Don Miguel Hidalgo Y Costilla, a Mexican revolutionist, born in South America in the latter part of the 18th century, shot at Chihuahua, Mexico, July 27, 1811. He was a priest, and in early life was noted for the conscientious fulfilment of his ecclesiastical functions. He is said to have introduced the silkworm into Mexico, and did much to promote the culture of the vine. The policy of the Spanish government being to discourage all manufactures or agriculture which could interfere with the revenue, the vines planted by Hidalgo were destroyed. This drove him to rebellion. Possessing much influence among the Indians, he formed the plan of a general insurrection, which was to take place Nov. 1, 1810; but the plot having been disclosed by one of the conspirators, some of his party were arrested, and he was obliged to precipitate his movements. In September, having been joined by three officers of the garrison of Guanajuato, he raised the standard of revolt. His eloquence had a remarkable effect on the multitude who heard him, and when after his oration he unfurled a rude copy of the picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of Mexico, the war assumed the character of a crusade.

On Sept. 29, with an army of 20,000 men, mostly Indians, he captured Guanajuato, on which occasion the greatest outrages were committed, and $5,000,000 plundered. He took Vallado-lid and several small places, and soon after was proclaimed generalissimo of the Mexican army, and advanced against Mexico; but, having been excommunicated by the archbishop, the disorders and desertions consequent upon this measure, as well as the total want of ammunition, compelled him to retreat. He was defeated at Aculco by Calleja on Nov. 7, driven soon after from Guanajuato with great slaughter, and totally routed at the bridge of Calderon, Jan. 17, 1811. Leaving the remnant of his forces at Saltillo under the command of Rayon, Hidalgo set out for the United States to obtain arms and military aid; but he was betrayed on the way into the hands of the Spaniards by one of his associates, Elizondo, March 21, carried to Chihuahua, degraded from the priesthood, and shot. After his death he was regarded as a saint by the people, and within a few years the place of his execution was shown to travellers as a holy spot.