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THE LIFE
OF
MAJOR-GENERAL IN THE SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES
COMPRISING
A HISTORY
OF THE
IK THE
FROM THE
COMMEWCXSMEOT? OF THIS CREEK CAMP AXCHNT,
TO THE
TERMINATION OF HOSTILITIES BEFORE
BY JOHN HENRY EATON,
SENATOR OF THE UNITED STATED
PHILADELPHIA?
PUBLISHED BY SAMUEL F. BRADFORB.
Jesper Harding, Printer.
1824
COPY-RIGHT SECURED ACCORDING TO LAW.
'iLm-%
PREFACE
TO the decision of the candid, who will duly appreciate the
difficulties of an undertaking like the present, is this work sub-
mitted. He who ventures on a detail of events, recent in the
recollection of the world, hazards much, and can scarcely ex-
pect to escape censure. The numerous actors in, and spec-
tators of, the scenes portrayed, entertaining different opinions of
the facts as they transpired, and ascribing them to entirely dif-
ferent causes, becomes each a critic in his turn, accordingly as
the narrative corresponds with, or is variant from his own opi-
nion.
The historian who traces events, at a period remote from
their occurrence, stands on more favourable ground, and has
fewer difficulties to encounter: he then proceeds in his under-
taking without being acted upon by prejudice, or influenced by
partiality. His readers, too, are similarly situated. But he
who draws them at a moment when recollection treasures them,
is oftentimes placed under the influence of both may be divert-
ed insensibly from the course pointed out by truth ; ascribe
events to motives that never induced thefti ;- bestow censure
where it is not due, and commendation where it is not merited.
To avoid errors so common, and to present things truly as
they occurred, has been the wish of the author, and he believes
he has succeeded. He believes so, because he had no induce-
ment to do otherwise, and because, having all the original
papers in his possession, and the opportunity of constant and re-
peated intercourse with the subject of this history, there was no
avenue to error, unless from intention, and this he disclaims.
V PREFACE.
He can therefore venture upon this assurance, that what is de-
tailed may be taken as correct.
As regards the execution of the work, he has not much to
offer to the consideration of the reader. He is willing to trust
it to the world, without preface or apology ; without supplica-
ting its charity or indulgence in his favour : from no belief that
ample room is not afforded for both to be exercised in his be-
half, but from a conviction that they are seldom or never extended,
and that none has a right to ask for them, unless under peculiar
circumstances. Whether he be competent to the task, is the
duty of every man to inquire, before he undertakes to become
an author ; no sooner does he appear before the public in that
character, than they have a right to infer, that he has entire
confidence in his own qualifications, and therefore may, with
propriety, judge him " according to his works."
It was not a belief of this kind, that claimed an influence on
the present occasion : peculiar circumstances, and not choice,
were the inducement. It is more, therefore, with a view of cor-
rectly stating the reasons why he is placed before the public as
an author, than to supplicate any indulgence for the defects
which the work may be found to contain, that any thing is ven-
tured to be said. His greatest regret, if he have any on the sub-
ject, is, that the events had not been portrayed by some masterly
hand, that they might have been exhibited in a manner worthy
of him who gave them their existence.
It is some time since major Reid submitted proposals for pub-
lishing to the world, " The Life of General Jackson." By those
who knew him, it was a circumstance hailed with pleasure, be-
cause they entertained a confidence that the narrative would
be faithful, and that he was well qualified to bestow every em-
bellishment necessary to render it interesting. His mind had
been generously endowed by nature, and richly stored with polite
and elegant literature. The means of education had been libe-
rally spread before him, nor had they been neglected. But
PREFACE. V
before he could effect his object, he died. This event, deeply
deplored, produced the necessity either of abandoning what had
been already begun, or of prevailing on some person to com-
plete it. Through the entreaty of his relations and friends, the
present author was led to the undertaking ; not from a convic-
tion that he would be able to present it in a garb calculated to
satisfy public expectation, but from a desire, that the infant
children of one who had rendered important services to the
country, might not be so far injured by his death, as to lose the
benefit of what their father had commenced, and what might
afford a fund for the purpose of their education.
This consideration, sufficiently weighty in itself, was the more
cheerfully subscribed to, from a belief, that, perhaps, the greater
part of the work was already digested, and only needed to be
transcribed, and properly prepared for the press ; for as yet
the papers were in Virginia. Unforeseen difficulties, however,
arose, when, on their arrival at Nashville, it was found that
scarcely one third of it had been prepared ; while the residue
remained to be sought for through an immense quantity of pa-
pers, without any arrangement or order. Many as were the
difficulties presented, and troublesome as the research promised
to be, yet the arrangement being already announced, it was too
late to retract.*
The brilliant achievements which had marked the course of
general Jackson, and given to himself and his country a distin-
guished standing, had been already brought to public view ; but
garbled facts, and contradictory statements, had been so exten-
sively circulated, that none knew things truly as they should
be; and all, with impatience, looked for the appearance of a
work, which should dispel doubt, and bring forth facts, substan-
tially as they were.
* The four first chapters of this work were written by major Reid, who was
an eye witness to the events recorded by him. For those the present author
is not responsible j for the residue he is.
VI PREFACE.
He who shall read what is written with a determination to
be displeased, because it is not so perfect as he himself could
have made it, is desired to remember, that there is every ima-
ginable difference between him who has been accustomed to
such pursuits, and, from habit, is enabled to give a happy ar-
rangement to thought, and correctness to expression, and one
who carries with him no such aid. But those who desire a cor-
rect view of those masterly exertions which constantly hurried
their actor to the most brilliant and uninterrupted successes
who can be pleased with benevolence and generosity, and
strength, and nerve, and decision of character, concentered in
the same breast with a career, which, at. every step, evinced
an unshaken determination to move forward for the benefit and
exaltation of his country, at all hazards, and at every risk, will
find much to admire. They will see the man. of whom they
have already heard much, fearlessly encountering danger, and
erecting himself in opposition to every design that came in col-
lision with the duty he owed to the station he occupied ; and
who, in moments of extreme difficulty, did not shrink from re-
sponsibility ; but, bringing to his aid the slender resources within
his reach, protected and saved an all-important and valuable
portion of his country, at a time when her warmest votaries re-
garded the cause, in that quarter, as hopeless.
Whether the work will be flatteringly received, or shall
" drop still-born from the press," although of some concern to
the author, is an event on which his peace and tranquillity of
mind does not depend. A recollection, that the good opinion of
the world is dependent on a thousand accidental circumstances
is often " obtained without merit, and lost without crime," affords
considerations that neither hope nor fear can disturb. But that
it shall be so far charitably received and patronised, as to afford
advantages to the children of a friend, is desired. Their father
is no more ! but, as his representatives, they have claims of no
common kind on the liberality of the public. A character un-
stained by dishonour, and without reproach; a firmness un-
shaken, and devotion to his country, are the inheritance he has
PREFACE. VII
left them. He was no inactive spectator of the trying scenes
that are past. When danger threatened, he was foremost to
meet it. Throughout the prosecution of the southern war, in the
capacity of aid to the commanding general, he was active and
valiant. Nor can any stronger evidence be furnished of his
capacity, unquestioned merit, and distinguished services render-
ed, than that during the whole period, he carried with him the
entire confidence and friendship of his general.
It was desirable to avoid in the narrative, all those circum-
stances in which general Jackson was not directly concerned ;
but as the design of the original author was to give a complete
history of the southern war, that plan has been pursued, and
some events briefly adverted to, in which the general had no
immediate agency.
The work, however, such as it is, is submitted to the public ;
and nothing either of charity or favour, supplicated in its be-
half. The matter is important, and the manner of presenting it,
if defective, may at least prove serviceable to some future his-
torian.
JOHN H. EATON.
THE LIFE
OF
CHAPTER I.
His birth, parentage, family, and education. Engages in the American
re-volution, and is shortly after, 'with his brother, made a prisoner.
Their treatment and sufferings. Commences the study of law. His
removal to the western country. Anecdote. Becomes a member of the
Tennessee convention, and afterwards a senator in the United States'
congress. Retires, and is appointed a judge of the state courts. De-
claration of war. Tenders the services of 2500 volunteers to the pre-
sident. Ordered to the lower country. His descent and return, and
discharge of the troops.
ANDREW JACKSON was born on the 15th day of March,
1767. His father, (Andrew) the youngest son of his
family, emigrated to America from Ireland during the
year 1765, bringing with him two sons, Hugh and Ro-
bert, both very young. Landing at Charleston, in
South Carolina, he shortly afterwards purchased a
tract of land, in what was then called the Waxsaw
settlement, about forty-five miles above Camden; at
which place the subject of this history was born. Short-
ly after his birth, his father died, leaving three sons to
10 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
be provided for by their mother. She appears to have
been an exemplary woman, and to have executed the
arduous duties which had devolved on her, with great
faithfulness and with much success. To the lessons
she inculcated on the youthful minds of her sons, was,
no doubt, owing, in a great measure, that fixed oppo-
sition to British tyranny and oppression, which after-
wards so much distinguished them. Often would she
spend the winter's evenings, in recounting to them the
sufferings of their grandfather, at the siege of Car-
rickfergus, and the oppression exercised by the no-
bility of Ireland, over the labouring poor ; impressing
it upon them, as a first duty, to expend their lives, if
it should become necessary, in defending and support-
ing the natural rights of man.
Inheriting but a small patrimony from their father,
it was impossible that all the sons could receive an ex-
pensive education. The two eldest were therefore
only taught the rudiments of their mother tongue, at
a common country school. But Andrew, being intend-
ed by his mother for the ministry, was sent to a flou-
rishing academy at the Waxsaw meeting house, super-
intended by Mr. Humphries. Here he was placed on
the study of the dead languages, and continued until
the revolutionary war extending its ravages into that
section of South Carolina, where he then was, render-
ed it necessary that every one should betake himself
to the American standard, seek protection with the
enemy, or flee his country. It was not an alternative
that admitted of tedious deliberation. The natural ar-
dor of his temper, deriving encouragement from the
recommendations of his mother, whose feelings were
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 1 1
cited by those sentiments in favor of liberty, with
which, by her conversation, his mind had been early
endued, quickly determined him in the course to be
pursued ; and at the tender age of fourteen, accompa-
nied by his brother Robert, he hastened to the Ameri-
can camp, and engaged actively, in the service of his
country. His oldest brother, who had previously joined
the army, had lost his life at the battle of Stono, from
the excessive heat of the weather, and the fatigues of
the day.
Both Andrew and Robert, were, at this period,
pretty well acquainted with the manual exercise, and
had some idea of the different evolutions of the field,
having been indulged by their mother in attending the
drill and general musters of the neighbourhood.
The Americans being unequal, as well from the in-
feriority of their numbers, as their discipline, to en-
gage the British army in battle, had retired before it,
into the interior of North Carolina; but when they
learned, that lord Cornwallis had crossed the Yadkin,
they returned in small detachments to their native
state. On their arrival, they found lord Rawdon in
possession of Camden, and the whole country around
in a state of desolation. The British commander being-
advised of the return of the settlers of Waxsaw, ma-
jor Coffin was immediately despatched thither, with a
corps of light dragoons, a company of infantry, and a
considerable number of tories, for their capture and
destruction. Hearing of their approach, the settlers,
without delay, appointed the Waxsaw meeting house
as a place of rendezvous, that they might the better
12 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
collect their scattered strength, and concert some sys-
tem of operations. About forty of them had according-
ly assembled at this point, when the enemy approach-
ed, keeping the tories, who were dressed in the com-
mon garb of the country, in front, whereby this little
band of patriots was completely deceived, having taken
them for captain Nisbet's company, in expectation of
which they had been waiting. Eleven of them were
taken prisoners ; the rest with difficulty fled, scatter-
ing and betaking themselves to the woods for conceal-
ment. Of those who thus escaped, though closely
pursued, were Andrew Jackson and his brother, who,
entering a secret bend in a creek, that was close at
hand, obtained a momentary respite from danger, and
avoided, for the night, the pursuit of the enemy. The
next day, however, having gone to a neighbouring
house, for the purpose of procuring something to eat,
they were broken in upon, and made prisoners, by
Coffin's dragoons, and a party of tories who accompa-
nied them. Those young men, with a view to secu-
rity, had placed their horses in the wood, on the mar-
gin of a small creek, and posted, on the road which
led by the house, a sentinel, that they might have in-
formation of any approach, and in time to be able to
elude it. But the tories, who were well acquainted
with the country and the passes through the forest,
had, unfortunately, passed the creek at the very point
where the horses and baggage of our young soldiers
were deposited, and taken possession of them. Having
done this, they approached cautiously, the house, and
were almost at the door before they were discovered.
To escape was impossible, and both were made prison-
ers. Being placed under guard, Andrew was ordered,
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 13
in a very imperious tone, by a British officer, to clean
his boots, which had become muddied in crossing the
creek. This order he positively and peremptorily
refused to obey; alleging that he looked for such
treatment as a prisoner of war had a right to expect.
Incensed at his refusal, the officer aimed a blow at his
head with a drawn sword, which would, very probably,
have terminated his existence, had he not parried its
effects by throwing up his left hand, on which he re-
ceived a severe wound, the mark of which he bears
to this hour. His brother, at the same time, for a
similar offence, received a deep cut on the head, which
subsequently occasioned his death. They were both
now taken to jail, where, separated and confined,
they were treated with marked severity, until a few
days after the battle before Camden, when, in conse-
quence of a partial exchange, effected by the inter-
cessions and exertions of their mother, and captain
Walker, of the militia, they were both released from
confinement. Captain Walker had, in a charge on the
rear of the British army, succeeded in making thirteen
prisoners, whom he gave in exchange for seven Ameri-
cans, of which number were these two young men.
Robert, during his confinement in prison, had suffered
greatly ; the wound on his head, all this time, having
never been dressed, was followed by an inflammation
of the brain, which, in a few days after his liberation,
brought him to the grave. To add to the afflictions
of Andrew, his mother, worn down by grief, and her
incessant exertions to provide clothing and other com-
forts for the suffering prisoners, who had been taken
from her neighbourhood, expired in a few weeks after
her son, near the lines of the enemv^ in. the vicinity
14 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
of Charleston. Andrew, the last and only surviving
child, confined to a bed of sickness, occasioned by the
sufferings he had been compelled to undergo, whilst
a prisoner, and by getting wet, on his return from
captivity, was thus left in the wide world, without a
human being with whom he could claim a near re-
lationship. The small pox, about the same time, having
made its appearance upon him, had well nigh termi-
nated his sorrows and his existence.
Having at length recovered from his complicated
afflictions, he entered upon the enjoyment of his estate,
which, although small, would have been sufficient,
under prudent management, to have completed his
education, on the liberal scale which his mother had
designed. Unfortunately, however, he, like too many
young men, sacrificing future prospects to present
gratification, expended it with rather too profuse a
hand. Coming, at length, to foresee that he should
be finally obliged to rely on his own exertions, for
support and success in life, he again betook himself to
his studies with increased industry. He re-commenced
under Mr. M'Culloch, in that part of Carolina which
was then called the New Acquisition, near Hill's iron
works. Here he revised the languages, devoting a
portion of his time to a desultory course of studies.
His education being now completed, so far as his
wasted patrimony, and the limited opportunities then
afforded in that section of the country, would permit,
at the age of eighteen, he turned his attention to ac-
quiring a profession, and in preparing himself to enter
on the busy scenes of life. The. pulpit, for which he
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 15
had been designed by his mother, was now abandoned
for the bar; and, in the winter of 1784, he repaired to
Salisbury, in North Carolina, and commenced the
study of law, under Spruce M'Cay, Esq. (afterwards
one of the judges of that state,) and subsequently
continued it under colonel John Stokes. Having re-
mained at Salisbury until the winter of 1786, he ob-
tained a license from the judges to practice law, and
continued in the state until the spring of 1788.
i
The observations he was enabled, during this time,
to make, satisfied him that this state presented few
inducements to a young attorney; and recollecting that
he stood a solitary individual in life, without relations
to aid him in the onset, when innumerable difficulties
arise and retard success, he determined to seek a new
country. But for this, he might have again returned
to his native state ; the death, however, of every re-
lation he had, had wiped away all those endearing re-
collections and circumstances which warp the mind
to the place of its nativity. The western parts of the
state of Tennessee were, about this time, often spoken
of, as presenting flattering prospects to adventurers.
He immediately determined to accompany judge
M'Nairy thither, who had been appointed, and was
going out to hold the first supreme court that had
ever sat in the state. Having reached the Holston,
they ascertained it would be impossible to arrive at the
time appointed for the session of the court; and there-
fore determined to remain in that section of country
until fall. They re-commenced their journey in Oc-
tober, and passing through an extensive uninhabited
country, reached Nashville in the same month. It had
16 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOX.
not been Jackson's intention, certainly, to make Ten-
nessee the place of his future residence; his visit was
merely experimental, and his stay remained to be de-
termined by the advantages that might be disclosed ;
but finding, soon after his arrival, that a considerable
opening was offered for the success of a young attor-
ney, he determined to remain. To one of refined
feelings, the prospect before him was, certainly, not
of an encouraging cast As in all newly settled coun-
tries must be the case, society was loosely formed, and
united by but few of those ties which have a tendency
to enforce the performance of moral duty, and the right
execution of justice. The young men of the place,
adventurers from different sections of the country, had
become indebted to the merchants ; there was but one
lawyer in the country, and they had so contrived,
as to retain him in their business ; the consequence
was, that the merchants were entirely deprived of
the means of enforcing against those gentlemen the
execution of their contracts. In this state of things
Jackson made his appearance at Nashville, and while
the creditor class looked to it with great satisfaction,
the debtors were sorely displeased. Applications were
immediately made to him for his professional services,
and on the morning after his arrival he issued seventy
writs. To those prodigal gentlemen, it was an alarm-
ing circumstance ; their former security was impaired;
but that it might not wholly depart, they determined
to force him, in some way or other, to leave the coun-
try ; and to effect this, broils and quarrels with him
were to be resorted to. This, however, was soon
abandoned, satisfied, by the first controversy in which
they had involved him, that his decision and firmness
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 17
was such as to leave no hope of effecting any thing
through this channel. Disregarding the opposition
raised to him, he continued, with care and industry,
to press forward in his professional course, and his at-
tention soon brought him forward, and introduced him
to a profitable practice. Shortly afterwards, he was
appointed attorney general for the district, in which
capacity he continued to act for several years.
Indian depredations being then frequent on the
Cumberland, every man, of necessity, became a soldier.
Unassisted by the government, the settlers were forced
to rely for security on their own bravery and exertions.
Although young, no person was more distinguished
than Andrew Jackson, in defending the country against
these predatory incursions of the savages, who con-
tinually harassed the frontiers, and not unfrequently
approached the heart of the settlements, which were
thin, but not widely extended. He aided alike in garri-
soning the forts, and in pursuing and chastising the
enemy.
In the year 1796, having, by his patriotism, firmness,
and talents, secured to himself a distinguished standing
with all classes, he was chosen one of the members
of the convention, for establishing a constitution for
the state. His good conduct and zeal for the public
interest, and the republican feelings and sentiments
which were conspicuously disclosed in the formation
and arrangement of this instrument, brought him more
prominently to view; and, without proposing or so-
liciting, he was, in the same year, elected a member
of the house of representatives, in congress, for the
18 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
state of Tennessee. The following year, his reputa-
tion continuing to increase, and every bosom feeling a
wish to raise him to still higher honours, he was chosen
a senator of the United States congress, and took his
seat on the 22d day of November, 1797. About the
middle of April, business of an important and private
nature, imposed on him the necessity of asking leave
of absence, and returning home. Leave was granted,
and before the next session he resigned his seat. He
was but a little more than thirty years of age, and
hence, scarcely eligible, by the constitution, at the
time he was elected. The sedition law, about which
*o much concern and feeling has been manifested
through the country, was introduced into the senate,
by Mr. Lloyd, of Maryland, in June, and passed that
body On the 4th of July following ; hence the name of
Jackson, owing to the leave of absence which had been
granted him in April, does not appear on the journals.
On the alien law, however, and the effort to repeal the
stamp act, he was present, resting in the minority, and
on the side of the Republican principles of the coun-
try.*
The state of Tennessee, on its admission into the
Union, comprising but one military division, and gene-
ral Conway y who commanded it, as major-general,
* The names of those senators who voted for a repeal of the alien
and stamp acts, so obnoxious to the republicans of this country, at the
session of 1798, were Anderson, Bloodworth, Brown, Foster, Green,
Jackson, Langdon, Livermore, Martin, Mason, Tazewell. Against the
repeal, Chapman, Clayton, Goodhue, Hillhouse, Howard, Latimer,
Lawrence, Lloyd, North, Paine, Read, Rutherford, Sedgwick, Stock.
ton, Tracy.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON, 19
dying about this time, Jackson, without being consult-
ed on the subject, and without the least intimation of
what was in agitation, was, as the constitution of the
state directs, chosen by the field officers, to succeed
him; which appointment he continued to hold until
May, 1814, when he was constituted a major-general
in the United States' service.
Becoming tired of political life, for the intrigues of
which he declared fiimself unqualified, and having for
two years voted'in the minority in congress, he resign-
ed, after the first session, his seat in the senate. To
this measure lie was strongly induced, from a desire to
make way for general Smith, who, he conjectured,
would, in that capacity, be able to render more im-
portant services to the government than himself. His
country, unwilling that his talents should remain in-
active and unemployed, again demanded his services.
Immediately after his resignation, he was appointed
one of the judges of the supreme court of the state.
Sensibly alive to the difficult duties of this station,
distrusting his legal acquirements, and impressed with
the great injury he might produce to suitors, by erro-
neous decisions, he advanced to the office with re-
luctance, and in a short time resigned, leaving it open
for those, who, he believed, were better qualified than
himself, to discharge its intricate and important duties.
Unambitious of those distinctions and honors which
young men are usually proud to possess; finding too,
that his circumstances and condition in life, were not
such as to permit his time and attention to be devoted
to public matters, he determined to yield them into
others' hands, and to devote himself to agricultural
20 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
pursuits ; and accordingly settled himself on an excel-
lent farm, ten miles from Nashville, on the Cumber-
land river ; where, for several years, he enjoyed all the
comforts of domestic and social intercourse. Abstract-
ed from the busy scenes of public life, pleased with
retirement, surrounded by friends whom he loved, and
who entertained for him the highest veneration and
respect, and blessed with an amiable and affectionate
consort, nothing seemed wanting to the completion of
that happiness which he so anxiously desired whilst
in office.
But a period approached, when all these endear-
ments were again to be abandoned, for the duties of
more active life. Great Britain, by multiplied out-
rages on our rights, as an independent and neutral
nation, had provoked from our government a declara-
tion of war against her. This measure, though founded
in abundant cause, had been long forborne, and every
attempt at conciliation made, without effect : when, at
length, it was resorted to, as the only alternative that
could preserve the honour and dignity of the nation,
General Jackson, ever devoted to the interest of his
country, from the moment of the declaration, knew
no wish so strong as that of entering into her service,
against a power, which, independent of public con-
siderations, he had many private reasons for disliking.
In her, he could trace sufferings and injuries received,
and the efficient cause, why, in early life, he had been
left forlorn and wretched, without a single relation in
the world. His proud and inflexible mind, however,
could not venture to solicit an appointment in the army,
which was about to be raised. He accordingly remained
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 21
wholly unknown, until, at the head of the militia, em-
ployed against the Creek Indians, his constant vigi-
lance, and the splendour of his victories, apprised the
general government of those great military talents
which he so eminently possessed, and conspicuously
displayed, when opportunities for exerting them were
afforded.
The acts of congress, Of the 6th of February, and
July, 1812, afforded the means of bringing into view
a display of those powers, which, being unknown, un-
der other circumstances, unfortunately, might have
slumbered in inaction. Under the authority of these
acts, authorizing the president to accept the services
of fifty thousand volunteers, he addressed the citizens
of his division, and twenty-five hundred flocked to his
standard. A tender of them having been made, and the
offer accepted, in November he received orders to
place himself at their head and to descend the Mis-
sissippi, for the defence of the lower country, which
was then supposed to be in danger. Accordingly, on
the 10th of December, those troops rendezvoused at
Nashville, prepared to advance to the place of their
destination ; and, although the weather was then exces-
sively severe, and the ground covered with snow, no
troops could have displayed greater firmness. The
general was every where with them, inspiring them
with the ardour that animated his own bosom. The
cheerful spirit with which they submitted to hard-
ships, and bore privations, on the very onset of their
military career, as well as the order and subordination
they so readily observed, were happy presages of
22 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
what was to be expected, when they should be direct-
ed to face an enemy.
Having procured supplies, and made the necessary
arrangements for an active campaign, they proceeded,
the 7th of January, on their journey ; and, descending
the Ohio and Mississippi, through cold and ice, arrived,
and halted at Natchez. Here Jackson had been in-
structed to remain, until he should receive further
orders. Having chosen a healthy site for the encamp-
ment of his troops, about two miles from Washington,
he devoted his time, with the utmost industry, to train-
ing and preparing them for active service. The clouds
of war, however, in. that quarter, having blown over,
an order was received from the secretary of war,
dated the 5th of January, directing him, on the re-
ceipt thereof, to dismiss those under his command,
from service, and to take measures for delivering over
every article of public property, in his possession, to
brigadier general Wilkinson. When this order reach-
ed his camp, there were one hundred and fifty on the
sick report, fifty-six of whom were unable to raise
their heads, and almost the whole of them destitute of
the means of defraying the expenses of their return.
The consequence of a strict compliance with the se-
cretary's order, inevitably w r ould have been, that many
of the sick must have perished, whilst most of the
others, from their destitute condition would, of neces-
sity, have been compelled to enlist in the regular
army, under general Wilkinson. Such alternatives
were neither congenial with their general's wished,
nor such as they had expected, on adventuring with
him in the service of their country ; he had carried
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 23
them from home, and, the fate of war and disease apart,
it was his duty, he believed, to bring them back. Whe-
ther an expectation that, by this plan, many of them
would be compelled into the regular ranks, had form-
ed any part of the motive that occasioned the order
for their discharge, at so great a distance from home,
cannot be known; and it would be uncharitable to in-
sinuate against the government so serious and foul an
accusation, without the strongest evidence to support
it. Be this as it may, general Jackson could not think
of sacrificing or injuring an army that had shown such
devotedness to their country ; and he determined to
disregard the order, and march them again to their
homes, where they had been embodied, rather than
discharge them where they would be exposed to the
greatest hardships and dangers. To this measure he
was prompted, not only by the reasons already men-
tioned, but by the consideration, that many of the
troops under his command were young men, the chil-
dren of his neighbours and acquaintances, who had
delivered them into his hands, as to a guardian, who,
with parental solicitude, would watch over and protect
their welfare. To have abandoned them, therefore, at
such a time, and under such circumstances, would
have drawn on him the merited censure of the most
deserving part of his fellow-citizens, and sensibly
wounded his own generous feelings. Add to this, those
young men who were confined by sickness, learning
the nature of the order he had received, implored him,
with tears in their eyes, not to abandon them in so
great an extremity, reminding him, at the same time,
of his assurances, that he would be to them as a father;
and of the implicit confidence they had placed in his
24 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
word. This was an appeal, which it would have been
difficult for the feelings of Jackson to have resisted,
had it been without the support of other weighty con-
siderations ; but, influenced by them all, he had no
hesitation in coming to a determination.
Having made known his resolution to the field offi-
cers of his division, it met, apparently, their approba-
tion ; but, after retiring from his presence, they assem-
bled late at night, in secret caucus, arid proceeded to
recommend to him an abandonment of his purpose,
and an immediate discharge of his troops. Great as
was the astonishment, which this measure excited in
the general, it produced a still higher sentiment of in-
dignation. In reply, he urged the duplicity of their
conduct, and reminded them, that although to those
who possessed funds and health, such a course could
produce no inconvenience, yet to the unfortunate sol-
dier, who was alike destitute of both, no measure could
be more calamitous. He concluded by telling them,
that his resolution not having been hastily concluded
on, nor bottomed on light considerations, was unalter-
ably fixed ; and that immediate preparations must be
made for carrying into execution the determination
he had formed.
He lost no time in making known to the secretary
of war the resolution he had adopted; to disregard
the order he had given, and to return his army to the
place where he haxl received it. He painted in strong
terms the evils which the course pursued by the go-
vernment was calculated to produce, and expressed
the astonishment he felt, that it should have originated
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 25
with the famous author of the " Newburg Letters," the
once redoubted advocate of soldiers' rights.
General Wilkinson, to whom the public property
was directed to be delivered, learning the determina-
tion which had been taken by Jackson, to march his
troops back, and to take with them so much of that
property as should be necessary to their return, in a
letter of solemn and mysterious import, admonished
him of the consequences which were before him, and
of the awful and dangerous responsibility he w r as taking
on himself, by so bold a measure. General Jackson
replied, that his conduct, and the consequences to
which it might lead, had been deliberately weighed,
and well considered, and that he was prepared to
abide the result, whatever it might be. Wilkinson had
previously given orders to his officers, to recruit from
Jackson's army ; they were advised, however, on their
first appearance, that those troops were already in the
service of the United States, and that thus situated,
they should not be enlisted ; and that he would arrest
and confine the first officer who dared to enter his
encampment with any such object in view.
The quarter-master, having been ordered to furnish
the necessary transportation, for the conveyance of
the sick and the baggage to Tennessee, immediately
set about the performance of the task; but, as the
event proved, with not the least intention of executing
it. Still, he continued to keep up the semblance of
exertion ; and the better to deceive, the very day be-
fore that which had been appointed for breaking up
the encampment, and commencing the return march,
20 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOft,
eleven wagons arrived there by his order. The next
morning, however, when every thing was about to be
packed up, acting doubtless from orders, and intending
to produce embarrassment, the quarter-master entered
the encampment, and discharged the whole. He was
grossly mistaken in the man he had to deal with, and
had now played his tricks too far to be able to ac-
complish the object which he had, no doubt, been in-
structed to effect. Disregarding their dismissal, so
evidently designed to prevent his marching back his
men, general Jackson seized upon these wagons, yet
within his lines, and compelled them to proceed to the
transportation of his sick. It deserves to be recollected,
that this quarter-master, so soon as he received direc-
tions for furnishing transportation, had despatched an
express to general Wilkinson : and there can be but
little doubt, that the course of duplicity he afterwards
pursued, was a concerted plan between him and that
general, to defeat the design of Jackson ; compel him
to abandon the course he had adopted ; and, in this
way, draw to the regular army many of the soldiers,
who, from necessity, would be driven to enlist. In
this attempt, they were fortunately disappointed. Ad*
hering to his original purpose, he successfully resisted
every stratagem of Wilkinson, and marched the whole
of his division to the section of country whence they
had been drawn, and dismissed them from service, as
he had been instructed.
To present an example that might buoy up the
sinking spirits of his troops, in the long and arduous
march before them, he yielded up his horses to the
sick, and trudging on foot, encountered all the hard-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 27
ships that were met by the soldiers* It was at a time
of year when the roads were extremely bad> and the
swamps, lying in their passage, deep and full; yet,
under these circumstances, he placed before his troops
an example of patience and hardship that lulled to
silence all complaints, and won to him, still stronger
than before, the esteem and respect of every one- On
arriving at Nashville, he communicated to the presi-
dent of the United States the course he had pursued,
and the reasons that had induced it. If it had become
necessary, he had sufficient grounds on which he could
have justified his conduct. Had he suffered general
Wilkinson to have accomplished what was clearly his
intention, although it was an event which might, at the
moment, have benefitted the service, by adding an in-
creased strength to the army, yet the example would
have been of so serious and exceptionable a charac-
ter, that injury would have been the final and unavoid-
able result. Whether the intention of thus forcing
these men to enlist into the regular ranks, had its ex-
istence under the direction of the government, or not,
such would have been the universal belief; and all
would have felt a deep abhorrence, at beholding the
patriots of the country drawn off from their homes,
under pretence of danger, whilst the concealed design
was, by increasing their necessities, at a distance from
their residence, to compel them to an act which they
would have abstained from under different circum-
stances. His conduct, terrible as it first appeared, was
in the end approved, and the expenses incurred di-
rected to be paid by the government
CHAPTER II.
Indian preparation for hostilities. Tecumseh arrives amongst the southern
tribes ; his intrigues. Civil wars of the Creeks. Destruction of, and
butchery at Fort Mimms. Expedition against the Indians.- Jack-
son unites with the army, and enters the enemy's country. Scarcity oj
supplies in his camp. Learns the savages are embodied. His address
to his troops. Seeks to form a junction with the East Tennessee di-
vision. Detaches general Coffee across the Coosa. Battle of Tallus-
hatchee.
THE volunteers, who had descended the river, hav-
ing been discharged, early in May, there was little ex-
pectation that they w^ould again be called for. Ten-
nessee \vas too remotely situated in the interior of the
country, to expect their services would be required
for her defence, and hitherto the British had discover-
ed no serious intention of waging operations against
any part of Louisiana. Thjeir repose, however, was
not of long duration. The (keek Indians, inhabiting
the country lying between the Chatahochee and Tom-
bigbee, and extending from the Tennessee river to the
Florida line, had lately manifested strong symptoms of
hostility towards the United States, from which they
had received yearly pensions, and every assistance
which the most liberal policy could bestow. This
disposition was greatly strengthened, through means
used by the northern Indians, who were then making
preparations for a war against the United States, and
who wished to engage the southern tribes in the same
enterprise. This they believed to be of great im-
portance ; as, by assailing the whole line of our fron-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 29
tiers at the same time, they would be able, at once, to
gratify their vengeance, and to enrich themselves with
plunder.
An artful impostor had, about this* time, sprung up
amongst the Shawnees, who, by passing for a prophet,
commissioned by the " great spirit)" to communicate
his mandates and assurances to his red children, had
acquired, among his own and the neighbouring tribes,
a most astonishing influence. Clothed, as they believed
him to be, with such high powers, they listened to his
extravagant doctrines, and in them fully confided. In
a little time, he succeeded in kindling a phrenzy and
rage against the Anglo-Americans, which soon after
burst forth in acts of destructive violence. His brother,
Tecumseh, who became so famous during the war, and
who was killed subsequently, at the battle of the
Thames, was despatched to the southern tribes, to ex-
cite in them the same temper. To the Creeks, as by
far the most numerous and powerful, as well as the
most liable, from their situation and habits, to be in-
fluenced by his suggestions, he directed his principal
attention. Having entered their nation, some time in
the spring of 1812, he repaired to Tookaubatcha,
where he had repeated conferences with the chiefs ;
but not meeting with the encouragement he expected,
he returned to the Alabama, which he had previously
visited, and there commenced his operations.
Finding here several leaders of great influence, who
readily entered into his views, he was enabled to carry
on his schemes with greater success. Deriving his
powers from his brother, the Prophet, whose extra-
30 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON*
ordinary commission and endowments were, previous
to this, well understood by all the neighbouring tribes
in the south, his authority was regarded with the
highest veneration. He strongly interdicted all inter-
course with the whites, and prevailed on the greater
part of the Alabama Indians to throw aside the imple-
ments and clothing which that intercourse had furnish-
ed, and return again to their savage state, from which
he represented them as highly culpable for having suf-
fered themselves to be estranged. In a word, no means
were left untried to excite them to the most deadly
animosity and cruel war. To afford additional weight
to his councils, this designing missionary gave assu-
rances of aid and support from Great Britain ; whose
power and riches he represented as almost without
limits, and quite sufficient for the subjugation of the
United States. So considerable an influence did his
intrigues and discourses obtain over the minds of many,
that it was with difficulty the most turbulent of them
could be restrained from running immediately to arms,
and committing depredations on the exposed frontiers.
This hasty measure, however, he represented as calcu-
lated to defeat the great plan of operations which he
was labouring to concert ; and enjoined the utmost se-
crecy and quietness, until the moment should arrive,
when, all their preparations being ready, they might be
able to strike a general and decisive blow ; in the mean
time, they were to be industriously employed in col-
lecting arms and ammunition, and other necessary im-
plements of war.
Having ordained a chief prophet, whose word was
to be regarded as infallible, and whose directions were
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 31
to be implicitly followed, and established a regular
gradation of inferior dependents, to disseminate his
doctrines through the different parts of the nation,
Tecumseh set out to his own tribe, accompanied by
several of the natives,
From this time, a regular communication was kept up
between the Creeks and the northern tribes, in relation
to the great enterprise which they were concerting
together; whilst the parties, carrying it on, committed
frequent depredations on the frontier settlers. By one
of these, in the summer of 1812, several families had
been murdered in a shocking manner, near the mouth
of the Ohio ; and shortly afterwards, another party,
entering the limits of Tennessee, under circumstances
of still greater barbarity, butchered two families of
women and children. Similar outrages were com-
mitted on the frontiers of Georgia, and were con-
tinued, at intervals, on the inhabitants of Tennessee,
along her southern boundary.
These multiplied outrages at length attracted the
attention of the general government, and application
was made, through their agent, (colonel Hawkins,) to
the principal chiefs of the nation, who, desirous of
preserving their friendly relations with the United
States, resolved to punish the murderers with death ;
and immediately appointed a party of warriors to carry
their determination into execution. No sooner was
this done, than the spirit of the greater part of the
nation, which, from policy, had been kept in a con-
siderable degree, dormant, suddenly burst to a flame,
and kindled into civil war.
32 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
It was not difficult for the friends of those murderers,
who had been put to death, to prevail on others, who
secretly applauded the acts for which they suffered,
to enter warmly into their resentments against those
who had been concerned in bringing them to pun-
ishment. An occasion, as they believed, was now pre-
sented which fully authorized them to throw aside all
those injunctions of secrecy, with regard to their hos-
tile intentions, which had been imposed on them by
Tecumseh and their prophets. This restraint, which,
hitherto, they had regarded with much difficulty, they
now resolved to lay aside, and to execute at once their
insatiate and long-projected vengeance, not only on
the white people, but on those of their own nation,
who y by this last act of retaliatory justice, had unequi-
vocally shown a disposition to preserve their friend-
ship with the former. The cloak of concealment
being now thrown aside, the war clubs* were immedi-
ately seen in every section of the nation; but more
particularly among the numerous hordes residing near
the Alabama. Brandishing these in their hands, they
rushed, in the first instance, on those of their own
countrymen who had shown a disposition to preserve
their relations with the United States, and obliged
them to retire towards the white settlements, and
place themselves in forts, to escape the first ebulli-
tion of their rage. Encouraged by this success, and
* Instruments used by the Indian tribes on commencing hostilities ;
and which, when painted red, they consider a declaration of war.
They are formed of a stick, about eighteen inches in length, with a
strong piece of sharp iron affixed at the end, and resemble a hatchet.
They use them principally in pursuit, and after they have been able
to introduce confusion into the ranks of an enemy.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 33
their numbers, which hourly increased, and infatuated
to the highest degree by the predictions of their pro-
phets, who assured them that " the Great Spirit" was
on their side, and would enable them to triumph over
all their enemies, they began to make immediate pre-
parations for extending their ravages to the white set-
tlements. Fort Mimms, situated in the Tensaw set-
tlement, in the Mississippi territory, was the first point
destined to satiate their cruelty and vengeance. It
contained, at that time, about one hundred and fifty
men, under the command of major Beasley, besides a
considerable number of women and children, who had
betaken themselves to it for security. Having col-
lected a supply of ammunition, from the Spaniards at
Pensacola, and assembled their warriors, to the num-
of six or seven hundred, the war party, commanded
by Weatherford, a distinguished chief of the nation,
on the 30th of August commenced their assault on the
fort; and having succeeded in carrying it, put to death
nearly three hundred persons, including women and
children, with the most savage barbarity. The slaugh-
ter was indiscriminate ; mercy was extended to none ;
and the tomahawk, at the same stroke, often cleft the
mother and the child. But seventeen of the whole
number, in the fort, escaped, to bring intelligence of
the dreadful catastrophe. This monstrous and unpro-
voked outrage no sooner reached Tennessee, than the
whole state was thrown into a ferment, and nothing
was thought or spoken of but retaliatory vengeance.
Considerable excitement had already been produced
by brutalities of earlier date, and measures had been
adopted by the governor, in conformity with instruc-
tions from the secretary of war, for commencing a
34 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
campaign against them; but the massacre at Fort
Mimms, which threatened to be followed by the entire
destruction of the Mobile and Tombigbee settlements,
inspired a deep and universal sentiment of solicitude,
and an earnest wish for speedy and effectual opera-
tions. The anxiety felt on the occasion, was greatly
increased from an apprehension that general Jackson
would not be able to command. He was the only man,
known in the state, who was believed qualified to dis-
charge the arduous duties of the station, and who
could carry with him the complete confidence of his
soldiers. He was at this time seriously indisposed, and
confined to his room, with a fractured arm ; but al-
though this apprehension was seriously indulged, ar-
rangements were in progress, and measures indus-
triously taken, to prepare and press the expedition
with every possible despatch,
A numerous collection of respectable citizens, who
convened at Nashville on the 18th of September, for
the purpose of devising the most effectual ways and
means of affording protection to their brethren in dis-
tress, after conferring with the governor and general
Jackson, who was still confined to his room, strongly
advised the propriety of marching a sufficient army
into the heart of the Creek nation; and accordingly
recommended this measure, with great earnestness, to
the legislature, which, in a few days afterwards, com-
menced its session. That body, penetrated with the
same sentiments which animated the whole country,
immediately enacted a law, authorizing the executive
to call into the field thirty-five hundred of the militia,
to be marched against the Indians; and, to guard
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 35
against all difficulties, in the event the general govern-
ment should omit to adopt them into their service,
three hundred thousand dollars were voted for their
support.
Additional reasons were at hand why active opera-
tions should be commenced with the least possible
delay. The settlers were fleeing to the interior, and
every day brought intelligence, that the Creeks, col-
lected in considerable force, were bending their course
towards the frontiers of Tennessee. The governor
now issued an order to General Jackson, who, notwith-
standing the state of his health, had determined to as-
sume the command, requiring him to call out, and
rendezvous at Fayetteville, in the shortest possible
time, two thousand of the militia and volunteers of his
division, to repel any invasion that might be contem-
plated. Colonel Coffee, in addition to five hundred
cavalry, already raised, and under his command, was
authorized and instructed to organize and receive into
his regiment, any mounted riflemen that might make
a tender of their services.
Having received these orders, Jackson hastened to
give them effect ; and with this object, and with a
view to greater expedition, appealed to those volun-
teers, who, with him, had heretofore descended the
Mississippi to Natchez. He urged them to appear at
the place designated for the rendezvous, on the 4th of
October, equipped and armed for active service. He
pointed out the imperious necessity which demanded
their services, and urged them to be punctual ; for that
their frontiers were threatened with invasion by a sa-
36 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
rage foe. " Already are large bodies of the hostile
Creeks inarching to your borders, with their scalping
knives unsheathed, to butcher your women and chil-
dren : time is not to be lost. We must hasten to the fron-
tier, or we shall find it drenched in the blood of our citi-
zens. The health of your general is restored he will
command in person." In the mean time, until this force
could be collected and organized, colonel Coffee, with
the force then under his command, and such additional
mounted riflemen as could be attached at a short no-
tice, was directed to hasten forward to the neighbour-
hood of Huntsville, and occupy some eligible position
for the defence of the frontier, until the infantry should
arrive; when it was contemplated, by the nearest
possible route to press on to Fort St. Stephen, with
a view to the protection and defence of Mississippi.
Every exertion was now made to hasten the prepa-
rations for a vigorous campaign. Orders were given
to the quarter-master, to furnish the necessary muni-
tions, with the proper transportation ; and to the con-
tractors, to provide ample supplies of provisions. The
day of their rendezvous being arrived, and the general
not being sufficiently recovered to attend in person,
he forwarded by his aid-de-camp, major Reid, an ad-
dress, to be read to the troops, accompanied by an
order for the establishment of the police of the camp.
In this address, he pointed to the unprovoked injuries
that had been so long inflicted by this horde of merci-
less and cruel savages ; and intreated his soldiers to
evince that zeal in the defence of their country, which
the importance of the moment so much required. " We
are about to furnish these savages a lesson of admo-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 37
nition ; we are about to teach them, that our long
forbearance has not proceeded from an insensibility to
wrongs, or an inability to redress them. They stand
in need of such warning. In proportion as we have
borne with their insults, and submitted to their out-
rages, they have multiplied in number, and increased
in atrocity. But the measure of their offences is at
length filled. The blood of our women and children,
recently spilled at Fort Minims, calls for our ven-
geance; it must not call in vain. Our borders must
no longer be disturbed by the war whoop of these
savages, or the cries of their suffering victims. The
torch that has been lighted up must be made to blaze
in the heart of their own country. It is time they
should be made to feel the weight of a power which,
because it was merciful, they believed to be impotent.
But how shall a war, so long forborne, and so loudly
called for by retributive justice, be waged ? Shall we
imitate the example of our enemies, in the disorder
of their movements and the savageness of their dis-
positions ? Is it worthy the character of American
soldiers, who take up arms to redress the wrongs of an
injured country, to assume no better model than that
furnished them by barbarians ? No, fellow soldiers ;
great as are the grievances that have called us from
our homes, we must not permit disorderly passions ta
tarnish the reputation we shall carry along with us ;
we must and will be victorious ; but we must conquer
as men who owe nothing to chance, and who, in the
midst of victory, can still be mindful of what is due
to humanity !
" We will commence the campaign by an inviolable
38 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
attention to discipline and subordination. Without a
strict observance of these, victory must ever be un-
certain, and ought hardly to be exulted in even when
gained. To what but the entire disregard of order
and subordination, are we to ascribe the disasters which
have attended our arms in the north, during the present
war? How glorious will it be to remove the blots
which have tarnished the fair character bequeathed us
by the fathers of our revolution ! The bosom of your
general is full of hope. He knows the ardour which
animates you, and already exults in the triumph which
your strict observance of discipline and good order
will render certain."
For the police of his camp, he announced the fol-
lowing order.
"The chain of sentinels will be marked, and the
sentries posted, precisely at ten o'clock to-day.
"No sutler will be suffered to sell spirituous liquors
to any soldier, without permission, in writing, from a
commissioned officer, under the penalties prescribed
by the rules and articles of war.
" No citizen will be permitted to pass the chain of
sentinels, after retreat beat in the evening, until reveille
in the morning. Drunkenness, the bane of all orderly
encampments, is positively forbidden, both in officers
and privates : officers, under the penalty of immediate
arrest; and privates, of being placed under guard,
there to remain until liberated by a court martial,
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 39
" At reveille beat, all officers and soldiers are to ap-
pear on parade, with their arms and accoutrements in
proper order.
" On parade, silence, the duty of a soldier, is posi-
tively commanded.
" No officer or soldier is to sleep out of camp, but
by permission obtained."
These rules, to those who had scarcely yet passed
the line that separates the citizen from the soldier, and
who had not yet laid aside the notions of self sove-
reignty, had the appearance of too much rigour ; but
the general well knew, that the expedition in which
they were embarked involved much hazard ; and that,
although such lively feelings were manifested now,
yet when hardships pressed, these might cease. He
considered it much safer, therefore, to lay before them,
at once, the rules of conduct to which they must con-
form; believing that it would be more difficult to drive
licentiousness from his camp, than to prevent its en-
trance.
Impatient to join his division, although his health
was far from being restored, his arm only beginning to
heal, the general, in a few days afterwards, set out for
the encampment, and reached it on the 7th. Finding,
on his arrival, that the requisition was not complete,
either in the number of men, or the necessary equip-
ments, measures were instantly taken to remedy the
deficiency. Orders were directed to the several briga-
40 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
diers in his division, to hasten immediately their re-
spective quotas, fully equipped for active operations,
Circumstances did not permit him to remain at this
place long enough to have the delinquencies complain-
ed of remedied, and the ranks of his army filled. Co-
lonel Coffee had proceeded with his mounted volun-
teers to cover Huntsville, and give security to the
frontiers, where alarm greatly prevailed. On the night
of the 8th, a letter was received from him, dated two
days before, advising, that two Indians, belonging to
the peace party, had just arrived at the Tennessee
river, from Chinnaby's fort, on the Coosa, with infor-
mation that the war party had despatched eight hun-
dred or a thousand of their warriors to attack the
frontiers of Georgia ; and, with the remainder of their
forces, were marching against Huntsville, or Fort Hamp-
ton. In consequence of this intelligence, exertions
were made to hasten a movement. Late on the follow-
ing night, another express arrived, confirming the
former statement, and representing the enemy, in great
force, to be rapidly approaching the Tennessee. Or-
ders were now given for preparing the line of march,
and by nine o'clock the next day the whole division
was in motion. They had not proceeded many miles,
when they were met with intelligence that colonel
Gibson, who had been sent out by Coffee to recon-
noitre the movements of the enemy, had been killed
by their advance. A strong desire had been mani-
fested to be led forward ; that desire was now strength-
ened by the information just received; and it was with
difficulty their emotions could be restrained. They
accelerated their pace, and before eight o'clock at night,
arrived at Huntsville, a distance of thirty-two miles.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 4 1
Learning here, that the information .was erroneous
which had occasioned so hasty a movement, the gene-
ral encamped his troops ; having intended to march
them that night to the Tennessee river had it been
confirmed. The next day the line of march was re-
sumed. The influence of the late excitement was
now visible in the lassitude which followed its removal*
Proceeding slowly, they crossed the Tennessee, at
Ditto's landing, and united in the evening with colonel
Coffee's regiment, which had previously occupied a
commanding bluff, on the south bank of the river.
From this place, in a few days afterwards, Jackson de-
tached colonel Coffee, with seven hundred men, to scour
the Black Warrior, a stream running from the north-
east, and emptying into the Tombigbee; on which
were supposed to be settled several populous villages
of the enemy. ^ He himself remained at this encamp-
ment a week, using the utmost pains in training his
troops for service, and labouring incessantly to procure
the necesfeary supplies for a campaign, which he had
determined to carry directly into the heart of the ene-
my's country. Towards the latter object, his industry
had been employed, and his attention invariably direct-
ed, from the time the expedition was projected.
With general Cocke, who commanded the division
of East Tennessee militia, an arrangment had been
made, the preceding month, in which he had engaged
to furnish large quantities of bread stuff, at Ditto's
landing. The facility of procuring it in that quarter,
and the convenient transportation afforded by the river,
left no doubt on the mind of Jackson but that the
engagement would be punctually complied with. To
42 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON,
provide, however, against the bare possibility of a
failure, and to be guarded against all contingencies
that might happen, he had addressed his applications
to various other sources. He had, on the same subject,
written in the most pressing manner to the Governor
of Georgia, with whose forces it was proposed to act
in concert ; to colonel Meigs, agent to the Cherokee
nation of Indians ; and to general White, wiio com-
manded the advance of the East Tennessee troops.
Previously to his arrival at Huntsville, he had receiv-
ed assurances from the two latter, that a considerable
supply of flour, for the use of his army, had been pro-
cured, and was then at Hiwassee, where boats were
ready to transport it. From general Cocke himself,
about the same time, a letter was received ; stating that
a hundred and fifty barrels of flour were then on the
way to his encampment; and expressing a belief, that
he should be able to procure, and forward on imme-
diately, a thousand Barrels more. With pressing im-
portunity, he had addressed himself to the contractors,
and they had given him assurances, that on his crossing
the Tennessee, they would be prepared with twenty
days' rations for his whole command ; but finding, on
his arrival at Ditto's, that their preparations were not
in such forwardness as he had been led to expect, he
was compelled, for a time, to suspend any active and
general operations. Calculating, however, with great
confidence, on exertions, which, he had been promised,
should be unremitting, and on the speedy arrival of
those supplies, descending the river, which had been
already unaccountably delayed, he hoped, in a few
days, to be placed in a situation to act efficiently.
Whilst he was encouraged by these expectations, and
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 43
only waiting their fulfilment, that he might advance,
Shelocta, the son of Chinnaby, a principal chief among
the friendly Creeks, arrived at his camp, to solicit his
speedy movement for the relief of his father's fort,
which was then threatened by a considerable body
of the war party, who had advanced to the neighbour-
hood of the Ten Islands, on the Coosa. Influenced
by his representations, and anxious to extend relief,
Jackson, on the 18th, gave orders for taking up the
line of march on the following day, and notified the
contractors of this arrangement, that they might be
prepared to issue, immediately, such supplies as they
had on hand : but, to his great astonishment, he then,
for the first time, wts apprised of their entire inability
to supply him whilst on his march. Having drawn
what they had in their power to furnish, amounting to
only a few days' rations, they were deposed from office,
and others appointed, on whose industry and perform-
ance, he believed, he might more safely rely. The
scarcity of his provisions, however, at a moment like
the present, when there was every appearance that
the enemy might be met, and a blow stricken to ad-
vantage, was not sufficient to wave his determination,
already taken. The route he would have to make, to
gain the fort, lay, for a considerable distance, up the
river : might not the boats, long expected from Hiwas-
see, and which he felt strongly assured must be near
at hand, be met with on the way ? He determined to
proceed; and having passed his army and baggage
wagons over several mountains of stupendous size,
and such as were thought almost impassable by foot
passengers, he arrived, on the 22d of October, at
Thompson's creek, which empties into the Tennessee,
44 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
twenty-four miles above Ditto's, At this place he
proposed the establishment of a permanent depot, for
the reception of supplies, to be sent either up or down
the river. Disappointed in the hopes with which he
had adventured on his march, he remained here several
days, in expectation of the boats that were coming to
his relief. Thus harassed at the first onset, by diffi-
culties wholly unexpected, and which, from the nu^
merous and strong assurances received, he could by
no means have calculated on ; fearing, too, that the
same disregard of duty might induce a continuance, he
lost no time in opening every avenue to expedient,
that the chances of future failure might be diminished.
To general Flournoy, who commanded at Mobile, he
applied, urging him to procure bread stuff, and have
it forwarded up the Alabama by the time he should
arrive on that river. The agent of the Choctaws, colo-
nel M'Kee, who was then on the Tombigbee, was ad-
dressed in the same style of entreaty. Expresses were
despatched to general White, who, with the advance
of the East Tennessee division, had arrived at the
Look Out mountain, in the Cherokee nation, urging
him, by all means, to hasten on the supplies. The
assistance of the governor of Tennessee, was also
earnestly besought. To facilitate exertion, and to in-
sure success, every thing within his reach was attempt-
ed : several persons of wealth and patriotism, in Madi-
son county, were solicited to afford the contractors all
the aid in their power; and, to induce them more
readily to extend it, their deep interest, immediately
at stake, was pointed to, and their deplorable and
dangerous situation, should necessity compel him to
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 45
withdraw his army, and leave them exposed to the
mercy of the savages.
Whilst these measures were taking, two runners,
from Turkey town, an Indian village, despatched by
Path-killer, a chief of the Cherokees, arrived at the
camp. They brought information, that the enemy,
from nine of the hostile towns, were assembling in
great force near the Ten Islands ; and solicited, that
immediate assistance should be afforded the friendly
Creeks and Cherokees, in their neighbourhood, who
were exposed to such imminent danger. His want of
provisions was not yet remedied ; but, distributing the
partial supply that was on hand, he resolved to pro^
ceed, in expectation that the relief he had so earnestly
looked for, would, in a little while, arrive, and be for*
warded to him. To prepare his troops for an engage*
ment, which he foresaw was soon to take place, he
thus addressed them ;
" You have, fellow soldiers, at length penetrated the
country of your enemies, It is not to be believed,
that they will abandon the soil that embosoms the
bones of their forefathers, without furnishing you an
opportunity of signalizing your valour. Wise men do
not expect ; brave men will not desire it. It was not
to travel unmolested, through a barren wilderness, that
you quitted your families and homes, and submitted
to so many privations : it was to avenge the cruelties
committed upon our defenceless frontiers, by the in-
human Creeks, instigated by their no less inhuman
allies ; you shall not be disappointed. If the enemy
flee before us, we will overtake and chastise him; we
46 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
will teach him how dreadful, when once aroused, is
the resentment of freemen. But it is not by boasting
that punishment is to be inflicted, or victory obtained.
The same resolution that prompted us to take up
arms, must inspire us in battle. Men thus animated,
and thus resolved, barbarians can never conquer; and
it is an enemy, barbarous in the extreme, that we have
now to face. Their reliance will be on the damage
they can do you whilst you are asleep and unprepared
for action : their hopes shall fail them in the hour of
experiment. Soldiers, who know their duty, and are
ambitious to perform it, are not to be taken by sur-
prise. Our sentinels will never sleep, nor our soldiers
be unprepared for action : yet, whilst it is enjoined
upon the sentinels vigilantly to watch the approach of
the foe, they are, at the same time, commanded not to
fire at shadows. Imaginary danger must not deprive
them of entire self-possession. Our soldiers will lie
with their arms in their hands: and the moment an
alarm is given, they will move to their respective posi-
tions, without noise, and without confusion ; they will
be thus enabled to hear the orders of their officers,
and to obey them with promptitude,
" Great reliance will be placed, by the enemy, on
the consternation they may be able to spread through
our ranks by the hideous yells with which they com-
mence their battles ; but brave men will laugh at such
efforts to alarm them. It is not by bellowings and
screams that the wounds of death are inflicted. You
will teach these noisy assailants how weak are their
weapons of warfare, by opposing them with the bayo-
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 47
net; what Indian ever withstood its charge? what
army, of any nation, ever withstood it long ?
" Yes, soldiers, the order for a charge will be the
signal for victory. In that moment, your enemy will
be seen fleeing in every direction before you. But
in the moment of action, coolness and deliberation
must be regarded ; your fires made with precision and
aim ; and when ordered to charge with the bayonet,
you must proceed to the assault with a quick and firm
step ; without trepidation or alarm. Then shall you
behold the completion of your hopes in the discom-
fiture of your enemy. Your general, whose duty, as
\vell as inclination, is to watch over your safety, will
not, to gratify any wishes of his own, rush you un-
necessarily into danger. He knows, however, that it
is not in assailing an enemy that men are destroyed ;
it is when retreating, and in confusion. Aware of this,
he will be prompted as much by a regard for your
lives as your honour. He laments that he has been
compelled, even incidentally, to hint at a retreat when
speaking to freemen, and to soldiers. Never, until you
forget all that is due to yourselves and your country,
will you have any practical understanding of that
word. Shall an enemy, wholly unacquainted with mili-
tary evolution, and who rely more for victory on
their grim visages and hideous yells, than upon their
bravery or their weapons shall such an enemy ever,
drive before them the well-trained youths of our
country, whose bosoms pant for glory, and a desire to
avenge the wrongs they have received ? Your general
will not live to behold such a spectacle ; rather would
he rush into the thickest of the enemy, and submit
\
48 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOX.
himself to their scalping knives : but he has no fears
of such a result. He knows the valour of the men he
commands, and how certainly that valour, regulated
as it will be, will lead to victory. With his soldiers he
will face all dangers, and with them participate in the
glory of conquest."
