Diego de Egües y Beaumont facts for kids
Diego de Egüés y Belmont was an important Spanish soldier and leader who lived a long time ago. He was born around 1612 in Seville, Spain, and died in Bogotá on December 25, 1664. He is well-known for leading Spanish ships in a big sea battle called the Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
His father, Martín de Egüés, was an important judge. His mother was Juana Verdugo de la Cueva.
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Early Life and First Jobs
Because his family had good connections, Diego worked as a page for King Philip III of Spain when he was a child. He traveled with his father to the Viceroyalty of Peru in South America. There, his father became the president of a high court called the Royal Audience of Charcas.
After his father passed away, Diego was given an important job. He became the Mayor of Oropeza and the Cochabamba valley. When his time as mayor ended, Diego joined the army as an infantry captain. He fought in his first battle defending the port of El Callao against the United Provinces of the Netherlands.
Journey Back to Spain
In 1643, Diego began his trip back to Spain. However, his journey was interrupted in Cuba. He got into a duel, which is a formal fight, with the governor of Santiago de Cuba, Bartolome de Osuna. Diego won the duel, but he was seriously injured.
After recovering, he continued his career in the Spanish navy. He became a captain in the important "Carrera de Indias" fleet. This fleet carried valuable goods between Spain and its colonies. He also served as the General Fleet Admiral of the Fleet of New Spain. Later, he became the governor of the Spanish Navy and a chief in the Council and Treasury Accounting. He was also honored as a Knight of the Order of Santiago.
The Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
In April 1657, Diego faced a tough defeat. He was leading Spanish forces against Admiral Robert Blake at the Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Even though the Spanish lost the battle, Diego managed to get important treasure safely to shore. This treasure would not leave the island for almost a year.
Governor in New Granada
In 1661, Diego de Egüés y Belmont became the president of the Royal Audiencia of the Viceroyalty of New Granada. He started this important job in February 1662. While in office, he worked to create Catholic missions. These missions helped spread the Catholic faith among the native Paeces and Tama people in what is now Colombia.
In 1663, some Charguaje and Tama Indians attacked Mocoa. They destroyed all the crosses they found there. In Santafé (which is now Bogotá), Diego worked with Francisco de Caldas Barboza. Together, they opened the city's first public slaughterhouse. He also helped finish building the tower and porch of the Catedral Primada de Colombia. He also built bridges over the San Agustín, San Francisco, and Funza rivers.
Death
Diego de Egüés y Belmont died in December 1664. He was still in office when he passed away after being sick for several days. For the next 18 months, the government was run by the High Court. The head judge, Francisco de Leyva, led this court.
Family Connections
Diego's great-nephew was Martín de Ursúa y Arizmendi. Martín was famous for leading the final conquest of the last independent Maya kingdom.
In Spanish: Diego de Egües y Beaumont para niños
