MIGUEL

See also:

• HIDALGO
• HIDALGO (a Spanish word, contracted from hijo d'algo or hijo de algo, son of something, or somewhat)

HIDALGO Y COSTILLA (1753-1811)  , Mexican patriot, was born on the 8th of May 1753, on a farm at Corralejos, near Guanajuato . His mother's maiden name was Gallaga, but contrary to the usual custom of the Spaniards he used only the surname of his father, Cristobal Hidalgo y Costilla . He was educated at Valladolid in Mexico, and was,ordained priest in 1779 . Until 1809 he was known only as a man of pious life who exerted himself to introduce various forms of industry, including the cultivation of silk, among his parishioners at Dolores . But Napoleon's invasion of Spain in 18o8 caused a widespread commotion . The colonists were indisposed to accept a French ruler and showed great zeal in proclaiming Ferdinand VII. as king . The societies they formed for their professedly loyal purpose were regarded, however, by the Spanish authorities with suspicion as being designed to prepare the independence of Mexico . Hidalgo and several of his friends, among whom was Miguel Dominguez, mayor of Queretaro, engaged in consultation and preparations which the authorities considered treasonable . Dominguez was arrested, but Hidalgo was warned in time . He collected some hundred of his parishioners, and on the 16th of September 18to they seized the prison at Dolores . This action began what was in fact a revolt against the Spanish and Creole elements of the population . With what is known as the " grito " or cry of Dolores as their rallying shout, a multitude gathered round Hidalgo, who took for his banner a wonder-working picture of the Virgin belonging to a popular shrine .

At first he met with some success . A

regiment of dragoons of the militia joined him, and some small posts were stormed . The whole tumultuous host moved on the city of Mexico . But here the Spaniards and Creoles were concentrated . Hidalgo lost heart and retreated . Many of his followers deserted, and on the march to Queretaro he was attacked at Aculco by General Felix Calleja on the 7th of November 181o, and routed . He endeavoured to continue the struggle, and did succeed in collecting a mob estimated at roo,000 about Guadalajara . With this ill-armed and undisciplined crowd he took up a position on the bridge of Calderon on the river Santiago . On the 17th of January 1811 he was completely beaten by Calleja and a small force of soldiers . Hidalgo was deposed by the other leaders, and soon afterwards all of them were betrayed to the Spaniards . They were tried at Chihuahua, and condemned . Hidalgo was first degraded from the priesthood and then shot as a rebel, on the 31st of July or the 1st of August 1811 .

See H . H .

Bancroft, The Pacific States, vol. vii., which contains a copious bibliography .