Having thus prepared the minds of his men, and
brought to their view the kind of foe with whom they
were shortly to contend; and having also, by his ex-
presses, instructed general White to form a junction
with him, and to hasten on all the supplies in his
power to command, with about six days' rations of
meat, and less than two of meal, he again put his
army in motion to meet the enemy. Although there
was some hazard in advancing into a country where
relief was not to be expected, with such limited pre-
paration, yet, believing that his contractors, lately in-
stalled, would exert themselves to the utmost to
forward supplies, and that amidst the variety of
arrangements made, all could not fail, and well aware
that his delaying longer might be productive of many
disadvantages, his determination was taken to set out
immediately in quest of the enemy. He replied to the
Path-killer, by his runners, that he should proceed
directly for the Coosa, and solicited him to be diligent
in making discoveries of the situation and collected
forces of the savages, and to give him, as early as pos-
sible, the result of his inquiries.
" The hostile Creeks," he remarked to him, " will
not attack you until they have had a brush with me ;
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 49
and that, I think, will put them out of the notion of
fighting for some time."
He requested, if he had, or could any how procure,
provisions for his army, that he would send them, or
advise where they might be had : " You shall be well
paid, and have my thanks into the bargain. I shall
stand most in need of corn meal, but shall be thank-
ful for any kind of provisions ; and indeed for what*
ever will support life."
The army had advanced but a short distance when
unexpected embarrassments were again presented. In-
formation was received, by which it was clearly ascer^
tained, that the present contractors, who had been so
much and so certainly, relied on, could not, with all
their exertions, procure the necessary supplies. Major
Rose, in the quarter-master's department, who had
been sent into Madison county, to aid them in their
endeavours, having satisfied himself, as well from
their own admissions, as from evidence derived from
other sources, that their want of funds, and conse-
quent want of credit, rendered them a very unsafe de-
pendence, had returned, and disclosed the facts to the
general. He stated, that there were there persons of
fortune and industry, who might be confided in, and
who would be willing to contract for the army jf it
were necessary. Jackson lost no time in embracing
this plan, and gave the contract to Mr, Pope, upon
whose means and exertions, he hoped, every reliance
might be safely reposed. To the other contractors he
wrote, informing them of the change that had been
made, and the reasons which had induced it
G
50 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
" I am advised," said he, " that you have candidly
acknowledged you have it not in your power to exe-
cute the contract in which you have engaged. Do not
think I mean to cast any reflection very far from it.
I am exceedingly pleased with the exertions you have
made, and feel myself under many obligations of grati-
tude for them. The critical situation of affairs, when
you entered into the contract, being considered, you
have done all that individuals, in your circumstances,
could have performed. But you must be well con-
vinced, that any approbation which may be felt by the
commander of an army, for past services, ought not to
become, through kindness to you, the occasion of that
Army's destruction. From the admissions you have
been candid enough to make, the scarcity which al-
ready begins to appear in camp, and the difficulties
you are likely to encounter, in effecting your engage-
ments, I am apprehensive I should be doing injustice
to the army I command were I to rely for support on
your exertions great as I know them to be. What-
ever concerns myself, I may manage with any gene-
rosity or indulgence I please ; but in acting for rny
country, I have no such discretion. I have, therefore,
felt myself compelled to give the contract in which
you are concerned, to another, who is abundantly abl<?
to execute it; on condition he indemnifies you for the
trouble you have beep at."
This arrangement being made, the army continued
its march, and having arrived within a few miles of the
Ten Islands, was met by old Chinnaby, a leading chief
of the Creek nation, and sternly opposed to the war
party. He brought with him, and surrendered up, two
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOiV. 51
of the hostile Creeks, who had been lately made pri-
soners by his party. At this place, it was represented,
that they were within sixteen miles of the enemy, who
were collected, to the number of a thousand, to oppose
their passage. This information was little relied on,
and afterwards proved untrue. Jackson continued his
route, and in a few days reached the islands of the
Coosa; having been detained a day on the way, for
the purpose of obtaining small supplies of corn from
the neighbouring Indians. This acquisition to the
scanty stock on hand, whilst it afforded subsistence for
the present, encouraged his hopes for the future, as a
mean of temporary resort, should his other resources
fail.
In a letter to governor Blount, from this place, speak-
ing of the difficulties with which he was assailed, he
observes : " Indeed, sir, we have been very wretch*
edly supplied scarcely two rations in succession have
been regularly drawn; yet we are not despondent.
Whilst we can procure an ear of corn a-piece, or any
thing that will answer as a substitute for it, we shall
continue our exertions to accomplish the object for
which we were sent The cheerfulness with which my
men submit to privations, and are ready to encounter
danger, does honour to them, and to the government
whose rights they are defending.
" Every mean within my power, for procuring the
requisite supplies for my army, I have taken, and am
continuing to take. East, west, north and south, have
been applied to with the most pressing solicitation. ,
The governor of Georgia, in a letter received from l^im
52 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
this evening, informs me that a sufficiency can be had
in his state; but does not signify that he is about to
take any measures to procure it. My former contractor
has been superseded: no exertions were spared by
him to fulfil his engagements ; yet the inconveniences
under which he laboured where such as to render his
best exertions unavailing. The contract has been of-
fered to one who will be able to execute it : if he ac-
cepts it, my apprehensions will be greatly diminished."
On the 28th of October, colonel Dyer, who, on the
march to the Ten Islands, had been detached from the
main body, with two hundred cavalry, to attack Littafut
chee town, on the head of Canoe creek, which empties
into the Coosa from the west, returned, bringing with
him twenty-nine prisoners, men, women, and children,
having destroyed the village.
The sanguine expectations indulged, on leaving
Thompson's creek, that the advance of the East Ten-
nessee militia would hasten to unite with him, was not
yet realized. The express heretofore directed to gene-
ral White, had not returned. Jackson, on the 31st,
despatched another, again urging him to effect a speedy
junction, and to bring with him all the bread stuff it
should be in his power to procure ; feelingly suggest-
ing to him, at the same time, the great inconvenience
and hazard to which he had been already exposed, for
the want of punctuality in himself and his command-
ing general. Owing to that cause, and the late failures
of his contractors, he represented his army as placed,
M present, in a very precarious situation, and depen-
dent, in a great measure, for support, .on the exertions
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 53
which they might be pleased to make ; but assured
him, at the same time, that, let circumstances transpire
as they might, he would still, at every risk, endeavour
to effect his purpose ; and, at all events, was resolved
to hasten, with every practicable despatch, to the ac-
complishment of the object for which he had set out.
Believing the co-operation of the East Tennessee troops
essential to this end, they were again instructed to join
him without delay ; for he could not conceive it to be
correct policy, that troops from the same state, pursu-
ing the same object, should constitute separate and dis-
tinct armies, and act without concert, and independent-
ly of each other. He entertained no doubt but that his
order would be promptly obeyed.
The next evening, a detachment, which had been
sent out the day before, returned to camp, bringing
with them, besides some corn and beeves, several
negroes and prisoners of the war party.
Learning now that a considerable body of the
enemy had posted themselves at Tallushatchee, on
the south side of the Coosa, about thirteen miles dis-
tant, general Coffee was detached with nine hundred
men, (the mounted troops having been previously or-
ganized into a brigade, and placed under his com-
mand) to attack and disperse them. With this force
he was enabled, through the direction of an Indian
pilot, to ford the Coosa, at the Fish-dams, about four
miles above the Islands ; and having encamped beyond
it, very early the next morning proceeded to the exe-
cution of his order. Having arrived within a mile and
a hal he formed his attachment into two divisions*
54 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
and directed them to march so as to encircle the
town, by uniting their fronts beyond it. The enemy,
hearing of his approach, began to prepare for action,
which was announced by the beating of drums, min-
gled with their savage yells and war whoops. An
hour after sun-rise, the action was commenced by cap-
tain Hammon's and lieutenant Patterson's companies
of spies, who had gone within the circle of alignement,
for the purpose of drawing the Indians from their
buildings. No sooner had these companies exhibited
their front in view of the town, and given a few scat-
tering shot, than the enemy formed, and made a violent
charge. Being compelled to give way, the advance
guards were pursued until they reached the main
body of the army, which immediately opened a gene-
ral fire, and charged in their turn. The Indians re-
treated, firing, until they got around and in their
buildings, where an obstinate conflict ensued, and
where those who maintained their ground persisted in
fighting, as long as they could stand or sit, without
manifesting fear, or soliciting quarter. Their loss was
an hundred and eighty-six killed ; among whom were,
unfortunately, and through accident, a few women and
children. Eighty-four women and children were taken
prisoners, towards whom the utmost humanity was
shown. Of the Americans, five were killed, and forty-
one wounded. Two were killed with arrows, which,
on this occasion, formed a principal part of the arms
of the Indians ; each one having a bow and quiver,
which he used after the first fire of his gun, until an
opportunity occurred for re-loading.
Having buried his dead, and provided for his wound-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
ed, general Coffee, late on the evening of the same
day, united with the main army, bringing with him
about forty prisoners. Of the residue, a part were too
badly wounded to be removed, and were therefore
left, with a sufficient number to take care of them.
Those which he brought in, received every comfort
and assistance their situation demanded, and, for safe-
ty, were immediately sent into the settlements.
From the manner in which the enemy fought, the
killing and wounding others than their warriors was
not to be avoided. On their retreat to their village,
after the commencement of the battle, they resorted
to their block houses, and strong log dwellings, whence
they kept up resistance, and resolutely maintained the
fight. Thus mingled with their women and children,
it was impossible they should not be exposed to the
general danger ; and thus many were injured, notwith-
standing every possible precaution was taken to pre-
vent it. In fact many of the women united with their
warriors, and contended in the battle with fearless
bravery.
CHAPTER III.
General Jackson endeavours to unite with the East Tennessee troops.
Establishment of Fort Strother. Learns the enemy are embodied.
Marches to meet them. Battle of Talladega. Is compelled to return
to his encampment for want of supplies. Anecdote. Discontents of
his army. Militia and volunteers mutiny. Address to the officers.
Is compelled to abandon Fort Strother. Hillabee clans sue for peace.
Letter from the Rev. Mr. Blackburn Answer. The volunteers claim
to be discharged. Mutiny. Address to them. General Cocke arrives
with part of his division. General Coffee's brigade petitions for a
discharge. General Jackson's answer. They abandon the service and
go home.
MEASURES were now taken to establish a permanent
depot on the north bank of the river, at the Ten Is-
lands, to be protected by strong picketting and block
houses ; after which, it was the intention of Jackson
to proceed along the Coosa to its junction with the
Tallapoosa, near which it was expected the main force
of the enemy was collected. Well knowing that it
would detach much of the strength of his army, to oc-
cupy, in his advance, the different points necessary to
the safety of his rear, it was desirable to unite, as soon
as possible, with the troops from the east of Ten-
nessee : to effect this, he again, on the 4th, despatched
an express to general White, who had previously,
with his command, arrived at Turkey town* a Chero-
kee village, about twenty five miles above, on the
same river, urging him to unite with him as soon as
possible, and again entreating him on the subject of
provisions; to bring with him such as he had on
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 57
hand, or could procure ; and, if possible, to form some
certain arrangement that might insure a supply in
future.
Anxious to proceed, and to have his army actively
and serviceably employed, which he believed would
be practicable, as soon as a junction could be effected,
he again, on the morning of the 7th, renewed his ap-
plication to general White, who still remained at Tur-
key town*
As yet no certain intelligence was received of any
collection of the enemy. The army was busily en-*
gaged in fortifying and strengthening the site fixed on
for a depot, to which the name of Fort Strother had
been given. Late, however, on the evening of the
7th, a runner arrived from Talladega, a fort of the
friendly Indians, distant about thirty miles below, with
information, that the enemy had that morning en-
camped before it in great numbers, and would certain-
ly destroy it, unless immediate assistance could be
afforded. Jackson, confiding in the statement, deter-
mined to lose no time in extending the relief which
Was solicited. Understanding that general White,
agreeably to his order^ was on his way to join him, he
despatched a messenger to meet him, directing him to
reach his encampment in the course of the ensuing
night, and to protect it in his absence. He now gave
orders for taking up the line of march, with twelve
hundred infantry, and eight hundred cavalry and
mounted gun men; leaving behind, the sick, the wound-
ed, and all his baggage, with a force which was deertv
58 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
ed sufficient for their protection, until the reinforce-
ment from Turkey town should arrive.
The friendly Indians, who had taken refuge in this
besieged fort, had involved themselves in their present
perilous situation, from a disposition to preserve their
amicable relations with the United States. To suffer
them to fall a sacrifice, from any tardiness of move-
ment, would have been unpardonable ; and unless re-
lief were immediately extended, it might arrive too
late. Acting under these impressions, the general
concluded to move instantly forward to their assistance.
By twelve o'clock at night, every thing was in readi-
ness; and, in an hour afterwards, the army commenced
crossing the river, about a mile above the camp each
of the mounted men carrying one of the infantry be-
hind him. The river, at this place, was six hundred
yards wide, and it being necessary to send back the
horses for the remainder of the infantry, several hours
were consumed before a passage of all the troops
could be effected. Nevertheless, though greatly fa-
tigued and deprived of sleep, they continued the march
with animation, and by evening had arrived within six
miles of the enemy* In this march, Jackson used the
utmost precaution to prevent surprise ; marching his
army, as was his constant custom, in three columns,
so that, by a speedy manoeuvre, they might be thrown
into such a situation as to be capable of resisting an
attack from any quarter. Having judiciously encamped
his men on an eligible piece of ground, he sent for-
ward two of the friendly Indians, and a white man,
who had, for many years, been detained a captive in
the nation, and was now acting as interpreter, to recoil-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 59
noitre the position of the enemy. About eleven o'clock
at night they returned with information that the sa-
vages were posted within a quarter of a mile of the
fort, and appeared to be in great force ; but that they
had not been able to approach near enough to ascer-
tain either their numbers or precise situation. Within
an hour after this, a runner arrived from Turkey town,
with a letter from general White, stating, that after
having taken up the line of march, to unite at Fort
Strother, he had received orders from general Cocke to
change his course and proceed to the mouth of Chatau-
ga creek. It was most distressing intelligence : the sick
and wounded had been left with no other calculation for
their safety and defence than that this detachment of
the army, agreeably to his request, would, by advanc-
ing upon Fort Strother, serve the double purpose of
protecting his rear and enable him to advance still
further into the enemies country. The information
which was now received, proved that all those salutary
anticipations were at an end, and that evils of the
worst kind might be the consequence. Intelligence
so disagreeable, and withal so unexpected, filled the
mind of Jackson with apprehension of a serious and
alarming character ; and dreading lest the enemy, by
taking a different route, should attack his encampment
in his absence, he determined to lose no time in bring-
ing him to battle. Orders were accordingly given to
the adjutant-general to prepare the line, and by four
o'clock in the morning, the army was again in motion.
The infantry proceeded in three columns ; the cavalry
in the same order, in the rear, with flankers on each
>ving. The advance, consisting of a company of ar-
tillerists, with muskets, two companies of riflemen, and
XIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
one of spies, marched about four hundred yards in
front, under the command of colonel Carroll, in-
spector-general, with orders, after commencing the
action, to fall back on the centre, so as to draw the
enemy after them. At seven o'clock, having arrived
within a mile of the position they occupied, the
columns were displayed in order of battle. Two hun-
dred and fifty of the cavalry, under lieutenant-colonel
Dyer, were placed in the rear of the centre, as a corps
de reserve. The remainder of the mounted troops
were directed to advance on the right and left, and,
after encircling the enemy, by uniting the fronts of
their columns, and keeping their rear rested on the
infantry, to face and press towards the centre, so as to
leave them no possibility of escape. The remaining
part of the army was ordered to move up by heads of
companies ; general Hall's brigade occupying the right,
and general Roberts' the left.
About eight o'clock, the advance having arrived
within eighty yards of the enemy, who were concealed
in a thick shrubbery, that covered the margin of a
small rivulet, received a heavy fire, which they instant-
ly returned with much spirit. Falling in with the
enemy, agreeably to their instructions, they retired to-
wards the centre, but not before they had dislodged
them from their position. The Indians, now scream-
ing and yelling hideously, rushed forward in the di-
rection of general Roberts' brigade, a few companies
of which, alarmed by their numbers and yells, gave
way at the first fire. Jackson, to fill the chasm w r hich
was thu created, directed the regiment commanded
by colonel Bradley, to be moved up, which, from spmq
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 61
unaccountable cause, had failed to advance in a line
with the others, and now occupied a position in
rear of the centre : Bradley, however, to whom this
order was given by one of the staff, omitted to exe-
cute it in time, alleging, he was determined to remain
on the eminence which he then possessed, until he
should be approached and attacked by the enemy.
Owing to this failure in the volunteer regiment, it be-
came necessary to dismount the reserve, which, with
great firmness, met the approach of the enemy, who
were rapidly moving in this direction. The retreating
militia, somewhat mortified at seeing their places so
promptly supplied, rallied, and, recovering their for-
mer position in the line, aided in checking the advance
of the savages. The action now became general along
the line, and in fifteen minutes the Indians were seen
fleeing in every direction. On the left, they were met
and repulsed by the mounted riflemen ; but on the
right, owing to the halt of Bradley's regiment, which
was intended to occupy the extreme right, and to
the circumstance of colonel Allcorn, who commanded
one of the wings of the cavalry, having taken too large
a circuit, a considerable space was left between the in-
fantry and the cavalry, through which numbers escaped.
The fight was maintained with great spirit and effect
on both sides, as well before as after the retreat com*
menced ; nor did the pursuit and slaughter terminate
until the mountains were reached, at the distance of
three miles.
Jackson, in his report of this action, bestows high
commendation on the officers and soldiers. "Too
much praise," he observes, in the close of it, " cannot
62 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
be bestowed on the advance, led by colonel Carroll,
for the spirited manner in which they commenced and
sustained the attack ; nor upon the reserve, command-
ed by lieutenant-colonel Dyer, for the gallantry with
which they met and repulsed the enemy. In a word,
officers of every grade, as well as privates, realized the
high expectations I had formed of them, and merit the
gratitude of their country."
In this battle, the force of the enemy was one thou-
sand and eighty, of whom two hundred and ninety-nine
were left dead on the ground ; and it is believed that
many were killed in the flight, who were not found
when the estimate was made. Probably few escaped
unhurt. Their loss on this occasion, as stated since
by themselves, was not less than six hundred : that of
the Americans was fifteen killed, and eighty wounded,
several of whom afterwards died. Jackson, after col-
lecting his dead and wounded, advanced his army be-
yond the fort, and encamped for the night. The
Indians, who had been for several days shut up by
the besiegers, thus fortunately liberated from the most
dreadful apprehensions, and severest privations, having
for some time been entirely without water, received
the army with all the demonstrations of gratitude that
savages could give. Their manifestations of joy for
their deliverance, presented an interesting and affect-
ing spectacle. Their fears had been already greatly
excited, for it was the very day when they were to
have been assaulted, and when every soul within the
fort must have perished. All the provisions they could
spare, from their scanty stock, they sold to the general,
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 63
\vho, purchasing with his own money, distributed them
.amongst the soldiers, who were almost destitute.
It was with great regret, that Jackson now found he
was without the means of availing himself fully of the
advantages of his victory; but the condition of his
posts in the rear, and the want of provisions, (having
left his encampment at Fort Strother with little more
than one day's rations,) compelled him to return; thus
giving the enemy time to recover from the conster-
nation of their first defeat, and to re-assemble their
forces.
The cause which prevented general White from act-
ing in obedience to his order, and arriving at the Ten
Islands at a moment when it was so important, and
when it was so confidently expected, was as yet un-
known ; the only certainty upon the subject was, that
for the present it wholly thwarted his views, and laid
him under the necessity of returning. This mystery,
hitherto inexplicable, was sometime after explained,
by a view of the order of general Cocke, under which
White, being a brigadier in his division, chose to act,
rather than under Jackson's. General Cocke stated
to him, he had understood Jackson had crossed the
Coosa, and had an engagement with the Indians. " I
have formed a council of officers here, and proposed
these questions: shall we follow him, or cross the
river, and proceed to the Creek settlements on the
Tallapoosa? Both were decided unanimously, that
he should not be followed, but that we should proceed
in the way proposed." He remarked, that the de-
cision had met his entire approbation ; and directed
64 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
White forthwith to unite with him at his encampment,
where he should wait, fortifying it strongly for a depot,
until he should arrive. "If," said he, "we follow
general Jackson and his army, we must suffer for sup-
plies ; nor can we expect to gain a victory. Let us
then take a direction in which we can share some of
the dangers and glories of the field. You will employ
pilots, and advise me which side of the river you will
move up." In this, as in every other measure, it
seemed to be the studied aim of Cocke, to thwart the
views and arrest the successes of Jackson ; and perhaps
jealousy, in no inconsiderable degree, was the moving
spring to his conduct. Both were major-generals,
from the state of Tennessee, sent on the same import-
ant errand to check an insolent foe, who had practised
the most cruel and unprovoked outrages. Which of
them should share the "dangers and glories of the field,"
or obtain its laurels, was not so important to the country
as by acting in concert and harmony, endeavour to ac-
complish the grand object of terminating the war, and
restoring tranquillity to the frontiers. National, and
not individual advancement, was the object in carrying
an army into the field : and the best and most effectual
mean of securing this, every officer, acting on liberal
principles, should have constantly held in view : the
interest and repose of the country, not their individual
advancement, was the end to be attained.
Having buried his dead with all due honour, and
provided litters for the wounded, he reluctantly com-
menced his return march on the morning succeeding
the battle. He confidently hoped, from the previous
assurances of the contractors, that by the time of his
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 65
return to Fort Strother, sufficient supplies would have
arrived there ; but, to his inexpressible uneasiness, he
found that not a particle had been forwarded since his
departure, and that what had been left was already
consumed. Even his private stores, brought on at his
own expense, and upon which he and his staff had
hitherto wholly subsisted, had been, in his absence,
distributed amongst the sick by the hospital surgeon,
who had been previously instructed to do so, in the
event their wants should require it. A few dozen
biscuit which remained on his return, were given to
hungry applicants, without being tasted by himself or
family, who were probably not less hungry than those
who were thus relieved. A scanty supply of indiffer-
ent beef taken from the enemy, or purchased of the
Cherokees, was now the only support afforded. Thus
left destitute, Jackson, with the utmost cheerfulness
of temper, repaired to the bullock pen, and of the
offal there thrown away, provided for himself and staff,
what he was pleased to call, and seemed really to think,
a very comfortable repast. Tripes, however, hastily
provided in a camp, without bread or seasoning, can
only be palatable to an appetite very high whetted ;
yet this constituted for several days, the only diet at
head- quarters, during which time the general seemed
entirely satisfied with his fare. Neither this, nor the
liberal donations by which he disfurnished himself, to
relieve the suffering soldier, deserves to be ascribed to
ostentation or design: the one flowed from benevo-
lence, the other from necessity, and a desire to place
before his men an example of patience and suffering,
which he felt might be necessary, and hoped might be
serviceable. Of these two imputations, no Jiumaij
66 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOfr.
being, invested with rank and power, was ever more
deservedly free. Charity in him is a warm and active
propensity of the heart, urging him by an instantane-
ous impulse, to relieve the wants of the distressed,
without regarding, or even thinking of the conse-
quences. Many of those to whom it was extended,
had no conception of the source that supplied them,
and believed the comforts they received were, indeed,
drawn from stores provided for the hospital depart-
ment
On this campaign, a soldier one morning, with
woe-begone countenance, approached the general, stat-
ing that he was nearly starved, that he had nothing to
eat, and could not imagine what he should do. He
was the more encouraged to complain, from perceiving
that the general, who had seated himself at the root of
a tree, waiting the coming up of the rear of the army,
was busily engaged in eating something. The poor
fellow was impressed with the belief, from what he saw,
that want only attached to the soldiers, and that the
officers, particularly the general, were liberally and well
supplied. He accordingly approached him with great
confidence of being relieved ; Jackson told him, that
it had always been a rule with him never to turn away
a hungry man when it was in his power to relieve
him. I will most cheerfully, said he, divide with you
what I have, and putting his hand to his pocket, drew
forth a few acorns, from which he had been feasting,
adding it was the best and only fare he had. The
soldier seemed much surprised, and forthwith circu-
lated amongst his comrades, that their general was
actually subsisting upon acorns, and that they ought.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 67
hence, no more to complain. From this circumstance
was derived the story heretofore published to the
world, that Jackson, about the period of his greatest
suffering, and with a view to inspirit them, had invited
his officers to dine with him, and presented for their
repast, water and a tray of acorns.
But while general Jackson remained wholly un-
moved by his own privations, he was filled with soli-
citude and concern for his army. His utmost exer-
tions, unceasingly applied, were insufficient to remove
the sufferings to which he saw them exposed ; and al-
though they were by no means so great as was repre-
sented, yet were they undoubtedly such as to be sensi-
bly and severely felt. Discontents, and a desire to
return home, arose, and presently spread through the
camp; and these were still further embittered and
augmented, by the arts of a few designing officers,
who, believing that the campaign would now break up,
hoped to make themselves popular on the return, by
encouraging and taking part in the complaints of the
soldiery. It is a singular fact, that those officers who
pretended, on this occasion, to feel most sensibly for
the wants of the army, and who contrived most effectu-
ally to instigate it to revolt, had never themselves been
without provisions ; and were, at that very moment,
enjoying in abundance what would have relieved the
distresses of many, had it been as generously and
freely distributed as were their words of advice and
condolence.
During this period of scarcity and discontent, small
quantities of supplies were occasionally forwarded by
68 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
the contractors, but not a sufficiency for present want,
and still less to remove the apprehensions that were
entertained for the future. At length, revolt began to
show itself openly. The officers and soldiers of the
militia, collecting in their tents and talking over their
grievances, determined to yield up their patriotism,
and to abandon the camp. To this measure, there
were good evidences for believing that several of tne
officers of the old volunteer corps exerted themselves
clandestinely, and with great industry, to instigate
them ; looking upon themselves somewhat in the light
of veterans, from the discipline they had acquired in
the expedition to the lower country, they were unwil-
ling to be seen foremost in setting an example of
mutiny, and wished to make the defection of others a
pretext for their own,
Jackson, apprised of their determination to abandon
him, resolved to oppose it, and at all hazard, to pre-
vent a departure. In the morning, when they were to
carry their intentions into execution, he drew up the
volunteers in front of them, with positive commands
to prevent their progress, and compel them to return
to their former position in the camp. The militia
seeing this, and fearing the consequences of persisting
in their purpose, at once abandoned it, and returned
to their quarters without further murmuring, extolling
in the highest terms, the unalterable firmness of the
general.
The next day, however, presented a singular scene.
The volunteers, who, the day before, had been the in-
struments for compelling the militia to return to their
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 69
duty, seeing the destruction of those hopes on which
they had lately built, in turn began, themselves, to
nrntiny. Their opposition to the departure of the
militia was but a mere pretence to escape suspicion,
for they silently wished them success. They now de-
termined to move off in a body, believing, from the
known disaffection in the camp, that the general could
find no means to prevent it. What was their surprise,
however, when, on attempting to effectuate their re-
solves, they found the same men whom they had so
lately opposed, occupying the very position which they
had done the day previous, for a similar purpose, and
manifesting a fixed determination to obey the orders
of their general! All they ventured to do, was to take
the example through, and like them, move back in
peace and quietness to their quarters. This was a curi-
ous change of circumstances, when we consider in how
short a time it happened ; but the conduct of the militia,
on this occasion, must be ascribed to the ingenuity and
management of the general, and to the gratification
they felt, in being able to defeat the views of those
who had so lately thwarted their own. To this may
be also added, the consciousness all must have enter-
tained, that the privations of which they complained,
were far less grievous than they had represented them;
by no means sufficient to justify revolt, and not greater
than patriots might be expected to bear without a
murmur, when objects of such high consideration were
before them. But anxious to return to their families
and kindred, wearied of their difficulties and suffer-
ings, and desirous to recount the brilliant exploits of
their first battle, they seized with eagerness every
pretext for exoneration, and listened with tpo much
70 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
docility to the representations of those, who were in-
fluenced by less honourable feelings. Having many
domestic considerations to attend to the first ebulli-
tion of resentment being cooled, and the first impulse
of curiosity gratified, there were no motives to retain
them in the field, but a remaining sense of honour, and
a fear of disgrace and punishment, should they aban-
don their post without a cause. But although these
motives were sufficient for the present, those who
were governed by them did not cease to wish, that a
more plausible apology might offer for dispensing with
their operation. The militia continued to show a much
more obedient and patriotic disposition than the vo-
lunteers; who, having adopted a course which they dis-
covered must finally involve them in dishonour, if it
should fail, were exceedingly anxious for its success,
and that it might have the appearance of being found-
ed on justice. On this subject, the pretensions of the
cavalry were certainly much better established ; as
they were entirely without forage, and without the
prospect of speedily obtaining any. They petitioned
therefore to be permitted to return into the settled
parts of the country, pledging themselves, by their
platoon and field officers, that if sufficient time were
allowed to recruit the exhausted state of their horses,
and to procure their winter clothing, they would re-
turn to the performance of their duty whenever called
on. The general, unable, from many causes, to prose-
cute the campaign, and confiding in the assurance
given, granted the prayer of their petition, and they
immediately set out on their return.
About this time general Jackson's prospect of being
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 71
able to maintain the conquests he had made, began to
be cheered by letters just received from the contrac-
tors and principal wagon-master, stating, that sufficient
supplies for the army were then on the road, and
would shortly arrive : but discontents to an alarming
degree still prevailed in his canip. To allay them, if
possible, he hastened to lay before the division the in-
formation and letters he had received, and, at the same
time, invited the field and platoon officers to his quar-
ters, to consult on the measures proper to be pursued.
Having assembled them, and well knowing that the
flame of discontent, which had so lately shown itself
was only for the present smothered, and might yet
burst forth in serious injury, he addressed them in an
animated speech, in which he extolled their patriotism
and achievements; lamented the privations to which
they had been exposed, and endeavoured to reanimate
them by the prospect of speedy relief, which he ex-
pected with confidence on the following day. He
spoke of the immense importance of the conquests
they had already made, and of the dreadful conse-
quences that must result, should they be now aban-
doned. " What," continued he, " is the present situa-
tion of our camp ? a number of our fellow soldiers are
wounded, and unable to help themselves. Shall it be
said that we are so lost to humanity as to leave them
in this condition ? Can any one, under these circum-
stances, and under these prospects, consent to an
abandonment of the camp ; of all that we have acquired
in the midst of so many difficulties, privations, and
dangers ; of what it will cost us so much to regain ;
of what we never can regain,: our brave wounded
companions, who will be murdered by our unthinking,
72 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
unfeeling inhumanity ? Surely there can be none such !
No, we will take with us, when we go, our wounded
and sick. They must not shall not perish by our
cold blooded indifference. But why should you de-
spond ? I do not, and yet your wants are not greater
than mine. To be sure we do not live sumptuously:
but no one has died of hunger, or is likely to die ; and
then how animating are our prospects ! Large supplies
are at Deposit, and already are officers despatched to
hasten them on. Wagons are on the way : a large
riumber of beeves are in the neighbourhood ; and de-
tachments are out to bring them in. All these re-
sources surely cannot fail. I have no wish to starve
you none to deceive you. Stay contentedly ; and if
supplies do not arrive in two days, we will all march
back together, and throw the blame of our failure
where it should properly lie ; until then we certainly
have the means of subsisting; and if we are compelled
to bear privations, let us remember that they are borne
for our country, and are not greater than many per-
haps most armies have been compelled to endure. I
have called you together to tell you my feelings and
my wishes ; this evening think on them seriously ; and
let me know yours in the morning."
Having retired to their tents, and deliberated on the
measures most proper to be adopted in this emer-
gency, the officers of the volunteer brigade came to
the conclusion, that " nothing short of marching the
army immediately back to the settlements could pre-
vent those difficulties and that disgrace which must
attend a forcible desertion of the camp by his soldiers."
The officers of the militia determined differently, and
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 73
reported a willingness to maintain the post a few days
longer, that it might be ascertained whether or not a
sufficiency of provisions could really be had. " If it
can, let us proceed with the campaign if not, let us
be marched back to where it can be procured." The
general, who greatly preferred the latter opinion,
nevertheless, to allay excitement, was disposed to
gratify those who appeared unwilling to submit to fur-
ther hardships ; and with this view ordered general
Hall to march his brigade to Fort Deposit, and after
satisfying their wants, to return and act as an escort
to the provisions. The second regiment, however,
unwilling to be outdone by the militia, consented to
remain ; and the first proceeded alone. On this oc-
casion he could not forbear to remark, that men for
whom he had ever cherished so warm an affection, and
for whom he would at all times have made any sacri-
fice, desiring to abandon him at a moment when their
presence was so particularly necessary, filled him with
emotions which the strongest language was too feeble
to express. " I was prepared," he continued, " to en-
dure every evil but disgrace ; and this, as I never can
submit to myself, I can give no encouragement to in
others."
Two days had elapsed since the departure of the
volunteers, and supplies had not arrived. The militia,
with great earnestness, now demanded a performance
of the pledge that had been given that they should
be marched back to the settlements. Jackson, on giv-
ing them an assurance that they should return, if relief
did not reach them in two days, had indulged a con-
fidence that it would certainly arrive by that time;
K
74 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
and now, from the information he had received, felt
more than ever certain that it could not be far distant,
Having, however, pledged himself, he could use no
arguments or entreaties to detain them any longer,
and immediately took measures for complying with
their wishes, and the promise he had made them. This
was, to him, a moment of the deepest dejection. He
foresaw how difficult it would be, ever to accomplish
the object upon which his heart was so devoutly fixed,
should he lose the men who were now with him ; or
even to regain the conquests he had made, if his pre-
sent posts should fall into the hands of the enemy.
While thus poridering on the gloomy prospect, he lift-
ed up his hands and e&cl aimed, with a look and man-
ner which showed how much he felt " If only two
men will remain with me, I will never abandon this
post." Captain Gordon, of the spies, facetiously re-
plied, " you have one, general, let us look if we can't
find another*" and immediately, with a zeal suited to
the occasioii, undertook, with some of the general
staff, to raise volunteers; and in a little while succeed-
ed in procuring one hundred and nine* who declared
a determination to remain and protect the post. The
general greatly rejoiced that he would not be compell-
ed to an entire abandonment of his position, now set
out towards Deposit, with the remainder of the army,
who were given distinctly to understand, that on meet-
ing supplies they were td return and prosecute the
campaign. This was an event, whichj as it had been
expected and foretold, soon took place : they had not
proceeded more than ten or twelve miles, when they
met a hundred and fifty beeves; but a sight which gave
to Jackson so much satisfaction, was to them the most
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON,
disagreeable and unwelcome. Their faces being now
turned towards home, no spectacle could be more hate-
ful than one which was to change their destination*
They were halted, and having satisfied their hungry
appetites, the troops, with the exception of such as
were necessary to proceed with the sick and wounded,
were ordered to return to the encampment he him-
self intending to see the contractors, and establish
more effectual arrangements for the future. So great
was their aversion to returning, that they preferred a
violation of their duty and their pledged honour. Low
murmurings ran along the lines, and presently broke
out into open mutiny. In spite of the order they had
received, they began to revolt, and one company was
already moving off, in a direction towards home. They
had proceeded some distance, before information of
their departure was had by Jackson. Irritated at their
conduct, in attempting to violate the promise they had
given, and knowing that the success of future opera-
tions depended on the result, the general pursued, un-
til he came near a part of his staff, and a few soldiers,
who, with General Coffee, had halted about a quarter
of a mile ahead. He ordered them to form immediate-
ly across the road, and to fire on the mutineers if they
attempted to proceed. Snatching up their arms, these
faithful adherents presented a front which threw the
deserters into affright, and caused them to retreat pre-
cipitately to the main body. Here, it was hoped, the
matter would end, and that no further opposition would
be made to returning. This expectation was not real-
ized ; a mutinous temper began presently to display
itself throughout the whole brigade. Jackson having
left his aid-de-camp, major Reid, engaged in making
76 UFE OF GENERAL JACKSOX.
up some despatches, had gone out alone amongst his
troops, who were at some distance ; on his arrival, he
found a much more extensive mutiny than that which
had just been quelled. Almost the whole brigade had put
itself into an attitude for moving forcibly off. A crisis
had arrived; and feeling its importance, he determined
to take no middle ground, but to triumph or perish. E(e
was still without the use of his left arm ; but, seizing
a musket, and resting it on the neck of his horse, he
threw himself in front of the column, and threat-
ened to shoot the first man who should attempt to ad-
vance. In this situation he was found by major Reid
and general Coffee, who, fearing from the length of his
absence, that some disturbance had arisen, hastened
where he was, and placing themselves by his side,
awaited the result in anxious expectation. For many
minutes the column preserved a sullen, yet hesitating
attitude, fearing to proceed in their purpose, and dis-
liking to abandon it. In the mean time, those who
remained faithful to their duty, amounting to about
two companies, were collected and formed at a short
distance in advance of the troops, and in rear of the
general, with positive directions to imitate his exanir
pie in firing, if they attempted to proceed, At length,
finding no one bold enough to advance, and overtaken
by those fears which in the hour of peril always beset
persons engaged in what they know to be a bad cause,
they abandoned their purpose, and turning quietly
round, agreed to return to their posts. It is very cer-
tain, that, but for the firmness of the general, at this
critical moment, the campaign would have been bro-
ken up, and most probably not qommenqe^l again.
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. ' 77
Shortly after the battle of Talladega, the Hillabee
tribes, who had been the principal sufferers on that
occasion, applied to general Jackson for peace ; declar-
ing their willingness to receive it on such terms as he
might be pleased to dictate. His decision had been
already returned, stating to them that his government
had taken up arms, to bring to a proper sense of duty,
a people to whom she had ever shown the utmost
kindness, and who, nevertheless, had committed against
her citizens the most unprovoked depredations ; and
that she would lay them down only when certain that
this object was attained.* " Upon those," continued
he, " who are disposed to become friendly, I neither
wish nor intend to make war; but they must afford
evidences of the sincerity of their professions ; the pri-
soners and property they have taken from us, and the
friendly Creeks, must be restored ; the instigators of
the war, and the murderers of our citizens, must be
surrendered ; the latter must and will be made to feel
* This communication did not arrive in time : general White,
who had been detached for that purpose, having, the morning on
which it was written, attacked and destroyed their town, killed sixty,
and made two hundred and fifty-six prisoners. The event was un-
fortunate ; and in it may perhaps be found the reason why these
savages, in their after battles, fought with the desperation they did,
obstinately refusing to ask for quarter. They believed themselves
attacked by Jackson's army ; they knew they had asked peace upon
his own terms. When, therefore, under these circumstances, they
saw themselves thus assailed, they no longer considered that any
pacific disposition they might manifest would afford them protection
from danger; and looked upon it as a war of extermination. In their
battles, afterwards, there is no instance of their asking for quarter, or
even manifesting a disposition to receire it
78 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOJN.
the foree of our resentment. Long shall they remem-
ber Fort Minims in bitterness and tears."
Having stated to general Cocke, whose division was
acting in this section of the nation, the propositions
that had been made by the Hillabee clans, with the
answer he had returned, and urged him to detach
to Fort Strother six hundred of his men, to aid in the
defence of that place, during his absence, and in the
operations he intended to resume on his return, he
proceeded to Deposit and Ditto's landing, where the
most effectual means in his power were taken with the
contractors, for obtaining regular supplies in future.
They were required to furnish, immediately, thirty
days' rations at Fort Sirother, forty at Talladega, and
as many at the junction of the Coosa and Tallapoosa 5
two hundred pack horses and forty wagons were put
in requisition to facilitate their transportation. Un-
derstanding, now, that the whole detachment from
Tennessee, had, by the president, been received into
the service of the United States, he persuaded him-
self that the difficulties he had heretofore encounter-
ed, would not recur, and that the want of supplies
would not again be a cause of impeding his operations.
He now looked forward with sanguine expectations,
to the speedy accomplishment of the objects of the
expedition.
The volunteers, who were at Deposit, began to
manifest the same unwillingness to return to their duty
that the militia had done, and were about to break out
into the same spirit of mutiny and revolt ; but were
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 79
restrained by an animated address of the general, who*
having assembled them together, painted, in the most
glowing colours, all the consequences that were to be
apprehended, if, from any defalcation of theirs, the
campaign should be abandoned, or ineffectually prose-
cuted. By this mean, he succeeded once more in re-
storing quietness to his troops.
He now set out on his return to Fort Strother, and
was delighted to find, by the progress of the works, the
industry that had been used in his absence. But the
satisfaction he felt, and the hopes he began to cherish,
were of short continuance. Although he had succeed-
ed in stilling the tumult of the volunteers, and in pre-
vailing on them to return to their posts, it was soon
discovered he had not eradicated their deep-rooted
aversion to a further prosecution of the war. Nothing
is more difficult than to re-animate men who have once
lost their spirits, or inspire with new ardour those in
whom it has lately become extinct. Even where the
evils, which produced the change, are removed, apolo-
gies will be sought, and pretexts seized, for justifying
and preserving the present tone of mind. The volun-
teers who had so lately clamoured about bread, now^
when they were no longer hungry, began to clamour,
with equal earnestness, about their term of service.
Having lately made an effort to forsake the drudgery
of the field, and failed, they were disposed to avail
themselves of any pretexts, seemingly plausible, to
obtain success. They insisted that the period, for
which they had undertaken to act, would end on the
10th of December, that being the termination of a
year from the day they had first entered into service ;
80 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSO.N.
and although they had been a greater part of the time
disengaged, and unemployed, that recess was never-
theless to be taken into the computation. Jackson re-
plied, that the law of congress, under which they had
been tendered and accepted, requiring one year's ser-
vice out of two, could contemplate nothing less than an
actual service of three hundred and sixty-five days ;
and, until that were performed, he could not, unless
specially authorized, undertake to discharge them.
But as this was a question not likely to be settled by
argument, and as the consequences were easily to be
foreseen, if they should persist in their demands, the
general began to think of providing other means for a
continuance of the campaign, that, even in the worst
extreme, he might not be unprepared to act. Ordering
general Roberts to return, and fill up the deficiencies in
his brigade, he now despatched colonel Carroll and ma-
jor Searcy, one of his aids-de-camp, into Tennessee,
to raise volunteers, for six months, or during the cam-
paign ; writing, at the same time, to many respectable
characters, he exhorted them to contribute all their
assistance to the accomplishment of this object To a
letter, just received from the reverend Gideon Black-
burn, assuring him that volunteers from Tennessee
would eagerly hasten to his relief, if they knew their
services were wanted, he replied, " Reverend Sir,
Your letter has been just received : I thank you for it;
I thank you most sincerely. It arrived at a moment
when my spirits needed such a support.
" I left Tennessee with an army, brave, I believe,
as any general ever commanded. I have seen them in
battle and ray opinion of their bravery is not changed.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 81
But their fortitude on this too I relied has been too
severely tested. Perhaps I was wrong, in believing
that nothing but death could conquer the spirits of
brave men. I am sure I was ; for my men, I know,
are brave ; yet privations have rendered them discon-
tented : that is enough. The expedition must never-
theless be prosecuted to a successful termination.
New volunteers must be raised, to conclude what has
been so auspiciously begun by the old ones. Gladly
would I save these men from themselves, and insure
them a harvest which they have sown ; but if they
will abandon it to others, it must be so.
" You are good enough to say, if I need your assist-
ance, it will be cheerfully afforded : I do need it great-
ly. The influence you possess over the minds of men
is great and well-founded, and can never be better ap-
plied than in summoning volunteers to the defence of
their country, their liberty, and their religion. While
we fight the savage, who makes war only because he
delights in blood, and who has gotten his booty, when
he has scalped his victim, we are, through him, con-
tending against an enemy of more inveterate character,
and deeper design who would demolish a fabric ce-
mented by the blood of our fathers, and endeared to us
by all the happiness we enjoy. So far as my exertions
can contribute, the purposes, both of the savage and
his instigator, shall be defeated ; and so far as yours
can, I hope I know, they will be employed. I have
said enough. I want men, and want them immediate-
ly."
Anxious to prosecute the campaign as soon as pos-.
82 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
sible, that by employing his troops actively, he might
dispel from their minds those discontents so frequent-
ly manifested, he wrote to general Cocke, desiring and
urging him to unite with him, immediately, at the Ten
Islands, with fifteen hundred men. He assured him
that the mounted men, who had returned to the settle-
ments for subsistence, and to recruit their horses,
would arrive by the 12th of the month. He wished
to commence his operations directly, " knowing they
would be prepared for it, and well knowing they would
require it." " I am astonished," he continued, " to
hear that your supplies continue deficient. In the
name of God, what are the contractors doing and about
what are they engaged ? Every letter I receive from
governor Blount, assures me I am to receive plentiful
supplies from them, and seems to take for granted,
notwithstanding all I have said to the contrary, that
they have been hitherto regularly furnished. Con-
sidering the generous loan the State has made for this
purpose, and the facility of procuring bread stuffs in
East Tennessee, and of transporting them by water to
Fort Deposit, it is to me wholly unaccountable that
not a pound has ever arrived at that place. This evil
must continue no longer it must be remedied. I ex-
pect, therefore, and through you must require, that
in twenty days they furnish at Deposit every necessa-
ry supplv."*
* Independent of an advantageous contract made with the govern-
ment, the state of Tennessee had extended to this contractor a liberal
loan, that immediate supplies might be forwarded. Unfortunately,
however, and it is a misfortune that will always continue so long as
the present mode of supplying our armies is persisted in, the con-
tract was disregarded} nor did complaints on the subject cease, even
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOX. 83
Whilst these measures were taking, the volunteers,
through several of their officers, were pressing on the
consideration of the general, the expiration of their
term of service, and claiming to be discharged on the
10th of the month. From the colonel who command-
ed the second regiment, he received a letter, dated the
4th, in which was attempted to be detailed their whole
ground of complaint. He began by stating, that pain-
ful as it was, he, nevertheless, felt himself bound to
disclose an important and unpleasant truth ; that, on
the 10th, the service would be deprived of the regi-
to the close of the war. Great as was the evil, no adequate remedy
was at hand : nor was it confined to any particular section ; but in all
Directions, where our armies moved, were complaints heard, and
their operations frustrated through the misconduct of contractors.
An advancing army, already having within its reach decided advan-
tages, is made to halt, and to retrograde, or starve. The remedy is
to sue the contractor; and, after twelve or eighteen months of law,
a jury decides how far he has or has not broken his covenant. In
the mean time, the government has lost the most decided advan-
tages advantages which, had they been secured, might have saved
millions of treasure, and hundreds of lives.
Contractors are a class of men never to be influenced by any thing
of patriotic motive. An accurate attention to their interest, and a
minute calculation of dollars and cents are the amount of their good
feelings ; and whether an army shall suffer or press forward success-
fully are unimportant considerations : with them profit and the ac-
cumulation of wealth is the only concern ; and whether the army
they have contracted to feed, fares sumptuously or starves whether
the service be aided or injured, are but secondary considerations
with those who seek after wealth, and who are first for themselves.
If the government will have contractors, they should be appended to
the army, and made subject to martial rule, and martial larv ; for,
until then, they will be wholly inefficacious. They might be ruled
through their fears certainly not through any feelings of patriotism
'the attempt has been too often imsuccessfally gssayed*
84 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON*
ment he commanded. He seemed to deplore, with
great sensibility, the scene that would be exhibited on
that day, should opposition be made to their departure ;
and still more sensibly, the consequences that would
result from a disorderly abandonment of the camp. He
stated they had all considered themselves finally dis-
charged on the 20th of April, and never knew to the
contrary* until they saw his order of the 24th of Sep-
tember, requiring them to rendezvous at Fayetteville,
on the 4th of October ; for the first time, they then
learned that they owed further services, their dis-
charge to the contrary notwithstanding. " Thus situ-
ated, there was considerable opposition to the order;
on which the officers generally, as I am advised, and I
know myself in particular, gave it as an unequivocal
opinion, that their term of service would terminate on
the 10th of December.
" They therefore look to their general, who holds
their confidence, for an honourable discharge on that
day ; and that, in every respect, he will see that jus-
tice be done them. They regret that their peculiar
situations and circumstances require them to leave
their general at a time when their services are impor-
tant to the common cause.
" It would be desirable," he continued, " that those
men who have served with honour, should be honour-
ably discharged, and that they should return to their
families and friends without even the semblance of
disgrace; with their general they leave it to place
them in that situation. They have received him as an
affectionate father, whilst they have honoured, revered.
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. $5
and obeyed him ; but, having devoted a considerable
portion of their time to the service of their country, by
which their domestic concerns are greatly deranged,
they wish to return and attend to their own affairs."
Although this communication announced the deter-
mination of only a part of the volunteer brigade, he
had already abundant evidence that the defection was
but too general. The difficulties which the general
had heretofore been compelled to encounter, from the
discontents of his troops, might well induce him to re-
gret that a spirit of insubordination should again threat-
en to appear in his camp. That he might, if possible,
prevent it, he hastened to lay before them the error
and impropriety of their views, and the consequences
involved, should they persist in their purpose.
" I know not," he observed, " what scenes will be
exhibited on the 10th instant, nor what consequences
are to flow from them here or elsewhere ; but as I shall
have the consciousness that they are not imputable to
any misconduct of mine, I trust I shall have the firm-
ness not to shrink from a discharge of my duty.
" It will be well, however, for those who intend to
become actors in those scenes, and who are about to
hazard so much on the correctness of their opinions,
to examine beforehand, with great caution and delibe-
ration, the grounds on which their pretensions rest
Are they founded on any false assurances of mine, or
upon any deception that has been practised towards
them ? Was not the act of congress, under which they
are engaged, directed, by my general order, to be read
86 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
and expounded to them before they enrolled them-
selves ? That order will testify, and so will the recol-
lection of every general officer of my division. It is
not pretended, that those who now claim to be dis-
charged, were not legally and fairly enrolled under the
act of congress of the 6th of February, 1812. Have
they performed the service required of them by that
act, and which they then solemnly undertook to per-
form ? That required one year's service out of two,
to be computed from the day of rendezvous, unless
they should be sooner discharged. Has one year's
service been performed? This cannot be seriously
pretended. Have they then been discharged ? It is
said they have, and by me. To account for so extra-
ordinary a belief! it may be necessary to take a review
of past circumstances.
" More than twelve months have elapsed since we
were called upon to avenge the injured rights of our
country. We obeyed the call ! In the midst of hard-
ships, which none but those to whom liberty is dear
could have borne without a murmur, we descended
the Mississippi. It was believed our services were
wanted in the prosecution of the just war in which
our country was engaged, and we were prepared to
render them. But, though we were disappointed in
our expectations, we established for Tennessee a name
which will long do her honour. At length, we receiv-
ed a letter from the secretary of war directing our dis-
mission. You well recollect the circumstances of
wretchedness in which this order was calculated to
place us. By it, we were deprived of every article of
public property ; no provision was made for the pay-
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 87
inent of our troops, or their subsistence on their return
march ; whilst many of our sick, unable to help them-
selves, must have perished. Against the opinion of
many, I marched them back to their homes before I
dismissed them. Your regiment, at its own request,
was dismissed at Columbia. This was accompanied
with a certificate to each man, expressing the acts un-
der which he had been enrolled, and the length of the
tour he had performed. This it is which is now at-
tempted to be construed " a final discharge ;" but
surely it cannot be forgotten by any officer or soldier,
how sacredly they pledged themselves, before they
were dismissed, or received that certificate, cheerfully
to obey the voice of their country, if it should re-sum-
mon them into service ; neither can it be forgotten, I
dare hope, for what purpose that certificate was given ;
it was to secure, if possible, to those brave men, who
had shown such readiness to serve their country, cer-
tain extra emoluments, specified in the seventh section
of the act under which they had engaged, in the event
they were not recalled into service for the residue of
their term.
* Is it true, then, that my solicitude for the interest
of the volunteers, is to be made by them a pretext for
disgracing a name which they have rendered illustri-
ous ? Is a certificate, designed solely for their benefit,
to become the rallying word for mutiny ? strange per-
version of feeling and of reasoning ! Have I really any
power to discharge men whose term of service has not
expired ? If I were w^eak or wicked enough to at-
tempt the exercise of such a power, does any one be-
lieve, the soldier would be thereby exonerated from the
88 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
obligation he has voluntarily taken upon himself to his
government ? I should become a traitor to the impor-
tant concern which has been entrusted to my manage-
ment, while the soldier, who had been deceived by a
false hope of liberation, would be still liable to redeem
his pledge ; I should disgrace myself, without bene-
fitting you.
" I can only deplore the situation of those officers
who have undertaken to persuade their men that their
term of service will expire on the 10th. In giving their
opinions to this effect, they have acted indiscreetly, and
without sufficient authority. It would be the most
pleasing act of my life, to restore them with honour to
their families. Nothing would pain me more than that
any other sentiments should be felt towards them, than
those of gratitude and esteem. On all occasions, it has
been my highest happiness to promote their interest,
and even to gratify their wishes, where, with propriety,
it could be done. When in the lower country, believ-
ing that, in the order for their dismissal, they had been
improperly treated, I even solicited the government to
discharge them, finally, from the obligations into which
they had entered. You know the answer of the secre-
tary of war ; that neither he nor the president, as he
believed, had the power to discharge them. How,
tfyen, can it be required of me to do so ?
*
" The moment it is signified to me by any competent
authority, even by the governor of Tennessee, to whom
I have written on the subject, or by general Pinckney,
who is now appointed to the command, that the volun-
teers may be exonerated from further service, that
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 89
moment I will pronounce it, with the greatest satisfac-
tion. I have only the power of pronouncing a dis-
charge, not of giving it, in any case ; a distinction
which I would wish should be borne in mind. Al-
ready have I sent to raise volunteers, on my own re*
sponsibility, to complete a campaign which has been
so happily begun, and thus far, so fortunately prose-
cuted. The moment they arrive, and I am assured,
that, fired by our exploits, they will hasten in crowds,
on the first intimation that we need their services, they
will be substituted in the place of those who are dis-
contented here ; the latter will then be permitted to re-
turn to their homes, with all the honour which, under
such circumstances, they can carry along with them,
But I still cherish the hope, that their dissatisfaction
and complaints have been greatly exaggerated. I can-
not, must not believe, that the " Volunteers of Ten*
nessee," a name ever dear to fame, will disgrace them-
selves, and a country which they have honoured, by
abandoning her standard, as mutineers and deserters ;
but should I be disappointed, and compelled to resign
this pleasing hope, one thing I will not resign- my
duty. Mutiny and sedition, so long as I possess the
power of quelling them, shall be put down ; and even
when left destitute of this, I will still be found, in the
last extremity, endeavouring to discharge the duty I
owe my country and myself."
To the platoon officers, who addressed him on the
same subject, he replied with nearly the same spirited
feeling ; but discontent was too deeply fastened, and
by designing men had been too artfully fomented, to
be removed by any thing like argument or entreaty.
Ji
90 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
At length, on the evening of the 9th, general Hall has-
tened to the tent of Jackson with information that his
whole brigade was in a state of mutiny, and making
preparations to move forcibly off. This was a measure
which every consideration of policy, duty, and honour,
required Jackson to oppose ; and to this purpose he
instantly applied all the means he possessed. He im-
mediately issued the following general order :
" The commanding general being informed that an
actual mutiny exists in his camp, all officers and sol-
diers are commanded to put it down*
" The officers and soldiers of the first brigade will,
without delay, parade on the west side of the fort, and
await further orders." The artillery company, with
two small field pieces, being posted in the front and
rear, and the militia, under the command of colonel
Wynne, on the eminences, in advance, were ordered to
prevent any forcible departure of the volunteers.
The general rode along the line, which had been
previously formed agreeably to his orders, and address-
ed them, by companies, in a strain of impassioned elo-
quence. He feelingly expatiated on their former good
conduct, and the esteem and applause it had secured
them; and pointed to the disgrace which they must
heap upon themselves, their families, and country, by
persisting, even if they could succeed, in their present
mutiny. He told them however, they should not suc-
ceed but by passing over his body ; that even in oppos-
ing their mutinous spirit, he should perish honourably
by perishing at his post, and in the discharge of his
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 9 1
duty. " Reinforcements" he continued, " are prepar-
ing to hasten to my assistance : it cannot be long before
they will arrive. I am, too, in daily expectation of re-
ceiving information whether you may be discharged
or not until then, you must not, and shall not retire,
I have done with entreaty, it has been used long
enough. I will attempt it no more. You must now de-
termine whether you will go or peaceably remain: if
you still persist in your determination to move forcibly
off, the point between us shall soon be decided." At
first they hesitated ; he demanded an explicit and
positive answer. They still hesitated, and he com-
manded the artillerist to prepare the match ; he him-
self remaining in front of the volunteers, and within
the line of fire, which he intended soon to order.
Alarmed at his apparent determination, and dreading
the consequences involved in such a contest ; " Let us
return," was presently lisped along the line, and soon
after determined upon. The officers now came for-
ward and pledged themselves for their men, who
either nodded assent, or openly expressed a willingness
to retire to their quarters, and remain without further
tumult, until information were had, or the expected
aid should arrive. Thus passed away a moment of the
greatest peril, and pregnant with important conse*
quences.
Calculating philosophers may maintain the opinion,
that conduct like that pursued on this occasion, de-
serves no other name than rashness : it certainly was
determined, and proved in the end decisive. At such
a moment, hesitation must have been succeeded by a
defeat of purpose, and an entire abandonment by his
92 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON,
troops, To have been forsaken in such a manner, and
under such circumstances, no expectation could have
been entertained of drawing to the service, in any
short time, additional troops. The consequence must
have been, that the enemy, not subdued, but only ex-
asperated, might, unmolested, have assailed our unpro-
tected frontiers, and drenched them in the blood of
our defenceless citizens. These anticipations were
alarming, and only to be prevented by some effort^
bold and daring, as the one attempted. It was hazard-
ous, yet it succeeded.
