José Bernardo Maximiliano Gutiérrez de Lara (1774–1841) was a diplomat who played a part in the Mexican revolution. During the Mexican War of Independence, led by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, Gutiérrez and his brother were successful in starting the revolution in Nuevo Santander. Hidalgo sent Gutiérrez to recruit along the Rio Grande. The rebels then chose him to get aid from the United States.

He arrived in Washington, D.C. in 1811. Secretary of State James Monroe welcomed him and listened to the plans for establishing a republican government in Texas. Gutiérrez suggested using Texas as a base for liberating Mexico from Spain. During Gutiérrez’s stay in Washington, Gutiérrez met José Álvarez de Toledo, and together they made plans for the liberation of Texas and Mexico. Gutiérrez was introduced to William Shaler, special agent from the United States, who helped Gutiérrez to return to Texas. In April 1812, the two men were in Natchitoches, where the Gutiérrez-Magee expedition assembled and set out for Texas.

In April 1813, after the expedition had advanced across Texas, Gutiérrez became president protector of the temporary government set up for the state. After the arrival of Toledo, the junta at Bexar asked Gutiérrez to resign the presidency.

Gutiérrez joined James Long on expeditions into Texas, and in 1820 he served as vice president of the council of the Long expedition at Bolivar Point.

Gutiérrez remained active in Mexican politics to the end of his life.

Source: José Bernardo Maximiliano Gutiérrez de Lara
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