Enrique O'Donnell, Conde de La Bisbal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Enrique José O'Donnell
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|---|---|
| Born | 1769 San Sebastián, Spain |
| Died | 17 May 1834 Montpellier, France |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Spain |
| Service/ |
Infantry |
| Rank | Captain General |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Vich (1810) Battle of Margalef (1810) Battle of La Bisbal (1810) |
| Awards | Conde de La Bisbal |
| Relations | Margarita Diez-Colunje y Pombo |
Enrique José O'Donnell y Anatar (1769 – 17 May 1834) was a Spanish general. He was also known as Henry Joseph O'Donnell in English. He came from an Irish noble family and played a key role in the Peninsular War. This was a major conflict in Spain and Portugal against Napoleon's French forces.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Enrique José O'Donnell was born in San Sebastián, Spain, in 1769. His family, the O'Donnell of Tyrconnell, were Irish nobles. They had moved from Ireland after a famous battle called the Battle of the Boyne. His father, Joseph O'Donnell, was a high-ranking officer in the Spanish Army.
Enrique joined the Spanish army when he was young. He fought in the Convention War from 1793 to 1795. This war was between Spain and revolutionary France. By 1810, he had become a general. He was given an important command in Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain.
Fighting in Catalonia
In Catalonia, O'Donnell showed great skill as a military leader. He fought against French General Laurent de Gouvion-Saint-Cyr. O'Donnell managed to get troops into the city of Girona, which was under siege. He also moved his forces to Vic.
A major victory for O'Donnell was the Battle of La Bisbal. Here, he defeated the French General François Xavier de Schwarz. This victory earned him the special title of Count of La Bisbal. Even though he was wounded in the leg during this battle, his success was clear.
Later Roles and Challenges
In 1811, O'Donnell became the Captain General of Valencia. This was a very important military position. From 1812 to 1813, he was part of the III Council of Regency. This council helped govern Spain during a difficult time.
Later, he held other important roles under King Ferdinand VII of Spain. During a period known as the Trienio Liberal (1820-1823), O'Donnell supported the liberals. This was even though he generally believed in absolute monarchy. He was against France getting involved in Spain's affairs.
In 1823, political events forced him to leave Spain and go to France. He was kept in Limoges. Enrique José O'Donnell died in Montpellier, France, in 1834. He was on his way back to Spain when he passed away.
Family Connections
Enrique José O'Donnell had several notable family members. He was the brother of Carlos O'Donnell y Mareschal. His son, Leopoldo O'Donnell y Jorris, became a famous general and politician. Leopoldo was later given the titles of Duke of Tetuan and Count of Lucena. Another son, Enrique O'Donnell y Jorris, also became a Lieutenant General in the Spanish Army.
Sources
See also
In Spanish: Enrique José O'Donnell para niños
