José Pascual de Zayas y Chacón facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José Pascual de Zayas Chacón
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Portrait of José Pascual de Zayas Chacón by Vicente López Portaña, circa 1818
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| Born | 1772 La Habana, Cuba |
| Died | 27 October 1827 (aged 55) Chiclana, Cádiz |
| Allegiance |  Spain |
| Battles/wars | Peninsular War |
José Pascual de Zayas Chacón (1772–1827) was an important Spanish military leader. He was also a representative for La Habana in the Cortes of Cádiz, which was like a special parliament during a time of war.
He was known for his bravery and skill, especially during the Peninsular War. People remembered his quick thinking at the Battle of Albuera.
Contents
Early Military Life
José Pascual de Zayas Chacón was born in Cuba in 1772. When he was 11 years old, in 1783, he moved to Spain. There, he joined the Asturias Regiment as a cadet, which is like a trainee officer.
His first experience in battle was in Oran, where he was a second lieutenant. He was injured there and later had to be rescued after an earthquake in 1790.
Fighting in Europe
Zayas then joined the Army of Navarra. He fought against French forces during the French Revolutionary Wars. In July 1793, he was captured and held as a prisoner until the next year.
After the Peace of Basel treaty was signed in 1795, his unit helped escort a fleet of ships. These ships were heading to Veracruz.
In 1800, he was wounded again. This happened while he was defending the city of Ferrol from a British attack.
In 1801, he was promoted to Captain in the Asturias Regiment. A few years later, in 1805, General Gonzalo O'Farrill chose Zayas to be his assistant. Zayas traveled to Etruria to help escort the King and Queen of Etruria back to Spain. He stayed in Florence until late 1807.
The Peninsular War Begins
When Zayas returned to Spain in 1808, he was promoted to major. He was supposed to join a regiment in Denmark. However, events in Madrid, like the Dos de Mayo Uprising, changed his plans.
He tried to go to Bayonne to meet with King Fernando VII, who was held by Napoleon. But Zayas was stopped at the French border and sent back to Spain.
Early Battles in Spain
Back in Madrid, Zayas was ordered to La Coruña. His job was to help troops get on ships for Buenos Aires. But he stopped in Valladolid to join forces led by General Gregorio García de la Cuesta.
Cuesta made Zayas a Major-general of Infantry. Zayas fought in the Battle of Cabezón in June 1808. This was the first battle of Spain's War of Independence, and the Spanish forces lost badly.
He was then sent to La Coruña to get support for Blake's Army of Galicia. In July, Blake and Cuesta's combined forces were defeated at Medina de Rioseco. Zayas helped save the army by leading a smart retreat.
Promotions and Challenges
The next month, Zayas was promoted to colonel. The Army of Castile was dissolved, and Zayas joined the new Army of the Centre. This army was led by Castaños.
Zayas was on the losing side again in November at the Battle of Tudela and later at Bubierca.
In December, the remaining troops of the Army of the Centre regrouped. Zayas helped them win a major victory at Tarancón. They successfully pushed back several French cavalry attacks.
General Cuesta was put back in charge of the Army of Estremadura. He asked Zayas to join him. In early 1809, Zayas commanded the Jaen Regiment. They fought at Mesas de Ibor and helped cover the army's retreat.
He was wounded again in March 1809 at the Battle of Medellín. This happened while he was leading an attack on an enemy's cannons.
Leading the Vanguard
The next month, Zayas was promoted to brigadier. He was given command of the Army of Estremadura's vanguard, which is the leading part of an army. He fought bravely at Talavera in July 1809. After this, he was promoted to field marshal.
In September, Zayas's vanguard was considered the army's best unit. It joined the Army of the Centre. They fought at Ocaña in November 1809. Even though the Spanish forces were defeated, Zayas's vanguard protected their retreat.
In March 1810, Zayas reached Cádiz. He focused on training his troops there. By August 1810, his division had over 5,600 soldiers. By September, it grew to more than 7,300 soldiers.
Key Role at Albuera
In early March 1811, Zayas fought at Barrosa, near Cadiz. By May, his division had about 5,800 soldiers. Later that month, Zayas's division fought at Albuera. His troops were praised for their excellent training and bravery. They were called "the best Spanish troops on the field."
In April 1811, Zayas and his six thousand men were sent to join Ballesteros. However, they had to retreat when faced with a larger French force.
Later that year, his division moved to the Levante region. They helped defend Valencia.
He showed great courage at Saguntum in October 1811. He led a division of 2,550 soldiers. In December, he also helped defend Mislata.
Capture and Release
In January 1812, the Siege of Valencia ended. Blake surrendered to the French, and Zayas was taken prisoner. He was held at Vincennes.
Zayas was released in December 1813. He helped escort King Ferdinand VII back to Spain. In March 1814, Zayas was promoted to Lieutenant general.
Later Years and Legacy
In July 1820, Zayas became a representative in the Cortes for La Habana. At the end of that month, he was made captain general of Estremadura.
On July 7, 1822, Zayas helped defend the Royal Palace of Madrid. This was during a failed attempt by royalist forces to take control. In 1823, he led the government's troops in Madrid. He refused to give the city to the French Royalist troops. He fought them until a large French army arrived in May.
Zayas was forced to flee and found safety in Málaga. On May 30, 1823, he lost all his positions and honors. In November 1826, he was called an "impure liberal and mason."
José Pascual de Zayas Chacón died in Chiclana in 1827. Years later, in 1840, a royal order restored all his honors and positions.
See also
In Spanish: José Pascual de Zayas y Chacón para niños
