Transcribed and translated by Sutton White, Matt Troppe, Anthony Correia, and Brent Nagel (University of Virginia)

 

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Diario

 

De las operaciones de la expedicion contra la Plaza de Panzacola concluida por las Armas de S. M. Católica baxo las órdenes del Mariscal de Campo D. Bernardo de Galvez.

 

Frustrada por el úracan la Expedicion que salió de la Havana contra Panzacola en 16 de Octubre de 1780 , regresó su Comandante Don Bernardo de Galvez al Puerto de la salida el 17 de Noviembre con el dolor de ignorar el paradero de las embarcaciones de su comboy , de las quales dispersadas por el temporal, unas fueron á parar á Campeche , otras al río Misisipí , algunas á otras partes , y se cree haber parecido una mediante no saberse su suerte. Luego que llegó á la Havana el referido General reiteró sus antiguas pretensiones de que se socorriese el Fuerte de la Mobila con víveres y tropas, así por hallarse escasisimo de aquellos , como por estár amenazado de un ataque. En fuerza de sus instancias mandó la Junta de Generales se habilitasen los buques correspondientes al transporte de 500 hombres , y alguna cantidad de comestibles , y este pequeño comboy se hizo á la vela en 6 de Diciembre al mando de Capitan de fragata D. Joseph de Rada ; pero sin embargo que á pocos dias de navegacion arribó felizmente á la boca de la Mobila , no se determinó á entrar en su bahia por haber encontrado (segun aseguró) alguna variacion en el canal , y se hizo á la vela en derechura á la Balija del rio Misisipí , á cuya entrada dexó el comboy y se restituyó á la Havana.

Esta circunstancia , la de haber entrado dos fragatas Inglesas en la misma bahía de la Mobila cinco dias despues , y la noticia de haber sido atacado el destacamento del Village , movieron á D. Bernardo de Galvez á instar , para que ya que el estado de las cosas no permitiese renovar la expedicion desde la Havana , se le diese alguna tropa con que reforzar las guarniciones de la Luisiana y Mobila , y desde allí, si hallase una oportunidad feliz , empeñar para un nuevo esfuerzo á los habitantes [página 2] de aquellas provincias , y caer sobre Panzacola ; ó si esta no podia ser , conservar con mas seguridad lo conquistado. Aprobada la idéa por la Junta de Generales , acordó se señalasen 1315 hombres de varios Regimientos , inclusas 5 compañias de granaderos , y se providenciase á la habilitacion de buques de transporte , destinado para conserva de éstos el navio de guerra el San Ramon del mando de D. Joseph Calbo , la fragata Sta. Clara del de D. Miguél Alderete , la Sta. Cecilia del de D. Miguél de Goicoechea , el chambequin Caiman del de D. Joseph Serrato , y el paquebot S. Gil del de D. Joseph Maria Chacon , todos á las órdenes del citado General D. Bernardo de Galvez , por peticion suya y asenso de la Junta , como consta del siguiente oficio pasado por el General de Marina al Comandante del navio D. Joseph Calvo .

A la pregunta que V.S. me hace en papel de ayer sobre ”que le manifeste los términos en que debe ir subordinado , y obedecer las órdenes del Sr. D. Bernardo de Galvez Mariscal de Campo de los Reales Exércitos , le prevengo que las que diese á V.S. el expresado Sr. D. Bernardo , relativas á la conquista de Panzacola , debe V.S. ponerlas en práctica , segun su conocida notoria inteligencia , sin separarse en lo demás de lo que provienen las Reales Ordenanzas de la Armada , procurando que en todos los baques de su mando se observe la exacta disciplina que en ellas se previene. Nuestro Sr. guarde á V.S. muchos años. Havana 6 de Febrero de 1781. =Juan Bautista Bonet=Sr. D. Joseph Calbo.“

Quando todo se hallaba pronto por parte del Exército y Marina , se embarcó el General el 13 de Febrero , á pesar de hallarse algo decadente de salud : la tropa executó lo mismo el 14 , y el 28 por la mañana salió el comboy con tanta felicidad que á las 3 de la tarde yá se hallaban todos los buques á una vista del Puerto de la Havana. Desde luego dispuso el General que el Capitan D. Miximiliano Maxent pasase en una goleta á la Nueva Orleans con órdenes para el Comandante de las armas , á fin de que la tropa que habia dexado D. Joseph Rada y la que arribó por el temporal de Octubre , saliesen al encuentro del comboy , á cuyo efecto , con fecha de primero de Febrero , tenia yá prevenido se hallase pronta á hacerse á la vela al primer aviso.

El primero de Marzo comisionó el General á D. Miguél de Herrera , Subteniente del Regimiento de España , para que en una [Página 3] goleta pasase á la Mobila con cartas para D. Joseph Ezpeleta , en que le manifestaba de recalar al Este de la Isla de Sta. Rosa que está delante del Puerto de Panzacola , advirtiendole que marchase por tierra á unirsele con la tropa de su mando.

El 4 á la 9 de la mañana concurrieron á bordo del navio Comandante los de los buques de guerra , y les manifestó el General que su proyecto era recalar sobre la Isla de Sta. Rosa , desembarcar en ella y atacar la batería que los enemigos tenian en la punta de Sigüenza , á fin de facilitar á nuestros buques la entrada en el Puerto sin el riesgo de pasar por entre fuegos que se cruzasen , y allí esperar los refuerzos de la Luisiana y Mobila. Todos los Oficiales de Marina aplaudieron este pensamiento , y entre ellos hubo quienes solicitaron con empeño la gloria de ser los primeros que entrasen. A las 10 se avistaron á barlovento 11 embarcaciones , á las que se dió caza hasta la entrada de la noche , y segun su rumbo pareció iban en vuelta de la sonda de la Tortuga , y se creyó ser el comboy que se esperaba de Veracruz con víveres.

El 5 á las 6 de la tarde se incorporó á la esquadra el bergantín el Galveztown que habia salido de la Havana el dia 2.

El 9 á las 6 de la mañana se avistó tierra y á poco rato se reconoció ser la Isla de Sta. Rosa : a las 8 se oyeron algunos cañonazos , de que se infirió la proximidad del Puerto de Panzacola.

