In Year Two of the War of 1812, Colonel John Coffee led 600 troops down the Natchez Trace, marching toward New Orleans to join forces with General Andrew Jackson. But the U.S. had sent no provisions, and by the time they reached the Chickasaw Nation, those soldiers and their horses were starving. Chickasaw leader George Colbert quickly ordered his winter store be brought out and served. The blessing of these provisions would be repeated over many months as plans changed and troops were moved about.