Francisco Mariño y Soler
Don Francisco Mariño y Soler (9 October 1780 in Tunja, Colombia – 31 August 1876 in Tibasosa, Colombia) was a Colombian citizen, an aristocrat of the New Granada, originally from New Granada. He was a Neo Granadinian patriot, Knight of the Order of Santiago, and the last Marquis of Santa Rosa and Count of San Juan. He participated in the war of independence of the New Granada on the liberationists side.
Neogranadinan Revolution
As an intellectual and fervent defender of the human rights, he absorbs much of the eighteenth and nineteenth century literature. At the outbreak of revolution in New Granada, he is placed at the service of the Republic and is appointed Colonel of the Liberation Army.[1]
He then becomes a spy of sorts using his social position and financially supports the independence from Spain.
When events thrust, the Reconquista and Pacification by the Spanish crown headed by General Pablo Morillo, brings about a violent pacification in the lands of the New Granada. From the Captaincy General of Venezuela Morillo warns the War Ministry of Spain about the situation and the three Mariño brothers rebellion, in special about Francisco and Ignacio.
Morillo receives absolute power to carry out his duties as General and reconquistador. He then imprisons and executes the majority of noblemen. Except for Don Francisco who is arrested instead, tried and confined to his house in Tibasosa (the same building that serves today as the Biblioteca Pública Francisco Mariño y Soler[2]). While there, Don Francisco devotes most of the time to reading and maturing his political outlook.
The sentence imposed on Don Francisco was never brought about. The very hand of the Spanish Crown over his head prevented General Pablo Morillo to vent his rage against him while also preserving his brother, Captain Fray Ignacio Mariño y Torres. However, Don Francisco's titles and honors were stripped, instead.
As a military, he fought in the Vargas Swamp Battle near Bonza and the Battle of Boyacá.
Republican Life
At the dawn of Colombia's independence, Don Francisco becomes Mayor of the city of Sogamoso and after that he serves as a Senator of the Republic of Colombia, where he is involved in the creation of laws and furthers the development of the nascent democracy. A fervent Catholic, he serves the state in different ways. One of them is by donating most of his fortune to the nation in the hopes that it bestows Colombia with an outset of excellency.
Private Life
He retired from office when he considered the duties to his nation to be completely fulfilled, and settles in his hacienda "Ayalas", where he dedicates his time to agriculture and the care of his numerous offspring.
He was a Knight of the Order of Liberators and the only Colombian to date who has received the honorable title of Cincinnatus, an honor that he shares with George Washington.
- NOTE:
- Cincinnatus: Epigraph used after L. Quinctius Cincinnatus -and generally used to describe a virtuous Roman patrician-, a model of civic virtue. Cincinnatus saved Rome from the Celtic invasions of the North. Although the Roman dictatorship is attached to his name, it was not really a dictatorship as we know it today. This used to be an office held for a set time retrofitted with all the powers while implying the officer's resignation after completion of their missions.
- The meaning of Cincinnatus when applied to Washington and Don Francisco is that of worthy, honest, generous, brave, noble, patrician of the nation. Essentially Primus Inter Pares.
Titles
- Knight of the Order of Santiago.
- Knight of the Order of Alcántara.
- Knight of the Order of the Liberators.
- Hidalgo of the King.
- Count of San Juan.
- Marquis de Santa Rosa.
Military Grades and Charges
- Lieutenant Colonel of the Liberation Army.
- Brigadier General at retirement (degree from Simon Bolivar).
- Mayor of the City of Sogamoso.
- Senator of the Republic.
Republic Honors
- Cincinato.
Resources
- Genealogies of Santa Fé de Bogotá, Jose Maria Sanz.
- National Museum of Colombia. Board independence and heroes.
- National Library of Colombia
- Luis Angel Arango Library
- Colombian Academy of History
- Enciclopédia Salvat. Salvat Editores. Edition of 1959.
- Bibliography. They have been consulted Archives of the following facilities:
- Academy of History. (Spain). - Archive Military History. (Spain). - National Historical Archive. (Spain). - Archive - Colombian Academy of History and Boyacense Academy of History. Volume: "Boyacenses Illustrious". Colombia.
References
- ↑ Rodriguéz Camargo, Jesús Alfonso, general Secretary of Congress of Republic of Colombia / Project of Law 075 from 2010, www.imprentia.gov.co, 2010.
- ↑ BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA MUNICIPAL FRANCISCO MARIÑO Y SOLER