Francisco Javier Venegas de Saavedra y Ramínez de Arenzana
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Francisco Javier Venegas Marquess of Reunión and of New Spain |
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Portrait by José Aparicio
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| 59th Viceroy of New Spain | |
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In office 14 September 1810 – 4 March 1813 |
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| Monarch | Ferdinand VII of Spain |
| Preceded by | Francisco Javier de Lizana y Beaumont |
| Succeeded by | Félix María Calleja del Rey |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Francisco Javier Venegas de Saavedra y Rodríguez de Arenzana 2 December 1754 Zafra, Spain |
| Died | February 18, 1838 (aged 83) Madrid, Spain |
| Nationality |
 Spanish
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| Signature |  |
Francisco Javier Venegas de Saavedra y Ramínez de Arenzana Marqués de la Reunión y de Nueva España (1754 in Zafra, Badajoz, Spain – 1838 in Zafra, Spain) was a Spanish general in the Spanish War of Independence and later viceroy of New Spain from September 14, 1810 to March 4, 1813, during the first phase of the Mexican War of Independence.
Venegas began studies for a literary career, but gave them up to serve in the military. He rose in rank to lieutenant colonel, taking part in the fighting against the French Republic. He had retired from service at the time of the Napoleonic invasion of Spain, but returned then to active duty. He took part in the Battle of Bailén, and was named commander of a division in Andalucía. His services in the war with the French were valuable, and he demonstrated his intelligence, energy and courage. With the patronage of the minister Francisco Saavedra de Sangronis, he advanced rapidly.
On Christmas Day 1808, Venegas and his division attempted a surprise attack on a brigade of French dragoons at Tarancón. They surrounded the town but the French cavalrymen became aware of the trap and rode out of the town. When the Spanish infantry formed into squares across their path, the enemy cavalry galloped through the gaps between the squares. The French escaped with the loss of about 60 troopers. The late arrival of Venegas' cavalry prevented further damage from being inflicted on the dragoons. On 13 January 1809, Venegas with 9,500 infantry, 1,800 cavalry, and four artillery pieces unwisely offered battle to the French. In the Battle of Uclés, 12,500 French foot soldiers and 3,500 horsemen under Marshal Claude Perrin Victor crushed the force led by Venegas. Victor ordered one division and his cavalry to mount a frontal assault while his second division attempted an envelopment. The frontal attack was successful in driving the Spanish force into the arms of the second division, which had reached a position behind their adversaries. For only 150 casualties, the French inflicted losses of 1,000 killed and wounded and captured 5,866 prisoners and all four guns. His superior officer, who had failed to come to Venegas' aid with 9,000 troops, ordered an immediate retreat upon hearing of the disaster.
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