Although the immediate execution of their purpose
was thus for the present prevented, it was presently
ascertained not to be w r holly abandoned, and that no-
thing could be expected from their future fidelity and
services. Jackson, therefore, determined to rid him-
self, as soon as possible, of men whose presence an-
swered no other end than to keep alive discontents in
his camp. He accordingly prepared an order to gene-
ral Hall, to march his brigade to Nashville, and to dis-
pose of them as he should be directed by the governor
of Tennessee. Previous to promulgating this, he re-
solved to make one further effort to retain them, and
to make a last appeal to their honour and patriotism.
For this purpose, having assembled them before the
ort, on the 13th, he directed his aid-de-camp to read
the following address :
" On the 10th of December, 1812, you assembled
at the call of your country. Your professions of pa-
triotism, and ability to endure fatigue, were at once
tested by the inclemency of the weather. Breaking
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 93
your way through sheets of ice, you descended the
Mississippi, and reached the point at which you were
ordered to be halted and dismissed. All this you bore
without murmuring. Finding that your services were
not needed, the means for marching you back were
procured; every difficulty was surmounted, and, as
soon as the point from which you embarked was re-
gained, the order for your dismissal was carried into
effect The promptness with which you assembled,
the regularity of your conduct, your attention to your
duties, the determination manifested, on every occa-
sion, to carry into effect the wishes and will of your
government, placed you on elevated ground. You not
only distinguished yourselves, but gave to your state a
distinguished rank with her sisters ; and led your go-
vernment to believe, that the honour of the nation
would never be tarnished when entrusted to the holy
keeping of the a Volunteers of Tennessee."
" In the progress of a war, which the implacable and
eternal enemy of our independence induced to be waged,
we found that, without cause on our part, a portion of
the Creek nation was added to the number of our foes.
To put it down, the first glance of the administration
fell on you ; and you were again summoned to the field
of honour. In full possession of your former feelings,
that summons was cheerfully obeyed. Before your
enemy thought you in motion, you were at Tallushat-
chee and Talladega. The thunder of your arms was
a signal to them that the slaughter of your country-
men was about to be avenged. You fought, you con-
quered ! barely enough of the foe escaped to recount
to their savage associates your deeds of valour. You
94 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
returned to this place loaded with laurels and the ap-
pjauses of your country.
" Can it be, that these brave men are about to be-
come the tarnishers of their own reputation ! the de-
stroyers of a name which does them so much honour ?
Yes, it is a truth too well disclosed, that cheerfulness
has been exchanged for complaints : murmurings and
discontents alone prevail. Men who a little while since
were offering up prayers for permission to chastise
the merciless savage who burned with impatience to
teach them how much they had hitherto been indebt-
ed to our forbearance, are now, when they could so
easily attain their wishes, seeking to be discharged.
The heart of your general has been pierced. The first
object of his military affections, and the first glory of
his life, were the volunteers of Tennessee ! The very
name recalls to him a thousand endearing recollections.
But these men these volunteers, have become mu-
tineers. The feelings he would have indulged, your
general has been compelled to suppress he has been
compelled by a regard to that subordination, so neces-
sary to the support of every army, and which he is
bound to have observed, to check the disorder which
would have destroyed you. He has interposed his
authority for your safety to prevent you from dis*
gracing yourselves and your country. Tranquillity has
been restored in our camp contentment shall also be
restored ; this can be done only by permitting those
to retire whose dissatisfaction proceeds from causes
that cannot be controlled. This permission will now
be given. Your country will dispense with your ser-
vices, if you have no longer a regard for tha.t fame
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON- 95
Which you have so nobly earned for yourselves and
jher. Yes, soldiers, you who were once so brave, and
to whom honour was so dear, shall be permitted to
return to your homes, if you still desire it. But in
what language, when you arrive, will you address your
families and friends? Will you tell them that you aban-
doned your general and your late associates in arms
within fifty miles of a savage enemy ; who equally de-
lights in shedding the blood of the innocent female and
her sleeping babe, as that of the warrior contending in
battle ? Lamentable, disgraceful tale"! If your disposi-
tions are really changed ; if you fear an enemy you so
lately conquered; this day will prove it. I now put it
to yourselves; determine upon the part you will act,
influenced only by the suggestions of your own hearts,
and your own understandings. All who prefer an in-
glorious retirement, shall be ordered to Nashville, to
be discharged, as the president or the governor may
direct Those who choose to remain, and unite with
their general in the further prosecution of the campaign,
can do so, and will thereby furnish a proof that they
have been greatly traduced; and that although dis*
affection and cowardice has reached the hearts of
some, it has not reached theirs. To such my assurance
is given, that former irregularities will not be attribu-
ted to them. They shall be immediately organized
into a separate corps, under officers of their own
choice ; and, in a little while, it is confidently believed
an opportunity will be afforded of adding to the laurels
you have already won."
Warm and feeling as was the appeal, it failed of the
desired effect. Captain Williamson alone agreed to
96 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOS.
remain. Finding that their determination to abandon
the service could not be changed, and that every prin-
ciple of patriotism was forgotten, the general commu-
nicated his order to general Hall, and directed him to
march his brigade to Nashville, and await such instruc-
tions as he might receive from the president, or the
governor of Tennessee.
General Cocke, on the 12th, had arrived at Fort
Strother with fifteen hundred men ; but it was found
from his report, that no part of his troops had been
brought into the field under the requisition of the pre-
sident of the United States ; and that the term of ser-
vice of the greater portion of them would expire in a
few days ; and of the whole in a few weeks. In conse-
quence of this, he was ordered into his district, to com-
ply with that requisition, and to carry back with him
and to discharge near their homes, those of his troops,
the period of whose service was within a short time of
being ended. The reason of this was explained in an
address to the brigade, in which they were entreated,
when they should have obtained the necessaries which
a winters campaign should render necessary, to re-
turn into the field, and aid in completing what had
been so successfully begun. Colonel Lilliard's regi-
ment, which consisted of about eight hundred, and
whose term of service would not expire in less than
four weeks, was retained to assist in defending the
present post, and in keeping open the communication
with Deposit, until the expected reinforcements should
arrive from Tennessee.
Meantime the cavalry and mounted riflemen, who,
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 97
under an express stipulation to return and complete
the campaign, had been permitted to retire into the
settlements, to recruit their horses and procure winter
clothing, had, at the time appointed, re-assembled in
the neighbourhood of Huntsville. But, catching the
infection of discontent from the infantry, on their re-
turn march, they began now to clamour with equal
earnestness for a discharge. The cavalry insisted that
they were as well entitled to it as the infantry ; and
the riflemen, that they could not be held in service
after the 24th, that being three months from the time
they had been mustered : and that as that day was so
near at hand, it was wholly useless to advance any
farther.
General Coffee, who was confined at Huntsville by
severe indisposition, employed all the means which
his debilitated strength would allow, to remove the
dangerous impressions they had so readily imbibed,
and to reclaim them to a sense of honour and of duty;
but all his efforts proved unavailing. He immediately
ordered his brigade to head-quarters : they had pro-
ceeded as far as Ditto's ferry, when the greater part of
them refusing to cross the river, returned in a tumul-
tuous manner, committing on the route innumerable
irregularities, which there was no force sufficient to re-
strain. Not more than seven hundred of the brigade
could be gotten over; who, having marched to Deposit,
were directed to be halted, until further orders could
be obtained from general Jackson. At this place they
committed the wildest extravagancies ; profusely wast-
ing the public grain, which, with much difficulty and
labour, had been collected for the purpose of the cam]
98 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
paign ; and indulging in every species of excess.
Whilst thus rioting, they continued to clamour vocif-
erously for their discharge. General Coffee finding
his utmost efforts ineffectual, to restrain or to quiet
them, wrote to Jackson, acquainting him with their
conduct and demands, and enclosing a petition that
had been addressed to him by the rifle regiment. In
his letter he says, " I am of opinion, th sooner they
can be gotten clear of the better ; they are consuming
the forage that will be necessary for others, and I am
satisfied they will do no more good. I have told them,
their petition would be submitted to you, who would
decide upon it in the shortest possible time." This
was truly disagreeable news to the general. Already
sufficiently harassed by the discontents and opposition
of his troops, now that they had retired, he looked
anxiously forward, in hopes that the tranquillity of his
camp would be no more assailed. On the brigade of
Coffee, he had placed great reliance, and, from the
pledges it had given him, entertained no fears but that
it would return and act with him, as soon as he should
be ready to proceed. He replied to general Coffee,
and taking a view of the grounds and causes of their
complaints, endeavoured to reconcile their objections,
and persuade them to a discharge of the duties which
they had undertaken, and covenanted to perform.
The signers of that address, observes the general,
commence by saying, " that jealousy is prevailing in
our camp, with respect to the understanding between
themselves and the government, relative to the service
required of them ; and, believing it to be its policy to
act fairly, are of opinion that a full explanation of their
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 99
case will have a good effect in promoting the cause in
which they are engaged."
" What can have given rise to this jealousy, I am
at a loss to conjecture ; for surely no unfair practices
were ever used by their government to get them into
the service, nor to keep them in it longer than they
had engaged to remain. How long that was, can be
easily determined by the law under which they were
accepted. This was open to all, and must be presum-
ed to have been understood by all. But for a com-
plete answer, I send you and refer you to the written
pledges, of both the field and platoon officers, before
they returned to recruit their horses, and obtain their
winter clothing. As they seem completely to have
forgotten, remind them of all they contain,' of their
assurances given, that, if what they asked were grant-
ed, they would return, at the shortest possible notice,
prepared and willing to go through the winter ser-
vice, or to the end of the campaign. Sensible of their
necessities, and confiding fully in the promises they
made, and signed with their own names, I permitted
them, on the 22d ultimo, to return into the settlements,
for the purpose of procuring fresh horses and addition-
al clothing ; and required them, to which they readily
agreed, to rendezvous in Madison on the 8th instant.
They have returned, and now, when every calculation
is made upon their services, agreeably to the pledges
that have been given, they send, (instead of coming,)
this address. Under these circumstances, what " ex-
planation of their case" do they want ? What expla-
nation do they expect their general to give them ?
Barely to remind them of their written pledges, with-
100 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOtf.
out attempting any exposition of the law, under which
they have engaged, is surely a sufficient answer. An
exposition of it will not be attempted by me ; not only
because it is considered unnecessary, but because my
opinion on it has been already frequently given.
They remark further, that " they are returning like
deserters, souring the minds of the people against the
government and the officers, which will prevent others
from entering into the service of their country, and
paralyze the spirit of every citizen of Tennessee."
That they are returning home, not only "like de-
serters," but in the real genuine character of such, is
indeed a lamentable truth. That they are also endea-
vouring to sour the minds of the people against the
government and the officers, and that this attempt v ill
most probably be successful, and prevent many from
entering the service, is, I am fearful, too true. But, in
the name of God, to whom is this to be ascribed to
the government, or to their general ? or rather is it
not more justly chargeable to themselves, who, having
entered the camp from patriotic motives, as they say
having engaged with their government, and pledged
themselves to their general, to prosecute the cam-
paign and avenge the injured rights of their country,
forget both the engagement and the pledge, and all
their boasted patriotism, at a moment when their ser-
vices are the most confidently expected, and the most
eminently needed.
" I cannot conceive how the idea has arisen, that
they are attempted to be detained without their con-
sent. To say nothing of the length of service really
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 101
required by the law under which they were accepted,
have not the field officers given their written consent
to remain during the winter, or until the campaign be
completed? Have they not also given a pledge for
their men, and the officers commanding companies and
platoons ; and have not those company and platoon
officers, too, given a similar assurance for themselves
and their men ? Let them look to these pledges, and
blush at their conduct
" They also remark, " If any tender of services, for
a longer time than a tour of duty, (three months) has
been made to the general government, we beg leave
to say, it was without our consent or knowledge ; and
we are convinced that, in all contracts that are bind-
ing, both parties must fully understand and consent
thereto. We wish to be permitted to return home, and
to return under such circumstances as will entitle us
to be praised, instead of blamed, by those who so gal-
lantly led us to battle."
tt To this I answer, that no tender for any specified
term of service was ever made to the general govern-
ment by me, or by any other within my knowledge.
As regards their law remark, that men, to be bound
by a contract, must understand and consent to it, it
will be a sufficient answer, that those who volunteer
their services, under a public law, are presumed to
understand fully all its provisions ; or, at any rate, that
those who sign an instrument drawn up by them-
selves, cannot reasonably be supposed ignorant of its
contents, or unwilling to abide by its terms. But they
must be lukewarm patriots indeed, who, in the mo-
102 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON*
ment of danger and necessity, can halt in the dis-
charge of their duty to argue and quibble on the con-
struction of laws and statutes.
" As to their wish " to be praised instead of censur-
ed," I am at a loss to conceive how such a sentiment
should hold a place in the breasts of men who are about
to abandon the cause of their country at such a moment
as this, and under such engagements. Even if it be
possible for such men to desire praise, from their pre-
sent conduct they cannot expect it, nor believe them-
selves entitled to receive it. Before they can have
determined to enter upon such a course, they must
undoubtedly have prepared their minds to meet all the
contumely and contempt that an indignant country
can heap upon such wind-blown patriots ; who, when
at home, clamoured so vociferously about her injured
rights, and having taken up arms to defend them,
abandon them at a moment \vhen they are most in
danger. A grosser aliment than praise must be the
proper nutriment for such minds. If it were possible
that any doubt could exist, under the law by which
their services were engaged, has not the utmost cer-
tainty been produced, by their own written undertak-
ings, subsequently made? But on the question, whe-
ther their country, at this time, needs their services in
the field, there can be no doubt. And is patriotism to
be measured by months, and weeks, and days ? Is it
by such a computation, that the volunteer, embarked
in his country's defence, hopes to entitle himself to the
thanks of that country, when her rights are assailed,
and his efforts can protect them ? Be it so ; let it be
even granted, that these men's engagements have ex-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 103
pired under the law ; has their sacred pledge, in writ-
ing, and has their love of country expired ? If these
cannot bind them to a faithful performance of their
duty, I know of nothing by which I can hope to hold
them."
Few men had ever imposed on them the necessity
of contending with greater difficulties. The volun-
teers, proud of the name, and conceiving themselves
superior to the militia, had just fought their fii;st bat-
tle ; and if suffering had not destroyed their early ex-
citement, the same fervour with which they sat out
might have still continued ; but the negligence, or in-
terested views of contractors, had introduced such dis-
contents, as that to repress them, boldness and energy
were required. But to effect this, as events proved, was
impracticable, inasmuch as the termination of one dif-
ficulty seemed but the commencement of another. It
is not wonderous then, that the patience of the gene-
ral should have been exhausted ; or in the address pre-
sented he should have indulged those feelings which
the occasion and the circumstances were so well cal-
culated to inspire.
To have addressed them in a strain less pointed and
independent, or to have endeavoured to sooth their
discontents by entreaty, might at some other time, and
under different circumstances, have been better re-
sorted to for success ; but the ineffectual attempts that
had been made with his infantry, who had forsaken
the camp, in spite of every thing that persuasion,
threats, or honour could suggest, left but a narrow
basis on which to erect a hope of his being able to de-
104 JLIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOX.
tain them. There was but a single course left ; to
point them to the pledge they had given, and appeal
directly to their honour, believing that if this were un-
successful, there was " nothing by which he could
hope to hold them."
Jackson had just received a letter from the governor
of Tennessee, in answer to his frequent and pressing
inquiries, as to the disposition which should be made
of the volunteers. It recommended what had already,
from necessity, been done ; to dismiss not discharge
them, because the latter was not in the power of either
of them : nor was their dismission to be given, be-
cause founded in right; but because, under existing cir-
cumstances, their presence could not prove beneficial,
but highly injurious. To induce them contentedly to
remain, the governor had suggested but one argument,
which had not already been unsuccessfully attempted;
" that it was very doubtful if the government would
pay them for the services they had already rendered,
if abandoned without her authority." It is true, that
avarice sometimes alters a determination, when other
considerations have failed of success ; whether this ap-
peal might not result beneficially with the cavalry,
whose presence was greatly desired, was at least worthy
the trial. It was important, however, to bring it be-
fore them in some delicate way to awaken inquiry, and
guard against offence. The letter was therefore en-
closed for their inspection, accompanied with these re-
marks : " I have just received a letter from governor
Blount, which I hasten to transmit, that you may avail
yourselves of whatever benefits and privileges it holds
out You will perceive, that he does not consider he
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSQN, 105
has any power to discharge you,- neither have I :
but you have my permission to retire from the service,
if you are still desirous of doing so, and are prepared
to risk the consequences."
These letters, so far from answering the desired end,
had a directly contrary effect. The governor's was no
sooner read, than they eagerly laid hold of it to sup-
port the resolution they had already formed ; and
without further ceremony or delay, abandoned the
campaign, with their colonel at their head, who, so
far from having endeavoured to reconcile them, is be-
lieved, by secret artifices, to have fomented their dis-
contents.
So general was the dissatisfaction of this brigade,
and with such longing anxiety did they indulge the
hope of a speedy return to their homes, that their im-
patience did not permit them to wait the return of the
messenger from head-quarters. Before an answer
could reach general Coffee, they had broken up their
encampment at Deposit, re-crossed the river, and pro-
ceeded four miles beyond Huntsville. On receiving
it, Coffee had the brigade drawn up in solid column,
and the letters, together with the pledge they had giv-
en, read to them ; after which the reverend Mr. Blackr
burn endeavoured in an eloquent speech, in which he
pointed out the ruinous consequences that were to be
apprehended, if they persisted in their present purpose,
to recall them to a sense of duty, and of honour ; but
they had formed their resolution too steadfastly, and
had gone too extravagant lengths, to be influenced by
the letter, the pledge, or the speech. As to the pledge,
106 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
a few said they had not authorized it to be made ;
others, that as the general had not returned an imme-
diate acceptance, they did not consider themselves
bound by it ; but the greater part candidly acknow-
ledged, that they stood committed, and were without
any justification for their present conduct. Neverthe-
less, except a few officers, and three or four privates,
the whole persisted in the determination to abandon
the service. Thus, in a tumultuous manner, they
abandoned their post and their duty, and, committing
innumerable extravagances, regardless alike of law
and decency, continued their route to their respective
homes.
CHAPTER IV.
Discontents of the militia. Governor Blount recommends an abandon*
ment of the service. Jackson's reply to his letter. The governor
takes measures for bringing out a sufficient force. Conduct of general
Roberts. -~- His brigade retires from service. Lieutenant Kearley.
General Jackson endeavours to detain the East Tennessee troops.
His address to them. Arrival of additional forces. Arrest of officers*
Expedition against the Indians. His motives. Battle of Emuck-
faia. General Coffee proceeds to destroy the enemy's fortifications.*-
Second battle of Emuckfaw. Troops commence their return marcft.
J^mbus cade formed by the Indians. Battle of Enotichopco.
THE events just portrayed, satisfactorily prove, that
militia are not only the most expensive troops in war,
but such as cannot be relied on beyond that period
where excitement and buoyancy of spirit is preserved;
and even then, none but the most determined officers
can controul them. Despondency overtaking them,
their efficiency is destroyed ; but, when mutinous, they
are worse than useless.
But whilst these unfortunate events were transpir-
ing in the rear, matters were far from wearing an en-
couraging aspect at head-quarters. The brigade of
West Tennessee militia, at no time full, and at pre-
sent consisting, in consequence of numerous deser-
tions, of only about six hundred, imitating the evil
examples lately set before it, began, as the day on
which they imagined themselves entitled to a dis-
charge was approaching, to turn their attention to-
wards home. Believing that three months constituted
108 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
the tour of duty contemplated in the act under which
their services had been engaged, they insisted that it
would terminate on the 4th of the ensuing month,
This, however, was a construction that Jackson was
by no means disposed to admit. It is true, the act had
not defined the term of their engagement; but it had
specified the object of calling them out, viz. to subdue
the Indians ; and as that object had not yet been at-
tained, it was believed, that at present, they were not
entitled to a discharge^ In addition to this, these
troops, although raised by the state authorities, had
been, by the particular recommendation of the legis-
lature, received into the service of the general govern-
ment, under the act of congress authorizing the pre-
sident to call out a hundred thousand militia, to serve
for six months, unless by his own order they should
be previously dismissed. So that, whether the act of
congress, or the legislature of Tennessee, were taken
as the governing rule in this case, it was believed
there was no authority competent to extend to them
a discharge, at the time it was threatened to be de-
manded. The militia of East Tennessee, having been
specially mustered into service for three months,
would, of course, be entitled to claim their dismissal
at the expiration of that period ; hence colonel Lil-
liard's regiment, which constituted more than one half
the present force at head-quarters, would be lost to
the service on the 14th of the next month.
With the failure of general Cocke, to bring into the
field the number and description of troops which he
had been ordered to raise under the requisition of the
president, as well as with the temper and demands of
LXFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 309
those who were in service, Jackson kept the governor
of Tennessee correctly advised; and omitted no op-
portunity of entreating him, in the most pressing man-
ner, to take the earliest measures for supplying by
draft, or voluntary enlistment, the present deficiency,
as well as that which, from every appearance, was
soon to be expected To these solicitations, he had
now received the governor's answer, who stated, that,
having given an order to bring into the field fifteen
hundred of the detached militia, as was required by
the secretary of war, and a thousand volunteers, under
the act of the legislature of Tennessee of the 24th
September, he did not feel himself authorized to grant
any new mandate, although satisfied that the first had
not been complied with ; that he viewed the further
prosecution of the campaign, attended as it was with
so many embarrassments, as a fruitless endeavour ; and
concluded by recommending, as advisable, to withdraw
the troops into the settlements, and suspend all active
operations until the general government should pro-
vide more effectual means for conducting it to a fa-
vourable result Jackson, far from having any intention
to yield to this advice, determined to oppose it Still,
however, he was greatly concerned at the view the
chief magistrate of his state seemed to take of a ques-
tion of such vital importance ; and immediately pro-*
ceeded to unfold himself fully, and to suggest the
course, which, he believed, on the present occasion,
it behoved them both to pursue: pointing out the
ruinous consequences that might be expected to result
from the adoption of the measure he had undertaken
to recommend; he continues:
1 10 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
" Had your wish, that I should discharge a part of
my force, and retire, with the residue, into the settle-
ments, assumed the form of a positive order, it might
have furnished me some apology for pursuing such a
course; but by no means a full justification. As you
would have no power to give such an order, I could
not be inculpable in obeying, with my eyes open to
the fatal consequences that would attend it. But a
bare recommendation, founded, as I am satisfied it
must be, on the artful suggestions of those fire-side
patriots, who seek, in a failure of the expedition, an
excuse for their own supineness ; and upon the misre-
presentations of the discontented from the army, who
wish it to be believed, that the difficulties which over-
came their patriotism are wholly insurmountable, would
afford me but a feeble shield against the reproaches of
my country or my conscience. Believe me, my re-
spected friend, the remarks I make proceed from the
purest personal regard. If you would preserve your
reputation, or that of the state over which you preside,
you must take a straight-forward, determined course;
regardless of the applause or censure of the populace,
and of the forebodings of that dastardly and designing
crew, who, at a time like this, may be expected to
clamour continually in your ears. The very wretches
who now beset you with evil counsel, will be the first,
should the measures which they recommend eventuate
in disaster, to call down imprecations on your head,
and load you with reproaches. Your country is in
danger : apply its resources to its defence ! Can any
course be more plain ? Do you, my friend, at such a
moment as the present, sit with your arms folded, and
your heart at ease, waiting a solution of your doubts,
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. Ill
and a definition of your powers ? Do you wait for spe-
cial instructions from the secretary at war, which it is
impossible for you to receive in time for the danger
that threatens ? How did the venerable Shelby act,
under similar circumstances ; or rather, under circum-
stances by no means so critical ? Did he wait for or-
ders to do what every man of sense knew what eve-
ry patriot felt to be right ? He did not ; and yet how
highly and justly did the government extol his manly
and energetic conduct ! and how dear has his name be-
come to every friend of his country !
" You say, that an order to bring the necessary
quota of men into the field has been given, and that of
course your power ceases ; and, although you are made
sensible that the order has been wholly neglected, you
can take no measure to remedy the omission. Widely
different, indeed, is my opinion. I consider it your
imperious duty, when the men, called for by your au-
thority, founded upon that of the government, are
known not to be in the field, to see that they be brought
there ; and to take immediate measures with the officer,
who, charged with the execution of your order, omits
or neglects to do it. As the executive of the state, it
is your duty to see that the full quota of troops be con-
stantly kept in the field, for the time they have been
required. You are responsible to the government;
your officer to you. Of what avail is it, to give an
order, if it be never executed, and may be disobeyed
with impunity ? Is it by empty mandates that we can
hope to conquer our enemies, and save our defenceless
frontiers from butchery and devastation ? Believe me,
my valued friend, there are times when it is highly
112 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
criminal to shrink from responsibility, or scruple about
the exercise of our powers. There are times when
we must disregard punctilious etiquette, and think
only of serving our country. What is really our pre-
sent situation ? The enemy we have been sent to
subdue, may be said, if we stop at this, to be only ex-
asperated. The commander in chief, general Pinck-
ney, who supposes me by this time, prepared for re-
newed operations, has ordered me to advance and form
a junction with the Georgia army ; and, upon the ex-
pectation that I will do so, are all his arrangements
formed for the prosecution of the campaign. Will it
do to defeat his plans, and jeopardize the safety of the
Georgia army ? The general government, too, believe,
and have a right to believe, that we have now not less
than five thousand men in the heart of the enemy's
country ; and on this opinion are all their calculations
bottomed ; and must they all be frustrated, and I be-
come the instrument by which it is done ? God for-
bid!
" You advise me to discharge or dismiss from ser-
vice, until the will of the president can be known,
such portion of the militia as have rendered three
months' service. This advice astonishes me, even more
than the former. I have no such discretionary power ;
and if I had, it would be impolitic and ruinous to exer-
cise it. I believed, the militia who were not specially
received for a shorter period, were engaged for six
months, unless the objects of the expedition should be
sooner attained^ and in this opinion I was greatly
strengthened by your letter of the 15th, in which you
say, when answering my inquiry upon this subject,
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 113
"the militia are detached for six months* service;"
nor did I know, or suppose, you had a different
opinion, until the arrival of your last letter. This
opinion must, I suppose, agreeably to your request, be
made known to general Roberts' brigade, and then
the consequences are not difficult to be foreseen.
Every man belonging to it will abandon me on the
4th of next month ; nor shall I have the means of pre-
venting it, but by the application of force, which, un-
der such circumstances, I shall not be at liberty to
use. I have laboured hard to reconcile these men to
a continuance in service until they could be honour-
ably discharged, and had hoped I had, in a great mea-
sure, succeeded ; but your opinion, operating with
their own prejudices, will give a sanction to their con-
duct, and render useless any further attempts. They
will go ; but I can neither discharge nor dismiss them.
Shall I be told, that as they will go, it may as well be
peaceably permitted ; can that be any good reason why
I should do an unauthorized act ? Is it a good reason
why I should violate the order of my superior officer,
and evince a willingness to defeat the purposes of my
government ? And wherein does the " sound policy"
of the measures that have been recommended consist ?
or in what way are they " likely to promote the public
good ?" Is it sound policy to abandon a conquest thus
far made, and deliver up to havoc, or add to the num-
ber of our enemies, those friendly Creeks and Chero-
kees, who, relying on our protection, have espoused
our cause, and aided us with their arms ? Is it good
policy to turn loose upon our defenceless frontiers
five thousand exasperated savages, to reek their hands
once more in the blood of our citizens ? What ! retro-
114 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
grade under such circumstances! I will perish first
No, I will do my duty : I will hold the posts I have
established, until ordered to abandon them by the
commanding general, or die in the struggle ; long
since have I determined not to seek the preservation
of life at the sacrifice of reputation.
" But our frontiers, it seems, are to be defended,
and by whom ? By the very force that is now recom-
mended to be dismissed : for I am first told to retire
into the settlements and protect the frontiers ; next,
to discharge my troops ; and then, that no measures
can be taken for raising others. No, my friend, if
troops be given me, it is not by loitering on the fron-
tiers that I will seek to give protection ; they are to
be defended, if defended at all, in a very different man-
ner ; by carrying the war into the heart of the ene-
my's country, All other hopes of defence are more
visionary than dreams. What then is to be done ?
I'll tell you what. You have only to act with the ener-
gy and decision the crisis demands, and all will be
well. Send me a force engaged for six months, and
I will answer for the result, but withhold it, and all
is lost, the reputation of the state, and your's, and
mine along with it."
This letter had considerable effect with the gover-
nor. On receiving it, he immediately determined on
a course of greater efficienc} r , and ordered from the
second division twenty-five hundred of the militia, for
a tour of three months, to rendezvous at Fayetteville
on the 28th of Januarj 7 . The command was given to
brigadier-general Johnston, with orders to proceed
UFE OF GENERAL JACK3OX. 115
without delay, by detachments, or otherwise, to Fort
Strother. He instructed general Cocke to execute
the order he had received from Jackson, for raising
from his division his required quota of troops, and to
bring them to the field as early as possible.
These measures were taken by the governor in op-
position to his first views of their impropriety with-
out any special directions from the government. If any
doubts, however, remained of the correctness of the
course adopted, they were soon after dispelled by a
letter from the secretary of war, stating that he was
" authorized to supply, by militia drafts or volunteers,
any deficiency that might arise, and without referring
on that head to the department of war."
General Roberts, who had been ordered back to
supply the deficiencies in his brigade, returned on the
27th with one hundred and ninety-one men, mustered
for three months. Having halted them a few miles in
rear of the camp, he proceeded thither himself, to learn
of the commanding general, whether the troops he had
brought on would be received for the term they had
stipulated, inasmuch as they were unwilling to advance
further until this point was settled. Jackson answer-
ed, that although he greatly preferred they should be
engaged for six months, or during the campaign, yet
he had no wish to alter any engagement made with
general Roberts, and would gladly receive them for
the period they had been mustered ; at the expiration
of which time he would discharge them. Notwith-
standing this assurance, with which he was instructed
to make them fully acquainted, for some unknown
116 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
cause, they suddenly formed the determination to aban-
don their engagements and return home, without gain-
ing even a sight of the camp. To the misconduct of
their general, was it justly to be attributed. By halt-
ing them in the neighbourhood, until he could go to
head-quarters and " make terms" for their acceptance,
he had impressed them with the belief that their ob-
ligations as yet extended only to himself; from which
he promised to absolve them, if the terms he should
be able to make, should be less favourable than they
expected. And even after general Jackson had assent-
ed to all that was or could be asked in their behalf,
and that assent had been reduced to writing, Roberts,
either from not understanding what was done, or from
a desire to injure the service, hastened back to his
men, informed them that he had been unable to effect
an accomplishment of their object seriously lamented
having induced them from their homes, and concluded
by gravely remarking, that he freely exonerated them
from all the obligations they were under to him. They,
just as gravely concluded they would go no further ;
and, turning about, commenced their return home.
The affair, however, was soon presented very differ-
ently to his mind. The careless indifference with
which he had first treated it had subsided ; and his fears
took the alarm on receiving from general Jackson, an
order to parade immediately before the fort the men
he had reported to have brought into the field. He
came forward, now, to excuse what had happened, and
to solicit permission to go in pursuit of the refugees,
whom he thought he should be able to bring back.
Overtaking them, at the distance of twenty miles, he
endeavoured, in a very gentle manner, to sooth their
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 117
discontents, and prevail on them to return ; but having
been discharged, and absolved fully from the engage-
ments they had at first entered into, they laughed at
the folly of his errand. Unable to effect his object,
he remained with them during the night ; and in the
morning set out for camp, and his new recruits for
home. On arriving at head-quarters, he ascribed his
failure to the practice^4if certain officers, whom he
named, and who, he said, had stirred up a spirit of mu-
tiny and desertion among the men to such a degree,
that all his efforts to retain them had proved unavail-
ing. Jackson, who could not view this incident with
the same carelessness and indifference that Roberts
did, immediately issued an order, directing him to
proceed, forthwith, in pursuit of the deserters, and
have them apprehended and brought back. In the
execution of this order, he was commanded to call to
his aid any troops in the United States' service within
the county of Madison, or in the state of Tennessee,
and to exert all his power and authority, as a military
officer, within his own brigade ; and in the event he
should not be able to collect a sufficient force to march
them safely to head-quarters, to confine them in jails,
and make a report thereof, without delay. This order
was accompanied with an assurance, that all who should
return willingly to their duty, except those officers
who had been reported as the instigators, would be
pardoned. Many of the men and several of the offi-
cers, who had been charged as encouraging the revolt,
learning the nature of the proceedings which were
about to be enforced against them, returned of their
own accord to camp ; and concurred in ascribing their
late misconduct entirely to their general. He was af-
118 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
terwards arrested, and upon this and other charges
exhibited against him, sentenced by a court-martial to
be cashiered.
The day had arrived, when that portion of the mili-
tia, which had continued in service, claimed to be dis-
charged ; and insisted, that whether this were given
to them or not, they would abandon the campaign and
return home. Jackson believed them not entitled to
/ it, and hence, that he had no right to give it ; but since
governor Blount had said differently, and his opinion,
as was requested, had been promulgated, he felt it to
be improper that he should attempt the exercise of
authority to detain them. Nevertheless, believing it
to be his duty to keep them, he issued a general or-
der, commanding all persons in the service of the Uni-
ted States, under his command, not to leave the en-
campment without his written permission, under the
penalties annexed, by the rules and articles of war, to
the crime of desertion. This was accompanied by an
address, in which they were exhorted, by all those
motives which he supposed would be most likely to
have any influence, to remain at their posts until they
could be legally discharged. Neither the order nor
the address availed any thing. On the morning of the
4th of January, the officer of the day reported, that
on visiting his guard, half after ten o'clock, he found
neither the officer, (lieutenant Kearley,) nor any of the
sentinels at their posts. Upon this information, gene-
ral Jackson ordered the arrest of Kearley, who refused
to surrender his sword, alleging it should protect him
to Tennessee ; that he was a freeman, and not subject
to the orders of general Jackson, or any body else.
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 1 19
This being made known to the general, he issued, im-
mediately, this order to the adjutant-general : " You
will forthwith cause the guards to parade, with cap-
tain Gordon's company of spies, and arrest lieutenant
Kearley ; and, in case you shall be resisted in the exe-
cution of this order, you are commanded to oppose
force to force, and arrest him at all hazards. Spare
the effusion of blood, if possible ; but mutiny must, and
shall be put down." Colonel Sitler, with the guards
and Gordon's company, immediately proceeded in
search, and found him at the head of his company, on
the lines, which were formed, and about to be march-
ed off. He was ordered to halt, but refused. The
adjutant-general, finding it necessary, directed the
guards to stop him ; and again demanded his sword,
which he again refused to deliver. The guards were
commanded to fire on him if he did not immediately
deliver it, and had already cocked their guns. At this
order, the lieutenant cocked his, and his men followed
the example. General Jackson, informed of what was
passing, had hastened to the scene, and arriving at this
moment, personally demanded of Kearley his sword,
which he still obstinately refused to deliver. Incensed
at his conduct, and viewing the example as too dan-
gerous to be passed in silence, he snatched a pistol
from his holster, and was already levelling it at the
breast of Kearley, when the adjutant-general interpos-
ing between them, urged him to surrender his sword.
At this moment, a friend of the lieutenant, who was
present, drew it from the scabbard, and presented it
to colonel Sitler, who refused to receive it. It was
then returned to Kearley, wiio now delivered it, and
was placed under guard. During this crisis, both
120 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
parties remained with their arms ready, and prepared
for firing; and a scene of bloodshed was narrowly
escaped.
Kearley being confined, and placed under guard, be-
came exceedingly penitent, and earnestly supplicated
the/general for a pardon. He stated that the absence
of the guards and sentinels from their post had been
owing to the recommendation and advice of the bri-
gade-major ; that his not delivering his sword, when
it was first demanded, was attributable to the influence
and arguments of others, who had persuaded him it
was not his duty to do so ; that he had afterwards
come to the determination to surrender himself, but
was dissuaded by those who assured him it would be
a sacrifice of character, and that they would share in
his disobedience and protect him in the hour of dan-
ger; why he still resisted, in the presence of the ge-
neral, was, that being at the head of his company, and
having undertaken to carry them home, he was re-
strained, at the moment, by a false idea of honour.
This application was aided by certificates of several of
the most respectable officers then in camp, attesting
his previously uniform good behaviour, and express-
ing a belief that his late misconduct was wholly to be
attributed to the interference of others. Influenced
by these reasons, but particularly by an apprehension
of the seductions which he believed had been practised
upon him, by older and more experienced officers in
his regiment, the general thought proper to order his
liberation from arrest, and his sword to be restored to
him. Never was a man more sensible of the favour
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 121
he had received, or more devoted to his benefactor,
than he afterwards became.
While these proceedings were taking place, the
rest of the brigade, with the exception of captain
Willis's company, and twenty-nine of his men, con-
tinued their march towards home, leaving behind, for
the further prosecution of the campaign, and the de-
fence of Fort Strother, a single regiment of militia,
whose term of service was within a few weeks of ex-
piring ; two small companies of spies, and one of ar-
tillery. As this regiment had often professed a desire
to be led against the enemy, and to contend in battle,
before they quitted the service, Jackson flattered him-
self with the hope, that they would, for this purpose,
willingly remain in the field a few days beyond the
period of their engagements. On the next day, there-
fore, with a view to test their patriotism and to detain
them if possible, he caused to be read to that regi-
ment the following address.
" Your general having reported that your term of
service will expire on the 14th, I assume no claim on
you beyond that period. But, although I cannot de-
mand as a right, the continuance of your services, I do
not despair of being able to obtain them through your
patriotism. For what purpose was it that you quitted
your homes, and penetrated the heart of the enemy's
country ? Was it to avenge the blood of your fellow-
citizens, inhumanly slain by that enemy; to give se-
curity in future to our extended and unprotected
frontier, and to signalize the valour by which you were
animated? Will any of these objects be attained if you
122 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
abandon the campaign at the time you contemplate ?
Not one ! Yet an opportunity shall be afforded you, if
you desire it. If you have been really actuated by the
feelings, and governed by the motives, which, your
commanding general supposes influenced you to take
up arms, and enter the field in defence of your rights,
none of you will resist the appeal he now makes, or
hesitate to embrace with eagerness, the opportunity
he is about to afford you.
" The enemy, more than half conquered, yet deriv-
ing encouragement and hope from the tardiness of our
operations, and the distractions which have unhappily
prevailed in our camp, are again assembling below us.
Another lesson of admonition must be furnished them.
They must again be made to feel the weight of that
power which they have, without cause, provoked to
war ; and to know, that although we have been slow
to take up arms, we will never lay them from our
hands until we have secured the objects that impelled
us to the resort. In less than eight days I shall
leave this encampment to meet and fight them. Will
any of you accompany me ? Are there any amongst
you, who, at a moment like this, will not think it an*
outrage upon honour, for her feelings to be tested by
a computation of time? What if the period for which
you tendered your services to your country has ex-
pired is'that a consideration with the valiant, the pa-
triotic, and the brave, who have appeared to redress
the injured rights of that country, and to acquire for
themselves the name of glory ? Is it a consideration
with them, when those objects are still uriattained,
and an opportunity of acquiring them is so near at
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 123
hand ? Did such men enter the field like hirelings
to serve for pay ? Does all regard for their country,
their families, and themselves, expire with the time for
which their services were engageol? Will it be a suffi-
cient gratification to their feelings, that they served out
three months, without seeing the enemy, and then aban-
doned the campaign, when the enemy was in the neigh-
bourhood, and could be seen and conquered in ten days ?
Any retrospect they can make, of the sacrifices they
have encountered, and the privations they have endured,
will afford but little satisfaction under such circumstan-
ces ; the very mention of the Creek war, must cover
them with the blushes of shame, and self-abasement.
Having engaged for only three months, and that pe-
riod having expired, you are not bound to serve any
longer : but are you bound by nothing else ? Sure-
ly, as honourable and high-minded men, you must, at
such a moment as the present, feel other obligations
than the law imposes. A fear of the punishment of
the law, did not bring you into camp; that its de-
mands are satisfied, will not take you from it. You
had higher objects in view, some greater good to at-
tain. This, your general believes, nor can he believe
otherwise, without doing you great injustice.
" Your services are not asked for longer than twen-
ty days ; and who will hesitate making such a sacri-
fice, when the good of his country and his own fame
are at stake ? Who, under the present aspect of affairs,
will even reckon it a sacrifice ? When we set out to
meet the enemy, this post must be retained and de-
fended ; if any of you will remain, and render this ser-
vice, it will be no less important than if you had march-
124 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOX.
ed to the battle ; nor will your general less thankfully
acknowledge it. Tuesday next, the line of march will
be taken up : and in a few days thereafter, the objects
of the excursion will be effected. As patriotic men,
then, I ask you for your services ; and, thus long, I
have no doubt you will cheerfully render them. I am
well aware, that you are all anxious to return to your
families and homes, and that you are entitled to do so ;
yet stay a little longer, go with me, and meet the
enemy, and you can then return, not only with the
consciousness of having performed your duty, but with
the glorious exultation of having done even more than
duty required."
What was hoped for, from this address, did not re-
sult. Difficulties were constantly pressing ; and whilst
one moment gave birth to expectation, the next served
but to destroy it. Jackson had been advised, and was
buoyed by the hope, that adequate numbers would
shortly come to his relief; and until this could be ac-
complished, it was desirable to retain those who then
were with him, to give to his posts increased protec-
tion. Whilst measures were adopting in Tennessee,
to effect this fully, about a thousand volunteers were
moving out, to preserve an appearance of opposition,
and keep secure what had been already gained. With
this force, added to what he already had, if in his
power to keep them, he believed he would be able to
advance on the enemy, make a diversion in favour of
the Georgia army, and obtain other important advan-
tages. With this view, he had addressed this regi-
ment, and brought before them such considerations
as might be supposed calculated to excite a soldier's
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 125
ardour. But, in answer to his address, the command-
ing officer replied, that having called upon the several
captains in his regiment, to make a statement of those
in their respective companies who were willing to re-
main beyond the period of their engagement, it ap-
peared that with the exception of captain Hamilton
and three of his men, none would consent to do so.
As nothing but an unnecessary consumption of sup-
plies was now to be expected from detaining the few
days that yet remained of their term, troops so spiritless,
orders were given, and proper arrangements made, for
taking up the line of march to Fort Armstrong, on the
10th ; whence they were directed to proceed to Knox-
ville, and receive orders for their discharge. Particular
instructions were given to have the strictest police
observed, and the utmost order preserved on the
march, that no depredations might be committed on
the persons or property of the Indians, through whose
country they were to pass; or on the citizens of Ten-
nessee.
Meantime, the volunteers, lately raised, had arrived
at Huntsville, where they had been directed to remain
until sufficient supplies could be had at head-quarters.
Could they have proceeded directly on, they would
have reached the general sufficiently early to have
enabled him to proceed against the enemy before the
period at which the remnant of his troops would have
been entitled to a discharge. His exertions to have
in readiness the arrangements necessary to the ac-
complishment of this end, had been indefatigable. Ge-
neral Cocke had been directed to give instructions to
126 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
his quarter-master, to forward to Fort S troth er such
provisions as should arrive at Fort Armstrong; to
proceed thence to Ross', and make proper arrange-
ments for the speedy transportation, from that place
to Deposit, of all the bread stuff which the contractor
had been required to collect at that depot ; and to have
procured and sent from East Tennessee, a competent
supply of that article, as well for the troops then in
the field, as for those which had been ordered to be
raised. The more certainly to effect this object, he
had, on the 20th of December, despatched his own
quarter-master and adjutant-general to Deposit and
Huntsville, to push on what should be collected and
on hand at those places ; and had, at the same time,
despatched one of the sub-contractors from camp, with
directions to examine the situation of the different
depots ; and, if found insufficient to meet the requisi-
tion he had made, to proceed immediately to the set-
tlements in Tennessee, and procure the necessary
supplies. To the contractors themselves, he had ad-
dressed orders and exhortations almost without num-
ber; and, indeed, from every source, and through
every channel that the hope of relief could be discern-
ed, had he directed his exertions to obtain it.
Having thus strained every nerve, and unceasingly
directed all his efforts towards the accomplishment of
this object, he had, for a while, flattered himself with
the hope that his multiplied endeavours would enable
him to bring on his new troops in time for that com-
bined movement with the East Tennessee militia
which he so much desired. So important did he con-
sider this measure, that he was willing to subject him-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 127
self to considerable hazard, rather than not effect it
To colonel Carroll he wrote, on learning that he was
on his way with the newly raised troops " I am happy
to hear of your success in procuring volunteers. I shall
receive, with open arms, those who, in this hour of
need, so gallantly come forth to uphold the sinking
reputation of their state. I am exceedingly anxious
to re-commence operations, and indeed they have
become more necessary than ever; yet I cannot move
without supplies. As this will meet you near where
the contractors are, you will be better able to ascertain
than I can inform you, when that happy moment will
arrive : and I pray you, use your best exertions to
have it brought about with the least possible delay.
Until supplies, and the means of transportation can
be furnished, to justify another movement from this
place, it will be better that you remain where your
horses can be fed. I say this, upon the supposi-
tion and hope, that it may shortly be effected ; but
were it certain that the same causes of delay which
have so long retarded our operations, were still to
continue, I would, at every risk, and under every re-
sponsibility, take up the march so soon as the troops
now with you could arrive. For such a measure, I
should seek my justification in the imperiousness of
the circumstances by which I am surrounded; and
rely for success upon heaven, and the enterprise of
my followers.
" Partial supplies have arrived, for my use, at Fort
Armstrong, which will be ordered on to-morrow. This,
with the scanty stock on hand, will at least keep us
from starving a few weeks, until we can quarter upon
128 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
the enemy, or gain assistance from the country below.
General Claiborne, who is encamped eight}^fi ve miles
above Fort Stoddart, writes me, that arrangements are
made to send supplies up the Alabama, to the junction
of the Coosa and Tallapoosa. Upon such resources
will I depend, sooner than wait until my army wastes
away, or through inaction becomes mutinous and unfit
for service.
The hopes, however, which had been cherished, of
combined operations, with all the forces at that time
under his controul, he was compelled, by the late
events in his camp, to relinquish ; but although these
were highly discouraging, they were far from inducing
him to despond. He was strongly persuaded of the
necessity of proceeding; and determined, that as soon
as it were possible, he would prosecute the campaign
with the feeble force he had at his command, deferring
the period for more active operations, until the ex-
pected reinforcements, collecting in Tennessee, could
be brought into the field.*
* The troops thus collecting were calculated but for a single ad-
venture, and no more. Colonel Carroll had not been able to pro-
cure volunteers for six months, or during the campaign, as was
required by the order under which he acted. He had considered it
under all the circumstances, so essential to have troops of some de-
scription engaged, that, rather than encounter disappointment, he
had accepted them for sixty days, and taken them as mounted men,
instead of infantry, which were not to be procured. This latter cir-
cumstance, requiring a large quantity of supplies, occasioned them to
be kept back longer than would have been necessary, had they been
troops of a different description. As there was no law, either of the
state or general government, for a period so limited, and which
seemed too short to promise any very beneficial effects, the general
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 129
On the second of January, colonel Carroll and Mr.
Blackburn, having proceeded from Huntsville, arrived
at head-quarters, to receive instructions as to the
manner in which the volunteers should be organized;
and to learn the time when they would be required to
be brought up. Having reported their strength to be
eight hundred and fifty, they were directed to have
them formed, as had been desired, into two regiments,
under officers of their own choice ; and an order was
put into their hands, requiring general Coffee, who was
then at Huntsville, to march them to Fort Strother,
by the 10th instant. That officer, whose feelings had
been sufficiently harrowed by the late conduct and
defection of his brigade, learning that those troops
were unwilling for him to have command of them, had
expressed a wish to general Jackson that it might not
be assigned him ; in consequence of which, and their
own request, the latter had determined, after their ar-
rival at his camp, that there should be no intermedi-
ate commander over them, between their colonels and
himself. With this proposed arrangement, and the
nature and extent of the order borne to general Coffee,
those gentlemen had been instructed to make the
troops acquainted ; and were particularly requested to
was in doubt whether or not to receive them; but, believing he
might make a partial excursion, and thereby produce a diversion
favourable to the Georgia troops, who, relying on his co-operation,
might be perhaps greatly endangered without h ; and considering
that their rejection might tend to the injury of the campaign, he
finally concluded to accept them. Previously to doing so, he stated
his objections, and the difficulties he felt ; and endeavoured to pre-
vail on them to enlarge their term of service : to this they would not
agree ; when, rather than lose them entirely, he consented to re-
eaive them.
130 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
use their best endeavours to remove any erroneous
impressions that might have been made upon their
minds by those who had so lately abandoned their
duty, and who had laboured to instil in others their
own prejudices and passions. They were charged,
too, with the communication of a flattering address
from the general, who, warned by past transactions,
considered it of the utmost importance to prevent any
mutinous feeling, and to guard, by all the means in his
pow r er, against the contamination of a corps upon
which his only hopes at present rested.
General Coffee, having received the instructions
which general Jackson had sent him, immediately gave
orders to colonels Perkins and Higgins, who had been
chosen to the command of the two regiments, to march
them directly for head-quarters ; explaining, in his or-
der, the reasons that had induced him to issue it. To
his entire astonishment, both these officers refused to
obey it ; alleging, in a written statement they made,
that general Coffee had no right to exercise command
over them, and that they would disregard any he
might attempt to claim. One of them not only refused
obedience to the order, but even went so far as to re-
fuse to return it, or permit the brigade-inspector to
take a copy ; thereby placing it out of his power to
make it known to the rest of the brigade.
Unwilling as Coffee was, to create any additional
perplexities to the commanding general, or occasion
new disturbances, at so important a crisis, neverthe-
less, influenced by a regard for his own reputation,
which he believed to be wantonly and wickedly a$-
LITE OF GENERAL JACKSOX, 131
sailed, by this contumacious refusal to obey an order
which the occasion and his instructions required him
to execute, he felt himself constrained to demand the
arrest of those officers.
This application, with charges and specifications of
so serious a nature, against his officers highest in com-
mand, placed Jackson in a very delicate situation. To
commence the exercise of authority over troops wholly
unacquainted with service, by the arrest of those in
whom they had reposed such distinguished confidence,
it was probable might be attended with consequences
fatal to his views, and to the success of the contempla-
ted expedition. On the other hand, he was fully sen-
sible of the injury that had been done the feelings of
an officer, acting under the authority of his instruc-
tions, and how much, justice required them to be re-
paired : nor was he less sensible of the feeble reliance
that could be reposed on men who seemed to make a
merit of disobedience and insubordination, especially
if, from indulgence, they should be permitted to de-
rive encouragement. But however his mind might
oscillate between the evil consequences of either al-
ternative, he knew that the course pointed out by duty
was a plain one, should general Coffee persist in his
demand.
Notwithstanding the strong injunctions and weighty
considerations that had been urged, to produce an ex-
peditious movement, it was not until the 13th that
those officers with their regiments reached head-quar-
ters. Finding, on their arrival, that they were likely
to, be noticed, on charges which their better-informed
132 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
friends advised would not only deprive them of com-
mand, but involve them in disgrace, they immediately
came forward, and made an honourable and satisfacto-
ry concession, in which they pleaded ignorance of mi-
litary duty, as an excuse for their misconduct. That
the service, at a crisis so important, might not be in-
jured by any private feuds, the charges were with-
drawn.
Every preparation was now made to hasten an ac-
complishment of the objects in view. The whole ef-
fective force consisted, at this time, by the reports, of
little more than nine hundred men, and was, in reality,
below that number.
Being addressed by the general, on the occasion,
on the 15th, the mounted troops commenced their
march, and moved to Wehogee creek, three miles from
the fort. Jackson, with his staff, and the artillery com-
pany, joined them next morning, at that place, and
continued the line of march to Talladega, where about
two hundred friendly Indians, Cherokees and Creeks,
badly armed, and much discouraged at the weakness
of his force, were added to his numbers, without in-
creasing much his strength. Seldom, perhaps, has
there been an expedition undertaken, fraught with
greater peril than this. Nine hundred new recruits,
entirely unacquainted with the duties of the field,
were to be marched into the heart of an enemy's coun-
try, without a single hope of escape, but from victory,
and that victory not to be expected, but from the
wisest precaution, and most determined bravery. Al-
though so obviously pregnant with danger, to marcji
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 133
was the only alternative that could be prudently adopt-
ed. No other could afford a diversion favourable to
general Floyd, who was advancing with the army
from Georgia, or give favourable results to the cam-
paign, without which it must soon have been abandon-
ed, for want of men to prosecute it Another reason
rendered such a movement proper, and indispensable.
The officer commanding at Fort Armstrong had re-
ceived intelligence, on which was placed the utmost
reliance, that the warriors from fourteen or fifteen
towns on the Tallapoosa, were about to unite their
forces, and attack that place ; which, for the want of a
sufficient garrison, was in a weak and defenceless situ-
ation. Of this, general Jackson had been advised. The
present movement then, hazardous as it was, under all
circumstances, was indispensable, and could alone pre-
vent the execution of such a purpose, if it were in truth
intended. On reaching Talladega, he received a letter
from the commandant at Fort Armstrong, confirmatory
of the first information that had been obtained, and which
left it no longer a matter of doubt but an attack would
be speedily waged against that depot. One also from
general Pinckney, by express, arrived, advising him
that Floyd, on the 10th instant, would move from
Coweta, and in ten days thereafter, establish a position
atTuckabatchee; and recommended, if his force would
allow him to do no more, that he should advance
against such of the enemy's towns as might be within
convenient distance ; that, by having his troops em-
ployed, he might keep disaffection from his ranks, and
be, at the same time, serviceably engaged in harass-
ing the enemy. If, therefore, he could have hesitated
before, there was now no longer any room to do so.
134 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
By an expeditious movement, he might save Fort
Armstrong, and render an essential service to genera)
Floyd, by detaching a part of the clans destined to
proceed against him. The force which might act
against either, was understood to be then collected in
a bend of the Tallapoosa, near the mouth of a creek
called Emuckfaw, and thither he determined, by the
nearest route, to direct his course.
As he progressed on the march, a want of the ne-
cessary knowledge in his pilots, of subordination in
his troops, and skill in the officers who commanded
them, became more and more apparent ; but still their
ardour to meet the enemy was not abated. Troops
unacquainted with service are oftentimes more san-
guine than veterans. The imagination too frequently
portraying battles in the light of a frolic, keeps danger
at a distance, until, suddenly springing into view, it
becomes a monster too hideous to be withstood.
On the evening of the 21st, sensible, from the trails
he had fallen in upon, fresh, and converging to a point,
that he must be in the neighbourhood of the enemy,
Jackson encamped his little army in a hollow square,
on an eligible site, upon the eminences of Emuckfaw,
sent out his spies, posted his piquets, doubled his sen-
tinels, and made the necessary arrangements to guard
against attack. About midnight the spies came in and
reported they had discovered a large encampment of
Indians, at about three miles distance, who, from their
whooping and dancing, their usual precursors to battle,
were no doubt apprised of his arrival. Every thing-
was ready for their reception, if they meditated an at-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 135
tack, or to pursue in the morning, if they did not At
the dawn of day, the alarm guns of our sentinels, suc-
ceeded by shrieks and savage yells, announced their
presence. They commenced a furious assault on the
left flank, commanded by colonel Higgins, which was
met and opposed with great firmness. General Coffee,
and colonels Carroll and Sitler, instantly repaired to
the point of attack, and, by example and exhortation,
encouraged the men to a performance of their duty.
The action raged for half an hour ; the brunt of which
being against the left wing, it had become consider-
ably weakened. It being now sufficiently light to as-
certain, correctly, the position of the enemy, and cap-
tain Ferril's company having come up and reinforced
the left wing, the whole charged, under general Coffee,
and a rout immediately ensued. The friendly Indians
joining in the pursuit, they were chased about two
miles, with considerable loss. We had five killed, and
twenty wounded. Until it became light enough to dis-
cern objects, our troops derived considerable advant-
age from their camp fires ; these having been placed
at some distance without the line of the encampment,
afforded a decided superiority in a night attack, by
enabling those within to fire with great accuracy on
an approaching enemy, whilst they themselves re-
mained invisible in the dark.
The pursuit being over, Jackson detached general
Coffee, with the Indians, and four hundred men, to
destroy the enemy's encampment, unless he should
find it too strongly fortified ; in which event, he was
to give information immediately, and wait the arrival
of the artillery. Coffee, having reconnoitred this posi-
136 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOK.
tion, and found it too strong to be assailed with the
force he commanded, returned to camp. The propriety
of this determination was soon perceived. He had not
returned more than half an hour, when a severe fire was
made upon the piquets, posted on the right, accompa-
nied with prodigious yelling. General Coffee, having
obtained permission, proceeded to turn the left flank of
the assailants. This detachment being taken from dif-
ferent corps, he placed himself at their head, and
moved briskly forward. Those in the rear, availing
themselves of this circumstance, continued to drop off,
one by one, without his knowledge, until the whole
number left with him did not exceed fifty. It was
fortunate that the force of the enemy he had first to
attack was not greater. He found them occupying a
ridge of open pine timber, covered with low under-
wood, which afforded them many opportunities for con-
cealment. To deprive them of this advantage, which
they are very dexterous in taking, Coffee ordered his
men to dismount and charge them. This order was
promptly obeyed, and some loss sustained in its exe-
cution ; the general himself was wounded through the
body, and his aid, major Donelson, killed by a ball
through the head ; three of his men also fell. The
enemy, driven back by the charge, took refuge on the
margin of a creek, covered with reeds, where they
lay concealed,
The savages having intended the attack on the right
as a feint, now, with their main force, which had been
concealed, made a violent onset on our left line, which
they hoped to find weakened, and in disorder. Gene-
ral Jackson, however, who had apprehended their
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 137
design, was prepared to meet it : this line had been,
ordered to remain firm in its position ; and when the
first gun was heard in that quarter, he repaired thither
in person, and strengthened it by additional forces.
The first advance of the enemy, though sudden and
violent, was sustained with firmness, and opposed with
great gallantry. The battle was now maintained on
the part of the assailants, by quick and irregular firing,
from behind logs, trees, shrubbery, and whatever could
afford concealment: behind these, prostrating them-
selves after firing, and, reloading, they would rise and
again discharge their guns. After sustaining their fire
in this way for some time, a charge, to dislodge them
from their position, was ordered : and the whole line
under colonel Carroll, by a most brilliant and steady
movement, broke upon, and threw them into confusion,
and they fled precipitately away. The pursuit com-
menced, and they were overtaken and destroyed in
considerable numbers : their loss was great, but never
certainly ascertained.
