12/28/2021
In an article found on the online Encyclopedia of Alabama, the history of Fort Bowyer is given. This article was written by David McRae of Auburn University and I have summarized it here.
This was a small wooden fan-shaped fortification built on the sand at Mobile Point and offered valuable defense during the war of 1812. The fort was acquired after the Spanish surrendered the port city of Mobile in April 1813. Later that year, Col. John Bowyer took command of the fort and completed the structure. Ultimately, Col. Bowyer was ordered to abandon the fort as is sometimes necessary for strategies of war. Sometime later, under the command of General Andrew Jackson, Maj. William Lawrence was sent to reoccupy and repair the fort. Jackson had feared that the fort would be an important stronghold to keep the British from capturing New Orleans from the North. The British attacked Fort Bowyer in September 1814. However, the fort was too much of a stronghold for the British at this time. The bulwark was successful in providing adequate defense from the attacking enemy that day. As with any defeat, one learns valuable lessons. The British made a second attempt to attack Fort Bowyer but this time they brought more firepower and different tactics. Sadly, the stronghold was surrendered to the British but very shortly after, due to the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, the war ended and the fort was returned to the U.S.
We must be diligent in our preparation. Had General Jackson made even more preparation to build up the fortification, the second battle may have had a different outcome. There was initial preparation made by Maj. Gen. James Wilkinson and Col. Bowyer to complete the work and provide a good foundation. When Gen. Jackson needed to use the fort for battle, much of the groundwork was complete and army regulars and cannons were all that had to be added. However, only adding more men and artillery for the second battle resulted in defeat. Britain’s second attempt was more robust. Britain had only used 4 ships and 60 soldiers in the first attack but used 38 ships and 1300 soldiers in the second. The British preparation secured the victory.
We can be prepared now and be successful in avoiding temptation and fighting off the wiles of the Devil with the Word of God (2 Pet. 1:3). What happens when the temptations come back later? What happens when we are assailed with those fiery darts (Eph. 6:16) and the roaring lion walks about us to devour us later (1 Pet. 5:8)? Will we be able to stand against him then? Will the generation following be able to do the same? We must ever be in preparation because the enemy will change those tactics he uses against us (Prov. 20:4). Just when we think we have made adequate preparation the Devil will change his approach. We must ever be ready!
We have a Bulwark that we can use, the Word of God, the Gospel. May we learn how to use it by studying it (Acts 17:11). May we know when to use it by our vigilance or standing watch (1 Pet. 5:8). May we show others why we use it by teaching them (Ps. 48:13).
