Bolívar's Final Proclamation to the People of Colombia

[10 December 1830: As Bolívar lay dying, along the Colombian coast, at Santa Marta, he drafted his will and issued his last proclamation.]

"Colombians, you have witnessed my efforts to establish freedom where tyranny formerly reigned. I have worked unselfishly, giving up my fortune and my tranquillity. I resigned the command when I was convinced that you did not trust my disinterestedness. My foes availed themselves of your credulity and trampled upon what is most sacred to me--my reputation as a lover of freedom. I have been a victim of my persecutors, who have led me to the border of the tomb. I forgive them.

"Upon disappearing from your midst, my love prompts me to express my last wishes. I aspire to no other glory than the consolidation of Colombia; all must work for the invaluable blessing of union; the peoples, obeying the present government, in order to free themselves from anarchy; the ministers of the Sanctuary, by sending prayers to Heaven; and the soldiers, by using their swords to protect the sanctions of social order.

"Colombians, my last wishes are for the happiness of our country. If my death can help to destroy the spirit of partisanship, and strengthen union, I shall tranquilly descend to my grave."

[He then fell into delerium calling his servant.] "Joseph, let us go away. They are throwing us out of here. Where shall we go?" On December 17, at one o'clock in the afternoon, the Liberator died at the age of forty-seven and one-half years.]