Lot
196 
[Florida] 1812 siege of Spanish East Florida. Folded letter datelined "Washington, 6th May 1812" from Alexander Smyth (War of 1812 General) to Lieut Col. Thomas A. Smith in East Florida, with interesting contents: …I am not in the secret as to the intentions of Government as to the country you are in. I doubt not that you are perfectly safe, having as I am convinced acted with the best intentions. Wilkinson is here, and expected to sail for the south shortly. Nothing has happened between him and myself, Very Fine. Estimate $750 - 1,000.
War between Great Britain and the United States was imminent and the American government asked the Spanish authorities of East Florida to permit an American occupation of the country in order that it might not be seized by Great Britain and made a base of military operations. President Madison, in secret sessions of the 12th Congress, unofficially ordered an invasion of East Florida under the direction of his agent, John Houston McIntosh, to whom Lt. Col. Smith reported. In the spring of 1812, American forces seized Feriandina, an action that was repudiated by the American government after protest from Spain, although it was authorized in official instructions.
Realized: $950