A las 2 de la tarde llamó el General á la orden , y en ella previno que toda la tropa se hallase pronta á desembarcar aquella noche , y que cada soldado llevase consigo 3 dias de racion ; bien entendido que los granaderos y cazadores serian los primeros para el desembarco , y que debian concurrir en lanchas por la popa del navio S. Ramon quando en él se pusiesen 2 faroles. A la Oracion dió fondo el comboy á distancia de un tiro de cañon de tierra , y á 3 leguas á barlovento de la boca del Puerto.

A las 8 de la noche se puso señal en el navio Comandante para que concurriesen las lanchas con la tropa , y puesto el General á la cabeza de ellas se executó el desembarco , aunque con algunos recelos , sin la menor oposicion. Dió su órdenes al Coronél D. Francisco Longoria para que emprehendiese la marcha con los granaderos y cazadores , y regresó al navio á fin de avivar el total desembarco , de modo que á las 3 de la mañana del dia 10 todas las tropas marchaban en columna por la orilla del mar de la referida Isla [Página 4].

La gente del primer desembarco llegó á la punta de Sigüenza á las 5 y media de la mañana , donde no se halló el Fuerte que se pensaba , y sí solo 3 cañones desmontados , y una batería de faginas media deshecha que con poco conocimiento de su utilidad , habian abandonado los enemigos. A corto rato se vieron venir a tierra hácia aquella parte dos lanchas con 7 hombres á los quales apresaron los cazadores. Advertido esto por el Fuerte de las Barrancas-coloradas que está en frente de la punta de Sigüenza á distancia como de 500 toesas , y por 2 fragatas Inglesas que se hallaban fondeadas á su inmediacion , comenzaron un vivo fuego sobre nuestra tropa sin haber ocasionado la menor desgracia , porque el terreno proporcionaba varias pequeñas lomas para guarecerse , y además se levantó alguna tierra para mayor seguridad.

Los prisioneros declararon al General que la Plaza estaba bien provista de víveres y tropa , y que de dia en dia se esperaba un considerable refuerzo de Jamayca.

El 10 á las 11 de la mañana varió el fondeadero el comboy con más inmediacion al puerto : aquella tarde hizo el General varios reconocimientos en la parte de la Isla que mira á la Plaza con objeto de elegir un parage á propósito donde formar una batería que alejase y ofendiese á las fragatas enemigas que cañoneaban nuestro Campo, y proteger la entrada del comboy y esquadra , á cuyo efecto mandó desembarcar dos cañones de á 24 , dos de á 8 y cuatro de á 4 con las municiones correspondientes , y 150 tiendas de campaña para la tropa.

El 11 antes de amenecer comisionó el Comandante de la esquadra sugetos para que sondeasen la barra del puerto , y se formó una batería á barbeta frente de las Barrancas con dos cañones de á 24 que comenzaron á jugar á las 3 y media de la tarde contra una de las fragatas Inglesas que se hallaban á la vela.

A esta hora se levó la esquadra y comboy con obgeto de entrar en el Puerto , lo qual visto por el General se embarcó inmediatamente en el navio S. Ramon para hallarse en esta operacion y pasar por el riesgo , pero fueron tantas las instancias de su Capitan D. Joseph Calbo para que regresase á tierra , que hubo de ceder. A poco rato de haber mareado todo el comboy , se reparó que el navio habia virado de bordo y que volvió á fondear donde antes se hallaba con todos los demás buques que le seguian , motivado de que al tiempo de atravesar la barra tocó en ella , segun informó al General el Mayor de órdenes de la esquadra.

[Página 5] Toda la noche la empleó el Comandante del navio D. Joseph Calbo en alijarle , hasta haberle dexado en disposicion de que verificase su entrada , no obstante que el tiempo era poco á propósito entonces para executarlo.

El 12 continuó el tiempo contrario , y temiendose el General que si arreciaba tal vez no podrian mantenerse las embarcaciones en una playa descubierta , y que si se veian en la precision de hacerse á la vela quedaria el campo sin víveres , dispuso que se traxeron quantos se pudieran para precaver este accidente , y así se executó con la mayor actividad.

A las 8 de la mañana pasó el General al extremo de la punta de Sigüenza á reconocer algunos trabajos que allí se estaban executando , y á las 2 de la tarde se fue á bordo del S. Ramon para tratar que las fragatas de guerra entrasen en el puerto á la cabeza del comboy , y que el navio lo executase después para evitar por este media si segunda vez baraba , que los demás buques se detuviesen como habia sucedido la tarde anterior ; pero habiendole obgetado los Oficiales de Marina algunas dificultades , regresó á tierra , y le escribió al Comandante del S. Ramon manifestándole quan necesario era intentar desde luego el paso del canal para evitar los riesgos de que un temporal , de los regulares en aquella costa , forzase al comboy á separarse y dexase al exército abandonado : con cuyo motivo le advertia que yá podia contar con el auxlio de una batería de seis cañones de á 24 que habia colocado él en la punta de Isla haciendo frente á la de los enemigos.

Con aviso que se tuvo la misma tarde de que algunas Ianchas enemigas habian atravesado el canal que forma la Isla de Santa Rosa con la tierra firme , se abanzaron hácia aquel parage algunos granaderos y cazadores para reconocerlas y cortar la retirada á los enemigos si algunos desembarcasen.

El 13 continuó el desembarco de víveres y pertrechos , receloso siempre el General de que las demoras en forzar el puerto diesen lugar á que los suestes que son tan freqüentes y temibles obligasen al comboy á hacese á la vela. Sin embargo en dicho dia recibió la respuesta del Comandante de las fuerzas de mar reducida á pintar las grandes dificultades que hallaba , aún después de consultar y oír el dictámen de los Oficiales de su esquadra , en eventurar los buques de su mando quando le faltaban las noticias indispensables del fondo y direccion del canal , carecia de prácticos y comprehendia que los fuegos enemigos [página 6] deberian ofender por popa y proa á las embarcaciones , sin posibilidad de corresponder éstas utilmente con los suyos.

A las 3 de la tarde dispuso el General que su Ayudante de Campo D. Estevan Miró pasase á la Mobila con instrucciones verbales para el Coronel D. Joseph Ezpeleta , á fin de convinar la union recíproca de tropas con ventajas sobre el enemigo.

