Pedro Fitz-James Stuart

Pedro Fitz-James Stuart and Colón de Portugal, IV Marqués de San Leonardo (6 November 1720, in Madrid – 1789, in Monastery of Sopetrán, Hita, Guadalajara), was a Spanish Captain General of the Navy. Biography He was the second son of James Fitz-James Stuart, 2nd Duke of Berwick, and Catalina Colón de Portugal, Duchess of Veragua. He was therefore a descendant of both James II of England and Christopher Columbus. At the age of 16, he chose for a career in the Spanish Navy. He saw action in the Mediterranean against Berber ships and in the Battle of Cartagena de Indias against the English. On 24 January 1745, he was promoted to captain and received command of the frigate Aurora, with which he patrolled in the Mediterranean. In 1751, he was in command of two ships of the line and captured the Algerian Corsair Danzik during the Action of 28 November 1751. The Spanish ships returned to port with 320 prisoners-of-war, 50 rescued Christian slaves and a considerable booty. Fitz-James Stuart receiving applause and recognition from the Spanish Navy and was promoted to Jefe de escuadra (Squadron Leader).