In the mean time, general Coffee had been endea-
vouring, as far as prudence would permit him to make
the attempt, to drive the savages on the right from
the fastnesses into which they had retired ; but finding
that this could not be done, without much hazard, and
considerable loss, he began to retire towards the place
where he had first dismounted. This expedient, de-
signed for stratagem, produced the desired effect
The enemy, inspirited by the movement, presuming
it a retreat, and to have been adopted in consequence
of the severe firing they had heard on the left wing,
now forsook their 'hiding places, and rapidly advanced
138 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSO1V.
upon him. That officer immediately availed himself
of the opportunity thus afforded, of contending with
them again on equal terms ; and a severe conflict com-
menced, and continued about an hour, in which the
loss on both sides was nearly equal. At this critical
juncture, when several of the detachment had been
killed, many wounded, and the whole greatly exhaust-
ed with fatigue ; the dispersion of the enemy being
effected on the left, a reinforcement was despatched
by general Jackson, which, making its appearance on
the enemy's left flank, put an end to the contest. Ge-
neral Coffee, although severely wounded, still con-
tinued the fight, and availing himself of the arrival of
this additional strength, instantly ordered a charge ;
when the enemy, foreseeing their doom, fled in con-
sternation, and were pursued with dreadful slaughter.
It is believed that at this place non^ escaped. Thus
drew to a close a day of almost continual fighting.*
Having brought in and buried the dead, and dressed
the wounded, preparations were made to guard against
an attack by night, should one be attempted, by or-
dering a breast-work of timber around the encamp-
ment ; a measure the more necessary, as the spirits of
* The Indians had designed their plan of operations well, though
the execution did not succeed. It was intended to hring on the at-
tack at three different points, at the same time ; but a party of the
Chealegrans, one of the tribes which compose the Creek confede-
racy, who had been ordered to assail the right extremity of our
front line, instead of doing so, thought it more prudent to proceed to
their villages, happy to have passed, undiscovered, the point they
had been ordered to attack. But for this, the contest might have
terminated less advantageously, perhaps disasterously.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
our troops, most of whom had never before been in
collision with an enemy, were observed visibly to flag,
towards the evening. Indeed, during the night, it was
with the utmost difficulty the sentinels could be main-
tained at their posts, who, expecting every minute
the appearance of the enemy, would, at the least
noise, fire and run in. The enemy, however, whose
spies were around our encampment all night, did not
think proper to attack us in this position, and the
morning broke without disturbance. The next day,
general Jackson, having effected, as he believed, so
far as he could, the main objects of the expedition, a
diversion in favour of general Floyd, who was, at this
juncture, supposed to be carrying on his operations
lower down on the Tallapoosa, and the relief of Fort
Armstrong, began to think of returning to the Ten
Islands. Many reasons concurred to render such a
measure proper, and indeed indispensable. He had
not set out prepared to make any permanent establish-
ment in advance of this present post; his provisions
were growing extremely scarce, and the country itself
afforded no means of subsistence, either for his men
or their horses. His wounded, many of whom were
exceedingly dangerous, required to be speedily taken
care of; whilst the present temper of his soldiery pre-
cluded all hope that he should be able to effect any
thing of material consequence beyond what had been
already effected. Besides, if the object were still fur-
ther to cripple the enemy, this might be more certain-
ly attained by commencing a return, which, having
the appearance of retreat, would probably induce a
pursuit, than by attacking them in their strong holds ;
in which event, too, the diversion contemplated would
140 LIFE OP GENERA!, JACKSON,
be the more complete, by drawing them in a different
direction. Determined by these considerations, Jack-
son ordered litters to be formed for the transportation
of the sick and wounded, and other necessary pre-
parations to be made for a return march. Every thing
being ready, it was commenced at ten o'clock the next
morning, and continued without interruption until
nearly night; when the army was encamped a quarter
of a mile on the south side of Enotichopco creek, in
the direction to the ford, at which it had been passed
in proceeding out,
As it was pretty evident that the enemy had been
in pursuit during the day, a breast-work was thrown
up, with the utmost expedition, and every arrange-
ment made to repel their attempts, should they medi-
tate an attack, during the course of the night, or on
ithe succeeding morning. The night, however, was
permitted to pass away without disturbance, and with-
out any appearance of an enemy. From a knowledge
that they had been hanging on his rear, during the
march of the preceding day, and having suffered the
night to wear through without attempting any assault
upon his camp, the general was led to conjecture that
an ambuscade had been prepared, and that an attack
would be made on him whilst crossing the creek in
his front ; which, being deep, and the banks rugged,
and thickly covered with reeds, afforded many advan-
tages for such a design. Near the crossing place, was
a deep ravine, formed by the protection of two hills,
overgrown with thick shrubbery and brown sedge,
which afforded every convenience for concealment,
whilst it entirely prevented pursuit. Along this route,
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 141
the army, in going out, had passed; through it, as
might have been expected, it would again return ; and
at this defile, it was believed, an ambuscade would be
formed, if any were intended. Acting under these im-
pressions, and with a view to guard against them,
Jackson determined to take a different route. He se-
cretly despatched, early next morning, a few pioneers,
to ascertain and designate another crossing place be-
low. A suitable one was presently discovered, at
about six hundred yards distance from the old one;
and thither the general now led his army ; having, pre-
viously to commencing the march, formed his columns,
and the front and rear guards, that he might be in an
attitude for defence.
A beautiful slope of open woodland led down to the
newly discovered ford, where, except immediately on
the margin of the creek, which was covered with a
few reeds, there was nothing to obstruct the view.
The front guards, and part of the columns, had pass-
ed ; the wounded were also over, and the artillery
just entering the creek, when an alarm gun was heard
in the rear. The Indians, unexpectedly finding the
route was changed, quitted the defile where they had
expected to commence the assault, and advanced upon
a company, under the command of captain Russell,
which marched in the rear. Though assailed by great-
ly superior numbers, it returned the fire, and gradually
retired, until it reached the rear guard, who, accord-
ing to express instructions given, were, in the event
of an attack, to face about, and act as the advance,
whilst the right and left columns should be turned ori
their pivots, so as completely to loop the enemy, and
142 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
render his destruction sure. The right column of the
rear guard was commanded by colonel Perkins, the
left by lieutenant-colonel Stump, and the centre co-
lumn by colonel Carroll. Jackson was just passing the
stream when the firing and yelling commenced. Hav-
ing instructed his aid-de-camp to form a line for the
protection of the wounded, who were but a short dis-
tance in advance, and afterwards to turn the left co-
lumn, he himself proceeded to the right, for a similar
purpose. What was his astonishment, when, resting
in the hope of certain victory, he beheld the right and
left columns of the rear guard, after a feeble resist-
ance, precipitately give way, bringing with them con-
fusion and dismay, and entirely obstructing the pas-
sage, over which the principal strength of the army
was to be re-crossed ! This shameful flight was well
nigh being attended with the most fatal consequences;
which were alone averted by the determined bravery
of a few. Nearly the whole of the centre column had
followed the example of the other two, and precipita-
ted themselves into the creek ; not more than twenty
remained to oppose the violence of the first assault.
The artillery company, commanded by lieutenant
Armstrong, and composed of young men of the first
families, who had volunteered their services at the
commencement of the campaign, formed with their
muskets before the piece of ordnance they had, and
hastily dragged it from the creek to an eminence, from
which they could play to advantage. Here an obsti-
nate conflict ensued; the enemy endeavouring to
charge and take it, whilst this company formed with
their muskets, and resolutely defended it. These
young men, the few who remained with colonel Car-
LIFE OF GENERAL JAjCKSON. 143
roll, and the gallant captain Quarles, who fell at their
head, with Russell's spies, not exceeding in the whole
one hundred, maintained with the utmost firmness, a
contest, for many minutes, against a force five times
greater than their own, and checked the advance of a
foe already greatly inspirited from the consternation
which his first shock had produced. Every man who
there fought, manifested a determination to prefer
death to flight. The brave lieutenant Armstrong fell
at the side of his piece, by a wound in the groin, and
exclaimed, as he lay, " Some of you must perish ; but
don't lose the gun." By his side, fell, mortally wound-
ed, his associate and friend, Bird Evans, and the gal-
lant captain Hamilton ; who, having been abandoned
by his men, at Fort Strother, with his two brothers
and his aged father, had attached himself to the ar-
tillery company, as a private, and, in that capacity,
showed how deservedly he was to command by the
fidelity with which he obeyed. Perilous as the hour
was, this little heroic band evinced themselves cool
and collected, as they were brave in battle. In the
hurry and confusion of the moment the rammer and
pricker of the cannon could not be disengaged from
the carriage ; in this situation and at such a time, the
invention of most young soldiers might have failed;
but nothing fearing, Craven Jackson and Constantine
Perkins drove home the cartridges with a musket, and
with the ramrod prepared them for the match. In
the mean time,, while the conflict was thus unequally
sustained, general Jackson and his staff had been en-
abled, by great exertions, to restore something like
order, from confusion. The columns were again form-
ed, and put in motion; and small detachments had been
144 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
sent across the creek to support the little band that
there maintained their ground. The enemy, perceiv-
ing a strong force advancing, and being warmly as-
sailed on their left flank, by captain Gordon, at the
head of his company of spies, who had advanced from
the front, and re-crossed the creek in turn, were
stricken with alarm, and fled away, leaving behind
their blankets, and whatever was likely to retard their
flight. Detachments were ordered on the pursuit, who,
in a chase of two miles, destroyed many, and wholly
dispersed them.
* In despite of the active exertions made by general
Jackson, to restore order, they were, for some time,
unavailing, and the confusion continued. In addition
to the assistance received from his staff, who were
every where encouraging, and seeking to arrest the
disordered flight of the columns, he derived much
from the aid of general Coffee. That officer, in con-
sequence of the wound which he had very lately re-
ceived at Emuckfaw, had, the day before, been carried
in a litter. From the apprehensions indulged, that an
attack would probably be made upon them that morn-
ing, he had proceeded from the encampment on horse-
back, and aided, during the action, with his usual calm
and deliberate firmness. Indeed, all the officers of his
brigade, who, having been abandoned by their men,
had formed themselves into a corps, and followed the
army without a command, rendered manifest, now, the
value of experience. This was not a moment for rules
of fancied etiquette. The very men who, a little time
before, would have disdained advice, and spurned an
order from any but their own commanders, did not
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 145
scruple amidst the peril that surrounded them, to be
regulated by those who seemed to be so much better
qualified for extricating them from their present dan-
ger. The hospital surgeon, Dr. Shelby, appeared in
the fight, and rendered important military services.
The adjutant-general, Sitler, than whom none display-
ed greater firmness, hastened across the creek in the
early part of the action, to the artillery company, for
which he felt all the esprit de corps, having been once
attached to it ; and there remained, supporting them
in their duties, and participating in their dangers.
Captain Gordon, too, contributed greatly to dispel the
peril of the moment, by his active sally on the left
flank of the savages. Of the general himself, it is
scarcely necessary to remark, that but for him every
thing must have gone to ruin. On him, all hopes were
rested. In that moment of confusion, he was the
rallying point, even for the spirits of the brave. Firm
and energetic, and at the same time perfectly self-
possessed, his example and his authority alike con-
tributed to arrest the flying and give confidence to
those who maintained their ground. Cowards forgot
their panic, and fronted danger, when they heard his
voice and beheld his manner ; and the brave would
have formed round his body a rampart with their own.
In the midst of showers of balls, of which he seemed
unmindful, he was seen performing the duties of the
subordinate officers, rallying the alarmed, halting them
in their flight, forming his columns, and inspiriting
them by his example. An army suddenly dismayed,
and thrown into confusion, was thus happily rescued
from a destruction which lately appeared inevitable.
Our total loss, in the several engagements, on the 22d,
146 LIKE OF GENERAL JACKSUJN.
and to-day, was only twenty killed, and seventy-five
wounded, some of whom, however, afterwards died.
That of the enemy cannot be accurately stated. The
bodies of one hundred and eighty-nine of their warri-
ors were found ; this, however, may be considered as
greatly below the real number ; nor can their wound-
ed be even conjectured. As had been generally the
case, the greatest slaughter was in the pursuit. Scat-
tered through the heights and hollows, many of the
wounded escaped, and many of the killed were not
ascertained. It is certain, however, as was afterwards
disclosed by prisoners, that considerably more than
two hundred of those who, on this occasion, went out
to battle, never returned ; but those who did return,
unwilling it should be known they were killed, and
feeling it might dispirit the nation, endeavoured to
have it believed, and so represented it, that they had
proceeded on some distant expedition, and would be
for some time absent.
After this battle, in which had been anticipated cer-
tain success, the enemy, tired of conflicts so disas-
terous to them, no more thought of harassing our
march. Having continued it, without interruption, over
high, broken, and, for the most part, barren land, we
encamped, on the night of the 26th, within three miles
of Fort Strother. Thus terminated an expedition re-
plete with peril, but attended with effects highly be-
neficial. Fort Armstrong was relieved ; general Floyd
enabled to gain a victory at Autossee, where, but for
this movement, which had diverted much of the ene-
my's strength, he would most probably have met de-
feat; a considerable portion of the enemy's best forces
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 147
had been destroyed ; and an end put to the hopes they
had founded on our previous delays. Discontent had
been kept from our ranks ; the troops had been bene-
ficially employed ; and inactivity, the bane of every
army, had been avoided. But perhaps the greatest
good that resulted from the expedition was the effect
produced on the minds of the people at home, from
whom was to be collected a force sufficient to termi-
nate the war. Experience has often proved the facility
with which numbers are brought to a victorious stand-
ard ; whilst the ranks of a defeated army are ever with
difficulty filled. Any result, therefore, that was calcu-
lated to bring an efficient force into the field, was
highly important and beneficial.
CHAPTER V.
Ttie volunteers are discharged. Execution of a soldier, and the effect
produced. New troops arrive. Want of supplies. Mutiny with the
East Tennessee brigade. General Jackson marches against the In-
dians. Battle of Tohopaka. Returns to Fort Williams. Expedition
to Hoithlewalee ; its failure, and the causes. Forms a junction with
the Georgia troops, and proceeds to the Hickory ground. Indians sue
for peace. Weatherford surrenders himself. Arrival of general
Pinckney at head-quarters. Tennessee troops are ordered to be march-
ed home, and discharged from service.
THE troops having reached, in safety, the post
whence they had set out, and their term of service be-
ing within a short time of expiring, the general de-
termined to discharge them. The information from
Tennessee, was, that there would soon be in the field
a considerable force, and enlisted for a period suffi-
cient to effect a termination of the Indian war. He
was desirous of having every thing in readiness by the
time of their arrival, that they might be carried with-
out delay into active service. Detaining his late volun-
teers, therefore, a short time, to complete boats for
the transportation of his camp equipage and provisions
down the Coosa, he directed them to be marched
home, and there to be honourably dismissed. The fur-
ther service of h'is artillery company was also dis-
pensed with. His parting interview with them was
interesting and affecting; they had rendered impor-
tant services, and adhered to him, with great devoted-
ness, in every vicissitude, and through every difficulty
he had encountered, from the commencement of the
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 149
campaign. Although, from the high sense entertained
of their bravery and fidelity, he would gladly have re-
tained them, yet he was too well convinced of the
many sacrifices these young men had made, of the
bravery they had displayed, and the patience with
which they had submitted to those moments of scar-
city that had raised up discontents and mutiny in his
camp, not to feel a desire to gratify their wishes, and
permit them, honourably, to retire from a service
which they had already so materially benefitted.
A letter from Jackson to governor Blount, hereto-
fore noticed, added to his own sense of the importance
of the crisis, had induced him to issue an order on the
3d, directing twenty-five hundred of the militia of the
second division, to be detached, organized, and equip-
ped, in conformity to an act of congress of the 6th of
April, 1812. These were to perform a tour of three
months, to be computed from the time of rendezvous,
which was appointed to be on the 28th instant. He
had also required general Cocke to bring into the
field, under the requisition of the secretary of war,
the quota he had been instructed to raise at the open-
ing of the campaign. This officer, who had hitherto
created so many obstacles, still appeared to desire
nothing more ardently than a failure of the campaign.
Although many difficulties had been feigned in the
execution of the order directed to him, he was enabled
to muster into service, from his division, about two
thousand men. These, however, as well as those
called out from West Tennessee, were but indifferent-
ly armed.
150 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
The thirty-ninth regiment, under colonel Williams,
had also received orders to proceed to Jackson's head-
quarters, and act under his command in the prosecu-
tion of the war. It arrived on the 5th or 6th of the
month, about six hundred strong. Most of the men
were badly armed; this evil however, was shortly af-
terwards remedied.
The quarter-masters and contractors were already
actively engaged, and endeavouring to procure provi-
sions and the necessary transportations for the army.
The failures, in regard to former enterprises, are to be
ascribed to these two departments ; to the constant en-
deavour of the contractors to procure provisions at a
reduced price, in order to enhance their profits, and
to fears entertained, lest, if they should lay in any
large supply it might spoil or waste on their hands.
Evils of this kind, growing out of the very nature of
the establishment, ought, long since, to have convinced
the government of the propriety of resorting to some
other and better mode for supplying its armies in
times of war. The inconveniences in the quarter-mas-
ters' department, were, indeed, less chargeable to the
incumbents than to the causes which they could not
control ; for, to the extreme ruggedness of the way
over which wagons had to pass, was to be added the
real difficulty of obtaining a sufficient number on the
frontiers. That evils so severely felt, might, for the
future, be avoided, every facility was afforded these
two departments, that the requisition now made upon
them might be promptly complied with.
To give, however, sufficient time, and to prevent
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 151
any unnecessary press, the troops advancing from
East and West Tennessee, were directed to be halted
in the rear of the depots, until ample stores, in ad-
vance, to justify immediate operations, should be pro-
vided, and the requisite transportations procured.
About the middle of the month, in expectation from
the numerous and strong assurances he had received,
that all things were in a state of readiness, Jackson or-
dered the troops to advance, and form a union at
head-quarters, then at Fort Strother. Greatly to his
surprise and mortification, he soon after learned that
the contractor from East Tennessee had again failed
to comply with his engagement, notwithstanding the
ample means which he possessed, and the full time
that had been allowed him for that purpose. The
troops, however, agreeably to the order received, pro-
ceeded on their march. Those from the second divi-
sion, under brigadier-general Johnston, arrived on the
14th ; which, added to the force under general Doher-
ty, from East Tennessee, constituted about five thou-
sand effectives. Composed, as this army was, of
troops entirely raw, it was not to be expected that
any thing short of the greatest firmness in its officers
could restrain that course of conduct and disorder
which had hitherto so unhappily prevailed.
The execution of a private, (John Woods,) who had
been sentenced by a court-martial, on a charge of mu-
tiny, produced, at this time, great excitement, and the
most salutary effects. That mutinous spirit, which had
so frequently broken into the camp, and for awhile
suspended all active operations, remained to be check
152 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
ed. A fit occasion was now at hand to evince, that
although militia when at their fire-sides at home,
might boast an exemption from control, yet in the
field, those high notions were to be abandoned, and
subordination observed. Painful as it was to the feel-
ings of the general, he viewed it as a sacrifice essen-
tial to the preservation of good order, and left the sen-
tence of the court to be inflicted. The execution was
productive of the happiest effects; order was produced,
and that opinion, which had so long prevailed, that a
militia-man was privileged and for no offence liable to
suffer death, was, from that moment, abandoned, and
a stricter obedience than had been practiced, after-
wards characterized the army.
Nothing was wanting now to put the troops in mo-
tion, and actively to prosecute the war, but the want
of necessary supplies. Remonstrance, entreaty and
threats, had long since been used and exhausted.
Every mean had been resorted to to impress on the
minds of the contractors the necessity of urging for-
ward in faithful discharge of their duty ; but the same
indifference and neglect were still persisted in. To
ward off the effects of such great evils evils which
he foresaw must again eventuate in discontent and re-
volt, Jackson resolved to pursue a different course,
and no longer depend on persons who had so fre-
quently disappointed him, and whose only object was
the acquirement of wealth. He accordingly despatch-
ed messengers to the nearest settlements, with direc-
tions to purchase provisions, at whatever price they
could be procured. This course, to these incumbents
on the nation, afforded an argument Infinitely stronger
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 153
than any to which he had before resorted. Unexpect-
edly assailed in a way they had not previously thought
of, by being held and made liable for the amount of
the purchases, which by their neglect was rendered
necessary, they exerted themselves in discharge of a
duty they had hitherto too shamefully neglected.
Every expedient had been practised to urge them to
a compliance of the obligations they were under to
their government ; until the present, none had proved
effectual. In one of his letters, about this time, the
general remarks : " I have no doubt but a combination
has been formed to defeat the objects of the cam-
paign ; but the contractor ought to have recollected
that he had disappointed and starved my army once ;
and now, in return, it shall be amply provided for at
his expense. At this point he was to have delivered
the rations and whatever they may cost, at this
place, he will be required to pay : any price that will
ensure their delivery, I have directed to be given."
The supplying an army by contractors, he had often
objected to as highly exceptionable and dangerous.
His monitor, on this subject, was his own experience.
Disappointment, mutiny, and abandonment by his
troops, when in the full career of success, and an un-
necessarily protracted campaign, were among the evils
already experienced, and which he desired, if possible,
might be in future avoided. The difficulties the per-
plexities he had met ; and the constant dissatisfaction
which had rendered his troops inefficient, were wholly
to be attributed to those, who, in disregard of the
public good, had looked alone to their own imme-
diate benefit. It was high time that the feelings and
interest of such men should be disregarded, and a
154 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
sense of duty enforced, by that sort of appeal which
sordid minds best can understand an appeal to pro-
fit and the purse.
Under these and other circumstances, which seemed
to involve the most serious consequences, the general
had but little time for either repose or quietness.
Every thing was moving in opposition to his wishes.
The East Tennessee brigade, under the command of
Doherty, having been instructed to halt, until adequate
supplies should be received at head-quarters, had al-
ready manifested many symptoms of revolt, and was
with difficulty restrained from abandoning the field
and returning immediately home. Added to their own
discontents, and unwillingness to remain in service,
much pains had been taken by a personage high in
authority, to scatter dissention, and to persuade them
that they had been improperly called out, and without
sufficient authority ; that the draft was illegal, and
that they were under no necessity to remain. Argu-
ments like these, when urged by a man of standing
and in office, were well calculated to answer the end
desired; what the governing motive was that gave
rise to a course of conduct so much at war with the
public interest, and the duty of a soldier, is difficult to
be imagined; none was ever avowed, and certainly
none can be offered that will account for it satisfac-
torily. On the morning that general Doherty was
about to proceed to head-quarters, he was astonished
to hear the drums beating up for volunteers, to aban-
don his camp and return home. Notwithstanding all
his efforts to prevent this injurious measure, one hun-
dred and eighty deserted, .His surprise was still
tIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 155
greater, on receiving information in which he confided,
that instructions by major-general Cocke, had been
given, that in the event any number of the troops
should be marched back, he would take upon himself
to discharge them from all responsibility on their re-
turn to Knoxville. The general had previously ap-
peared at the camp of Doherty, and, by different
means, attempted to excite mutiny and disaffection
among the troops. As a reason for being unwilling to
assume the command and go with them to the field,
he stated, that they would be placed in a situation
which he disliked to think of, and one which his feel-
ings would not enable him to witness : that they were
about to be placed under the command of general Jack*
son, who would impose on them the severest trials,
and where they would have to encounter every
imaginable privation and suffering. He represented,
that at head-quarters there was not a sufficiency
of provisions on hand to last five days ; nor was there
a probability that there would happen any change of
circumstances for the better; that should they once
be placed in the power of Jackson, such was his nature
and disposition that, with the regular force under his
command, he would compel them to serve whatever
length of time he pleased. Expressions like these, to
men who had never before been in the field, and pro-
ceeding from one who had already been employed iij
a respectable command, were well calculated to pro*-
duce serious and alarming impressions. Doherty, who
was a brigadier in the first division, was at a loss to
know how he should proceed with his ow T n major-ge-
neral, who having thus obtruded himself into his camp,
was endeavouring to excite mutiny and revolt ; he
15l> LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON-
cordingly despatched an express to head-quarters to
give information to general Jackson of what was pass-
ing in his camp. The messenger arrived, and, in re-
turn, received an order to Doherty, commanding him,
peremptorily, to seize, and send under guard to Fort
Strother, every officer^ without regard to his rank,
who should be found, in any manner, attempting to in-
cite his army to mutiny. General Cocke, apprehend-
ing what was going on, or perhaps obtaining intelli-
gence, had retired before the order arrived, and thus
escaped the punishment due to so aggravated an of-
fence, and which, from the known patriotism and de-
cision of the commanding general, would doubtless
have been extended.
About this time, Colonel Dyer was despatched with
six hundred men, with orders to proceed to the head
of the Black Warrior, and ascertain if any force of the
Indians was embodied in that quarter, and disperse
them, that they might not, through this route, be en-
abled to gain the rear of the army, and cut off the sup-
plies. This detachment having proceeded eight days
through the heights along the Cohawba, had fallen in
with a trail the enemy had passed, stretching east-
wardly* and followed it for some distance. Appre-
hending that the army might be on the eve of departing
from Fort Strother, and being unable to obtain anjr
certain information of the savages, he desisted from
the pursuit, and returned to camp.
That there might be no troops in the field in a
situation not to be serviceable, a"nd as supplies were an
important consideration, orders were given the briga-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 157
diers to dismiss from the ranks every invalid, and all
who were not well armed.
General Jackson having at length, by constant and
unremitted exertions, obtained such supplies as he be-
lieved would be necessary to enable him to proceed,
determined to set out and pursue his course still fur-
ther into the enemy's country. A fear of the conse-
quences to an army from inaction; a wish that time
might not be loitered away uselessly ; and a conscious-
ness that a sufficiency of provisions was on the way,
and could be forwarded to him from the post main-
tained in his rear, prompted him to do so. On the
14th he commenced his march, and crossing the river,
arrived on the 21st at the mouth of Cedar creek,
which had been previously selected for the establish-
ment of a fort* At this place it became necessary
to delay a day or two, with a view to detail a suffi-
cient force for the protection and safety of the post,
and to await the coming of the provision boats which
were descending the Coosa, and which, as yet, had
not arrived.
On the 22d of January, the day of the battle of
Emuckfaw, general Coffee, as has been already stated,
had been detached to destroy the Indian encampment
on the Tallapoosa ; having reconnoitred their position,
and believing them too strongly posted to be advan-
tageously assailed by the force which he then com-
manded, he had retired without making the attempt.
The position they had chosen was at a bend of the
* Fort Williams.
158 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
Tallapoosa, called by the Indians Tohopeka, which
interpreted into our language means Horse Shoe, not
far from New Youcka, and near the Oakfusky villa-
ges. Fortified as it was by nature, and the skill and
exertions of the savages, no other conjecture was en-
tertained, than at this place was intended a defence
of the most desperate and determined kind. Learn-
ing that the Indians were still embodied here, Jackson
resolved, so soon as the necessary arrangements could
be made to keep open a communication, and preserve
in safety his rear, to make a descent on it, and destroy
the confederacy ; thence, returning to Fort Williams
for provisions, to urge forward to the Hickory ground,
where he hoped he would be able finally to terminate
the war.
On the 24th, leaving a sufficient force under brigk-
dier-general Johnston for the protection of the post,
with eight days' provisions he left Fort Williams and
set out for the Tallapoosa, by the way of Emuckfaw.
The whole force now with him amounted to less than
three thousand effective men ; being considerably re-
duced by the necessity of leaving behind him detach-
ments for garrisons at the different forts. At ten
o'clock on the morning of the 27th, after a march of
fifty-two miles, he reached the village Tohopeka. The
enemy, having gained intelligence of his approach,
had collected in considerable numbers, with a view to
give him battle. The warriors from the adjacent
towns, Oakfusky, Hillabee, Eufalee, and New Youcka,
amounting to a thousand or twelve hundred, were here
collected ready, and waiting his approach. They could
have selected 110 place better calculated for defence ;
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 159
for, independent of the advantages bestowed on it by
nature, their own exertions had greatly contributed to
its strength. Surrounded almost entirely by the river,
it was accessible only by a narrow neck of land, of
three hundred and fifty yards width, which they had
taken much pains to secure and defend, by placing
large timbers and trunks of trees horizontally on each
other, leaving but a single place of entrance. From a
double row of port holes formed in it, they were ena-
bled to give complete direction to their fire, whilst they
lay in perfect security behind.
General Coffee, at the head of the mounted infan-
try and friendly Indians, had been despatched early
in the morning from camp, with orders to gain the
southern bank of the river, encircle the bend, and
make some feint, or manoeuvring, by which to divert
the enemy from the point where the attack was in-
tended principally to be waged. He was particularly
instructed so to arrange and dispose the force under
his command, that the savages might not escape by
passing to the opposite side in their canoes, with
which, it was represented, the whole shore was lined.
Jackson, with the rest of the army, proceeded to take
a position in front of the breast-work. Having planted
his cannon on an eminence, about two hundred yards
from the front of the enemy's line, with a view to
break down his defence, a brisk fire commenced. The
musketry and rifles, which occupied a nearer position,
were used as the Indians occasionally showed them-
selves from behind their works. The artillery was
well served by major Bradford, and the fire kept up for
some minutes without making any impression ; time.
160 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
however, was gained for complete readiness. The
signals having now announced that general Coffee had
reached in safety his point of destination, on the op-
posite side of the river, had formed his line, and was
ready to act, the order was given to charge. " Never
were troops more eager to be led on than were both
regulars and militia. They had been waiting with im-
patience for the order, and hailed it with acclamations.
The spirit that animated them was a sure augury of
the success that was to follow." Between them there
was no difference ; both advanced with the intrepidity
and firmness of veteran soldiers. The thirty-ninth
regiment, led on by their commander, colonel Wil-
liams, and the brave but ill-fated major Montgomery,
and the militia under the command of colonel Bunch,
moved forward amidst a destructive fire that continu-
ally poured upon them, and were presently at the
rampart. Here an obstinate and destructive conflict
ensued, each contending for the port holes, on differ-
ent sides. Many of the enemy's balls were welded
between the muskets and bayonets of our soldiers. At
this moment, major Montgomery leaping on the wall,
called to his men to mount and follow him ; he had
scarcely spoken, when, shot through the head, he fell
lifeless to the ground. Our troops eagerly followed
the example he had set and scaled their ramparts.
Finding it no longer tenable, the savages abandoned
their position, and retiring from their works conceal-
ed themselves amidst the brush and timber that lay
thickly scattered over the peninsula; whence they
continued resistance, and kept up a galling and con-
stant fire, until they were again charged, and forced
back. Driven to despair, not knowing whither to flee,
IJFE OP GENERAL JACKSON* 161
and resolving not to surrender, they saw no other al-
ternative, than an effort to effect their escape, by pass-
ing in their canoes to the opposite bank of the river ;
from this they were, however, prevented, by perceiv-
ing that a part of the army already lined the opposite
shore. Under these circumstances, the remaining
warriors, who yet survived the severity of the conflict,
betaking themselves to flight, leaped down the banks,
and concealed themselves along the cliffs and steeps,
which were covered by the trees that had been felled
from their margin. Many had betaken themselves to
the west angle of their line of defence, where, under
cover and protection of heaps of brush, a spirited fire
was kept up upon those of our troops who had gained
their line, and those who were advancing on the outer
side. From these secreted places they would fire and
disappear. General Jackson perceiving that further
resistance must involve them in utter destruction ; and
entertaining a desire that they should yield a contest
which now evidently was^Bi hopeless one, ordered the
Interpreter to advance with a flag, under cover of
some trees which stood in front, until he should reach
a position sufficiently near to be heard. He did so*
and having arrived within forty yards of the spot
where the Indians were concealed, in an audible voice,
and in their own language, addressed them ; told them
of the folly of further resistance, and that he was com-
manded by general Jackson to say, that if disposed to
surrender, they should be received and treated as
prisoners. They waited patiently until he had finish-
ed, and heard what he had to say ; a pause ensued !
and at the moment when he was expecting to receive
an answer, and to learn that a surrender would be at
x
162 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
once made, a fire was opened upon the flag, and the
Interpreter severely wounded in the breast. Finding
they would not yield, nor abandon the course of des-
peration on which they had resolutely fixed their
minds, orders were given to dislodge them. To ac-
complish this the artillery was first turned against
them ; but being from its size incapable of producing
any effect, a charge was made, in which several valu*
able lives were lost; it however succeeded, and the
enemy were dislodged from their covert place on the
right angle of their line of defence. Lighted torches
were now thrown down the steeps, which, communi-
cating with the brush and trees, and setting them on
fire, drove them from their hiding places, and brought
them to view. Still did they refuse to surrender, and
still maintained the conflict. Thus the carnage con-
tinued until night separated the combatants, when
the few misguided savages who had avoided the
havoc and slaughter of the day, were enabled, through
the darkness of the night, ll make their escape.
Whilst the attack was thus waged in front of the
line, the friendly Indians in general Coffee's detach-
ment, under the command of colonel Morgan, with
captain Russell's company of spies, were effecting
much ; and no doubt, to the course pursued by them,
on the opposite side, was greatly owing the facility
with which the breast-work was scaled, and its pos-
session obtained. The village stood on the margin of
the river, and on that part of the peninsula most re-
mote from the fortification. At the line were all their
warriors collected. Several of the Cherokees and
Russell's spies having swain across, unobserved, and
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 163
procured their canoes, a considerable number passed
over, entered the town, and fired it. No sooner was
this discovered, than their attention and opposition
was necessarily divided, and drawn to the protection
of a point which they had hitherto believed secure,
and where they had not apprehended an attack. Thus
assailed from an unexpected quarter a force in their
rear, and another still stronger, advancing on their
front, the invading army was afforded a much easier
and less hazardous opportunity of succeeding in the
assault and securing the victory.
This battle gave a death blow to their hopes ; nor
did they venture, afterwards, to make a stand. From
their fastnesses in the woods they had tried their
strength, agreeably to their accustomed mode of war-
fare ; in ambuscade, had brought on the attack ; and,
in all, failure and disaster had been met. None of the
advantages incident on surprise, and for which the
red men of our forests have been always so charac-
terized, had they been able to obtain. The continual
defeats they had received, were, doubtless, the reason
of their having so strongly fortified this place, where
they had determined to perish or to be victorious.
That such a resolution had been taken, is conclusive,
from the circumstance of their having permitted their
women and children to remain : these they are always
careful to remove far from danger, and their scenes of
action. The assurance of success which they indulged,
arising from the security their position and defence
presented, had prevented their adhering to this pre-
cautionary measure, which, hitherto, they had never-
overlooked. In this action, the best and bravest of
164 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
their warriors were destroyed ; and a greater loss was
sustained than had been met with in any of their pre-
vious contests. Few escaped the carnage. Of the
killed, many by their friends were thrown into the
river, whilst the battle raged ; many, in endeavouring
to pass it, were sunk by the steady fire of Coffee's
brigade; and five hundred and fifty-seven were left
dead on the ground. Among the number of the slain,
were three of their prophets. Decorated in a most
fantastic manner the plumage of various birds about
their heads and shoulders ; with savage grimaces, and
horrid contortions of the body, they danced and howl-
ed their cantations to the sun. Their dependents al-
ready believed a communion with heaven sure, which,
moved by entreaty, and their offered homage, would
aid them in the conflict, and give a triumph to their
arms. Fear had no influence ; and when they beheld
our army approaching, and already scaling their line
of defence, even then, far from being dispirited, hope
survived, and victory was still anticipated. Monohoe,
one of the most considerable of their inspired ones, and
who had cheered and kept alive the broken spirit of
the nation by his pretended divinations, fell,;, mortally
wounded, by a cannon shot in the mouth, while earn-
estly engaged in his incantations, and in urging and
encouraging his troops resolutely to contend.
Three hundred prisoners were taken, most of whom
were women and children. That so few warriors-
should have sought and obtained safety, by appealing
to the clemency of the victors, to persons acquainted
with the mode of Indian warfare will not appear a
matter of surprise. It seldom happens that they ex-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 165
tend or solicit quarter: faithless themselves, they
place no reliance on the faith of others ; and, when
overcome in battle, seek no other protection than dex-
terity and haste in retreat afford. Another cause for
it may be found in a reason already given; the attack
by a detachment of general Cocke's division, on the
Hillabee clans, who were assailed and put to the
sword, at a moment when, having asked peace at dis-
cretion, they were expecting it to be given. This
misfortune had alone been occasioned by a want of
concert in the divisions of our army ; but it was past,
and with it was gone, on the part of the savages, all
confidence in our integrity and humanity ; and they
looked and trusted for safety now to nothing but their
own bravery. In this contest they maintained resist-
ance, fighting and firing from their covert places,
long after the hope either of success or escape was,
or should have been at an end, and after the proposal
had been submitted to spare the further useless waste
of blood. A few, who had lain quiet, and concealed
under the cliffs, survived the severity of the conflict,
and effected their retreat under cover of the night.
Our loss, although considerable, was small, when
compared with that of the enemy ; the whole estimate,
including the friendly and Cherokee Indians, was but
fifty-five killed, and one hundred and forty-six wound-
ed. Of the fSrmer was major Montgomery, a brave
and enterprising young officer, of the thirty-ninth re-
giment, and lieutenants Moulton and Somerville, who
fell early in the action.
The object of the present visit being answered, the
166 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
general, in pursuance of the plan with which he had set
out, concluded to return to Fort Williams. Having sunk
his dead in the river, to prevent their being scalped by
the savages, and made the necessary arrangements for
carrying off his wounded, he commenced his return
march for the fort, and in a few days reached it in
safety.*
His first object, on his arrival, was to excite, in the
breasts of his soldiers, a sense of pride commensurate
with the achievements they had performed, and the
valour they had displayed. He was impelled to it
from a consciousness that feeling, once subsided, could
with difficulty be again aroused ; and from a desire to
ward off that despondency from his ranks which had
once proved so fatal to his hopes. With a view to
these objects, the next day on parade, before the fort,
he published to them this address :
* Sinking them in the river, in preference to burying them, was
adopted, from the consideration, that those of our troops who had
previously fallen, had been raised, stripped, and scalped. Many of
the Indians at Tohopeka were found in the clothes of those who had
been killed and buried at Emuckfaw. It is true that this could ope-
rate no injury to the dead ; yet was it important, that for the future
this should be prevented. It was a fact well ascertained, that the
Creek nation, generally, were ignorant of the extent and number of
their defeats ; and so long as they could be induced to believe, by
those who undertook to account for it in that way, that their missing
warriors were still alive, and had gone on some distant enterprise ;
or could obtain the scalps of the killed, which they always consider
as Certain evidences of victory, the war would continue. It was
thought, therefore, better to sink them in the river than to bury
them, as the enemy would be thereby deprived of those badges of
national and individual distinction, the effect of which would be to
shorten the period of the war.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. , 167
" You have entitled yourselves to the gratitude of
your country and your general. The expedition, from
which you have just returned, has, by your good con-
duct, been rendered prosperous, beyond any example
in the history of our warfare : it has redeemed the
character of your state, and of that description of
troops of which the greater part of you are.
" You have, within a few days, opened your way to
the Tallapoosa, and destroyed a confederacy of the
enemy, ferocious by nature, and who had grown in-
solent from impunity. Relying on their numbers, the
security of their situation, and the assurances of their
prophets, they derided our approach, and already ex-
ulted in anticipation of the victory they expected to
obtain. But they were ignorant of the influence and
effect of government on the human powers, nor knew
what brave men, and civilized, could effect. By their
yells, they hoped to frighten us, and with their wooden
fortifications to oppose us. Stupid mortals ! their yells
but designated their situation the more certainly;
whilst their walls became a snare for their own de-
struction. So will it ever be, when presumption and
ignorance contend against bravery and prudence.
" The fiends of the Tallapoosa will no longer mur-
der our women and children, or disturb the quiet of
our borders. Their midnight flambeaux will no more
illumine their council-house, or shine upon the victim
of their infernal orgies. In their places, a new gene-
ration will arise, who will know their duty better. The
weapons of warfare will be exchanged for the utensils
of husbandry ; and the wilderness, which now withers
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
in sterility, and mourns the desolation which over-
spreads her, will blossom as the rose, and become the
nursery of the arts. But before this happy day can
arrive, other chastisements remain to be inflicted. It
is indeed lamentable, that the path to peace should
lead through blood, and over the bodies of the slain :
but it is a dispensation of Providence, and perhaps a
wise one to inflict partial evils, that ultimate good may
be produced.
" Our enemies are not sufficiently humbled, they
do not sue for peace. A collection of them await our
approach, and remain to be dispersed. Buried in
ignorance, and seduced by the false pretences of their
prophets, they have the weakness to believe they will
still be able to make a decided stand against us. They
must be undeceived, and made to atone their obstina-
cy and their crimes, by still further suffering. Those
hopes which have so long deluded them, must be
driven from their last refuge. They must be made
to know, that their prophets are impostors, and that
our strength is mighty, and will prevail. Then, and
not till then, may we expect to make with them a
peace that shall be permanent.
Understanding that the enemy was embodied, in
considerable numbers, at Hoithlewalee, a town situa-
ted not far from the Hickory ground, he w r as anxious
to re-commence his operations as early as possible,
that the advantages he had gained, and the impression
he had made, might not be lost. The forces under his
command, from sickness, the loss which had been sus-
tained in the late battle, and numerous discharges
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 169
given, had been too much reduced in strength, to per-
mit him to act as efficiently as the importance of the
crisis required. It was desirable, therefore, to effect
a junction with the southern army as speedily as pos-
sible, that, from an increase and concentration of his
numbers, greater efficiency might be had. The North
Carolina troops, under the command of general Gra-
ham, an experienced officer of the revolutionary war,
and those of Georgia, under colonel Milton, were as-
certained to be somewhere south of the Tallapoosa,
and could be at no great distance. To unite with
them was an event greatly desired, as well with a
view to push his operations more actively, as to be
able to procure for the army those supplies which he
feared the resources within his owji camp might not
sufficiently afford ; for hitherto, he had received from
general Pinckney strong assurances that all com-
plaints on this subject would be at an end so soon as
his and the southern division could unite. No time
was to be lost in effecting a purpose so essential.
General Jackson accordingly determined to leave his
sick and wounded, and the fort, to the care and com-
mand of brigadier Johnston, and to set out again for
the Tallapoosa. On the 7th, with all his disposable
force, he commenced his march, with the double view
of effecting a union with the army below, and of at-
tacking on his route the enemy's force which were
collected at Hoithlewalee. His greatest difficulty was
in conveying to colonel Milton intelligence of his in-
tended operations. The friendly Indians, who, from
their knowledge of the country, had been always se-
lected as expresses, were with difficulty to be pre-
vailed on now for any such undertaking. Believing
170 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
their nation to be embodied in larger numbers than
any which had been yet encountered, and that, con-
fiding in their strength, they would be better enabled
to go forth, searching and spying through the sur-
rounding country, they at once concluded that any
enterprise of this kind would be attended with too
great peril and danger, and the difficulty of eluding
observation too much increased, for them to adven-
ture. This circumstance had as yet prevented the ar-
rangement of such measures as were best calculated
to bring the different divisions to act in general con-
cert. The necessity, however, of such co-operation, was
too important, at this moment, not to be effected, if it
were possible. Should it be possible, at the point
they now occupied, to bring the enemy to battle, and
a decisive advantage be obtained over them, dispirited
and broken, they might be induced to submit to any
terms, and the conflict be ended ; but if suffered to
escape, they might again collect, give battle at some
fortunate and unexpected moment, and thereby pro-
trfict the war a considerable time. To prevent this
was desirable ; and in no other way could it so cer-
tainly be effected, than that while the Tennessee
troops under the command of Jackson advanced from
the north, the Carolinians and Georgians might make
such a disposition as would prevent any escape of the
enemy, by their crossing the river, and passing off in
the direction of Pensacola and the Escambia.
Having at length succeeded in procuring confiden-
tial messengers, previously to setting out on this ex-
pedition, Jackson addressed colonel Milton, and ad-
yised him of his intended movement To guard against
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 171
any accident or failure that might happen, different
expresses were despatched, by different routes. He
informed him, that with eight days' provisions, and a
force of about two thousand men, he should, on the
7th, take up the line of march, and proceed directly
for Hoithlewalee ; which he expected certainly to
reach and attack on the llth. He urged the necessi-
ty of a proper concert being established in their move-
ment* ; and either that he should proceed against the
same place, about the same time, or, by making some
favourable diversion in the neighbourhood, contribute
to the successful accomplishment of the objects of the
expedition.
The point of destination, owing to the torrents of
rain which had fallen, and raised the streams to con-
siderable heights, he was not able to reach until the
13th. This delay, unavoidable, and not to be pre-
vented, gave the Indians an opportunity of fleeing
from the threatened danger. On arriving at an usu-
ally inconsiderable stream which skirted the town, it
was so swollen as to be rendered impassable. The
savages, gaining intelligence of an approach that was
thus unavoidably retarded, were enabled to effect an
escape by passing the river in their canoes, and gain-
ing the opposite shore. Had colonel Milton fortu-
nately made a different disposition of the troops under
his command, and by guarding the southern bank of
the river, co-operated with the Tennessee division,
their escape would have been prevented, and the
whole force, collected, would either have been de-
stroyed or made prisoners. Although Jackson, in his
letter of the 5th, had given intelligence that he would
172 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON,
x
reach the enemy on the llth ; and when prevented fey
high waters and rotten roads, had again notified him
that he would certainly arrive and commence the at-
tack by the morning of the 13th, and urged him to
guard the south bank of the Tallapoosa, still was the
request disregarded, and the savages permitted ta
escape. Learning they were abandoning their posi-
tion, and seeking safety in flight, Jackson filed to the
right, and overtaking the refcr of the fugitives, suc-
ceeded in making twenty-five prisoners. At this time,
nothing was heard of colonel Milton ; but on the same
day, having marched about five miles from his en-
campment at Fort Decatur, and approached within
four of Hoithlewalee, he, the next morning, gave no-
tice of an intention to attack the village that day ; at
this moment the inhabitants and warriors had fled, and
the town was occupied and partly destroyed by a de-
tachment from Jackson's army that had succeeded in
passing the creek.
The Georgia army being so near at hand, was a
source of some satisfaction, although the escape of the
enemy had rendered their presence of less importance
than it otherwise would have been. The stock of pro-
visions, with which the march had been commenced
from Fort Williams, was now nearly exhausted. As-
surances, however, having been so repeatedly given,
that abundant supplies would be had on uniting with
the southern army, and that event being now so near
at hand, all uneasiness upon the subject was at once
dispelled. Colonel Milton was immediately applied
to, the situation of the army disclosed, and such aid
as he could extend, solicited. He returned an answer
LIFE >F GENERAL JACKSON. 173
to the general's demand, observing, he had sent pro-
visions for the friendly Indians, and would, the next
day, lend some for the remainder of the troops ; but
felt himself under no obligation to furnish any. Jack*
son, fully satisfied of its being in his power to relieve
him, and that this apparent unwillingness did not, and
could not proceed from any scarcity in his camp, as-
sumed a higher ground, and instead of asking assist-
ance, now demanded it. He stated, that his men were
destitute of supplies, and that he had been duly ap-
prised of it; and concluded by ordering, not request*
ing him to send five thousand rations immediately, for
present relief; and for himself and the forces under
his command to join him at Hoithlewalee by ten
o'clock the next day. "This order," he remarked,
" must be obeyed without hesitation." It was obey-
ed. The next day, a junction having been effected,
the necessary steps were taken to bring down the
provisions deposited at Fort Decatur, and for the first
time, since the commencement of the Creek war, in-
conveniences for the want of supplies, and an appre-
hension of suffering, were removed.
Appearances seemed now to warrant the belief, that
the war would not be of much longer continuance ;
the principal chiefs of the Hickory ground tribes were
coming in, making professions of friendship, and giv-
ing assurances of their being no longer disposed to
continue hostilities. The general had been met, on
his late march, by a flag from these clans, giving in-
formation of their disposition to be at peace. In re-
turn they received this answer; that those of the war
party who were desirous of putting an end to the con-
174 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
test in which they were engaged, and of becoming
friendly, should evince their intention of doing so by
retiring in the rear of the army, and settling them-
selves to the north of Fort Williams ; that no other
proof than this, of their pacific dispositions, would be
received. Fourteen chiefs of these tribes had arrived,
to furnish still further evidence of their desire for
peace. They assured the general that their old king,
Fous-hatchee, was anxious to be permitted to visit him
in person, and was then on his way, with his followers,
to settle above Fort Williams, agreeably to the infor-
mation he had received by the flag which had lately
returned to him.
Detachments were out scouring the country to the
south, with orders to break up any collection of the
enemy that might be heard of in convenient distance.
The main body was prepared to advance to the junc-
tion of the two rivers, where, until now, it had been
expected the Indians would make a last and desperate
stand.* Every thing was in readiness to proceed on
the march, when it was announced to the general, that
colonel Milton's brigade, which had lately united with
him, was not in a situation to move. During the pre*
vious night some of his wagon horses having strayed
off, persons had been sent in pursuit, and were expect-
* The Hickory ground, or that part of the Creek nation lying in
the forks, near where the Coosa and Tallapoosa unite, was called
by the Indians Holy Ground, from a tradition and belief prevailing
among them, that it never had been pressed by the foot of a white
man. Acting under the influence of their prophets, and a religious
fanaticism, it was supposed they would make greater exertions to
defend this than any other portion of their country.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 175
ed shortly to return with them ; when, it was reported,
he would be ready to take up the line of march. To
Jackson, this was a reason for delaying the operations
of an army which as yet he had never learned, and
by which he had never been influenced. He had, in-
deed, been frequently made to halt, though from very
different causes ; from murmurs, discontents and star-
vation in his camp. He replied to the colonel's want
of preparation, by telling him, that in the progress of
his own difficulties he had discovered a very excellent
mode of expediting wagons, even without horses ; and
that if he would detail him twenty men from his bri-
gade, for every wagon deficient in horses, he would
guarantee their safe arrival at their place of destina-
tion. Rather than subject his men to such drudgery,
he preferred to dismount some of his dragoons, and
thus avoided the necessity of halting the army until
his lost teams should arrive.
The army continued its march without gaining in-
telligence of any embodied forces of the enemy ; and
without the happening of any thing of importance,
reached old Toulossee Fort, on the Coosa river, not
far from the confluence, at which another was deter-
mined to be erected, to be called Fort Jackson, after
the commanding general. Here the rivers approach
within one hundred poles of each other, and, again
diverging, unite six miles below. At this place, the
chiefs of the different tribes were daily arriving, and
offering to submit on any terms. They all concurred
in their statements, that those of the hostile party
who were still opposed to asking for peace, had fled
from the nation, and sought refuge along the coast of
176 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
Florida, and in Pensacola. General Jackson renewed
the declaration which he had previously made to them;
that they could find safety in no other way, than by
repairing to the section of the country already pointed
out to them ; where they might be quiet and free of
any sort of molestation.
To put their friendly professions, which he distrust-
ed, at once to the test, he directed them to bring
Weatherford to his camp, confined, that he might be
dealt with as he deserved. He was one of the first
chiefs of the nation, and had been a principal actor in
the butchery at Fort Minims. Justice well demanded
retaliation against him. Learning from the chiefs, on
their return, what had been required of them by
Jackson, he was prevailed upon, as perhaps the safer
course, to proceed to his camp and make a voluntary
surrender of himself. Having reached it, without be-
ing known, and obtained admission to the general's
quarters, he fearlessly stood in his presence and told
him he was Weatherford, the chief who had command-
ed at Fort Minims, and, that desiring peace for him-
self and for his people, had come to ask it. Somewhat
surprised that one who so richly merited punishment
should so sternly demand the protection which had
been extended to others, Jackson replied to him, that
he was astonished he should venture to appear in his
presence ; that he was not ignorant of his having been
at Fort Mimms, nor of his inhuman conduct there, for
which he well deserved to die. " I had directed," con-
tinued he, " that you should be brought to me con-
fined ; and had you appeared in this way, I should
have known how to have treated you." Weatherford
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON, J77
replied, " I am in your power do with me as you
please. I am a soldier. I have done the white peo-
ple all the harm I could ; I have fought them, and
fought them bravely : if I had an army, I would yet
fight, and contend to the last : but I have none ; my
people are all gone. I can now do no more than weep
over the misfortunes of my nation." Pleased at the
firm and high-toned manner of this child of the forest,
Jackson informed him, that he did not solicit him to
lay down his arms, or to become peaceable : " The
terms on which your nation can be saved, and peace
restored, has already been disclosed : in this way, and
none other, can you obtain safety." If, however, he
desired still to continue the war, and felt himself pre-
pared to meet the consequences, although he was then
completely in his power, no advantage should be
taken of that circumstance ; that he was at perfect
liberty to retire, and unite himself with the war party,
if he pleased ; but when taken, he should know how
to treat him, for then, his life should pay the forfeit of
his crimes; if this were not desired, he might remain
where he was, and should be protected.
Nothing dismayed ! Weatherford answered, that he
desired peace, that his nation might, in some measure,
be relieved from their sufferings ; that, independent of
other misfortunes, growing out of a state of war, their
cattle and grain were all wasted and destroyed, and
their women and children left destitute of provisions.
" But," continued he, " I may be well addressed in
such language now. There was a time when I had a
choice, and could have answered you: I have none
mow even hope has ended. Once I could animate my
z
178 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON*.
warriors to battle; but I cannot animate the dead.
My warriors can no longer hear my voice : their bones
are at Talladega, Tallushatchee, Emuckfaw, and To-
hopeka. I have not surrendered myself thoughtlessly.
Whilst there were chances of success, I never left my
post, nor supplicated peace. But my people are gone,
and I now ask it for my nation, and for myself. On the
miseries and misfortunes brought upon my country, I
look back with deepest sorrow, arid wish to avert still
greater calamities. If I had been left to contend with
the Georgia army, I would have raised my corn on
one bank of the river, and fought them on the other ;
but your people have destroyed my nation. You are
a brave man : Lrely upon your generosity. You will
exact no terms of a conquered people but such as
they should accede to: whatever they may be, it
would now be madness and folly to oppose. If they
are opposed, you shall find me amongst the sternest
enforcers of obedience. Those who would still hold
out, can be influenced only by a mean spirit of revenge;
and to this they must not, and shall not sacrifice the
last remnant of their country. You have told our na-
tion where we might go, and be safe. This is good
talk, and they ought to listen to it. They shall listen
to it."
The earnestness and bold independence of his con-
duct left no doubt of the sincerity of his professions,
and full confidence was reposed in his declarations.
The peace party became reconciled to him, and con-
sented to bury all previous animosities. In a few days
afterwards, having obtained permission, he set out from
camp, accompanied by a small party, to search through
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSOX. 179
the forest for his followers and friends, and persuade
them to give up a contest, in which hope seemed to
be at an end, that by timely submission, they might
their nation from further disasters.
The present was a favourable moment for prevent-
ing all further opposition. The enemy, alarmed and
panic struck, were dispersed, and fleeing in different
directions. To keep alive their apprehensions, and
prevent their recovering from the fears with which
they were now agitated, was of the utmost importance.
If time were given them to rally, and form further re-
solutions, some plan of operation might be concerted ;
and although it might not be productive of any serious
or alarming consequences, yet it might have a tendency
to lengthen out the war, and involve those deluded
people in still greater wretchedness. Detachments,
sufficiently strong, were accordingly ordered out, to
range through the country, prevent their collecting at
any point, and to scatter and destroy any who might
be found concerting offensive operations. Wherever
they directed their course, submission, and an anxious
desire for peace, were manifested by the natives.
Those who were still resolved upon a continuance of
the war, and trusted for relief to the aid which by
their British allies was promised, and which they had
been for some time expecting, had retired out of the
country towards the sea coast, not doubting but the
assistance looked for would shortly arrive, enable them
to re-commence hostilities with better hopes of suc-
cess, and regain their country, which they now con-
sidered as lost. Many of the chiefs and warriors,
looking to the defeats they had continually met with
180 tlFE OF GENERAL JACKSON-
in all their battles, viewing it as impracticable with
any expectation of better fortune, to resist the nume-
rous forces that were collecting, and threatening them
at different points, and anxious to have spared to them
yet a portion of their country, determined to discard
all ideas of further resistance, and to throw themselves
for safety on the mercy of their conquerors. To this
end, the chief men, from the different tribes, were
daily arriving, and asking for peace, on condition only.,
that their lives might be spared.
General Jackson was not ignorant of the faithless-
ness of these people, and how little confidence was to
be reposed in the professions of an enemy, who,
prompted by fear, could be controlled by its influence
only whilst those fears were continued. He well
knew they had been too severely chastised for their
friendship or promises to be implicitly relied on, and
too much injured not to feel a disposition to renew
the conflict with the first flattering hope that dawn-
ed. Too many difficulties had been encountered, and
too many dangers past, in bringing those savages to a
sense of duty, to leave them now with no better se-
curity than mere professions. Some arrangement was
necessary to be made that should prove lasting, and
ensure certainty. None seemed better calculated for
these ends, than what had been already announced ;
that those disposed to throw away the war club, and
renew their friendly relations with the United States,
should retire in the rear of the advance of the army,,
and occupy the country about the fort he had esta-
blished, and to the east of the Coosa. The effect of
such an arrangement he calculated would be this ; that
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON* 181
by the line of posts already established, he would be
able to cut them off from any communication with
Florida ; while, by being placed in that part of the na-
tion inhabited by the friendly Indians, whose fidelity
was not doubted, the earliest intelligence would be
had of their hostile intentions, should any be manifest-
ed. The conditions proposed were most cheerfully
accepted : and the different tribes forthwith sat out to
occupy a portion of their country, which alone seemed
to promise them protection and safety. Proctor, the
chief of the Owewoha war towns, to whom this pro-
mised security from danger had first been made, was
reported to be still at home, and to have abandoned
all intention of removing, in consequence of permis-
sion extended by the United States' agent to the
Creeks, for him and his warriors to remain where they
then were residing. On receiving this information, the
general despatched a messenger, with information to
him, that whether he or the agent were to be obeyed,
was for him to decide ; but that he should treat as ene-
mies all who did not immediately retire to the section
of country which he had pointed out. The chief of
Owewoha found no difficulty in deciding the question,
and without delay prepared to retire where he had
been previously ordered.
