Alhondega, a fortified granary in the suburbs of Guanajuato, Mexico, which gives its name to the first battle between the insurgents and the troops of the mother country in 1810. After the priest Hidalgo had taken up arms, he first endeavored to attack Guanajuato, against which he marched Sept. 28. Rianon, the commander, did not attempt to defend the city, but shut himself up with the Spanish troops and old Spaniards in the Alhondega. The Spaniards were well armed, and the troops of Hidalgo, except two Creole regiments, were equipped with slings, bows, pikes, machetes or cane knives, and clubs. The Indians assaulted the place with great gallantry, charging up to the Spanish artillery, which they sought to muzzle with their hats and blankets. On the other hand, the Spanish fire did fearful execution, until at last, the guns being without balls, shells were improvised by filling with powder the iron flasks in which quicksilver was brought from Spain, and firing them among the assailants. It has also been said that bags of dollars were used instead of grape-shot by the desperate defenders. At last Rianon was killed, the works were carried by storm, and the whole garrison was massacred. The number of victims is estimated at 2,000, one family alone having lost 17 members.

The battle terminated on Friday night, and on Saturday morning not a Spaniard was alive in the city, and the very houses they had occupied were destroyed.

Interior of the Alhambra - Hall of the Abencerrages.