Francisco de Quiñones (soldier) facts for kids

Francisco de Quiñones was a Spanish soldier who served as the governor of Chile for about thirteen months, from May 1599 to June 1600. He was a very experienced soldier who had fought in many battles before coming to Chile.

Biography

Francisco de Quiñones (left) with Oñez de Loyola and Viscarra.

A Soldier's Life

Francisco de Quiñones was an old and experienced soldier when he became governor of Chile. In 1559, he served in the Spanish army units called Tercios in Italy. He joined a fleet led by the viceroy of Naples to fight against Turkish pirates.

In 1560, Quiñones fought in the Battle of Djerba, which was a big defeat for the Spanish. They lost thirty ships. Quiñones was one of five thousand soldiers captured and taken to Istanbul. There, he was sold as a slave. Later, he was rescued after a large payment was made. After his rescue, he continued his military career, fighting in Italy and Flanders.

Life in Peru

When Quiñones returned to Spain, he married Grimanesa de Mogrovejo. She was the sister of the inquisidor of Granada, who later became a saint named Turibius of Mongrovejo. When this monk was made archbishop of Lima, Quiñones went to Peru with him in 1580.

Thanks to the archbishop's help, Quiñones quickly rose in rank. He became a Maestro de Campo, which was a high military position, and a general commissioner of the cavalry. In 1582, the Viceroy of Peru, Martin Enríquez de Almansa, put him in charge of the treasure fleet. This fleet sailed from Peru to Panama, carrying valuable goods to be sent to Spain. Later, he was named corregidor of Lima, a role where he became known for catching thieves and homeless people.

Governor of Chile

Quiñones was chosen to be the Royal Governor of Chile by the Viceroy of Peru, Luis de Velasco. This happened after the previous governor, Martín García Óñez de Loyola, was killed by Mapuche forces led by the toqui Pelantaro in the Battle of Curalaba.

Once in Chile, Quiñones took over from Pedro de Viscarra, who had been temporarily in charge. He led the Spanish during the difficult early months of the Mapuche Revolt of 1598. In 1599, despite his efforts, the Mapuche destroyed several Spanish forts. These included Chivicura and Jesus de Huenuraquí in Catirai, and the city of Santa Cruz de Coya. They also destroyed the cities of Santa María la Blanca de Valdivia, San Andrés de Los Infantes, and San Bartolomé de Chillán y Gamboa. In 1600, Quiñones managed to rebuild a fort at the site of the destroyed city of Chillán.

Sources

• Diego Barros Arana Historia general de Chile, Tomo tercero, Capítulo XV Gobierno interino de Pedro de Viscarra (1599). Nuevos desastres; arribo de otro Gobernador

See also

In Spanish: Francisco de Quiñones (militar) para niños