Part 3 of 7 - Ibiblio

86 ATLANTIC THEATER
Breaker to St Mary's and make such Remarks as may prove useful To
the service. I beg Sir, that a few signal Books may be sent on likewise
the Six additional Midshipmen. since my last respects Doctor Dain·
dridge [William A. Dandridge] has appeard as Surgeon In the Navy. I
believe Sir, I have given all The Particulars of our Situation here- and
shall In future confine myself to a monthly report, Unless Cir·
cumstances require it otherwise. I have the Honour to be [&c.]
ALS , DNA, RG45 , CL. 1812, Vol. I, No. 7.
Hugh G Campbell
The Capture of Fernandina
At the end oj February 1812, Captain Campbell was drawn into a
planned rebellion oj United States citizens who lived in East Florida.
General Mathews had worked openly to obtain cooperation oj military
and naval commanders on the scene. Campbell's gunboats and their
crews became an element crucial to the project, but he was uncertain
whether the Navy Department would approve oj his partiCIpation.
Lacking specific orders, Campbell reluctantly decided to support
Mathews's uprising. Aided by navy gunboats, the rebels successJully
Jorced the surrender oj the Spanish. controlled town oj Fernandina on
Amelia [sland. According to the testimony oj Winslow Foster, Jormer
Sailing Master, USN, and commander oj Gunboat No. 62, Captain
Campbell later requested the return oj the written orders he had
issued. I No copies oj these orders have survived.
1 U_S. Senate, J6th Cong1'tSJ, lst Swion. MiJu lhzneow Documtmts. No .H , Supreme Court
of the Unlled States lIS Francis P. Ferreira, Admmutrator of FranCIS Pa.ss, Deceased, "Testimony
of Captam Winslow Foste," (a deposition tohn in Nowmher 1846)
CAPTAIN HUGH G. CAMPBELL TO SECRETARY OF TIlE NAVY HAMILTON
SI. Marys Feb 29th 1812
Sir,
I beg leave to observe that General Mathews called on me yesterday
and inquird if I had received any orders from you, to cooperate with
JANUARY AUGUST 1812 87
the Military in case their service should be requird in East Florida. I
answered in the Negative. He then informed me confidentional, That
Circumstances justified the Expectation of a Speedy change in the
political affairs of that country and suggested the Expediencey of
holding the Naval Force on this station in readiness to act as occasion
May require. Although the Naval force at this Place are always held in
readiness, and should consider it my duty to cooperate with the Army
in any measures requird for the publick Good, I should feel much more
Gratified in Being Honourd with Instructions from you On that head.
I have the Honour to be [&c .]
Hugh G Campbell
An Embargo breaker made his Escape this Morning from Amelia. he
was persued by Gun Boat 62 . but by superior sailing Evaded the Per·
suit which proved Unavoidable. the Vixen being absent on duty. The
services of the Enterprize is much Required.
ALS, DNA. RG4 5. CL, 181 2, Vol. I. No. 60.
HGC
CIP"I ,"" Ht GH G. C\\lPBHI 10 S FCRFl ARI 0> IIIE N AI'Y H AMILTON
Sir
St. Marys March 21. 1812
My respects to you of the 29th Febr mentioned that General
Mathews had called on me and inquird if I had any order to
Cooperate with him in his opperations against E Florida and requested
the favor of Orders on that head. Since that period General
Mathews has made several requisitions on me which Are herewith
Enclosed by which you will perceive How far I have acted in doubt
and fears. I at First refused to comply with General Mathews requisi.
tions but on his producing Instructions from the President of the
United States, Likewise your orders To all Naval Commanders on
the New Orleans Station And your letter to himself relative to the
Naval force Intended to this station. With my not having orders To
the contrary, and considering the orders of the President paramount
to all others in this Country I did consent to go certain lengths with
General Mathews, impressed with a belief that the Troops of point