‘One character which developed itself during the siege of Zaragoza, must
not be overlooked in this narrative. In every part of the town where the
danger was most imminent, and the French the most numerous, was Padre
St. Jago Sass, curate of a parish of Zaragoza. As General Palafox made
his rounds through the city, he often beheld Sass alternately playing
the part of a priest and a soldier; sometimes administering the
sacrament to the dying, and at others fighting in the most determined
manner against the enemies of his country: from his energy of character
and uncommon bravery, the Commander in Chief reposed the utmost
confidence in him during the siege; wherever any thing difficult or
hazardous was to be done, Sass was selected for its execution; and the
introduction of a supply of powder, so essentially necessary to the
defence of the town, was effected in the most complete manner by this
clergyman, at the head of forty of the bravest men in Zaragoza. He was
found so serviceable in inspiring the people with religious sentiments,
and in leading them on to danger, that the general has placed him in a
situation where both his piety and courage may continue to be as useful
as before; and he is now both captain in the army, and chaplain to the
Commander in Chief.’
_Vaughan’s Narrative._