Mexican patriot and revolutionary leader, one of three priests, the other two being Hidalgo and Morelos, who conducted the earliest insurrection of Mexico against Spanish rule. After the defeat and execution of Hidalgo, Morelos took up the struggle in 1811, and was joined by Matamoros, at that time a priest at Jantelolco. He was made a colonel, and at once showed great military genius, distinguishing himself especially in the heroic defense of Cuautla and the masterly escape from the same place in 1812. In an expedition to Oaxaca he was conspicuous, and in October 1813, he won the victory of San Augustín del Palmar, which seemed to assure the success of the revolution; but Morelos, against the advice of Matamoros, engaged in movements which resulted in the repulse at Valladolid, and later the defeat at Puruaran, January 5, 1814, where Matamoros was taken prisoner. The offer by Morelos of two hundred prisoners in exchange for him was refused, and he was shot at Valladolid, February 3, 1814; Morelos executed two hundred prisoners in reprisal. Alamán, in his History of Mexico, describes Matamoros as the most able military leader of the first revolution. The city of Matamoros, on the Rio Grande, is named in his honor. In the cathedral of the City of Mexico rest together the remains of the three soldier-priests who gave their lives for the foundation of Mexican liberty.
