Marcelino de Oraá Lecumberri (1788—1851) was a Basque Spanish military man and administrator. Born in Beriain in Navarre, he distinguished himself as a cadet during the War of Spanish Independence.[1]
He later fought in the First Carlist War on the Liberal (Isabeline) side, leading a column as colonel. He became a general in 1834 and field marshal in 1836. He participated in the battles of Arquijas, Mendaza and Luchana. He showed great skill and judgment in these battles, and his involvement at Arquijas was critical. Vicente Blasco Ibáñez has written:
One has to recognize that in the battle at Arquijas, the victory would have been the Carlists' had it not been for the skill and daring of Oráa, who knew how to extricate himself from a dire situation, as General Córdova had shown lamentable irresolution retreating from the battlefield before hostilities had ceased.[2]
He served as Governor-General of the Philippines from February 14, 1841 to June 17, 1843. He put down two Filipino rebellions, led by Apolinario de la Cruz (Hermano Pule) and Sergeant Irineo Samaniego, respectively.[1]
He returned to Spain and served as a senator. He died at his natal town.[1] His works include Memoria histórica de la conducta militar y política del General Oráa (Madrid 1851).
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