Luis de Córdova y Córdova facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Luis de Córdova
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Portrait of Córdova, Naval Museum of Madrid
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| Born | 8 February 1706 Sevilla, Spain |
| Died | 29 July 1796 (aged 90) Cádiz, Spain |
| Allegiance |  Spain |
| Service/ |
 Spanish Navy |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Battles/wars | Spanish-Barbary conflict
Anglo-Spanish War
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Admiral Luis de Córdova y Córdova (born February 8, 1706 – died July 29, 1796) was a famous Spanish admiral. He is best known for leading the Spanish fleet during the Anglo-Spanish War.
One of his most remembered actions was capturing many enemy ships. Between 1780 and 1782, he captured 79 ships in total. This included 55 ships from a large group of trading vessels near Cape St. Vincent. In 1782, he fought the Royal Navy at the Battle of Cape Spartel. Even though the battle was a draw, he could not stop the British from helping Gibraltar during a long siege.
Contents
Luis de Córdova was born in Seville, Spain. His father was a navy captain, so Luis grew up around the sea. At just 11 years old, he joined his father's ship. By age 13, he had already sailed to America.
In 1721, he joined the naval academy in Cádiz. Two years later, he graduated as an ensign, a junior officer rank. Early in his career, he had many successful voyages and battles. His superiors and even the King were very impressed with his skills.
In 1730, Córdova had an important job. He commanded the ships that escorted a Spanish prince, Carlos de Borbón. This prince later became Charles III of Spain. They sailed across the Mediterranean for battles in Italy. Córdova's naval support helped the prince take back the Kingdom of Naples for Spain.
He was promoted to lieutenant in 1732. That year, he helped capture Oran. Two years later, he was part of the forces that took back Naples and Sicily.
Fighting Pirates and Earning Honors
In 1735, Córdova was promoted to lieutenant again. By August 1740, he became a captain of a frigate. That same year, he fought against Algerian pirates in the Mediterranean Sea.
In 1747, he became a ship captain. He commanded the ship América, which had 60 guns. Along with another Spanish ship, the Dragon, they fought two Algerian ships. One Algerian ship, the Danzik, fought for about 30 hours over four days. It lost half its crew before finally surrendering. Fifty Christian prisoners were rescued from the ship. For this brave action, King Ferdinand VI gave Córdova a special award: a commission from the Order of Calatrava.
Adventures in America and Europe
Later, Luis de Córdova helped escort many trading ships to and from America. Between 1754 and 1758, he did a great job fighting against smuggling in Cartagena de Indias. In 1760, he was promoted to squad leader.
He then commanded a group of ships. He sailed a lot, especially in North American waters. He also took part in important events, like a grand parade of ships in Cartagena in 1765. He finished this command in 1774 and was promoted to lieutenant general at 68 years old.
Spain and France became allies through special agreements. In 1779, war was declared on England. Luis de Córdova was put in charge of a Spanish fleet. This fleet joined a French fleet, making a huge combined force of 68 ships. Córdova's main ship was the Santísima Trinidad.
In August 1779, this large fleet entered the English Channel. Their goal was to invade the British Isles. The English ships hid in their ports, which caused problems for British trade. One English ship, the Ardent, was captured.
For his efforts in this campaign, the King of France gave Córdova a fancy gold box with diamonds. The King of Spain gave him the Grand Cross of Carlos III, a very important award.
However, the invasion did not happen. The French and Spanish commanders disagreed on what to do. The French wanted to destroy the enemy fleet first. The Spanish wanted to land troops immediately. In the end, there was no landing. Bad weather and sickness among the crews also forced the allied fleet to return to port.
By this time, Luis de Córdova was 73 years old. Some people thought he was too old to lead. But the Spanish minister, Floridablanca, said that Córdova was "more encouraged and suffered than the young men." He added that no one could improve on Córdova's plans. Because of his skill, he was made general director of the Navy in February 1780.
On August 9, 1780, Córdova led his combined fleet near Cape Santa María. With 27 ships, he captured a very rich British convoy. This group of 57 ships was carrying supplies for the English army in North America and India. Three British warships escorting them were also captured.
This was a huge blow to the Royal Navy. It was one of the largest and richest convoys ever captured. Córdova took 3,000 prisoners from the ships' crews. He also captured 1,800 soldiers. The value of the captured goods and ammunition was enormous. Despite being chased by enemy ships, he managed to bring his captured prizes safely to Cádiz. This made him a hero at the time.
In 1781, his fleet faced strong storms in the English Channel. But thanks to Córdova's good planning, his ships did not suffer serious damage. In this campaign, he also captured another British convoy of 24 ships and took them to Brest.
These successes showed how well-trained the Spanish crews were. This was thanks to the hard work of Córdova's major general, José de Mazarredo.
The Siege of Gibraltar
Back in Spain, in 1782, Córdova commanded the naval forces trying to capture Gibraltar. This British territory was under a long siege by Spanish and French forces. Córdova's ships supported direct attacks on the fortress.
During one attack, special floating batteries were used. These were supposed to be unsinkable and fireproof. But the defenders fired hot cannonballs, setting the batteries on fire. Córdova sent smaller boats to put out the fires and rescue the crews. Many lives were lost in this attack.
Córdova continued to blockade Gibraltar. The situation inside Gibraltar became very difficult. So, the British sent a large convoy of supplies, escorted by 30 warships. Admiral Richard Howe commanded this British fleet.
Howe entered the Mediterranean during a storm. Córdova sailed out to meet him. But Howe used the storm to his advantage. He managed to get the supply ships into Gibraltar, bringing much-needed resources. Córdova could not stop him. During the storm, one Spanish ship was lost, crashing near Gibraltar's walls. Other Spanish ships were also damaged.
When Lord Howe was returning to the Atlantic, Córdova met him again. On October 20, 1782, they fought the Battle of Cape Spartel. The British admired how well the Spanish ships moved and formed their battle lines.
After five hours of fighting, the battle ended without a clear winner. The British ships, though fewer in number, were longer. The huge Spanish ship, the Santísima Trinidad, fired all its cannons.
Peace was signed with Great Britain on January 30, 1783. Spain got back the island of Menorca and Florida. The King rewarded Córdova by making him general director of the Navy in February 1783. Soon after, he became captain general. Córdova retired from commanding the combined fleet on May 1.
On July 2, 1786, he laid the first stone for the Pantheon of Illustrious Sailors. This is a special burial place for famous sailors. Luis de Córdova died in San Fernando on July 29, 1796, at the age of 90. He was first buried in a local church. In 1851, it was decided that his remains should be moved to the Pantheon of Illustrious Sailors, which happened in 1870.
Family
Luis de Córdova y Córdova was married to María Andrea de Romay. They had a son named Antonio de Córdova y Romay. Antonio also joined the Navy and reached the rank of brigadier before he died in 1782.
Other Honors
Named After Him
- Cordova, Alaska: This city in Alaska was named after Luis de Córdova in 1790 by the Spanish explorer Salvador Fidalgo.
See also
- Capture of the English double convoy (1780)
Images for kids
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Portrait of Córdova, Naval Museum of Madrid
See also
In Spanish: Luis de Córdova y Córdova para niños
