Andrés Reggio facts for kids
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Andrés Reggio y Brachiforte (1692–1780) was an important officer in the Spanish navy. He spent his life serving his country at sea.
Andrés Reggio was born in 1692 in Palermo, a city in Sicily. At that time, Sicily was controlled by Spain.
He joined the navy when he was young. He fought in the War of the Quadruple Alliance. During this war, he helped invade Sardinia. He also took part in the Battle of Cape Passaro.
In 1720, he helped a mission to Ceuta, which was under attack. After that, he sailed to America. There, he joined a fleet of ships called galleons. These ships were important for carrying money back to the port of Cadiz in Spain.
He came back to the Mediterranean Sea in 1730. He helped Spain take back Oran in 1732. He also took part in operations in Naples in 1733. For several years after that, he was in charge of the Spanish fleet in Ferrol.
War of Jenkins' Ear
In 1739, a war called the War of Jenkins' Ear began. Andrés Reggio was sent to command the Spanish forces in the Caribbean Sea. He worked hard to improve the defenses of Havana. This was to prepare for a possible attack by the British navy.
In 1748, Reggio's fleet fought the British Admiral Charles Knowles in the Battle of Havana. Reggio's forces lost the battle. However, the British could not stop the valuable Spanish treasure ships. These ships, full of gold and silver, managed to pass safely.
After the battle, Reggio faced a military trial. But the King of Spain later pardoned him. The King even praised him for his actions.
Later Years
In 1749, Andrés Reggio returned to Spain. He was given a very important job: Captain-General of the navy. He held this high position for many years.
On March 1, 1770, he met with Luis de Unzaga y Amézaga. Reggio had met Unzaga before in the Caribbean. Unzaga was about to become the governor of Louisiana. Reggio shared important information with him. This included details about a secret network of spies. Unzaga would later expand this network. It played a key role in helping to create the United States.
Andrés Reggio remained Captain-General of the navy until he passed away in 1780. He served his country for 31 more years in this role.
See also
In Spanish: Andrés Reggio para niños
