Padilla Tamaulipas Mexico

Don Agustín de Iturbide, who had formerly been President of Mexico, had proclaimed himself Emperor Agustin the First, until being overthrown on March 19, 1823.

After his departure for exile in England, the situation in Mexico had continued to worsen.

Reports of a probable further Spanish attempt to retake Mexico reached Iturbide in England.

He writes in his memoirs that he is very worried about the future of the nation he had liberated.

He had continued to receive reports from Mexico as well as advice from supporters that if he returned he would be hailed as a liberator and a potential leader against the Spanish invasion.

Iturbide had sent word to congress in Mexico City on February 23, 1824, offering his services in the event of Spanish attack.

Congress never replied.

More conservative political factions in Mexico finally convinced Iturbide to return.

He returns to Mexico on July 14, 1824, accompanied by his wife, two children, and a chaplain, landing at the port of Soto la Marina on the coast of Nuevo Santander (the modern-day state of Tamaulipas).

Initially greeted enthusiastically, they had soon been arrested by General Felipe de la Garza, the local military commander, who is notorious in that he had been the head of a short-lived and unpopular revolt during Iturbide's reign.

De la Garza had given up without a fight and was presented to Iturbide, who had chosen to pardon the general and reinstate him in his old post.

The roles, as it happens, have not been reversed.

Perhaps it is because of this debt that de la Garza had wavered in his resolve to detain Iturbide, at first receiving him warmly, then arresting him and, on the way to his trial, giving Iturbide command over the military escort that accompanied them, requesting that Iturbide present himself to the nearby village of Padilla.

Iturbide had given his word of honor and doneas was bid, surrendering himself to authorities.

The local legislature had held a trial and sentenced Iturbide to death. 

He is executed by firing squad on July 19, 1824.

Three bullets hit him, one of which delivers the fatal blow.

The aftermath of his execution is met with indignation by the people of México in general, and with relief by his adversaries in congress who had always feared the return of Iturbide.