Mercedes Abrego facts for kids
Mercedes Abrego de Reyes (who died in 1813) was a brave heroine from the Colombian independence movement. She was born and grew up in Cúcuta. She married José Marcelo Reyes when she was young. They had three sons, but her husband passed away a few years later.
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A Champion for Freedom
When the fight for independence began, Mercedes Abrego strongly supported the freedom fighters. She greatly admired Simón Bolívar, a famous leader. She met him during his military campaigns in Cúcuta.
Helping the Patriotic Armies
Mercedes Abrego worked actively with the armies fighting for Colombia's freedom. These armies were battling the Spanish forces led by Ramón Correa and Bartolomé Lizón in the Cúcuta valley. In 1813, when Bolívar was getting his troops ready for the Admirable Campaign, Mercedes Abrego gave him a special gift. It was a coat she had made herself, decorated with gold and shiny sequins.
Secret Communications
Mercedes Abrego had many connections. She used these to send secret messages to General Francisco de Paula Santander. She would tell him about the movements of the royalist army (the Spanish forces). Her network of information helped Santander win important battles. He defeated the troops of Matute and Cañas in San Faustino and Capacho.
Her Final Sacrifice
In October 1813, General Santander's forces were defeated in Carrillo. After this, the Spanish commander Bartolomé Lizón took control of Cúcuta. He captured Mercedes Abrego. She was accused of working against the Spanish army and helping the freedom fighters. On October 21, 1813, she was executed for her actions.
See also
- In Spanish: Mercedes Ábrego para niños
