Antonio de Benavides
Encyclopedia
Antonio de Benavides was a important Lieutenant General
of Spanish Army
, he held a leading position in the Americas
as governor and captain general of Florida
(1718–1734), Yucatan
and Veracruz
(1734–1763).
in Tenerife
, (Canary Islands
, Spain
) in 1678. Before his twentieth birthday, he joined the Spanish army as a volunteer in Havana
, he fought in Flanders
, Seville
and Tortosa
, and saved the life of King, in a war in Villaviciosa, Asturias
. In that war Benavides gave his own horse to the king and he resisted to walk, and with serious wounds, the enemy attacks. Recovered from his injuries, he received the degree of Brigadier
of Cavalry
.
, eager to use their services and reward their loyalty, made him governor and captain general of Florida
in 1718, which was then a government of difficult and dangerous administration. In order to he could establish his rule in Florida as soon as possible, forgave him the oath before the Royal Council, a oath very common at that time, and told he should make the oath to the authority governing the Canary Islands. After, he should embark in the fleet of warships San Jose, San Francisco and San Antonio, that would do a stopover in Tenerife to go then to the island Cuba
.
Florida at that time was very poorly organized. Ruled by Juan de Ayala y Escobar
, who was accused of smuggling, frequently attacked by the native tribes who occupied the border areas, and the English settlers of South Carolina
who daily harass the colony for to hinder their trade and get the abandonment or the evacuation of the province, that they much coveted. The man was needed to come to curb these problems and maintain the Spanish domination should have great courage and perseverance to achieve their purposes. Antonio de Benavides had all that qualities and he had shown him in the military. After arriving in Florida, he studied and he visited the region, he was informed of their needs and their resources, he acknowledged the cause of his discomfort and he knew the name of the people who the originated. He wanted to stem the wrong, so he separated the employees embezzlers (inter alia people, to Ayala y Escobar who went arrested and he sent him to a Cuban prison (then ruled Cuba to Florida)), he withdrew to his accomplices, he rewarded to those who did their duty, and he called some people who had great knowledge for integrate them into his government. To avoid complaints of the disaffected and the twisted interpretation that may give these measures, he reported to the king of the status of the colony and he them explained at length that this needed reform and that he them had executed with hoping that his conduct was approved and for be allowed to he continue forever with the same functions and prudent management of the affairs of that colony. The king approved his policy and he continued the same office until the end of its mandate. He, on several occasions, defeated to the English who were trying to conquer Florida, on land and sea and he repressed the piracy. He also managed to set a peace treaty with Appalachian American Indians, who were the worst enemies of the colony, and with their affable and kind treatment, and with their offers religiously fulfilled, he managed that they respected to the Spanish subjects and exchange with they proofs of friendship and affection, which lasted without interruption while he was ruling the colony. Benavides also defended the rights of indigenous people. As a reward for these services, the king what ascended to the rank of Field Marshal
and he increased his salary as a token of his appreciation of its high military skills, administrative and political. Thanks to the administration of his government, his great charity to the poor and the affability of his manner, which made no distinction between classes or persons, Benavides was highly respected and admired by all Floridians.
and the Castle of San Juan de Ulúa
, Mexico
. When the news reached Florida , arose was a general feeling of disgust in the province because all the inhabitants of the region did not believe back to have a governor like Benavides. In his new job he continued showing, the same conditions that he had as governor in Florida
, however, he also show increasingly his charity in the new territories governed. However, over the years, he felt that he should leave politics, but before harm the interests of the colony , asked request their release and their headquarters. The king, who was then Ferdinand VI
, refused to grant their wish, and because the war against England
was about to begin again, was given the Captaincy General of Yucatán
, and was given command of the expedition formed to defend the coast of Tabasco
and Honduras
, with the rank of Lieutenant General
. He died in Tenerife in 1763. Today his remains lie in the parish of the Conception of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
.
Antonio de Benavides also starred in a historic event because it in a surprise attack 'he managed to seize the enemy's artillery. Benavides organized a training, he managed put their men in the center of the military readiness of the aspirant to the Spanish throne, and after to neutralize the artillery, seized all pieces and came to use against its owners. However, the serious damage suffered by troops loyal to Bourbon and a disorderly retreat became futile the efforts of isleño military and the Spanish army was defeated (Despite that the action of Benavides is considered the most important of battle).
Lieutenant General
Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General....
of Spanish Army
Spanish Army
The Spanish Army is the terrestrial army of the Spanish Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is one of the oldest active armies - dating back to the 15th century.-Introduction:...
