James Oglethorpe's Siege of St. Augustine
78The Castillo de San Marcos
Gathering Forces for the Attack and Siege
When the war of Jenkin's Ear commenced between England and Spain in 1739, it afforded the English colonies in Carolina and Georgia the opportunity to attack and lay siege to the Spanish in St. Augustine, Fla.
These reprisals were largely for the long train of evils which they had suffered at their hands. The great foreign military reputation of Governor/General James Oglethorpe, of the Georgia colony, indicated that gentleman as the proper person to lead the joint forces of the two provinces of Carolina and Georgia against their common enemy.
A small European force was sent from Great Britain which included regulars and the 'Old' 42nd Regiment of Foot; colonial militia were furnished by Virginia, and North Carolina; the rest of the army was composed of the Georgia militia; and a strong regiment from South Carolina, under the command of a Colonel Vanderdussen. An Amerindian contingent consisted of warriors from the Creek and Chickasaw tribes.
Battle of Fort Mose
Siege and Fort Mose Battle
After various delays, which some historians have charged against Governor Oglethorpe as the true causes of the failure of the expedition, and which certainly enabled the Spaniards to provide against the invaders, he reached St. Augustine; having on his way, captured three small forts called San Diego, Picolotta, and Mose.
The latter fort was the first free black settlement in America. His force, backed by a small navy of eight war-ships, amounted to at least two-thousand men of all arms, which included Scottish Rangers and the Native American contingent, variously estimated at anywhere between nine hundred and two-thousand warriors.
During Oglethorpes stay at Fort San Diego, the garrison at St. Augustine had received an increase in strength from six Spanish galleys, armed with long brass nine-pounders, and two sloops loaded with provisions.
When he summoned the fortress, he was answered with defiance. The haughty Don, secure in his stronghold, sent Oglethorpe the answer that he would be happy to shake hands with him within the castle.
A bombardment originating from across the water on the island of Santa Anastasia followed this reply, but without effecting any change in the spirit of the defenders. The fire was returned from the castle and galleys, but little damage was done on either side, and the besiegers found it wiser to consult than to cannonade.
The only hope of Oglethorpe had been to catch his objective by surprise. Failing in this, the light weight of his artillery pieces, and the ample preparations of the Spaniards against blockade, left him but little prospect of achieving the conquest of so strong a fortress in any other manner.
Meantime on June the 26th, the Spanish commander, perceiving that the operations of the besiegers were relaxed, sent out a sortie of free blacks and regulars to retake Fort Mose. The Highland Rangers from Darien, Georgia under the command of a Colonel Palmer were not only surprised, but caught sleeping and were cut to pieces.
This disaster, in combination with the desertion of a large part of the Native American contingent, was ample reason to abandon the expedition. The warriors were tired and had lost patience, in addition to being offended with the haughtiness of the Governor. When they brought him the scalp of an enemy, he called them "barbarous dogs," rejected their trophy's, and told them to begone from his sight.They obliged him with desertion.
St Augustine 1740
Siege Lifted
The siege was lifted, and its failure was ascribed by the army and colonial officials to the slow paced advance of their commander, and to his subsequent timidity in making no bold attempt on the town. He, on the other hand, declared that he had no confidence in the staying power of the provincials.
The truth is, the place was so strongly fortified, well provided and numerously manned, that in all probability such an attempt must have failed, though conducted by the ablest officers, and executed by the best troops.
The mutual recrimination between the parties, which followed this failure, led to many injurious dis-likes and misunderstandings. To such a degree was this dis-like carried by the Carolinians for example, that in a subsequent period, when Georgia was invaded by a Spanish force, they at first declined sending help to the sister colony; alleging that they could not trust their troops to a commander in whom they had no confidence.
At a late hour, indeed, they resolved differently, and dispatched three ships to the assistance of the Georgians. The appearance of this tardy force upon the coast, gave an extra shove to the flight of the invaders. Oglethorpe had already beaten them,- acquitting himself like the good leader and brave man he was, and fully making up the errors- depending on ones point of view, he may have made in the expedition to St. Augustine.
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Good Hub. Clear and interesting explanation of the historical events surrounding Sr Augustine. Its funny, I live in Georgia and I am a historian, but I know very little about St Augustine. I am a European historian and many of my Hubs focus on WW II - Nazi concentration camps. Enjoyed your article.
