President James Monroe asked Jackson to lead a campaign against the Seminole and Creek Indians in December 1817. Jackson ruthlessly carried out his task—and then arguably exceeded it. He ordered the execution of two British officers suspected of plotting against the United States by supplying weapons to the Indians. He also invaded the area known as Florida, a Spanish territory at the time. President James Mon-roe—against the advice of some of his cabinet members—declined to punish or even censor Jackson for his actions.