Consequences Of General Andrew Jackson's Second Campaign

In April of 1818, General Andrew Jackson led his second campaign through west Florida engaging both Indians and Spanish fortifications throughout the region. The consequences of his actions had many far reaching effects. These are entries from the General's journal to provide an inside perspective of the situation. All negative opinions displayed toward native Americans and other minority groups were likely held by General Jackson, but they in no way reflect those held by the author. March 20th 1818 The heat here is quite oppressive. Although it is only mid-march, the short winter and spring season have ended and been replaced with an ungodly heat and humidity. The temperature though, is hardly of consequence. The men endure it royally,
In our previous raids we had captured two British citizens. One Alexander Arbuthnot and one Robert Ambrister. Both, we tried in court for providing the Indians with weapons and encouraging them to act against Americans on the frontier. Both were sentenced to be executed, but the court, at the last minute, lightened the sentence of Mr. Ambrister. However because he seemed to be just as guilty as the other man, I used my authority to intervene, and both were executed. After all, "My God would not have smiled on me, had I punished only the poor ignorant savages, and spared the white men who set them on." (Dr. Naomi and Stanley Yavneh Klos). There have been several more pleasant triumphs though. On April 6th we captured the Spanish stronghold St. Marks (Stokes). They laid down their arms upon our arrival, and a bloody battle was avoided (A History of Florida). Also, being held in a village near the Suwannee river, we rescued Elizabeth Stewart, the woman captured in the Scott Massacre (Stokes). All of these months, she was prisoner to these savages, and it is with great honor that we liberate her from captivity and send her home to her family, who have probably given up all hope for her. Soon we shall march for Pensacola, as it is the last haven for Indians and outlaws in this
While we were en-rout, several messages were delivered to me from Governor Masot demanding my departure from his land, so I was not expecting an easy surrender as we experienced at St. Marks. I do not blame him for his hostility against me, since I am after all invading the solemn territory of Spain. However, the Spanish have been turning a blind eye to the outlaws in their midst for far too long, and it is rumored that the Indians even receive suppiles and encouragement in Pensacola (A History of Florida). Upon our arrival, Masot hid himself within Fort Barrancas. For several days, we exchanged cannon-fire, and three times I demanded his surrender (A History of Florida). Finally, yesterday, May 28th 1818, Masot surrendered the fort, and my long campaign is at its end. I shall leave Colonial William King to be governor of this territory, and I shall return to my home in Tennessee and see my wife once more