El 14 se continuó el desembarco de víveres , bien que con suma dificultad por la mucha resaca que la mar hacía á su orilla , y comisionó el General al Capitan de bergantin Galveztown para con certidumbre el braceage que había.

El 15 dificultó infinito la mar que las lanchas se acercasen á tierra , y con inmenso trabajo se pudieron desembarcar algunas menestras y carne salada que trahían.

A las 2 de la tarde se descubrió en lo interior del puerto y á la vela una urca Inglesa , la qual se situó entre las dos fragatas fuera de tiro de nuestro cañon. A la misma hora se colocaron en batería dos cañones de á 8 con inmediacion á la que se había formado con otros dos de á 24.

El 16 á las 8 de la mañana llegó de la Mobila la balandra del mando del Teniente de fragata D. Juan Riaño con cartas del Coronel Ezpeleta , en que avisaba al General que iba á ponerse en marcha con 900 hombres hasta la orilla del rio de los Perdidos , distante de Panzacola cinco leguas ; y que para pasar á la parte opuesta de éste necesitaba que se le enviasen algunas lanchas. Este Oficial desde luego que llegó á la costa pasó á presentarse al Comandante de la esquadra , quien enterado de la comision que traía pasó al General el oficio siguiente.

”Muy Señor mio : En el momento que D. Juan Riaño me dió la noticia de hallarse el exército de Mobila en la orilla del rio de los Perdidos , he dado la providencia de disponer las lanchas armadas con diez dias de víveres , y á fin de que en esta parte tenga quanto pueda necesitar voy á prevenir algunos mas que le suministraré de este navio.“

”También voy á dar orden al Pio, que cala menos agua , que vaya á cubrir esta pequeña expedicion lo mas cerca de tierra que sea posible , así para libertarla de qualquiera embarcacion que intente hacerle oposicion , como para que le suministre al Sr. Ezpeleta algunos cañones y víveres si los necesita.“

”Soy de parecer si V.S. gusta de servirse de él de que la [página 7] expedicion se haga á prima noche luego que obscurezca, para no llamar la atencion de los enemigos y salgan á hacer alguna incómoda oposicion , pero en este particular V.S. hará lo que le parezca.“

”He elegido para que dirijan las lanchas á mi segundo el Capitan de fragata D. Andrés Valderrama , y al primer Teniente de navio D. Antonio Estrada , los que llevan prácticos , ahuja de marear , y un pilotin . Dios guarde á V.S. muchos años. A bordo del navio S. Ramon en ancla inmediato á la costa de la Isla de Santa Rosa 16 de Marzo de 1781. B.L.M. de V.S. su más afecto servidor Joseph Calbo de Irazabal.- Sr. D. Bernardo de Galvez.“

 

Respuesta del general.

 

”Muy Señor mio : Pareceme bien quanto V.S. me dice en su oficio de hoy que ha dispuesto para auxliar las tropas de la Mobila , y quedo rogando á Dios guarde á V.S. muchos años. Campo de Sta. Rosa 16 de Marzo de 1781. Bernarde de Galvez= Sr. D. Joseph Calbo.“

El dia 17 á las 11 de la mañana la balandra del citado Don Juan Riaño se situó de orden del General á la entrada del puerto de Panzacola , acompañada del bergantin el Galveztown y de las dos lanchas cañoneras. A las 4 de la tarde llegó de la Mobila el Alferez D. Miguél Herrera con cartas para el General del Coronel Ezpeleta , quien le avisaba hallarse marchando con sus tropas para reunirsele.

Reconociendo el General que se tardaba demasiado en resolver la entrada de la esquadra con el comboy , temiendo que tal vez por algun recio viento se viese obligada á dar la vela para no estrellarse en la costa , dexando por conseqüencia abandonadas las tropas en la Isla sin medios con que subsistir en ella , determinó ser él mismo el primero que forzase el puerto, en el firme concepto de que este último recurso podria estimular á los demás á que le siguiesen ; y con efecto la tarde del 18 á las dos y media de ella se embarcó en un bote para ir á bordo del bergantin Galveztown que se hallaba fondeado á la boca del puerto de Panzacola ; y despues de haber arbolado una corneta , hecho por este buque el saludo correspondiente , se hizo en él á la vela seguido de dos lanchas cañoneras y de la balandra del mando de Don Juan Riaño , únicas embarcaciones que se hallaban privativamente á sus órdenes. El Fuerte de las Barrancas hizo todo el fuego [página 8] posible con particularidad al Galveztown , no pudiendo ignorar por la insignia que llevaba que en él iba el General ; pero á pesar de sus esfuerzos entró en el puerto sin el menor daño , no obstante las muchas balas que le atravesaron velas y xarcias , y con aplauso extraordinario del exército que con continuados vivas manifestaba al General su contento y la inclinacion que le tiene.

A vista de esto determinó la esquadra hacer su entrada el dia siguiente á excepcion del navio S. Ramon que yá se habia lastrado.

El 19 á las 2 de la tarde se hizo á la vela el comboy precedido de las fragatas del Rey , y desde que la primera comenzó á sufrir el fuego hasta que todo el comboy se halló libre de él, medió una hora sin que del extraordinario fuego que hizo el Fuerte de los Red-clifts en las Barrancas, no obstante las averías que causó en los buques , resultase la menor desgracia personal. Durante este tiempo anduvo el General en su falúa entre las embarcaciones para darlas el auxílio que necesitasen.

A las 5 de la de la tarde determinó el General pasar en un bote al rio de los Perdidos para instruir personalmente á Ezpeleta de sus intenciones. Con efecto se embarcó con sus Ayudantes y salió del puerto , manifestando así que la misma posibilidad que habia para entrar habia para salir ; pero el viento contrario y las corrientes que lo eran igualmente le obligaron á regresar al Campo á las 11 de la noche.

El dia 20 por la mañana comisionó á un Oficial que pasase á Panzacola con una carta para el General Campbell concebida en estos términos.