Lieutenant-colonel Gibson, who had been sent out
with a detachment of seven hundred and fifty men,
returned, and reported, that he had proceeded a con-
siderable distance down the Alabama river, and had
destroyed several towns of the war party, but could
gain no intelligence of a force being any where col*
lected.
182 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
By the establishment of Fort Jackson, a line of posts
was now formed from Tennessee and from Georgia
to the Alabama river. The conduct and subdued spirit
of the Indians clearly manifesting that they were sin-
cere in their desire for peace, nothing remained to be
done but to arrange and organize the different garri-
sons in such a manner, that should any hostile inten-
tion be hereafter discovered, it might be suppressed
before it could assume any very threatening aspect.
What final steps should be taken, and what plans
adopted, for permanent security, were to be deferred
for the arrival of major-general Pinckney, who, being
in the neighbourhood, would, it was expected, on the
next day reach Fort Jackson.
On the 20th general Pinckney arrived, and assumed,
in person, the command of the army. The course pur-
sued by Jackson, towards satisfying the Indians, that
to be peaceable was all that was required of them,
meeting his approbation, and understanding that the
chiefs and warriors of the nation were retiring, with
their families, whither they had been directed to go,
he was satisfied hostilities must now cease. Indepen-
dent of their professions, heretofore given, much of the
property plundered at Fort Minims, and along the
frontiers, having been brought in and delivered, no
doubt was entertained but that all further national op-
position would be withdrawn. There being no neces-
sity, therefore, for maintaining an army longer in the
field, orders were issued, on the 21st, for the troops
from Tennessee to be marched home and discharged;
taking care, on the route, to leave a sufficient force for
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 183
the garrisoning and protection of the posts already
established.
To troops who had been engaged in such hasty and
fatiguing marches, who had been so much and so often
exposed to hardships and dangers, and who had now,
by their zealous exertions in the cause of their coun-
try, brought the war to a successful termination, and
severely chastised the savages for their unprovoked
outrages upon their defenceless frontiers, it was a plea-
sure to retire to their homes from the scenes of wretch-
edness they had witnessed, and from a contest, where
every thing being performed, nothing remained to be
done. It was a cheering reflection to these brave men,
that, their trials being over, they were retiring to their
families and homes, and carrying with them that sweet-
est and happiest of all consolations to a war-worn sol-
dier's mind, that, in the trying and difficult situations
in which they had been placed, they had acted with
honour to themselves, and with usefulness and fidelity
to their country.
Whilst these arrangements were progressing, the
friendly Creeks were engaged in pursuing and destroy-
ing their fugitive countrymen with the most unrelent-
ing rigour. To have been at the destruction of Fort
Mimms, was a ground of accusation against a warrior,
which at once placed him without the pale of mercy.
They viewed, or affected to view, this unwarranted and
unprovoked offence with sentiments of deeper invete-
racy than did even our own troops. Meeting a small
party who were on their way to camp, to submit them-
selves on the terms that had been previously offered,
184 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
and understanding they had accompanied Weatherford
in his attack on this fort, they arrested their progress,
and immediately put them to death. To permit a
course of conduct like this, was well calculated to keep
alive the timid apprehensions of the Indians, and in-
duce them to consider the proffered terms of peace
which Jackson had presented, as a stratagem to lure
them into danger, and effect their destruction : sensible
of this, prompt and immediate steps were taken by the
commanding general to prevent its again recurring.
That people of the same nation should be found
marshalled in opposition to each other, is not a matter
of surprise, on the principles and practice of modern
warfare, which affects to prove it right to seize on any
circumstance that may operate prejudicially to an ene-
my ; but the patriot, whose bosom swells with a love
of country, must ever view it with abhorrence : and
although, from necessity or policy, he may be compel-
led to avail himself of the advantages afforded by such
a circumstance, he can never be induced either to ap-
prove or justify it. Although the war had been com-
menced in opposition to the views and wishes of the
friendly party, yet it was their duty to have united.
Their entering the ranks of an invading army, and
fighting for the extermination of their people, and the
destruction of their nation, was a circumstance which
presented them in the character of traitors to their
country, and justly meriting the severest punishment.
In two hours after receiving general Pinckney's or-
der, the western troops commenced their return march,
and reached Fort Williams on the evening of the
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 185
,24th. Immediate measures were adopted for carry-
ing into effect what had been ordered ; to send out de-
tachments to assail and disperse any collections of the
war party that might be found on the route, and within
striking distance.
The East Tennessee troops having a longer period
to serve, were, on that account, selected to garrison the
different posts. General Doherty was accordingly di-
rected to detail from his brigade seven hundred and
twenty-five men, for the defence of those points, with
a view to an open communication being preserved with
Fort Jackson, and to secure more effectually, a peace,
which, being supposed for the present to be founded
in the fears and distresses of the war party, was per-
haps not so securely and firmly established as that any
precautionary measure should be omitted.
General Jackson being now about to separate from
his army, did not omit to disclose to them the high
sense he entertained of their conduct, and how well
they had deserved of their country. " Within a few
days," said he, " you have annihilated the power of a
nation that for twenty years has been the disturber
of your peace. Your vengeance has been satisfied.
Wherever these infuriated allies of our arch enemy as-
sembled for battle, you pursued and dispersed them.
The rapidity of your movements, and the brilliancy of
your achievements, have corresponded with the valour
by which you have been animated. The bravery you
have displayed in the field of battle, and the uniform
good conduct you have manifested in your encamp-
ment, a#d on your line of march, will long be cherished
2A
|86 I4FE OF GENERAL JACKS0N.
in the memory of your general, and will not be for-
gotten by the country which you have so materially
benefited,"
The constant and rapid movements of these troops
for the time they had been in service, had greatly ex-
posed them ; and although many hardships had been
encountered, yet their duty had been performed with-
out murmuring. A retrospect of the last month will
show, that more could scarcely have been done. Fort
Williams was reached just four weeks from the time
they had left it, on the expedition to Tohopeka, where
they had met and conquered the enemy ; whence, re-r
turning, not with a view to obtain rest, but to recruit
the exhausted state of their provisions, in one week was
this same army on its way to Hoithlewalee, where, sup-
ported and encouraged by their prophets, was col-
lected the strength of the nation ; and where, but for
the absence of the Georgia army, they must have
been captured or destroyed, the war ended, and all
apprehension of future resistance quieted. To this
point did they urge forward, over mountains, and
through torrents of continual rain, that rendered the
route almost impassable ; and reached and destroyed,
on the 14th, a town which the inspired men of the nation
had declared was consecrated, and on which no white
man was ever to be permitted to tread with impuni^
ty. On the 17th, they are found at the confluence of
the Coosa and Tallapoosa, treading still this conse-
crated soil, and driving the panic-struck savages be-
fore them ; and again, on the 24th, are at Fort Wil-
liams, retiring to their homes, from the labours they
had encountered, and from the conquests they ha<|
OF GENERA^ JACKSON.
gained. In such celerity of movement, is to be found
the cause which secured to Jackson and his army the
uniform successes they obtained. So rapid were his
marches, that not unfrequently was he in the neigh-
bourhood of the enemy before they had received any
intelligence of his approach ; in addition to this, was
attached to him the quality, that few generals ever
possessed in a higher degree, of inspiring firmness in
his ranks, and making even the timid brave. An en-
tire confidence of success, a full assurance of victory,
and a fearlessness and disregard of danger, were the
feelings displayed by himself in all difficult situations,
and those feelings he possessed the happy faculty of
inspiring into others, and of diffusing through his army.
Whether any of the hostile party were yet on the
Cohawba, or had fled for safety to the British and Spa-
niards at Pensacola, was uncertain. To ascertain this
fact, to disperse them, and destroy their villages, gene-
ral Johnston was despatched, at the head of five hun-
dred men, with orders to proceed along this river to
its head branches, effect the object so far as it was
practicable, and re-unite with the main army at Depo-
sit. Jackson reported to general Pinckney, that his
orders had been complied with; that four hundred
troops had been detailed for the protection of Fort
Williams, and that he would leave at the other points
a force correspondent to their exposed situations.
" The remainder of my troops," he continues, " I shall
march to Tennessee, where I shall discharge them :
after which, I shall no longer consider myself account-
able for the manner in which the posts may be defend-
ed, or the line of communication kept open; happy
188 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
that the time for which I offered my services to my
government, and the duties which they assigned me to
perform, will have terminated together."
The army proceeded on its march, and crossing
Tennessee river, in safety reached Camp Blount, near
Fayetteville, where they were discharged from further
service. Johnston, who had previously fallen in, had
destroyed some of the enemy's towns ; but had learn-
ed nothing of a force being any where embodied along
the route he had taken.
On parting from his troops, the general again brought
before them the recollection he retained of their faith-
ful and gallant conduct, and the patience with which
they had borne the privations and hardships of war*
On his return, wherever he passed, the plaudits of the
people were liberally bestowed. The ardent and ex-
traordinary zeal he had manifested in the service of
his country, the difficulties he had surmounted, with
the favourable termination, which, by his exertions,
had been given to a contest that had kept alive the
anxieties and fears of the frontier settlers, excited a
general feeling of gratitude and admiration ; all were
ready to evince the high sense they entertained of the
success with which every effort had been crowned,
and with one accord united in manifesting their confi-
dence and respect for him, who, by his zealous exer-
tions, able management, and fidelity to the cause in
which he had embarked, had so greatly contributed to
the safety, the happiness, and quiet of the country*
CHAPTER VI.
Jackson is appointed a major-general in the service of the United States,
Is directed to oj>en a negotiation with the Indians. Speech of the
Big Warrior i a chief of the nation. Concludes a treaty with tht
Creek Indians. His views against Pensacola and Florida. General
Armstrong's letter. The Spanish governor is called on for an explana-
tion, of his conduct. 'His answer, and general Jackson's reply.*
The adjutant-general is despatched to Tennessee to raise volunteers.
Jackson sets out for Mobile. Orders the Tennessee troops to advance
to his assistance.
A WAR, from which greater and more serious inju-
ries had been apprehended, was thus advantageously
terminated. Although many valuable lives were lost
in the contest, yet was the number far less than might
have been expected, in contending with an enemy
whose wrath was without bounds, and whose cruelty
was insatiate. To the rapidity with which an army had
been collected and pressed into the heart of their coun-
try, was owing th$ circumstance that the frontiers were
not stained with the blood of the settlers. Though
humanity may weep over the misfortunes of this mis-
guided people, and regret that they were sunk in such
irretrievable woes, yet there is a consolation for the
country left ; that if it be a crime, it is in no wise charge-
able on the American government. Towards them had
been exercised every possible forbearance. For more
than twenty years had the western people been the
victims of their unrelenting cruelties ; and many a pa*
rent lives at this day, whose recollection treasures a
child that bled beneath their murderous hands. Cold
190 tlFE OF GENERAL
Water, on the Tennessee, was long a den for these
savages, whence they made inroads, and, by their inhu-
man butcheries, kept the frontier inhabitants in per-
petual alarm. An expedition from Tennessee, acting
without the consent of the government, but with a view
to the security their own situation so imperiously de-
manded, as early as the year 1787, made a descent on
this settlement and destroyed it. This active and re-
solute measure had insured to the inhabitants a tran-
quillity to which they had long been strangers. Those
who escaped, retired to the Black Warrior, carrying
with them an additional spirit of revenge, which occa-
sionally, when a favourable opportunity occurred, dis-
played itself in the murder of our citizens, until the
winter of 1813, when their towns were again assailed
and destroyed.
The war in which the United States were engaged
with Great Britain, afforded, as they believed, a safe
opportunity again to satiate their angry passions. In
addition to former animosities retained, British emis-
saries had been among them, engaged to excite and
encourage them to opposition. Arms and ammu-
nition from Pensacola, having been liberally furnished,
and a belief strongly inspired, that the Americans could
be driven off, and the lands possessed by them re-gain-
ed by the Indians, they at once resolved upon the
Bourse they would pursue. The dreadful and cruel as-
sault made on the settlement of Tensaw, was the first
intelligence afforded of the lengths to which they had
determined to proceed. The insecurity of the fron-
tiers, requiring that efficient measures should be taken
to defend them, it was high time for the government
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 191
to abandon the course of moderation and forbearance
they had hitherto practised towards those tribes. The
legislature of Tennessee, at the period of this brutal
and murderous assault, being in session, with a promp-
titude highly honourable, called out the forces of the
state, without giving to the general government, and
waiting the result, information of the threatened dan-
ger. To protect an extensive country, by erecting
garrisons, and relying on them for defence, did not ap-
pear to Jackson a course at all likely to assure its ob-
ject. Placed in command, and called on to act, he de-
termined with the troops he could collect on so sudden
an emergency, to carry the war to their very doors ;
and, by giving them employment at home, to divert
them from their plans, and force them at once into
measures of defence. Urging the contractors, there-
fore, to be diligent in the discharge of their duties, and
to forward supplies with all possible haste, he took his
position at Fort Strother, directly in the enemy's coun-
try. The battle of Talladega, which shortly after-
wards followed, gave a severe check to those sanguine
hopes they had indulged, induced them to believe they
were contending with a different kind of people from
what they had expected, and should have convinced
them, too, that the promised safety, offered by their
prophets, through their spells and incantations, was
mere mockery and nonsense; yet so deluded were
they, and so confidently confiding in the supernatural
powers of their inspired men, that they were ready
to attribute a want of success to circumstances over
which their prophets could, in future, claim controul :
at length however, when it was discovered that the
prophets themselves did not escape that fatality which
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
attended their warriors in battle, they began to think,
either that they had never been commissioned, or that
the Great Spirit, for some unknown cause, had be-
come offended, and withdrawn his confidence.
The death of Monohoe, at the battle of Tohopeka,
is strongly illustrative of the infatuations under which
these deluded and ignorant people laboured. They
did not at all doubt, but, as their prophets had told
them, that having been spoiled of their hunting
grounds, they were again to re-occupy them through
the aid of a new people, who from beyond the great
waters were coming to assist in their recovery. A con-
fidence in what those soothsayers disclosed, would
also, they believed, produce the effect of protecting
and guarding them from wounds and injury when en-
gaged in battle. All those idle and marvellous stories
were confided in ; but when, at this battle, one of their
principal prophets fell, and by a cannon shot received
in the mouth, they adopted the opinion, that the cha-
racter of the wound was a judgment on his false pre-
tensions, and forthwith were departed from those
visions of faith which previously they had entertained.
Had Jackson been enabled, after his first battle with
the enemy, to have prosecuted the campaign, it might
have had a much earlier conclusion ; but although he
had, at the onset, obtained advantages from which
much benefit might have arisen, yet, from the want of
proper exertions on the part of the contractors, he was
halted, and compelled to retrace his steps back to his
first position. From the delays unavoidably met with
here, flowed those grievances which gave a check to
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 193
further operations. The winter, against which his
troops were ill provided, was fast approaching ; hard-
ships, and hunger, which were alrfeady pressing, with
a long fatiguing campaign in prospect, presented a
thousand imaginary difficulties, and excited discon-
tents, which presently broke out into open mutiny ; and
although the intention of the volunteers, to desert
the service, and retire home, had been prevented
by the stern and resolute conduct of their general,
yet were they thereby unfitted for the duties of the
fiield, because entire confidence was no longer to be
reposed. To venture with such troops, who, whilst the
tomahawk and scalping knife were uplifted, to wreak
vengeance on their devoted frontiers, were coolly con-
struing the effect and meaning of laws, was too unsafe
a reliance for a commander whose first object was
to impress on the minds of the savages the determina-
tion and strength of the government he represented.
It was adventuring too largely ; for, should defeat re-
sult, the difficulty of drawing a new army to the field,
would be increased; whilst that self-confidence in
troops, so necessary to complete success, would es-
sentially be lost It was believed to be the safer
course, to permit his discontented volunteers to de-
part, arid await the arrival of another force. These cir-
cumstances had a tendency to encourage the Indians,
and protract the war. Had the volunteers proceeded
with the animation and bravery which characterized
them in the battle they had just fought, they would
have gradually acquired a confidence which would
have rendered them an overmatch for Indian valour
and cunning ; whilst by one further successful effort,
they might have dispirited the enemy, and ended the
2B
194 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
campaign. But the arrival of a different description
of troops, and the confusion into which they were
thrown at the battle of Enotichopco, had encouraged
the savages, and induced them to think the contest by
no means a hazardous one. The despondency which
had resulted from their previous defeats, was from
that moment forgotten ; and, again inspirited, they
looked to the accomplishment of their object with
hopes of certainty even greater than before. Perhaps,
however, it was fortunate for ourselves that events
transpired in the way they did. Had peace been re-
stored in consequence of any early fears excited, it
might have lasted only until a favourable opportunity
occurred of again breaking it; but the war having
continued, until the hopes, the strength, and spirit of
the nation were exhausted, nothing serious is now to
be apprehended from any hostile disposition that may
hereafter be manifested. Other advantages will also
result. The uniform and uninterrupted successes ob-
tained over them, in all our battles, may impress the
minds, not only of these, but of the Indians generally
within our limits, with a higher reverence for the
character of our nation than they have hitherto been
disposed to entertain; give protection to our citizens,
and ensure that security to the government which the
mildness it has practised, and the tribute it has con-
stantly given them for their peace, has, heretofore,
never been able to effect ; they will tend to destroy
the influence held over them by other nations, and
bring them to a conviction, that the United States is
the only power whose hostility they should fear, or
whose friendship they should prize.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
It was now eight months since general Jackson had
left home, to arrest the progress of the Indian war ;
during most of which time he had been in a situation
of bodily infirmity that would have directed a prudent
man to his bed, instead of advancing to the field.
During this period, he had never seen his family, or
been absent from the army, except to visit the posts
in his rear, and arrange with his contractors some cer-
tain plan to guard against a future failure of supplies.
His health was still delicate, and rendered retirement
essential to its restoration ; but his uniformly success-
ful and good conduct, and the essential advantages he
had produced, had brought him too conspicuously be-
fore the public for any other sentiment to be indulged
than that he should be placed, with an important com-
mand, in the service of the United States*
The resignation of general Hampton enabled the
government, in a short time, to afford him an evidence
of the respect it entertained for his services and cha-
racter. A notice of IMS appointment as brigadier and
brevet major-general, was forwarded on the 22d of
May, from the war department General Harrison
having, about this time, for some cause, become dis-
satisfied with the conduct of the government towards
him, refused to be longer considered one of her mili-
tary actors ; to supply which vacancy, a commission
of major-general was forwarded to Jackson, which
reached him the day after the notification of his first
appointment, and before he had been enabled to re-
turn an answer whether or not it would be accepted.
The important services which he had rendered, added
to the rank which, under the authority of hi? state,
196 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
he had held, might well induce a doubt whether the
appointment first conferred was at all complimentary,
or one which, in justice to his own character, he could
have accepted. Whatever of objection there might or
could have arisen, on this subject, was removed by
the subsequent appointment of major-general, made
on the resignation of Harrison, and which was ac-
cepted.
The contest with the Indians being ended, the first
and principal object of the government was, to enter
into some definitive arrangement which should de-
prive of success any effort that might hereafter be
made, by other powers, to enlist those savages in their
wars. None was so well calculated to answer this end,
as that of restricting their limits, so as to cut off their
communication with British and Spanish agents in
East and West Florida.
No treaty of friendship or of boundary had yet been
entered into by the government with the Indians :
they remained a conquered people, and within the li-
mits, and subject to the regulations and restrictions
which had been prescribed in March, by general Jack-
son, when he retired from their country. He was now,
by the government, called upon to act in a new and
different character, and to negotiate the terms upon
which an amicable understanding should be restored
between the United States and these conquered In-
dians. But for the government to proceed on the prin-
ciples of equal and reciprocal treaty stipulations, was,
in reference to the expensive war imposed on them,
and the unprovoked manner in which it had been
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 197
begun, not to be expected. Those Indians had broken
without cause the treaty they had made, outraged hu-
manity, and murdered our imoflfending-citizens. Un-
der such circumstances, by the peace now to be con-
cluded, to negotiate with, and as heretofore recognize
them as an independent and sovereign people, com-
ported not with propriety, nor was demanded by any of
the ties of moral duty. General Jackson, therefore, was
directed to treat with them as a conquered people, and
to prescribe, not negotiate, the terms and conditions
of a peace. Colonel Hawkins, who for a considerable
time past, had been the agent to this nation, was also
associated in the mission. With the western people
the appointment was not acceptable, and much solici-
tude was felt from an apprehension of his influence
and weight of character amongst the Indians ; and a
fear that his partialities and sympathies might incline
him too much to their interest. Colonel Hawkins may
have been deceived, and may have founded his opin-
ions upon data presumed to be correct ; but when it
occurred to them that previously to the commence-
ment of hostilities, his repeated declarations had been,
that the Indians would maintain a rigid adherence to
their treaties, and remain at peace, they were far from
being satisfied that he should be connected in the ne-
gotiation contemplated to be entered into.
On the 10th of July, the general, with a small reti-
nue, reached the Alabama ; and on the 10th of August,
after some difficulty, succeeded in procuring the exe-
cution of a treaty, in which the Indians pledged them-
selves no more to listen to foreign emissaries, to hold
no communication with British or Spanish garrisons ;
198 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
guaranteed to the United States the right of erecting
military posts in their country, and a free navigation of
all their waters. They stipulated also, that they would
suffer no agent or trader to pass among them, or hold
any kind of commerce or intercourse with their nation,
unless specially deriving his authority from the presi-
dent of the United States.
The stipulations and exactions of this treaty were
in conformity with, instructions issued from the de-
partment of war, and differs in expression from what
has been usually contained in instruments of a similar
kind. It breathes the language of demand, not of con-
tract and agreement ; and hence has general Jackson
been censured for the manner after which the negoti-
ation was concluded. The course however, which was
pursued, is readily justified by the terms and expres-
sions of the order under which he acted, and which
prevented the exercise of discretion. General Arm-
strong, who at that time was in the cabinet, and spoke
the sentiments of the president, in a letter addressed
to Jackson on the 24th of March, uses the following
remarks. " It has occurred to me, that the proposed
treaty with the Creeks, should take a form altogether
military, and be in the nature of a capitulation; in
which case, the wiiole authority of making and con-
cluding the terms, will be in you exclusively as com-
manding general." Accompanying which were in-
structions formally drawn up, and which were to con-
stitute the basis on which the negotiation was to rest*
* In the instructions which issued from the department of war,
as the basis on which this treaty was to be concluded, it is enjoined
by the secretary to exact,
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 199
To settle the boundary, defining the extent of terri-
tory to be secured to the Creeks, and that which they
would be required to surrender, was attended with
difficulty, from the intrigues of the Cherokee nation,
who sought to obtain such an acknowledgment of their
lines as would give them a considerable portion of
country never attached to their claim. The Creeks
had heretofore permitted this tribe to extend its set-
tlements as low down the Coosa as the mouth of Wills'
creek. It was insisted now in private council, that
as they were about to surrender their country lying
on the Tennessee river, they should, previously to
signing the treaty, acknowledge the extension of the
Cherokee bpundary, which would secure their claim
against that of the United States. The only reply ob-
1st. An indemnification for expenses incurred by the United States
in prosecuting the war, by such cession of land as may be deemed an
equivalent for said expenses.
2d. A stipulation on their part that they will cease all intercourse
with any Spanish port, garrison or town ; and that they will not admit
amongst them any agent or trader who does not derive his authority
or license from the United States.
3d. An acknowledgment of the right of the United States to open
roads through their territory ; and also to establish such military posts
and trading houses as may be deemed necessary and proper ; and
4th. A surrender of the prophets and other instigators of the war,
to be held subject to the order of the president.
You are authorized, in conjunction with colonel Hawkins, to. open
and conclude a treaty of peace with the hostile Creeks, as soon, as
they shall express a desire to put an end to the war.
J. ARMSTRONG.
200 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
tained from the Creeks was in truly Indian spirit, that
they could not lie, by admitting what did not in reality
exist.
The United States might, without violence to those
feelings benevolence excites, have demanded entirely
their country, and either have treated the Indians as
vassals, and subjected them to legislative control, or
admitted them into their national compact, with such
rights of citizenship, as, from their peculiar habits of
life, they were calculated safely to enjoy ; but the hu-
mane and generous policy which had been sedulously
maintained in all transactions with the savages within
their limits, induced the government to require, in the
cession, only such portion of their country as might
prove a tendency to bar every avenue to foreign in*
trigue, and give additional strength to those sections of
the union, which, from their limited extent of territory
and consequent limited population, were unable to af-
ford sufficient supplies for the subsistence of an army,
or give a partial check to the inroads of an invading
enemy. The lines defined by the treaty were so ar-
ranged as fully to meet these objects. Sufficient ter-
ritory was acquired on the south to give security to
the Mobile settlements, and to the western borders of
Georgia, which had often felt the stroke of Indian ven-
geance and cruelty ; while at the same time was effect-
ed the important purpose of separating them from the
Seminole tribes and our unfriendly neighbours in Flo-
| rida. To the frontiers of Tennessee an assurance of
safety was given by the settlements which would be
afforded on the lands stretching along the Tennessee
river; whilst the extent of the cession, west of the
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 201
Coosa, would effectually cut off all communication with
the Chickasaws and Choctaws, and prevent, in future,
the passage of those emissaries from the north-western
tribes, who, during the present war, had so industrious-
ly fomented the discontents of the Creeks, and excited
them to hostility. It is a happy consideration, that
whilst these advantages w r ere obtained, no material in-
jury was done to those vanquished people. Their
country, extensive as it was, presented none of those
Inducements to the hunter, which could, as heretofore,
be relied on with certainty ; while, for all the purposes
of agriculture, the part reserved to them was more
than sufficient for fifty times the population which
their nation contained. It may appear plausible in theo-
ry, but practice will always disprove the idea, that the
civilization of Indians can be effected, whilst, scattered
through an immense wilderness, they are left to pur-
sue their vagrant wandering habits of life. Inured to
peculiar manners, from the earliest period of their
lives, it certainly would not answer to innovate at once
upon their ancient customs ; but, were their extensive
wilds gradually reduced, so, in proportion, would the
benefits resulting from hunting, and wandering through
the forest, subside, until prompted at last by necessi-
ty, they w r ould resort to industry and agriculture, as?
the only certain and lasting means of support, and thus
imperceptibly be forced into a different and more ad-
vantageous course of life.
Unwilling to resort to any other mode of living
than that to which they had been always accustomed;
and satisfied that the means of subsistence would be
lost in the surrender of their country, they remained
2c
202 UFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
obstinately opposed to every arrangement. Before
being finally acted upon, the treaty had been fully
debated in council, and the voice of the nation pro*
nounced against it. Jackson had already submitted
the views of his government, and npw met them in
council, to learn their determination. He was answer-
ed by the Big Warrior, a friendly chief, and one of the
first orators of the nation, who declared the reluctance
that was felt, in yielding to the demand, from a con?
viction of the consequences involved, and the dis-
tresses it must inevitably bring upon them. The firm
and dignified eloquence of this untutored orator,
evinced a nerve and force of expression, that might
not have passed unnoticed, had it been exhibited be-
fore a more highly polished assembly : the conclusion
of his speech is given, for the satisfaction of such as
can mark the bold display of savage genius, and ad-
mire it when discovered. Having unfolded the causes
that produced the war, told of their sufferings, and
admitted that they had been preserved alone by the
army which had hastened to their assistance, he
urged, that although in justice, it might be required
of them to defray, by a transfer of a portion of their
country, the expenses incurred, yet was the demand
premature, because the war was not ended, nor the
war party conquered ; they had only fled away, and
might yet return. He portrayed the habits of the In-
dians, and how seriously they would be affected by the
surrender required of them, and thus concluded :
v The president, our father, advises us to honesty
and fairness, and promises that justice shall be done :
I hope and trust it will be ! I made this war, which
tiFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 203
has proved so fatal to my country, that the treaty en-
tered into a long time ago, with father Washington,
might not be broken. To his friendly arm I hold fast-
I will never break that bright chain of friendship we
made together, and which bound us to stand to the
United States. He was a father to the Muscoga peo-
ple ; and not only to them, but to all the people be-
neath the sun. His talk I now hold in my hand.
There sits the agent he sent among us. Never has he
broken the treaty. He has lived with us a long time.
He has seen our children born, who now have children.
By his direction, cloth was wove, and clothes were
made, and spread through our country; but the Red
Sticks came, and destroyed all, we have none now.
Hard is our situation, and you ought to consider it.
I state what all the nation knows : nothing will I keep
secret
" There stands the Little Warrior. While we were
seeking to give satisfaction for the murders that had
been committed, he proved a mischief-maker ; he went
to the British on the lakes ; he came back, and brought
a package to the frontiers, which increased the mur-
ders here. This conduct has already made the war
party to suffer greatly : but, although almost destroy-
ed, they will not yet open their eyes, but are still led
away by the British at Pensacola. Not so with us :
we were rational, and had our senses we yet are so.
In the war of the revolution, our father beyond the
waters encouraged us to join him, and we did so. We
had no sense then. The promises he made were never
kept We were young and foolish, and fought with
him. The British can no more persuade us to do
204 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
wrong : they have deceived us once, and can deceive
us no more. You are two great people. If you go t
war, we will have no concern in it ; for we are not
able to fight. We wish to be at peace with every
nation. If they offer me arms, I will say to them, You
put me in danger, to war against a people born in our
own land They shall never force us into danger.
You shall never see that our chiefs are boys in coun-
cil, who will be forced to do any thing. I talk thus,
knowing that father Washington advised us never to
interfere in wars. He told us that those in peace were
the happiest people. He told us, that if an enemy at-
tacked him, he had warriors enough, and did not wish
his red children to help him. If the British advise us
to any thing, I will tell you not hide it from you. If
they say we must fight, I will tell them, No !"
The war party being not entirely subdued, was but
a pretext to avoid the demands which were made ;
presuming that if the council could break up, without
any thing being definitely done, they might, in part,
or perhaps altogether, avoid what was now required
of them to do ; but the inflexibility of the person with
whom they were treating, evinced to them, that how-
ever just and well founded might be their objections,
the policy under which he acted was too clearly de-
fined, for any abandonment of his demands to be at
all calculated upon. Shelocta, one of their chiefs, who
had united with our troops at the commencement of
the war ; who had marched and fought with them in
all their battles ; and had attached to himself strongly
the confidence of the commanding general, now ad-
dressed him. He told him of the regard he had ever
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 205'
felt for his white brothers, and with what zeal he had
exerted himself to preserve peace, and keep in friend-
ship with them ; when his efforts had failed, he had
taken up arms against his own country, and fought
against his own people ; that he was not opposed to
yielding the lands lying on the Alabama, which would
answer the purpose of cutting off any intercourse with
the Spaniards ; but the country west of the Coosa he
wished to be preserved to the nation.* To effect this,
he appealed to the feelings of Jackson ; told him of
the dangers they had passed together; and of his
faithfulness to him in the trying scenes through which
they had gone.
There were, indeed, none whose voice ought sooner
to have been heard than Shelocta's. None had ren-
dered greater services, and none had been more faith-
ful. He had claims, growing out of his fidelity, that
few others had : but his wishes were so much at vari-
ance with what Jackson considered the interest of his
country required, that he was answered without hesi-
tation. " You know," said he, " that the portion of
country which you desire to retain, is that through
which the intruders and mischief-makers from the
lakes reached you, and urged your nation to those
acts of violence that have involved your people in
wretchedness, and your country in ruin. Through it
leads the path Tecumseh trod, when he came to visit
you : that path must be stopped. Until this be done,
your nation cannot expect happiness, nor mine secu-
rity. I have already told you the reasons for de-
* This country west of the Coosa now forms the respectable state
of Alabama, admitted into the Union in the year 1819.
206 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON*
manding it : they are such as ought not cannot be
departed from. This evening must determine whe-
ther or not you are disposed to become friendly. By
rejecting the treaty you will show that you are the
enemies of the United States enemies even to your-
selves." He admitted it to be true, that the war was
not ended, yet that this was an additional reason why
the cession should be made ; that then a line would
be drawn, by which his soldiers would be enabled to
distinguish and know their friends. "When our ar-
mies," continued he, " came here, the hostile party
had even stripped you of your country : we retook it,
and now offer to restore it ; theirs we propose to re-
tain. Those who are disposed to give effect to the
treaty, will sign it. They will be within our territory ;
will be protected and fed ; and no enemy of theirs, or
ours, shall molest them. Those who are opposed to
it shall have permission to retire to Pensacola. Here
is the paper: take it, and show the president who are
his friends. Consult, and this evening let me know
who will assent to it, and who will not. I do not wish,
nor will I attempt to force any of you act as you
think proper."
They proceeded to deliberate and re-examine the
course they should pursue, which terminated in their
assent to the treaty, and the extension of those advan-
tages that had been insisted on.*
* It was agreed that the line should begin where the Cherokee
southern boundary crossed the Coosa, to run down that river to Woe-
tum-.ka, or the Big Falls, and thence eastwardly to Georgia. East
and north of this line, containing upwards of one hundred and fifty
thousand square miles, remained to the Indians. West and south was
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. , 207
In the progress of this business another difficulty
arose : the council insisted that there should be insert-
ed in the treaty a reservation of certain tracts of land ;
secured to the United States. There are few nations in the world,
that would have acted with such justice and lenity towards a van-
quished people. The country had been conquered and won, at con-
siderable expense and loss. Few governments, under such circum-
stances, would have done less than to have taken what best suited their
convenience, without attempting to bargain at all upon the subject;
more especially when the territory in question occupied a space of
more than two hundred miles, through which the western people,
seeking a market on the ocean, were, on their return home, under
the necessity of passing ; and where, for the want of accommodation,
numerous exposures and hardships were encountered. Scarcely,
however, had the treaty been entered into, when every tribe in the
neighbourhood, the Choctaws, Chickasaws and Cherokees, asserted
their claims, each, to a part of the cession. The latter set up a title to
the whole extent lying along the Tennessee river, and in the end suc-
ceeded in having it recognized by the government. The other two
tribes, gathering confidence from their success, came forward, and
were no less fortunate. The United States, to remove every ground
of complaint, opened a negotiation with these Indians, and purchased
their interest at the price that was demanded. When it is considered
that these claims were set up by inconsiderable clans, which might
at a word, have been hushed to silence, it affords the highest eulogy
on the justice and magnanimity of our government, that, instead of
attemping any exercise of its power, for the furtherance of its views,
their complaints were heard, and peaceably quieted, by paying them
the equivalent they required.
The liberality of the act is more apparent, when it is taken into
consideration, that the claim of the Creek Indians was unquestion-
ably the best. The coming of the other tribes to this section of coun-
try is capable of being traced by Indian traditional history. " Some
came from the west, beyond the great river Mississippi ; others from
the north;" but the same record knows nothing of the Creeks. So
far back as it extends, they are traced as the most numerous and war-
like of the southern tribes; and are spoken of "as coming out of the
208 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
one for colonel Hawkins, in consideration of his fideli-
ty to them as an agent ; and another to Jackson, be-
cause of the gratitude felt towards him for his exer-
tions in their favour against the hostile Creeks. To
this the general objected. It was personal as it re-
garded himself, and he was unwilling to appear in any
point of view, where suspicion could attach, that he
had availed himself of his official situation to obtain
personal benefits ; fully aware, that however the facts
might be, selfish considerations would be imputed as
an inducement to what was done. He refused, there-
fore, to have it inserted ; and for the further reason,
that the instructions under which he was acting, re-*
quired it to be a capitulation, not a treaty. The next
morning, however, when they met in council to sjgn the
instrument, the chiefs delivered to the general a paper,
expressing a wish, and disclosing their reasons, that a
ground." Possession, with Indians, is the only evidence of title.
Their country and individual possessions, always defined by natural
objects, belongs to the next, when once the first occupant has aban-
doned it. The tradition of their origin, reaching to a period long
anterior to the time when other tribes settled on their borders,
proves them to have been the first proprietors of the soil : the coun-
try was never abandoned by them : being the most warlike and pow-
erful, it could never have been wrested from them by conquest : the
conclusion follows, that they were evidently the rightful owners, and
that other tribes, as they allege, acquired a residence only through
their permission and indulgence. If, however, power, the legitimate
rule and national law in modern times, had been made the appeal be-
tween a government strong as the United States, and such inconsider-
able Indian hordes, there can be no question as to the manner the
difference might have been settled : yet the administration, rather
than leave themselves open even to suspicion, preferred and obtained
the title of these people at an expense of at least three hundred and
fifty thousand dollars. ~Let other nations, if they can, produce an
act, which, for justice and liberality, can be compared with this.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 209
reservation to himself colonel Hawkins, and May-
field, who being made a prisoner in his youth, had al-
ways resided in the nation, might be assented to ; antj
requested it to be forwarded on and made known to the
government. Jackson consented to do so, and to recom-
mend its adoption ; but that the reservation they had
thought proper to request, if assented to, he would
accept of on no other terms than that their father the
president should dispose of it, and apply the proceeds
to those of the nation on whom distress and poverty
had been brought by the war. Mr. Madison subse-
quently brought this matter to the consideration of the
Senate of the United States, and in recommending its
adoption, highly complimented the delicacy with which
the proposition had been met by general Jackson : it
was, however, never acted on and assented to by the
Senate.
Every attention had been given, during the
tiation, to impress on the minds of the savages -the
necessity of remaining at peace and in friendship with
the United States ; for, although all apprehensions of
their acting in concert as a nation had subsided, yet it
was important to leave their minds favourably impress-
ed, lest the wandering fugitives, scattered in consider-
able numbers towards the Escambia and Pensacola,
might, by continuing hostile, associate with them others
of their countrymen, attach themselves to the British,
should they appear in the south, aid them by their
numbers, and pilot them through the country.
This retreat of the savages in East Florida, had been
always looked upon as a place whence the United
210 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
States might apprehend serious difficulties to arise,
There was no doubt but that the British, through this
channel, with the aid of the governor, had protected
the Indians, and supplied them with arms and ammu*
nition ; nor was it less certain, but that through the
art and address practised on them, they had been ex-
cited to the outrages which had been heretofore con>
mitted. It was an idea entertained by Jackson, at the
commencement of the Creek war, that the proper and
best mode of procedure would be to push his army
through the nation ; gain this den, where vegetated so
many evils ; arid, by holding it, effectually cut off their
intercourse, and means of encouraging the war : but
the unexpected difficulties which we have before no-
ticed, had repressed the execution of his well-digested
plans, and left him to pursue his course as circumstan-
ces, and the obstacles met with, would permit. The
assistance which, during the war, had been continually
afforded these people from Pensaeola^ induced him
once more to turn his attention there ; and he now
strongly urged on government the propriety of attack-
ing and breaking down this strong hold, whence so many
evils had flowed, and whence greater ones were yet
to be expected. His busy mind, actively engaged,
while employed in settling all differences at Fort Jack-
son, had sought through every channel that could afford
it, information as to the designs of the British against
the southern parts of the Union. The idea had been
prevalent, and generally indulged, that, so soon as the
severity of approaching winter should put a stop
to active operations on the Canada frontier, with all
their disposable force, they would turn their attention
against the southern states, and the.re attempt to gain
LIFE OF GENERAL JAGKSO]\% 211
some decisive advantage. New Orleans, with one con-
sent, was fixed upon as the point that most probably
would be assailed. The circumstance of there being
so many persons there who have never been supposed
to entertain any well-founded regard for the country in
which they lived, together with a large black population,
which it was feared might be excited to insurrection
and massacre, through the persuasions of an enemy
who seemed to disregard all the laws of humanity,
were reasons which strongly led to this conclusion.
General Jackson having understood, that that com*
fort and aid which heretofore had been so liberally ex-
tended, was still afforded by the Spanish governor to
the hostile Indians, who had fled from the ravages of
the Creek war, cherished the belief that his conduct
was such as deservedly to exclude him from that pro-
tection to which, under other circumstances, he would
be entitled, from the professed neutrality of Spain. At
all events, if the improper acts of the Spanish agents
would not authorize the American government openly
to redress herself for the unprovoked injuries she had
received, they were such, he believed, as would justify
any course which had for its object to arrest their con-
tinuance and give safety to the country. In this point
of view he had already considered it, when on his way
to the treaty at Fort Jackson, he received certain in-
formation, that about three hundred English troops had
landed; were fortifying themselves at the mouth of the
Apalachicola ; and were endeavouring to excite the In-
dians to war. No time was lost in giving the government
notice of what was passing, and of the course, by him,
deemed most advisable to be pursued The advauta-
212 LIFE Or GENERAL JACKSON.
ges to be secured from the possession of PenSacola he
had frequently urged. Whether it was that the govern-
ment beheld things in a point of view different from
himself, or that being at peace with Spain, was dis-
posed to encounter partial inconveniences, rather than
add her to the number of our enemies, no order to that
effect was yet given. In detailing to the secretary of
war the information that had been communicated to
him, he remarks : "If the hostile Creeks have taken
refuge in Florida, and are there fed, clothed, and pro-
tected ; if the British have landed a large force, muni-
tions of war, and are fortifying and stirring up the
savages ; will you only say to me, raise a few hundred
militia, which can be quickly done, and with such re-
gular force as can be conveniently collected, make a
descent upon Pensacola, and reduce it ? If so, I pro-
mise you the war in the south shall have a speedy
termination, and English influence be forever destroy-
ed with the savages in this quarter."
Notwithstanding this and other information commu-
nicated to the government, yet, to his repeated and
pressing applications, he was unable to obtain any an-
swer : nothing was returned that could be construed
into- either a permission of, or command to abstain
from the execution of his project. At length, on the
17th of January, 1815, after the British army had been
repulsed at New Orleans, and the descent on Florida
almost forgotten, through the post office department,
dated at Washington City, the 18th of July, 1814, he
received the following letter from general Armstrong,
then secretary at war :
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.-
* The case you put is a very strong one : and if all
the circumstances stated by you unite, the conclusion
is irresistible. It becomes our duty to carry our arms
where we find our enemies. It is believed, and I am
so directed by the president to say, that there is a dis-
position on the part of the Spanish government, not
to break with the United States, nor to encourage any
conduct on the part of her subordinate agents having
a tendency to such rupture. We must, therefore, in
this case, be careful to ascertain facts, and even to
distinguish what, on the part of the Spanish authori-
ties, may be the effect of menace and compulsion, or
of their choice and policy : the result of this inquiry
must govern. If they admit, feed, arm, and co-operate
with the British and hostile Indians, we must strike on
the broad principle of self-preservation : under other
and different circumstances, we must forbear."
That the state of things, here suggested by the
secretary, did actually exist; that the British were
favourably received, and every assistance necessary to
a continuance of hostilities extended to the Indians,
the government had been already apprised, by the
frequent communications made to them on the subject.
The facts were too well ascertained for any reason*
able doubt to attach. To determine then upon a pro-
per eourse, no postulata were necessary, or should
have been required by the government. Had this
letter reached him in time, it would at once have $e*
termined general Jackson in the course to be purstied,
and on the execution of his design ; how it was so
long delayed, we know not, nor shall we pretend to
conjecture ; for on such a subject, conjecture alone
214 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
could be indulged. We would, however, recommend
in all cases, where a measure is to be proceeded in^
either from necessity, or a well-founded apprehension
of jts propriety, that the government should adopt it
without fear or trembling, and from no regard to the
consequences involved; nor leave to be determined
by the success or failure of the design, whether an
officer acting upon his own responsibility, and for the
good of his country, shall become the subject of com-
mendation or reproof.
" If," remarked the general, speaking of this trans*
action, "this letter, or any hint that such a course
would have been even winked at by the government,
had been received, it would have been in my power to
have captured the British shipping in the bay. I
would have marched at once against Barrancas, and
carried it, and thus prevented any escape ; but, act-
ing on my own responsibility against a neutral
power, it became essential for me to proceed with
more caution than my judgment or wishes approved,
and consequently important advantages were lost,
which might have been secured." The delay of the
letter is inexplicable and strange. Did general Arm-
strong detain it ? He could not, because his efficiency
of character and decision stand in opposition to the
idea ; and, besides, after the burning of Washington, in
August 1814, he ceased to have any agency in the
affairs of the government. It is a circumstance which,
during this time, could not have remained under the
control of accident : it must have been the effect of
management somewhere, and of a design intended for
some important purpose ; if any mishaps occurred, and
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 215
a question arose where responsibility should rest, the
absence of authority would readily affix it on Jackson.
If our cause had proven disastrous at New Orleans,
it would have been an easy and plausible matter to
have ascribed it to the time lost in waging operations
against a neutral and friendly power, without tlie sanc-
tion of the government.
On arriving at Fort Jackson, his first attention had
been directed to a subject which he believed to be of
greater importance than making Indian treaties to
establish a plan by which to be constantly advised,
during his stay, of those schemes that were in agita-
tion in the south : believing that every passing event
might be readily obtained through the Indians, who
could go among the British without in the least ex-
citing suspicion, he had required colonel Hawkins to
procure some who were confidential, and might be
certainly relied on, to proceed to the Apalachicola,
and towards the coast, and to return as early as they
could obtain correct information of the strength, views,
and situation of the enemy. In about fifteen days they
came back, confirming the statement previously re-
ceived, that a considerable English force had arrived,
and was then in the bay of St. Rose; that muskets and
ammunition had been given to the Indians, and run- '
ners despatched to the different tribes to invite them
to the coast.
Satisfied that such permissions, by a neutral power,
were too grievous to be borne, he immediately ad-
dressed a letter to the governor of Pensacola, appris-
ing him of the information received; and enquiring
216 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
why and wherefore it happened that every protection
and assistance was furnished the enemies of the
United States, within his territory ; requested him to
state whether or not the facts were as they had been
represented; and demanded to have surrendered to
him such of the chiefs of the hostile Indians as were
with him. " I rely," continued he, " on the existing
friendship of Spain, her treaties and that neutrality
ivhich she should observe, as authority for the de-
mand I make." The governor's answer, which shortly
afterwards was received, evinced nothing of a con-
ciliatory temper, and left no hope of procuring any
other redress than that which might be obtained
through some different channel. It was a subject, how-
ever, which required to be managed with considerable
caution. Spain and the United States were in amity
and at peace; to reduce any portion of her territory,
and take possession of it, in exclusion of her authority,
might be construed such an aggression, as to induce
her into the war. On the other hand, for her, with
open arms, to receive our enemies, and permit them
to make every preparation within her ports, for in-
vading and attacking our country, were outrages too
monstrous to be borne, and, in the opinion of Jackson,
required to be remedied, let the consequences in pro-
spective be what they might. Although these things
had been earnestly pressed upon the consideration of
the war department, no answer to his repeated solici-
tations on the subject had been received. On his pwn
responsibility, to advance to the execution of a mea-
sure, which involved so much, when his government
was, and had for some time been, in possession of all
the circumstances, was risking too much. Yet, were
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 217
it delayed longer, every day might give to Pensacola
additional strength, and increase the danger attendant
on its reduction. Undetermined, under considerations
like these, he resolved upon another expedient to
despatch a messenger, to lay open to the governor the
ground of his complaint obtain from him a declara-
tion of his intention, as regarded the course he meant
to adopt, and pursue and ascertain whether he de-
signed to make subsisting treaties between the two
nations the basis of his conduct, or to pursue a strange
and concealed course, which, under the garb of pre-
tended friendship, cloaked all the realities of war. The
propriety of delivering up the hostile Indians, who
were with him, to atone for the violation of existing
treaties, and the rights of humanity, and the murders
they had committed, was again pressed and solicited.
A reply was not concluded on by the governor for
some time, owing to a very considerable doubt that
harassed his mind, whether it would not be more pro-
per to return it without an answer, "in imitation of
the conduct of general Flournoy, who, acting in con-
formity to the orders of Mr. Madison, heretofore had
omitted to answer a despatch of his." But having con*
sidered the matter quite maturely and deliberately, he
at length came to the conclusion, to wave the exam-
ple set him by the president, and in replying to, act in
obedience to those " high and generous feelings pecu-
liar to the Spanish character."
In answer to the demand made upon him, that the
hostile Indians should be delivered up, he denied that
they were with him, " at that time," or that he could,
2 E
218 LIFE OF GENEItAL JACKSON;
on the ground of hospitality, refuse them assistance^
at a moment when their distresses were so great ; nor
could he surrender them, as he believed, without act-
ing in open violation of the laws of nations, laws, to
which his sovereign had ever strictly adhered, and of
which he had already afforded the United States abun-
dant evidence, in omitting to demand of them " the
traitors, insurgents, incendiaries, and assassins of his
chiefs^ namely, Guiterres, Toledo, and many others,
whom the American government protected and main-
tained in committing hostilities, in fomenting the revo-
lution, and in lighting up the flames of discord in the
internal provinces of the kingdom of Mexico."
To the inquiry, why the English had been suffered
to land in his province arms and ammunition, with a
view to encouraging the Indians in their acts of hos-
tility* he proceeded with his same " national charac-
teristic," and demanded to be informed if the United
States were ignorant, that at the conquest of Florida,
there was a treaty between Great Britain and the
Creek Indians, and whether they did not know, that it
still*existed between Spain and those tribes ? " But,"
continued he, " turn your eyes to the island of Barra-
taria, and you will there perceive, that within the very
territory of the United States, pirates are sheltered
and protected, with the manifest design of committing
hostilities by sea, upon the merchant vessels of Spain ;
and with such scandalous notoriety, that the cargoes
of our vessels, taken by them, have been publicly sold
in Louisiana."
It is difficult to discover how, or by what system of
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 219
logic it was, that governor Manrequez was enabled to
trace any kind of analogy between the United States
affording to a few of the patriots of South America
an asylum from the oppressions and persecutions that
were threatened to be imposed on them by Spanish ty-
ranny, and his permitting within the limits of Florida,
comfort, aid, and assistance to be given the savages, that
they might the better be enabled to indulge in cruelty
towards us. Nor can it be perceived how it was, that
the piracies of Lafite and his party at Barrataria, and
the successful smuggling which brought their plunder-
ed wealth into port, in open defiance of our laws, could
operate as a sufficient pretext for giving protection
and indulgence to an enemy entering the territory of
Spain, and continuing there, with the avowed inten-
tion of waging war against a power with which she
not only professed to be in friendship, but was bound
by treaty to be so, and at the very time too, when she
claimed to be neutral. Nor can we see the force of
the argument, because England had a treaty with the>;
Creek Indians, which afterwards devolved on Spain-,
that the agents of his Catholic majesty were in conse-
quence, justified in protecting the savages in their
murders, or assisting covertly, as they did, in the war
against us : how the conclusions were arrived at, the
governor can decide at some moment, when reliev*-
ed from those high and honourable feelings, " pecu-
liar to the Spanish character," reason may re-assert
her empiry over him, and point the manner he was en*
abled to produce his strange results.
The governor, however, had evidenced rather too
high a state of feeling, and taken his ground without
220 ttFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
suffering his reflections to go to their full extent. He
had placed arms in the hands of the savages, " for the
purposes of self-defence ;" many of them were hasten-
ing to him, more were yet expected. The British
had already landed a partial force, and a greater one
was shortly looked for. Against this certain and ex-
pected strength, added to what his own resources
could supply, he believed an American general would
not venture to advance. These considerations had led
him to assume a proud and lofty tone, to arraign the
conduct of the United States, in extinguishing the In-
dian title on the Alabama, to accuse them of disre-
garding and violating their treaties, and to point out
the danger to which the restoration of peace in Europe
might shortly expose them. As yet he was ignorant
of the energy of the man already near his borders, and
who, to march against and break down his fancied se-
curity, did not desire to be ordered, but only to be ap-
prised by his country that it might be done. Jackson,
in no wise pleased with the boldness of his remarks,
proceeded again to address him, and exhibited fully
the grounds of accusation and complaint in behalf of
his country, and in a style at least as courtly as his own.
" Where I clothed," he remarks, " with diplomatic
powers, for the purpose of discussing the topics em-
braced in the wide range of injuries of which you com-
plain, and which have long since been adjusted, I could
easily demonstrate that the United States have been
always faithful to their treaties, steadfast in their friend-
ships, nor have ever claimed any thing that was not
warranted by justice. They have endured many in-
sults from the governors and other officers of Spain ?
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 221
which, if sanctioned by their sovereign, would have
amounted to acts of hostility, without any previous
declaration on the subject. They have excited the
savages to war, and afforded them the means of waging
it : the property of our citizens has been captured at
sea, and if compensation has not been refused, it has
at least been withheld. But as no such powers have
been delegated to me, I shall not assume them, but
leave them to the representatives of our respective
governments.
" I have the honour of being entrusted with the com-
mand of this district. Charged with its protection,
and the safety of its citizens, I feel my ability to dis-
charge the task, and trust your excellency will always
find me ready and willing to go forward, in the perform-
ance of that duty, whenever circumstances shall ren-
der it necessary. I agree with you, perfectly, that
candour and polite language should, at all times, cha-
racterize the communications between the officers of
friendly sovereignties ; and I assert, without the fear
of contradiction, that my former letters were couched
in terms the most respectful and unexceptionable. I
only requested, and did not demand, as you have as-
serted, that the ringleaders of the Creek confederacy
might be delivered to me, who had taken refuge in your
town, and who had violated all laws, moral, civil, and
divine. This I had a right to do, from the treaty
whjch I sent you, and which I now again enclose, with
a request that you will change your translation ; be-
lieving, as I do, that your former one was wrong, and
has deceived you. What kind of an answer you re-
turned, a reference to your letter will explain. The
222 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
whole of it breathed nothing but hostility, grounded
upon assumed facts, and false charges, and entirely
evading the inquiries that had been made.
" I can but express my astonishment at your pro-
test against the cession on the Alabama, lying within
the acknowledged limits and jurisdiction of the United
States, and which has been ratified in due form, by the
principal chiefs and warriors of the nation. But my
astonishment subsides, when, on comparison, I find it
upon a par with the rest of your letter and conduct ;
taken together, they afford a sufficient justification for
any course on my part or consequences that may en-
sue to yourself. My government will protect every
inch of her territory, her citizens and their property,
from insult and depredation, regardless of the politi-
cal revolutions of Europe ; and although she has been
at all times sedulous to preserve a good understanding
with all the world, yet she has sacred rights, that can-
not be trampled upon with impunity. Spain had bet-
ter look to her own intestine commotions, before she
walks forth in that majesty of strength and power,
which you threaten to draw down upon the United
States.
" Your excellency has been candid enough to admit
your having supplied the Indians with arms. In ad-
dition Jto this, I have learned that a British flag has
been seen flying on one of your forts. All this is done
whilst you are pretending to be neutral. You cannot
be surprised, then, but on the contrary will provide a
fort in your town for my soldiers and Indians, should
I take it in my head to pay you a visit.
LTFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 223
" In future, I beg you to withhold your insulting
charges against my government for one more inclined
to listen to slander than I am ; nor consider me any
more as a diplomatic character, unless so proclaimed
to you from the mouths of my cannon."
Captain Gordon, who had been despatched to Pen-
sacola, had been enabled, during the time he remained
there, to obtain much more full and satisfactory infor-
mation than it had pleased the governor to communi-
cate. Appearances completely developed the schemes
which were in agitation, and convinced him that active
operations were intended shortly to be commenced
somewhere in the lower country. On his return, he
reported to the general that he had seen from one hun- ,
dred and fifty to two hundred officers and soldiers, a ^
park of artillery, and about five hundred Indians, under
the drill of British officers, armed with new muskets,
and dressed in the English uniform.
Jackson directly brought to the view of the govern-
ment the information he had received, and again urged
his favourite scheme, the reduction of Pensacola.
"How long," he observed, "will the United States
pocket the reproach and open insults of Spain ? It is
alone by a manly and dignified course, that we can
secure respect from other nations, and peace to our
own. Temporizing policy is not only a disgrace, but
a curse to any nation. It is a fact that a British cap-
tain of marines is and has for some time past been en-
gaged in drilling and organizing the fugitive Creeks,
under the eye of the governor ; endeavouring, by his
influence and presents, to draw to his standard as well
224 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSOJT,
the peaceable as the hostile Indians. If permission
had been given me to march against this place twenty
days ago, I would, ere this, have planted there the
American Eagle; now, we must trust alone to our
valour, and to the justice of our cause. But my pre-
sent resources are so limited a sickly climate as well
35 an enemy to contend with, and without the means
of transportation to change the position of my army,
that, resting on the bravery of my little phalanx, I can
only hope for success."
Many difficulties -were presented; and, although
anxious to carry into execution a purpose which
seemed so strongly warranted by necessity, he saw
that he was wholly without the power of moving, even
should he be directed to do so. Acting in a remote
corner of the union, which was detached and thinly in-
habited, the credit of his government was inadequate
to procure those things necessary and essential to his
operations ; while the poverty of his quarter-master's
department presented but a dreary prospect for re-
liance. But to have all things in a state of readiness
for action, when the time should arrive to authorize it,
he was directing his attention in the way most likely
to effect it. The warriors of the different tribes of
Indians were ordered to be marshalled, and taken into
the pay of the government. He addressed himself to
the governors of Tennessee, Louisiana, and the Mis-
sissippi territory, and pressed them to be vigilant in
the "discharge of their duties. Information, he said,
had reached him, which rendered it necessary that all
the forces allotted for the defence of the seventh mili-
tary district, should be held in a state of perfect rea-
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 225
diriess, to march at any notice, and to any point they
might be required. " Dark and heavy clouds hover
around us. The energy and patriotism of the citizens
of your states must dispel them. Our rights, our liber-
ties, and free constitution, are threatened. This noble
patrimony of our fathers must be defended with th
best blood of our country : to do this, you must hasten
to carry into effect the requisition of the secretary of
war, and call forth your troops, without delay."
On the day after completing his business at Fort
Jackson, he had departed for Mobile, to place the
country in a proper state of defence. The third regi-
ment, a part of the forty-fourth and thirty-ninth, con-
stituted entirely the regular forces he could at this
time command. Many reasons concurred to render it
necessary that a sufficient force should be brought into
the field as early as possible. His appeals to the peo-
ple of Tennessee had been generally crowned with
success ; and he had no doubt but that he might yet
obtain from them such assistance as would enable him,
should any unexpected emergency arise, to act at least
defensively, until the states already applied to should
have their quotas ready for the field. On the citizens
of Louisiana and Mississippi he believed he might se-
curely rely, and that their ardour would readily excite
them to contend with an enemy at their very doors.
