Expedition Against Florida Indians

These skirmishes took place during the War of 1812 time frame.  They were known as the "Patriot War;" a war within a war?

Photo Of Map In Cumberland NP Museum in St. Mary's, Georgia

"Official letters of the military and naval officers of the United States..." included one from Daniel Newnan to David B. Mitchell concerning an expedition against the Florida Indians, dated October 19, 1812, from New-Hope, St. John's, Florida.

Excerpts from Newnan's letter:

"...an account of the several engagements which have taken place, between the Lotchaway and Alligator Indians, and the detachment of Georgia volunteers, under my command."

"On the morning of the 4th day of our march, when we were within 6 or 7 miles of the Lotchaway towns [present day Alachua], our advanced party discovered a body of Indians, marching along the path, meeting us, and, at the same moment, they appeared to have discovered us."

Suwannee Co., Florida, Location Of  Alligator, An Indian Village,

"The evil genius of captain again prevailed; and I have since learned from captain Cone, that this person instigated not only him, but many of the privates, to urge a departure from our works, even in the day time, when I was convinced that the Indians, knowing our weak situation, would endeavour to ambuscade. This gentleman, if innocent, will have an opportunity of proving himself so before a court martial."

Also mentioned in the letter:  Colonel Smith, Captain Cone, Captain Humphrey, Captain Fort, Lieutenant Fannin, Captain Coleman, Lieutenant Broadnax, Sergeant-Major Reese, Captain Harden, Sergeant Holt, Sergeant Attaway, Ensign Mann, Lieutenant Williams, Sergeant Hawkins, Corporal Neil, Lieutenant Reed, Sergeant Fields, Sergeant Cowan, and Sergeant Denmark.