”Excmo. Señor. Muy Sr. mio : Los Ingleses en la Havana intimaron con amenazas que no se destruyesen , quemasen ni echasen á pique las fábricas y buques así del Rey como de particulares so pena de ser tratada con el mayor rigor. La misma prevencion hago á V.E. y demás á quienes competa con las mismas condiciones. Dios guarde á V.E. muchos años. Campo de la Isla de Sta. Rosa 20 de Marzo de 1781. Excmo. Sr. B. L. M. de V.E. su mas atento servidor Bernardo de Galvez.=Excmo. Sr. Don Juan Campbell.“

Por la tarde pasó el General en un bote á reconocer la playa opuesta del puerto para elegir parage á propóstio donde desembarcar las tropas que habian de operar.

A las 8 de la noche pegaron fuego los enemigos á una casa [página 9] Cuerpo de Guardia situada en la playa donde el General hizo su reconocimiento por la tarde ; á vista de lo qual mandó que la balandra de Don Juan Riaño y la lancha armada del Galveztown se acercasen á tierra é hiciesen fuego á metralla contra los enemigos que allí hubiese.

El dia 21 muy temprano llegó de Panzacola el Oficial comisionado y entregó al General una carta de Campbell concebida en estos términos.

”Excmo. Señor. Muy Sr. mio : Las amenazas del enemigo que nos embiste no son consideradas baxo otro aspecto que el de un ardid ó estratagema de guerra de que se vale para seguir sus propias ideas. Confio en que no haré en mi defensa de Panzacola ( viendo que estoy atacado ) nada contrario á las reglas y costumbres de la guerra ; pues me considero con obligacion hácia V. E. por su franca intimacion , aunque le aseguro que mi conducta dependerá mas bien de la suya en respuesta á las proposiciones que el Gobernador Chester le enviará mañana acerca de los prisioneros, y las mias relativas á la Ciudad de Panzacola , que de sus amenazas. Interin quedo de V.E. su mas humilde y obedente servidor. Juan Campbell. Quartel general de Panzacola á 20 de Marzo de 1781.=Excmo. Sr. D. Bernardo de Galvez.“

A medio dia llegó en un Parlamentario de Panzacola un Ayudante de Campo del General Campbell con cartas de éste y del Gobernador Chester para el Sr. Galvez, y venia acompañido del Teniente Coronél Don Alexandro Dickson , que quedó prisionero en la conquista de Batón Rouge , y residía en Panzacola baxo la palabra de honor.

 

[translation; page 1]

 

 

Diary

 

Regarding the operations of the expedition against the Plaza of Panzacola^[1] concluded by the arms of Your Catholic Majesty^[2] under the orders of Field Marshal Don^[3] Bernardo de Galvez.^[4]

 

^[5]Frustrated because of the hurricane , the expedition against Panzacola left Habana^[6] on the 16th of October of 1780. Its Commander , Don Bernardo de Galvez^[7] , returned to port at sunset on the 17th of November with the pain of being unaware of the whereabouts of his convoy , which had dispersed during the storm , some of which stopped in Campeche^[8] , others in the Mississippi River , some throughout other parts , and there seemed no means to learn of their fate. Later , when he came to Havana , the aforementioned General reiterated his requests for the reinforcement of Fort Mobile^[9] with supplies and troops , noting how few they were and realizing the threat of a possible attack. On the strength of his requests the Council of Generals^[10] ordered the repair of enough ships to transport 500 men, and a quantity of rations , and this small convoy set sail on the 6th of December under the command of the ship’s Captain, Don Joseph de Rada^[11]; nevertheless, after a few days of sailing , and arriving safely at the mouth of the Mobile River , he decided not to enter its bay because he found , or so he assured, some current variations in the channel, and he set sail, directly following orders, to the Mississippi River, at the entrance of which he left the convoy and returned to Havana.

This circumstance, with two English frigates entering the same bay of Mobile five days later and the news of the detachment of Mobile^[12] having been attacked , moved Don Bernardo de Galvez to request , since the state of things would not allow a renewal of the expedition from Havana , to be given some troops with which to reinforce the garrisons of Louisiana and Mobile , and from there , if he had a fortunate opportunity, a new effort to engage the inhabitants^[13] [page 2] of those provinces , and fall upon Panzacola ; or if this could not be , to secure what was already conquered. This idea was approved by the Council of Generals , and it was ordered that 1315^[14] men be drawn from various Regiments, including 5 companies of grenadiers , and to equip the transport vessels dispatched in support of the warships San Ramon^[15] under the orders of Don Joseph Calbo^[16] , the frigate Santa Clara under Miguel Alderete, the Santa Cecilia under Don Miguel de Goicoechea , the rigged frigate Caiman under Don Joseph Serrato^[17] , and packet boat San Gil under Don Joseph Maria Chacon^[18] all at the command of General Don Bernardo de Galvez , at this request and the consent of the Council of Generals , as is stated of the following order from the General in the Fleet to the ship’s captain, Don Joseph Calvo.

“ To the question that Your Lordship^[19] gave me in yesterday’s note ordering that I discover the terms under which I will be subordinated , and obey the orders of Sir Bernardo de Galvez , Field Marshal of the Royal Armies. I warn you that whatever orders are given to Your Lordship from the aforementioned Sir Bernardo , regarding the conquest of Panzacola , Your Lordship should implement, according to your known and evident intelligence , without deviating from the rest of the Royal Ordinances of the Navy , ensuring that all of the ships under your command observe the exact discipline that was assigned to them. May our Savior watch over Your Lordship for many years. Havana 6th of February of 1781. = Juan Bautista Bonet^[20] = Sir Don Joseph Calbo. ”^[21]

When everything was prepared by the Army and Navy , the general embarked on the 13th of February , despite finding himself in worsening health: the soldiery did the same on the 14th , and on the morning of the 28th , the convoy had such fortune that by 3 in the afternoon all the ships were within sight of the Port of Havana. From there the General ordered that Captain Don Miximiliano Maxent^[22] sail in a schooner to New Orleans with orders to the Commander of arms , so that the troops that had been left under Don Joseph Rada and those that arrived during the month of October would go out to meet the convoy , with the effect that , by the 1st of February , they had already been warned to be ready to set sail at a moment’s notice.

