The most famous of the few compositions left by Gallego is the elegy "El Dos de Mayo", which commemorates the events of the patriotic uprising of 2 May 1808, by a few hundred Spanish civilians and militarymen, including the artillery captains Daoiz and Velarde, and infantry lieutenant Ruiz. The revolt in Madrid inspired a general rising in Spain against Napoleon. Gallego's words, urging his countrymen to resist unto death, are said to have had a major effect.