leadership of Reuben Kemper published a declaration of independence, captured the Spanish commander and his alcalde at Bayou Sara, and set out to capture Gov. Grand Pré at Baton Rouge. They had hoped to surprise the Spanish official, but Grand Pré was well-warned and the Americans withdrew after a little desultory shooting. The Kempers retired to Pinckneyville, just over the line in the Mississippi Territory, from where they kept up a running battle with the Spanish. In 1805, Grand Pré was appointed governor of West Florida. In this year, the new governor proposed the emigration of the Spanish settlers from the Canary Islands who lived in Galvez Town to settle down in the new town of Spanish Town. He drew up the layout of an area east of the fort 'out of cannon shot' that became known as Spanish Town. An ultimate result of the activity of the Kempers and when Napoleon was attempting to install his brother on the Spanish throne was the recall of Grand Pré to Havana by the captain-general for questioning over his mild policies against the inhabitants. Grand Pré died in Cuba in 1809 while awaiting trial. According to his friend Pedro Favrot, he was executed for "pro-French" activities. Carlos de Hault de Lassus, who succeeded him as governor of the district of Baton Rouge, was much criticized for accused corruption and taken prisoner during the West Florida revolt in 1810. References External links A History of Baton Rouge 1699-1812. Posted by Rose Meyers History of Louisiana Spanish military personnel People from Louisiana People from Natchez, Mississippi Governors of West Florida 1745 births 1809 deaths