The 1st of March , General Don Miguel de Herrera , sub-lieutenant of the Regiment of Spain , ordered that a [page 3] schooner pass to Mobile with letters to Don Joseph Ezpeleta^[23] , in which he ordered to make landfall to the east of the island of Santa Rosa which is in front of the Port of Panzacola , advising him to march overland to join the troops under his command.

On the 4th at 9 am the officers^[24] met on board the warship Commander , and the General told them that his project was to make landfall on the island of Santa Rosa , disembark there and attack the enemy battery at the point of Sigüenza^[25] , in order to allow our ships to enter the port without the risk of passing through crossfire , and there wait for reinforcements from Mobile and Louisiana. All the naval officers applauded this thought , and among them were those who earnestly sought the glory of being the first to enter. At 10 in the morning , 11 vessels were windwards^[26] of them , which they pursued until nightfall , and according to their course it seemed they were rounding the sound of Tortuga^[27], and it was believed that this was the convoy that was expected to arrive at Veracruz with rations.

On the 5th at 6 in the evening the brig Galveztown , which had left Havana on the 2nd , joined the squadron.

On the 9th at 6 in the morning land was sighted and they soon recognized the island of Santa Rosa : at 8 some cannon shots were heard , from which they inferred their proximity to the Port of Panzacola.

At 2 in the afternoon the General called everyone to order , where he alerted all of the troops that they should be ready to disembark that night , and that every soldier should take with him 3 days worth of rations ; it was well understood that the grenadiers and the scouts^[28] would be the first to disembark, and that they should coordinate their shore boats to depart when two lanterns appeared on the poop deck of the San Ramón. At his word the convoy laid anchor at a distance of one cannon shot from land , and 3 leagues windward from the mouth of the port.

At 8 at night the Commanding ship gave the signal for the shore boats with troops to coordinate their launch , and with the General at their head , they executed the landing with some suspicions , but were ultimately unopposed. He gave orders to Colonel Don Francisco Longoria^[29] to set forth with the grenadiers and scouts , and returned to the ship spur on the whole of the landing , so that by 3 in the morning on the 10th all the troops marched in formation by the shore of the aforementioned island. [page 4] The soldiers of the first landing arrived at the point of Sigüenza at 5:30 in the morning , where they did not find the fort that they had expected. Instead they only found 3 unmounted guns and a half- disassembled wall of brushwood^[30] being unaware of its usefulness , which the enemies had abandoned. A short time later they saw coming to that part of land two boats with 7 men , which were detained by the scouts. Fort Barrancas Coloradas^[31] , which is in front of the point of Sigüenza at a distance of 500 fathoms^[32] , was alerted to this and two English frigates were anchored in its vicinity so , they started a live fire over our troops without the slightest hardship because the high ground afforded them shelter and safety.

The prisoners declared to the General that the Plaza was well stocked with supplies and troops , and that from day to day they waited for considerable reinforcements from Jamaica.

From 10 until 11 in the morning the convoy made anchorage towards the vicinity of the port : that afternoon the General did reconnaissance on the part of the Island that overlooks the Plaza with the objective of choosing a place in order to form a battery that would attack and drive off the enemy frigates cannonading our camp , and protect the entrance to the convoy and squadron. For this purpose he sent ashore two 24-calibre cannons , two 4-calibre cannons and four 8-calibre cannons with the corresponding ammunition , and 150 tents for the troops.

Before dawn on the 11th the squadron Commander commissioned soldiers to measure the depth of the sandbar of the port , and that a battery with two 24-calibre guns assembled by tackle in front of Barrancas begin to shoot at 3:30 in the afternoon at one of the English frigates that was discovered at sail.

At this time the squadron and convoy weighed anchor with the objective of entering into the port , which was seen by the General , who embarked immediately on the San Ramon in order to involve himself in the operation and brave the risk , but the petitions of his Captain Don Joseph Calbo that he return to land were so many that he had to give in. A little while after giving orders to the entire convoy , he noticed that the ship had veered off course, so they restoring its course to anchor where the rest of the ships had followed , because the ship touched the sandbar while crossing it , according to what the Master of Orders of the squadron told the General [page 5]

Ship Commander Don Joseph Calbo was engaged the entire night in unloading the ship , until he had put it in a state that would allow it entry, although this was very little time for so great a task.

On the 12th the troublesome weather continued , and the General feared that if it worsened the boats might not be able to stay on the beach that had been discovered , and that if they found themselves needing to set sail the camp would be left without rations. Thus the General ordered that they bring as much as they could to guard against this accident , and thus it was executed with all speed.

At 8 am the General passed the western point of Sigüenza to examine some works that were being executed there , and at 2 in the afternoon he went aboard the San Ramon to ensure that the war frigates enter the port at the head of the convoy , and that the ship after execute the charge thereafter. In this way, he hoped to avoid running aground a second time , which would stop the other ships as had happened the previous evening ; but with the Naval Officers having encountered some difficulties , he returned to land , and wrote to the Commander of the San Ramon that it was of the utmost necessity to try the canal to avoid the risk of a storm, of which kind are frequent on that coast, and which would force the convoy to separate and leave the forces abandoned : and for this reason he warned they could already count on the support of a battery of six 24-calibre guns that had been placed by him on the tip of the island facing the enemy camp.

With notice that same evening that some enemy boats had crossed the canal between the mainland and the island of Santa Rosa , some grenadiers and scouts had to abandon their posts and advance toward that location to identify them and cut off the retreat of the enemy , if some retreated.

On the 13th the landing of food and equipment continued , though the General was always wary that delays in fortifying the port might allow the Southeasterly winds that are so frequent and fearsome to obligate the convoy to set sail. But nevertheless , on that day he received the answer of the Commander of the Naval forces who described the great difficulties he had found , even after consultation and hearing the opinion of the officers of his squadron , in risking the ships under his command when they lacked the necessary information on the depths and direction of the channel , and likewise had no practical understanding of enemy fire [page 6]

that could disturb the boats from the bow to the stern^[33] , without the possibility of easily returning fire.

At 3 in the afternoon the general ordered that his Aide-de-camp Don Estevan Miró^[34] would travel to Mobile with verbal instructions for Colonel Don Joseph Ezpeleta , in order to combine the units of troops with advantages over the enemy.

