Palafox y Melzi

Palafox y Melzi, JOSÉ DE, Duke of Saragossa, a Spanish soldier, was born in 1780 of a distinguished Aragonese family, and rose to the rank of brigadier-general in the Spanish guards. His defence of Saragossa (q.v.), 22d July 1808 to 21st February 1809, which only yielded to the French after a second investment, is one of the most heroic incidents in modern history. Palafox y Melzi was carried prisoner to France, and not released until 1813. The year after his return home he was appointed captain-general of Aragon, in 1836 was created Duke of Saragossa, and in 1837 grandee of Spain and captain-general of the guards. He died at Madrid, 15th February 1847.