Good day James and thank you sir. I had some photos of inside the castle which brought to mind writing on the 1740 siege; unfortunately, the pics are misplaced but it was a pleasure learning something new since I wasn't all that up on The War of Jenkins Ear. A real expert on Georgia history is the hubber Randy Godwin who just did an awesome piece on Jekyll Island. James, appreciate you brother, very glad you enjoyed.
Thank you for this fine article. I knew nothing about these events. You told the story suspensefully. Well done! I enjoyed this very much.
As battles and sieges generally go this one wasn't particularly sanguine. It was basically written because St. Augustine is the oldest continually inhabited spot in America; and I've been to the castle which is really cool. Couldn't find the pics to it though which is a shame as the ones taken inside the fort were extra interesting. Thank you Martie, can't get over the wastefulness of wars and such either, but they should be remembered as something to avoid-except in true self-defense- at all costs in humanity's future.
A couple of years ago I was hooked on the history of England – especially on the kings and their doings since King Arthur. So many wars, battles, murders, conspiracies and all that is horrible were committed in order to stay in power, or to obtain power. My empathy with the women and children of those soldiers dominated my interest in the details of every battle. So I found this hub quite interesting – I was able to accept the reason of the battle…. But still, how cruel, awful and bloody were those battles! How many thousands of men were horribly killed with swords?
I just can’t get over this aspect of wars and battles.
Congratulations again, Alastar, you have proven yourself as a profound writer of historical events.
If you were to ever write an article on some of that I sure would like to be the first to read it. That's some dedicated interest and fact-finding. Amazon should have starred reviews on a bio or similar. Oglethorpe was certainly brave and made history. Looking forward to discovering the man in detail. Appreciate Randy.
The letters to the trustees I read were in a very old book I checked out from the local library a year or so ago. It also contained letters from other members of the colony and gave much insight into Oglethorpe's problems dealing with the colonists and soldiers.
he originally planned on using debtors from the prisons to establish the colony in "the debatable land," but ending up using soldiers and immigrants instead. A very interesting and brave person, no doubt!
Randy its on the short list to read a bio on Oglethorpe soon, any recommendations would be appreciated. You bring up a good point there; especially when one thinks on all the disparate personalities he had to deal with, not to mention everything else on a lengthy tally. Oglethorpe should be seen through the perspective of his era, not ours.
One has to read his letters to the board of trustees to fully get a feel for the man and his ideas, Alastar. He went through hell dealing with some of the "good citizens" in both Savannah, Darien, and Ft. Frederica.
Randy
Thank you Randy! That's an appreciated comment coming from a Georgia native who knows his Oglethorpe. You no doubt know a great deal more about the man than I do, and folks who have commented on here seem to have different takes on him. But there can be no denying, as you pointed out, he stopped the Spanish cold from any northern advances.
Enjoyed this hub, Alastar! As a fan of Oglethorpe, and the early history of my state, I have haunted both Savannah and Ft. Frederica learning as much as I could about the man. Like him or not, he ended the Spanish attempt to spread their influence further north in this country. Rated up!
Yes it is SanneL! Goat's milk and free roaming organic eggs will have to suffice from the animal kingdom henceforth. It took about a year of slowly coming off but now its here. Last night fixed up some spaghetti sauce with mushrooms and numerous spices; it was pretty good!:)
Alastar, I'm glad you could resist the temptation and stand strong against the pork shop!LOL! It sure is a great feeling to liberate ourselves from unhealthy eating, isn't it?!:)
Your welcome Sannel, pleasure to share. Oh, Oglethorpes pretty well known over here, founding the state of Georgia n all. Kinda like maybe Penn in Pennsylvania. Thank you Sannel, hope things are rosy wherever you are now in Euroland, Skoal! PS- someone offered a scrumptious pork-chop the other day, thanks but no thanks- its quite a liberated feeling going lacto-veg.
Thank you for sharing this great and un-boring history lesson Alastar, I don't think I have heard about James Oglethorpe before,( I'm sure, with a name like that, I would have remembered!)
