AGUSTÍN MELGAR: BIOGRAPHY - HISTORY - 2024

Agustín Melgar was one of the cadets who died on September 13, 1847, defending the Castle of Chapultepec (Mexico), which was besieged by North American forces. His commanders had ordered him and his five companions to guard their lives, but they resisted the invaders until they were dejected.

According to a popular belief, the last of the six cadets jumped from the Castillo de Chapultepec wrapped in the Mexican flag, an act that was inspired by the desire to prevent the enemy from taking up the banner. After the battle, the body of Agustín Melgar and that of his six young companions was buried in an uncertain place in the Chapultepec forest.

Monument to the Heroes Children, of which Agustín Melgar is part

One hundred years later, in 1947, his remains were found and identified. On September 27, 1952 they were reburied, this time they received military honors. His remains rest in the Monument to the Heroic Cadets at the foot of the Chapultepec hill.

At present, those killed that day are known as Niños Héroes. In his memory, streets, squares, and schools across the country have been named. Their faces have appeared on Mexican currency cones.

Early years

In relation to Agustín Melgar's date of birth, there is some uncertainty, since a birth certificate is not available. However, it is believed that he was born on August 28, 1829.

This statement is based on his baptismal certificate, dated August 29, 1829. According to this last document, the baptism took place one day after his birth. In the record he appears with the name of Agustín María José Francisco de Jesús de los Ángeles Melgar Sevilla.

In the document it is recorded that his parents were Lieutenant Colonel Esteban Melgar and Luz Sevilla. The baptismal ceremony was held in the church of San Francisco and Nuestra Señora de Regla, and was officiated by the priest José Manuel Salas Valdez.

Merchant life

His father was orphaned when he was barely six years old, his mother entrusts him to the care of his godfather, a merchant named Antonio Mejía. Exercising his trade as a merchant, Antonio Mejia traveled the mountains occupied by the Rrámuri, buying and selling various goods.

In this environment, young Agustín spent the first years of his life. As part of this coexistence, he participated in the traditions, games and races of the Rrámuri community. This contact endowed him with great physical strength and deeply ingrained values ​​of truth, dignity, and honesty.

Admission to the military academy

Since he was little, Agustín Melgar had manifested a determined military vocation. He played with his father's weapons and tack and liked to give orders.

But the story about his entering the military academy is confusing. Some claim that he went to the Francisco Márquez Military College requesting admission in the company of his mother; Others say that he was accompanied by his sister Merced, who had parental authority due to the death of her mother.

However, both versions agree that the application was made on November 4, 1846. It was formally accepted on November 7, 1846, when he was 13 years old.

Certifications

To apply for admission, he accompanied his application with the certificate from his first letters teacher. He stated that Agustín knew how to read, write and had mastered the four arithmetic operations. A certificate was also presented that assured that Agustín Melgar was in good health.

Historians assert that his sister made a commitment to the authorities, indicating that Agustín would appear "with the necessary decency." After this he formally entered military life.

Military career

During the first five months at the Agustín Melgar Military Academy, he had a promising performance. Augustine gave his superiors samples of possessing one of the most valued qualities in the human being: honor.

A confusing and uncertain event led to his desertion from military responsibilities on May 4, 1847. On that date, Agustín did not appear for a military review activity; then, he was expelled from the institution.

Several possible causes for this action of Agustín are handled. One of these would be the romantic demand of a young bride. According to another version, this decision would be related to the need to help his family from an unforeseen financial situation. Little information is had about Melgar's activities during the following months.

Back to the academy

After four months he reports to the military institution. On September 8, 1847, Agustín Melgar appeared at the military academy and requested his readmission. This action is believed to have been prompted by his patriotic sentiment.

By that date, the US forces - at war with Mexico - were advancing towards the capital. Melgar's application was immediately accepted and he was re-entered as an attaché.

In this way Agustín Melgar restarts his military career. He then got ready to defend the Castillo de Chapultepec, Mexico City's defensive bastion.

Death of Agustín Melgar

On September 12, 1847, the enemy troops besieged the Castle of Chapultepec. The attackers significantly outnumber the defenders; however, the Mexicans decide to defend the castle to the death.

Teachers and students from the military academy, along with regular forces from the Mexican army, battle to prevent the position from falling into enemy hands.

However, the intense cannonade causes serious damage to the structure and many losses in the defense. At dawn on September 13, the cannonade ceases and the US forces prepare to take the castle.

Cadet Agustín Melgar is defending the door of the Military College when the attack begins. There are conflicting versions of Agustín's performance in this confrontation; what is a fact is that his injuries were considerable.

Attacker recognition

Cadet Melgar's defense was so heroic that it caught the attention of the attacking force's greatest Charles Winslow Elliot. According to some versions, this major gave the order to be assisted after being wounded.

In an attempt to save his life, American doctors amputated his leg. That same American major includes him in his war part, highlighting his courage and courage in combat. In the end, Cadet Agustín Melgar died in the early morning of September 14, 1847 at the age of 18.

References

1. Lancer, J. (2005, September 12). Cadets of Chapultepec. Taken from archive.worldhistoria.com.
2. Chihuahua, Mexico. (s / f). Agustín Melgar, gave his life for the country. Taken from chihuahuamexico.com.
3. Velasco Piña A. (2014). The sacred palace. Mexico DF: Penguin Random House.
4. Villalpando, JM (2004). Children heroes. Great Protagonists of Mexican History. Editorial Planeta: México.
5. Velasco Piña, A. (2015). Warrior Angels. Mexico DF: Penguin Random House.