An exploration of women's involvement in the Latin American Wars of Independence

Antonia Nava de Catalán, "La Generala"

Gender:Female

Ethnic origen: Unknown

Events:

Connections:

Biography:
From Mexico, she persuaded many lower class women to join the independence army as cooks and supply carriers. She started a women’s battalion and after the death of her husband told Morelos “here are my 4 sons”, three were old enough to become soldiers, the youngest a drummer boy. (Salas, 26-27.)

She is introduced as a brave and patriotic woman who, together with Catalina González, offered food to the patriot troops in Tlacotepec. They apparently stated that this was all they could do as they couldn't fight, and Nava pulled out a dagger that she had hidden on her and the women offered to cut off one of their breasts to feed to the patriots soldiers. They were prevented from doing so, but the patriots applauded the women's this 'acto sublime' and it inspired them to continue the fight. (Carrera Stampa, 1)

There are several places called Tlacotepec in Mexico: in Veracruz, Oaxaca, and the Sierra de Puebla.

She and her friend Catalina González were among the bravest defenders of Mexico. He repeats the tale that they offered to cut off their breasts to feed the troops, and adds that armed with daggers they joined the patriot troops. (González Obregón, 163-164)

References:

Carrera Stampa, Manuel (1961) Heroínas de la guerra de independencia
González Obregón, Luis (c1952) Los procesos militar e inquisitorial del Padre Hidalgo y de otros caudillos insurgentes
Salas, Elizabeth (1990) Soldaderas in the Mexican Military: Myth and History