Jenkin's Ear: The Battle Of Bloody Marsh

593 Words2 Pages

The conflict between the Spanish and English over the area between South Carolina and Florida lasted over twenty years. The actual fighting began about 1739, just six years after General James Oglethorpe founded Georgia in 1733. The disputes between the Spanish and the British were over land claims and piracy on the seas. In one particular incident, Captain Robert Jenkins’ reported his ear cut off by a Spanish sailor. The ensuing conflicts became known as “The War of Jenkin’s Ear.” The Battle of Bloody Marsh took place during this conflict. The Battle of Bloody Marsh resulted in a significant English victory and marked the beginning of a safe, southern frontier for Georgia. Failing to take St. Augustine after several attempts, Oglethorpe retreated to St. Simons Island to make preparations for a battle with the Spanish. Fortifying Fort St. Simons, at the site of today’s lighthouse, became his mission. However, the Spanish met little resistance at Fort St. Simons. The Spanish overpowered Fort St. Simons then started to advance toward Fort Frederica. However, they met with some resistance along the way. Following the charge by Oglethorpe and his troops, the Spanish turned back. This battle, known as the Battle of Gully Hole Creek, significantly …show more content…

As the Spanish advanced again to take Fort Frederica, Oglethorpe was waiting. Slowly moving through the swampy lands on St. Simons the Spanish headed toward Fort Frederica with high confidence. Posting a regiment of Foot Soldiers and Darien’s Independent Company of Highlanders in a wooded area overlooking the marsh where Spanish soldiers would have to cross, Oglethorpe returned to Ft. Frederica (Swinson 137). Oglethorpe then left to retrieve more soldiers. When he returned, the battle was over. The troops had stood off the Spanish until they ran out of ammunition and retreated. Even though he arrived after the fighting, Oglethorpe became the victor (Coleman

More about Jenkin's Ear: The Battle Of Bloody Marsh

Open Document