However, now I know, thanks to your fascinating story.:)
You take some great pics to go with your hubs Jackie. Those you got at Fort Dobbs were very cool. Can't wait to see what your gonna take next, 200 hundreds a lot to chose from. Yes, it is a beautiful place and the sky is sunshiny n blue when the con-trails don't mess it up. Wonder where your going this time?
Ah, yes I love my photography, and it comes first. Going out tomorrow for another shoot before all the leaves are gone. I always come home with 200 +. Right now they are soooo beautiful and I have some great places to go, this place is so beautiful and the sky especially! Isn't it?
Appreciate that Pras, always happy to write the history hubs you like. If some researchers and scientist are right, the past, present, and future are all connected like in a circle; can't have a present with-out a past or have a future with-out a present. You have a great week-end to my friend!
Another "great" hubs from you, brother. I always learn many things from you, especially about the history. You are my teacher now and I really enjoy this lesson. We live from the history and we must know when the history begun. Well done and Rated up. Have a nice weekend!
Prasetio
Probably speaking French over here. Thank you molometer. Know exactly what you mean with the gum cards; the American made plastic soldiers use to love as a kid are collectibles in the antique shops now. My favorite Christmas present of all time was a complete 1960s civil war 5x3 foot board with soldiers, cannons, horses, all the battlefield stuff. Can you imagine what it would be worth today.
Fascinating read Alastar,
Where would we be without the British colonizing every inch of the planet. The wars alone and enough lol
I remember collecting bubble gum cards when I was a kid very similar to the picture you have here.
Very gruesome and blood thirsty depictions of all the wars including the US civil war.
I don't think they could sell them to kids today. Sadly!
Well researched and written hub. Voted up and all those button thingy's. Except funny.
It is pretty interesting suzette. I wanted to do one on Fla. or Ga. and found this. The St Augustine siege is not that well know, which is the kind I like to write about. Thank you suzette. Tippicanoe and Tyler, too. Ha-ha! That slogan helped put ole William Henry in the White House didn't it!
Very interesting, Alastar. I had no idea S. Car and Georgia had so much of a history involving St. Augustine, FL. and the Spanish here in the colonies. Your grasp of American history is amazing. I never remember learning any of this in school. Being from Ohio, all we learned about was "Tippicanoe and Tyler, too." lol
Perhaps men like him are better known when they found colonies or states. Penn in Pennsylvania is another example. Oh you'd love St' Augustine Peggy. The castle is remarkable inside n out, the village is very interesting and the beach is one of the finest I've ever seen; one can drive their vehicle on it too. Appreciate the vote n all Peggy, thank you.
Oglethorpe...now there is a name from the past when studying history. You bring him alive with your hub about his deeds with regard to his seige of St. Augustine. I would love seeing that historic city some day. Voted up, interesting and useful.
Wonderful you're going to college Becky, not so the boring management classes. And free time bored is the absolute worst kind of boring. O yea, plenty of fine wake-up material on the HP! Appreciate it here too.
I am going to college right now and the management courses are as boring as they come. I don't want to be bored on my free time, when I come over here to read something that will wake me up. I really appreciate this un-boring stuff.
We got enough of boring reads in school didn't we Becky. I try and write the history ones so they tell more of a story rather than just a lot of facts n figures. That's very pleasing to hear you like the style, very kind of you. Thank you Becky!
Great hub and very educational without boring. I love the way you write.
Sure would have loved to have met your mom mar. What a wonderful Georgia lady. There's an old saying about how if one ever lives in Atlanta and leaves, they'll always return someday. She helped you study Oglethorpe, how about that. It must be admitted, most old-time Georgia folk revere the man. Kinda like maybe Penn in your state. And yea, the Oglethorpe teaching woulda been my pleasure. Thank you Nurse Mar!
Winners write the history; losers got their misery. So true Silent. The history of the Spanish in the American SW is a bit out of the comfort zone but I do know this: the Alamo is sacred ground in Texas and one better not pee on it like Ozzy Osbourne did. Silent, thank you. Corporatism and imperialism? Sadly, the two are often entwined.
Dear Alastar,
Mom would have joined HubPages by now and been your loyal friend, as I am!
Mom identified with anything "Georgia". She was a great help when I studied Oglethorpe. Come to think of it, you would have been too!
