If you will permit me to raise a few hundred militia, which can easily be done, I will unite them with such a force of regulars as can easily be collected, and will make a descent on Pensacola, and will reduce it.

I promise you I will bring the war in the South to a speedy termination; and English influence with the savages, in this quarter, shall be forever destroyed." The President was not prepared thus to provoke war with Spain, by the invasion of Florida.

Andrew Jackson assumed the responsibility.

The British had recently made an attack upon Mobile, and being repulsed, had retired with their squadron to the harbor of Pensacola.

Jackson called for volunteers to march upon Pensacola.