Montpalau and Surís Antonio de Capmany and Montpalau i Surís, (1742-1813) was a soldier, philosopher, historian, economist and member of the Parliament of Cadiz representing Catalan born in Barcelona on 24 November 1742, Barcelona and Girona family. He studied Humanities at Barcelona Logic and subsequently entering the military. As a second lieutenant of infantry in Catalonia took part in the war with Portugal in 1762 but returned to civilian life in 1770 and became responsible, on behalf of the government, the organization of a Catalan colony in Sierra Morena in the context of recruitment that Carlos III had planned for the highlands of Andalusia, which also introduced thousands of German and Flemish Catholic settlers.
entered the Royal Academy of History, which in 1790 was appointed permanent secretary.
studies devoted to the English language, for which, as well as the quality of its huge production, was included by the English Academy in the Catalog of language authorities.
was a passionate advocate of the English language and culture in an era of French cultural dominance in Europe. In 1806, two years before the French invasion, sent Godoy several letters denouncing the French influence of English customs and claiming a policy of recovering the English national values:
"I dare to expose some ideas VE, daughters of my ardent desire of the English back to their old affections and character (...). Not only the physical strength of the bodies, but the moral force of the spirits, which is the strength of a nation, not enough firepower or skill in handling to build the power of a monarchy, missing the spirit, confidence and verve in which they have to defend it (...). At one time the religion was work wonders, the name of Santiago! Summoned and encouraged the warriors, the English name! Inflamed because her pet vanity, and the memory of the country instilled desire to save the noble, the commoner, the cleric and the monk. (...). Today it is fashionable and good breeding gala celebrating all that comes from the other side of the Pyrenees, and forget everything that smacks smugly to our soil (...). What King would care to have vassals if he had no nation? In this way, not the number of individuals, but the unity of the will, the laws, customs and language, which holds and maintains from generation to generation (...). Where there is no home nation: for the word "pays" is nothing more than land that sustains people and animals at the same time. "
He rebelled against the French and his pen went, in those war years, several patriotic pamphlets aimed at defending the word Spain because of their age, the Napoleonic invasion caught him in Madrid at sixty-seven years, stopped him from doing with weapons.
In the first, against the French Sentinel, wrote:
"This is no time to sit with folded arms that can wield the spear, and with his tongue stuck to the palate, you can use the gift of speech to educate and encourage their compatriots. Our precious freedom is threatened, the fatherland is in danger and asked supporters: since today we are all soldiers, one with the sword and the other with the pen. And came the day when they can leave the skin their hearts and I can I add that I have arrived happily at the time of my age at which a good man and good citizen, or for hope of better fortune, or fear of death , is to betray his conscience. What country would say about me? What would the good and the bad of my silence? I moved now! I, who for so many years since I used the pen and my zeal, but the honor and glory of my nation, now no sign of life at the time that the enemy of their bondage machine Europe or desolation! Hands to guns and God bless the noble intention of this holy business! This war
again be English stale despite the senseless currutaquería, that is, we will be bold, formal and serious. We motherland, (...). We love and defend our traditions, those that made us champs to arms and foreign policy. Our jácaras sing, dance our dances, wear our old clothes. Those who are called noble knights mounted horses, instead of playing the fortepiano and representing home reeking of French sentimental drama. Castiza again speak the language of our grandparents, who went begging and, amidst so much wealth, Gallic jargon patches (...) Our language will be fashionable when the wit and sense of English produce works worthy of posterity and when morality and politics, whose jurisdiction we will set, go in costume and Castilian language. (...).
Oh, unsuspecting English! I still have not feared all what you might fear from the wicked ideas of Bonaparte, made master of Spain. Preveíais these and other conditions, taxes, conscription, the abolition of your laws, your holy religion ruin, loss of the Americas, etc.., etc. But you were sure that was not to put Spain on the model of other countries that dominates mediately or immediately? Were you confident that, taking everything organized pattern to France, do not be divided into departments, districts, prefectures, etc.., Removing the name and political existence to your provinces and perhaps the very name of Spain, requiring the Iberia or Hesperia, according to the pedantic mania of its transformations, so that our grandchildren will not remember what country were your grandparents? (...). English
illustrious provinces that you honor you with this glorious ring and together you form the English power and reducing your wills in one, you shall forever invincible national strength, unity, fraternity and persistence "
Soon after, unhappy with the writing, published a second part which extended the call war to his countrymen:
"Again I take the pen, dear readers, more than grateful that confident. Well I know who had said all he could, and not everything that required the importance of the case, or with all the vehemence of my anger was able to (...).
Oh, illustrious and courageous provinces! Neither books nor politicians nor philosophers taught you the path of glory. Your heart he spoke and I pulled the plow and workshops for the field of Mars, and I said to generous blood, English blood, why keep it in your veins, but to pour it in defense of the country that gave you the being and value together? (...). You have made the world now see that the people are the nation, because of its mass comes around: the priest, the magistrate, the soldier and to the wisdom (...).
To achieve true independence of our nation for ever and ever is first necessary to reform our ways, not only as Christians but as politicians (...). Amend our ways back to be English, sheet metal and breeches (...).'re Moving the old skin, which some people still smells widely read French (...). If it takes longer to come our redemption, thanks the aggression of our treacherous allies, not only ravage end of the English language, but had ended in all respects with the strengthening of gringos who came to lay their real in our home as their own, since not only had altered the nature and sentence, but also the Castilian vocabulary, with the stench of a translator as laborer and adulterous young parliamentarians of both returning from the pilgrimage Paris transformed into harlequin (...).
Could my pen forget to tax due honor and recognition to the warriors who are in sight of the enemy and in the field, and flying enlisted armies to be partners in their glorious work? Oh, all you brothers in arms and will, children, not Mars, which is lain deity, but of Spain, real mother of brave men! (...).
The country is looking at you, gallant warriors, and we can not accompany you with weapons, we continue with Hearts (...). Wherever you take the Fortuna, carry the country with you. When they perish all go the old, children and women to bury you, and nations move to this desolate region, their homes and their servants, astonished read: HERE LIES SPAIN FREE. And I'm here this written order not to die prematurely. "
On September 4, 1812 delivered a blistering speech against the English supporters of Joseph Bonaparte:
" My illness is not physical, it is moral, is disease love, love of country (...). I need to expand and refresh my heart, kissing the stones of Madrid rescued (...). What do I care who have left the armed Capital enemies of Spain through a door, if entered by other enemies of the country (...)! I take my leave of you, cutting Fernando, head and heart of the English Patriots! Am I the exile while others live within your walls, unworthy of your inhabitants (...). Justice claim the children left without a father, who died for their country, or in battle, or on the gallows (...) "
could not return to their cherished Capmany Madrid and enjoy the final victory over the invaders. He died in Cadiz on 14 November 1813.
His tombstone read:
"Here lies the philologist Antonio Capmany and Montpalau, deputy general Catalonia las Cortes extraordinary. His literary works and their efforts for independence and glory of the nation perpetuated his memory. "
His remains were taken years after the cemetery east of his hometown.
