José de Córdoba y Ramos

José de Córdoba y Ramos, (Utrera, September 26, 1732 – Cádiz, April 3, 1815), was a Spanish explorer and naval officer from the 18th century.

José de Córdova y Ramos. (Naval Museum of Madrid).

Biography

Born to a family of sailors, Córdoba took to the seas at the age of 13. He sailed all over the world and fought in several battles in service of the Spanish Navy. Later in his career he sailed several times to the Philippines, where he oversaw improvements in the design of the Manila Galleon. He also paid great attention to the health of his sailors by preventing scurvy.

On September 21, 1789, he became Teniente general (lieutenant general).
At the outbreak of the war with Britain in 1796, he was put in command of the Spanish fleet. In this position he suffered a serious defeat at the Battle of Cape St Vincent on board the Santísima Trinidad.

After St Vincent, Córdoba was dismissed from the Spanish navy and forbidden from appearing at court.

Family

He married Julia de Rojas and was the father of José de Córdoba y Rojas, a loyalist commander in the Spanish American wars of independence.
He was also grandfather of

Sources
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