Rhode Island American

Arrival, arrest and execution of the Ex-Emperor Iturbide.

By the brig Elizabeth, from Alvarado, we have received the Extraordinary Gazette, of the Supreme Government of the Mexican Federation, from which the following translation is made.

Panilla, July 26, 1824.

Most Excellent Sir,—On the 14th inst. the English brig Spring, arrived at the mouth of the bar of this river, in 65 days from London, bringing the foreigner Charles de Beneskie, and a companion, bound to the Mexican territory. On the following day, the said Beneskie presented himself to me, of whom I requested information respecting Don Augustine Iturbide, his views and projects with regard to this territory, and Beneskie having assured me in a manner, apparently sincere, that at his departure said Iturbide remained in London, living quietly with his family. He returned to the bar to bring his companion who had remained on board.

Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the commander of that detachment informed me, that said Beneskie was on his way to this place with another person, who being disguised, was not known. Immediately I proceeded with some troops to pursue if necessary Beneskie, and his companion. At Arrogos, distance 6 leagues from this town, I met them at about half past 4 in the afternoon, and recognising the person in disguise, to be in reality Don Augustine Iturbide, he spoke to me and stated that accompanied him, he having left the other in London; his wife and two small children were the only persons that accompanied him. From thence he was carried to this town under a competent guard, and I am satisfied of his safety.

Although I am aware of what is directed by the law of the 28th of April last, relative to this individual, yet considering the defenceless and submissive manner in which he presented himself to me, I have determined to lay the matter before the Honourable Congress of this State, that they may determine what they may think proper, and shall consequently march this afternoon to Padilla, where that honourable assembly is sitting. God and Liberty.

Soto La Marina, 17th July, 1824.
Felipe De La Garza.

To his Excellency the Minister of State, &c.

Most Excellent Sir.—Having been informed by the General of the armies of the State, that Don Augustin de Iturbide has arrived at Soto la Marina, in an English vessel, this Congress has decreed, that the decree of the General Sovereign Congress of the 28th of April last, be carried into effect. In which the said Iturbide is declared an outlaw, whenever he shall, under any pretext, present himself in the territory of the federation, and that this resolution be communicated to your Excellency, that you may cause it to be executed, commanding you, as you are hereby commanded under the most strict responsibility, that you cause Don Augustine de Iturbide to be beheaded, giving him the necessary time to prepare himself in a christian manner.

The Congress also commands, that without losing a moment, your Excellency cause orders to be issued, that all the civic Militia of the State be alarmed and in readiness for service: and that your Excellency communicate what has occurred and these resolutions to the Supreme Executive Power of the federation, in the most speedy manner, for which purpose a copy of the official letter of the Commandant General is herewith transmitted to your Excellency—God and Liberty.

Padilla, July 18, 1824.
Jose Ignacio Gill—Deputy Secretary.
Jose Feliciano Ortiz, Deputy Secretary.

To his Excellency the General of the State.

Most Excellent Sir—As I informed your Excellency in a previous despatch, the citizen Commandant General Don Felipe de la Garza, arrived yesterday at this town, bringing Don Augustin de Iturbide, and immediately placed him at the disposal of the Honourable Congress of this State, who desiring the fulfilment of the Sovereign decree of the 28th of April last, which prescribed and outlawed the said Iturbide, ordered that the citizen general should cause to be executed upon him the punishment of death, to which according to the said decree he was liable; which order was carried into execution by shooting him yesterday at six in the afternoon.

This event, your Excellency, doubtless removes the apprehensions that were continually entertained of commotions from the proselytes of Iturbide, and will cause a uniformity and concentration of opinion in favour of the system that we have happily adopted, for as one of the causes that occasioned it to vacillate is removed: the effects of that cause must consequently cease; I therefore hasten to inform your Excellency, that upon its being communicated to the Supreme Executive Power, his Highness may be pleased to approve of this measure, and at the same time direct me what is to be done with the family and equipage of Iturbide, which is detained at Soto la Marina, until the determination of his highness be made known. God preserve your Excellency many years.

Padilla, July 20, 1824.
Jose Bernardo Gutierrez De Lara.
Jose Antonio Fernandez, Secretary.

To His Excellency the Minister of State and of Internal and Foreign Relations.

In the town of San Antonio de Padilla, on the 19th day of the month of July, 1824. we the Magistrates of the said town, being assembled, do certify, that on the day of the date we saw Don Agustin de Iturbide enter as a proper having been brought to this place by the Citizen General Felipe de la Garza; who in conformity to the decree of the 28th of April of the present year issued by the General Congress, caused him to be shot on the same day at six in the afternoon, which we know to be true, having seen his dead body; in testimony whereof, we give this certificate under our own hands.

Jose Ricardo Acebedo—and at the request of the Citizen General.
—Jose Antonio Paz first Regidor—Ignacio Sena, second Regidor—Jose Luis de la Fuente, Syndick Attorney.

I the Citizen Presbyter Jose Miguel de la Garza Garcia, member of the Honourable Constituent Congress of the State of Tamaulipas, Parish Priest of the town of Padilla, certify, according to law, that a dead body that is deposited in a room near the parsonage house of the town, in order to be interred to-morrow, is that of Don Agustine Iturbide, whom I knew this morning on his arrival here, and whom I saw shot in the afternoon. In testimony whereof I give this certificate at the request of the Citizen General of the armies of this State, Brigadier Felipe de la Garza, in the said town of Padilla, on the 19th day of the month of July, 1824—Jose Miguel de la Garza Garcia.