Antonio de los Reyes Correa

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is de los Reyes and the second or maternal family name is Correa.

Antonio de los Reyes Correa
Capt. Antonio de los Reyes Correa
Nickname(s)	El Capitan Correa
Born	c. 1665 Unknown
Died	June 9, 1758 San Felipe de Arecibo, captaincy of Puerto Rico, Kingdom of Spain
Allegiance	Spanish Marine Infantry
Rank	Captain
Commands	The San Felipe de Arecibo militia
Awards	"La Medalla de Oro de la Real Efigie" (The Gold Medal of the Royal Image)

Antonio de los Reyes Correa, caballero de la Real Efigie de S.M. Rey Felipe V (c. 1665 – June 9, 1758), also known as El Capitán Correa, was a Spanish soldier who served as a captain in the Spanish Marine Infantry. Correa and his men defended the Spanish captaincy of Puerto Rico from an invasion of the English in 1702.

Early years

It is unknown the birth place of Captain Correa due to insufficient documented evidence, non the less, it is possible that he was born in the Spanish captaincy of Puerto Rico. His parents were the military Portuguese Don Jose Rodrigues e Corrêia, caballero de la Tercera Orden de San Francisco and of a Spanish women Doña Francisca Rodríguez de Valdés y Paez de Valdés. As a Spanish soldier, he was appointed to protect the north side of the Island in the town called San Felipe de Arecibo and indeed, he proved very well is military abilities when he and his men stoped a surprise invasion attack by the English forces in August 5, 1702. As a result, he became very well known for his defense not only for the town he called home, but also of the Kingdom of Spain.

Defense of the Kingdom of Spain

As part of the War of the Spanish Succession, England was at war with pro-Bourbon monarchy, and the conflict extended over into the Spanish-Americas. On August 5, 1702, two Royal Navy warships under the command of William Whetstone approached San Felipe de Arecibo. From their ship, two rowboats transporting 40 marines and sailors proceeded to land on the town's beach. A force of 30 local militiamen, led by Correa, was mustered to confront the invaders. The ensuing engagement killed 22 English soldiers, including the Captain by Correa, while the defenders suffered one Spanish killed and three wounded, including Correa. Whetstone's ships proceeded to sail away, ending the engagement.

Honors and later years

Arecibo Coat of Arms

Correa was awarded "La Medalla de Oro de la Real Efigie" (The Gold Medal of the Royal Image), by King Philip V of Spain and given the title of "Captain of Infantry" on September 23, 1703. Within Spanish tradition, it is to honor by naming its Captain of Infantry to the position of Mayor. Correa served as temporary Mayor of San Felipe de Arecibo from 1700 to 1701 and then as official Mayor from 1701 to 1705. He also served as Mayor from 1710 to 1714 and from 1716 to 1744.

Captain Antonio de los Reyes Correa, who was married to Doña Estefanía Rodríguez de Matos y Colón de Luyando, died on June 9, 1758. San Felipe de Arecibo, is known as the "Villa del Capitan Correa" (Captain Correa's Village), an honor bestowed by the Spanish people of the town. The Spanish people of San Felipe de Arecibo also honored Correa by including a gold colored belt in their Coat of Arms with the phrase "Muy Leal", which means "very loyal", in representation of Correa. On January 8, 2004, the Government of Puerto Rico approved public law #29 (P. de la C. 4029 LEY NUM. 29. 8 DE ENERO DE 2004) establishing August 5 as the Day of Antonio de los Reyes Correa. In the southern city of Ponce a street was named after him. It runs from Barrio Segundo through Barrio Primero and ends in the northern portion of Barrio Canas Urbano at Avenida Las Américas.

External links

• One of the earliest works literature of non-related ethnic group, features a "poem" "El Capitan Correa."

• Captain Correa