Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) to Andrew Hynes
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07983.01 Author/Creator: Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) Place Written: Mobile, Alabama Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 September 1814 Pagination: 1 p. : address ; 32.3 cm x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy
Battle at Fort Bowyer, Mobile Point [Ala.]: " A combined British and Spanish force, with 500 or 600 Indians made an attack by land and water on Fort Bowyer in Mobile Point, the battle was tremendous, and continued until about 12 OClock at night when a ... vast explosion took place [destruction of British warship Hermes]". Colonel Hynes was a Nashville merchant. Jackson spells his name Haynes on the envelope.
Head quarters 7 M. District
Mobile Sept 17th 1814. 6 oclock a. m.
Sir
On the day of the 15:th instant, a combined British and Spanish force, with 500 or 600 hundred Indians made an attack by [inserted: land & water] on Fort Bowyer Mobile Point, the Battle was tremendious, and continued untill about 12 oclock at night when a [struck: the] firing ceased and a vast explosion took place - a reinforcement that I had attempted to throw into the Fort got within five miles by water, the British Vessels having got possession of the channel, the reinforcement could not get in, and were in full view of the engagement, untill the firing ceased, [struck: the] Capt - Laval who commanded the reinforcement being of the oppinion that it was the magazine of the Fort [inserted: that it had fell] & being apprehensive of being pursued by the Boats of the enemy, weighed anchor & returned yesterday to this place several who also was witness to the scene, believe the explosion was the blowing up of the largest vessel, that lay a breast of the Fort - Whether the Fort is or is not taken is doubtfull I have sent a Detachment down to reinforce the Fort if not taken - and several dispatch. Vessels neither of whom has returned - Push on the Troops, from Tennessee with all Possible haste as I have no disposable force to do any thing with - and I am fearfull that the Choctaws will in part join the Spaniards - This is not for Publication - In haste
yr mo, ob, serv,
[inserted: Colo] A. Haynes adjutant Andrew Jackson
Genl -
P.S. I want as many volunteer horsemen as can be speedily raised, to proceed with all haste to Fort St Stephens My complements to all friends -
had I one thousand horsemen here I could soon put an end to Spanish & Indian depredation on land - and drive the British from the shores - without this the country here is endangered - the indian force will daily increase -
[address leaf]
Colo. Andrew Haynes
adjutant General of the
State of Tennesse
Nashville
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