Product Description
Much of the popularity of Galvez may be traced to his vigorous and capable leadership during the American Revolution. Even before Spain entered the fray as an ally of France against England, the Spanish government was aiding the American colonists with money and supplies from New Orleans, a fact which most American history texts have forgotten to mention. He led a motley force of Louisiana settlers -- black, white, and mulatto -- and the regular military and naval forces against Baton Rouge in 1779. This victory added the Natchez District to Spain's possessions. The following year, he led his men from certain defeat after most of his fleet was shipwrecked off the Mobile bar and lay siege to the British at Fort Charlotte. The Mobile District was added to his conquests, after which he conducted a determined siege of the British capital at Pensacola. By the end of 1781, it was clear that all of West Florida would be returned to Spain, and the British also ceded East Florida to the former owners in the peace treaty of 1783...