, he held a leading position in the Americas
Americas
The Americas, or America , are lands in the Western hemisphere, also known as the New World. In English, the plural form the Americas is often used to refer to the landmasses of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions, while the singular form America is primarily...
as governor and captain general of Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
(1718–1734), Yucatan
Yucatán
Yucatán officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Yucatán is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 106 municipalities and its capital city is Mérida....
and Veracruz
Veracruz
Veracruz, formally Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave , is one of the 31 states that, along with the Federal District, comprise the 32 federative entities of Mexico. It is divided in 212 municipalities and its capital city is...
(1734–1763).
Early year
Antonio Benavides Gonzales de Molina was born in La Matanza de AcentejoLa Matanza de Acentejo
La Matanza de Acentejo is located on the north coast of Tenerife. It is located 15 km E of Puerto de la Cruz, about 23 km SSW of the island's capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, NE of Los Cristianos and Las Américas of Arona and WSW of the Tenerife North Airport.The population is 7,490 , its density...
in Tenerife
Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest and most populous island of the seven Canary Islands, it is also the most populated island of Spain, with a land area of 2,034.38 km² and 906,854 inhabitants, 43% of the total population of the Canary Islands. About five million tourists visit Tenerife each year, the...
, (Canary Islands
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands , also known as the Canaries , is a Spanish archipelago located just off the northwest coast of mainland Africa, 100 km west of the border between Morocco and the Western Sahara. The Canaries are a Spanish autonomous community and an outermost region of the European Union...
, Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
) in 1678. Before his twentieth birthday, he joined the Spanish army as a volunteer in Havana
Havana
Havana is the capital city, province, major port, and leading commercial centre of Cuba. The city proper has a population of 2.1 million inhabitants, and it spans a total of — making it the largest city in the Caribbean region, and the most populous...
, he fought in Flanders
Flanders
Flanders is the community of the Flemings but also one of the institutions in Belgium, and a geographical region located in parts of present-day Belgium, France and the Netherlands. "Flanders" can also refer to the northern part of Belgium that contains Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp...
, Seville
Seville
Seville is the artistic, historic, cultural, and financial capital of southern Spain. It is the capital of the autonomous community of Andalusia and of the province of Seville. It is situated on the plain of the River Guadalquivir, with an average elevation of above sea level...
and Tortosa
Tortosa
-External links:* *** * * *...
, and saved the life of King, in a war in Villaviciosa, Asturias
Villaviciosa, Asturias
Villaviciosa is a town and in the autonomous community of Asturias, Spain. It is situated on the central eastern coastline, and borders the Asturian municipalities of Gijón and Siero to the west, Sariego, Nava, Cabranes and Piloña to the south and to Colunga to the east. The total area is 271 km²...
. In that war Benavides gave his own horse to the king and he resisted to walk, and with serious wounds, the enemy attacks. Recovered from his injuries, he received the degree of Brigadier
Brigadier
Brigadier is a senior military rank, the meaning of which is somewhat different in different military services. The brigadier rank is generally superior to the rank of colonel, and subordinate to major general....
of Cavalry
Cavalry
Cavalry or horsemen were soldiers or warriors who fought mounted on horseback. Cavalry were historically the third oldest and the most mobile of the combat arms...
.
Government in la Florida
Soon after, the King of Spain, Philip VPhilip V of Spain
Philip V was King of Spain from 15 November 1700 to 15 January 1724, when he abdicated in favor of his son Louis, and from 6 September 1724, when he assumed the throne again upon his son's death, to his death.Before his reign, Philip occupied an exalted place in the royal family of France as a...
, eager to use their services and reward their loyalty, made him governor and captain general of Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
in 1718, which was then a government of difficult and dangerous administration. In order to he could establish his rule in Florida as soon as possible, forgave him the oath before the Royal Council, a oath very common at that time, and told he should make the oath to the authority governing the Canary Islands. After, he should embark in the fleet of warships San Jose, San Francisco and San Antonio, that would do a stopover in Tenerife to go then to the island Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
.
Florida at that time was very poorly organized. Ruled by Juan de Ayala y Escobar
Juan de Ayala y Escobar
Juan de Ayala Escobar was a prominent Spanish soldier and politician who ruled Florida between 1716 and 1718. Juan de Ayala Escobar was born in Cuba in 1637...