Well knowing the delay incident to bringing militia
requisitions expeditiously forth, and fearing that some
circumstance might arise to jeopardize the safety of
the country, before the constituted authorities could
act, he had already despatched his adjutant-general,
colonel Butler, to Tennessee, with orders to raise vo-
2F
226 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
lunteers, and have them in readiness to advance to his
relief, whenever it should be required.
Every day's intelligence tended to confirm the Be-
lief that a descent would be made, most probably on
New Orleans. Anonymous letters, secretly forwarded
from Pensacola, and which found their way into the
American camp, suggested this as the point of assault;
and many of the settlers were apprised by their friends,
of the fears entertained for their safety, and entreated
to retire from the gathering storm, which, it was feared,
WQuld soon burst and entirely involve the lower coun-?
try in wo and ruin. Where certainly to expect attack,
was as yet unknown. The part of the country bor-
dering on Mobile might be assailed ; yet, taking in-
to consideration that no very immediate or decided
advantages could be obtained there, it was an event
not much to be apprehended. The necessity, howev-?
r, of being prepared at all points, so far as the means
of defence could be procured, was at once obvious ;
for, as the general, in one of his letters remarked,
" there was no telling where or when the spoiler might
come."
There were now too many reasons to expect an
early visit, and too many causes to apprehend danger,
not to desire that an efficient force might be within
convenient distance. Colonel Butler was accordingly
written to, and ordered to hasten forward with the
volunteers he could procure, and to join him with-*
out delay. The order reached him at Nashville, on
the 9th of September, and he forthwith engaged ac-,
tively in its execution. He directly applied to genet
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 227
ral Coffee, to advance with the mounted troops he could
collect. A general order was at the same time issued,
bringing to view the dangers that threatened, and so-
liciting those who were disposed to aid in protecting
their country from invasion, to unite with him at Fay-
etteville, by the 28th instant. The appeal was not in-
effectual : although the scene of operation was at least
four hundred miles from the point of rendezvous, the
call was promptly obeyed ; and two thousand able-bo-
died men, well supplied with rifles andmtiskets, appear-
ed at the appointed time and place, to march with the
brave general Coffee, who had so often led his troops
to victory and honour. Colonel Butler, with his usual
activity and industry, hastened to meet and press for-
ward the militia under the command of colonel Lowe-
ry, which had been heretofore required for garrison-
ing the posts in the Indian country ; whilst captains
Baker and Butler, with the regular forces lately enlist-
ed, advanced from Nashville to Mobile, where they
arrived in fourteen days. By proper exertions every
thing was presently in complete readiness ; and the
troops collected for the campaign, in high spirits, set
out for the point to which danger, duty, and their coun-
try called them.
CHAPTER VII.
Colonel Nicholls arrives at Pensacola and issues a proclamation to the
southern inhabitants. Attack on Fort Bowyer^ and loss of the Her-
mes. Jackson determines to reduce Pensacola. Demands of the gov-
ernor an explanation of his conduct ; his answer. Enters and takes
possession of Pensacola. -Conduct and perfidy of the governor. De-
struction by the British of Barrancas Fort. Our troops return to Mo-
bile. Expedition against the Indians. General Winchester arrives,
and Jackson proceeds to take command of New Orleans.
WHETHER a force were thus concentrating to act de-
fensively against an invading enemy, or were intended
to attack and reduce the rallying point of the Indians
and British in the Spanish territory, whence they had
it in their power to make sudden inroads on any part of
our coast, as yet all was conjecture. It was a trait in
Jackson's character, to lock closely in his bosom all
his determinations : it was only to a few, on whom he
reposed with unlimited confidence, that the least inti-
mation was at any time given of his intentions. The
idea could scarcely be entertained, that at this time
any hostility was meditated against Pensacola. The
frequent applications he had made to the war depart-
ment, to be indulged in the execution of this purpose,
without having obtained any directions or permission
to do so, had placed a veto on the project, unless he
should venture to assume and risk it on his own respon-
sibility.
It was impossible he should remain long in doubt r
as to the course best calculated to assure defence, or
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 229
to the ulterior objects of the enemy. Colonel Nicholls,
with a small squadron of his Britannic majesty's ships,
had arrived the latter part of August, and taken up
his head-quarters with governor Manrequez. He was
an Irishman, sent in advance by his royal master to
sow dissentions among our people, and to draw around
his standard the malcontents and traitors of the coun-
try. His proclamation, issued to the western and
southern inhabitants, full of well-turned periods, false
statements, and high sounding promises, it was hoped
would lead them to a belief, that the government un-
der which they lived was forging for them chains ;
that, not to redress any injuries of its own, but through
the mere dictum of the French emperor, it had de-
clared war against a power, the freest, the happiest,
the most moral and religious on earth. He stated,
that he was at the head of a force amply sufficient to
reinstate them in those liberties and enjoyments of
which they had been bereaved, by the designs of " a
contemptible few." That such as were disposed to
imbrue their hands in the blood of their countrymen,
might not quietly rest, doubting of the assurances
proffered them, he concluded by tendering, as security
for all he had said and promised, " the sacred honour
of a British officer."* Perhaps he could have vouch-
safed nothing that the American people would not
have sooner relied on : it was a pledge in which past
experience told them they could not in safety confide.
To them it was a matter of surprise, that a country
* See note A, at the end of the volume, where will be found this
most extraordinary production of a British officer who acted, no
wider instructions received from his government
230 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
from which they had learned all they had ever known
or felt of oppression, should come to make them freer
than they were ; or that, groaning themselves under a
load of taxes, from which there was scarcely a hope
of being ever relieved, they should come, with such
apparent compassion, and great benevolence, to take
away the burdens of those whom they despised, and
on whom, for forty years, they had heaped nothing
but contumely and reproach. Where it was this agent
of Britain learned, that the citizens of the United
States complained of burdens, heavily and unjustly
imposed, we know not ; satisfied, however, are we, that
it was a murmur never breathed by the people at large.
They had encountered privations, and borne the " brunt
of war ;" yet felt no solicitude that it should cease,
until the assailed honour and independence of their
country should be secured on a basis firmer than be-
fore.
He had waited about two weeks, that his proclama-
tion might take effectual hold, and prepare the inhabi-
tants to open their bosoms to receive him, when this
delivering hero, aided by his Indian and Spanish allies,
set out, to ascertain the effect it had wrought. His
first visit was to Fort Bowyer, situated on the extreme
end of a narrow neck of land, about eighteen miles
below the head of Mobile bay, and which commanded
the entrance. With the loss of one of his ships, and
an eye, he had the mortification to learn, that he had
been addressing an incorrigible race, who could be
neither duped, flattered, nor forced into submission.
Fort Bowver had been heretofore abandoned ; and,
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 231
until the arrival of general Jackson in this section of
the country, was indeed ill calculated for serious re-
sistance. On perceiving its importance, he immedi-
ately caused it to be placed in the best possible state
of defence. So effectual was its situation in a military
point of view, as commanding the passes of those riv-
ers which discharged themselves into the bay, and
which opened directly to the Indian country, that it
was with him a matter of surprise it had not been more
regarded by the United States, and even better attend-
ed to by our enemies*
Major Lawrence had the honour to command this
spot, the gallant defence of which has given it cele-
brity, and raised him to an elevated stand in the esti-
mation of his country. That at Pensacola, plans of
operation were digesting, which had for their object an
invasion of our coast somewhere, was a fact to which
Lawrence was not a stranger. A disposition to have
his little fortress in such a state of readiness, as would
place it in his power, should that be their object, to
make a successful and brave defence, had prompted
him to the most vigorous exertions. His whole strength
was but one hundred and thirty men. By this Spar-
tan band was evinced a confidence in each other, and
an unshaken resolution, which left their brave comman-
der no room to apprehend dishonour to his flag, even
should defeat result.
The 12th of September determined all doubt of the
object which the British had in view. The sentinels
brought intelligence that a considerable force, consist-
ing of Indians, marines, and Spaniards, had landed ;
232 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
and the same day two brigs and sloops hove in sight
of the fort, and anchored not far distant.
The next day a demonstration was made by those
who had been landed, to bring on the attack ; but a
fire from the fort forced them from their position, and
compelled them to retire about two miles ; whence, at-
tempting to throw up fortifications, they were again
made to retreat.
*
For a few days nothing definitive took place. Early
on the morning of the 15th, the signals passing from
the ships to the shore, led Lawrence to believe an as-
sault was intended, and would shortly be made. At
half after four o'clock in the evening, every thing be-
ing arranged, the Hermes, in the van, commanded by
sir W. H. Percy, and the other vessels close in the
rear, anchored within musket shot fire of the fort.
From her near position, supported by the Caron, and
brigs Sophia and Anaconda, mounting in all ninety
guns, she opened a broadside. Colonel Nich oils and
captain Woodbine at the head of their detachment,
commenced a simultaneous attack by land, with a
twelve pound howitzer, at point blank distance ; but,
from their sand bank fortifications they were so quick-
ly driven as to be unable to produce the slightest in-
jury.
The action raged with considerable violence. From
the fort and ships was pouring a continual fire. The
Hermes having at length received a shot through her
cable, was driven from her anchorage and floated with
the stream. In this situation she was thrown into a
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON, 233
position, where, for twenty minutes, she received a se*
verely raking fire, which did her considerable damage.
In her disabled condition it was no longer possible to
controul her, whence, drifting with the current, she
ran upon a sand bank about seven hundred yards dis-
tant, where, until late at night, she remained exposed
to the guns of the fort. Her commander, finding it
impracticable to be relieved, set her on fire, and aban-
doned her. She continued burning until eleven o'clock,
when she blew up. The Caron, next in advance to
the Hermes, was considerably injured, and with diffi*
culty went out to sea.
It is worthy of remark, to show the difference in
battle, between the two combatants, to mark the con*
duct of British and American officers, under circum-
stances precisely similar. Whilst the battle raged,
the flag of the van ship was carried away, and at this
moment she had ceased to fire. What had caused its
disappearance, none could tell : no other opinion was,
or could with propriety be entertained, than that it
had been hauled down, with a view to yield the con-
test, and surrender. Influenced by this belief, Law-
rence, with a generosity characteristic of our officers,
immediately desisted from further firing. The appear-
ance of a new flag, and a broadside from the ship next
the Hermes, was the first intelligence received that
such was not the fact; and the contest again raged
with renewed violence. It was but a few minutes,
however, before the flag staff of the fort was also car-
ried away : but so far from pursuing the same gene-
rous course that had just been witnessed, the zeal of
the enemy was increased, and the assault more fu-
234 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
riously urged. At this moment, Nicholls and Woodbine,
at the head of their embattled train, perceiving what
had happened, that our " starrspangled banner" had
sunk, at once presuming all danger to have subsided,
made a most courageous sally from their strong hold ;
and, pushing towards their vanquished foes, were al-
ready calculating on a rich harvest of blood and plun-
der : but a well-directed fire checked their progress,
dissipated their expectations, and drove them back,
with a rapidity even surpassing the celerity of their
advance.
Taking into consideration, the inequality of force;
employed on opposite sides of this contest, it will ap-
pear a matter of surprise, that the attack should have
terminated in the way it did ; that it was not attend-
ed with success to our enemy. This circumstance
would be a sufficient evidence of the bravery and cor-
rect conduct of its gallant defenders, where there a
total absence of all other facts ; but their belief, that
the best way to avoid disaster was to be in a state of
readiness to meet it, and a constant assiduity, which
urged them forward, day and night, that they might
be in a situation calculated for successful defence, are
facts remembered, and entitle them to the highest com-
mendation. From the bay, the attack was waged with
)a force of six hundred men, and ninety guns, of larger
caliber than any opposed to them ; whilst upwards of
four hundred Indians and other troops were on the
) shore, in rear of the fort Lawrence's strength was
Scarcely a tenth of the enemy's. His fort, hastily pre-
ared for defence, with not more than twenty guns,
ill calculated for stubborn resistance; most of
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 235
these were of small caliber, whilst many, from being
badly mounted, were capable of rendering no essential
service in the action : yet, with this great inequality,
he well maintained the honour of his flag, and com-
pelled the enemy, resting in full confidence of success,
to retire, with the loss of their best ship, and two hun-
dred and thirty men killed and wounded; whilst the
loss sustained by the Americans did not exceed ten.
Very different were the feelings of the leaders
of this expedition, from what had been entertained
on setting out from Pensacola, where every thing
had been prepared for giving success to their plans,
and where scarcely a doubt was entertained of the.
result Numerous benefits were expected to arise
from a victory, not in expectancy, but already looked
to as certain as an event that could not fail. From
it, greater facility would be given to their operations ;
while Mobile, it was expected, would fall, of course.
This being effected, independent of the strong hold
already possessed in Florida, an additional advantage
would be acquired, calculated to prevent all inter-
course with New Orleans, from this section of the
country, enable them more easily to procure supplies,
and, having obtained their expected reinforcements,
piloted and aided by the Indians, to proceed across to
the Mississippi, and cut off all communication with the
western states. To render the blow effectual, was im-
portant ; that, by impressing at once the inhabitants
with an idea of their strength, and prowess, the pro-
clamations already disseminated might claim a stronger
influence on doubting minds. The force employed,
and its disposition, was calculated to attain these
236 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON,
wished for results. While the attack should be fu-
riously waged by the ships from the bay, and the forces
on the shore* the yells of three or four hundred sa-
yages in the rear^ it was calculated would strike the
defenders of this fort with such panic, as to make
them, at the first onset, throw down their arms, and
clamour for mercy, This belief was so sanguinely
indulged, that obstinate resistance had never been
thought of. Different was the reality instead of tri-
umph, they had met defeat The only badges of vic-
tory they could present their friends, with whom, but
a few days before, with flattering promises they had
parted, were shattered hulks, that could scarcely keep
above the water, and decks covered with the dead
and wounded.
The three vessels that retired from the contest
were considerably injured, and with difficulty pro-
ceeded to sea, leaving Nicholls and Woodbine, with
their friends and allies, on the shore, to make good
their retreat, as danger and discretion should permit.
On the morning of the 14th, Jackson, fearing, from
every thing he had learned, that an attack would be
made, had set out in a boat from Mobile, to visit Fort
Bowyer, examine its situation, and have such arrange-
ments made as would add to its strength, and obtain
that security which its re-establishment had been de-
signed to effect He had proceeded down the bay,
and arrived within a few miles of the place, when he
met an express from Lawrence, bringing intelligence
of the enemy's arrival, and requesting that assistance
might be immediately sent to his relief. The general
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSO& 23?
hastened back, and reaching Mobile late at night,
spatched a brig, with eighty men, under the command
of captain Laval. Not being able to reach his point of
destination, until the next day, and finding every
place of entrance blocked up by the besiegers, he ran
his brig to the land, determined to remain there until
night, when, under cover of its darkness, he hoped to
succeed in throwing into the fort himself and the re-
inforcement under his command. The battle, how-
ever, having in the mean time commenced, presented
new difficulties, and restrained the execution of his
purpose, unless he should venture to encounter greater
hazard than prudence seemed to sanction. The Her-
mes, on being driven from her anchorage, had, at the
time of her explosion, floated and grounded in a direo
tion, which, from the position she occupied, placed
her immediately in rear of the Fort. This circum-
stance well accounted for the mistake with which he
was impressed, and led captain Laval to suppose that
tyis brave countrymen had all perished. Believing
they would now attempt to carry his vessel, he set
sail for Mobile, and reported to the commanding ge-
neral the destruction and loss that had happened.
Jackson declared it was impossible; that he had heard
the explosion, and was convinced it was on the water,
and not on the shore. Perhaps his great anxiety,
more than any reality, had constituted this refined and
essential difference in sound. If, however, the disas-
ter communicated were as it was reported, his own
situation being thereby rendered precarious, some-
thing was necessary to be done to repair the loss, and
regain a place, for many reasons too important to be
yielded, His principal fears were, lest the strength
238 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
of the enemy should be greatly increased, before his
expected reinforcements could arrive, who would be
thereby enabled to extend his inroads, and paralyze
the zeal of the country. It was not a time for much
deliberation as to the course most advisable to be pur-
sued. He determined at all hazard to retake the fort ;
and to that end a general order was issued for the
departure of the troops. Every thing was nearly in
readiness, when a despatch arrived from Lawrence,
proclaiming the pleasing intelligence, that all was
safe, and that the enemy, beaten and vanquished, had
retired.
The conduct displayed by the officers and soldiers
of this garrison, is worthy to be remembered. With
troops wholly undisciplined, and against an enemy ten
times more numerous than themselves, so coolly and
fearlessly contending, is a circumstance so flattering
that we cannot wish our country better, than that the
future defenders of her honour, and violated rights,
may be as sensibly alive to their duty r and act with a
like determined bravery.
The British had now retired to Pensacola, to dis-
pose of their wounded, refit their vessels, and be ready,
as soon as circumstances would permit, to make, per-
haps, another descent, on some less guarded point. So
long as this, their only place of refuge and retreat on
the southern coast, was left in their possession, it was
impossible to calculate on the consequences that might
arise. The commanding general entertained a suspi-
cion that this was merely a feint, and that the object
of their wishes and designs, so soon as a sufficient force
UFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 239
should arrive, would be New Orleans. At this place,
he believed his presence most material, to ascertain
and guard the important passes to the city, and to con-
cert some system and plan of general defence. His
feelings, however, would not permit him to depart, and
leave the settlements on the Mobile open to an attack,
from forces immediately in the neighbourhood, which
might reduce them, and thereby gain a position
whence they might obtain supplies, and be placed
nearer the ultimate point, against which, most proba-
bly, their views were intended to be directed. His
regret was indeed great, that time after time, without
the least success, he had urged and entreated his go-
vernment for permission to take possession of a place
where so many dangers threatened, and where every
assistance and encouragement was afforded the Bri-
tish ; and that regret was increased, now, when he saw
the very evils engendering and springing into exist-
ence, to which he had so often endeavoured to draw
their attention, and which were jeopardizing the safe*
ty of the whole lower country. To him the defence
of this district had been entrusted : it was incumbent
on him to render a just account of his stewardship,
and zealously to support his well-earned reputation.
Unless Pensacola were reduced, it was vain to think
of defending the country: it would be involved in
ruin, himself in disgrace. Anxiously concerned for
the general good, he could discern no channel through
which safety was to be effected, than by hazarding, on
his own responsibility, the reduction of this place, a
rendezvous for the enemy.
Jackson and his government had ever viewed this
240 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
subject iii very different lights : they were not willing
to risk any act which might involve the possibility of
a contest with Spain, for the sake of removing what
they considered an unimportant grievance : he thought
it of more serious import, and did not believe it could
afford even a pretext for rupture between the two na-
tions. If Spain, through her agents, gave assistance
and aid to our enemy, or permitted and encouraged a
power with whom she was at peace to be thus harass-
ed and annoyed, she deserved to be placed herself, on
the list of enemies, and treated accordingly. If, how-
ever, Great Britain, taking advantage of the defence-
less state of her province, claimed to have free egress,
in exclusion of her authority, she could have no well-
founded cause of complaint against the injured power,
which should claim to hold it, until such time as, by
bringing a sufficient force, she might be in a situation
to support her neutrality, and enforce obedience to
her laws. Upon either ground, he believed it might
be sufficiently justified. There was one, however, on
which it could be placed, where he well knew nothing
could result, beyond his own injury ; and on this issue
he was willing to trust it. If any complaint should be
made, his government, having never extended to him
any authority, might, with propriety, disavow the act ;
and, by exposing him to censure and punishment,
would offer an atonement for the outrage, and Spain,
in justice, could demand no more. The attack on Mor
bile point was a confirmation of his previous conjec-
tures, as to the views of the enemy ; and, from that
moment he determined to advance against and rer
duce Pensacola, throw a sufficient force in the Bar-
rapcas, hold them until the principles of right
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 241
neutrality were better respected, and rest the measure
on his own responsibility. Believing this the only
course calculated to assure ultimate security, he de-
cided with firmness, and resolved to execute his in-
tentions so soon as general Coffee should arrive, with
the volunteers, from Tennessee.
It was now rumoured, and generally accredited, that
a very considerable force would shortly sail from En-
gland, destined to act against some part of the United
States ; where, none knew, or could tell ; rumour, and
public opinion, fixed its destination for New Orleans.
The importance of this place was well known to our
enemy ; it was the key to the entire commerce of the
western country. Had a descent been made on it a
few months before, it might have been taken with all
imaginable ease ; but the British had confidently in-
dulged the belief, that they could possess it at any
time, without much difficulty. England and France
having ended their long-pending controversy, it was
presumed that the French people of Louisiana, sensi-
bly alive to the great benefits the English had con-
ferred upon their native country, benefits that pros-
trated her liberty, and which have sunk her, perhaps,
in eternal slavery, would, on their first appearance,
hail their deliverers, and at once become their vas-
sals. Independent of this, they imagined the black
population would afford them the means of exciting
insurrection and massacre, and deluging the country
in blood. Whether a resort to this kind of warfare,
which involves the deepest wretchedness, and equally
exposes to ruin the innocent as the guilty, the fe-
male as the soldier, should be sanctioned by a nation
242 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
professing a high sense of moral feeling ; or whether
a nation that adopts such a system, merits countenance
from the civilized world, are questions on which we
should not fear the decision even of an Englishman,
could he but divest himself of that animosity and ha-
tred, which, from infancy, he learns to entertain for
the Americans. To this, and many other acts equally
in violation of the rules that should govern honour-
able warfare, may be traced the cause of those deep-
rooted inveteracies in the breasts of our citizens, to-
wards those of England, which time, and a different
course of conduct, can alone remove. Why such hos-
tility has been practised towards us, it is difficult to
determine; unless the crime of the revolution, if it
were one, to rise in opposition to the oppression and
despotism under which we then groaned, has disposed
them to visit the sins of the father upon the child,
with a determination they shall never be forgiven or
forgotten. Certain it is, that the United States have
received a greater number of insults and injuries from
this power, than from all the nations of the earth to-
gether; the hoary locks of a father, torn on by the
merciless Indian, the innocent, helpless female, bleed-
ing by savage torture, and the unoffending babe,
dragged from the beating bosom of its mother, and
butchered in her sight, are cruelties that can be traced
to British influence : yet these people and ourselves
are descended from the same fathers speak the same
language are governed by the same laws and are
similar in manners and customs. But to inquire into
the causes of national feeling, belongs not to the his-
torian ; it is his duty only to detail facts. The w?r is
over ; peace is restored ; and the two nations, and their
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 243
citizens, by a mutual respect, and forbearance towards
each other, should endeavour to promote that friend-
ship and intercourse, which it is evidently the interest
of both to preserve, and which, we hope, may be last-
ing.
The expected reinforcements were now announced.
General Coffee, with his brigade, had arrived and halt-
ed at the cut off, not far from Fort St. Stephens, on the
Mobile river. In addition to the force with which he
commenced his march, he had been strengthened by
the arrival of others, who had followed and overtaken
him at this place ; so that his whole number was now
about twenty-eight hundred. To make the necessary
arrangements for an immediate march, general Jack-
son, on the 26th day of October, repaired to Coffee's
camp. A dependence on himself to further the ob-
jects of the government and the cause of the country,
had been his constant lot from the commencement of
his military career ; and a similar resort or failure to
the enterprise, was now to be assayed. Money was
wanted the quarter-masters were destitute of funds,
and the government credit was insufficient to procure
the necessary means to change the position of an ar-
my: thus situated, with his own limited funds, and
loans effected on his credit and responsibility, he suc-
ceeded in carrying his plans into effect, and in hasten-
ing his army to the place of its destination.
The difficulty of subsisting cavalry on the route,
rendered it necessary that part of the brigade should
proceed on foot. Although they had volunteered in
the service as mounted men, and expected that no
244 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
ferent disposition would be made of them, yet they
cheerfully acquiesced in the order : and one thousand
abandoning their horses to subsist as they could on
the reeds that grew along the river bottoms, prepared to
commence the march. Being supplied with rations for
the trip, on the 2d day of November the line of march
was taken up, and Pensacola was reached on the 6th.
The British and Spaniards had obtained intelligence
of their approach and intended attack; and every
thing was in readiness to dispute their passage to the
town. The forts were garrisoned, and prepared for
resistance ; batteries formed in the principal streets ;
and the British vessels moored within the bay, and so
disposed as to command the main entrances which led
into Pensacola.
The American army, consisting of the greater part
of Coffee's brigade, the regulars, and a few Indians, in
all about three thousand men, had arrived within a mile
and a half of this rallying point for our enemies, and
formed their encampment. Before any final step was
taken, the general concluded to make a further appli-
cation to the governor, and to learn of him what course
at the present moment he would make it necessary
for him to pursue. To take possession of Pensacola,
and dislodge the British, was indispensable : to do it
Under such circumstances, however, as should impress
the minds of the Spaniards with a conviction, that the
invasion of their territory was a measure resorted to
from necessity, not choice, and from no disposition to
infringe or violate their neutral rights, was believed to
be essential. It was rendered the more so, on the
part of Jackson, because a measure of his own and not
(- LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 245
sanctioned or directed by his government. Previous-
ly, therefore, to having recourse to any act of open
war, he determined once more to try the effect of ne-
gotiation, that he might ascertain certainly and cor-
rectly how far the governor felt disposed to preserve
a good understanding between the two governments, j
Major Piere, of the forty-fourth regiment, was ac-
cordingly despatched with a flag, to disclose the ob-
jects intended to be attained by the visit, and to re-
quire that the different forts, Barrancas, St. Rose, and
St. Michael, should be immediately surrendered, to
be garrisoned and held by the United States, until
Spain, by furnishing a sufficient force, might be able to
protect the province and preserve unimpaired her neu-
tral character. He was charged by the general with
a candid and explicit statement of his views, and in-
structed to require of the governor a decisive and po-
sitive declaration of the course he intended to pursue.
This mission experienced no very favourable result
Major Piere, on approaching St. Michael's, was fired
on and compelled to return. Whether this were done
by the Spaniards themselves, or by their allies and
friends who were sojourning with them, was not a ma-
terial inquiry. The Spanish flag was displayed on the
fort, and under it the outrage was committed : though
it was a fact well ascertained, that until the day before
the British flag had been also associated : this, on the
arrival of Jackson, had been removed, and the colours
of Spain left, which were designed to afford protec-
tion to our enemies, and a pretext for every injury.
This conduct, so unexpected and unprovoked, and
246 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
withal so directly in opposition to the principles and
practice of civilized warfare, might have well determin-
ed the general to abstain from further forbearance, and
to proceed immediately in the accomplishment of his
views : but a consciousness, that although the reduc-
tion of this place was required by circumstances of the
highest necessity, yet fearing it might be blazoned
around to his prejudice, and particularly that it might
become a cause of national difficulty, he was prompt-
ed to act with every possible deliberation and caution.
A sense of humanity, too, towards these people, who,
he was satisfied, were acting not from any choice or
discretion of their own, but by the authority of the
British, induced a wish that the objects of his visit
might be effected without any material injury to them.
Determining, therefore, to understand the governor
fully, previously to proceeding to extremities, he again
despatched a letter to him, not by any of his officers,
for after such perfidy he was unwilling, and felt it un-
safe to risk them, but by a Spanish corporal, who had
been taken on the route the day before. By him, it
was required to be known, why the former application
which had been made, instead of being met with a be-
coming spirit of conciliation, had been insulted. In
answer, he received from the governor a confirmation
of the opinion he had previously entertained, that what
had been done was not properly chargeable on him.
but the English ; that he had no agency in the trans-
action of which he complained, and assured him of his
perfect willingness to receive any overtures he might
be pleased to make. This was joyful tidings ; and no
time was to be lost in meeting the offer. If negotia-
tion should place in his hands the different fortresses,
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 247
before information of it could be had by the British
shipping lying in the bay, the outward channel would
be effectually stopped, and the means of their escape
entirely cut off. Major Piere was accordingly sent off,
at a late hour of the night, to detail to the governor the
reasons which had rendered the present descent pro-
per ; and to insist on the conditions already noticed, as
alone calculated to assure safety to the United States,
and give protection to the provinces of Florida. He
was particularly instructed to impress on his consi-
deration the most friendly sentiments, and to assure
him that a re-surrender would be made so soon as
Spain, by the arrival of a sufficient force, could protect
her territory from the inroads of a power at war with
the United States ; and which, through an opening thus
afforded to a violation of the neutrality of Spain, was
enabled, and had already done her considerable injury.
In his communication to the governor, he remarks, " I
come not as the enemy of Spain ; not to make war,
but to ask for peace ; to demand security for my coun-
try, and that respect to which she is entitled and must
receive. My force is sufficient, and my determi-
nation taken, to prevent a future repetition of the
injuries she has received. I demand, therefore, the
possession of the Barrancas, and other fortifications,
with all your munitions of war. If delivered peace-
ably, the whole will be receipted for and become the
subject of future arrangement by our respective go-
vernments ; while the property, laws, and religion of
your citizens shall be respected. But if taken by an
appeal to arms, let the blood of your subjects be upon
your own head. I will not hold myself responsible
for the conduct of my enraged soldiers. One hour is
248 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
given you for deliberation, when your determination
must be had."
f
The council was called, and the propositions made,
considered, when the conclusion was taken that they
could not be acceded to. As soon as the answer w^as
received, showing that nothing peaceably could be ef-
fected, Jackson resolved to urge his army forward;
and, immediately commencing his march, proceeded
to the accomplishment of his object, -determined to
effect it, in despite of danger, and of consequences.
Early on the morning of the 7th, the army was in
motion. To foster the idea, that he would march and
reach the town along the road, on which he was en-
camped, a detachment of five hundred men was sent
forward, with orders to show themselves in this direc-
tion, that they might amuse and deceive the enemy ;
while, urging rapidly on, with the strength of his army,
Tie was gaining Pensacola at a different and unexpect-
ed point. This stratagem succeeded : the British,
looking for his appearance where the detachment was
seen, had formed their vessels across the bay, and
were waiting his approach, with their guns properly
bearing : nor had they an intimation to the contrary,
until our troops were descried upon the beach, on the
east side, where they were at too great a distance to
be annoyed from the flotilla; and whence, pushing for-
ward, they were presently in the streets, and under
cover of the houses.
One company, from the third regiment of infantry,
with two field pieces, formed the advance, led by cap-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 249
tain Laval, who fell, severely wounded, while, at the
head of his command, he was charging a Spanish bat-
tery, formed in the street The left column, com-
posed of the regular troops, the third, thirty-ninth, and
forty-fourth regiments, headed by majors Woodruff
and Piere, formed the left, next the bay. The dis-
mounted volunteers proceeded down the street, next
the regulars: Coffee's brigade next, on their right:
the Mississippi dragoons, commanded by colonel
Hinds, and the Choctavv Indians by major Blue, of the
thirty-ninth, advanced on the extreme right of all.
Captain Laval's party, although deprived of their
leader, moved forward, and, at the point of the bayo-
net, took possession of the battery in their front. So
quickly was this effected, that the Spaniards had it in
their power to make but three fires, before they were
forced to abandon it. From behind the houses and gar-
den fences, were constant vollies of musketry discharg-
ed, until the regulars arriving, met the Spaniards, and
drove them from their positions. The governor, panic
struck, trembling for the safety of his city, and remem-
bering the declaration of the general, that, if driven
to extremes, he should not attempt to restrain, or hold
himself responsible for his enraged soldiers, hastened,
bearing a flag in his hand, to find the commander, and
seek to stay the carnage. He was met by colonels
Williamson and Smith, at the head of the dismounted
troops, when, with faltering speech, he entreated that
mercy might be extended, and promised to consent to
whatever terms might be demanded of him.
General Jackson had stopped for a moment at the
place where Laval had fallen, and was at this time in
2i
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON
the rear. Receiving information that an offer had
been made by the governor, to comply with every
demand heretofore made on him, he hastened to the
intendant house, and obtained a confirmation of what
had previously been communicated to him, that the
town, arsenals, and munitions of war, and in fact what-
ever was required, should immediately and without
delay be surrendered.
The British vessels remained in the bay ; with the
aid of their boats, by which a nearer and more conir
manding situation was obtained, they continued to fire
upon our troops, as, passing along the principal streets
and avenues, they could get them in the range of their
guns. Lieutenant Call, perceiving some of their boats
attempting to occupy a more advantageous position,
advanced to the beach with a single piece of artillery,
where, suddenly unmasking himself from a hill, ex-
posed, and uncovered, he commenced a brisk and
well-aimed fire, which drove them back to a respect-
ful distance.
No time was lost by general Jackson in procuring
what was considered by him, of vital importance the
surrender of the forts. Although greater benefits
would have been derived, had the success of negotia-
tion placed them privately in his hands, without its
being previously known to his enemies, yet even now
their possession was not to be neglected. Their oc-
cupancy was necessary still to his own security to
check any design that might be in agitation. What
was the force opposed to him ; at what moment rein-
forcements might appear off Pensacola, and thereby
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON, 251
give an entire change to things, as they at present
existed, were matters of which no certain idea could
be formed. To possess the Barrancas, which lay four-
teen miles to the west, was a consideration of the first
importance; still, until the town and its fortresses
were secured, it was improper to withdraw the army
to so great a distance.
Notwithstanding the assurances given by the go-
vernor, that all differences would be accommodated,
and every thing insisted on agreed to, Fort St Michael
was still withheld. Captain Dinkins was ordered to
take post on Mount St. Bernard, form his batteries,
and reduce it. He was in a situation to act, when the
commandant, colonel Sotto, ordered his flag taken
down, and the fort to be surrendered.
It is curious to observe the treachery of the Spa-
niards, and the unpardonable method they took to in-
dulge their rancour and spleen. Previously to strik-
ing his colours, the commandant at St. Michael had
asked permission to discharge his guns ; to this there
could be no objection, and the indulgence was readily
extended ; but, faithless and cowardly, he levelled and
fired his pieces, charged with grape, at a party of
dragoons and Choctaw Indians, who were at a small
distance, which killed three horses and wounded two
men. Such unpardonable conduct, independent of
other wrongs and injuries already noticed, might have
justified any treatment; the destruction of the gar-
rison would not have been an unmerited chastisement.
The general was on his way to Mount St. Bernard,
where his artillery was planted, when he received in-
252 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
telligence of what had been done. He determined no
longer to confide in persons so faithless, and whose only
object seemed to deceive, but at once to make the sword
the arbiter between them. His cannon were already
turned towards the fort, the resolution taken to batter
it down, and carry it by storm, when it was announced
by the officer he had left in command at Pensacola,
that the capitulation had been agreed on, and a sur-
render would be made in half an hour. Sensible of
the delicate situation in which he was placed, and
desirous to spare the effusion of blood, he forbore to
obey that impulse their unwarrantable conduct had so
justly excited, and forthwith despatched captain Din-
kins to insist on an immediate delivery ; at the same
time giving him directions to carry it by storm if the
demand was not instantly complied with.
Difficulties promised thus peaceably to terminate.
The day was far spent, and the general greatly indis-
posed ; until the next morning therefore, no step could
be taken to obtain possession of the Barrancas. On
the credit of the governor's promises, made first on
their entrance into the town, the principal part of the
army had been ordered a short distance out. Under-
standing, at St. Bernard, that what had been required
would be done, and that no further delay would be
met, the general had set out to the encampment, leav-
ing major Piere behind, with a sufficient force to pre-
serve every thing in safety and quietness. He was
-astonished, early in the morning, to learn that the offi-
cer despatched to St. Michael, the preceding evening,
Jhad, on his arrival, been threatened to be fired on by
-colonel Sotto : possession, however, was yielded, on
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 253
being made to understand, that if the fort were not
delivered instantly, and without further parley, it
would be carried forcibly, and the garrison put to the
sword. A capitulation was now agreed on : Pensacola,
and the different fortresses, were to be retained, until
Spain could better maintain her authority ; while the
rights and privileges of her citizens were to be re-
garded and respected.
Every thing was in readiness, on the following day,
to march and take possession of Barrancas fort. The
faithless conduct of yesterday had determined Jackson
on the execution of his plans ; nor longer to confide in
Spaniards' promises ; but on reaching the place to
carry it by force, if it were not immediately surrender-
ed. Major Piere was ordered to give the command
of the city to colonel Hayne, and report himself at
camp, to accompany him on the march ; previously,
however, to retiring, to require of the governor to exe-
cute an authority to the commandant of the fort, to
deliver it; and, in the event he would not comply im-
mediately, to arrest him, and every public officer, and
hold them as prisoners. The order for its deliyery
had been signed, and the line of march ready to be
taken up, to advance and receive it,- peaceably, if
the order would effect it forcibly, if not when a
tremendous explosion in that direction, followed by
two others, in quick succession, excited the apprehen-
sion that all was destroyed. To ascertain, certainly,
whence the noise had proceeded, major Gales, a volun-
teer aid, was despatched, with two hundred men, to
reconnoitre and obtain intelligence. He presently
returned, and confirmed what had been previously
254 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
apprehended, that the fort was blown up, and that
the British shipping had retired from the bay.
Although the repairing this place might be produc-
tive of numerous advantages, as keeping the enemy,
during the expected descent on the lower country,
from having in their possession a point where they
might prepare their expeditions, and where, in de-
spite of every vigilance that could be used, they might
obtain ample supplies ; yet, inasmuch as the act was
unauthorized by his government, Jackson felt himself
restrained from incurring any expense for the re-
establishment of what had been thus treacherously de-
stroyed. Though disappointed in the object he had
principally in view, he nevertheless believed that some
of the benefits intended and expected would result.
This strong hold, which had so long given protection
to the southern hostile savages, and where they had
been excited to acts of war and cruelty, was assailed,
and the Indians taught that even here, safety was not
to be found. The valour and good conduct of his
troops had impressed on the minds of the Spaniards
a respect for the character of his country, which, hith-
erto, they had not entertained ; and the British, by be-
ing dislodged, were prevented from maturing and set-
tling those plans which were to give efficacy to their
future operations against the southern section of the
Union : but, as the means of maintaining and defending
it were destroyed, it was unnecessary to think of garri-
soning and attempting to hold it. It was accordingly
concluded to re-deliver all that had been surrendered,
and retire to Fort Montgomery. Jackson w r as the
more disposed to adopt this course from a belief that
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 255
the British, who had sailed out of the bay, would pro-
bably make their way to Fort Bowyer, and, with a
knowledge of the principal strength of the army being
away, seek to aim a blow somewhere on the Mobile.
An express was immediately hastened to colonel
Sparks, who had been left in command at this place,
announcing what had transpired, suggesting appre-
hensions for his safety, and notifying him, in the event
of an attack, to endeavour to parry the danger until
the regular troops, who would be urged forward with
every industry, should arrive to support him.
Two days after entering the town, he abandoned it
Previously to retiring, he wrote to governor Manre-
quez ; and, after stating to him the causes which had in-
duced him, justifiably, as he believed, to enter his ter-
ritory, he thus concluded : " As the Barrancas and the
adjacent fortresses have been surrendered to and
blown up by the British, contrary to the good faith I
had reposed in your promises, it is out of my power
to protect and guard your neutrality, as otherwise I
should have done. The enemy has retreated; the
hostile Creeks have fled for safety to the forest; and I
now retire from your town, leaving you to re-occupy
your forts, and protect the rights of your citizens."
Much is due not only to the calmness and intrepidi-
ty of conduct displayed by the troops in their advance
on the town, against the batteries that were formed in
the streets, the fort, and the fleet lying in the bay, but
much more for their orderly, open, and generous con-
duct towards a people who had wholly outraged every
principle of correct conduct; and who, even at the
256 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
moment when the sword was made the appeal, and the
blow they merited only stayed by humanity, were still
pursuing a course of faithlessness and treachery, and
clearly evincing a disposition to aid and assist our ene-
mies : yet, under such circumstances, which certainly
would have warranted a less lenient course towards
them, not a single irregularity was committed, or the
rights of individuals at all molested. So exemplary
was the deportment of our officers, and the conduct of
our soldiers, as to extort high compliments from the
Spaniards, and to induce the declaration that our In-
dians had behaved with more decency and propriety
than their friends, with whom they had just parted.
When we remember, what is undeniably the fact, that
the British had be^n always well received by the inha-
bitants of Florida, who had rendered them every as-
sistance and protection in their power; and who, from
their disposition to aid them, had even brought diffi-
culties upon themselves, ingratitude and injustice may
be well charged upon them, when it is recollected that
these friends, who had been so well regarded, on re-
treating from Pensacola, carried off three or four hun-
dred slaves, not their own, in despite of the remon-
strances and repeated demands of the owners to have
them restored.
Our loss in this expedition was quite inconsider-
able. The left column alone met resistance, and had
fifteen or twenty wounded none killed. It appears,
indeed, strange, that three heavy pieces of artillery,
charged with grape and canister, and three times fired
against a column advancing through a narrow street,
should not have effected greater injury. Of the num.-
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 257
ber wounded, was lieutenant Flournoy, a promising
young man, who, having gone out as a volunteer, was,
on account of his merit, promoted to a lieutenancy in
the forty-fourth United States' regiment. By a cannon
shot he lost his leg. Captain Laval being too danger-
ously injured to be removed, was confided by the ge-
neral to the clemency of the governor of Pensacola,
who humanely gave him that attention his situation
required.
The Indian warriors, who had taken refuge in Pen-
sacola, finding themselves abandoned by the British,
fled across the country, and sought safety on the Ap-
palachicola : many were afforded shelter on board the
shipping, from which they were shortly afterwards
landed, to prosecute the war after their own manner,
and in their own way. Jackson determined they
should have no rest, or respite from danger, so long
as a warlike attitude was preserved. Recent events
had shown them, that neither the valour of their al-
lies, nor their own exertions, could afford them pro-
tection. He believed it an auspicious moment to pur-
sue them in their retreat ; increase still further their
fears and apprehensions; and effectually cut up that
misplaced confidence, which had already well nigh
proved their ruin. Understanding that those who
had been carried off from Pensacola had been landed
on the Appalachicola, and a depot of all necessary
supplies there established, major Blue, of the thirty-
ninth regiment, was sent off, on the 16th, at the head
of a thousand mounted men, with orders tofollow and
attack them, and destroy any of their villages he might
find on his route. General JVMntosh, of the Georgia
258 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
militia, then in the Creek country, was apprized of the
destination, and directed to co-operate, that the savages
might be assailed and dispersed, before they should
have it in their power to attempt hostilities against the
frontiers. Having effected this object, they were or-
dered to repair to Mobile, to aid in its defence.
Shortly after the American army had retired, the
Spaniards commenced rebuilding Forts Barrancas and
St. Rose, which they had lost through the improper
interference of their friends. Anxious to regain that
confidence they had justly forfeited, the British offer-
ed their services to assist in the re-establishment.
This offer was refused, and an answer returned by
the governor, that when assistance was in fact need-
ed, he would make application to his friend general
Jackson.
There was nothing now so much desired by the
general, as to be able to depart for New Orleans, where
he apprehended the greatest danger, and where he
believed his presence was most material. He had al-
ready effected a partial security for Mobile, and the
inhabitants on its borders ; and such as he believed
might be preserved, by proper vigilance and activity
in those who were left in command. He determined
to set out on the 22d for the Mississippi ; and, by his
exertions, seek to place the country in such a situation
for defence as the means within his reach would per-
mit. His health was still delicate, which almost wholly
unfitted him for the duties he had to encounter : but
his constant expectation of a large force appearing
soon on the coast, impelled him to action. Added to
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 259
the fatigues incident to his station, he as yet had no
brigadier-general in his district to relieve him of many
of those duties which he had neither time nor bodily
strength to meet. General Winchester had been or-
dered to join him. He had not yet arrived, but was
daily looked for. In expectation of his speedy ap-
proach, Jackson was making every necessary arrange-
ment for investing him with the command of Mobile,
and for his own departure. Colonel Hayne, the in-
spector-general, was despatched to the mouth of the
Mississippi to examine whether in that direction there
were any eligibl^site, where, by erecting batteries, the
river might be commanded, and an ascent prevented,
if through this route attempted. General Coffee and
colonel Hinds, with the dragoons from the territory,
were ordered to march with their commands, and take
a position as convenient to New Orleans as they could
obtain a sufficiency of forage to recruit their horses ;
having regard to some central point, whence they
might, without loss of time, proceed wherever danger
should be most imminent Every thing being arranged,
and intelligence received that general Winchester had
reached the Alabama river, Jackson, on the 22d da} r of
November, left Mobile for the city of New Orleans,
where he arrived on the 1st of December; and where
his head-quarters were, for the present, established.
CHAPTER VIII.
Jackson's correspondence with the governor of Louisiana. Hi* address
to the citizens. -^-Militia from Tennessee and Kentucky advance ; and
general plans adopted for defence. -Plan for filling delinquencies in
the army. British shipping arrive on the coast. Loss of the Sea
fforse. Battle on the lake, and loss of the gun boats. Jackson re-
views the militia. His address to them. Detention of his flag.
Anecdote. Expresses sent to generals Coffee and Carroll. Declara-
tion of martial law at JVetw Orleans. The British effect a landing,
and Jackson prepares to meet them.
GENERAL JACKSON was now on a new theatre, and
soon to be brought in collision with an enemy dif-
ferent from any he had yet encountered : the time
had arrived to call forth all the energies he possessed.
His military career, from its commencement, had been
obstructed by innumerable difficulties, but far greater
were now rising to his view. His body worn down
by sickneSs and exhaustion, with a mind constantly
alive to the apprehension, that, with the means given
him, it would not be in his power to satisfy his own
wishes, and the expectations of his country, \vere
circumstances well calculated to depress him. He was
as yet without sufficient strength or preparation, to
attempt successful opposition against the numerous
and well-trained troops which were expected shortly
at some unprepared point, to enter and lay waste the
lower country. What was to be hop^d from the cle-
mency and generous conduct of such a foe, their march
to the city of Washington already announced ; while
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 26 1
the imagination portrayed in lively colours the repeti-
tion, here, of scenes of desolation even surpassing
what had there been witnessed.
Louisiana, he well knew, was ill supplied with arms,
and contained a mixed population, of different tongues,
who, perhaps, felt not a sufficient attachment for the
soil or government, to be induced to defend them to the
last extremity. No troops, arms, or ammunition had
yet descended from the states of Kentucky and Ten-
nessee. His only reliance for defence, if suddenly as-
sailed, was on the few regulars he had, the volunteers
of general Coffee, and such troops as the state itself
could furnish. What might be the final result of things,
under prospects gloomy as the present, should an
enemy shortly appear, was not a matter difficult to
conjecture. His principal fears at present were, that
Mobile might fall, the left bank of the Mississippi be
gained, all communication with the western states cut
off, and New Orleans be thus unavoidably reduced.
Although continually agitated by such forebodings, he
breathed his fears to none. Closely locking all ap-
prehensions in his own breast, he appeared constantly
serene, and as constantly endeavoured to impress a
general belief, that the country could and would be
successfully defended. The manifestation of such
tranquillity, and his avowed certainty of success, under
circumstances so unpropitious, excited strong hopes, -
dispelled every thing like fear, and impressed all with
additional confidence.
With the remnant of force he had at command, and
the additional strength to be afforded him from Ken-
262 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
tucky and Tennessee, uncertain in its arrival, undisci-
plined, and unarmed, to oppose an enemy who might
be already on the coast, and of whose exceeding va-
lour great and wondrous stories had been already told,
might have sunk into inaction any mind not gifted
with uncommon and extraordinary energy, and made it
to retire from a contest, where seemingly insurmount-
able difficulties but rendered delusive every hope of
resistance : yet, firm and resolute, an increase of diffi-
culties but occasioned an increase of exertion, and he
entered on his forlorn undertaking with no other de-
termination than to leave nothing unassayed that
might enable him to ride out the threatening storm in
safety.
While engaged in his operations on the Mobile, and
even while at Fort Jackson, he had kept up a corre-
spondence with the governor of Louisiana, persuading
and urging him to the adoption of such measures as
might be calculated to give security to the state. From
the information derived through this source, he felt
assured that little reliance was to be placed on the
great body of the citizens ; and that to gain any deci-
sive advantages from their services, it would be ne-
cessary to abandon every thing like temporizing po-
licy, and pursue a course at once steady and unwaver-
ing. Many of the inhabitants, indulging a belief that
Florida would shortly be restored to Spain ; and a still
greater number tremblingly alive to the opinion that
the country could not be successfully defended, had
led most well designing men astray ; while English-
men, Spaniards, and innumerable other foreigners,
feeling no attachment to the government under which
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 263
they lived, were, at any time, ready to surrender it to
any power that might venture to invade it. The re-
quisition made, had been badly filled ; many had ab-
solutely refused, even after being drafted, to enter the
ranks. At so eventful a crisis as that which was fast
approaching, it was painful to discover so great a want
of union and disregard of duty, in those very persons
upon whom he would be compelled to rely, on any sud-
den emergency. This reluctance to entering the field,
there was a propriety in putting down, that the good
might not be led astray from privileges usurped by
the designing ; and to convince the disaffected that
those who shared the care and protection of the go-
vernment, were, and should be, under obligations to
defend it, when required.
Governor Claiborne had been addressed on this
subject; and, while the necessity of discouraging every
improper temper of mind among his citizens was in-
sisted on, he was exhorted to use his exertions in
guarding every pass from the city, that the enemy,
hovering in the gulf, might not obtain supplies from
the shore. " I regret," said he, " to hear of the dis-
contents of your people : they must not exist. Who-
ever is not for us, is against us. Those who are drafted
must be compelled to the ranks, or punished : it is no
time to balance : the country must be defended ; and
he who refuses to aid, when called on, must be treated
with seventy. To repel the danger with which we
are assailed, requires all our energies, and all our ex-
ertions. With union on our side, we shall be able to
drive our invaders back to the ocean. Summon all
your energy, and guard every avenue with confiden-
264 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
tial patroles, for spies and traitors are swarming around.
Numbers will be flocking to your city, to gain infor-
mation, and corrupt your citizens. Every aid in your
power must be given to prevent vessels sailing with
provisions. By us, the enemy must not be fed. Let
none pass ; for on this will depend our safety, until we
can get a competent force in the field, to oppose at-
tack, or to become the assailants. We have more to
dread from intestine, than open and avowed enemies :
but, vigilance on our side, and all will be safe. Re-
member, our watch word is victory or death. Our
country must and shall be defended. We will enjoy
our liberty, or perish in the last ditch."
He forwarded, at the same time, an address to the
people of Louisiana, and endeavoured to excite them
to a defence of their rights and liberties, and to raise
in their minds an abhorrence of an enemy, who, by
proclamation, and dishonourable stratagem, had sought
to promote disunion, and to draw the disaffected to
their standard. He pointed out the course the present
Crisis required them to adopt, and entreated them not
to be lured from their fidelity to a country, of all
others, the freest and happiest, by uniting with a
foe, who sought a furtherance of his views, by the
most disreputable pretences by courting the friend-
ship and aid of even traitors, pirates, and robbers.
" Your government, Louisianians, is engaged in a
just and honourable contest, for the security of your
individual, and her national rights. The only country
on earth, where man enjoys freedom, where its bless-
ings are alike extended to the poor and rich, calls on
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 265
you to protect her from the grasping usurpation of
Britain : she will not call in vain. I know that eve-
ry man, whose bosom beats high at the proud title
of freeman, will promptly obey her voice, and rally
round the eagles of his country, resolved to rescue
her from impending danger, or nobly to die in her de-
fence. He who refuses to defend his rights, when call-
ed on by his government, deserves to be a slave
deserves to be punished, as an enemy to his country a
friend to her foes."
The minds of the people of Louisiana were thus
gradually turned to consider of the contest, in which
it was certainly expected they were shortly to be en-
gaged, that they might be ready and prepared to meet
it, when the period should arrive to render it neces-
sary. Preparations for collecting, in sufficient strength,
to repel an invasion, when it should be attempted, had
been carried actively forward. The fiat of the secre-
tary of war had been issued to the governors of the
adjoining states ; and Jackson had long since anxiously
pressed them to hasten the execution of the order, and
push their forces to the place of danger, without de-
lay. The ardour felt by the governor of Tennessee,
rendered any incentive unnecessary. He was well
aware of the importance of activity and exertion, and
had used all the authority of his office, to call the re-
quisition forth, and have it in readiness, speedily as
possible.
Governor Shelby, of Kentucky, had been no less
vigilant in discharge of the duty required of him. The
necessity of despatch, in military matters, and the ad-
2L
266 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOX.
vantages resulting from it, in his youth and more ad-
vanced age, he had studied and learned in the field of
battle. The troops from his state were immediately
organized ; placed under the command of major-
general Thomas, and directed to proceed down the
Ohio, to resist the inroads of the enemy.* It may be
esteemed a circumstance of great good fortune, that
Shelby, at a time so perilous as that in wilich the
tJnited States were placed, during the period of his
services, should have been the chief magistrate of
Kentucky; a state possessing ample resources, and
which might have slumbered in inaction, but for the
energy of him who filled her executive chair. He did
not remain contented with a discharge merely of those
duties which were imposed on him by his office ; but,
feeling the ardour of his youth revived, excited his
citizens by manly appeals, and inspirited them by his
own example. The government had never called
Upon the patriotism of this state that it had not been
met with a becoming zeal by the governor, and as
cheerfully and promptly acquiesced in by his people.
The bravery and promptitude with which they crowd-
ed to the American standard, at the first onset of dan-
ger, where they firmly supported the honour of the
nation, enduring cold, and hunger, and every privation,
merit to be remembered, and entitle her citizens to
the gratitude of the country.
* When this requisition was ready to proceed, the state of the
quarter-master's department was discovered to be wholly inadequate
to those outfits and supplies necessary to its departure. Thus situated,
individuals of the state came orward, pledged their funds, and en-
abled it to advance.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 267
William Carroll, who, on the promotion of Jackson
in the army of the United States, had been appointed
a major-general of Tennessee militia, was to command
the requisition intended to be marched from the state*
He had issued his orders to his division, and, on the
19th of November, the day appointed for their rendez-
vous, 'twenty-five hundred of the yeomanry of the
state appeared at Nashville ; and, in eight days, em-
barked on board their boats, and directed their way to
New Orleans, the place of their destination. To the
industry of general Carroll, in hastening those arrange-
ments, which enabled his division so promptly to de-
part, every respect is due ; for, to his fortunate arrival,
as will be seen hereafter, is greatly to be attributed
the reason that success did not result to the enemy,
in his first assault, or that Louisiana escaped the im-
pending danger.
The militia, now organized, from these two states,
were highly respectable for their numbers, and were
commanded by officers who carried with them entire
confidence. In braver} r , they were not surpassed by
any troops ; yet were they without experience or dis-
cipline, and indifferently armed. Many had procured
muskets and bayonets; though the greater part of
them had arms capable of rendering little or no ser-
vice ; while some had none at all. To remedy their
want of discipline was attended with some difficulty,
on account of the slender means afforded for instruc-
tion, while, in boats, they were descending the river,
Carroll's anxiety, however, for the respectable ap-
pearance of his troops, and a still stronger desire
entertained, that they might be in a situation for im-
268 "MFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
mediate action, if necessity, on his arrival, should re-
quire it, led him to seize even on the limited oppor-
tunities for improvement that were within his reach.
Whenever, from adverse winds, or any other cause
preventing his progress, he was compelled to stop, his
men were immediately brought to receive every infor-
mation that could, under such circumstances, be com-
municated ; and often, while floating with the stream,
the decks of his boats formed a field for their rna-
nceuvres. Although in this way, partial progress was
made, and some advantages gained, yet were they in-
considerable ; for still were they but militia-men, and
as yet unqualified to meet the veteran troops with
which they were going to contend.
Although general Jackson had obtained his success-
es heretofore with troops of this description, yet he
was far from entertaining a belief that they could be
relied on for manoeuvring in an open field, against
troops who were skilled, and inured to war. None
knew better the point of exertion to which militia
could be strained; that while successful and resting
with confidence in themselves, none could effect more ;
but when once dispirited, they became a useless
weight Taught by a recollection of the difficulties
he had heretofore encountered, and a knowledge that
forces of this description were ever capricious and re-
fractory, he had brought to the notice of the secretary
of war, a new and different course from what had been
before pursued, as more efficient, less expensive, and
better calculated for the purposes of defence. In a let-
ter to him, of the 20th of November, 1814, he observes,
" Permit me to suggest a plan, which, on a fair expe-
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 269
riment, will do away or lessen the expenses, under the
existing mode of calling militia forces into the field.
Whenever there happens to be a deficiency in the re-
gular force, in any particular quarter, let the govern-
ment determine on the necessary number : this should
be apportioned among the different states, agreeably
to their respective representations, and called into ser-
vice for, and during the war. The quota wanted will,
in my opinion, be soon raised from premiums offered
by those who are subject to militia duty, rather than
be harassed by repeated drafts. In the mean time,
let the present bounty, given by the government, be
also continued. If this be done, I will insure that an
effective force shall soon appear in every quarter, am-
ply sufficient for the reduction of Canada, and to drive
all our enemies from our shores." .
Such was the course of things, and such the plans
which were in progress for the security and safety of
the country, when the general reached New Orleans.
The period was too momentous to afford a respite
from business ; and he immediately adopted such
measures as could be earliest effected, and which were
best calculated for resistance and defence.
The legislature of Louisiana had for some weeks
been in session ; and, through the governor's commu-
nication, informed of the situation, condition and
strength of the country, and of the necessity of calling
all its resources into active operation ; but, balancing
in their decisions, and uncertain of the best course to
be pursued to assure protection, they, as yet, had re-
solved upon nothing promising certainty and safety, or
270 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
calculated to infuse tranquillity and confidence in the
public mind. The arrival of Jackson, however, pro-
duced a new aspect in affairs. His activity and zeal
in preparation, and his reputation as a brave man and
skilful commander, had turned all eyes towards him,
and inspired even the desponding with a confidence
they had not before felt. *H
The volunteer corps of the city were reviewed, and
a visit, in person, made to the different forts, to ascer-
tain their situation and capacity for defence, and the
reliance that might be had on them, to repel the ene-
my's advance. Through the lakes large vessels could
not pass : should an approach be attempted through
this route, in their barges, it might be met and opposed
by the gun boats which already guarded this passage ;
but if, unequal to the contest, they should be captured,
it would, at any rate, give timely information of a de-
scent, which might be resisted at their landing, and be-
fore any opportunity could be had of executing fully
their designs. Up the Mississippi, however, was looked
upon as the most probable pass through which might
be made an attempt to reach the city ; and here were
in progress suitable preparations for defence.