Voted UP & UABI-- excellent historical writing as usual, mar
History is always written by the victorious.Where the Spanish colonies in the American Southwest "liberated" in the name of freedom and democracy the way the U.S. tried to liberate countries in southeast Asia(Vietnam) and is trying at present in the middle east? Corporatism is today's imperialism.
Emotional with great details; that's the formula Mentalist. Alright dude, you got me going- In 1814 we took a little trip, along with Colonel Jackson down the mighty Missisipp'- ha-ha, thank you Bryan!
Hi Tina! One can get caught up a bit in the narrative when writing history ones for sure. I have to admit not knowing a great deal about Oglethorpe other than that he was founder of the Georgia colony and some other facts. Must read a bio on him soon. You make a good point there about judging figures from the past. All factors should be taken into consideration when doing so. Tina, appreciate the vote n fine comment, Skoal!
You've brought to the forefront that our history was an emotional one in great detail Alaster...Bravo.;)
Very interesting to read Alastar and your knowledge and passion for history makes it a joy to read. I have never heard of Oglethorpe before but you gave him personality as well as placed him in a context! Maybe he wasn´t what I would call a great man but it is always easier to judge afterwards!
Voted up, interesting.
Tina
Aha! Synchronicity runs strong on the HP. Was just scrolling for your latest hub lyricwriter. We certainly do share a passion for history. Appreciate you mentioning the research too. When one has read enough books on a subject, and then attempts an article, hopefully a little of what works and what doesn't shows up in the effort. Thank you lyric, you have a good week yourself my friend.
Voted up, useful, and interesting Alastar. I share your passion with history so I can appreciate the hard work put in to this article. I always enjoy learning new things and I do on your articles. This was great Alastar. Keep them coming. Hope all is well with you pal. Have a good Monday and best wishes my friend.
Thomas..hey. "Take me back to Reno..or is it Tulsa?" Ha-ha, thank you bro. Your laudable history education has served you well. That's probably one of the reasons for the GA colony- to act as a buffer from the Spanish that is, in addition to the tidewater, which had an excellent agricultural potential. That's correct about the Natives as well, they weren't calculated much for tedious enterprises and the Gov's attitude was the last straw for them. Thanks again my Reno friend, off to call the mom and shall then return to see what Mr.Sandwiches has been up to.
Alastar...
Once again...you have taken the half remembered fragment of an historical discussion...and have turned it into something tangible.
I am recalling the other colonies attitude towards Georgia as, little more, then a buffer from Spanish and Native incursions.
Your awesome research and compelling writing has put me into the action once again.
Thomas
PS...when you described half the force as being composed of Native Americans...I knew there would be problems. They did not tend towards a mastery of the patience required of siege warfare. This HAS to represent one of the last victories by Spain in the New (or Old) World, huh? Doing all the voting UP things.
Why thanks Canook. I enjoy reading yours too!~ Tarheel
Hi! Tarheel
Another good hub. I enjoy reading your stories. Canook
Very possible Augustine, with the native contingent that is. Oglethorpe certainly didn't use them to full advantage. Got disgusted when they brought him some scalps he did. Thanks for the very kind thumbs up my friend!
Things can get lost in the mess but that was a good story Polly. You write on some N.C. histories that need to be told like your recent one on Fort Dobbs. Bet your next one will be a pleasant surprise too. Organizing thousands of photos..my my Polly that will keep you busy!
Outstanding! I think if the native contigent didn't desert, things could have been different. Awesome Alastar!
It was up forever and just sat there, but at that time I had 500 or more I think, it just got lost in the mess, lol. I am about ready to do another one for NC, have had pictures for months and wouldn't take long but am also wanting to get a couple of poems up. Busy around the house lately redoing before holidays. Also getting my thousands of pictures organized, I spend hours every day on those.
Okay Hyph. Blast those cheaters and keep on rockin!
Me? No, I would crack up laughing at myself. hehe I will stick to shooting the cheater and mourning myself to death.
Hyph, the darn printers not working. When its fixed and the pics go up I'll let you know. Oh hey, I meant pondering on how good it was gal. What you mean not writing lovely, inspirational poems? Those come out in your poetry regardless if they're dramatic, heartbreaking or whatever. Why don't you try writing one that's all airy and sweetness. Might surprise yourself how well it turns out!