On the 14th we continued our unloading of the rations , albeit with great difficulty because of the undercurrent that the ocean broke up on the shore , and the General commissioned the Captain of the brig Galveztown to reinforce the troops^[35].

On the 15th the sea hindered the boats from getting close to land , and with immense effort they were able to unload some rations^[36] and salted meat that they brought.

At 2 in the afternoon , an English wide boat^[37] at sail was discovered in the inner harbor, which was located between our two frigates and out of the range of our cannon. At the same time two 8 caliber cannons were placed in battery in the vicinity of the formation of the other 24 caliber cannons.

On the 16th at 8 in the morning , the sloop commanded by Lieutenant Don Juan Riaño^[38] arrived from Mobile with letters from Colonel Ezpeleta , in which he alerted the General that he was about to march with 900 men to the shore of the Perdido Key^[39] , about five leagues from Panzacola; and in order to cross it, he needed that some ships be sent to him. As soon as this official got to shore he naturally went to present himself to the Squadron Commander , and once he was informed on his commission, the General passed to the next office.

“ My Dear Sir^[40] : At the moment that Juan Riaño gave me the news of finding the troops of Mobile on the shore of the River of the Lost Ones, I made the decision to send the boats stocked with ten days of ration , and in order that they may have as much as they will need, I will prepare more, which I will provide from this ship. ”

“ I will also give order to the Pio , which has a shallower draft^[41] , that we will execute this little expedition as close to land as possible , in order to liberate it from whatever counterattack that attempts to provide resistance , and also to provide Sir Ezpeleta some artillery and food if needed. ”

“ I am of the opinion if Your Lordship would like to make use of it, that [page 7] expedition be made at dusk, and to avoid attracting the attention of the enemies and leading them to sally and to make an uncomfortable opposition , but in this matter Your Lordship he will do what he prefers. ”

“ To lead the boats I chose my second Frigate Captain don Andrés Valderrama , and the first lieutenant Antonio Estrada , because they bring men of experience , one compass , and one pilot’s mate.^[42] May our Savior watch over Your Lordship for many years. Aboard the San Ramon anchored immediately off the coast of the island of Santa Rosa on the 16th of March of 1781. Beso La Mano^[43] of Your Lordship. Your most affectionate servant Joseph Calbo de Irazabal.- Sir Don Bernardo de Galvez. ”

 

Response of the General.

 

“ My Dear Sir : what Your Lordship says with regard to your current task of preparing to reinforce the troops of Mobile seems well to me , and I continue to pray to God that He watch over Your Lordship many years. Santa Rosa Camp 16th of March of 1781. Bernardo de Galvez=Sir Don Joseph Calbo. ”

On the 17th at 11 in the morning the sloop^[44] of the aforementioned Don Juan Riaño positioned itself on the General’s orders at the entrance of the Port of Panzacola, accompanied by the brig Galveztown and two gunboats. At 4 o’clock Ensign Miguel Herrera arrived from Mobile with letters for the General from Colonel Ezpeleta , alerting him that he was marching with his troops to join him.

The General , recognizing that it would take too long for the squadron to enter the port at the same time as the convoy , fearing that perhaps he would see some strong wind that would oblige them to set sail in order to avoid crashing along the coast and consequently leave the troops abandoned on the island without means to survive on it , determined he personally be the first to force entry to the port in the firm view that this last resort might encourage others to follow him ; and beginning on the 18th at 2:30 he embarked on a boat to board the Galveztown which was anchored at the mouth of the port of Panzacola ; and after having sounded a horn, and after the corresponding response was made by this vessel , the ship set sail followed by two gunboats and by the sloop under the command of Don Juan Riaño , the only vessels that were under his sole command. Fort Barrancas Coloradas opened all fire [page 8] and especially on the Galveztown , which it could not ignore because it bore the insignia of the General ; but despite their forces he entered into the port without receiving the slightest damage , despite obviously many bullets that pierced the sails and the riggings , and with an extraordinary applause from the army and continued cheering that expressed to the General their contentment and the affection that they had for him.

At the sight of this the squadron determined to make its entrance the following day with the exception of the ship San Ramon which was already ballasted.

On the 19th at 2 in the afternoon the preceding convoy of the royal frigates of the King set sail , and from whom the first frigate took fire until the entire convoy helped set it free of it enemy blasts , there interceded one hour of extraordinary fire made by the Redcoats^[45] at Fort Barrancas Coloradas, but despite mishaps^[46] on the ships, only minor personal losses were suffered. During this time the General traveled back and forth on his tender^[47] between the vessels to give them the help they needed.

At 5 in the afternoon the General determined to go in a boat to Perdido Key in order to personally instruct Ezpeleta of his intentions. With purpose he embarked with his Military Aides and left the port , thus demonstrating that it was possible both to enter and leave it ; but the contrary winds and currents forced him to return to Camp at 11 at night.

The 20th day in the morning an officer was chosen to proceed to Panzacola with a letter to the General Campbell^[48] conceived in these terms.

“ Hon. Sir. My Dear Sir : The English in Havana disclosed that they would not destroy nor burn nor cast out of resentment towards the factories and ships of the King and in addition to the individuals upon pain of being treated with the utmost rigor. The same safeguard I make to Your Excellency and others whose competence are under the same conditions. God keep Your Excellency many years. Camp at the island of Santa Rosa 20th of March of 1781. Hon. Sir Beso La Mano of Your Excellency your most attentive servant Bernardo de Galvez. = Hon. Sir Don John Campbell.

In the afternoon the General went on a boat to search the opposite shore of the harbor to select a location with the purpose of landing the troops he commanded.

At 8 at night the enemies pegged flaming weapons towards a house [page 9] and Body of Guards^[49] situated on the beach where the General made his exploration earlier in the afternoon ; at the sight of this he commanded the sloop of Don Juan Riaño and an armed boat from the Galveztown to approach land and fire shrapnel against the enemies there.

On the 21st day very early in the morning the commissioned Official from Panzacola arrived to deliver to the General a letter from Campbell conceived in these terms.