We have already noticed that colonel Hayne had
been despatched from Mobile with directions to view
the Mississippi near its mouth, and report if any ad-
vantageous position could be found for the erection of
batteries ; and whether the re-establishment of the old
fort at the Balize would command the river, in a way
to prevent its being ascended. That it could not be
relied on for this purpose, the opinions of military men
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 271
had already declared. General Jackson was always
disposed to respect the decisions of those, who, from
their character and standing, were entitled to confi-
dence ; yet, in matters of great importance, it formed
no part of his ceeed to attach his faith to the statements
of any, where the object being within his reach, it was
in his power to look to the fact and satisfy himself.
Trusting implicitly in colonel Hayne as a military man,
who, from proper observation, could infer correct con-
clusions, he had despatched him thither to examine
how far it was practicable to obstruct and secure this
channel. His report was confirmatory of the previous
information received, that it was incapable, from its
situation, of effecting any such object.
Fort St. Philip was now resorted to as the lowest
point on the river where the erection of a fortification
could be at all serviceable. The general had returned
to New Orleans on the 9th, from a visit to this place,
which he had ordered to be repaired and strengthened.
The commanding officer was directed to remove every
combustible material without the fort; to have two
additional platforms immediately raised ; and the em-
brasures so enlarged that the ordnance might have
the greatest possible sweep upon their circles, and be
brought to bear on any object within their range that
might approach either up or down the river. At a small
distance below, the Mississippi, changing its course,
left a neck of land in the bend covered with timber,
and which obstructed the view. From this point
down to where old Fort Bourbon stood, on the west
side, the growth along the bank was ordered to be cut
away, that the shot from St. Philip, ranging across this
272 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
point of land, might reach an approaching vessel before
she should be unmasked from behind it. On the site
of Bourbon was to be thrown up a strong work, de-
fended by five twenty-four pounders, which, with the
fort above, would be calculated to expose an enemy to
a cross fire, for half a mile. A mile above St. Philip
was to be established a work, which, in conjunction
with the others, would effectually command the river
for two miles. At Terre au Boeuf, and at the English
turn, twelve miles below the city, were also to be taken
measures for defence ; where it was expected by Jack-
son, with his flying artillery and fire ships, he would
be able certainly to arrest the enemy's advance. This
system of defence, properly established, he believed
would ensure security from any attack in this direction.
Fort St. Philip, with the auxiliary batteries above and
below it, would so concentrate their fires, that an ene-
my could never pass without suffering greatly, and
perhaps being so shattered that they would fall an
easy prey to those defences which w r ere still higher up
the river. The essential difficulty was to have them
commenced and speedily finished. On returning, he
hastened to apprize the governor of his views, and of
his arrangements, and entreated him to aid in their
furtherance. It was proposed to submit it to the con-
sideration of the legislature, and to prevail, if possible,
with the planters, to furnish their slaves, by whom,
alone, such work could, in so insalubrious a climate, be
safely executed. " If what is proposed be performed,"
said he, "I will stand pledged that the invaders of your
state shall never, through this route, reach your city."
He desired to be informed, early, of the success of the
application, and to know how far the legislature would
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 273
be disposed to extend their fostering care to the ob-
jects suggested; that, in the event of failure, he might
have recourse to such resources as were within his
reach. " But," added he, " not a moment is to be lost.
With energy and expedition, all is safe : delay, and
all is lost."
The plans of operation and defence were projecting
on an extensive scale. The only objects of fear were
the disaffected who infested the city ; and to these, af-
ter the most incessant exertions and laborious efforts,
he had well nigh fallen a victim.
Aware of approaching danger, the views of the ge-
neral had been met with becoming zeal, and the ne-
cessary measures taken, to have the selected points
for defence completed in the shortest possible time ;
which might present, on the Mississippi, barriers, that
it was not feared the enemy would be able to pass.
On lakes Borgne and Pontchartrain, an equally
strong confidence was had, that all would be safe from
invasion. Commodore Patterson, who commanded the
naval forces, had executed every order with prompt-
ness and activity. Agreeably to instructions received
from the commanding general, to extend to all the
passes on the lakes every protection in his power, he
had already sent out the gun boats, under lieutenant
Jones. From their vigilance and capability to defend,
great advantages were calculated to arise ; added to
which, the Rigolets, the communication between the
two lakes, was defended by Petit Coquille fort, a strong
work, under the command of captain Newman, which,
2 M
274 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
when acting in conjunction with the gun boats, it was
supposed would be competent to repel any assault that
might there be waged. The prospects of defence had
been improved by detachments sent with orders to fell
timber across every small bayou and creek, that lead
out of the lakes, and through which a passage for boats
and barges could be afforded ; and to increase the ob-
struction, by sinking large frames in their beds, and
filling them with earth. Guards and videttes were al-
so posted in different directions to give the earliest
information of every thing that passed. In despite,
however, of these precautionary measures, treachery
opened a way, and pointed the entrance of the enemy
to a narrow pass, through which they effected a land-
ing, and reached previously to being discovered, the
banks of the Mississippi.
Such were the measures adopted for the protection
of Louisiana against an attack, which, although hither-
to resting on conjecture, was supported by too many
strong circumstances to admit of doubt. Information
of a considerable force having left England, filled with
high hopes and expectations the attack on Fort Bow-
yer, and the inflammatory proclamations already pub-
lished, with anonymous letters received from persons
in the West Indies and Pensacola, known and to be re-
lied on, all tended strongly to unfold the views of the
enemy, and to dissipate every thing of doubt as to their
designs.* But the time was at hand when conjecture
was giving place to certainty ; when the intentions of
the invaders were fully developing themselves ; and
* See note B.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 275
the fact fairly presented, that Louisiana must fall and
her principal city be sacked, unless the brave men as-
sociated to defend her, should stand firmly in her de-
fence, resolved to justify the high expectations which
had been formed of their valour. Certain information
was at hand, of an English fleet being now off Cat and
Ship island, and within a short distance of the Amri-
can lines, where their strength and numbers were daily
increasing.
Lieutenant Jones, in command of the gun boats on
Lake Borgne, was directed to reconnoitre, and ascer-
tain their disposition and force ; and, in the event they
should attempt, through this route, to effect a dis-
embarkation, to retire to the Rigolets, and there, with
his flotilla, make an obstinate resistance, and contend
to the last. He remained off Ship island, until the
12th of December, when, understanding the enemy's
forces were much increased, he thought it advisable to
change his anchorage, and retire to a position near
Malheureux island. The course was rendered the
more necessary, because affording a safer position, and
in the event of being attacked, a better opportunity of
making good his retreat to the Rigolets, where alone
he was instructed to attempt opposition. Whoever
looks upon a map of the country, will at once discover
the importance of this place if driven into action with
a greatly 'superior force. This, and Chef Menteur,
which unite at the entrance to the lake, and form a
narrow channel, constitutes the only -pass itito Pont*
chartrain. By reaching it, the gun boats would be en-
abled to present as formidable an opposition as could
be waged by all the force that could be brought against
276 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
them, and put at defiance any effort that could be mad*-,
to gain the city through this route.
On the 13th, Jones discovered the enemy moving
off in his barges r and directing his way towards Pass
Christian. He was not long in doubt, as to the object
probably had in view ; for, although at first it was sup-
posed to be " a disembarkation, intended to be landed
there, yet, on their passing it, and pursuing their course
still further westwardly, he at once concluded an attack
on the gun boats was designed." His orders left him
no discretion as to the place he should meet and fight
them. Indeed, his flotilla, although quite inconsider-
able in numbers, was of too much consequence to the
nation, at this juncture, to be inadvertently risked, or
in fact risked at all, unless under circumstances giving
a decided superiority. In no other way was this to be
obtained, than by reaching the point to which he had
been ordered : this he endeavoured to effect, as soon
as he became satisfied of what was intended by their
present movement. Weighing, therefore, his anchors,
with the design of reaching the position referred to in
bis orders, he soon discovered it to.be ^vholly imprac-
ticable. A strong wind having blown rjor some days
to the east, from the lake to the gulf, had so reduced
the depth of water, that the best and deepest channels
were insufficient to float his little squadron. The oars
were resorted to, but without rendering the least as-
sistance : it was immoveable. Recourse was now
had to throwing every thing overboard that could be
spared, to lighten and bring them off; all, however,
w r as ineffectual, nothing could afford relief. At this
moment of extreme peril and danger, the tide coming,
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 277
suddenly in, relieved from present embarrassment,
and lifting them from the shoal, they bore away from
the attack meditated; directed their course for the
Rigolets, and came to anchor at one o'clock the next
morning on the west passage of Malheureux isle;
where, at day, they discovered the pursuit had been
abandoned.
At the bay of St. Louis was a small depot of public
stores, which had, that morning, been directed, by
lieutenant Jones, to be brought off. Mr. Johnston, on
board the Sea Horse, had proceeded in the execution
of this order. The enemy, on the retreat of Jones,
despatched three of their barges to capture him ; but
unable to effect it, they were driven back. An addi-
tional force now proceeded against him ; when a smart
action commenced, and the assailants were again com-
pelled to retire with some loss. Johnston, satisfied
that it was out of his power successfully to defend
himself, and considering it hopeless to attempt unit-
ing, in face of so large a force, with the gun boats off
Malheureux Island, blew up his vessel, burnt the
stores, and effected his retreat by land, in conformity
with the instructions he had received. A prodigious
explosion, and flames bursting on the view, assured
Jones of the probable step that had been taken, and of
the execution of the order.
Early on the morning of the 14th, the enemy's
barges, lying about nine miles to the east, suddenly
weighed their anchors ; and, getting under way, pro-
ceeded westwardly to the pass, where our gun boats
still lay. The same difficulty experienced yesterday
278 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
was now encountered. Perceiving the approach of the
enemy's flotilla, an attempt was made to retreat ; but
in vain. The wind was entirely lulled, and a perfect
calm prevailed ; while a strong current setting to the
gulf, rendered every effort to retire unavailing. No
alternative was at hand ; but a single course was left ;
to meet and fight them. At once the resolution was
adopted, to avail themselves of the best position they
could obtain, wait their approach, and defend them-
selves, whilst there was a hope of success. The line
was formed, with springs on the cables, and all were
waiting, composedly, the arrival of a foe, who imagin-
ed himself advancing to an easy conquest. The con-
test, in so open and unfavourable a situation, and
against so superior a force, promised, indeed, to be a
very unequal one : yet the firmness and bravery which
had always characterized our fearless tars in battle,
were, on this occasion, not to be tarnished. An un-
fortunate .state of things, which they could not con-
trol, had brought them into battle at a moment, and
under circumstances, their discretion did not approve ;
but, being inevitable, every mind was determined on
a desperate stand ; and still, though beaten, to pre-
serve unsullied their reputation, their flag from dis-
honour.
Forty-three boats, mounting as many cannon, with
twelve hundred chosen men, well armed, constituted
the strength of the assailants. Advancing in extended
line, they were presently in reach : and, at half after
eleven o'clock, commencing a fire the action soon be-
came general. Owing to a strong current, setting out
to the east, two of the boats, numbers 156 and 163,
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 279
were unable to keep their anchorage, and floated about
a hundred yards in advance of the line. This cir-
cumstance was unfortunate ; for although it was by no
means to be calculated, that victory could be attendant
on a conflict, where strength and numbers were so
disproportionate, yet, could the line have been pre-
served, the chances for defence would have been in-
creased the opportunity more favourable for inflict-
ing injury, and crippling the foe, while the period of
the contest would have been protracted. Every moment
this could have been prolonged would have proved
essentially advantageous ; for soon as the wind should
spring up, which yet continued lulled, the boats would
be rendered more manageable, and an opportunity af-
forded of retiring from the battle whenever the result
promised to become disastrous.
The enemy relying on their numbers, and determin-
ing to board, advanced in three divisions. Our gun
boats formed in a line, were under command of lieu-
tenant Jones, who, on board No. 156, occupied the
centre. No. 162 and 163 rested on his left, under the
direction of lieutenant Spedden and sailing-master
Ulrich ; on his right was No. 5 and 23, commanded by
sailing master Ferris and lieutenant M*Iver. The
centre division of the enemy, led by the senior officer
of the expedition, captain Lockyer, bore down on
No. 158, the centre of our line, and twice attempting
to board, was twice repulsed with an immense destruc-
tion of both officers and crew, and loss of two of their
boats which were sunk : one a seventy four's launch,
crowded with men, went down immediately along-side
of the gun-boat. Jones being too severely wounded
280 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON,
longer to maintain the deck, retired, leaving the com-
mand with George Parker, who no less valiantly de-
fended his flag, until badly wounded, he was also
compelled to leave his post ; and soon after the boat
was carried. No. 163, though ably defended, was also
taken; and the guns of both turned on No. 162 and
5 which also surrendered ; and last of all No. 23, com-
manded by lieutenant M'lver. Thus in detail was our
little squadron, after a conflict of nearly an hour, lost ;
a conflict in which every thing was done that gal-
lantry could do, and nothing unperformed that duty
required ; but it was a disaster which, under all the
circumstances, could not be avoided. The calm which
prevailed, and the unwieldly condition of the boats
which prevented any management by the oars, took
away all opportunity of their aiding and sustaining
each other ; while the enemy's barges, with great fa-
cility, were able to avail themselves of the advantages
of position : besides this, from our centre gun-boat,
much aid was obtained ; having carried her, the flag
was kept flying, and under it her guns were used
against the other boats, a circumstance which was not
discovered for some time, nor until after repeated dis-
charges of her camion had been made, and material
injury produced.
The commandant was ably supported by the officers
associated with him. Lieutenant Spedden and MXlver
were wounded ; the former in both arms, and in one
so severely, as to be compelled to have it amputated :
yet this valiant officer to the last continued his orders ;
nor did the latter quit for a moment his post. Mid-
shipmen Cauley and Reynolds, young men of spirit
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 28 1
and promise, fell victims to the wounds received in
this contest. But it is unnecessary to take up the
time of the reader in commendation of this Spartan
band : their bravery and good conduct will be long
remembered and admired, and excite emotions much
stronger than language can paint. The great dis-
parity of force between the combatants, added to the
advantages the enemy derived from the peculiar con-
struction of their boats, which gave them an oppor-
tunity to take any position that circumstances and
safety directed, while the others lay wholly unmanage-
able, presents a curious and strange result ; that, while
the American loss was but ten killed, and thirty-five
wounded, that of their assailants was not less than
three hundred. The British have never presented
any report upon this subject : but, from every infor-
mation, and from all the attendant circumstances of
the battle, it was even believed to have exceeded this
number ; of which a large proportion was officers.^
The British returned to their shipping, at Cat Island,
with their prisoners, carrying with them a convincing
argument, to do away the belief with which they had
arrived, that, in this section of country, the inhabitants
were waiting, with open arms, to receive them ; and
that the forces embodied for its defence w T ould retire
at the first appearance of danger. It was the same ar-
ts oats. Men. Grins.
* The British had 43 1200 43
The Americans 5 182 23
Difference 38 1018 20
So that the disparity in force of boats, men, and guns, was as eight
tevea and nearly two to one.
2N
28.2 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
gument which a few weeks before had been made to
colonel Nicholls, at Fort Bowyer, and which had pro-
duced on his mind such conviction, as to render him
altogether unwilling that the matter should be further
discussed in his presence.
This disaster was announced to general Jackson,
while on a visit to the lakes, whither he had gone to
examine the situation of the different works, there
erected and in progress. He heard it with much con-
cern; for on it important consequences depended. The
means of watching the enemy, and ascertaining his
projects, were now cut off, and the necessity imposed
of resorting for defence and safety, in this direction,
to entirely different remedies.
Aided by ours, and the great number of their own
boats, his fears for the safety of Mobile were much
increased. The apprehensions which he had con-
stantly entertained for this place were of the most,
lively kind. Although he had every confidence in the
gallant officer who commanded at Fort Bowyer, yet he
well knew how inefficient were the exertions of a
brave man, when assailed by superior strength and
numbers. The importance of this place and its secu-
rity, was to him a matter of the greatest concern. It
seems to have been an object that never sufficiently
fastened itself on the consideration of the enemy, or
indeed our own government. His own apprehensions
of an invasion here, as affecting much more seri-
ously the interest of the lower country, was ta him
a cause of constant uneasiness. He felt confident, that
while this point remained safe, so might the country
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 283
adjacent ; but if it fell, conquered by a greatly supe-
rior force, the Indians would again be excited, the
settlements on the Mobile and Alabama rivers be-
come tributary, and New Orleans be involved in the
general ruin. Deeply impressed with the importance
of properly defending this place, he had heretofore
brought to the view of the secretary of war, the pro-
priety and necessity of adopting such a course as
should place it entirely out of the reach of danger. To
effect this, he proposed that a large frigate, mounting
forty-four guns, which, for some cause, to him un-
known, had been left on the stocks, at Tchifonte, in
an unfinished state, should be completed, and ap-
plied to this purpose. " Let her," he remarked, " be
placed in the Navy Cove, which will protect the rear
of the fort ; and my life upon it, ten thousand troops,
and all the British fleet, cannot take the place, nor
enter the bay. This will be their point of attack ; if
carried, they will penetrate the Indian nation, there
make a stand, and incite the savages to war, and the
slaves to insurrection and massacre ; penetrate, if
they can, to the left bank of the Mississippi, and ar-
rest all communication. If they succeed in this, the
lower country falls of course." No notice, however,
was ever taken of his admonition, and nothing done to
effect the object proposed. His entire defence and
safety rested on the means which he himself could
reach. An express w r as immediately despatched to
general Winchester, apprizing him of what had hap-
pened ; that all communication being cut off, he must
look to the procuring supplies for his army from Ten-
nessee River, through the posts established in the
Creek country. " The enemy," he continues, " will
284 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
attempt, through Pass Huron, to reach you : watch,
nor suffer yourself to be surprised ; haste, and throw
sufficient supplies into Fort Bowyer; and guard vigi-
lantly the communication from Fort Jackson, lest it
be destroyed. Mobile point must be supported and
defended, at every hazard. The enemy has given us
a large coast to guard ; but I trust, with the smiles of
heaven, to be able to meet and defeat him at every
point he may venture his foot upon the land."
Increased vigilance and enlarged exertions were now
required to guard the different routes through which
they might seek to make good their progress, and
reach the object of their visit. Major Lacoste, com-
manding the battalion of coloured troops, was ordered,
with two pieces of cannon and a sufficient force, to take
post on and defend the Chef Menteur road, that led
from the head of lake Borgne to New Orleans. In
fact, wherever an inlet or creek, of the smallest size,
putting in, justified the belief, that through it an en-
trance might be effected, suitable arrangements were
made to obstruct the passage, and prevent approach.
Through the Rigolets was presumed the most proba-
ble route the enemy would adventure, that, by gaining
lake Pontchartrain, a landing might be made above or
below the city, or at bayou St. John, directly opposite ;
and, by a division of their forces, and assaulting differ-
ent points, make such a diversion, as, with raw troops,
could not be resisted under any circumstances of ad-
vantage.
This place had been confided to captain Newman,
of the artillery. It was an important point, as well for
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
the purposes already named, as being a position whence
any movement on the lakes could be discovered. On
the 22d, it was reinforced by several heavy pieces of
cannon, and an additional supply of men. He was ad-
vised by the general of the consequence attached to it,
and that it was not to be inconsiderately yielded ; but
that, in the event of his being compelled to abandon it,
every thing being properly secured, he was to make
good his retreat to Chef Menteur, where he would be
covered by an additional force : " But," added he,
" you are not to retreat until your judgment is well
convinced that it is absolutely necessary to the very
salvation of your command."
On the 16th the militia were reviewed by Jackson.
He had perceived, on his arrival at New Orleans, such
a state of despondency manifested by the people, that
to remove it had called forth all his exertions. His
active and incessant endeavours to have defended every
accessible point, and a confidence, constantly evinced,
that his resources were commensurate with all the pur-
poses of successful resistance, had completely under-
mined those fears, at first so generally indulged. Lest,
from the loss which had lately happened on the lakes,
a similar state of doubt and despondency might be
again produced, was the principal cause of appearing
before them to-day, on review ; to convince them, by
his deportment, that the safety of the city was not to
be despaired of. He directed an address, previously
prepared for the purpose, to be read to them. It was
drawn in language breathing the warmth of his own
feelings, and well calculated to communicate, and in-
spire the same glow to others. He told them they
286 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOA'.
were contending for all that could render life desira-
ble ; " For your property and lives ; for that which
is dearer than all, your wives and children ; for liber-
ty, without which, country, life, and property are not
worth possessing. Even the embraces of wives and
children are a reproach to the wretch who would de-
prive them, by his cowardice, of those inestimable
blessings. You are to contend with an enemy who
seeks to deprive you of the least of these who avows
a war of vengeance and desolation, carried on and
marked by cruelties, lusts, and horrors, unknown to
civilized nations.
" Natives of the United States ! the enemy you are
to contend with are the oppressors of your infant po-
litical existence they are the men your fathers fought
and conquered, whom you are now to oppose. De-
scendants of Frenchmen ! natives of France ! they are
English, the hereditary, the eternal enemies of your
ancient country, the invaders of that you have adopt-
ed, who are your foes. Spaniards ! remember the con-
duct of your allies at St. Sebastian, and recently at
Pensacola, and rejoice that you have an opportunity of
avenging the brutal injuries inflicted by men who dis-
honour the human race. Louisianians ! your general
rejoices to witness the spirit that animates you, riot
only for your honour, but your safety ; for whatever
had been your conduct or wishes, his duty would have
led, and yet will lead him to confound the citizen, un-
mindful of his rights, with the enemy he ceases to op-
pose. Commanding men who know their rights, and
are determined to defend them, he salutes you as bre-
thren in arms ; and has now a new motive to exert all
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 28?
his faculties, which shall be strained to the utmost in
your defence. Continue with the energy you have
begun, and he promises you not only safety, but vic-
tory over an insolent foe, who has insulted you by an
affected doubt of your attachment to the constitution
of your country. Your enemy is near ; his sails al-
ready cover the lakes : but the brave are united ; and
if he find us contending among ourselves, it will be for
the prize of valour, and fame, its noblest reward."
Resistance on the lakes being at an end, no doubt
was entertained but that the moment for action would
be as early as the enemy could make his preparations
to proceed. At what point, at what time, and with a
force how greatly superior to his own, were matters
wholly resting in uncertainty, and could not be known
until they should actually transpire. The means for
opposing him, therefore, were to be seized on without
delay, or resistance would be useless.
That the hour of attack was not far distant, was con-
firmed by a circumstance which reflects no consider-
able honour on the officer in command of the fleet.
The day subsequent to the contest on the lakes, Mr.
Shields, purser in the navy, had been despatched with
a flag, to Cat island, accompanied by Dr. Murrell, for
the purpose of alleviating the situation of our wound-
ed, and to effect a negotiation, by which they should
be liberated on parole. We are not aware that such
an application militated against the usages and customs
of war : if not, the flag of truce should have been re-
spected ; nor ought its bearer to have been detained
as a prisoner. Admiral Cochrane's pretended fear that
2S8 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
it was a wile, designed to ascertain his strength and
situation, are far from presenting any sufficient excuse
for so wanton an outrage on propriety and the rules of
war. If this were apprehended, could not the messen-
gers have been met at a distance from the fleet, and
ordered back without a near approach ? Had this been
done, no information could have been gained, and the
object designed to be secured by the detention would
have been answered, without infringing that amicable
intercourse between contending armies, which, when
violated or disregarded, opens a door to brutal and
Savage warfare. Finding they did not return, the
cause of it was at once correctly divined.
The British admiral was very solicitous, and resort-
ed to various means to obtain from these gentlemen
information of the strength and condition and dispo-
sition of our army ; but so cautious a reserve was main-
tained, that from them nothing could be elicited.
Shields was perceived to be quite deaf, and calculating
on some advantage to be derived from this circum-
stance, he and the Doctor were placed at night in the
^reen room, where any conversation which occurred
between them could readily be heard. Suspecting,
perhaps, something of the kind, after having retired,
and every thing was seemingly still, they began to
speak of their situation the circumstance of their be-
ing detained, arid of the prudent caution with which
they had guarded themselves against communicating
any information to the British admiral. But, continu-
ed Shields, how greatly these gentlemen will be dis-
appointed in their expectations, for Jackson with the
twenty thousand troops he now has, and the reinforce-
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 289
inents from Kentucky, which must speedily reach him,
will be able to destroy any force that can be landed
from these ships. Every word was heard, and treasur-
ed, and not supposing there was any design, or that
he presumed himself overheard, they were beguiled by
it, and at once concluded our force to be as great as it
was represented ; and hence no doubt arose, the rea-
son of that prudent care and caution with which the
enemy afterwards proceeded ; for, as was remarked by
a British officer, the actual strength of general Jack-
son's army, though repeatedly sought after, could nev-
er be procured ; it was a desideratum not to be ob-
tained.
Early on the 15th, the morning after the battle on
the lake, expresses were sent off up the coast, in
quest of general Coffee, to endeavour to procure in-
formation of the Kentucky and Tennessee divisions,
which it was hoped were not far distant, and to urge
their speedy approach. In his communication to Cof-
fee, the general observes, "You must not sleep, until
you reach me, or arrive within striking distance.
Your accustomed activity is looked for. Innumeral^e
defiles present themselves, where your services and ri-
flemen will be all important. An opportunity is at
liand, to reap for yourself and brigade the approbation
of your country."
In obedience to the order he had received at Mo-
bile, to occupy some central position, where his horses
could be subsisted, and whence he might act as cir-
cumstances should require, Coffee had proceeded as
far as Sandy creek, a small distance above Baton
2 o
290 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
Rouge, where he had halted. His brigade, on its
march, had been greatly exposed, and many and va-
rious hardships encountered. The cold season had set
in ; and, for twenty days it had rained incessantly.
The waters were raised to uncommon heights, and
every creek and bayou was to be bridged or swam.
Added to this, their march was through an unculti-
vated country, but thinly settled, where little subsist-
ence was to be had, and that procured with much diffi-
culty. He had been at this place eight or ten days,
when, late on the evening of the 17th, the express de-
spatched from head-quarters reached him. He lost no
time in executing the order ; and, directing one of his
regiments, which, for the greater convenience of for-
aging, had encamped about six miles off, to unite with
him, he was ready in the morning, and proceeded on
his march the instant it arrived. In consequence of
innumerable exposures, there were, at this time, three
hundred on the sick list. These being left, he com-
menced his advance with twelve hundred and fifty
men. The weather yet continued extremely cold and
rainy, which prevented their proceeding with the ce-
lerity the exigency of the moment so much required.
Coffee, perceiving that the movement of his whole
force in a body, would perhaps occasion delays, ruin-
ous to the main object in view, ordered all who were
well mounted, and able to proceed, to advance with
him ; while the rest of his brigade, under suitable offi-
cers, were left to follow as fast as the weak and ex-
hausted condition of their horses would permit. His
force, by this arrangement, was reduced to eight hun-
dred men, with whom he moved with the utmost in-
dustry. Having marched seventy miles the last day,
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 291
he encamped on the night of the 19th, within fifteen
miles of New Orleans, making in two days a distance
of one hundred and twenty miles. Continuing his ad-
vance, early next morning, he halted within four miles
of the city, to examine the state and condition of his
arms, and to learn, in the event the enemy had landed,
the relative position of the two armies.
.
These brave men, without murmuring, had now
traversed an extent of country nothing short of eight
hundred miles, and under trials sufficiently severe to
have appalled the most resolute and determined. They
had enrolled themselves, not as volunteers sometimes
do, to frolic, and by peaceable campaigns to gain a
name in arms they had done it knowing that an ene-
my, if not already at hand, was certainly expected,
with whom they would have to contend, and contend
severely. Great reliance was had on them by the
commanding general ; and their good conduct, in the
different situations in which they had acted with him,
was a proof how much they deserved it. On inspect-
ing their arms, which consisted principally of rifles,
two hundred were discovered to be so materially in-
jured by the weather, as to be unfit for service.
The advance of colonel Hinds, from Woodville,
with the Mississippi dragoons, was no less prompt and
expeditious ; an active and brave officer, he was, on
this, as on all other occasions, at his post, ready to
act as circumstances should require. Having re-
ceived his orders, he hastened forward, and effected
in four days, a march of two hundred and thirty miles.
292 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
On the 1 6th, colonel Hynes, aid-de-camp to general
Carroll, reached head-quarters, with information from
the general, that he would be present as early as
possible ; but that the state of the weather, and high
and contrary winds, greatly retarded his progress. To
remedy this, a steam boat was immediately put in re-
quisition, and ordered to proceed up the river to aid
him in reaching his destination, without loss of time.
He was advised of the necessity of hastening rapidly
forward ; that the lakes were in possession of the ene-
my, and their arrival daily looked for : " But," con-
tinued Jackson, " I am resolved, feeble as my force is,
to assail him, on his first landing, and perish sooner
than he shall reach the city."
Independent of the large force which was descend-
ing with general Carroll, his approach was looked to
with additional pledfsure, from the circumstance of his
having with him a boat laden with arms, destined for
the defence of the country, and which he had over-
taken on his passage down the Mississippi. His fall-
ing in with them was fortunate ; for, had their arrival
depended on those to whom they had been incautious-
ly confided, they might have come too late, and after
all danger had subsided ; as was indeed the case with
others, forwarded from Pittsburg, which, through the
unpardonable conduct of those who had been entrust-
ed with their management and transportation, did not
reach New Orleans until after all difficulties had ter-
minated. Great inconvenience was sustained, during
the siege, for want of arms to place in the hands of
the militia. Great as it was, it w^ould have been in-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 293
creased, even to an alarming extent, but for the acci-
dental circumstance of this boat having fallen into the
hands of the Tennessee division, which impelled it on,
and thereby produced incalculable advantage.*
* On the first intimation that the British intended a descent on this
section of the United States, general Jackson suggested to the secre-
tary of war the scarcity of both arms and ordnance, and the neces-
sity of having the deficiency remedied as soon as possible. Mr.
Monroe, then secretary of war, had given the earliest attention to
the subject, and ordered an ample supply to be embarked from
Pittsburg, sufficiently early to have reached head-quarters previous-
ly to the enemy's landing. Their transportation down the western
waters had been confided to those who felt not sufficient concern
for their speedy arrival to use the necessary diligence. Whether
the government had given any such orders, or it were a piece of pen-
ny-wise economy suggested by the quarter-master, we do not know-
The fact, however, is, that a steam vessel, sailing with much expe-
dition, proposed to carry and deliver them at New Orleans in eigh-
teen days, which would have been in time for all the purposes after-
wards needed. But the officer who had the management of this bu-
siness, because it was in his power to save an inconsiderable sum in
freight, preferred delivering them to the captain of a large flat bot-
tomed boat, which moved slowly, and which, withal, it was under-
stood, would occasionally stop on the way to traffic and trade off the
different articles with which she was laden. On all occasions, we
would commend the doctrine of economy, when founded on correct
principles : but that minister or agent of the government, who, to
save a partial expense, hazards the loss of thousands; or who t
through parsimonious views of any kind whatever, risks the loss of a
whole country, evidences so weak and narrow-sighted a policy, a*
can on no ground be justified. This single circumstance, if argument
were necessary to establish it, is sufficient to show the correctness of
the position. The general, in a letter to the secretary of war, after
the battle of the 8th, remarks, that if he had had a sufficiency of
arms, he would have captured or destroyed the whole British army ;
and this he might have had, if the agents of the government had exe-
cuted the duties confided to them on a scale enlarged and liberal a*
the crisis demanded.
294 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
This division, as we have before remarked, had left
Nashville on the 19th of last month. Their exertions y
without which they could not have arrived in time to
afford that assistance and protection which the peril
of the moment so much required, entitle them and
their commander to every gratitude. But above all
is our gratitude due to that benign Providence, who,
having aided in the establishment of our glorious in-
dependence, again manifested his goodness and power
in guarding the rights of a country rendered sacred
by the blood of the virtuous, heretofore shed in its
defence. It rarely, if ever happens, that the Cumber-
land river admits a passage for boats so early in the
season ; but torrents of rain descending swelled the
stream, and wafted our troops safely to the Mississippi,
where all obstructions were at an end. An appre-
hension entertained lest the blow might be stricken,
and the injury done, before they could reach their
destined point, had inspired our troops with an alacrity
and exertion which brought them to the place of
danger and usefulness, in a shorter period of time
than even traders had usually employed, when hur-
rying with their produce to market
While these preparations were progressing, to con-
centrate the forces within his reach, the general was
turning his attention to ward off any blow that might
be aimed before his expected reinforcements should
arrive. Every point, capable of being successfully as-
sailed, was receiving such additional strength and
security as could be given. Patroles and videttes were
ranged through the country, that the earliest intelli-
gence might be had of any intended movement The
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 295
militia of the state were called out en masse ; and,
through the interference of the legislature, an em-
bargo on vessels at the port of New Orleans was de-
clared, to afford an opportunity of procuring additional
recruits for the navy. General Villery, because an
inhabitant of the country, and best understanding the
several points on the lakes susceptible of, and re-
quiring defence, was ordered, with the Louisiana
militia, to search out, and give protection to the dif-
ferent passes, where a landing might" be effected.
To hinder the enemy from obtaining supplies on
the shore, a detachment was sent to Pearl river, to
prevent any parties from landing until the stock could
be driven from the neighbourhood. The precaution,
for some time used, of restricting the departure of
any vessel with provisions, under the operation of the
embargo imposed by the legislature, had greatly dis-
appointed the expectations of the British, and even
introduced distress into Pensacola, whence the Spa-
niards had been in the habit of procuring their sup-
plies. The governor had solicited the opening a com-
munication, for the relief of the suffering inhabitants
of his province. Jackson was aware that this appeal
to his humanity might be a stratagem, having for its
object to aid the enemy. Although the governor,
hitherto, had given no flattering evidence, either of
his friendship, his candour, or sincerity, still the state-
ment offered by him might be correct ; and if so, the
neutrality of his country established a well-founded
claim to the benevolence of the Americans. Balancing
between a desire that these people should not be se-
riously injured, and a fear that the application was in-
296 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
tended for a very different purpose than was avowed,
he determined to err on the side of mercy, and, as far
as possible, to relieve their wants. This he directed
general Winchester, at Mobile, to effect, provided his
stock of provisions would permit it. It was particu-
larly enjoined on him that the quantity of provisions
sent should be small, and be conveyed by water : " For
if," said he, " the Spaniards are really in distress, and
the supply sent shall be taken by the British, it will
excite their just indignation towards them, and erase
all friendship, while they will be afforded an additional
proof of ours: the supply too being inconsiderable,
even if captured, will prove of no great benefit to our
enemy."
Jackson's arrangements were well conceived, and
rapidly progressing ; but they were still insufficient ;
and his own forebodings assured him, that, to obtain
security, something stronger than had been yet re-
sorted to, required to be adopted. That there was
an enemy in the midst of his camp, more to be feared
than those who were menacing from abroad, was in-
deed highly, nay more than probable ; while an appre-
hension indulged, that there were many foreigners,
who, feeling no attachment for the country, and having
nothing to defend, would not scruple to avail them-
selves of every opportunity to give intelligence of the
strength, situation, and arrangement of his camp, excit-
ed his fears, and induced a wish to apply the earliest
possible corrective. A stranger himself, his own con-
jectures might not have led to the conclusion ; but
information received, before and soon after .his arrival,
through different channels, and particularly from the
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 297
governor of the state, had awakened a belief, that the
country was filled with disaffected persons, and who,
if not closely guarded, might occasion the worst of
consequences. Although he had been in possession
of data, sufficiently strong to confirm him in the
opinion, that the facts and circumstances disclosed
were of a character truly as had been represented,
until now, no urgent necessity had arisen, rendering
a resort to rigid measures essential to the general
safety. Abundant evidence of prevailing disaffection
had been already obtained, through governor Clai-
borne. In a letter to general Jackson, after his return
from Pensacola, he observed, " Enemies to the coun-
try may blame your prompt and energetic measures ;
but in the person of every patriot, you will find a sup-
porter. I am well aware of the lax police of this city,
and indeed of the whole state, with respect to stran-
gers. I think, with you, that our country is filled
" with traitors and spies." On this subject, I have
written pressingly to the city authorities and parish
judges. Some regulations, I hope, will be adopted by .
the first, and greater vigilance be exercised, in future, .
by the latter."
Never, perhaps, all the circumstances considered,
did any general advance to the defence and protection
of a people situated in his own country, where greater
room was had to distrust the success of the event, and
believe all efforts hopeless. That there should be
found, at all times, and in all places, an inconsiderable
few who would not withhold their assent to a change
in the form of any government, under which they
might live, is not a circumstance to excite surprise.
2p
298 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
Some might be induced to it, if for no other reason, to
alter a condition in life, which if not improved, could
not be rendered worse : and in our country particular-
ly, where foreigners are freely and readily admitted to
all our rights and privileges, many of whom have been
allured, not by attachment, but from motives of cupid-
ity, shall we ever have cause, perhaps, to regret a
want of union and energy at those periods when they
may be mostly needed. But, that disaffection should
ever be found in our national councils, is a source of
increased regret, and causes it to assume a character
of deeper danger. When, therefore, general Jackson
was informed by the governor, that the legislature, in-
stead of discharging with alacrity, diligence, and good
faith, the duties which had been confided to them by
their constituents, had, under the garb of privilege,
endeavoured to mar the execution of measures the
most salutary, he might well conclude the country in
danger, and suspect a want of fidelity in her citizens.
Upon the yeomanry alone must every country depend
for its liberty : they are its sinews and its strength.
Let them continue virtuous, and they will cheerfully,
nay, fearlessly, maintain themselves against aggression;
but if they become corrupted, or through the intrigue
or mjsconduct of their rulers loose confidence in their
government, forthwith their importance and value will
be impaired. While the people of Rome felt themselves
freemen, and proud of the name of citizens, Rome was
invincible; and to descend to times more modern, the
strength of France was an overmatch for combined
Europe, only while Frenchmen had confidence in; and
regard for their government, and felt that they w^ere a,
part of it *
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
Although we would gladly draw a veil over the con-
duct of the legislative body of Louisiana, and forgive
the error, yet it is difficult, nor is it necessary to forget
that on a former occasion, at a moment of threatened
and expected danger, they exerted themselves against
the establishment of any system of defence. General
Flournoy at that time commanded. Apprehending
invasion, he applied to the governor for whatever aid
the state could afford. Constitutional resources were
attempted and an effort made to draw out the mili-
tia ; they resisted the requisition : and that resistance
so far from being discountenanced by the legislature
then in session, was promoted and encouraged by their
assuming to themselves the right of declaring the de-
mand to be illegal, unnecessary, and oppressive. When
popular resentment is once awakened, and opposition
to measures, however proper, once begun, the slightest
encouragement impels it forward ; but when the au-
thorities of a state become abettors, and by their con-
duct and expressions give it sanction, the delusion is
increased, and forthwith it swells beyond the bounds
where reason can control. Thus supported, the mili-
tia, as might have been expected, stood their ground,
and resolutely resisted the call to defend their coun-
try. The example thus established had already in-
duced the conviction that they were privileged per-
sons, and had reserved to them, on all occasions, when
called for, the right of determining if the call were re-
gular, why and wherefore made, where they would
prefer to act, and be governed accordingly. When,
therefore, the first requisition made by Jackson was
attempted to be filled, a number made a tender of their
services as volunteers ; but OH this condition, that they
300 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
were not to be marched from the state. The reply
made, showed they were to act with a general who
knew nothing of temporizing policy, and who would
go the entire length that safety and necessity required,
and his powers permitted. They were assured his ob-
ject was to defend the country, and that he should do
it at every hazard ; that soldiers who entered the ranks
with him to fight the battles of their country, must for-
get the habits of social life, and be willing and prepar-
ed to go wherever duty and danger called ; such were
the kind of troops he wanted, and none others would
he have.
i
Influenced by these and other weighty considera-
tions, which were daily disclosed; sensible of the dan-
ger that surrounded him ; and from a conviction which
he felt was founded not upon light considerations, that
the country without a most decisive course could not
be saved, he brought to the view of the legislature
the propriety and necessity of suspending the writ of
habeas corpus. To attempt himself so new and bold
a course, he was satisfied would draw to him the re-
proofs and censures of the orthodox politicians of the
day, and involve him in many and various reproaches^
The legislature had already interrupted the commerce
by declaring and enforcing an embargo ; and the ex-
ercise of this subsequent authority, equally necessary
with the first, could involve, he supposed, no higher
exercise of power than the enactment of an embargo
law. He was solicitous, therefore, to relieve himself
of the responsibility, by prevailing on the legislature
to do that which necessity and the security of the
country.^eeinei imperiously to require. They pro-
JLIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 301
ceeded slowly to the investigation, and were deli-
berating, with great caution, upon their right, author-
ity, and constitutional power to adopt such a mea-
sure, when the general, sensible that procrastination
was dangerous, and might defeat the objects intended
to be answered, assumed all responsibility, and super-
seded their deliberations by declaring the city and
environs of New Orleans under martial law.
All persons entering the city were required, imme-
diately, to report themselves to the adjutant-general ;
and on failing to do so, were to be arrested and de-
tained for examination. None were to depart from it,
or be suffered to pass beyond the chain of sentinels,
but by permission from the commanding general, or
one of the staff : nor was any vessel or craft to be per-
mitted to sail on the river, or the lakes, but by the same
authority, or a passport signed by the commander of
the naval forces.
The lamps were to be extinguished at nine o'clock
at night ; after which time, all persons found in the
streets, or from their respective homes, without per-
mission in writing, signed as above, were to be arrest-
ed as spies, and detained for examination.
At a crisis so important, and from a persuasion that
the country, in its menaced situation, could not be
preserved by the exercise of any ordinary powers, he
believed it best to adopt a course that should be effi-
cient, even if it partially endangered the rights and
privileges of the citizen. He proclaimed martial law,
believing necessity and policy requited it : y Under
302 LIFE Or GENERAL JACKSON.
a solemn conviction that the country, committed to
his care, could by such a measure alone be saved from
utter ruin; and from a religious belief, that he was
performing the most important and sacred duty. By
it, he intended to supersede such civil powers, as, in
their operation, interfered with those he was obliged
to exercise. He thought that, at such a moment, con-
stitutional forms should be suspended, for the preser-
vation of constitutional rights ; and that there could be
no question, whether it were better to depart, for a
moment, from the enjoyment of our dearest privileges,
or to have them wrested from us forever."
This rigid course, however, was by no means well
received. Whether it had for its object good or evil ;
whether springing from necessity, or from a spirit of
oppression in its author, with many, was not a mate-
rial question : it was sufficient for them to consider it
an infraction of the law, to excite their warmest op-
position ; whilst the long approved doctrine of neces-
sitas rei afforded no substantial argument to induce a
conviction of its propriety. Whether the civil should
yield to military law, or which should have control,
with those whose anxious wishes were the safety of
the state, was not a matter of deep or serious concern;
but to busy politicians, and lukewarm breasts, it open-
ed a field for investigation : and many a fire-side pa-
triot had arguments at command, to prove it an usur-
pation of power, an outrage upon government, and a
violation of the constitution. During the invasion,
and while affairs of major importance impended, no
occasion was presented of testing its correctness ; but
soon as the enefny had retired, and before it was as-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 303
certained, whether, at some more fortunate and less
guarded point, they might not return, to renew those
efforts which had so lately failed, Dominick A. Hall,
judge of the United States court for this district, de-
termined to wage a war of authority, and to have
decided, if, in any event, the civil power could be
deprived of supremacy. Jackson presumed his time
of too much importance, at so momentous a period, to
be wasted in the discussion of civil matters. He gave
to it, therefore, the only attention which he believed
its officiousness merited, and instead of obeying the
command, arrested and ordered the judge to leave the
city. Peace being presently restored, and danger over,
the judge renewed the contest ; and causing the gene-
ral to appear before him, on a process of contempt,
for detaining and refusing to obey a writ of habeas
corpus, which had been directed to him, amerced him
in a fine of a thousand dollars. How far he was ac-
tuated by correct motives, in exclusion to those feel-
ings which sometimes estrange the judgment, his own
conscience can determine ; and how far his proceed-
ings were fair and liberal, will appear hereafter, when,
in proper order, we shall be brought to examine this
prosecution. For the present, we are confident, that
if ever there was a case that could justify or excuse a
departure from the law, its features were not stronger
than those which influenced general Jackson, on the
present occasion, in suspending the rights of the citi-
zens. If judge Hall were impelled to the course he
took, in defence of the violated dignity of the con-
stitution, and to protect the rights of a government,
whose judicial powers he represented, whether right
or wrong, he deserves not censure ; although it might
304 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
be well replied, that an infinitely fairer and more glo-
rious opportunity of showing his devotedness to his
country had just passed, when he might truly have
aided in defence of her honour, nor left even room for
his motives to have been unfairly appreciated.
This strong and efficient measure had not been
resorted to from the mere anticipation of danger;
already sufficient causes existed; and intrigue and
stratagem were busily winding their way into our
camp : they were either to be put down, or every hope
of opposition and successful resistance abandoned.
England, never at a loss for varnished statements, to
give plausibility to her views, not only held forth the
idea that she had come to restore the inhabitants to
higher privileges than they enjoyed, but, to render the
delusion still more complete, through her emissaries,
propagated the belief, that, as the friend of Spain, she
had come to restore West Florida to its rightful
owner, and the citizens to their lawful sovereign. Com-
posed, as our army at this time was, of heterogeneous
materials, Frenchmen, Spaniards, and natives, it re-
quired constant efforts to keep alive excitement, and
to ward off despondency. Learning the rumours that
had been propagated, and fearing lest they might have
an injurious tendency, Jackson immediately circulated
an address to his troops, in which he sought to coun-
teract the effect, and preserve their ardour and devo-
tion to their country.
" Believe not," he observed, " that the threatened
invasion is with a view to restore the country to Spain.
It is founded in design, and a supposition that you
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 305
would be willing to return to your ancient govern-
ment. Listen not to such incredible tales : your go-
vernment is at peace with Spain. It is your vital
enemy, the common enemy of mankind, the highway
robber of the world, that has sent his hirelings among
you, to put you from your guard, that you may fall an
easier prey. Then look to your liberty, your pro-
perty, the chastity of your wives and daughters. Take
a retrospect of the conduct of the British army at
Hampton, and at other places where it has entered
our country and every bosom, which glows with pa*-
triotism and virtue, will be inspired with indignation,
and pant for the arrival of the hour when we shall
meet and revenge those outrages against the laws of
civilization and humanity."
With the exception of the Kentucky troops, which
were yet absent, all the forces expected had arrived.
General Carroll had reached Coffee's encampment,
four miles above the city, on the 21st, and had imme-
diately reported to the commanding general. The
officers were busily engaged in drilling, manoeuvring,
and organizing the troops, and in having every thing
ready for action, the moment it should become neces-
sary. No doubt was entertained, but the British
would be able to effect a landing at some point : the
principal thing to be guarded against was not to pre-
vent it; for, since the loss of the gun-boats, any at-
tempt of this kind could only be regarded as hopeless :
but, by preserving a constant vigilance, and thereby
having the earliest intelligence of their approach, they
might be met at the very threshold, and opposed.
Small guard boats were constantly plying on the lakes,
306 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
to watch, and give information of every movement
Some of these had come in, late on the evening of the
22d, and reported that all was quiet, and that no un-
favourable appearance portended in that direction.
With such vigilance, constantly exercised, it is truly
astonishing that the enemy should have effected an in-
vasion, and succeeded in disembarking so large a
force, without the slightest intimation being had, until
they were accidentally discovered emerging from the
swamp and woods, about seven miles below the city :
why it so happened, traitors may conjecture, although
the truth is yet unknown. The general impression v is,
that it was through information given by a small party
of Spanish fishermen, that so secret a disembarkation
was effected. Several of them had settled at the
mouth of this bayou, and supported themselves by
fish which they caught, and vended in the market at
New Orleans. Obstructions, as we have already
stated, had been ordered to be made on every inlet,
and the Louisiana militia been despatched for that pur-
pose. This place had not received the attention its
importance merited: nor was it until the 22d, that
general Villery, charged with the execution of this
order, had placed here a small detachment of men*
Towards day, the enemy, silently proceeding up the
bayou, landed, and succeeded in capturing the whole
of this party, but two, who fleeing to the swamp, en-
deavoured to reach the city ; but, owing to the thick
undergrowth and briars, which rendered it almost im-
pervious, they did not arrive until after the enemy
had reached the banks of the Mississippi, and been
discovered.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOK. 307
Bayou Bienvenu, through which the British effected
a landing, is an arm of considerable width, stretching
towards the Mississippi from lake Borgne, and about
fifteen miles south-east of New Orleans. It had been
reported to general Jackson on the 23d, that, on the
day before, several strange sail had been descried off
Terre au Boeuf. To ascertain correctly the truth of
the statement, majors Tatum and Latour, topographi-
cal engineers, had been sent off, with orders to pro-
ceed in that direction, and learn if any thing were at-
tempting there. It was towards noon of the 23d, when
they started. Approaching general Villery's planta-
tion, and perceiving at a distance, soldiers, and persons
fleeing hastily away, they at once supposed the enemy
had arrived. What, however, was but surmise, was
presently, and on nearer observation, rendered cer-
tain ; and it was now no longer a doubt, but that the
British had landed, in considerable force, and had ac-
tually gained, unobserved, the house of general Villery,
on the bank of the Mississippi, where they had sur-
prised and made prisoners, a company of militia, there
posted.
Major Tatum, hastening back, announced his dis-
covery. Preparations to act were immediately made
by general Jackson. Believing that to act speedily,
was of the highest importance, the signal guns were
fired, and expresses sent forward, to concentrate his
forces ; resolving that night to meet the invaders and
try his own and their firmness.
CHAPTER IX.
General Jackson concentrates his forces, and marches tofght the enemy.
Alarms of the city. Anecdote. Mode of attack, and battle of the 23c?
of December. British reinforcements arrive during the action. Ar-
rival of general CarroWs division. Our army retires from the field.
Effects of this battle. Jackson establishes a line of defence. General
Morgan is ordered on the right bank of the Mississippi. Destruction
and loss of the Caroline schooner. Battle of the 28th December.
Conduct of the legislature of Louisiana; their deliberations suspended.
Scarcity of arms in the American camp. Col. Hinds.
THE hour to test the bravery of his troops had now
arrived. The approach of the enemy, flushed with the
hope of easy victory, was announced to Jackson a little
after one o'clock in the afternoon. There were too
many reasons, assuring him of the necessity of acting
speedily, to hesitate a moment on the course proper to
be pursued. Could he assail them, and obtain even a
partial advantage, it might be beneficial it might ar-
rest disaffection buoy up the despondent determine
the wavering, and bring within his reach resources for
to-morrow, which might wholly fail, should fear once
take possession of the public mind. It was a moment,
too, of all others, most propitious to success. He well
knew the greater part of his troops were inured to
marching and fatigue, while those opposed to him had
just been landed from a long voyage, and were as yet
without activity, and unfitted for bodily exertion.
Moreover, a part only might have arrived from the
shipping, while the remainder would be certainly dis-
embarked as early as possible. These circumstances
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 309
seemed to augment, in his behalf, the chances of vic-
tory, if now sought ; but if deferred, they might, in a
little time, disappear. He resolved, at all events, to
march, and that night give them battle. Generals Cof-
fee and Carroll were ordered to proceed immediately
from their encampment, and join him, with all haste.
Although four miles above, they arrived in the city in
less than two hours after the order had been issued,
These forces, with the seventh and forty-fourth regi-
ments, the Louisiana troops, and colonel Hinds' dra-
goons, from Mississippi, constituted the strength of his
army, which could be carried into action against an
enemy whose numbers, at this time, could only be con-
jectured. It was thought advisable that general Car-
roll and his division should be disposed in the rear, for
the reason that there was no correct information of the
force landed through Villery's canal, and because Jack-
son feared that this probably might be merely a feint
intended to divert his attention, while a much stronger
and more numerous division, having already gained
some point higher on the lake, might, by advancing in
his absence, gain his rear, and succeed in their designs.
Uncertain of their movements, it was essential he
should be prepared for the worst, and, by different dis-
positions of his troops, be ready to resist, in whatever
quarter he might be assailed. Carroll, therefore, at the
head of his division, and governor Claiborne, with the
state militia, were directed to take post on the Gentilly
road, which leads from Chef Menteur to New Orleans,
and to defend it to the last extremity.
Alarm pervaded the city. The marching and counr-
termarching of the troops the proximity of the ene-
310 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
my with the approaching contest, and uncertainty of
the issue, had excited a general fear. Already might
the British be on their way, and at hand, before the
necessary arrangements could be made to oppose them.
To prevent this, colonel Hayne, with two companies of
riflemen, and the Mississippi dragoons, was sent for-
ward to reconnoitre their camp, learn their position
and their numbers ; and, in the event they should be
found advancing, to harass and oppose them at every
step, until the main body should arrive.
Every thing being ready, general Jackson com-
menced his march, to meet and fight the veteran
troops of England. An inconsiderable circumstance,
at this moment, evinced what unlimited confidence
was reposed in his skill and bravery. As his troops
were marching through the city, his ears were assailed
with the screams and cries of innumerable females,
who had collected on the way, and seemed to appre-
hend the worst of consequenjces. Feeling for their
distresses, and anxious to quiet them, he directed Mr.
Livingston, one of his aids-de-camp, to address them
in the French language. " Say to them," said he, "not
to be alarmed : the enemy shall never reach the city."
It operated like an electric shock. To know that he
himself was not apprehensive of a fatal result, inspired
them with altered feelings; sorrow was ended, and
their grief converted into hope and confidence.
The general arrived in view of the enemy a little
before dark. Having previously ascertained from co-
lonel Hayne, who had been sent in advance, their po-
sition, and that their strength was about two thousand
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 311
men,* he immediately concerted the mode of attack,
and hastened to execute it. Commodore Patterson,
who commanded the naval forces on this station, with
captain Henly, on board the Caroline, had been direct-
ed to drop down, anchor in front of their line, and open
upon them from the guns of the schooner ; this being
the appointed signal, when given, the attack was to be
waged simultaneously on all sides. The fires from their
camp disclosed their position, and showed their en-
campment, formed with the left resting on the river,
and extending at right angles into the open field.
General Coffee, with his brigade, colonel Hinds' dra-
goons, and captain Beal's company of riflemen, was
ordered to oblique to the left, and, by a circuitous
route, avoid their piquets, and endeavour to turn their
right wing ; having succeeded in this, to form his line,
and press the enemy towards the river, where they
would be exposed more completely to the fire of the
Caroline. The rest of the troops, consisting of the
regulars, Ploache's city volunteers, Daquin's coloured
troops, the artillery under lieutenant Spotts, support-
ed by a company of marines commanded by colonel
M'Kee, advanced on the road along the bank of the
Mississippi, and were commanded by Jackson in per-
son.
General Coffee with silence and caution had ad-
vanced beyond their piquets, next the swamp, and
nearly reached the point to which he was ordered,
* This opinion, as it afterwards appeared, was incorrect. The
number of the enemy, at the commencement of the action, was three
thousand, and was shortly afterwards increased by additional forces :
our strength did not exceed two thousand.
312 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
when a broadside from the Caroline announced the
battle begun. Patterson had proceeded slowly, giving
time, as he believed, for the execution of those ar-
rangements contemplated on the shore. So sanguine
had the British been in the belief that they would be
kindly received, and little opposition attempted, that
the Caroline floated by the sentinels, and anchored be-
fore their camp, without any kind of molestation. On
passing the front piquet, she was hailed in a low tone
of voice, but not returning an answer, no further ques-
tion was made. This, added to some other attendant
circumstances, confirmed the opinion that they be-
lieved her a vessel laden with provisions, which had
been sent out from New Orleans, and was intended
for them. Having reached what, from their fires, ap-
peared to be the centre of their encampment, her an-
chors were cast, and her character and business dis-
closed from her guns. So unexpected an attack pro-
duced a momentary confusion; but, recovering, she
was answered by a discharge of musketry, and flight
of congreve rockets, which passed without injury,
while the grape and canister from her guns, were
pouring destructively on them. To take away the
certainty of aim afforded by the light from their fires,
these were immediately extinguished, and they retired
two or three hundred yards into the open field, if not
out of the reach of the cannon, at least to a distance,
where, by the darkness of the night, they would be
protected.
Coffee had dismounted his men, and turned his
horses loose, at a large ditch, next the swamp, in the
rear of Larond's plantation, and gained, as he believed*
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 313
the centre of the enemy's line, when the signal from
the Caroline reached him. He directly wheeled his
columns in, and extending his line parallel with the
river, moved towards their camp. He had advanced
scarcely more than a hundred yards, when he receiv-
ed a heavy fire, from a line formed in his front ; this,
to him, was an unexpected circumstance, as he sup-
posed the enemy lying principally at a distance, and
that the only opposition he should meet, until he ap-
proached towards the levee,* would be from their ad-
vanced pickets. The circumstance of his coming in
contact with them so soon, was owing to the severe
attack of the schooner, which had compelled the ene-
my to abandon their camp, and form without the reach
of her guns. The moon shone, but reflected her light
too feebly to discover objects at a distance. The only
mean, therefore, of producing certain effect, with the
kind of force engaged, which consisted chiefly of rifle-
men, was not to venture at random, but to discharge
their pieces only when there should be a certainty of
felling the object. This order being given, the line
pressed on, and having gained a position near enough
to distinguish, a general fire was given ; it was well
directed, and too severe and destructive to be with-
stood ; the enemy gave way, and retreated, rallied,
formed, were charged, and again retreated. Our
* Banks thrown up on the margin of the river to confine the stream
to its bed ; and which are extended along the Mississippi on both
sides, from the termination of the highlands, near Baton Rouge. Fre-
quently the river in its vernal floods rises above the elevation of the
plains, and then the security of the country depends on the strength
of those levees ; they not unfrequently break, and incalculable injury
is the consequence.
2R
314 UFE OF GEiNEKAL JACKSON.
gallant yeomanry, led by their brave commander,
urged fearlessly on, and drove their invaders from
every position they attempted to maintain. Their
general was under no necessity to encourage and
allure them to deeds of valour : his own example was
sufficient to excite them. Always in the midst, he
displayed a coolness and disregard of danger, calling
to his troops, that they had often said they could
fight now was the time to prove it.
