Illustrations by Jose Cisneros. Designed by Carl Hertzog. El Paso: Texas Western Press, 1970. 2^nd edition (first published in 1963) 184 pages. Hardcover with dustjacket; both in FINE condition.

First full-length biography (in English) of Jose Maria Morelos, a great Mexican patriot. Morelos was a Catholic priest who joined the Mexican Independence movement in 1810 and became the revolutionary leader following the execution of Miguel Hildalgo y Costilla in 1811. In 1813, Morelos called the National Constituent Congress of Chilpancingo (aka Congress of Anahuac) to consider the political and social programs he had outlined in “Sentimentos de la Nacion” (Sentiments of the Nation). The Congress endorsed "Sentiments of the Nation". This document declared Mexican independence from Spain, made Roman Catholicism the official religion and the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government. It also declared respect for property, abolished slavery and other social distinctions based on race in favor of the title "American" for all native-born individuals. Morelos was offered the title "Generalissimo" with the style of address "Your Highness", but he refused asking to be called "Siervo de la Nación" (Servant of the Nation). Morelos won many military victories but was captured by the royalist military after a series of military setbacks. He was defrocked as a priest executed by firing squad on December 22, 1815.  Morelos was integral to laying the foundation for an independent Mexico and kindling the flames of a national spirit, He is a national hero in Mexico for both his service and sacrifice.