La viuda del General John Robertson [1] expone su triste situación,
y solicita el pago de los sueldos que expresa se le debían a su difunto marido
7th Mítrch 1820.
Duplícate.
To His Excellency General Bolívar, Commander in Chief of the Independent Armies of South America.
Sir:
Although so lately as the last month I had the honor of addressing a letter to Your Excellency, I cannot refrain availing myself of an opportunity now offered me to once more venture recalling myself and children to your remembrance — on refering to the letter Your Excellency honoured me with, at the time of my hus-band’s death, you observe (permit me to copy your own words):
"Je suis Vénézuelien, et j’ai été honoré de la noble amitié du General Robertson: sous ce double titre, il faut que je me montre reconnaissant envers son épouse et ses enfants, dont le bien-etre était la seule recompense que il ambitionnait: je vous le garantís, si Venezuela obtient, comme il est a espérer, le bonheur qu’elle attend de son Indépendance".
This period, Sir, is arrived, and I see by the faith of newspapers, that one of ypur first acts has been to establish the validity of all British claims. Allow me then to hope that mine may be considered of some weight — amongst the number — and that sentiments no repleat (sic) with generosity as yours are, will not forget the widow and children of your decesaed friend; the struggles and distresses I have through since the death of my husband would take up too much of your time to enter upon — suffice it to say that I have had to contend with the most mortifying and humbling degradation — that the mind of a gentlewoman could meet with. [Una palabra ilegible] Sir, to other prospects - - you, I am sure, with the noble feelings you possess, will commiserate my situation, and I trust take the earliest opportunity of relieving me and my three daughters. I have already several times had the honor to state to Your Excellency, that by my husband’s having embraced the cause of your Country, I am entirely cut off from any claims I should have had in the British Government; this, Sir, I am persuaided (sic) you will see adds to my already aggrivated situation. At the time of my husband’s death his pay was considerably in [roto] he also experienced a heavy loss [roto] etc. My friend General [roto] Maitland was so kind to write to Your Excellency in my behalf many months ago. He confided his letter to the Governor of Trinidad, who has since written to him that it was safely forwarded to your hands.
I have the honor to remain, Sir, with sentiments of respect, Your Excellencies humble servant.
KATHERINE ROBERTSON
My address is to the care of R.S. Yago Esquire, War Officce
— Home Guards, London.
Cuartel General de San Cayetano, agosto 10 1820.
— Al Vicepresidente de la República, para que conteste a esta señora * lo que sea justo, y del caso: que si el Gobierno determinare algo en que ella pueda ser incluida, se la satisfará: que el Gobierno nada adeuda, por ahora, al difunto General Robertson o sus herederos: que no he recibido ninguna carta del General de que hace mención.
(Rúbrica de bolívar)
* De un impreso moderno. "Acotaciones Bolivarianas", págs. 87-89.
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