Every Hazard and Fatigue: The Siege of Pensacola, 1781

Every Hazard and Fatigue: The Siege of Pensacola, 1781


In the final years of the American Revolution the military situation was changing from a dogged stalemate to a crisis which either the British or the Americans could turn to their advantage. France's entry as an active participant had highlighted the difficulties of the rebel's new alliance not its strengths. The successful British defence of Savannah in 1779 drew British eyes southwards and in 1780 Charleston fell and Gates' southern army was crushed at Camden. It was a perilous moment for the rebellious colonies. British dominance in the south would give them a strong strategic position from which to prosecute the war. Through this time of uncertainty, however, there were a few rays of hope. A savage partisan war between patriots and loyalists flared up in the south which put strain on British resources. A ray of hope came from Spain, which had entered the war as a French ally in 1779. From then until 1780, British possessions from the Mississippi and along the Gulf of Mexico suddenly came under threat from the daredevil Governor of Louisiana, Don Bernardo de Galvez. By 1781 Pensacola was the last British held post in West Florida The siege of Pensacola was the longest conducted in North America during the Revolution. It was in many ways a classic colonial campaign, directed with energy and skilful management of logistics by Galvez' army. With political opposition in Cuba and amongst the navy, disease, and a hostile environment, Galvez was fighting time as well as the British. The British garrison in Pensacola was strong, and its commander, Major General John Campbell, was determined to defend his fort.