Espagnol

1779 · 154781 — Spain: 1779. Visually appealing manuscript offering a valuable insight into the Spanish naval empire in the Caribbean Fascinating official service record of don Francisco Ximenez Parrado an officer of the Spanish Navy who served during the War of Jenkin's Ear 1739-48. This detailed account signed by Parrado enumerates his services from 1721 to 1779 listing naval campaigns many of them in the Americas. During his career Parrado participated in a range of operations; coastal patrols surveys and some significant naval engagements particularly against the British. In 1729 Parrado joined the Fuerte 60 under don Domingo Justiniani which sailed from Cadiz on 19 December in company with the two-decker frigate Nuestra Señora del Carmen 54. En route to Cartagena the two ships passed Tobago the coasts of Trinidad Margarita Cumana and Caracas. Once at Cartagena they commenced cruising the coasts of Terra Firme Spain's mainland possessions from the Caribbean to the Gulf of Mexico in search of illicit traders. In less than a year they had captured some six frigates and seven sloops carrying contraband off the coast of Venezuela. During the Summer of 1736 Parrado was in the Conquistador under don Blas de Lezo which was under repair in Spain before its embarkation for Cartagena early in 1737 with 1891 tons of cargo and brigadier don Jose Ambrosio the new governor of Chile aboard. The Conquistador remained at Cartagena on coast guard duties until she was scuttled by de Lezo during the battle of Cartagena in 1741 as part of the blockade of Vice-Admiral Edward Vernon's massive invasion assault. British failure here was to prove one of the pivotal moments of the War of Jenkins's Ear. Parrado is shown as having stayed in Cartagena until 1744 after which it seems he joined don Benito Antonio de Espinola in Havana taking part in the 1745 commissioning voyage of the Santa Teresa de Jesus 64 better known as the Dragon. The manuscript details an engagement in that year with an unnamed British vessel of 60 guns "quese avisto diferentes vezes frente del Puerto" "had been seen several times outside the port ". The Dragon's main mast was split and she was forced the quit the battle. The document also notes Parrado's presence in Tortuga Cabo de San Antonio Puerto Rico and Havana during 1746. The record details Parrada's career under four headings: Empleos "Employments" Campañas "Campaigns" outlined in chronological order Comiciones en que fue Empleado "Commissions in which he was employed" and Funciones en la America "Dutiess in America". Parrado seems to have occupied seven different positions during his career showing a clear ascent through the ranks ; Marinero Agregado a los Pilotos "Sailor attached to the pilots" Arnillero "Gunsmith" with a note that he continued in his role with the pilots Pilotín "Pilot's Assistant" Segundo Piloto "Second pilot" Primer Piloto "First pilot" Alférez de Navío "Frigate lieutenant" a junior watch officer and Teniente de Fragata "First lieutenant" a full lieutenant. Parrado later became the principal teacher at the School of Navigation in Cartagena. This fascinating document offers some welcome insight into a single career during a time of considerable conflict taking place on a world-wide stage. 4 pp. manuscript in neat clearly legible hand on a single bifolium elaborately engraved cartouche to the first page incorporating a three-master atop and enclosing a tabulated manuscript summary of Parrado's postings and positions. Light toning and minor staining. A very good example. Clowes The Royal Navy vol. 3. unknown