Luis de Córdova y Córdova (8 February 1706 – 29 December 1796) was a Spanish admiral. He is best known for his command of the Spanish fleet during the American War of Independence. His main success was the capture of two British convoys totalling 79 ships between 1780 and 1782, including a fleet of 55 vessels composed of Indiamen, frigates and other cargo ships off Cape St. Vincent.[1][2] In 1782 he battled the Royal Navy to a stalemate at the Battle of Cape Spartel, but failed to prevent the British relieving the Great Siege of Gibraltar.
Córdova was born in Seville to Juan de Córdova Laso de la Vega y Puente, a mariner, navy captain, and knight of the Order of Calatrava, and Clemencia de Córdova, daughter of the Marquis of Valdo. He was baptised at San Miguel parish on 12 February.
His inclination toward the sea began at a young age; at 11 he enlisted aboard his father's ship and by 13 he had made his first journey to America. In 1721 he joined the naval academy at Cádiz and by 1723 graduated with the rank of Alférez de Fragata (ensign). The first lap of his career was marked by successful cruises and actions at sea that won the approval of his superiors and even the praise of the King. In 1730 Córdova had the distinction of commanding the naval escort for the Duke of Parma, Infante Carlos de Borbón (later Charles III of Spain), who journeyed across the Mediterranean en route to the campaigns in Italy. Carlos and his generals went on to reconquer the Kingdom of Naples for Spain at the Battle of Bitonto, with naval assistance from a squadron commanded by Córdova.
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