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Martín Fernández de Navarrete, c1881. Martín Fernández de Navarrete y Jiménez de Tejada (1765-1844) was a sailor, hydrographer, writer, and academic. He joined the Navy at the age of 15, but had to leave active service due to health problems. He then dedicated himself to historical research, and in 1789 was commissioned by the Ministry of the Navy to search the national archives and gather all documents and information related to the maritime history of Spain, a task he carried out for three years. During this time, he discovered the journals of Columbus's first and third voyages. He rejoined active service in the Navy, was promoted to captain, and carried out fruitful work in the Naval Office. In 1808, he resigned from his posts before recognizing Joseph Bonaparte. In 1814, he was appointed secretary of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando, and from 1824 until his death, he served as director of the Royal Academy of History.