“MONSTROUS AND ILLEGAL PROCEEDINGS”: LAW ...

Gelabert’s struggles to address Abendaño’s challenge to his personal reputation
equally provides a window into how these interventions into correntino politics by Mitre and
Urquiza could radiate outwards throughout the borderlands. Gelabert wrote that Judge
Abendaño continued “to defame him” throughout Corrientes, “abusing his authority” in
order to destroy Gelabert’s name and “causing him innumerable pecuniary hardships, delay
and disgust.” 199 With the case in Mercedes at an impasse, Gelabert faced growing troubles
throughout his commercial network. By 1858, his creditors had lost faith in his ability to
sustain his commercial obligations in the face of continuing legal uncertainty. Gelabert
wrote that they had begun to confiscate his property to pay his debts throughout
Corrientes. 200
Gelabert fled the province and traveled to Alegrete. From there, he turned to his
commercial and factional contacts in both the Brazilian borderlands and around Salto in an
effort to restore his reputation and resolve the criminal matter. Gelabert first contacted
Jacinto Llupes, a prominent colorado in Salto, in order to gain his assistance in resolving his
commercial problems back in Corrientes. He further wrote to several merchants in
Concordia, Entre Ríos, requesting letters reaffirming his status as a merchant in good
standing. 201 Gelabert arranged a letter of credit from José Carevaros, a merchant in
Concordia, to guarantee his outstanding debts. The letter proved critical to restoring
Gelabert’s commercial operations. It also provided another example of the importance of
199 AGPC. Fondo Mantilla. Archivo Valdéz, v. 18, Miguel V. Gelabert al Sor. D. Gregorio
Valdés (August 14, 1857).
200 AGPC. Fondo Mantilla. Archivo Valdéz, v. 18, Miguel V. Gelabert al Sor. D. Gregorio
Valdés (July 21, 1858).
201 AGPC. Fondo Mantilla. Archivo Valdéz, v. 18, Miguel V. Gelabert al Sor. D. Gregorio
Valdés (September 11, 1858).
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