Hi Eiddwen! Appreciate your kindness. Yeah, he isn't turning out to be what I thought he was either, but we should look back at those times with the proper perspective. My not help in his case though. Really should study up on that more. Eiddwen you have a good week-end too my friend, thank you.
Alastar, just checking in to see if you got the pictures on yet while I have a minute or two. I am laughing at your comment on the poem. I am still pondering that poem myself. The first version was written years ago. Why can't I write lovely, inspirational poems like other people? Mine are always dramatic, heartbreaking or whatever!
Not surprised about the history CM. One has to take it upon themselves to get a good and rounded education on history in many cases. I usually go to Amazon books then request or occasionally purchase the new releases. Hope you can find some American history ones you like CM.
Back, Jack, do it again..lol. That reminded of the Steely Dan tune Hyph, appreciate it. Your right, political intrigues and manipulations are hardly a new thing. New and criminally improved nowadays perhaps. Really not that up on the Governor/ General out-side of this story and in some others but his bio should be quite an interesting read. The pictures are cool, got some shots of inside the castle. Like the dungeon for instance, which is a bit spooky to say the least. Merci Hyph, still pondering over that awesome Thorn bird poem you wrote.
You are indeed a brillaint teacher Alaster, I love your hubs which are packed with so much information and always leave much food for thought.
Men such as Oglethorp leave a nasty taste in my mouth and it is unbeleivable how so many will follow such leaders right to the bitter end.
I vote up plus bookmark here my friend and here's to so many more to share on here.
Take care and have a great weekend.
Eiddwen.
I think its a good example of what we are not taught in schools over here any more. Anything to do with Colonialism is a big no-no really, except for the Slave Trade (as long as you stress how nasty we were LOL!), and I studied history up to degree level and never really covered the early origins of the United States, how the various States were formed and what when on. So thanks for the information - I'm off to the library to see if I can get some books on the subject!
Hi CM. You know, a lot of early American history is in fact U.K. history as well. A story like this one is a good example. Oglethorpe founded Georgia in 1733 as a British colony and one of the original 13 states. Okay, I love your history so you have to start reading up on mine,er, ours that is! Thanks CM.
Howdy Spirit. Hope things are well on the Isle of Man today. That's a very good question why people follow tyrants and such. Probably for the power and booty as in so many instances elsewhere in history. I wasn't aware of Oglethorpe's less than stellar reputation before femmeflashpoint pointed it out. I'll check the video today Irish, appreciate it. And your most welcome my friend, more than happy to be your virtual teacher..lol!
Alastar you have done it again. I knew very little about Oglethorpe and this siege. It is interesting that political intrigue and manipulations never go away. They just change with the season. Your review of this time and man are great. Thank you for that. I would like to see your photos when you get them uploaded. Thank you Alastar. I enjoyed this one very much.
Thanks for sharing this great information Alastar, as I've not really read too much about American history, and had not heard of Oglethorpe before
Wonderful femme, thanks for the forward. Oh, okay, Pirates of Savannah, that sounds familiar. Good history fiction combines historical facts into the narrative and Lupo did that well here. Savannah's produced some famous writers and lyricists'- Johnny Mercer was from there, so he may well be from Savannah. Appreciate the great comments femme; will let you know any thoughts on the pics.
And Captain Packer appreciates that Commander. Thats funny you should mention a time capsule, because I'm perusing a new read about a 15th century Italian who found one of ancient Rome's lost manuscripts.Hope the goose is hangin high your way too Colin, thanks!
Another very interesting account of events I had no knowledge about. I am always puzzled at why down through the years men have slavishly followed tyrants to the point of even laying their lives down for them. I thought perhaps you might find this video interesting as it pertains to my sentiments here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WibmcsEGLKo&feature
You have a great day Dixie and thank you for writing this great hub. I still wish you had been my History teacher.
Alastar,
I received a few of the photos about an hour ago. Will forward momentarily. The rest will arrive soon, and will forward those as well.
