By Luis Felipe Rodriguez
The daughter of Ignacio de Allende was born in San Miguel and lived in the town for a few years. But she spent many years in the quiet monastic life of the nuns of Santa Catalina de Siena in Mexico City. This convent was founded in 1763, and it was the same one where Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez (the Corregidora) was held as a prisoner following her involvement in the War of Independence. The two women never met because the Corregidora, a close, respected friend of Juana’s father, died on March 3, 1829. Juana Maria de Allende went into the convent in 1836.
On September 2, 1862, she sent a letter to General Don Ignacio de Basadre: «Dear Sir:
I have learned that this year’s Patriotic Junta has appointed you, together with other generals, to distribute certain amounts among the families of the insurgents, on [September 16], the memorable day of our Independence. I am the legitimate and only daughter of Don Ignacio de Allende, and for this reason I enjoy a montepío pension that I have never received. But only in extremely small amounts…it is not my intention to complain about this, but, Mr. General, my situation is very critical. I can hardly collect each month the small pension that I pay in this convent. Can I expect that help…I trust you, sir, because he [Ignacio Allende] has given you proof of being a good Mexican. He was one of those who fought for Independence.”
She follows up stating that she believes he will honor her request. She ends her letter asking that he give consideration to her request, and that he can count her among one of his servants. We do not know if her request was granted. Juana Maria Allende remained and died in the convent and was buried in the Tepeyac Cemetery.
Taken from Ciudadano Informa #282, by Samuel Rangel.
