Willing Expedition facts for kids

The Willing Expedition, also known as Willing's Raid, was a military trip in 1778. It was launched by Captain James Willing for the American Continental Congress during the American War of Independence.

What Was the Willing Expedition?

The Willing Expedition was a military operation during the American Revolutionary War. It happened in 1778. Captain James Willing led this trip for the American government. The goal was to influence people in West Florida.

Why Did the Expedition Happen?

Captain James Willing was a former resident of Natchez. He became a captain in the American navy. In 1777, he visited Baton Rouge. He brought an offer from the American leaders. They wanted West Florida to join the fight against the British government. They even suggested West Florida could become the fourteenth state.

Many people in West Florida supported American independence. However, they were happy with their own government. They also worried about Spain, which controlled nearby New Orleans. They felt they needed British protection from Spain.

Willing told the American Congress that West Florida might be a threat. So, he was allowed to take troops down the Mississippi River. His mission was to make settlers promise to stay neutral. This meant they would not fight for either side. Robert Morris, an important American leader, supported Willing's plan.

What Happened During the Raids?

Willing and his small group of soldiers traveled south. They went along the Mississippi River into British West Florida. They reached Natchez and took control of it on February 19, 1778. They also took supplies from nearby farms.

Willing announced that a larger American force was following him. He received quiet help from Bernardo de Gálvez. Gálvez was the Spanish Governor of Spanish Louisiana. He helped because he hoped Spain would get West Florida if the Americans captured it.

Willing's group reached Fort Bute and captured a British ship. As they moved further south, many local settlers crossed the river. They found safety on the Spanish side. Willing forced a group of local landowners to promise they would not fight against the United States.

What Was the Result?

Eventually, Captain Willing was defeated by people loyal to Britain. He was later captured by the British.

Because of Willing's raid, the British sent more troops to the area. This was part of a bigger plan. Britain was moving troops to the Gulf of Mexico. This happened after France joined the war on America's side.