“ Hon. Sir. My Dear Sir : The enemy’s threats that you alerted us to are not considered more than a ruse or ploy^[50] that uses war to pursue their own ideas. I trust you will not make in my defense of Panzacola ( seeing that I am attacked ) anything contrary to the rules and customs of war ; because I consider myself obliged to Your Excellency because of this frank intimation , but I assure you that my conduct will depend rather in response to the proposals that Governor Chester will send you tomorrow regarding the prisoners, and my proposals relative to the City of Panzacola , than their threats. Meanwhile to Your Excellency I remain your most humble and obedient servant. John Campbell. Headquarters in Panzacola on the 20th of March of 1781. = Hon. Sir Bernardo de Galvez. ”

At noon a Field Aid came from Panzacola to negotiate with letters from General Campbell and Governor Chester for Sir Galvez , and he came accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Don Alexander Dickson^[51], who was imprisoned in the conquest of Baton Rouge , and he lived in Panzacola under his word of honour.

 

Sources and References:

 

Borja, Medina Rojas Francisco de. Jose de Ezpeleta: Gobernador de La Mobila 1780-1781.

Sevilla: Escuela De Estudios Hispano-Americanos De Sevilla, 1980. Print.

 

Caughey, John Walton. Bernardo De Gálvez in Louisiana 1776-1783. Gretna, LA: Pelican,

1972. Print.

 

Dawson, Joseph G. The Louisiana Governors: From Iberville to Edwards. Baton Rouge:

Louisiana State UP, 1990. Print.

 

Din, Gilbert C. The Canary Islanders of Louisiana. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State UP, 1988.

Print.

 

Fortier, Alcée. A History of Louisiana. Vol. 2. New York: Goupil & of Paris, Manzi, Joyant &,

Successors, 1904. Print.

 

H.R. Res. 113-229, 113th Cong. (2014) (enacted). Print.

 

Sánchez Sanz, Óscar Javier. Diplomacia y política exterior: España, 1890-1914. Tesis de la

Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Facultad de Geografía e Historia, Departamento de Historia Contemporánea, leída el 12-07-2004. Available: http://www.europeana.eu/portal/record/9200101/BibliographicResource_1000126629884.html.

 

Marley, David. Wars of the Americas: A Chronology of Armed Conflict in the Western

Hemisphere, 1492 to the Present. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2008. Print.

 

Moodie-Kublalsingh, Sylvia. “Spanish in Trinidad and Tobago.” St. Augustine News (University

of the West Indies). Available: https://sta.uwi.edu/stan/article14.asp.

 

Shaw, Ron W. Tales of the Hare: The Biography of Francis Tito Lelievre, 1755-1830. Victoria, BC: Friesen, 2014. Print.

 

“Welcome to The History Museum of Mobile, AL.” History Museum of Mobile.

http://www.museumofmobile.com/.

 

Wheatcroft, Andrew. The Habsburgs: Embodying Empire. Published 1995. Pgs. 1-45.

 

Williams, Harold D. “Bernardo De Galvez and the Western Patriots.” Revista de Historia de

América 65/66 (1968): 53-70.

 

^[1] The Spanish word “Plaza” could be translated in a variety of ways; here both “Plaza” and “Panzacola” are left in their original forms to keep the sense that these words refer to the whole settlement in a more historic sense.

^[2] The original text writes “S.M. Católica.” ‘S.M.’ is a title that is short for ‘Su Majestad.’

^[3] For those mentioned men with the title of ‘Don’ in their names, this is abbreviated simply to “D.” To avoid confusion, this translation writes out the entire word each time the text abbreviates this specific title. Furthermore, names of the men mentioned are not translated to English to preserve the sense of nationality towards Spain.

^[4] The punctuation of this text violates correct grammatical rules and lacks consistency. In some instances, commas, semicolons, page numbers, parentheses, and periods have a space in between the last word of the sentence and the punctuation mark, whereas other cases follow correct grammatical uses of punctuation marks. The translation includes these grammatical mistakes and inconsistencies to maintain the aesthetics of the original text.

^[5] In the original text, words are written up until both the left and right margins of the page. Thus, words are continued on the next line if they are too long to ensure the spacing aligns with the margins. This translation incorporates the left indentation of the original text, but does not incorporate the overflow of words onto the next line since these words would not be the same and would thus appear aesthetically different.

^[6] This translation maintains the original writing of “Habana.” In older Spanish colonial orthography, the letter “b” appeared instead of the more modern writing with the letter “v.” This translation maintains the older linguistic technique.

^[7] Bernardo de Galvez was nobleman and governor of Spanish Louisiana from 1777 to 1783. An early supporter of the American colonies and “chief of operations in North America” after Spain, he joined the American War of Independence. He was also made an honorary U.S. citizen in 2014 for his contributions during the war (Caughey xi; Williams; Public Law 113-229).

^[8] Campeche is a city in southeast Mexico that was a minor port in 1784.

^[9] The translation “Fort Mobile” in this case is referring to Fort Louis de la Mobile founded by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville. This fort has had numerous names including Fort Carlota under Spanish rule, Fort Charlotte under American and British rule, and finally its modern name, Fort Condé. For more information about Fort Condé, check out the website for the fort’s museum at: http://www.museumofmobile.com/city_museums.php.

^[10] This is written as “Junta de Generales” in the original Spanish, indicating a council or assembly of generals rather than a specific entity like the General Staff.

^[11] Don Joseph de Rada is only briefly mentioned in other similar texts (such as A History of Louisiana: By Alcée Fortier, Volume 2) as a ship’s captain. (Fortier 76)

^[12] “Village” appears in the original text, and it is referenced often in the book José de Ezpeleta by Francisco de Borja Medina Rojas. Page 288 indicates that “Village” refers to Mobile, Alabama.

^[13] In the original text, there is a page break written as “A”. Similarly, there is another page break on the bottom of page three written as “A2” and a third written as “B” at the bottom of page nine. There is no clear reason why the original text includes these page breaks, so the translation omits them.

^[14] The diary of Bernardo de Gálvez does not separate this number with a comma, so to give the same aesthetic meaning this translation leaves the comma out as well.

^[15] Technically the name of warships should be italicized. Although the original text does not correctly emphasize the italics in the names of the ships, this translation includes the correct italics in the ship titles. Furthermore, the name of ships and islands in this translation withhold their original Spanish names for authenticity while expanding the abbreviation where applicable to avoid confusion.

