Military tactics, courage, youth and solidarity seem many qualities for a single person; but they all joined in an internationalist who knew how to earn the respect of men like Agramonte and Gómez. Henry Reeve, the 23-year-old US-born mambisa cavalry brigadier with ten scars from combat wounds, was a key figure in the development of the Cuban liberation struggle during the 19th century.
Ignacio Agramonte wrote about him to the government of the Republic in Arms the following assessment: “Commander Reeve, with his relevant qualities, is creditor of all my trust and I believe it is my duty to speak favorably to the government of the Republic about this young foreigner.”
Also known as Enrique the American; he fought over 100 combats in which he shed his blood upon being seriously wounded on several occasions. He had to make an iron attachment to support himself on the saddle because one of his limbs was hurt by a cannon against which he charged. Because of his brilliant record of service, he was promoted to Brigadier General on December 10th, 1873.
Consulting the historiography
According to historical data, Henry Reeve was present in the last combat of Agramonte in Jimaguayú. He temporarily assumed command of the Camagüey forces and seconded Máximo Gómez when he was appointed to replace the Major. And the Generalissimo wrote of Henry:
“Reeve is a purely military character, he adds to his proven courage, an uncommon straightness and seriousness in his command mode – hence his soldiers, not only think highly of him, but also love him like a father. . His best men are black … ”
Due to his courage and tenacity, the colonialist forces launched large contingents of the three weapons on General Reeve to quell the mambí fire and in the Sabana de Yaguarama combat, on August 4th, 1876, in the current province of Cienfuegos, was injured and knocked off the horse; but he kept fighting from the ground. When he ran out of strength and ammunition, he took his own life to avoid being taken prisoner.
By the example of the English man in the history of Cuba, today the contingent of Cuban white coats honors with his actions the name of the one who inspires them. To him our eternal gratitude for offering his life for a just cause: freedom.
Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García
