It is surprising that the first full-length biography of José María Morelos in English did not appear until a century and a half after his death. Dr. Timmons has produced a solid, objective study of the Mexican martyr to the cause of independence, a work which should endure for many years. Together with Hugh Hamill’s forthcoming biography of Hidalgo (University of Florida Press), it will make available for students of Mexican history a clearer picture of the rebel cause.
Born in 1765 in Valladolid, Morelos served as a mule-driver before beginning studies for the priesthood at the age of 25. Seven years later, in 1797, he was ordained. He served in various parishes until he learned of the Hidalgo revolt and decided to join.
Morelos, operating in the south, became the most prominent of the rebel leaders following Hidalgo’s capture. He voiced, if he did not originate, many of the rebels’ goals, some of which became the goals of later generations of Mexican liberals. As a military leader he was only moderately successful; he won a noteworthy victory at Oaxaca, but he blundered on other occasions, as in wasting seven months on the siege of Acapulco. “The conquest of Acapulco, while seemingly representing Morelos’ military fortunes at their height, in actuality marked the beginning of their decline.”
The reform program proposed by Morelos is discussed in detail. He demanded that the “conglomeration of social gradations” be abolished and that all native-born people should be called “Americans.” He favored abolition of slavery and the tribute, and declared that those who worked the land should own it. But, as Dr. Timmons points outs, “these recommendations should be regarded as only means . . . to annihilate the Spanish government and destroy its ability to make war. At no time did Morelos consider a comprehensive agrarian program or submit one to the Congress of Chilpancingo. ”
In his trial Morelos divulged information concerning the rebels, and even gave advice on reconquering certain areas. This action was not an indication that he had turned traitor to his cause. His testimony was to save his soul, not his life, and none of his contemporaries resented it.
Morelos is deservedly among the most revered of Mexican heroes. In 1828 Valladolid, his birthplace, was renamed Morelia, and in 1862 the state of Morelos was created. Dr. Timmons’ book is a fitting tribute to Morelos, and it should go far toward making his career better known in the United States.
