the forces in the east to act by his advice when, on account of distance, they could receive no prompt decisions from the general government. The veteran was commanding the fifth division of the army when, on the 21st of August, 1867, he departed this life.[1]
Ignacio Comonfort, in assuming the executive office, took on his shoulders a heavy load of responsibility at an unpropitious time. The victorious liberal party had become divided, and the unscupulous schemes of the reaccionarios had to be combated. To effect this, prudence and energy were required. However, the important service he had done to the cause of liberty, his acknowledged patriotism, personal qualities, and practical ability in affairs, inspired hopes of peace and good government.
His life, previous to his taking so prominent action in the late events for the overthrow of tyranny, had been comparatively uneventful. He was born in Puebla the 12th of March, 1812, his parents being Lieutenant-colonel Mariano Comonfort, and María Guadalupe de los Rios. At the age of 14 he was placed in the Carolino College, a Jesuit institute, to receive instruction in the higher branches. At manhood he was tall, well proportioned, and robust. In his manners he was self-possessed and of grave deportment; his face was swarthy from exposure to the weather. Marks of small-pox gave his features at first sight a severe look, which, however, disappeared on more familiar scrutiny. He had a habit of leaning his head toward the right shoulder. He was amiable and conciliatory;
- ↑ Álvarez was much beloved by his countrymen. He did what he could to diminish the horrors of war. Tamaulipas made him one of her citizens; Mexico did the same, and struck a medal in his honor. Congress twice declared him a benemérito de la patria; he held several important positions, among them that of honorary vice-president of the Institut d'Afrique, in France, and corresponding member of several scientific societies. In his domestic relations he was a loving husband and father, taking a deep interest in the education of his children, and instilling in them sentiments of honesty and love of liberty. Dublan and Lozano, Leg. Mex., ix. 310; x. 268; Rivera, Gob. de Méx., ii. 484; El Derecho, iii. 418. He was not a learned man, 'pero si de buen sentido y de valor.' Diaz, Datos Biog., MS., 65.
