Tradewinds November 2018 Web Opt

Spanish attacks on the North Carolina Coast in the early 1700’s
November 2018
LOCAL HISTORY 39
The Spanish invasions of North Carolina coast in
the early 1700s were as a result of a sequence of
clashes between Spain and England starting with the
War of Jenkins’ Ear (1739-42). The conflicts began in
late April 1741, with two Spanish privateer ships of about
98 men aboard. About a month after, they had captured
six vessels, including one in Pasquotank and two more
in Edenton. Later in 1747, more small Spanish sloops
appeared off the coast of St. Augustine, boarded by fully
armed men, mostly African-Americans. The North Carolina
coastline was almost defenseless and the Spanish
took advantage of this, constantly harassing the coastline
between 1741 and 1744. Spanish Privateers landed at
Core Sound, where they burned several vessels, ships
and killed several people. They also carried off some African-Americans
and slaughtered a large number of hogs
and cattle. These continued for the best part of 1747 and
led to the construction of several forts along the coast of
North Carolina.
Buoyed by some of the victories enjoyed, the Spaniards
established a base of operations in the coast. This
allowed them to attack vessels sailing along the coast and
monitor the movement of ships through Ocracoke Inlet.
The coast provided a means of shelter for the privateers.
They had easy access to wood, water and other provisions
provided by the sheep, cattle, and hogs that used
it as an open range. A great number of houses were
burned and a large number of cattle were killed. Eventually,
Ship-owners and some North Carolina merchants
joined forces to engage the Spaniards. However, as
Williams and his troops approached the Ocracoke Inlet,
the Spaniards left their tent and fled. However, this did not
end the Spanish foray into North Carolina.
On August 26 1747, Spanish Privateers entered Beaufort
Harbor and plundered the town. This attack was the
latest in a period of constant assaults by the Spanish on
the largely defenseless coast of North Carolina. It demonstrated
the constant threat posed by the Spanish on the
small British colony. This attack on Beaufort was strategic.
Historian Charles L. Paul, pointed out that the population
of taxable people in Carteret County a year after the invasion,
was about 320, while in Beaufort, the taxable was
only about 32 (one-tenth). Beaufort was deemed a point
of weakness in the colony and the Spanish marauders
launched attacks on the less populous areas.
According to reports, several people were killed in the
attack, the attackers also burned small vessels and some
ships, slaughtered a large number of cattle and hogs
and then carried off some African-Americans. Different
reports pointed out that the aim of the attackers was to
generally cause mayhem or take slaves in an attempt to
weaken the city. North Carolina was especially vulnerable
because it had no great ports like Charleston. As a result,
the ports available were important to its survival. By attacking
the different ports along the coast, the Spaniards
were showing their loyalty to the King of Spain. This could
also be a sort of indirect revenge on the English colony
especially the North Carolinas where their ancestors had
been enslaved. After three days under siege, troops were
immediately organized to repel the attack. Major Enoch
Ward and his troops held off the Spanish opposition until
August 26th when the town was eventually captured.
When the militia eventually arrived, the tide of the battle
turned. Before long, the enemy were repulsed and they
fled. However, the troops remained on constant duty; and
were divided into different groups. According to records,
some Spanish were taken as prisoners in the skirmish.
The “alarm” continued until around September 10 when
it was clear that the Spanish will not be returning. The
inhabitants fought bravely to fight off the Spanish marauders
to restore peace and serenity to the usually quiet
seaport town.
In the following year, on the 4th of September 1748, two
Spanish ships appeared on the coast and attacked Brunswick.
William Dry immediately assembled his troops and
attacked the looters. In the ensuing battle, the stunned
sailors attempted to make a run for their ships. Many were
captured and a lot more killed. While the fighting was going
on, Fortuna (one of the Spaniards vessels) burst into
flames and sank. The generals were slain, while the sailors
were taken captive. The second one disengaged and
left. Dry’s troops ransacked the vessel and went away
with whatever valuables they could find. The valuables
and slaves were sold and the funds was used in financing
the construction of St James Church in Wilmington and St
Philip’s Church in Brunswick. The battle eventually ended
in 1748 and a treaty was signed.
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The worst evils which
mankind has ever had to
endure were inflicted by
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