Invasion of Georgia (1742)

Invasion of Georgia (1742)
Part of War of Jenkins' Ear
Date July 1742
Location St. Simons Island, Georgia,
Result Decisive British victory
Belligerents
 Great Britain Spain
Commanders and leaders
James Oglethorpe Manuel de Montiano
Strength
Land:
900 Soldiers, militia & Indians[1][2]
sea:
5 vessels[3]		 Land:
1,950 soldiers, marines & militia
sea:
36 vessels[1][2][4]
Casualties and losses
Light 80 killed wounded & captured
Invasion of Georgia

The 1742 Invasion of Georgia saw a Spanish military force invade and attempt to occupy the British colony of Georgia as part of the War of Jenkins' Ear. Local British forces under the command of the Governor James Oglethorpe rallied and defeated the Spaniards at the Battle of Bloody Marsh and the Battle of Gully Hole Creek, forcing them to withdraw. Britain's ownership of Georgia was formally recognised by Spain in the subsequent Treaty of Madrid.

Contents

Background

The colony of Georgia had been an issue of contention between Britain and Spain ever since its foundation in 1733. Spain claimed the territory for its own colony of Florida and disputed what was regarded as an illegal occupation by the British settlers. The Convention of Pardo in 1739 had attempted to settle the dispute, but Spain still refused to abandon its claim. When the War of Jenkins' Ear broke out that same year, Spain began drawing up plans for an invasion.

The British governor of Georgia, James Oglethorpe, organised a small force and launched a British invasion of Florida in 1740, hoping to forestall a similar Spanish invasion of Georgia. The British besieged St. Augustine but were forced to withdraw. The stage was then set for the Spanish commander Manuel de Montiano to launch his long-awaited attack on Georgia. Because of the pressing demands on British resources in other theatres, no further reinforcements could be dispatched to aid defend the colony from attack.

Invasion

Landing

Montiano sailed with several thousand troops from Cuba. He landed on St Simons Island in Georgia which he intended to use as his base for a full-scale takeover of the colony. Montanio began gathering intelligence about the strength of British opposition.

Battle of Gully Hole Creek

Main article: Battle of Gully Hole Creek

A battle on St. Simons Island at Gully Hole Creek took place on July 7, 1742. The British won.

Battle of Bloody Marsh

Main article: Battle of Bloody Marsh

A second battle on St. Simons Island took place on July 7, 1742, this one at Bloody Marsh. Led by Oglethorpe, the British settlers ambushed the Spanish troops and won the battle.

Withdrawal

Montiano regrouped his forces and stood poised for a further advance. However fearing British reinforcements Montiano retreated back to Florida.

Aftermath

In the months after the invasion, Oglethorpe considered launching further counter-attacks against Florida, but circumstances were not favourable. The focus of the war had shifted from the Americas to Europe and arms, supplies and troops were not readily available. The region descended into an uneasy peace, occasionally punctuated by minor skirmishes. The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle ended the war in 1748 and recognised the status of Georgia as a British colony. Its position was further secured in 1763 when Florida became a British possession as part of the Treaty of Paris ending the Seven Year's War.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b Conlin p. 53
  2. ^ a b Murrin P.63
  3. ^ Marley p. 262
  4. ^ Marley p. 261

References