, who was accused of smuggling, frequently attacked by the native tribes who occupied the border areas, and the English settlers of South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
who daily harass the colony for to hinder their trade and get the abandonment or the evacuation of the province, that they much coveted. The man was needed to come to curb these problems and maintain the Spanish domination should have great courage and perseverance to achieve their purposes. Antonio de Benavides had all that qualities and he had shown him in the military. After arriving in Florida, he studied and he visited the region, he was informed of their needs and their resources, he acknowledged the cause of his discomfort and he knew the name of the people who the originated. He wanted to stem the wrong, so he separated the employees embezzlers (inter alia people, to Ayala y Escobar who went arrested and he sent him to a Cuban prison (then ruled Cuba to Florida)), he withdrew to his accomplices, he rewarded to those who did their duty, and he called some people who had great knowledge for integrate them into his government. To avoid complaints of the disaffected and the twisted interpretation that may give these measures, he reported to the king of the status of the colony and he them explained at length that this needed reform and that he them had executed with hoping that his conduct was approved and for be allowed to he continue forever with the same functions and prudent management of the affairs of that colony. The king approved his policy and he continued the same office until the end of its mandate. He, on several occasions, defeated to the English who were trying to conquer Florida, on land and sea and he repressed the piracy. He also managed to set a peace treaty with Appalachian American Indians, who were the worst enemies of the colony, and with their affable and kind treatment, and with their offers religiously fulfilled, he managed that they respected to the Spanish subjects and exchange with they proofs of friendship and affection, which lasted without interruption while he was ruling the colony. Benavides also defended the rights of indigenous people. As a reward for these services, the king what ascended to the rank of Field Marshal
Field Marshal
Field Marshal is a military rank. Traditionally, it is the highest military rank in an army.-Etymology:The origin of the rank of field marshal dates to the early Middle Ages, originally meaning the keeper of the king's horses , from the time of the early Frankish kings.-Usage and hierarchical...
and he increased his salary as a token of his appreciation of its high military skills, administrative and political. Thanks to the administration of his government, his great charity to the poor and the affability of his manner, which made no distinction between classes or persons, Benavides was highly respected and admired by all Floridians.
Government in Veracruz
In 1734 the king had appointed to Antonio de Benavides governor of the province of VeracruzVeracruz
Veracruz, formally Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave , is one of the 31 states that, along with the Federal District, comprise the 32 federative entities of Mexico. It is divided in 212 municipalities and its capital city is...
and the Castle of San Juan de Ulúa
San Juan de Ulúa
San Juan de Ulúa, also known as Castle of San Juan de Ulúa is a large complex of fortresses, prisons and one former palace on an island overlooking the seaport of Veracruz, Mexico.-History:...
, Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
. When the news reached Florida , arose was a general feeling of disgust in the province because all the inhabitants of the region did not believe back to have a governor like Benavides. In his new job he continued showing, the same conditions that he had as governor in Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, however, he also show increasingly his charity in the new territories governed. However, over the years, he felt that he should leave politics, but before harm the interests of the colony , asked request their release and their headquarters. The king, who was then Ferdinand VI
Ferdinand VI of Spain
Ferdinand VI , called the Learnt, was King of Spain from 9 July 1746 until his death. He was the fourth son of the previous monarch Philip V and his first wife Maria Luisa of Savoy...
, refused to grant their wish, and because the war against England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
was about to begin again, was given the Captaincy General of Yucatán
Captaincy General of Yucatán
The Captaincy General of Yucatán was an administrative district of colonial Spain, created in 1617 to provide more autonomy for the Yucatán Peninsula, previously ruled directly by a simple governor under the jurisdiction of Audiencia of Mexico...
, and was given command of the expedition formed to defend the coast of Tabasco
Tabasco
Tabasco officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Tabasco is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 17 municipalities and its capital city is Villahermosa....
and Honduras
Honduras
Honduras is a republic in Central America. It was previously known as Spanish Honduras to differentiate it from British Honduras, which became the modern-day state of Belize...
, with the rank of Lieutenant General
Lieutenant General
Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General....
. He died in Tenerife in 1763. Today his remains lie in the parish of the Conception of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital , second-most populous city of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands and the 21st largest city in Spain, with a population of 222,417 in 2009...
.
The Battle of Saragossa
On August 20, 172O, at the Battle of SaragossaBattle of Saragossa
The Battle of Saragossa took place on 20 August, 1710, between the Spanish-Bourbon army commanded by the Marquis de Bay and a multinational army led by the Austrian commander Guido Starhemberg during the War of the Spanish Succession.-Prelude:...
Antonio de Benavides also starred in a historic event because it in a surprise attack 'he managed to seize the enemy's artillery. Benavides organized a training, he managed put their men in the center of the military readiness of the aspirant to the Spanish throne, and after to neutralize the artillery, seized all pieces and came to use against its owners. However, the serious damage suffered by troops loyal to Bourbon and a disorderly retreat became futile the efforts of isleño military and the Spanish army was defeated (Despite that the action of Benavides is considered the most important of battle).