Las Limas is one league North of Masa de Plausas. Stockes-Flores cleared Pedregalito at 1230 yesterday and arrived Brujil 1940. Conferred with Skidmore on the trail just East of Pedregalito. In view location of enemy Skidmore moved from Santa Maria to Pedregalito yesterday afternoon covering that part of the border. Hakala-Castillo cleared Brujil at 0540 today for Pedregalito via border trail. Upon arrival of Hakala column Skidmore will move to Zapotal (on Rio Zapotal) moving via Bado Grande and border route. No repeat no cooperation by Honduran troops. Apparently Mendoza turned South from Calpules instead of operating with my column. It is definitely known that Salgado has been traveling Honduras since being chased out of Rio Negro district. Prisoner captured by Hakala has been with Salgado for the past 6 months. Salgado wants to quit Ortez is holding out and from what is picked up here and there Ortez claims he will never quit and to native here stated if necessary he will go to the Malacate Mountains in Jalapa district and establish a second Chipote. All well. Stockes. ... [ p. 6 ]
[April 1] ... From Lt. Hakala's Column, Pedregalito, Apr. 1: Juan Pablo Maradiaga member of Salgado's band captured at Chinampa at 1200 30 Mar. Salgado has 55 men 2 horses 3 mules 1 Lewis M.G. with 18 drums. Jefes are Escalante, Jose Maria Cruz and Antonio Maldonado. Inez Hernandez deserted Salgado at Calpules camped at Las Limas on 29th Suyatal on 30th. Adan Carcamo is commandant for Salgado at Sabana Redonda in Honduras Northeast of Pedregalito. Salgado sent Maradiaga to get Carcamo to discuss advisability of laying down arms together with Ortez. But Carcamo did not show up the conference did not take place. Salgado is desirous of surrendering arms, Ortez did not express any opinion on this subject. Salgado and Ortez contemplate going Eastward toward Las Manos but had received notice of approximate location of Hamas and Hakala and went Westward and then South, all travel performed in Honduran territory. Salgado has no sick or wounded with him. His men get very little to eat. All purchases made in Honduras are paid for in money. Ortez has 25 men about 10 horses or mules, no automatic weapons. Now operating with Salgado. Second jefe is Vaquedano. Many of his men wear hob nail shoes. Hakala. ... [ p. 6 ]
[April 2] ... From Stockes-Flores Column, Suyatal, Apr. 2: Arrived here at 0730 today from Brujil. Situation relative to enemy remains the same. The Air Service has daily combed the border. The work of the kind performed by Howard, Sanderson, Britt, etc., in cooperation with our patrols will keep the main enemy groups in Honduras. Until further reliable dope is received Stokes-Flores will base Suyatal sending sub-patrols daily to Brujil and Mata de Platano. Hakala-Castillo will remain Pedregalito sending sub-patrols to Sabana Grande and Chinampa. Former is three miles East of Pedregalito latter five miles, both on border trail. All well. Stockes. ... [ p. 7]
[April 3] ... From Lt. Hakala's Column, 500 yds. South of Pedregalito, 3 Apr: Received native report that Salgado traveled Westward in Honduras, passing the house of Juan Alberto Matuca (Honduran), over camino Juan Alberto, one kilometer Northwest of Chinampa at 1000 1 Apr. This appears to check with yesterdays information that Salgado was at El Portillo de Lapa (one half league of Chinampa) at 0800 the same date. Also a native report that a group of Honduran troops under command of one Gen. Flores were at Oropoli on 1 Apr. Hakala. ... [ p. 7]
[April 3] ... Las Manos: Lt. Blanchard and 10 enlisted cleared for Suyatal at 8:00 a.m. to inform Capt. Stockes about the conference with Honduran delegates. Native agent reports Sabino Galindo agent of Ortez prepared food at home of Alejandro Ballardes on 2nd April, Ortez's bandits peeled coffee on the morning of 3 Apr. in the same home. ... [ p. 10 ]
[April 4] ... From Lt. Hakala, 4 Apr: Native information received stating that Salgado accompanied by 6 unarmed men had been seen traveling toward El Puercal on 2 Apr. El Puercal is Northwest of Pedregalito. Also that Salgado's band has been broken up through large numbers of desertions, and that many of his deserters are at Oropoli and Alauca. Hakala. ... [ p. 7 ]
[April 6] ... From Lt. Hamas, G.N., Dipilto, Apr. 6: Native who has returned from Alauca to Las Manos today, received information from the natives to the North of Las Manos that on Easter Sunday, 20 men, believed to be part of Ortez group, were observed proceeding to Las Canas, Honduras via El Poste with one sub-Thompson and the others armed with rifles and pistols. ... [ p. 8]
