Serna, José de la

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José de la Serna (hōsā´ ŧħā lä sār´nä), 1770–1832, Spanish general, viceroy of Peru (1821–24). In 1821 the military leaders, dissatisfied with Viceroy Pezuela and his conduct of the war against José de San Martín, deposed Pezuela and named José de la Serna in his place; he was confirmed in the office by Spain. Forced to evacuate Lima, he made Cuzco his capital and preserved some show of royal government until the defeat at Ayacucho, where he was captured.