A little-known letter from Fermín Valdés Domínguez in defense of the medical students

Abstract

Introduction. the titanic work of Dr. Fermín Valdés Domínguez to publicize the truth about the execution of the medical students is known. In 1897, Fermín wrote an open letter where other evidence appears in defense of his schoolmates. Methods. A qualitative methodology was followed, using historical-logical and documentary analysis as theoretical methods. Relevant information on the subject was consulted in primary, secondary and tertiary sources. The so-called campaign literature was consulted, mainly newspapers. Results. The letter, although it is not unpublished material, the fact that it was released for the first time in a newspaper published in the deep forest and later in a daily newspaper, a context in which its importance was not highlighted, makes it a valuable document to contribute other elements in favor of those young people who found death under the clutches of the Spanish metropolis. Despite being in the midst of war, upon learning of the publication of a book by Tesifonte Gallego, a Spanish writer, Fermín lashes out with strength and, above all, with convincing arguments, against the Iberian writer’s lies. As a conclusion, this letter from Fermín is a reliable example of his constant concern for the vindication of his schoolmates. Fermín was, without a doubt, the greatest representative of a generation of worthy Cubans who, for many years, worked intensely so that the historical truth about this sad event of November 1871 could be known. This epistle contributes to shed more light on the heroic pedestal of the murdered youth.