I only vaguely remember a brief mention of Oglethorp during a lecture or two in junior high school, lol. However, there was considerable information about him woven into Tarrin Lupo's "Pirates of Savannah." I loved the book because Tarrin blended actual history accounts into a largely fictional story, and tahdaaah - it clicked and for whatever reason, in that format, I was able to remember who was who, where they were from, and what they were responsible for.
It's a very cool book. I did a review of it right after I read it. I don't know if Tarrin's a Savannah native or not, but he seems to have a very impressive grasp of Savannah's history, especially of that during colonial times, as well as what was going on in jolly old Britain when we were gearing for war here in the colonies.
....try not to miss a new hub subject by our resident hub historian - if there's a time capsule sent into the future courtesy of Hubpages then no doubt under the category of history and writing would appear the hallowed and most respected name of Alastar Packer - thank you for all of these memories dear friend and esteemed colleague ....lake erie time 3:03am this hub will be my lullaby as I am now going to sleep after arriving home from night shift - hope all is well with you my friend and hope to see you on the weekend.
Femme I gotta admit not being all that up on Oglethorpe's complete story, so your teaching me some history here. He could be nepotistic and a bit of a tyrant too, eh. How about that. Never knew about him stringing people up in Savannah's square either, hmm. Oh, they just might let you lead, Joan of Arc style maybe..lol. Ha! That's wicked good femme- they could die quickly in Tenn. or badly in Kentucky. Thanks femme, don't forget to send those pics if you get em. Very interesting on that.
Polly thank you, I had some awesome photos of the castle but the scanner s acting up; maybe later. That's right, you used to live down there. It is a magical place, like it very much. Have you got any Fountain of Youth bottles? I read your St Augustine hub and can't imagine why you'd take it down.
Alastar,
I think Oglethorpe was only the man of the hour in the Brit government's eyes. I got the impression that the colonists didn't like him at all, and that he both thought he was the cock of the walk, he also loved throwing his weight around. His underlings were the same, confiscating this and that, as well as commandeering the properties of the colonists all in the name of the crown.
I read the colonists put up with it and showed as much appropriate fawning as they could manage to come up with toward's Oglethorp, because if they didn't, they got hung in the Savannah square.
I'm thinking not many would let me lead an assault, Alastar, but I appreciate your thinking I might, lol!
I'd be somewhat civil about it, and at least try to give them some choices. They could either turn around and go home. Or, they could die quickly in Tennessee, or die badly in Kentucky, lol.
Hi Femme. Thank you. Ha-hah! not familiar with Lupo's book but I'll take your word about the governor's bad mark. Well, the Georgia colony was pretty new and Oglethorpe was the man of the hour so to speak. The seat of Spanish power was in St Augustine and the start of the conflict between Britain and Spain gave the colonies the excuse and momentum needed to make an attempt on the castle. Hey femme, you'd be leadin that preemptive strike in Tennessee I'd bet! The Spanish had been enemies for a very long time with the settlers to the north. Their power was on the wan anyways by the time of the expedition. Appreciate the super comment femme! Thanks.
Ah, my old stomping grounds. I have stood on top of that fort so many times, and have stood there at the far end looking at beached whales when I was no more than a kid. It held magic for me years ago before it got new and improved. Great hub. Good info I never knew. The only name that I associate with it is Ponce De Leon. I had a St. Augustine hub I took down but it was about my visits there.
Alastar - very cool recount! I just can't seem to get a liking for Oglethorpe, which is probably wrong of me, but after reading T. Lupo's book which portrayed Oglethorpe as a pompous British horse's rear-end ... I probably never WILL like him.
But, you would think the Carolinians would have sent help sooner, even if they had to send their own commander to manage the troops. I would think that they would have thought it much better to meet the invaders in Georgia and disperse them before they made it into Carolinian back yards.
If I had word that an invasion was to occur in Kentucky, I'd be trying to head them off at the pass in Tennessee before they could come farther north. If not stopped, at least slowed down. Did the Carolinian Brit government want the Spaniards for neighbors?
Alastar Packer Hub Author 5 months ago
Thank you phdast7! I wasn't all that familiar with events surrounding St Augustine either so it was quite enjoyable finding out. I've visited the Castillo which is a remarkable piece of history. There's one creepy dungeon inside for example. Love European history so will look forward to your hubs phdast7, thanks again!