In September 1814, John Innerarity learned that the British were planning an attack on Fort Bowyer and the capture of Mobile. The brash Col. Nicolls had informed Governor Manrique in Pensacola of his plans, and Manrique confided this news to his confessor, Father James Coleman, who quickly relayed the information to Innerarity.
Innerarity became alarmed that an attack on Mobile's defenses at Fort Bowyer would include the plundering of the Forbes company store at nearby Bon Secour. He sent a rider named William McVoy to warn Major William Lawrence of the American defenders.
Nichols learned that his plans had been betrayed, but went ahead an attacked Fort Bowyer anyway.
Although outnumbered 4-to-1, the American defenders were able to damage the British flagship HMS Hermes, which became stranded and burned in the shallow water over the bar to Mobile Bay.
As the British landing party retreated, they sacked the Forbes company store on Bon Secour, enlisted ten company slaves into the army and stole tobacco, cattle, horses and equipment valued at $5,890.
Two years later, Nicholls stated that his defeat at Mobile was due entirely to John Innerarity.
--Brock-Perry
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