Vicente Benavides facts for kids

Vicente Benavides Llanos was a soldier born around 1777 in Quirihue, Chile. He died on February 23, 1822, in Santiago, Chile. He played a big part in the Chilean War of Independence. Benavides is most famous for leading groups of Royalist fighters. These fighters were called guerrillas. They fought in an area of Chile known as La Frontera during the final years of the war.

Becoming a Soldier in Chile's War

Benavides first joined the side that wanted Chile to be independent. These were called the Patriots. But later, he changed his mind and joined the Royalists. The Royalists wanted Chile to remain under Spanish rule.

Leading Royalist Fighters

Benavides became a leader of Royalist groups during a tough time in the war. This period was known as the Guerra a muerte, which means "War to the Death." It was a time of unusual fighting, not like regular battles. Benavides got help from many Mapuche chiefs. The Mapuche are an Indigenous group in Chile. Together, they fought against the Chilean forces and took supplies from the countryside.

During this time, Benavides became known for being very harsh. He was often cruel to prisoners. He also broke promises made during peace talks. The Pincheira brothers, who later became famous outlaws, helped Benavides. They defended the mountains for him during the Guerra a muerte.

Ships Captured by Benavides

In March 1821, a ship named Perseverance was near St Mary's Island. A boat belonging to Benavides captured this ship. The ship was later burned in the Tubul River. Benavides's men also took control of an American merchant ship named Hersilia on May 14. This happened near Santa Maria Island too. The Hersilia was later destroyed.

Capture and Execution

Benavides was captured when the war was almost over. He had a quick trial in Santiago. On February 23, 1822, Vicente Benavides was hanged.

Benavides in Literature

The famous author Joseph Conrad wrote a story called "Gaspar Ruiz." He based the character Gaspar Ruiz on Vicente Benavides. Conrad wrote this story between 1904 and 1905. It was published in a magazine called The Strand Magazine in 1906. It also appeared in a book called A Set of Six. This story was the only one of Conrad's works that he helped turn into a movie. The movie was called Gaspar the Strong Man and came out in 1920. Conrad learned about Benavides from a book written by Captain Basil Hall in 1824.

See also

In Spanish: Vicente Benavides para niños