User:Shaunaholler02/Leona Vicario

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Leona Vicario was a liberal woman devoted to her country and quickly became involved in Mexico's war for independence against Spain. . Several women in close relations to her participated in efforts to remove the press from Mexico City. Eventually, Leona left her residence in the capital and joined in their civic attempts by stealing paper and ink. Soon after she joined a group, Guadalupe Society, that was dedicated too assisting the insurgents. She also became a provider of food, ammunition, and clothing for the insurgents. Additionally, she offered support for families of insurgents who passed away in the war. After seeing her dedication to the Guadalupe Society she was given more direct responsibilities. These included Leona becoming a messenger to generals, turning her home into a communication center, providing more financial support and medicine to insurgents, and even spying. Unfortunately, Leona's uncle Agustín was a royalist who fought for Spain to keep ownership of Mexico. Through much effort Leona was able to avoid Agustín noticing her aid the insurgents, but on February 27, 1813 she was found out. While delivering supplies to insurgents Leona's servant, Mario Salazar, was approached and threatened with death until he exposed Leona. After hearing of the revelation Leona fled Mexico City and went into hiding in Huixquilucan with little food and contaminated water for 10 grueling days. Then on March 11, 1813 she was discovered by royalists and taken to Covent of Belén in order to be interrogated about her discrepancies. A royalist named, Félix María Calleja, siezed her home and other assests because of comments she had made surrounding their mandates. Agustín intervened so Leona would not be sent to prison, but remained at Belén awaiting trial. She was later charged with conspiracy, betrayal of the government, and defamation of the Spanish conquistadors. Throughout the trial Leona remained loyal to the Guadalupe Society and insurgents by refusing to give up their identities to the court and corrupt government. On April 22 1813 several insurgents from the Guadalupe Society including José María Morelos, Pavón, and many others.

Leona ended up in an insurgent territory where her and Andrés Quintana Roo were married. Soon after the leading generals of the insurgents were conquered and many followers had began to surrender. The two met years earlier when they both joined the Guadalupe Society back in 1812. Leona and Andrés wanted to get married soon after meeting but were discouraged by Ignacio López Rayón who was worried it would compromise their position in the group. They refused to accept the pardons offered to those in the Guadalupe Society for years until 1818. After accepting the pardon they were ordered to leave Mexico and head for Spain, but were unable because the government was not returning the house and assests they siezed earlier.