[April 6] ... Las Manos: Intelligence agent reports General Jose Sanchez after disarming his troops let Salgado go free, and Salgado alone armed with pistol heading for Pedregalito, the report of 5 April and 6 April took place at Las Partidas. On 5 April Alejandro Ballardes enlisted in the Honduran army under the name of Luis Ramon Rodriguez. ... [ p. 10 ]
3. ENEMY SUPPLY AND EQUIPMENT:
(a) Having been driven across the border by our patrols, Salgado buried his arms in the mountains of Honduras, near Alauca, where they were recovered by Gen. Jose A. Sanchez, Expeditionary Chief of Yuscaran, Honduras, on Apr. 3rd. Gen. Sanchez reported to Capt. Stokes, at a conference in Las Manos that he had in that manner captured the following arms and ammunition from Salgado:
In addition to the above listed arms, Salgado is reliably reported to have had two Thompsons, sub machine guns which were turned over to Ortez. ... [ pp. 8-9]
... The outstanding event of military importance of recent weeks was the elimination of Salgado, one of Sandino's best field jefes, in addition, he was generally regarded as the best recruiter among the bandit forces and an organizer of no mean ability. It was he who recruited and organized the Guardia Civicos of Northwestern Nueva Segovia prior to the elections.
The capture of his arms was accomplished by finally goading the Honduran border officials into action. Five of our patrols cornered the bands of Salgado and Ortez and drove them into Honduras near Las Manos. They then camped on the border while the Commander, Northern Area, repeatedly informed the Honduran officials of the location of these bandit groups and urgently requested appropriate action. General Sanchez moved Southward from Yuscaran with a force of about a hundred men, whereupon, Salgado hid his arms and disbanded his group on Apr. 1st. The arms cached were found by the Honduran commander two days later. ... [ p. 9 ]
... A field message received from Capt. Stockes [no date, probably April 7]: Although I have sent messages to Mendoza and he personally assured me he would operate with us and that he had control over the border from Espinal to El Poste, we have been unable to gain contact with him since leaving Calpules. Things are not working out just as planned or expected. I am convinced Mendoza is sincere but is up against a tough proposition as there seems little doubt but that practically all border officials holding minor positions are in sympathy with Salgado and Ortez. Possibly they reap benefits, from sale of mules, cattle etc. driven across the border by bandits. Of course groups of both Ortez and Salgado are about four fifths Hondurans, largely recruited along the frontier, with family connections, etc. I feel certain at this writing both Salgado and Ortez are in Honduras and am going to remain near the border until such belief is disproved.
(Note: (1) The Mendoza referred to is Gen. Juan B. Mendoza, Expeditionary Chief of San Marcos, Honduras, who promised to cooperate by marching along the border parallel to our column.) ...
6. MISCELLANEOUS:
ATTITUDE OF CERTAIN HONDURAN OFFICIALS
(a) That Honduras is and has been the asylum for Nicaraguan bandits becomes more apparent as the campaign progresses. That certain responsible officials of Honduras are in collusion with the bandits is certain. This is not peculiar to the incumbent regime in that country --- it was true during the Conservative administration as well. Our recent experience near Las Manos, when Salgado lost his arms to the Honduran general, Sanchez, seems at first sight to be indicative of future cooperation but is in no way reassuring. A careful survey of the incidents connected with this operation will lead to the belief that the Honduran border officials cooperated only so far as they were forced to by urgent circumstances, and only then because, right or wrong, they believed that invasion of Honduras by out troops in pursuit of bandit forces was imminent. Some of the circumstances tending to establish this as a fact are as follows:
... There are evidences that he [Sandino] is hiding in Honduras. His woman, Teresa Villatoro, was in Danli, Honduras about two weeks ago. His new Chief-of-Staff, Porfirio Sanchez, together with [Simon] Gonzalez, another member of his staff, is in Tegucigalpa --- reported to have quit. Sanchez has been granted amnesty by the Honduran Government. Honduras has denied us permission to enter the disputed territory. Too, Sandino worked along the Patuca [Poteca] River, in the disputed territory several years ago and is said to have friends there. ...
IR29.04.08. RG127/209/1
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9 April 1929. Juan Pablo Umanzor Atrocity in Dipilto Area.
