Royal Havana Company Collection

Collection

Identifier: MS Group 025

Scope and Content

This collection includes notes about shipments of tobacco aboard the frigate San Cristóbal and the brigantine Santo Tomás, and a letter penned by Martín de Aróstegui, defending his role as president of Royal Havana Company. Aróstegui also talks in the letter about the construction of navy ships Rayo and El Fénix, which in 1749 sailed from Havana. Both ships were of good use to the Spanish navy, and especially Rayo was used in the Battle of Trafalgar, then taken by the British, and unfortunately sunken during a hurricane.

Dates

Creation: 1749

Creator

Royal Havana Company. (Organization)

Access

The collection is open for research.

Biographical/Historical Note

Founded in 1740, Royal Havana Company was a collaboration between the Spanish Crown and businessmen based in Cuba. The primary goal of the company was the administration of the island's three biggest industries: shipbuilding and trading of sugar and tobacco. Martín de Aróstegui (1698-1764), was the president of Royal Havana Company, from its inception in 1740, until 1752, when accused of embezzlement and excessive recruitment of employees, and he was removed from this post by King Ferdinand VI. Eventually shipbuilding costs proved higher than expected, causing the Spanish government to conclude this enterprise after completion of ships under contract.

Extent

0.01 Linear feet (1 folder)

Language of Materials

Spanish; Castilian

Additional Description

Abstract

Royal Havana Company was a Spanish company based in Havana, Cuba, which specialized in shipbuilding and trading of tobacco and sugar. This collection includes notes about shipments of tobacco, and a letter penned by Martín de Aróstegui, defending his role as president of Royal Havana Company.