Miguel Enriquez
|
|
Capt. Miguel Enriquez (17?? – 18??), born in Puerto Rico, was a pirate in the latter part of the 18th century who fought the British in Vieques.
The Puerto Rican Miguel Enriquez was a shoemaker by occupation. In the latter years of the 18th century, Enriquez decided to try his luck as a pirate. He showed great valor in intercepting English merchant ships and other ships dedicated to contraband that were infesting the seas of Puerto Rico and the Atlantic Ocean in general.
In 1811, Miguel Enriques participated in the expeditionary force, under the command of Juan Rosello, which fought and defeated the British in the island of Vieques. Miguel Enriques was received as a national hero when he returned the island of Vieques back to the Spanish Empire and to the governorship of Puerto Rico.
In recognition for his services, the Spanish Crown awarded Miguel Enriques with "La Medalla de Oro de la Real Efigie", named him Captian of the Seas and Land and gave him a special permit to do his pirate activities in the name of Spain.