They desired to be attached to Louisiana as a part of that State.  This, however, they could not effect without the consent of the State; and to ask this consent was deemed useless, until they were first recognized as part of the United States.  In this dilemma, a veteran of the Revolution, and an early pioneer to Kentucky, and thence to West Florida, said:  “‘Wherever there is a will, there is a way:’  we must first get rid of the Spanish authority, and look out for what may follow.”

They secretly assembled a small force, and, upon a concerted day, met in secret, and under the cover of night approached the vicinity of the fort.  Here they lay perdu, and entirely unsuspected by the Spanish Governor Gayoso.  As day was approaching, they moved forward on horseback, and entered the open gate of the fort, and demanded its immediate surrender.  The only opposition made to the assault was by young Gayoso, the governor’s son, who was instantly slain, when the fort surrendered unconditionally.  Perhaps this is the only instance in the history of wars that a fort was ever stormed on horseback.  Thomas, Morgan, Moore, Johnson, and Kemper were the leaders in this enterprise.  They were completely successful, and the Spanish authorities were without the means to subdue them to their duty as Spanish subjects.

The next step in their action was now to be decided.  If the Government of the United States attempted their protection, it would be cause for war with Spain; and it was deemed best to organize under the laws of Louisiana, and ask annexation to that State.  This was done.  Members of the Legislature were elected in obedience to the laws of this State, and appeared at the meeting of that body, and asked to be admitted as members representing the late Florida parishes, then, as they assumed, a part and portion of the State.

When asked by what authority they claimed to be a part of the State, they answered, succinctly:  “We have thrown off the Spanish yoke, and, as free and independent Americans, have annexed ourselves and the parishes we represent to this State, and claim as our right representation in this Legislature:  we have joined ourselves to you, because it is our interest to do so, and yours, too; and we mean to be accepted.”  At the head of this representation was Thomas, who was the commander of the party capturing the fort; associated with him was Larry Moore.  Thomas came from the river parishes; Moore from those contiguous to the lakes; both were Kentuckians, both illiterate, and both determined men.  They did not speak as suppliants for favors, but as men demanding a right.  They knew nothing of national law, and, indeed, very little of any other law; but were men of strong common sense, and clearly understood what was the interest of their people and their own, and, if determination could accomplish it, they meant to have it.