rebel army. Both formed the board that ruled immediately afterwards, along Velázquez de León, Bárcenas and Yañez. Itúrbide was placed in charge of the nation, which moved towards an imperial format, and placed in effect a declaration of Independence was drafted on September 28, 1821. Valero de Bernabé addressed his decision to defect Spain and join those that fought to gain their independence from the kingdom citing that "it is very difficult to find a single american of those that served in Europe that had not behaved with honor and decision in defense of Liberty, and while the cause was worthy, the ingrate government never deserved [their] sacrifice." Ultimately, he explained it as a matter of principle, which was enhanced by his birthplace, which beckoned his interests to the New World. He later noted that he "overcame great obstacles and suffered physically for his opinions" as part of his transition. Wanting to reduce the profile of his noble lineage, he began signing his name as simply "Antonio Valero". The local population was divided between Itúrbide and O'Donojú, a conflict that was solved when the latter died ten days later, officially of pleurisy but with rumors immediately stating that he was poisoned. Valero de Bernabé was given the option to continue his military service for the Mexican army, quickly joining their ranks and being promoted to Chief of Staff of the nation. Plot to assassinate the emperor However, as a Congress was created the first political parties mimicked the conservative and liberal stances of Spain, with conservatives supporting the establishment of a monarchy and liberals lobbying for a republican government. As before, Valero de Bernabé joined the Partido Liberal and faced Itúrbide's Borbonistas and the Ecclesiastic party. The Congress commissioned him to write rules for their Army. Defeated in Congress, their retreated to the Masonic logias under the Scottish rite, with Valero de Bernabé of which he had funded and presiding over one of them. As before, these entities served as the discussion grounds for republican coup d'erat. However, Itúrbide made a move to ascend to the throne on August 10, 1822, aided by a military contingent, clergy and civilians. An extraordinary session was called at Congress, which the liberals boycotted, resulting in his designation as emperor. Valero de Bernabé was incensed at the move, rejecting the provisions that other officers accepted; the peaceful integration into the new power sphere in