This is the earliest reference I have found to Juan Pablo Umanzor, a Honduran who by 1931 had risen to the rank of general in Sandino's Defending Army. He and several others died alongside Sandino when the Guardia Nacional assassinated the guerrilla chieftain on February 21, 1934. (Photograph of General Juan Pablo Umanzor, ca. 1931)
This report describes a horrific scene in the village of Los Planos, near Dipilto in the northwestern Segovias near the Honduran border. It is a credible account, dictated by the widow of the slain man and confirmed "in detail" by her two daughters. The murder of her husband Anastasio Zamora, as described here, is not terribly surprising: Anastasio Zamora's name appears in the statement from prison made in early 1928 by the notorious Conservative gang leader Anastasio Hernandez. Zamora was clearly a player in the local gang culture, and such men often met violent deaths.
What is very surprising here is the description of the rape of the two daughters. All the sources agree that Sandino absolutely prohibited his soldiers from raping women and girls. Tons of evidence makes this point crystal clear. The only plausible explanations for the widow Zamora's tale -- aside from the story being fabricated, which seems very unlikely -- are that Umanzor and his men had not yet linked up with the Defending Army; or, that at the time this report was produced, were only tenuously affiliated with it; or, that Umanzor did not know what his men were doing in this instance. Whatever the case, this chilling report conveys a powerful sense of the violence that by this time had engulfed the region.
... Following is an extract from R-2 Report, 11th Regt, dated 21 Apr., 1929:
"From Lt. Blanchard, Dipilto, Apr. 12: Locadia Lopez Zamora, widow of Anastasio Zamora, stated that on Tuesday 9 Apr., 1929 she was at her house in Los Planes. She heard some shots and went out to the door to see what was going on, and arriving at the doorway she saw her husband fall on the ground with a bullet in his head, then someone armed with a rifle grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her to the back of the house, saying that she was a bandit and an informant, and that they were going to shoot her.
"While in the back of the house she heard a commotion inside of the house and some shooting in front of the house, then she heard somebody give an order to finish the wounded with a cutacha. A few minutes after being brought to the back of the house she heard somebody give an order again to finish the wounded with a cutacha [long thin-bladed knife]. A little later her two daughters were also dragged at the same place where they were lined up against a wall. Juan Pablo Omansor [Juan Pablo Umanzor] demanded a contribution of $100.00 or else he would shoot them all. After being told that they had no money one of the bandits shot at the ground near her foot and frightened her.
"While all this was going on she recognized the following men: Juan Pablo Omansor, Pablo Garcia, and three other men who were armed only with cutachas, they were: Toribio Munoz, Esquirion Mejia, Simeon Sevilla, she said that those three last named came to the house as guides and only helped the bandits in locating and surrounding the family. They did not molest anybody personally. She also stated she saw 16 men, 8 armed with rifles and the rest with cutachas. All those armed with rifles were dressed in khaki clothes and had rifle bolts and hats like the Marines. They were armed with Krag rifles. She said she believed the bandits came from Las Champas and that they must have passed through Loma Fria. When they left the house they went on the Camino Real, taking with them all the clothes and food there was in the house and also the two girls and said that they were going to shoot them and then march on to attack Dipilto.
"The two girls verified the story in detail given by their mother and stated that they were taken down the road to the stream and there they were raped by four men each, after that they were turned loose and the bandits continued south saying that they were going to attack Dipilto."
IR29.05.13: 5-6. RG127/209/1.
10 April 1929. Felipe Zelaya, Mandador of La Union Finca, Held & Released, and the old man Emilio Siles Killed by Rebels under Pedrón.
Here is yet another window on General Pedro Altamirano, his troops, and their operations, consistent with all the rest and adding new details. Felipe Zelaya's description of rest and music and song as the airplanes passed overhead especially evocative. The Siles brothers' account of the killing of their father Emilio is especially chilling. The ubiquitous precautions, the marches through the wilds, the camps in the forests, the systematic plundering, the infliction of a sense of terror among property owners -- there's a lot here.
According to Somoza's book, the photograph at right is of "the old man Emilio Siles, honorable citizen, farmer and loving father and family man, whose gray hairs and good deeds were not sufficient to protect him from the ferocity of Sandino's forces." (Anastasio Somoza García, El verdadero Sandino, Managua, 1936, p. 130)
It is true that Pedron and his forces killed hundreds of Nicaraguans over the course of the rebellion. Somoza says Pedron ordered Siles killed because Siles had miraculously escaped a few months earlier, on September 23, 1928, when Pedrón's band had killed "the distinguished young man of Jinotega" Gonzalo Blandón. (p. 97) The octogenarian Siles was the only surviving witness to the killing, says Somoza, so Pedron wanted him dead.
