It involved a British attack on the city of St. Augustine in Spanish Florida and was a part of the much larger conflict known as the War of Jenkins' Ear.

In September 1739, King George II sent orders to Governor James Oglethorpe of the colony of Georgia "to annoy the Subjects of Spain in the best manner" possible.

[5] In response, Oglethorpe began a punitive campaign with a mixed force of British regulars (the 42nd Regiment of Foot), colonial militia from the Province of Georgia and the Carolinas, and Native American Creek, Chickasaw, Shawnee and Uchees.

On 26 June a sortie by 300[7] Spanish and free blacks attacked Fort Mose held by 120 Highlander Rangers and 30 Indians.

[8] The Spanish managed to send supply ships through the Royal Navy blockade and any hope of starving St. Augustine into capitulation was lost.