Borso di Carminati and the Regiment of Caçadores from Porto in Castellón (1836-1840)

Abstract

This article is the result of a PhD research project focusing on the Ejército del Centro, a large military division that fought against the absolutist rebels during the First Carlist War in Spain, most notably in Valencia and Aragon, between 1836 and 1840. One of its constituent units was the Regiment of Cazadores de Oporto, composed of Portuguese troops and Central European commanders. Initially led by Italian field marshal Cayetano Borso di Carminati, it was transported from Portugal by sea and began its military activity in Catalonia in early 1836. Half a year later it moved to Valencian territory, where it would take an active part in most of the confrontations, always standing out because of the battle prowess of its veteran members. For a long time, it was responsible for the defence of a large part of the province of Castellón. Hence, becoming closely linked to the history of its main localities.

Combining primary sources with the extensive existing bibliography, this article is meant to offer a chronological perspective on the Battalion. This provides an insight into its evolution and internal conflicts, both those derived from its heterogeneous composition and those rooted in the extreme misery experienced by the troops in the Valencian region — this explains, though it does not justify, the various instances of insubordination in which these troops were involved. In addition to contextualising the Regiment's trajectory within the larger division to which it belonged, the dramatic human cost that the Regiment of Cazadores paid in fulfilling their commitment will also be analysed. This will, in turn, serve to highlight the important role played by the Castellón military hospital during the First Carlist War. Finally, the moment in which these efficient mercenaries were discharged and their unit dismantled will be thoroughly explored. A conflictive situation as well, both because of the economic difficulties the Spanish government was experiencing by the end of the conflict and also because of the lack of interest on the part of Spanish politicians' and the country's own political evolution. The payment of delayed salaries to these combatants would continue until the middle of the century.