Negro Fort

Jackson and Gaines were destined to enter the pantheon of early Florida heroes, as was their fellow commander in the attack, Duncan Lamont Clinch. Lt. Colonel Clinch had been in the Army since 1808, rising quickly up the ranks despite an undistinguished career. He also rose quickly in Florida society, eventually becoming one of the region's most prosperous planters and slaveholders. On June 10, 1816, Gen. Gaines dispatched the young planter-colonel to lead the invading force up the Appalachicola.

On June 17, Clinch reached Prospect Bluff and called for the fort's surrender.