Jackson is looking for a way to salvage his reputation after the Sevier affair and the duel.

He chooses to align himself with former Vice President Aaron Burr, who after leaving office in 1805 had gone on a tour of the western United States.

Burr is extremely well received by the people of Tennessee, and stays for five days at the Hermitage.

Burr's true intentions are not known with certainty.

He seems to have been planning a military operation to conquer Spanish Florida and drive the Spanish from Texas.

To many westerners like Jackson, the promise seems enticing.

Western American settlers have long held bitter feelings towards the Spanish due to territorial disputes and the persistent failure of the Spanish to keep natives living on their lands from raiding American settlements.

On October 4, 1806, Jackson addresses the Tennessee militia, declaring that the men should be "at a moment's warning ready to march."

On the same day, he writes to James Winchester, proclaiming that the United States "can conquer not only the Floridas [At this time there is an East Florida and a West Florida.], but all Spanish North America."

He continues:

    I have a hope (Should their be a call) that at least, two thousand Volunteers can be lead into the field at a short notice—That number commanded by firm officers and men of enterprise—I think could look into Santafee and Maxico—give freedom and commerce to those provinces and establish peace, and a permanent barier against the inroads and attacks of forreign powers on our interior—which will be the case so long as Spain holds that large country on our borders.