The Rhode Island American, And General Advertiser

December 24.

Copy of a letter from Major-General Andrew Jackson, to the Governor of Tennessee.

Head-quarters, 7th Military District, Tensaw, November 14, 1814.

Sir: On last evening I returned from Pensacola to this place-I reached that post on the evening of the 6th. On my approach sent Major Pierre with a flag to communicate the object of my visit to the Governor of Pensacola. He approached Fort St. George, with his flag displayed, and was fired on by the cannon from the fort-he returned and made report thereof to me. I immediately went with the Adjutant-General and Major with a small escort, and viewed the fort and found it defended by both British and Spanish troops. I immediately determined to storm the town, retired and encamped my troops for the night, and made the necessary arrangements to carry my determination into effect the next day.

On the morning of the 7th I marched with the effective regulars of the 3d, 39th and 44th infantry part of General Coffee's brigade, the Mississippi dragoons, and part of the West Tennessee regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Hammond, (Colonel Lowry having deserted and gone home) and part of the Choctaws led by Major Blue, of the 39th, and Major Kennedy of Mississippi territory. Being encamped on the west of the town I calculated they would expect the assault from that quarter, and be prepared to rake me from the fort, and the British armed vessels, seven in number, that lay in the bay.

To cherish this idea I sent out part of the mounted men to show themselves on the west whilst I passed in the rear of the fort undiscovered to the east of the town. When I appeared within a mile, I was in full view. My pride was never more heightened than viewing the uniform firmness of my troops, and with what undaunted courage they advanced, with a strong fort ready to assail them on the right, 7 British armed vessels on the left, strong block-houses and batteries of cannon in their front, but they still advanced with unshaken firmness, entered the town, when a battery of two cannon was opened upon the centre column composed of the regulars, with ball and grape, and a shower of musketry from the houses and gardens.

The battery was immediately stormed by Captain Laval and company, and carried, and the musketry was soon silenced by the steady and well-directed fire of the regulars.

The Governor met Colonels Williamson and Smith, who led the dismounted volunteers, with a flag, begged for mercy, and surrendered the town and fort unconditionally; mercy was granted and protection given to the citizens and their property-and still Spanish treachery kept us out of possession of the fort until nearly 12 o'clock at night.

Never was more cool, determined bravery displayed by any troops; and the Choctaws, advanced to the charge with equal bravery. On the morning of the eighth I prepared to march and storm the Barrancas, but before I could move tremendous explosions told me that the Barrancas, with all its appendages was blown up. I despatched a detachment of two hundred men to explore it, who returned in the night with the information that it was blown up, all the combustible parts burnt, the cannon spiked and dismounted, except two: this being the case I determined to withdraw my troops, but before I did I had the pleasure to see the British depart. Colonel Nicholls abandoned the fort on the night of the 6th, and betook himself to his shipping, with his friend Captain Woodbine, and their red friends.

The steady firmness of my troops has drawn a just respect from our enemies-- It has convinced the Red Sticks that they have no strong hold or protection, only in the friendship of the United States-the good order and conduct of my troops whilst in Pensacola, has convinced the Spaniards of our friendship, and our prowess, and has drawn from the citizens an expression, that our Choctaws are more civilized than the British.

In great haste, I am respectfully, sir,

ANDREW JACKSON,
Major-General Commanding.