Patriots

The Spanish were hardly prepared to defend their own city. By 1812, their presence in Florida was feeble. During attacks on St. Augustine, Spaniards refused to engage in direct combat, taking refuge instead in their impenetrable fort, el Castillo de San Marcos.

Active defense was left to the free black militia of Mose, in concert with Seminole Indians. "Indeed, the principal strength of the garrison at St. Augustine consists of negroes," wrote the Governor of Georgia to Secretary of State Monroe. The black warriors were more than capable of defending the city. They drove the Patriots from St. Augustine. The Seminoles then sacked the Georgians at Fort Picolata, destroying their storehouses and stopping the offensive.