Mar 31, 2011 - Sale 2241

Sale 2241 - Lot 300

Price Realized: $ 2,040
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 1,000 - $ 1,500
BOLÍVAR, SIMÓN. Printed decrees appointing himself dictator of Gran Colombia, including the Decreto Orgánico. [1], [4] pages (12 x 8 1/2 inches) on 2 unbound sheets; early folds, minor marginal toning; uncut. Bogotá, 27 August 1828
Set Alert for Similar Items

Additional Details

Simón Bolívar was already the president and founding hero of Gran Colombia in August of 1828. After a failed constitutional convention left the young nation on the brink of chaos, Bolívar declared himself dictator as well through the Decreto Orgánico (Organic Decree).
These two proclamations are not attached, but bear the same folds, the same Louis Carbo watermark, and the same issue date, suggesting that they may have been issued together to the Treasury Department.
The outer sheet is printed only on the first page, and bears the heading "Simon Bolivar, Libertador Presidente de Colombia &&&." It begins "Colombianos! Las voluntades públicas se habian espresado enerjicamente por las reformas políticas de la nacion." Bolívar explains why he has found it necessary to assume these extraordinary powers. He also assures his countrymen that he will not remain a dictator any longer than necessary, but in the meantime pledges to "commit myself to obey strictly your legitimate desires" ("obligo á obedecer estrictamente vuestros lejítimos deseos"). It is signed in type "Bolivar" as president of Gran Colombia, and bears the small inked notation "Tesoreria" (Treasury) on front page.
The second sheet is printed on all four pages, and bears a similar header: "Simon Bolivar, Libertador Presidente de la Republica de Colombia, &. &. &." The first line reads "Considerando que, desde principios del año de 1826, se manifestó un deseo vivo de ver reformadas las instituciones políticas." The introductory text is followed by the six articles of the Decreto Orgánico, granting Bolívar his absolute powers. It is signed by Bolívar and four secretaries in type.
Though the text of these important early proclamations was anthologized at an early date and has frequently been republished, no copies of these original printings have been found in previous auction records or in WorldCat. Palau 32190 (questionable match); not in Sabin.