Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/119

Rh overshadowed the other buildings, being an extensive structure, and completed about the middle of the eighteenth century. The exterior presented quite an imposing appearance, the front having two towers and an ornamented entrance. At the close of the eight eenth century a church of the third order of San Francisco was erected which, though small, was of beautiful design and construction. There were also several smaller churches or chapels. In 1826 the constituent congress of Guanajuato bestowed upon the town the title of villa. It contained later about 9,000 inhabitants, while the number of those within its civil and ecclesiastical jurisdiction was between 35,000 and 40,000, scattered over a territory of sixty-eight square leagues. Agriculture constitutes the chief occupation of the people, a few only being engaged in retail traffic, and in the manufacture of common woollen goods, of bricks, and in tanning. The district of Dolores is better adapted for the culture of the vine than any other part of Guanajuato. Though silver deposits exist in many places, the mining interest is not large.

The cura of this parish was Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a name forever to be honored as one who gave his life to his country, who sacrificed himself for the right as against injustice and oppression. Past middle age, as he was now approaching fifty-eight, he had reached the period when most men are ready to lay aside some portion of life's burdens; yet he was about taking upon his shoulders the most vital issues of his country, and that before his country was ready fully to respond to his efforts.

Rather above than below medium height, of some what stout proportions, large lirnbs and ruddy-brown complexion, he presented altogether a robust constitution. The head was large and well modelled, bald and shining on the top, with many brain-compelling bumps; hair, what there was of it, nearly white; massive features; forehead of course high, neck slightly twisted to the left, nose straight, lips thin, eyebrows