Chickasaw Campaign of 1739 facts for kids

The Chickasaw Campaign of 1739 was part of the Chickasaw Wars. The French in Louisiana wanted to defeat the Chickasaw people. In 1739, the French got ready for a big fight. But they only had small battles and then agreed to make peace.

Why the French Fought the Chickasaw

After big losses in 1736, the French still couldn't connect their lands in Louisiana. The Chickasaw people were in the way. The Choctaw tribe, who were allies of the French, kept attacking Chickasaw hunters. They also attacked people using the trade path to South Carolina. The Choctaw also destroyed Chickasaw crops and animals. They used their larger numbers to force the Chickasaw into their forts.

Bienville Prepares for Battle

Bienville, the French leader, was ordered to prepare another large attack. He wanted to fix the problems from his first attempt. He got cannons, engineers, and more soldiers. He also planned for horses, food, and forts to store supplies. New roads were also planned to move the army and its equipment.

The French Plan and Gathering Forces

Bienville chose a route up the Mississippi River this time. Engineers told him that cannons could be moved from there to the Chickasaw villages. A supply base was built on the west bank of the Mississippi River. It was at the mouth of the St. Francis River. Fort de l'Assumption was built across the Mississippi. This fort was at the fourth Chickasaw Bluff, near the Margot (now Wolf) River. It was built to receive soldiers from all over New France.

Troops Arrive

Three groups of soldiers reached the meeting point in August 1739. Bienville's nephew, Noyan, arrived first from New Orleans. La Buissionnière came from Fort de Chartres with soldiers and two hundred Illinois warriors. Céloron arrived with many "Northern Indians" and young officers from Canada. Just like in 1736, the southern French forces were slow. Bienville finally arrived in November. He saw his army had 1200 Europeans and 2400 Native American warriors. This was about twice the number of men he had in 1736.

Problems for the French Army

The army was already suffering badly from sickness. They also had little food. Soldiers became unhappy and many left during the next few months. The Chickasaw villages were still 120 miles away. This was an easy walk for soldiers with rifles. But it was very hard for an army with heavy cannons and equipment.

Delays and Difficulties

As soldiers built carts and wagons, Bienville decided the engineer's route was too low. He said rains had made it impossible to use. By January 1740, a new route was found on higher ground. But in the meantime, high water stopped the supply of food. The French position at Fort de l'Assumption became difficult to hold. Even then, the army stayed. In February, a meeting of war leaders decided they could not march. They felt it would "hazard the reputation of the king's arms." This meant it would make the king look bad.

Peace is Made

Finally, in March, Céloron set out with his young officers, one hundred regular soldiers, and four or five hundred Native American warriors. They traveled light, following a similar path to d'Artaguette in 1736. This group quickly reached the Chickasaw villages. Céloron let his Native American allies do what they wanted. Meanwhile, he was open to any offers of peace.

Chickasaw Negotiations

After several days of small fights, talks began. The Chickasaw had been under constant pressure from the Choctaw. They were also impressed by the huge French preparations at Fort de l'Assumption. The Chickasaw had hinted for a long time that they would be willing to make peace. The French demanded that all remaining Natchez people be handed over. The Chickasaw replied that most Natchez were hunting or had left their lands for good. But they did hand over some Natchez and French prisoners. With this, peace was confirmed.

Aftermath of the Campaign

The Chickasaw were peaceful for several years after this. But they kept trading with the British. They had nothing to lose by starting to fight again later. A large army with siege equipment could not reach them through the wilderness. A smaller, faster army could reach them. But it was useless against their strong, fortified villages.

Cost and Consequences

Bienville weakly claimed victory. Even if it wasn't a victory, he said he had taken every possible step. But the expedition cost more than three times the normal yearly expenses for the entire Louisiana colony. And there was no clear result. Hundreds of men died from disease. This included 500 of the 1200 Europeans at Fort de l'Assumption. The long delay there has no clear explanation. Some think it was due to internal politics or not wanting to fight without heavy equipment.