A historic discovery shakes the academic landscape. In Scotland, an unpublished letter by José de San Martín was found, containing unknown details about the South American independence. The document confirms political and personal alliances between Argentina and the United Kingdom at the beginning of the 19th century.
The letter, written in Brussels on March 19, 1827, remained hidden for almost 200 years. It now opens the door to rewriting key chapters of Latin American history. The discovery was made possible thanks to an international team of Argentine and Scottish researchers.
Where and how the letter was found
The manuscript appeared in June 2025 in the archives of the University of Aberdeen, among the private papers of James Duff, IV Earl of Fife, a close friend of the Liberator. The discovery was made by Juan Dávila y Verdin, Ian Williams, Pam Williams, Colin Helling, and Veronica Owen, with the support of the Duke of Fife and the Aberdeen University Collections.
What the document reveals
San Martín introduces General William Miller to the Earl and describes him as a "compatriot" who contributed to the independence of America. He highlights the services rendered "at the cost of his blood."
