Bernardo O'Higgins Letters,
Collection
Identifier: MSS-114-SC
Scope and Content
This collection consists of two letters signed by Bernardo O'Higgins. The first is handset type, dated June 13, 1820, during O'Higgins' term as Supreme Director of Chile, and is addressed to Don Francisco Paurt and the Senate. This letter discusses the increase in troops sent on an expedition to Peru and solicits more funds from the Senate to support this tactic.
The second letter is of a more personal nature. It was hand-written by O'Higgins on March 28, 1840, late in O'Higgins' life. It is directed to José Toribio Legueño and regards personal matters such as the health of O'Higgins' sister Rosita and the well-being of Legueño's family. Both letters appear to be copies, and are written in Spanish.
The second letter is of a more personal nature. It was hand-written by O'Higgins on March 28, 1840, late in O'Higgins' life. It is directed to José Toribio Legueño and regards personal matters such as the health of O'Higgins' sister Rosita and the well-being of Legueño's family. Both letters appear to be copies, and are written in Spanish.
Dates
- 1820, 1840
Language of Materials
English Spanish
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication of print and photographic material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publications or distribution.
Biographical Information
Bernardo O'Higgins, 1778-1842, was born in Chile of Chilean and Irish descent. O'Higgins, educated in England in military navigation, eventually became a leading Chilean patriot, known by the popular titles "The Father of the Nation," "Founder of the Republic," and "Liberator of Chile" throughout his life and in posterity, as well as by the official title of Supreme Director of Chile (designating him as the country's dictator) from 1817-1823. He is ranked with San MartÃn and Simón BolÃvar among the great liberators of South America. O'Higgins joined the Chilean revolutionists in 1810. By 1813, he had gained supreme command of the army. In 1817, upon defeat of the Spanish, O'Higgins was made dictator (Supreme Director) of Chile, though, curiously, he is known for his leaning toward a democratic form of government with elected officials as opposed to the hereditary leadership previously known in Chile under Spanish government. Among his achievements are the creation of the First Squadron of Chile and the formation of the armed forces of that nation. O'Higgins is also known for creating the governmental institutions necessary to a republic which eventually facilitated the liberation of South American countries. He is credited with the creation of the Military School in Chile as well as the army and the naval school. He was also integral to the reorganization of the port of ValparaÃso and the customs service in the interest of controlling the flow of contraband into the country. However, he is best known for his promulgation of Chilean nationalism and his proclamation of Chilean independence from Spain and for procuring the recognition of Chile as a sovereign nation from various countries.
In addition to his prominent role in Chilean politics and military prowess, O'Higgins also served as Brigadier of the army of Buenos Aires, Argentina, as a naval leader of Peru where he is also considered "The Liberator," and as a key player in Peru's independence. His grand political design was of a united South American republic.
In addition to his prominent role in Chilean politics and military prowess, O'Higgins also served as Brigadier of the army of Buenos Aires, Argentina, as a naval leader of Peru where he is also considered "The Liberator," and as a key player in Peru's independence. His grand political design was of a united South American republic.
Extent
1 folder (2 items)
Abstract
This collection is comprised of two letters (one of a professional nature and one personal) written by Bernardo O'Higgins, soldier and statesman of Chile in the early 1800s.
Relevant Secondary Sources
- DÃaz-Trechuelo, MarÃa Lourdes. Bernardo O'Higgins: el padre de la patria chilena. Madrid: Ediciones Anaya, 1988.
- Kinsbruner, Jay. Bernardo O'Higgins. New York: Twayne Publishers, Inc., 1968
- Peri Fagerström, René. O'Higgins de América. Santiago, Chile: Red Internacional del Libro Ltda., 1992
- Valenzuela Ugarte, Renato. Bernardo O'Higgins. El estado de chile y el poder naval. Barcelona: Editorial Andrés Bello, 1999.
- Title
- Finding Aid of the Bernardo O'Higgins Letters, 1820, 1840
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Processed by K. Stocker
- Date
- ©2000
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
Revision Statements
- June 28, 2004: PUBLIC "-//University of New Mexico::Center for Southwest Research//TEXT (US::NmU::MSS 114 SC::Bernardo O'Higgins Letters)//EN" "nmu1mss114sc.sgml" converted from EAD 1.0 to 2002 by v1to02.xsl (sy2003-10-15).
- Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.
Repository Details
Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository
Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
cswrref@unm.edu
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
cswrref@unm.edu