User:Bruichladdich1/Siege of Natchez (1781)

Siege of Natchez
Part of the American War of Independence
Date 21-22 April, 1781 Location Natchez, Mississippi Result Tactical British/Loyalist victory
Belligerents
Spain	Great Britain
Commanders and leaders
Captain De La Villanueva	John Blommart
Strength
80 soldiers	200 settlers & Indians
Casualties and losses
76 captured	Light

The siege of Natchez took place on 22 April 1781 when British settlers rose up and took control of the Spanish fort.

Capture

Natchez had surrendered to the Spanish in September 1779 when Fort Panmure surrendered without much resistance. The disgruntled settlers decided to retake the area of Natchez led by John Blommart they then beseiged the Spanish held of fort of Panmure which held the key. A mix force of 200 of British, American loyalists and Indians under John Blommart (a Swiss emigre) besiege the Spanish held fort. The Spanish under Captain De La Villnueva holds out for a day before surrendering his garrison of 80 soldiers.

Aftermath

The victory is however is short-lived for six weeks Blommat is able to hold the fort before hearing news of the Spanish capture of Penascola. This therefore makes the position untenable.