Letter from Lorenzo de Zavala to Vicente Guerrero, September 1, 1827

Title of the Document: Letter from Lorenzo de Zavala to Vicente Guerrero, September 1, 1827
One Line Summary: Originally written in Spanish, this letter is from Lorenzo de Zavala to Vicente Guerrero, trying to clear his name
and defend himself against rumors speculating that he had betrayed his party.
Author: Lorenzo de Zavala
Date Created: September 1, 1827
Location: San Augustine, Texas
Type of Document: Letter
Publisher: University of North Texas Libraries
Transcription: “Most respectable sir and friend:
I do not know to what I should attribute the arrogant and uncommon language for a man of experience used in
your letter to Colonel E. Why would you allow yourself to be influenced by despicable rumors and suppose that
a man like me, who has contributed so much to raising the current cause, would deserve such reproach? You
claim a right to reprimand me based on nothing but unfounded hearsay. Let’s take this step by step.
In the case of Álvarez, everyone is entitled to their opinion. But if you and I are to be moved by rumors—those
which enemies of peace might spread—then all of this stems from ignorance of the facts. Believe me, sir, it is
an atrocious slander, a serious accusation fueled by gossip meant to stain reputations.
Continuing, and as Joaquín has failed me, I now mention the falsehood of such rumors— they are entirely the
work of blind men. I have preserved the good ones, well proven, and to this day I have only
acted that way with my friends, and neither I nor much less the Officers could be suspected. We only refer to a
letter from C. regarding protests, which is a manifesto. I have neither doubted nor hesitated. If I must act out of

duty, and if your letter was influenced by those falsehoods, then you will see in time it was an error you will
wish to acknowledge.
I am confined to this place where some coarse men deny me because of bitter rumors, and it matters
little when I am accused of things without grounds, and then blamed. Then to Itela for appointment to Oaxaca.
Someone from Chiapas, contemptible, who by the whispers of the spirit stole my trust, and I am guided only by
the impulses of the past. May God protect you from me. He may still be of use to you and to many others.
Why don’t we think seriously about what we are? We work for liberty and are oppressed, we seek equality and
yet are not united, we cry for justice and speak behind each other’s backs. General V. is a good man, a patriot,
he has spoken well of you—I know from the signs. I do not wish to take the lead,
nor do I wear a disguise nor am I driven by personal interest. But if I were free from passions, I would gladly
say so. You, and many others, must take care, I believe, and be cautious enough not to believe in such things.
The time must come when, compared to unjust accusations, veiled suspicions, and silent mistrusts, the misery is
cleansed and the harm done by such miseries to the present is removed. I have desired a good work and retreat.
Then we shall see if it is destiny that wishes to open this path to some
while charging them with the dignity and duty required of them.
That more than once I have been called out for my actions, even the smallest ones, will be a terrible example if
they are taken against you yourself, when they label others apathetic while having
some share of the truth. Some accuse, even if unjustly, and steal liberty—not from one of today.
I have concluded, and I fear the B.G. from the house of C. and my own sufferings, and handing down my
resolution with all the character of a proper denunciation, let the truth come out. And command at another time,
when it is revealed, do not recognize falsehood, for even if they do not recognize duplicity, it should not be
allowed for the poor to grow resentful in disdain.
I remain your most affectionate and obedient
humble servant,
Lorenzo de Zavala”
Related: Vicente Guerrero (1782-1831)
Provenance: The Portal to Texas History, Letter from Lorenzo de Zavala to Vicente Guerrero, September 1, 1827 (Denton,
Texas: University of North Texas Libraries), accessed April 15, 2025,
https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth5989/m1/4/?q=transcription.