^[16] Don Joseph Calbo is only briefly mentioned in other similar texts (Alcée Fortier, A History of Louisiana: Volume 2) as the captain of San Ramon. (Fortier 76) His surname is variously written as “Calvo” or “Calbo.” According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, in older Spanish colonial orthography, the letter “b” appeared instead of the more modern writing with the letter “v.” This translation maintains the older linguistic technique.

^[17] The previous three officers have no information on them.

^[18] José María Chacón, officer and later the last Spanish governor of Trinidad, handed the colony over to the British in 1797. (Moodie-Kublalsingh)

^[19] The text writes “V.S.”, which is an abbreviation for the royal title ‘Vuestra Señoría.’

^[20] He was a Lieutenant General who commanded a detachment of 2,150 soldiers during the Pensacola campaign (Marley 326).

^[21] From 1516 until the year 1700, Spain was a part of the Habsburg Monarchy. Rulers including Philip II and Charles I controlled territory including the Americas, Austria, France, Germany, the East Indies, and Spain. In the original text the specific use of reversed quotation marks is unique to Austria and Germany because of the assimilation of cultures during the Habsburg Monarchy. Although this text was written in 1781, which is clearly a long time after the end of Hapsburg Monarchy, writers maintained some of the elements of print culture that were associated with the Habsburg Monarchy. See Andrew Wheatcroft, The Habsburgs: Embodying Empire.

^[22] Francisco Maximiliano de St. Maxent was brother of Antonio de St. Maxent (then commandante of Venezuela) and brother in law of Galvez. (Din 36-38)

^[23] Don Joseph Ezpeleta was the governor or Mobile from 1780-1781. He has a book written about him called José de Ezpeleta, gobernador de La Mobila, 1780-1781.

^[24] The Spanish text implies that the officers were the ones who met with the Commander without explicitly stating this detail. Enough evidence is given to incorporate “the officers” into the translation.

^[25] “La punta de Sigüenza” denotes the westernmost point on the island of Santa Rosa off the coast of Pensacola, which today is the location of Fort Pickens.

^[26] This can be defined as “the side or direction from which the wind is blowing.” (Merriam-Webster, Definition 1).

^[27] “La sonda de la Tortuga” refers to Tortuga Island that is part of Haiti. Tortuga lies directly north of the mainland of Haiti and is separated by the Canal de la Tortue. The sound most likely refers to some body of water separating this island and the mainland of Haiti along the Canal de la Tortue.

^[28] The Spanish text writes “cazadores,” which literally means hunters. This specific translation would not fit well in the context of this paragraph.

^[29] Don Francisco Longoria is only briefly mentioned in other similar texts (including A History of Louisiana: Volume 2) as a colonel. (Fortier 76)

^[30] The Spanish word is “faginas,” which the Nuevo Tessoro defines as ‘fagots.’ A fagot is a bundle of sticks of branches tied together as a source of fuel.

^[31] Most of the remaining references to forts are simply referring to “Fort Barrancas Coloradas” unless otherwise noted in the text. There are numerous translations for “el Fuerte Barrancas-coloradas”include “the Fort at the red Banks”, “the Fort at the red Cliffs”, and simply “Fort Barrancas.” Today, Fort Barrancas is located on Barrancas Beach in Pensacola, Florida.

^[32] “Toesas” is an antiquated measuring term that roughly translates to “fathom.” A fathom is a length of 6 feet (1.8 meters approximately).

^[33] The Spanish phrase used here was “por popa y proa,” which literally means for poop and prow” in English. We thought the best translation was “from the bow to the stern” because it kept some of the nautical nuance, but made the terms a little more accessible to readers.

^[34] Don Estevan Miró was the governor of the Spanish provinces of Louisiana. He was a generally well-liked governor because he responded really quickly to the Great New Orleans Fire (Dawson 63-64).

^[35] In Spanish, the phrase is “para con certidumbre el braceage que había.” According to the Nuevo Tesoro Lexicográfico, “braceage” could be translated as ‘manual labor’; however, we have deduced, using context and the related expression ‘brazo militar’, which means soldier, that the intended meaning is closer to the word ‘reinforce.’

^[36] The Spanish word “minestra” often indicates a vegetable stew, but here refers to a kind of ration made from dried or stewed legumes. (RAE 3)

^[37] The word ‘Urca’ has numerous translations including ‘vessel’ and ‘watercraft’ according to Nuevo Tesoro Lexicográfico.

^[38] Don Juan Riaño was a Spanish diplomat. (Javier 247)

^[39] “El río de los Perdidos” is not an actual river, but rather a reference to Perdido Key, Florida between modern day Pensacola and Orange Beach.

^[40] This translation keeps capitalizes the first letter in each of these three words to be consistent aesthetically with the original text.

^[41] The original phrase is “que cala menos agua;” for our translation of calar, see Real Académica Español definition 17.

^[42] The Spanish word hdfd is “pilotín,” meaning, generally, a young man who dedicates his career to pilotage aboard vessels as a helper to a pilot.

^[43] In the original text “beso la mano” is written as an acronym, “BLM”. It translates to “I kiss the hand,” but we opted to keep it in the source language to reflect Gálvez’s coterie audience.

^[44] A sloop is a small sailboat containing only one mast and a fore and aft rigging system.

^[45] In the original Spanish-language text, the author wrote “Red-clifts,” in English, a somewhat unique orthography in comparison to the generally used term ‘la casaca roja’ to mean “Redcoats.”

^[46] Other translations of “averías” include ‘disruption’ and ‘breakdown.’

^[47] “Falúa” refers to a small auxiliary ship similar to a launch.

^[48] John Campbell of Strachur, later Commander in Chief of British North America from 1783-1787. (Shaw 23-24)

^[49] The Spanish version notes “Cuerpo de Guardia,” which presumably refers to the bodyguards of the enemy force who are guarding the beach.

^[50] Other potential translations for “estratagema” are ‘stratagem’ or ‘plan.’ The word “ploy” has a more colonial connotation than the other two and fits in nicely with the translation “ruse” because both words are one syllable.

^[51] No information is available on Don Alexander Dickson.