the lasting affection of the Indians, in whose languages he was proficient. Extremely enterprising, he was, however, too precipitate in action. With regard to his moral character, many vices are laid at his door,[1] which were made the most of by the opposite party after he raised the standard of revolt. From the fact that as early as 1800 accusations of immorality were preferred against him before the inquisition by two women, it may be concluded that his life was not of that purity which his clerical calling would seem to demand; but as the inquisition did not at the time proceed against him, although the accusations included charges of heresy, it may be inferred that proofs were wanting, or that his derelictions were not of a flagrant nature.[2]
As early as the 11th of August the government had intimation of a plot.[3] One Maríano Galvan, an official in the post-office, gave information about the secret meetings to Joaquin Quintana, chief of the department, who communicated with the postmaster general of Mexico. By him Aguirre was made acquainted with the danger. He, however, contented himself with giving orders that the revolutionists should be watched, without bringing the matter to the notice of the government. Meanwhile Hidalgo
- ↑ 'Poseido del abominable vicio de la luxuria.' Diaz Calvillo, Sermon (1811), 107.
- ↑ Consult Hernandez y Dávalos, Col. Doc., i. 78, et seq. Afterward the inquisition continued the charges with additional ones, and proceeded against Hidalgo with every severity, publishing a memorable edict on the 13th of October, 1810. In it heresy, blasphemy, and profession of the doctrines of Luther were charged. On the score of morality it contains this extraordinary accusation: 'Teneis por inocente y licita la polucion y fornicacion, como efecto necesario y consiguiente al mecanismo de la naturaleza, por cuyo error habeis sido tan libertino, que hicisteis pacto con vuestra manceba de que os buscase mugeres para fornicar, y que para lo mismo le buscariais a ella hombres, asegurandola que no hay infierno, ni Jesucristo.' Dispos. Varias, iii. f. 152. Consult also Mora, Mej. y sus Rev., iv. 60-1. This author considers that the early inaction of the inquisition was partly due to the fact that Bishop Abad y Queipo, in matters of opinion, was somewhat implicated with Hidalgo. The fact that these charges were brought against an excommunicated and rebel priest renders them unworthy serious consideration.
- ↑ For minute particulars consult extracts from documents in the Mexican archives supplied by Negrete, Mex. Siglo XIX., i. 286-97.
