José Masot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José Masot
|
|
|---|---|
| 15th Governor of West Florida | |
| In office March 8, 1816 – May 26, 1818 |
|
| Preceded by | Francisco San Maxent |
| Succeeded by | William King |
| Personal details | |
| Born | late 18th century and early 19th century Unknown |
| Died | Unknown Unknown |
| Profession | Soldier and Politician |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Spain |
| Branch/service | Spanish Navy |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles/wars | First Seminole War |
José Masot (also known as José Fascot) was an important officer in the Spanish Navy. He served as the governor of West Florida from March 1816 until May 1818. During his time as governor, he also managed an island in the Escambia River. His time as governor ended when American general Andrew Jackson removed him from his position.
Masot's Military and Political Journey
José Masot joined the Spanish Navy when he was young. He worked his way up to the rank of colonel, which is a high military position. On March 8, 1816, Masot was chosen to be the governor of West Florida. As governor, he faced challenges related to keeping order in the region.
The First Seminole War
Masot was the Governor of West Florida when the First Seminole War began. This war involved conflicts between the United States and Native American groups, along with some formerly enslaved people.
One important event was the destruction of a place called the "negro fort." This fort was home to many formerly enslaved people and some Native Americans. After some American sailors were killed near the fort, General Andrew Jackson decided to destroy it. In April 1816, Jackson told Governor Masot that if Spain did not remove the fort, the Americans would. Masot replied that he did not have enough soldiers to take the fort. So, Jackson sent General Edmund P. Gaines to do the job.
In July 1816, American supply ships for Fort Scott arrived at the Apalachicola River. Colonel Duncan Lamont Clinch led over 100 American soldiers and about 150 Lower Creek warriors to protect the ships. The ships met Clinch near the negro fort. Two American gunboats took positions across the river from the fort. The people inside the fort fired their cannons, but they were not well-trained. The Americans fired back, and their attack destroyed the fort. Many people inside the fort, including women and children, were killed or hurt during the attack. After the fort was destroyed, the U.S. army left Spanish Florida.
Masot's time as governor of West Florida ended the next year. In November 1817, some officers in Pensacola discussed a plan to remove Masot from his position. They wanted to replace him with another leader. This plan was discovered, and Masot sent news of it to the Captain General of Cuba. At that time, the Floridas were managed by Cuba. The Captain General suspected a connection between these plotters and American troops who had entered the territory.
On May 24, 1818, American forces occupied Pensacola, which was the capital of Florida. After a few days of fighting, Masot officially surrendered to the United States army on May 28. Capturing Pensacola was the final part of General Jackson's military campaign. Jackson believed that Masot's surrender meant the United States now controlled all of West Florida. He then appointed Colonel William King as the temporary governor. After this, Jackson and his troops returned to U.S. territory.