This seems absurd. Pedron did not care about witnesses. Everyone knew he was a killer. What, then, had Siles done to merit such an end? As his son describes, he had served as the president of the local electoral board for the November 1928 elections. His, too, was a political killing. Significantly, Pedron killed the old man but let his two sons and widow live. It seems that for every person he killed, Pedron captured, held, and released many more. Why?
What lights guided him?
Again, there are many telling details here.
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Jinotega, Nicaragua. 24 April 1929.
From: The Commanding Officer To: B-2, Second Brigade Marines, Managua, Nicaragua. District Commander, Matagalpa, Nicaragua. R-2, Fifth Regiment
Subject: Information of recent bandit movements.
1. Felipe Zelaya, Mandador of La Union finca, property of Josefa Pineda Castellon located S.W. of Colonia and Santa Isabel, near the Rio Tuma, states that he was captured by a group of about 20 bandits led by Cornejo [Lieutenant Florencio Cornejo] at Union Finca about 1830 April 10th, 1929 and taken to San Lucas Finca, about one kilometer to the south where they came upon Altamirano and about 10 men. He was then confined for the night but early the next morning, the 11th, he saw about 100 men assembled at San Lucas. These were divided into four companies, three of which were armed with rifles and pistols, while the fourth carried the provisions, machetes and ropes. The band separated and proceeded north, avoiding trails and keeping on high ground. The armed groups were led by Altamirano, Sebastian Centeno, Cornejo [Florencio Cornejo], one group had a Lewis gun and each of the others a Thompson. Altamirano himself carried the Thompson also two Colt 38's and a dagger. He, Zelaya, was held with Altamirano group which consisted of about 12 men. Zelaya states they passed between La Colonia and Pena Blanca and camped in the forest near Las Cuchillas on the night of Apr. 11-12 and he was released the morning of the 12th. The conversation among the men was to the effect that they intended joining with Sandino and that they would continue as bandits while American forces were in Nicaragua. Zelaya states that when airplanes came over on the 11th they halted and remained motionless, while several of the band played guitars and sang songs. During the time he was with them, the bandits avoided all houses, clearings and trails.
2. Maria Siles, widow of Emilio Siles, who was killed on the morning of April 14, 1929, near his home at Las Cruces, states that Altamirano with a force of bandits had visited their home on 31 Jan, 29, taken clothing and captured her husband and kept him prisoner for two (2) days but had released him after inquiring as to whether he was a spy for Moncada. He came again about Mar. 10, but her husband was not home. On the morning of April 14th, a band came to their house and took their clothing, blankets and about $80.00 in cash. They also said her husband was a spy and took him, her two (2) sons Isais and Sylvester and a laborer, Salinas as prisoners.
3. Isais Siles states he was taken prisoner by a band headed by Sebastian Centeno at about 0700 April 14, 1929 at Las Cruces and released early on the morning of 15 April near Paso Real, Altamirano was not with this band during this time. Centeno led the band which was divided into three (3) groups one of which was led by a man named / p. 2 / Rodriguez, all were armed with rifles and nearly all had pistols. Centeno's group led and one man in this group carried a Lewis Machine Gun, the other two groups each had a Thompson which was carried by a man about the center of the group. They marched in pairs with about 50 meters or more between groups. Siles states he could not see whether any men were ahead of the column as a point but he felt sure they had no one on the flanks. They marched on high ground and avoided trails and clearings. On the night of 14-15 April they camped in the forest, the force divided into five (5) groups, Centeno with one group of about ten (10) bandits and the prisoners occupied the center. Each group put out one (1) sentry who was relieved every hour.
4. Sylvester Siles states substantially the same as his brother, except he estimates about eighty (80) bandits instead of fifty (50). He and his father were turned over to the leader of the rear group and after proceeding about 1000 meters from their home Centeno gave a paper to the leader of this group. He, the leader whose name is not known detailed two (2) men from the group to take his father out of the column and kill him. The column was not halted. The two men took his father off the trail and killed him with machetes. He also stated that two men followed the column far to the rear.
5. Lieut. Hamas, G.N. stated that while en route from Santa Cruz to Jinotega, a farmer about five miles south of Guali told him that about fifty (50) bandits had passed north on the hills west of Sta Maria Valley on April 17th. On the same day, the 17th, a native reported to him, Lt. Hamas at Sta Cruz that about fifteen (15) bandits crossed the Coco River that evening, near Las Piedras, headed north.
6. No definite information has been received as to where Altamirano himself went after 12 April.
M29.04.24. RG127/43A/24. Excerpt in IR29.05.13, NA127/209/1.
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