politics. Picaluga, the Genoese, was sentenced by his government to death, and mulcted in heavy damages; but as he could not be found, he escaped punishment. Gonzales, who received the hapless Guerrero at Guatulco, died miserably, a slow, torturous death.
Many tributes to the public and private virtues of Guerrero may be found in various places; and his name is perpetuated in that of one of the States of the Republic. It was said of him that "his modesty overshadowed his intelligence to the extent of not allowing him to enjoy the fruits of his services as his talents deserved."
Guerrero left a wife and one child, a daughter, who became the wife of Mariano Riva Palacio, afterward one of the most distinguished lawyers and public men of his time. Their son is General Vicente Riva Palacio, so often mentioned in these chapters.
I would like to dwell at length on the Bravos—Leonardo, the father, and Nicolas, the son. They loved their country with exalted patriotism, and devoted their lives to its liberation. Nicolas is spoken of by historians as one of the noblest specimens of manhood that the times produced. They were no less attached to each other than to their country.
After the battle of Cuantla, the father was taken prisoner, tried, and condemned to be shot. Venegas, the viceroy, so highly appreciated his abilities that he offered Bravo his life if he would induce his brothers and Nicolas to join the royalists. But liberty was his watchword; he scorned the offer, and paid the forfeit. A number of Spanish prisoners had been offered in exchange for him, but the viceroy, appreciating the value of a Bravo, had declined in his turn.
The grief of Nicolas for his father was deep and lasting; but even under this great sorrow his magnanimity shines forth grandly. He had then in his camp, as prisoners, three hundred Spaniards, many of them wealthy and influential men. His power over them was absolute; and had he taken their lives in retaliation for his beloved father's death, perhaps justice and the usages of war would have said,
"Well done!" But hear his noble words to them:
"Your lives are forfeit. Your master, Spain's minion, has murdered
