Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/718

702 who detested the principles advanced in the Spanish córtes on religious matters, and were resolved to oppose the establishment of the constitution in Mexico. Among them were the regente Bataller, the high ecclesiastics, the ex-inquisitor Tirado, and several other Spaniards who disliked for their own private reasons a constitutional regime. But in order to carry out their plans a military leader of repute on whom they could rely was needed, and they bethought them selves of Colonel Agustin de Iturbide as the right man for their purpose.

I have in former chapters laid before the reader the brilliant services of this officer in the field, and his recall to Mexico in 1816 to meet charges brought of illegal proceedings in securing wealth. Iturbide's relations with Monteagudo began at that time, and it was said that, affecting piety, he joined in the religious practices of the congregation of San Felipe Neri for the purpose of winning the doctor's good-will and consequent influence in his favor with Bataller, then auditor de guerra, and as such Iturbide's judge. Be this as it may, he was acquitted, but was not restored to his command, nor was he again called into active service till 1820. The government, however, gave him the profitable lease of an hacienda near Chalco, formerly in charge of the society of Jesus. Iturbide was at this time in the prime of life. Handsome in person, elegant in mien, and attractive in manners and speech, he soon became a favorite in society. During his retirement he surrendered himself to the