Amongst the most famous or recognizable names, talked about with reference to Mexico's long and storied history, General Tomas Mejia, is probably the most well-remembered and respected. When the Monarchists and the Republicans decided it was time for war, shortly after the French intervention, he fought alongside Maximilian I, and was assigned the role of lead Cavalry General of the Mexican Army.
Very little is known about Mejia's roots, even though he is considered among the foremost leaders of his time. It is known that he was born on the 17th of September, but he has been listed as having a birth year ranging from 1812 to 1820 (nobody knowing the correct date).. Even the location of his birth seems to be open to speculation; historical records haven't confirmed whether he was born in Pinal de Amoles, Queretaro, or in Guanajuato. Beyond birth date and location, other details surrounding his past are more consistent - he was a devout Catholic and 100% Indian. His allegiance to his faith was strong enough that he fought for it during the Reform War as part of the pro-Church party, and before heading into battle during the French invasion, he prayed to the Holy Virgin to grant him direction and guidance. Eventually, his abilities as a leader led him to a meeting with Emperor Maximilian.
Maximilian took to Mejia almost immediately, he admired Mejia's tenacity and loyalty and decided to offer him his full support; he saw Mejia's selflessness and felt he had the qualities of leadership that could possibly make him a great political leader eventually. Maximilian's support and endorsement of Mejia was met with surprise; there were some who were close to the Emperor who secretly were shocked at his appointment of an Indian to such a high rank. Mejia proved time and again that Maximilian was not misguided in his support or praise; indeed even the Emperors enemies had to admit that Mejia was not only a leader, but also a very humane and noble officer.
Mejia was eventually placed in command of the Empires northern forces. One of his first major accomplishments while in command was to oust the Juaristas from San Luis Potosi; he then continued north and wound up at the border outside Texas. It was here; outside Texas that Mejia established control by occupying the town of Matamoros and the surrounding area. With battles on either side of the Rio Grande, Mejia stayed put and dug in his heels. He defeated the Juaristas after they launched a major attack on Matamoros; during the battle he even led the cavalry charge during counter attacks when the Republicans managed to break through the lines.
During a failed battle at Santa Gertrudis, one of Mejia's peers, General Olvera, was defeated. One of the ripple effects of this defeat was the eventual abandonment of Matamoros by General Mejia, The Republican army could have easily crushed Matamoros and killed Mejia but his life was spared by the Republican General Escobedo and he was allowed to leave the town without confrontation, as he had once spared Escobedo's life in the heat of battle. He was loyal to the Emperor and eventually left Matamoros, returning to his aid. It would be their last stand.
The Republican army was closing and had made Queretaro a focus point in their attacks. The Republicans breached the city walls and were met by Mejia, leading a charge of troops and attempting to beat back the army despite the fact that he was very ill at the time. Despite his valiant efforts, Mejia was defeated and was to stand trial with all of the remaining imperial leaders. His wife pleaded on his behalf, but she was led away from the courts by Maximilian as he wished to spare her the pain of seeing her husband being sentenced. Some of the Imperials were sentenced to execution, including Mejia and Maximilian.
Mejia faced his impending death the same way he had undertaken his military service - with honor and courage, right to the very end. He went to execution in a dark suit, holding a crucifix. Incredibly, Mejia's last words were a shout of "Long live the Emperor", seconds before he was executed by Republican firing squad!"
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