José de Córdoba y Ramos facts for kids
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José de Córdoba y Ramos (born September 26, 1732, in Utrera and died April 3, 1815, in Cádiz) was a brave Spanish explorer and naval officer. He traveled all over the world by ship and fought in many important battles for the Spanish Navy.
Contents
José was born into a family where many people were sailors. His parents were Don Ramón Antonio de Córdova-Lasso de la Vega y Córdova-Lasso de la Vega and Doña Mariana Josefa Ramos de Garay y Mexiá.
Early Voyages and Discoveries
José started his life at sea when he was just 13 years old. He sailed under another officer named Andrés Reggio. Later, he was given his own ship to command. His mission was to sail from Cádiz all the way to Manila Bay in the Philippines. This long journey took him around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa.
In April 1770, he set sail on his frigate (a type of warship) named Astrea. He had a crew of 289 men. When he arrived in Manila Bay, he proudly reported that only two of his crew had gotten scurvy. Scurvy is a serious illness caused by not getting enough vitamin C. José believed his crew stayed healthy because he made sure they were given gaspacho, a cold Spanish soup often made with vegetables.
After his work in Manila, he began his trip back to Spain on January 6, 1771. He arrived safely at the Isla de León on August 1, 1771. Later in his career, he made several more trips to the Philippines. During these visits, he helped improve the design of the famous Manila Galleon ships. These large ships were used to carry goods across the Pacific Ocean.
Leading the Spanish Fleet
On September 21, 1789, José de Córdoba y Ramos was promoted to Teniente general, which is like a lieutenant general in the Navy. This was a very high rank.
When Spain went to war with Britain in 1796, José was put in charge of the entire Spanish fleet. However, he faced a difficult battle known as the Battle of Cape St Vincent (1797). He was on board his flagship, the Santísima Trinidad, which was a very large ship. During the battle, the British Commodore Horatio Nelson successfully attacked his ship.
After a tough fight, the Santísima Trinidad was almost captured. It was only saved because two other Spanish ships bravely came to its rescue. After this defeat, José de Córdoba y Ramos was removed from his command in the Spanish Navy. He was also forbidden from appearing at the royal court.
Family Life
José de Córdoba y Ramos married Julia de Rojas. They had one son named José de Córdoba y Rojas. Their son became a loyalist commander during the Spanish American wars of independence.
José de Córdoba y Ramos also had two grandsons who became well-known:
- Luis Fernández de Córdova: He was a general in the Carlist Wars and also worked as a diplomat. He held the title of Marquis of Mendigorría.
- Fernando Fernández de Córdova: He also fought in the Carlist Wars. He later became a politician and even served as the Prime Minister of Spain for one day.
More Information
- José de Córdova y Ramos: Circunvaló el globo terráqueo, an article in ABC Journal, Seville edition by Ignacio Fernández Vial.
- Kurzbiographie Vizeadmiral Jose de Cordoba y Ramos de Garay
See also
In Spanish: José de Córdova y Ramos para niños
