José Solano y Bote facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Most Excellent Captain General
The Marquess of Socorro
OSJ
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José Solano y Bote in front of Santa Rosa Bay coming to the rescue of General Gálvez
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| Born | March 6, 1726 Zorita, Extremadura, Spain |
| Died | March 24, 1806 (aged 80) Madrid, Spain |
| Allegiance |  Spain |
| Service/ |
Spanish Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1742–1806 |
| Rank | General Captain of the Spanish Royal Navy |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Toulon (1744) Siege of Pensacola (1781) |
| Awards | Named Marquiss de Socorro |
| Other work | Governor and Captain General of Venezuela (1763–71) Governor and Captain General of Santo Domingo (1771–79) |
José de Solano y Bote, the 1st Marquess of Socorro (born March 6, 1726, died March 24, 1806), was an important Spanish naval officer. He spent his life serving in the Spanish Navy.
Contents
José de Solano y Bote began his long career in the Spanish Navy when he was just 16 years old in 1742. He served until his death in 1806.
First Battle and Promotions
Soon after joining the navy, Solano took part in the Battle of Toulon (1744). In this battle, the Spanish fleet won against the British fleet. Because of his good performance, he was promoted to the rank of alférez de fragata. This was a junior officer rank, similar to an ensign.
In 1754, he was promoted again to capitán de fragata, which means frigate captain. The King of Spain then sent him to the Americas. His job was to help mark the borders between the lands owned by Spain and Portugal. He was like a special representative from the King, called a commissary.
Exploring the Orinoco River
For seven years, Solano traveled along the Orinoco river and its smaller rivers. He also made several trips to Bogota to ask the Viceroy (a high-ranking official) for more money to support his work.
Commanding a Warship
After finishing his important assignment, he was promoted to Capitán de Navío in 1761. This rank is similar to a naval captain today. In 1762, a war started with England. Solano took command of a large warship called the Rayo (80). This was a powerful ship of the line built in Havana, Cuba.
Serving as Governor
Solano also served as a governor in the Americas. He was the governor of Venezuela from 1763 to 1770. Later, he became the Governor and Captain General of Santo Domingo (which is now the Dominican Republic) from 1771 to 1779.
Role in the Anglo-Spanish War
José de Solano y Bote played a key role during the Anglo-Spanish War (1779–83). This war took place between 1779 and 1783.
Helping at the Siege of Pensacola
He led a Spanish group of warships during the war. In March 1781, he helped Governor Bernardo de Gálvez during the Siege of Pensacola. This was an important battle where Spanish forces tried to capture Pensacola from the British. Solano's help was crucial for the Spanish victory.
Promotions and Later Years
Because of his bravery and success at Pensacola, Solano was promoted to lieutenant general in 1782. This is a very high military rank. In 1804, he became the General Captain of the Armada, which was the highest rank in the Spanish Navy. He continued to serve until his death in 1806.
See also
In Spanish: José Solano y Bote para niños
