A Mexican military officer; born at
San Luis Potosi, July 26, 1802.
Receiving a military education, he served in the
Spanish army until June, 1821, when he joined the
Mexican revolutionists.
He rose rapidly to the rank of brigadier-general; and in June, 1833, he was made, by
Santa Ana (q. v.), second in command of the
Mexican army.
Joining another leader in an unsuccessful revolt, he was expelled from
Mexico, and came to the
United States.
In 1835 he returned, and was restored to his rank in the army, and made
Judge of the
Supreme Tribunal of War. He was taken prisoner by the
French at
Vera Cruz (Dec. 5, 1838), but was soon released on parole.
In 1839 he became general-in-chief of the northern division of the army, and received the “Cross of honor” for defeating insurgents.
Though only a military commander, he was for some time the real ruler of
Mexico when
Herrera was
President in 1844.
Commanding at the battles of
Palo Alto and
Resaca De La Palma (q. v.) in May, 1848, he was appointed Minister of War a month later.
Within two years he suppressed seventeen revolts in
Mexico; and in 1850 he was elected
President of his native country.
He resigned the government in July, 1853.
Banished from his country by his enemies, he made a voyage to
Europe; and died there on the day when
Santa Ana, who had usurped his seat, was compelled to fly from the city of
Mexico, Aug. 7, 1855.
