Juan de la Cruz Mourgeón facts for kids
Juan de la Cruz Mourgeón y Achet (born in 1766, died in 1822) was a Spanish soldier and leader. He was a military commander and also managed colonies for Spain.
Early Military Life
Juan de la Cruz Mourgeón started his military career early. He fought in the War of the Pyrenees. This war took place in areas like Rosellón and Cataluña. He was hurt three times during these battles. In 1795, he was promoted to lieutenant.
Later, he also took part in the War of the Oranges.
Fighting in the Peninsular War
In June 1808, a leader named Tomás de Morla y Pacheco gave Mourgeón a special job. He was asked to create a new group of soldiers. This group was called the Battalion of Tiradores de Cadiz (Sharpshooters of Cadiz). For this important task, Mourgeón became a lieutenant colonel.
Later that year, he led his new soldiers in the Battle of Baylen. His bravery there earned him another promotion. He became a colonel.
Mourgeón then led the front part of a Spanish army division. This division was led by Pedro Grimarest. They were part of a larger army under General Castaños. This army faced a defeat by Marshal Moncey at Lerín.
During this battle, Mourgeón and his troops were surrounded. This happened when Grimarest's main force retreated. Mourgeón and his soldiers took shelter in Lerín castle. His troops were mostly new recruits, along with his skilled Sharpshooters. They defended the castle for two days. They hoped Grimarest would come back to help them. However, Grimarest decided not to return. Mourgeón finally surrendered after many of his soldiers were hurt or killed.
Mourgeón managed to escape from France. He made his way to Cádiz, a city in Spain. In July 1810, he was rewarded for his bravery. He was promoted to brigadier. He also fought in a battle at Moguer in August 1810.
He continued to fight in important battles. He was at the Battle of Barrosa in March 1811. He also fought at the Battle of Albuera in May 1811. After these battles, he was promoted again. He became a field marshal.
Later Life and Death
In 1821, the Spanish government gave him a new role. He was made the captain general of New Kingdom of Granada. He also became the president of Quito.
Juan de la Cruz Mourgeón died in Quito in April 1822.
See also
In Spanish: Juan de la Cruz Mourgeon y Achet para niños
