the hour of six in the evening was appointed for his execution. His serenity of mind was undisturbed; he only repeated his former request that three days might be allowed him for religious preparation.[1]
But even this short respite was denied him, and at the set of sun he was led forth. With unfaltering step he walked to the place of execution, and in a voice without a tremor he addressed a few parting words to the troops. "Mexicans," he said, "in this last moment of my life I recommend to you the love of your country, and the observance of our holy religion. I die for having come to aid you; and depart happy because I die among you. I die with honor, not as a traitor. That stain will not attach to my children and their descendants. Preserve order, and be obedient to your commanders. From the bottom of my heart, I forgive all my enemies." When the officer approached to bandage his eyes he objected, saying that it was not necessary, but being told that the form must be observed, he bound his handkerchief over them with his own hand. Then he knelt, and the platoon fired, killing him instantly. On the following morning his remains were buried in the old roofless church of Padilla, where they remained till 1838, when they were removed, by decree of congress, and interred with solemn obsequies in the cathedral of Mexico on the 24th of October.[2]
- ↑ He had previously written, on the 17th, a representation to the sovereign congress, appealing against his proscription. He now concluded it, and says: 'No pedi por la conservacion de la vida que ofrecí tantas veces á mi patria. . . mi súplica se redujo á que se me concediesen tres dias para disponer mi conciencia, que por disgracia no es tan libre en mi vida privada, como en la pública.' Id., 165-6.
- ↑ For an account of these ceremonies, see Pacheco, Descrip. Iturb.; Bustamante, Gabinete Mex., i. 84-93; Arrillaga, Recop., 1838, 292, 395-9. Iturbide's family were detained under arrest at Soto la Marina till September, when they were banished the country and went to the United States. Mex. Col. Ley. Ord. y Dec., iii. 60. A pension, however, of $8,000 a year was granted his widow. Dublan and Lozano Ley. Mex., ii. 449. By decree of February 27, 1835, the sentence of banishment was revoked, and his widow and children were permitted to enter the republic. Id., iii. 25. In after years Iturbide's services in accomplishing independence were recognized. In 1853 the title of Liberator was bestowed upon him. Mex. Leg. Mej., Aug.-Dec., 1853, 356-57; and in 1855 the anniversary of his death
