MIR'AMO.N, MtucEr., 1832-67; b. Mexico, of French extraction. He was educated at the military academy at Chepultepec, near the city of Mexico. and was one of the defend ers of that stronghold against the American assault, Sept. 8, 1847, being wounded and taken prisoner. At the end of the war he was released,.and tilled his term in the academy. In 1852 he was regularly enlisted in the Mexican army, and two years later had gained the rank of cape He was distinguished in several revolutionary engagements, and was promoted to be a col. in 1855. The existing political situation becoming reversed, and Alvarez being president, Miramon found his position in the army a very delicate one. Being sent on an expedition against the enemies of the new government, he rebelled on his own account, and turned his force over to the revolutionists, whom he commanded in a successful attack on Puebla. That city being besieged by order of Alvarez, Mint mon defended it with remarkable skill and spirit on two occasions. It capitulated to an overpowering force in the latter part of 1856, and Miramon, having escaped, conducted an independent fight until he was wounded and captured in the following year. He
succeeded in obtaining his release, and continued to resist the government until Conlon fort, who had succeeded Alvarez, retired from the presidency. The struggle now began which has passed into Mexican history as the " war of reform," in which Miramon was conspicuous on the side and at the bead of the church party. Zuloaga had already suc ceeded Comonfort in the presidency, and on a new election Miramon was named as his successor, but declined. On the retirement of Zuloaga, however, he was appointed presi dent pro tem., when at the head of the army he continued the war against the liberals and Juarez. He was concerned in, and partly responsible for, the miserable massacre of Tacubaya in 1859. In the latter part of 1860 the liberals were successful, and Miramon fled the country. He traveled in Europe until the French intervention and the accession of Maximilian as emperor, when he received a diplomatic position abroad. In 1866 he returned to Mexico, and, with Marquez, was placed in command of Maximilian's army. He was captured May 15, 1867, and, with the emperor and gen. Mejia, was shot June 19.