The Spanish Indians, who resided in Southwest Florida, were a mix of Creek refugees and people of mixed Native American and Spanish, possibly even Calusa, descent. On December 4, 1840, responding to attacks by the Spanish Indians, 90 men under the command of Lieutenant Colonel W. S. Harney targeted one of their key leaders, Chakaika (sometimes spelled Chekika).
The indigenous people in Southwest Florida, who were a combination of Creek refugees and those with mixed Native American and Spanish heritage, were confronted by 90 men under Lieutenant Colonel W. S. Harney on December 4, 1840, after the Spanish colonized Native Americans launched attacks. Harney's forces then targeted Chakaika (also spelled Chekika), a prominent leader.