Amat-i-Huniet, Manuel de

Manuel de Amat and Huniet was born in 1707 near Barcelona in an aristocratic Catalan family.

Manuel joined the army at an early age, in 1719 took part in the battle against the French in Aragon. Subsequently, he joined the Order of Malta , went to the island and lived there for about 4 years. Then he fought in Africa and received a dragoon regiment at his command.

Distinguished in the battle of Bitonto in the War for the Polish Succession on May 25, 1734, as well as in the siege of Gaeta .

In 1755, Manuel de Amat and Huniet was sent to America as governor of Chile . His main task as governor was to increase the country's defense, traveling around Chile, he gave orders for the establishment of fortifications, especially in the coastal zone. The Spanish authorities rightly feared the invasion of their colonies in other European countries. Also fortifications were erected on the border with the territories of the people Mapuche , with which the colonists often clashed, one of the tasks of the new governor were negotiations with this people. Also, the governor hoped to receive from this nation guarantees of security of communications between the cities of Concepcion and Chiloi, these negotiations had only partial success.

In Chile, he founded the cities of Talkamavid , Walka and Nacimiento

In Santiago, he carried out important administrative reforms, and also tried to improve the infrastructure of the city, when it began the construction of a bridge across the Mapocho River , as well as the market in Armas Square.

In 1757 he carried out the reform of the royal university. On October 12, 1758, Manuel de Amat and Huniet established the first police force in Chile under the name "Queen's Dragoons", sp. Dragones de la Reina , in 1812, the police was renamed the "Dragoons of Chile."

After he left his post, he was subjected to a judicial investigation (the usual procedure at that time regarding the colonial officials who left the position, the so-called “juicio de residencia”). The verdict was in favor of Manuel de Amat and Junet.

On October 12, 1761, Manuel de Amat and Huniet was appointed to the post of Viceroy of Peru.

In his reign, in 1774, the fortress of King Philip in Callao was completed.

In September 1767, in accordance with the royal decree on the expulsion of the Jesuits from the colonies, he closed all the Jesuit missions in Peru.

When it was founded the Royal College of San Carlos. When it was in Peru, the first bullring in Peru was also built, the first bullfight was held on February 22, 1762 .

After the discoveries of new territories committed by Captain Cook in the Pacific , the Spaniards feared the creation of a strong outpost of Britain near their colonies. Manuel de Amat and Juniet rightly believed that the British could attack Peru and organized an expedition under the command of Domingo de Bonechea . The expedition arrived on the island of Tahiti after Cook had been there, but they explored other islands that were not discovered by Cook. In subsequent expeditions, organized by the viceroy de Bonachea, he discovered most of the islands of modern French Polynesia .

He also organized the commerce control authorities and the first customs at the port of Callao .

The post of Viceroy of Peru left July 17, 1776 and returned to Barcelona on October 22, 1777 .

Manuel de Amat and Juniet was married to Maria Francisco de Fevalier, they had no children.

He died in Barcelona on February 14, 1782 at the age of 74 years.

• Biography in the Catalan Encyclopedia
• Details biography
• King Philip Fortress