The enemy, driven back by the resolute firmness
and ardour of the assailants, had now reached a grove
of orange trees, with a ditch running past it, protected
by a fence on the margin. Here they were halted and
formed for battle. It was a favourable position, pro-
mising security, and was occupied with a confidence
they could not be forced to yield it. Coffee's daunt-
less yeomanry, strengthened in their hopes of success,
moved on, nor discovered the advantages against them,
until a fire from the entire British line showed their
position and defence. A sudden check was given ;
but it was only momentary, for gathering fresh ar-
dour, they charged across the ditch, gave a deadly and
destructive fire, and forced them to retire. The re-
treat continued, until gaining a similar position, the
enemy made another stand, and were again driven
from it with considerable loss.
Thus the battle raged on the left wing, until the
British reached the bank of the river ; here a deter-
mined stand was made, and further encroachments re-
sisted : for half an hour the conflict was extremely vio-
lent on both sides. The American troops could not
JL1FE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 315
be driven from their purpose, nor the British made to
yield their ground; but at length, having suffered
greatly, the latter were under the necessity of taking
refuge behind the levee, which afforded a breast-work,
and protected them from the fatal fire of our riflemen.
Coffee, unacquainted with their position, for the dark-
ness had greatly increased, already contemplated again
to charge them ; but one of his officers, who had dis-
covered the advantage their situation gave them, as-
sured him it was too hazardous ; that they could be
driven no further, and would, from the point they
occupied, resist with the bayonet, and repel, with con*
siderable loss, any attempt that might be made to dis-
lodge them. The place of their retirement was cov-
ered in front by a strong bank, which had been ex-
tended into the field, to keep out the river, in conse*
quence of the first being encroached upon, and un-
dermined in several places : the former, however, was
still entire, in many parts, which, interposing between
them and the Mississippi, afforded security from the
broadsides of the schooner, which lay off at some dis-
tance. A further apprehension, lest, by moving still
nearer to the river, he might greatly expose himself
to the fire of the Caroline, which was yet spiritedly
maintaining the conflict, induced Coffee to retire until
he could hear from the commanding general, ajad re-
ceive his further orders.
During this time, the right wing, under Jackson,
had been no less prompt and active. A detachment
of artillery, under lieutenant Spotts, supported by
sixty marines, and constituting the advance, had moved
down the road, next the levee. 0n their left was the
316 tlFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
seventh regiment of infantry, led by major Piere. The
forty-fourth, commanded by major Baker, was formed
on the extreme left; while Plauche's and Daquin's
battalions of city guards, were directed to be posted
in the centre, between the seventh and forty-fourth.
The general had ordered colonel Ross, who, during
the night, acted in the capacity of brigadier-general,
for he was without a brigadier, on hearing the signal
from the Caroline, to move off by heads of companies,
and, on reaching the enemy's line, to deploy, and
unite the left wing of his command with the right of
general Coffee's. This order was omitted to be exe-
cuted; and the consequence was an early introduc-
tion of confusion in the ranks, whereby was prevented
the important design of uniting the two divisions.
Instead of moving in columns from the first position,
the troops, with the exception of the seventh regiment,
next the person of the genera), which advanced agree-
ably to the instructions that had been given, were
formed and marched in extended line. Having suffi-
cient ground to form on at first, no inconvenience was
at the moment sustained ; but this advantage presently
failing, the centre became compressed, and was forced
in the rear. The river, from where they were formed,
gradually inclined to the left, and diminished the space
originally possessed : farther in stood Larond's house,
surrounded by a grove of clustered orange trees : this
pressing the left, and the river the right wing to the
centre, formed a curve, which presently threw the
principal part of Plauche's and Daquin's battalions
without the line. This inconvenience might have been
remedied, but for the briskness of the advance, and for
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 317
the darkness of the night A heavy fire from behind
a fence, immediately before them, had brought the
enemy to view. Acting in obedience to their orders-,
not to waste their ammunition at random, our troops
had pressed forward against the opposition in their
front, and thereby threw those battalions in the rear.
A fog rising from the river, and which, added to the
smoke from the guns, was covering the plain, gradu-
ally diminished the little light shed by the moon, and
greatly increased the darkness of the night : no clue
was left to ascertain how 0r where the enemy were
situated. There was no alternative but to move on, in
the direction of their fire, which subjected the assail-
ants to material disadvantages. The British, driven
from their first position, had retired back, and occu-
pied another, behind a deep ditch, that ran out of the
Mississippi towards the swamp, on the margin of which
was a wood railed fence. Here, strengthened by in-
creased numbers, they again opposed the advance of
our troops. Having waited until they had approached
sufficiently near to be discovered, from their fastnesses
they discharged a fire upon the advancing army. In-
stantly our battery was formed, and poured destruc-
tively upon them ; while the infantry, pressing forward,
aided in the conflict, which at this point was for some
time spiritedly maintained. At this moment, a brisk
sally was made upon our advance, when the marines,
unequal to the assault, were already giving way. The
adjutant-general, and colonels Piatt and Chotard, with
a part of the seventh, hastening to their support, drove
the enemy, and saved the artillery from capture. Gene-
ral Jackson, perceiving the decided advantages which.
318 MFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
"'.-".
were derived from the position they occupied, ordered
their line to be charged. It was obeyed with cheer-
fulness, and executed with promptness. Pressing on,
our troops gained the ditch, and, pouring across it a
well aimed fire, compelled them to retreat, and to aban-
don their entrenchment. The plain, on which they
were contending, was cut to pieces, by races from the
river, to convey the water to the swamp. The enemy
were, therefore, very soon enabled to occupy another
position, equally favourable with the one whence they
had been just driven, where they formed for battle,
and, for some time, gallantly maintained themselves ;
but which, at length, and after stubborn resistance,
they were forced to yield.
The enemy, discovering the firm and obstinate ad-
vance made by the right wing of the American army,
and presuming perhaps that its principal strength was
posted on the road, formed the intention of attacking
violently the left. Obliquing, for this purpose, an at-
tempt was made to turn it. At this moment, Daquin's
and the battalion of city guards, being marched up,
and formed on the left of the forty-fourth regiment,
met and repulsed them.
The particular moment of the contest prevented
many of those benefits which might have been de-
rived from the artillery. The darkness of the night
was such, that the blaze of the enemy's musketry was
the only light afforded by which to determine their
position, or be capable of taking our own to advan-
tage; yet, notwithstanding, it greatly annoyed them,
whenever it could be brought to bear. Directed by
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOX. 319
lieutenant Spotts, a vigilant and skilful officer, with
men to aid him who looked to nothing but a zealous
discharge of their duty, the most essential and im-
portant services were rendered.
The enemy had been thrice assailed and beaten,
and for nearly a mile compelled to yield their ground.
They had now retired, and, if found, were to be sought
for amidst the darkness of the night. The general de-
termined to halt, and ascertain Coffee's position and
success, previously to waging the battle further ; for as
yet no communication had passed between them. He
entertained no doubt, from the brisk firing in that
direction, but that he had been warmly engaged ; but
this had now nearly subsided ; the Caroline, too, had
almost ceased her operations ; it being only occasion-
ally, that the noise of her guns disclosed the little op-
portunity she possessed of acting efficiently.
The express despatched to general Jackson, from
the left wing, having reached him, he determined to
prosecute the successes he had gained, no further.
The darkness of the night the confusion into which
his own division had been thrown, and a similar dis-
aster produced on the part of Coffee, all pointed to
the necessity of retiring from the field, and abandon-
ing the contest. The bravery and firmness already
displayed by his troops, had induced with him a belief
that by pressing forward he might capture the whole
British army : at any rate, he considered it but a game
of venture and hazard, which, if unsuccessful, could
not occasion his own defeat. If incompetent to its
execution, and superior numbers, or superior discip-
320 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOJT.
line, should compel him to recede from the effort, he
well knew the enemy would not have temerity enough
to attempt pursuit. The extreme darkness their en-
tire ignorance of the situation of the country, and an
apprehension lest their forces might be greatly out-
numbered, afforded sufficient reasons on which to
ground a belief, that although beaten from his pur-
pose, he would yet have it in his power to retire in
safety: but on the arrival of the express from general
Coffee, learning the strong position to which the
enemy had retired, and that a part of the left wing
had been detached, and were in all probability cap-
tured, he determined to retire from the contest, nor
attempt a further prosecution of his successes. Gene-
ral Coffee was accordingly directed to withdraw, and
take a position at Larond's plantation, where the line
had been first formed : and thither the troops on the
right were also ordered to be marched.
The last charge made by the left wing, had separa-
ted, from the main body, colonels Dyer and Gibson,
with two hundred men, and captain Beal's company
of riflemen. What might be their fate ; whether they
were captured, or had effected their retreat, was, at
this time, altogether uncertain ; be that as it might,
Coffee's command was thereby considerably weakened.
Colonel Dyer, who commanded the extreme left, on
clearing the grove, after the enemy had retired, was
marching in a direction where he expected to find
general Coffee ; he very soon discovered a force in
front, and halting his men, hastened towards it ; ar-
riving within a short distance, he was hailed, ordered
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 321
to stop, and report to whom he belonged : Dyer, and
Gibson, his lieutenant-colonel, who had accompanied
him, advanced, and stated they were of Coffee's bri-
gade ; by this time they had arrived within a short dis-
tance of the line, and perceiving that the name of the
brigade they had stated was not understood, their ap-
prehensions were awakened, lest it might be a detach-
ment of the enemy; in this opinion they were imme-
diately confirmed, and wheeling to return, were fired
on and pursued. Gibson had scarcely started when
he fell ; before he could recover, a soldier, quicker
than the rest, had reached him, and pinned him to the
ground with his bayonet ; fortunately the stab had but
slightly wounded him, and he was only held by his
clothes : thus pinioned, and perceiving others to be
briskly advancing, but a moment was left for de-
liberation ; making a violent exertion, and springing
to his feet, he threw his assailant to the ground, and
made good his retreat. Colonel Dyer had retreated
about fifty yards, when his horse dropped dead ; en-
tangled in the fall, and slightly wounded in the thigfy
there was little prospect of relief, for the enemy were
briskly advancing : his men being near at hand, he or-
dered them to advance and fire, which checked their
approach, and enabled him to escape. Being now at
the head of his command, perceiving an enemy in a
direction he had not expected, and uncertain how or
where he might find general Coffee, he determined to
seek him to the right, and moving on with his little
band, forced his way through the enemy's lines, with
the loss of sixty-three of his men, who were killed
and taken. Captain Beal, with equal bravery, charged
through the enemy, carrying off some prisoners, and
losing several of his own company.
2s
322 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON,
This reinforcement of the British had arrived from
Bayou Bienvenu, after night. The boats that landed
the first detachment, had proceeded back to the ship-
ping, and having returned, were on their way up the
bayou, when they heard the guns of the Caroline ;
moving hastily on to the assistance of those who had
debarked before them, they reached the shore, and
knowing nothing of the situation of the two armies,
during the engagement advanced in the rear of gene-
ral Coffee's brigade. Coming in contact with colonel
Dyer and captain Beal, they filed off to the left, and
reached the British lines.
This detached part of Coffee's brigade, unable to
unite with, or find him, retired to the place where they
had first formed, and joined colonel Hinds' dragoons,
which had remained on the ground where the troops
had first dismounted, that they might cover their re-
treat, in the event it became necessary.
Jackson had gone into this battle confident of suc-
cess ; and his arrangements were such as would have
ensured it, even to a much greater extent, but for the
intervention of circumstances that were not, and could
not be foreseen. The Caroline had given her signals,
and commenced the battle, a little too early, before
Coffee had reached and taken his position, and before
every thing was fully in readiness, to attain the objects
designed : but it was chiefly owing to the confusion in-
troduced at first into the ranks, which checked the ra-
pidity of his advance gave the enemy time for pre-
paration, and prevented his division from uniting with
the right wing of General Coffee's brigade.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 323
Colonel Hinds, with one hundred and eighty dra-
goons, was not brought into action during the night.
Interspersed as the plain was, with innumerable ditch-
es, diverging in different directions, it was impossible
that cavalry could act to any kind of advantage : they
were now formed in advance, to watch, until morning,
the movements of the enemy.
From the experiment just made, Jackson believed
it would be in his power, on renewing the attack, to
capture the British army : he concluded, therefore, to
order down to his assistance general Carroll with his
division, and to assail them again at the dawn of day.
Directing governor Claiborne to remain at his post,
with the Louisiana militia, for the defence of an im-
portant pass to the city, the Gentilly road, he despatch-
ed an express to Carroll, stating to him, that, in the
event there had been no appearance of a force during
the night, in the direction of Chef Menteur, to hasten
and join him with the troops under his command : this
order was executed by one o'clock in the morning.
Previously, however, to his arrival, a different deter-
mination was made. From prisoners who had been
brought in, and through deserters, it was ascertained
that the strength of the enemy, during the battle, was
four thousand, and, with the reinforcements which had
reached them, after its commencement, and during the
action, their force could not be less than six : at any
rate> it would greatly exceed his own, even after the
Tennessee division should be added. Although very
decided advantages had been obtained, yet they had
been procured under circumstances that might be
wholly lost in a contest waged in open day, between
forces so disproportionate, and by undisciplined troops,
324 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON
against veteran soldiers. Jackson well knew it was
incumbent upon him to act a part entirely defensive :
should the attempt to gain and destroy the city suc-
ceed, numerous difficulties would present themselves,
which might be avoided, so long as he could hold the
enemy in check, and halt him in his designs. Prompt-
ed by these considerations that it was important to
pursue a course calculated to assure safety; and be-
lieving it attainable in no way so effectually, as in oc-
cupying some point, and by the strength he might give
it, compensate for the inferiority of his numbers, and
their want of discipline, he determined to forbear all
further offensive efforts until he could more certainly
discover the views of the enemy, and until the Ken-
tucky troops, which had not yet arrived, should reach
him. Pursuing this idea, at four o'clock in the morn-
ing, having ordered colonel Hinds to occupy the ground
he was then abandoning, and to observe the enemy
closely, he fell back, and formed his line behind a deep
ditch that stretched to the swamp at right angles from
the river. There were two circumstances strongly re-
commending the importance of this place : the swamp,
which, from the high lands at Baton Rouge, skirts the
river at irregular distances, and in many places is al-
most impervious, had here approached within four
hundred yards of the Mississippi, and hence, from the
narrowness of the pass, was more easily to be defend-
ed ; added to which, there was a deep canal, whence
the dirt being thrown on the upper side, already form-
ed a tolerable work of defence. Behind this, his troops
were formed, and proper measures adopted for increas-
ing its strength, with a determination never to abandon
it ; but there to resist to the last, and valiantly to defend
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 325
those rights which were sought to be outraged and de-
stroyed.
Promptitude in decision, and activity in execution,
constituted the leading traits of Jackson's character.
No sooner had he resolved on the course which he
thought necessary to be pursued, than with every pos-
sible despatch he hastened to its completion. Before
him was an army proud of its name, and distinguished
for its deeds of valour. Opposed to which was his own
unbending spirit, and an inferior, undisciplined and
unarmed force. He conceived, therefore, that his was
a defensive policy ; that by prudence and caution he
would be able to preserve, what offensive operation
might have a tendency to endanger. Hence, with ac-
tivity and industry, based on a hope of ultimate suc-
cess, he commenced his plan of defence, determining
to fortify himself effectually, as the peril and pressure
of the moment would permit. When to expect attack
he could not tell ; preparation and readiness to meet
it, was for him to determine on, all else was for the
enemy. Promptly, therefore, he proceeded with his
system of defence ; and with such thoughtfulness and
anxiety that until the night of the 27th, when his
line was completed, he never slept, or for a moment
closed his eyes. Resting his hope of safety here, lie
was every where, through the night, present, encour-
aging his troops, and hastening a completion of the
work. The concern and excitement produced by the
mighty object before him, were such as overcame the
demand of nature, and for five days and four nights,
he was without sleep and constantly employed. His
line of defence being completed on the night of the
326 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
27th, he, for the first time since the arrival of the ene-
my, retired to rest and repose.
The soldier who has stood the shock of battle, and
knows what slight circumstances oftentimes produce
decided advantages, will be able, properly to appre-
ciate the events of this night. Although the dreadful
carnage of the 8th of January, hereafter to be told,
was in fact the finishing blow, that struck down the
towering hopes of those invaders, and put an end to
the contest, yet in the battle of the 23d, is there to be
found abundant cause why success resulted to our
arms, and safety was given to the country. The Bri-
tish had reached the Mississippi without the fire of a
gun, and encamped upon its banks as composedly as
if they had been seated on their own soil, and at a
distance from all danger. These were circumstances
which awakened a belief that they expected little
opposition, were certain of success, and that the
troops with whom they were to contend would scarce-
ly venture to resist them : resting thus confidently
in the expectation of success, they would the next
day have moved forward, and succeeded in the ac-
complishment of their designs. Jackson, convinced
that an early impression was essential to ultimate suc-
cess, had resolved to assail them at the moment of
their landing, and "attack them in their first position:"
we have, therefore, seen him, with a force inferior by
one half, to that of the enemy, at an unexpected mo-
ment, break into their camp, and with his undisciplin-
ed yeomanry, drive before him the pride of England,
and the conquerors of Europe. It was an event that
could not fail to destroy all previous theories, and es-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 327
tablish a conclusion, which our enemy had not before
formed, that they were contending against valour infe-
rior to none they had seen ; before which their own
bravery had not stood, nor their skill availed them : it
had the effect of satisfying them, that the quantity and
kind of troops it was in our power here to wield,
must be different from any thing that had been repre-
sented to them ; for much as they had heard of the
courage of the man with whom they were contend-
ing, they could not suppose, that a general having a
country to defend, and a reputation to preserve, would
venture to attack, on their own chosen ground, a great-
ly superior army, and one, which, by the numerous
victories it had achieved, had already acquired a fame
in arms; they were convinced that his force must
greatly surpass what they had expected, and be com-
posed of materials different from what they had ima-
gined.
*.**>^"- ' i/y' .t * '**'>'
The American troops, which were actually engaged,
did not amount to two thousand men : they consisted
of part of
Coffee's brigade and captain Beal's company, 648
The 7th and 44th regiments, 763
Company of marines and artillery, * - 82
Plauche's and Daquin's battalions, *,*>' 488
And the Mississippi dragoons under colonel )
Hinds, not in the action, i
2167*
* This statement may be relied on ; it was furnished to the author
by colonel Robert Butler, adjutant-general of the southern division,
who assured him it was correct.
32& LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
which, for more than an hour, maintained a severe con-
flict with a force of four or five thousand, and retired
in safety from the ground, with the loss of but twenty-
four killed, one hundred and fifteen wounded, and
seventy-four made prisoners ; while the killed, wound-
ed t and prisoners, of the enemy, were not less than four
hundred.
Our officers and soldiers executed every order with
promptitude, and nobly sustained their country's cha-
racter. Lieutenant-colonel Lauderdale, of Coffee's
brigade, an officer of great promise, and on whom
every reliance was placed, fell at his post, and at his
duty : he had entered the service, and descended the
river with the volunteers under General Jackson, in
the winter of 1812 passed through all the hardships
and difficulties of the Creek war, and had ever mani-
fested a readiness to act when his country needed his
services. Young, brave, and skilful, he had already
afforded evidences of a capacity, which might, in fu-
ture, have become useful ; his exemplary conduct, both
in civil and military life, had acquired for him a re-
spect, that rendered his fall a subject of general regret
Lieutenant M'Lelland, a valuable young officer of the
7th, was also among the number of the slain.
Coffee's brigade, during the action, imitating the
example of their commander, bravely contended, and
ably supported the character they had previously es-
tablished. The unequal contest in which they were
engaged, never occurred to them ; nor, for a moment,
checked the rapidity of their advance. Had the Bri-
tish known they were merely riflemen, and without
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 329
bayonets, a firm stand would have arrested their pro-
gress, and destruction or capture would have been the
inevitable consequence ; but, this circumstance being
unknown, every charge they made was crowned with
success, producing discomfiture, and routing and driv-
ing superior numbers before them. Officers, from the
highest to inferior grades, discharged what had been
expected of them. Ensign Leach, of the 7th regiment,
being wounded through the body, still remained at his
post, and in the performance of his duty. Colonel Reu-
ben Kemper, enterprising and self-collected, amidst
the confusion introduced on the left wing, found him-
self at the head of a handful of men, detached from the
main body, and in the midst of a party of the enemy :
never did any man better exemplify the truth of the
position, that discretion is sometimes the better part
of valour : to attempt resistance was idle, and could
only eventuate in destruction : with a mind unclouded
by the peril that surrounded him, he sought and pro-
cured his safety through stratagem. Calling to a group
of soldiers who were near, in a positive tone, he de-
manded of them where their regiment was : lost them-
selves, they were unable to answer : but supposing him
one of their own officers, they assented to his orders,
and followed him to his own line, where they were made
prisoners.
The 7th regiment, commanded by major Piere, and
the 44th, under major Baker, aided by major Butler,
gallantly maintained the conflict forced the enemy
from every secure position he attempted to occupy,
and drove him a mile from the first point of attack.
Confiding in themselves, and their general, who was
330 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOW.
constantly with them, exposed to danger and in the
midst of the fight, inspiring by his ardour, and encou-
raging by his example, they advanced to the conflict,
nor evinced a disposition to leave it until the prudence
of their commander directed them to retire.
From the violence of the assault already made, the
fears of the British had been greatly excited; to keep
their apprehensions alive was considered important,
with a view partially to destroy the overweening con-
fidence with which they had arrived on our shores,
and to compel them to act, for a time, upon the de-
fensive. To effect this, general Coffee, with his bri-
gade, was ordered down on the morning of the 24th,
to unite with colonel Hinds, and make a show in the
rear of Lacoste's plantation. The enemy, not yet re-
covered of the panic produced by the assault of the
preceding evening, already believed it was in contem-
plation to urge another attack, and immediately form-
ed themselves to repel it ; but Coffee having succeeded
in recovering some of his horses, which were wander^
ing along the margin of the swamp, and in regaining
part of the clothing which his troops had lost the night
before, returned to the line, leaving them to conjee*
ture the objects of his movement
* - ;,.' . i.- -i, . Vi "'".* .
The scanty supply of clothes and blankets that re-
mained to the soldiers, from their long and exposed
marches, had been left where they dismounted to
meet the enemy. Their numbers were too limited ?
and the strength of their opponents too well ascertain-
ed, for any part of their force to remain and take care
df what was left behind : it was so essential to hasten
tlFE OF GENERAL JACKSON* 331
on, reach their destination, and be ready to act when
the signal from the Caroline should announce their
co-operation necessary, that no time was afforded them
to secure their horses ; they were turned loose, and
their recovery trusted entirely to chance. Although
many were regained, many were lost; while most of
the men remained but with a single suit, to encounter^
in the open field, and in swamps covered with water,
the hardships of camp, and the severity of winter. It
is a circumstance which entitles them to much credit,
that under privations so severely oppressive, com-
plaints or murmurs were never heard. This state of
things fortunately was not of long continuance. The
story of their sufferings and misfortunes was no sooner
known, than the legislature appropriated a sum of
money for their relief, which was greatly increased
by subscriptions in the city and neighbourhood. Ma-
terials being purchased, the ladies, with that Christian
charity and warmth of heart characteristic of their
sex, at once exerted themselves in removing their dis-
tresses : all their industry was called into action, and
in a little time, the suffering soldier was relieved. Such
generous conduct, in extending assistance at a moment
when it was so much needed, while it conferred on
those females the highest honour, could not fail to
nerve the arm of the brave with new zeal for the de-
fence of their benefactresses. This distinguished mark
of their patriotism and benevolence, is still remember-
ed; and often as these valiant men are heard to re-
count the dangers they have passed, and with peculiar '
pride to dwell on the mingled honours and hardships
of the campaign, they breathe a sentiment of gratitude
to those who conferred upon them such distinguished
332 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOff.
marks of their kindness, and who, by timely inter-
ference, alleviated their misfortunes and their suffer-
ings.
To present a check, and keep up a show of resist-
ance, detachments of light troops were occasionally
kept in front of the line, assailing and harassing the
enemy's advanced posts whenever an opportunity was
offered of acting to advantage. Every moment that
could be gained, and every delay that could be ex-
tended to the enemy's attempts, to reach the city, was
of the utmost importance. The works were rapidly
progressing, and hourly increasing in strength. The
militia of the state were every day arriving, and every
day the prospect of successful opposition was bright-
ening.
The enemy still remained at his first encampment.
To be in readiness to repel an assault when attempted,
the most active exertions were made on the 24th and
25th. The canal, covering the front of our line, was
deepened and widened, and a strong mud wall formed
of the earth that had been originally thrown out. To
prevent any approach until his system of defence
should be in a state of greater forwardness, Jackson
ordered the levee to be cut, about a hundred yards
below the point he had occupied. The river being
very high, a broad stream of water passed rapidly
through the plain, of the depth of thirty or forty
inches, which prevented any approach of troops on
foot. Embrasures were formed, and two pieces of
artillery, under the command of lieutenant Spotty
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 333
early on the morning of the 24th, were placed in a
position to rake the road leading up the levee.
He was under constant apprehensions, lest, in spite
of his exertions below, the city might, through some
other route, be reached and destroyed ; and those fears
were increased to-day, by a report that a strong force
had arrived debarked at the head of lake Borgne,
and compelled an abandonment of the defence at Chef
Menteur. This, however, proved to be unfounded:
the enemy had not appeared in that direction, nor had
the officer, to whom was entrusted the command of
this fort, so much relied on, forgotten his duty, or for-
saken his post. Acting upon the statement that ma-
jor Lacoste had retired from the fort, and fallen back
on bayou St. John, and incensed that orders, which,
from their importance, should have been faithfully
executed, had been thus lightly regarded, he hasten-
ed to inform him what he had understood, and to for-
bid his leaving his position. " The battery I have
placed under your command, must be defended at all
hazards. In you, and the valour of your troops, I re-
pose every confidence; let me not be deceived.
With us, every thing goes on well : the enemy has not
yet advanced. Our troops have covered themselves
with glory : it is a noble example, and worthy to be
followed by all. Maintain your post, nor ever think
of retreating." To give additional strength to a place
deemed so important inspire confidence, and ensure
safety, colonel Dyer, and two hundred men, were or-
dered here to assist in its defence, and act as videttes,
in advance of the occupied points.
#34 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
General Morgan, who, at the English turn, com-
manded the fort on the east bank of the river, was in-
structed to proceed as near the enemy's camp as
prudence and safety would permit, and, by destroying
the levee, to let in the waters of the Mississippi be^
tween them. The execution of this order, and a
similar one, previously made, below the line of defence,
had entirely insulated the enemy, and prevented his
march against either place. On the 26th, however,
the commanding general fearing for the situation of
Morgan, who, from the British occupying the inter-
mediate ground, was entirely detached from his camp,
directed him to abandon his encampment, carry off
such of the cannon as might be wanted, and throw the
remainder into the river, where they could be again
recovered when the waters receded ; to retire to the
other side of the river, and assume a position on the
right bank, nearly opposite to his line, and have it
fortified. This movement was imposed by the relative
disposition of the two armies. Necessity, not choice,
made it essential that St. Leon should be abandoned.
From every intelligence, obtained through deserters
and prisoners, it was evident that the British fleet
would make an effort to ascend the river, and co-
operate with the troops already landed. Lest this,
or a diversion in a different quarter, might be attempt*
ed, exertions were made to be able to resist at all
points, and to interpose such defences on the Missis-
sippi as might assure protection. The forts on the
river, well supported with brave men, and heavy
pieces of artillery, might, perhaps, have the effect to
deter their shipping from venturing in that direction.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
and dispose them to seek some safer route, if any
could be discovered. Pass Barrataria was best cal-
culated for this purpose, and here, in all probability,
it was expected the effort might be made. The dif-
ficulty of ascending the Mississippi, from the rapidity
of the current, its winding course, and the ample pro-
tection already given at forts St. Philip and Bourbon,
were circumstances to which, it was not to be inferred,
the British were strangers : nor was it to be expected,
that, with a knowledge of them, they would venture
here the success of an enterprise on which so much
depended. It was a more rational conjecture that
they would seek a passage through Barrataria pro-
ceed up on the right bank of the river, and gain a
position whence, co-operating with the forces on the
east side, they might drive our troops from the line
they had formed, and, at less hazard, succeed in the
accomplishment of their designs. Major Reynolds was
accordingly ordered thither, with instructions to place
the bayous, emptying through this pass, in the best
possible state of defence to occupy and strengthen
the island to mount sufficient ordnance, and draw a
chain, within cannon-shot, across, the more effectually
to guard the route, and protect it from approach.
Lafite, who had been heretofore promised pardon for
the outrages he had committed against the laws of
the United States, and who had already shown a lively
zeal in behalf of his adopted country, was also dis-
patched with Reynolds. He was selected, because,
from the proofs already given, no doubt was enter-
tained of his fidelity, and because his knowledge of
the topography and precise situation of this sqction of
the state, was remarkably correct : it was the point
336 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
where he had constantly rendezvoused, during the
time of cruising against the merchant vessels of Spain,
under a commission obtained at Carthagena, and
where he had become perfectly acquainted with every
inlet and entrance to the gulf through which a pas-
sage could be effected.
With these arrangements treason apart all anx-
iously alive to the interest of the country, and dispos-
ed to protect it, there was little room to apprehend
or fear disaster. To use the general's own expres-
sion, on another occasion, " the surest defence, and
one which seldom failed of success, was a rampart of
high-minded and brave men." That there were some
of this description with him^ on whom he could safe-
ly rely, in moments of extreme peril, he well knew ;
but that there were many strangers to him and dan-
ger, and who had never been called to act in those
situations where death, stalking in hideous round, ap-
pals and unnerves even the most resolute, was equally
certain ; whether they would contend with manly firm-
ness support the cause in which they had embarked,
and realize his anxious wishes on the subject, could
be only known in the moment of conflict and trial ;
when, if disappointed in his expectations, the means
of retrieving the evil would be fled, and every thing
lost in the result.
As yet the enemy were uninformed of the position
of Jackson. What was his situation what was in-
tended whether offensive or defensive operations
would be pursued, were circumstances on which they
possessed no correct knowledge, nor could it be ob-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 337
tained ; still their exertions were unremitting to have
all things prepared, and in readiness to urge their de-
signs whenever the moment for action should arrive*
They had been constantly engaged, since their land-
ing, in procuring from their shipping every thing ne-
cessary to ulterior operation. A complete command
on the lakes, and possession of a point on the margin,
presented an uninterrupted ingress and egress, and af-
forded the opportunity of conveying whatever was
wanted, in perfect safety to their camp. The height
of the Mississippi, and the discharge of water through
the openings made in the levee, had given an increas-
ed depth to the canal, from which they had first de-
barked enabled them to advance their boats much
further, in the direction of their encampment, and,
with greater convenience, to forward their artillery,
bombs and munitions. Thus engaged, during the
first three days after their arrival, early on the morn-
ing of the 27th, a battery was discovered on the bank
of the river, which had been erected during the pre-
ceding night, and on which were mounted several
pieces of heavy ordnance ; from this position a fire was
opened on the Caroline schooner, lying under the op-
posite shore.
After the battle of the 23d, in which this vessel had
iso effectually aided, she had passed to the opposite
side of the river, where she had since lain. Her ser-
vices were too highly appreciated not to be again de-
sired, in the event the enemy should endeavour to ad-
vance. Her present situation was considered truly an
unsafe one, but it had been essayed in vain to advance
her higher up the stream. No favourable breeze had
2u
338 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
yet arisen to aid her in stemming the current ; and
towing, and other remedies, had been already resorted
to, but without success. Her safety might have been
ensured by floating her down the river and placing
her under cover of the guns of the fort, though it was
preferred as a matter of policy, to risk her where she
was, still, hourly, calculating that a favourable wind
might relieve her, rather than by dropping her with
the current, lose those benefits which, against an ad-
vance of the enemy, it might be in her power so com-
pletely to extend. Commodore Patterson had left her
on the 26th, by the orders of the commanding gene-
ral, when captain Henly made a further, but ineffec-
tual, effort to force her up the current, near to the line,
for the double purpose of its defence and for her own
safety.
These attempts to remove her being discovered,
at daylight, on the morning of the 27th, a battery,
mounting five guns, opened upon her, discharging
bombs and red hot shot ; it was spiritedly answered,
but without affecting the battery ; there being but a
long twelve pounder that could reach. The second
fire had lodged a hot shot in the hold, directly under
her cables, whence it could not be removed, and where
it immediately communicated fire to the schooner.
The shot from the battery were constantly taking
effect, firing her in different places, and otherwise
producing material injury; while the blaze already
kindled under her cables, was rapidly extending its
ravages. A well grounded apprehension of her com-
mander, that she could be no longer defended the
flames bursting forth in different parts, and fast in-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 339
creasing, induced a fear lest the magazine should be
soon reached, and every thing destroyed. One of his
crew being killed, and six wounded, and not a glim-
mering of hope entertained that she could be pre-
served, orders were given to abandon her. The crew
in safety reached the shore, and in a short time after-
wards she blew up.
' i ' *
Although thus unexpectedly deprived of so material
a dependence, for successful defence, an opportunity
was soon presented of using her brave crew to ad-
vantage. Gathering confidence from what had been
just effected, the enemy left their encampment, and
moved in the direction of our line. Their numbers
had been increased, and major-general Sir Edward
Packenham now commanded in person. Early on the
28th, his columns commenced their advance to storm
our works. At the distance of half a mile, their heavy
artillery opened, and quantities of bombs, balls and
congreve rockets, were discharged. It was a scene
of terror and alarm, which they had probably calcu-
lated would excite a panic in the minds of the raw
troops of our army, and compel them to surrender at
discretion, or abandon their strong hold. But our
soldiers had afforded abundant proof, that, whether
disciplined or not, they well knew how to defend the
honour and interests of their country ; and had suf-
ficient valour not to be alarmed at the reality still
less the semblance of danger. Far from exciting their
apprehensions, and driving them from their ground,
their firmness still remained unchanged; still was
manifested a determination not to tarnish a reputation
they had hardly earned ; and which had become too
340 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
dear, from the difficulties and dangers they had passed
to acquire it, for it now tamely to be surrendered.
Their congreve rockets, though a kind of instrument
of destruction to which our troops unskilled in the
science of desolating warfare, had been hitherto stran-
gers, excited no other feeling than that which novelty
inspires. At the moment, therefore, that the British,
in different columns, were moving up, in all the pomp
and parade of battle, preceded by these insignia of
terror, more than danger, and were expecting to be-
hold their " Yankee foes" tremblingly retire and flee
before them, our batteries opened, and halted their
advance.
In addition to the two pieces of cannon mounted on
our works, on the 24th, three others, of heavy caliber,
obtained from the navy department, had been formed
along the line ; these opening on the enemy, checked
their progress, and disclosed to them the hazard of
the project they were on. Lieutenants Crawley and
Norris volunteered, and with the crew of the Caro-
line rendered important services, and maintained, at
the guns they commanded, that firmness and decision
for which, on previous occasions, ttyey had been so
liighly distinguished. They had been selected by the
general, because of their superior knowledge in gun-
nery ; and, on this occasion, gave a further evidence
of their skill and judgment, and of a disposition to act
in any situation w^here they could be serviceable. The
line, which, from the labours bestowed on it, was dai-
ly strengthening, was not yet in a situation effectually
to resist ; this deficiency, however, was well remedied
by the brave men who were formed in its rear.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 341
From the river the greatest injury was effected.
Lieutenant Thompson, who commanded the Louisi-
ana sloop, which lay nearly opposite the line of de-
fence, no sooner discovered the columns approaching,
than warping her around, he brought her starboard
guns to bear, and produced such an effect as forced
them to retreat : but, from their heavy artillery, the
enemy maintained the conflict with great spirit, con-
stantly discharging their bombs and rockets, for seven
hours, when, unable to make a breach, or silence the
fire from the sloop, they abandoned a contest where /
few advantages seemed to be presented. The crew
of this vessel was composed of new recruits, and of
discordant materials, of soldiers, citizens and seamen;
yet, by the activity of their commander, were they so
well perfected in their duty, that they already man-
aged their guns with the greatest precision and cer-
tainty of effect ; and, by three o'clock in the evening,
with the aid of the land batteries, had completely
silenced and driven back the enemy. Emboldened
by the effect produced the day before on the Care-
line, the furnaces of the enemy were put in operation,
and numbers of hot shot thrown from a heavy piece
which was placed behind and protected by the levee.
An attempt was now made to carry it off, when that
protection, heretofore had, being taking away, those
in the direction of it were fairly exposed to our fire t
and suffered greatly. In their endeavours to remove
it, " I saw," says commodore Patterson, " distinctly,
with the aid of a glass, several balls strike in the midst
of the men who were employed in dragging it away."
In this engagement, commenced and waged for seven
hours, we received little or no injury. The Louisiana
342 LIFE OF GE^NERAL JACKSOX.
sloop, against which the most violent exertions were
made, had but a single man wounded, by the frag-
ments of a shell, which bursted over her deck. Our
entire loss did not exceed nine killed, and eight or ten
wounded. The enemy, being more exposed, acting
in the open field, and in range of our guns, suffered,
from information afterwards procured, considerable
injury ; at least one hundred and twenty were killed
and wounded.
Among the killed, on our side, was colonel James
Henderson, of the Tennessee militia. An advance
party of the British had, during the action, taken post
behind a fence that ran obliquely to, and not very re-
mote from, our line. Henderson, with a detachment
of two hundred men, was sent out by general Carroll
to drive them from a position whence they were
effecting some injury, and greatly annoying our troops.
Had he advanced in the manner directed, he would
have been less exposed, and enabled more effectually
to have secured the object intended ; but, misunder-
standing the order, he proceeded in a different route,
and fell a victim to his error. Instead of marching in
the direction of the wood, and turning the enemy,
which might have cut off their retreat, he proceeded
in front, towards the river, leaving them in rear of the
fence, and himself and his detachment open and ex-
posed. His mistake being perceived from the line,
he was called by the adjutant-general, and directed to
return; but the noise of the waters, through which
they were wading, prevented any communication.
Having reached a knoll of dry ground, he formed, and
attempted the execution of his order ; but soon fell,
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 343
by a wound in the head. Deprived of their command-
er, and perceiving their situation hazardous and un-
tenable, the detachment retreated to the line, with the
loss of their colonel and five men. \X
While this advance was made, a column of the ene-
my was threatening an attack on our extreme left ; to
frustrate the attempt, Coffee was ordered with his
riflemen to hasten through the woods, and check their
approach. The enemy, although greatly superior to
him in numbers, no sooner discovered his movement
than they retired, and abandoned the attack they had
previously meditated.
A supposed disaffection in New Orleans, and an
enemy in front, were circumstances well calculated to
excite unpleasant forebodings. General Jackson be-
lieved it necessary and essential to his security, while
contending with avowed foes, not to be wholly inat-
tentive to dangers lurking at home ; but, by guarding
vigilantly, to be able to suppress any treasonable pur-
pose the moment it should be developed, and before
it should have time to mature. Previously, therefore,*
to departing from the city, on the evening of the 23d,
he had ordered major Butler, his aid, to remain with
the guards, and be vigilant that nothing transpired in
his absence calculated to operate injuriously. His
fears that there were many of the inhabitants who
felt no attachment to the government, and would not
scruple to surrender, whenever, prompted by their in-
terest, it should become necessary, has been already
noticed. . In this belief, subsequent circumstances
evinced there was no mistake, and showed that to his
3 14 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
assiduity and energy is to be ascribed the cause the
country was protected and saved. It is a fact, which
was disclosed, on making an exchange of prisoners,
that, in despite of all the efforts made to prevent it,
the enemy were daily and constantly apprized of every
thing that transpired in our camp. Every arrange-
ment, and every change of position, was immediately
communicated. " Nothing," remarked a British officer,
at the close of the invasion, " was kept a secret from
us, except your numbers: this, although diligently
sought after, could never be procured."
Between the 23d, and the attack on the 28th,. to
carry our line, major Butler, who still remained at his
post in the city, was applied to by Fulwar Skipwith,
at that time speaker of the senate, .to ascertain the
commanding general's views, provided he should be
driven from his line of encampment, and compelled to
retreat through the city ; would he, in that event, de-
stroy it? It was, indeed, a curious inquiry from one
who, having spent his life in serving his country in
different capacities, might better have understood the
dut} r of a subordinate officer ; and that even if, from his
situation, major .Butler had so far* acquired the confi-
dence of his general as to have become acquainted
with his views and designs, he was not at liberty to
divulge them, without destroying confidence and acting
criminally. On asking the cause of the inquiry, Mr.
Skipwitii replied, it was rumoured, and so understood,
that if driven from his position, and made to retreat
upon the city, general Jackson had it in contemplation
to lay it in ruins ; the legislature, he said, desired in-
formation on this subject, that if such were his inten-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 345
tions, they might, by offering terms of capitulation to
the enemy, avert so serious a calamity. That a senti-
ment having for its object a surrender of the city, should
be entertained by this body, was scarcely credible ; yet
a few days Brought the certainty of it more fully to
view, and showed that they were already devising plans
to ensure the safety of themselves and property, even
at any sacrifice. While the general was hastening along
the line, from ordering Coffee, as we have just observed,
against a column of the British on the extreme left, he
was hailed by Mr. Duncan, one of his volunteer aids,
and informed, that already it was agitated, secretly, by
the members of the legislature, to offer terms of capit-
ulation to the enemy, and proffer a surrender ; and that
governor Claiborne awaited his orders on the subject.
Poised as was the result, the safety or fall of the city
resting in uncertainty, although it was plainly to be
perceived, that, with a strong army before them, no
such resolution could be carried into effect, yet it might
be productive of evil, and, in the end, bring about the
most fatal consequences. Even the disclosure of such
a wish on the part of the legislature, might create par-
ties excite opposition in the army, and inspire the
enemy with renewed confidence. The Tennessee
forces, and Mississippi volunteers, it was not feared
would be affected by the measure ; but it might detach
the Louisiana militia, and even extend itself to the
ranks of the regular troops. Jackson was greatly in-
censed, that those whose safety he had so much at heart,
should be seeking, under the authority of office, to mar
his best exertions. He was, however, too warmly
pressed, at the moment, for the battle was raging, to
give it the attention its importance merited ; but, avail-
2x
346 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOff.
ing himself of the first respite from the violence of the
attack waged against him, he apprized governor Clai-
borne of what he had heard ; ordered him closely to
watch the conduct of the legislature, and the moment
the project of offering a capitulation to the enemy
should be fully disclosed, to place a guard at the door
and confine them to their chamber. The governor in
his zeal to execute the command, and from a fear of
the consequences involved in such conduct, construed
as imperative, an order which was merely contingent ;
and, placing an armed force at the door of the capitol,
prevented the members from convening, and their
schemes from maturing.
The purport of this order was essentially miscon-
ceived by the governor ; or, perhaps, with a view to
avoid subsequent inconveniences and complaints, was
designedly mistaken. Jackson's object was not to re-
strain the legislature in the discharge of their official
duties ; for although he thought, that such a moment,
when the sound of the cannon was constantly pealing
in their ears, was inauspicious to wholesome legisla-
tion, and that it would have better comported with
the state of the times for them to abandon their civil
duties and appear in the field, yet was it a matter in-
delicate to be proposed ; and it was hence preferred,
that they should adopt whatever course might be sug-
gested by their own notions of propriety. This senti-
ment would have been still adhered to ; but when
through the communication of Mr. Duncan, they were
represented as entertaining opinions and schemes ad-
verse to the general interest and safety of the coun-
try, the necessity of a new and different course of
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 347
conduct was at once obvious. But he did not order
governor Claiborne to interfere with, or prevent them
from proceeding with their duties ; on the contrary,
he was instructed, so soon as any thing hostile to the
general cause should be ascertained, to place a guard
at the door, and keep the members to their post and
to their duty. My object in this, remarked the gene-
ral, was, that then they would be able to proceed with
their business without producing the slightest injury :
whatever schemes they might entertain would have
remained with themselves, without the power of cir-
culating them to the prejudice of any other interest
than their own. I had intended to have had them well
treated and kindly dealt by ; and thus abstracted from
every thing passing without doors, a better oppor-
tunity would have been afforded them to enact good
and wholesome laws; but governor Claiborne mistook
my order, and instead of shutting them in doors, con-
trary to my wishes and expectation, turned them out.
Before this he had been called on by a special com-
mittee of the legislature to know what his course
would be should necessity compel him from his posi-
tion ? If, replied the general, I thought the hair of my
head could divine what I should do, forthwith I would
cut it off: go back with this answer; say to your ho-
nourable body, that if disaster does overtake me, and
the fate of war drives me from my line to the city,
they may expect to have a very warm session. And
what did you design to do, I enquired, provided you
had been forced to retreat. I should, he replied, have
retreated to the city, fired it, aiid fought the enemy
348 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
amidst the surrounding flames. There were with me
men of wealth, owners of considerable property, who,
in such an event, would have been amongst the fore-
most to have applied the torch to their own buildings ;
and what they had left undone, I should have com-
pleted. Nothing for the comfortable maintenance of
the enemy would have been left in the rear. I would
have destroyed New Orleans occupied a position
above on the river cut off all supplies, and in this
way compelled them to depart from the country.
We shall not pretend to ascribe this conduct of
the legislature to disaffection, or to treasonable mo-
tives. The impulse that produced it was, no doubt,
interest a principle of the human mind which strongly
sways, and often destroys its best conclusions. The
disparity of the two armies, in numbers, preparation,
and discipline, had excited apprehension, and destroy-
ed hope. If Jackson were driven back, and little else
was looked for, rumour fixed his determination of de-
voting the city to destruction : but even if such were
not his intention, the wrath and vengeance of the
enemy might be fairly calculated to be in proportion
to the opposition they should receive. Although these
considerations may somewhat palliate, they do not
justify. The government was represented in the per-
son of the commanding general, on whom rested all
responsibility, and whose voice on the subject of re-
sistance or capitulation, should alone have been heard.
In the field were persons who were enduring hard-
ships, arid straining every nerve, for the general safety.
A few of the members of their own body, too, were
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 349
there, who did not despond.* Might not patriotism,
then, have admonished these men, honoured as they
were with the confidence of the people, rather to have
pursued a course, having for its object to keep alive
excitement, than to have endeavoured to introduce
fear, and paralyze exertion. Such conduct, if produc-
tive of nothing worse, was well calculated to excite
alarm. If the militia, who had been hastily drawn to
the camp, and who were yet trembling for the safety
of their families, had been told, that a few private
men, of standing in society, had expressed their opin-
ions, and declared resistance useless, it would, without
doubt, have occasioned serious apprehensions ; but, in
a much greater degree would they be calculated to
arise, when told that the members of the legislature,
chosen to preside over the safety and destinies of the
state, after due deliberation, had pronounced all at-
tempts at successful opposition, vain and ineffectual.
Here was an additional reason why expedients
should be devised, and every precaution adopted, to
prevent any communication, by which the slightest in-
telligence should be had of our situation, already, in-
deed, sufficiently deplorable. Additional guards were
posted along the swamp, on both sides of the Missis-
sippi, to arrest all intercourse ; while on the river, the
common highway, watch boats were constantly plying
during the night, in different directions, so that a log
* Only four members of the legislature appeared in the field, to
defend their country. We regret not knowing the name of one of
these persons: those we have ascertained are, general Garrigue
Flojack, major Eziel, and Mr. Bufort, who, abandoning their civil
duties*for the field, afforded examples worthy of imitation.
350 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
could scarcely float down the stream unperceived.
Two flat-bottomed boats, on a dark night, were turned
adrift above, to ascertain if vigilance were preserved,
and whether there would be any possibility of escaping
the guards and passing in safety to the British lines.
The light boats discovered them on their passage, and
on the alarm being given, they were opened upon by
the Louisiana sloop, and the batteries on the shore,
and in a few minutes were sunk. In spite, however,
of every precaution, treason still discovered avenues
through which to project and execute her nefarious
plans, and through them w r as constantly afforded in-
formation to the enemy ; carried to them, no doubt, by
adventurous friends, who sought and effected their
nightly passage through the deepest parts of the
swamp, where it was impossible for sentinels to be
stationed.*
Great inconvenience was sustained for the want of
arms, and much anxiety felt, lest the enemy, through
their faithful adherents, might, on this subject also,
obtain information ; to prevent it, as far as possible,
general Jackson endeavoured to conceal the strength
and situation of his army, by suffering his reports to
be seen by none but himself and the adjutant-general.
Many of the troops in the field were supplied with
common guns, which were of little service. The Ken-
tucky troops, daily expected, were also understood to
be badly provided with arms. Uncertain but that the
city might yet contain many articles that would be
serviceable, orders were issued to the mayor of New
r 'vi.'.^
* See note G. *
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 351.
Orleans, directing him diligently to inquire through
every store and house, and take possession of all
the muskets, bayonets, spades, and axes he could
find. Understanding too, there were many young
men, who, from different pretexts, had not appeared
in the field, he was instructed to obtain a register of
every man in the city, under the age of fifty, that
measures might be concerted for drawing forth those
who had hitherto appeared backward in engaging in
the pending contest.
Frequent light skirmishes, by advanced parties,
without material effect on either side, were the only
incidents that took place for several days. Colonel
Hinds, at the head of the Mississippi dragoons, on the
30th, was ordered to dislodge a party of the enemy,
who, under cover of a ditch that ran across the plain,
were annoying our fatigue parties. In his advance, he
was unexpectedly thrown into an ambuscade, and be-
came exposed to the fire of a line, which had hitherto
lain concealed and unobserved. His collected con-
duct, and gallant deportment, gained him and his corps
the approbation of the commanding general, and ex-
tricated him from the danger in which he was placed.
The enemy, forced from their position, retired, and
he returned to the line, with the loss of five of his
men
CHAPTER X.
Attack of the 1st of January. General Jackson's line of defence. Ken-
tucky troops arrive at head-quarters. British army reinforced ; their
preparations for attack. Battle of the 8th of January , and repulse of
the enemy. American redoubt carried, and retaken. Colonel Thorn-
ton proceeds against general Morgans line, and takes possession of it.
Letter of captain Wilkinson. British watch 'word. Generous conduct
of the American soldiers. Morgan's line regained. General Lambert
requests a suspension of hostilities. Armistice concluded. Execution
of an American soldier by the British.
THE British were encamped two miles below the
American army, on a perfect plain, and in full view.
Although foiled in their attempt to carry our works by
the force of their batteries, on the 28th, they yet resolv-
ed upon another attack, and one which they believed
would be more successful. Presuming their failure
to have arisen from not having sufficiently strong bat-
teries, and heavy ordnance, a more enlarged arrange-
ment was resorted to, with a confidence of silencing
opposition, and effecting such breaches in our entrench-
ment as would enable their columns to pass, without
being exposed to any considerable hazard. The inte-
rim between the 28th of December and 1st of January
was accordingly spent in preparing to execute their
designs. Their boats had been despatched to the ship-
ping, and an additional supply of heavy cannon landed
through Bayou Bienvenu, whence they had first de-
barked.
During the night of the 31st, they were busily en-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 353
gaged. An impenetrable fog, next morning, which was
not dispelled until nine o'clock, by concealing their
purpose, aided them in the plans they were projecting,
and gave time for the completion of their works. This
having disappeared, several heavy batteries^ at the dis-
tance of six hundred yards, mounting eighteen and
twenty-four pound carronades, were presented to view*
No sooner was it sufficiently clear to distinguish ob-
jects at a distance, than these were opened, and a tre-
mendous burst of artillery commenced, accompanied
with congreve rockets, that filled the air in all direc-
tions. Our troops, protected by a defence, which,
from their constant labours and exertions, they believ-
ed to be impregnable, unmoved and undisturbed, main-
tained their ground, and, by their skilful management,
in the end, succeeded in dismounting and silencing the
guns of the enemy. The British, through the friendly
interference of some disaffected citizens, having been
apprized of the situation of the general's quarters, that
he dwelt in a house at a small distance in the rear of
his line of defence, against it directed their first and
principal efforts, with a view to destroy the commander.
So great was the number of balls thrown, that, in a little
while, its porticos were beaten down, and the building
made a complete wreck. In this dishonourable design,
they were, however, disappointed ; for, with Jackson it
was a constant practice, on the first appearance of dan-
ger, not to wait in his quarters, watching events, but
instantly to proceed to the line, and be ready to form
his arrangements as circumstances might require.
Constantly in expectation of a charge, he was never
absent from the post of danger; and thither he had
this morning repaired, at the first sound of the cannon.
SY
354 LIFE >F GENERAL JACKSON.
to aid in defence, and inspire his troops with firmness.
Our guns, along the line, now opened, to repel the
assault, and a constant roar of cannon, on both sides,
continued until nearly noon ; when, by the superior
skill of our engineers, the two batteries formed on the
right, next the woods^ were nearly beaten down, and
many of the guns dismounted, broken, and rendered
useless. That next the river still continued its fire,
until three o'clock ; when, perceiving all attempts to
force a breach ineffectual, the enemy gave up the con-
test^ and retired. Every act of theirs discovers a strange
delusion* and unfolds on what wild and fanciful grounds,
all their expectations were founded. That the Ameri-
can troops were well posted, and strongly defended by
pieces of heavy ordnance mounted along their line,
was a fact well known ; yet a belief was confidently in-
dulged, that the undisciplined collection which consti-
tuted the strength of our army, would be able to derive
little benefit from such a circumstance ; and that artil-
lery could produce but slight advantages in the hands
of persons who were strangers to the manner of using
it. That many who, from necessity, were called to
the direction of the guns, were at first entirely unac-
quainted with their management, is indeed true ; yet
the accuracy and precision with which they threw their
shot, afforded a convincing argument, either that they
possessed the capacity of becoming, in a short time,
well acquainted with the art of gunnery, or that it was
a science, the acquiring of which was not attended
with incalculable difficulties.
That they would be able to effect an opening, and
march through the strong defence in their front, was.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 355
an idea so fondly cherished by our assailants, that an
apprehension of failure had scarcely ever occurred.
So sanguine were they in this belief, that, early in the
morning, their soldiers were arranged along the ditches,
in rear of their batteries, prepared and ready to advance
to the charge, the moment a breach could be made.
Here, by their situation, protected from danger, they
remained, waiting the result that should call them to
act. But their efforts not having produced the slightest
impression, nor their rockets the effect of driving our
militia away, they abandoned the contest, and retired to
their camp, leaving their batteries materially injured
nay, well nigh destroyed.
Perceiving their attempts must fail, and that such
an effect could not be produced, as would warrant
their advance, another expedient was resorted to> but
with no better success. It occurred to the British
commander, an attack might be made to advantage
next the woods, and a force was accordingly ordered
to penetrate in this direction, and turn the left of our
line, which was supposed not to extend further than
to the margin of the swamp. In this way, it was* ex-
pected a diversion could be made, while the reserve
columns, being in readiness, and waiting, were to press
forward the moment this object could be effected.
Here, too, disappointment resulted. Coffee's brigade,
being already extended into the swamp, as far as it
was possible for an advancing party to penetrate,
brought unexpected dangers into view, and occasioned
an abandonment of the project. That to turn the ex-
treme left of the line was practicable, and might be
attempted, was the subject of early consideration ; and
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSOA.
necessary precaution had been taken to prevent it,
Although cutting the levee had raised the waters in
the swamp, and increased the difficulties of keeping
troops there, yet a fear lest this pass might be sought
by the enemy, and the rear of the line thereby gained,
Jiad determined the general to extend his defence even
here. This had been entrusted to general Coffee ; and
surely a more arduous duty can scarcely be imagined.
To form a breast-work, in such a place, was attended
with many difficulties, and considerable exposure. A
slight defence, however, had been thrown up, and the
underwood, for thirty or forty yards in front, cut down,
that the riflemen, stationed for its protection, might
have a complete view of any force, which, through this
route, might attempt a passage. When it is recollected,
that this position was to be maintained night and day,
uncertain of the moment of attack, and that the only
opportunity afforded our troops for rest, was on logs
and brush, thrown together, by which they were raised
above the surrounding water, it may be truly said, that
seldom has it fallen to the lot of any to encounter
greater hardships : but, accustomed to privation, and
alive to those feelings which a love of country inspires,
they obeyed without complaining, and cheerfully kept
their position until all danger had subsided. S.ensible
of the importance of the point they defended, and that
it was necessary to be maintained, be the sacrifice
what it might, they looked to nothing but a zealous
and faithful discharge of the trust confided to them.
Our loss, in this affair, was eleven killed, and twen-
ty 4hree wounded : that of the enemy was never cor-
rectly known. The only certain information is con*
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 357
tained in a communication of the 28th instant from
general Lambert to earl Bathurst, in which the casu-
alties and losses, from the 1st to the 5th, are stated at
seventy-eight Many allowances, however, are to be
made for this report. It was written at a time, when*
from the numerous disasters encountered, it was not
to be presumed the general's mind was in a situation
patiently to remember, or minutely to detail the facts.
From the great precision of our fire, and the injury
visibly sustained by their batteries, their loss was, no
doubt, considerable. The enemy's heavy shot having
penetrated our entrenchment, in many places, it was
discovered not to be as strong as had at first been ima-
gined. Fatigue parties were again employed, and its
strength daily increased : an additional number of bales
of cotton were taken to be applied to strengthening
and defending the embrasures along the line. A
Frenchman, whose property had been thus, without
his consent, seized, fearful of the injury it might sus-
tain, proceeded in person to general Jackson, to re-
claim it, and to demand its delivery. The general
having heard his complaint, and ascertained from him
that he was unemployed in any military service, di-
rected a musket to be brought to him, and placing it
in his hand, ordered him on the line, remarking at the
same time, that as he seemed to be a man possessed
of property, he knew of none who had a better right
to fight, and to defend it.
The British had again retired to their encampment.
It was well understood by Jackson, that they were in
daily expectation of considerable reinforcements ;
though he rested with confidence in the belief, that a
358 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
few more days would also bring to his assistance the
troops from Kentucky. Each party, therefore, was
busily and constantly engaged in preparation, the one
to wage a vigorous attack, the other bravely to defend,
and resolutely to oppose it.
The position of the American army was in the rear
of an entrenchment formed of earth, and which ex-
tended in a straight line from the river to a consider-
able distance in the swamp. In front was a deep ditch,
which had been formerly used as a mill-race. The Mis-
sissippi had receded and left this dry, next the river,
though in many places the water still remained. Along
the line, and at unequal distances, to the centre of ge-
neral Carroll's command, were guns mounted, of dif-
ferent caliber, from six to thirty-two pounders. Near
the river, and in advance of the entrenchment, was
erected a redoubt, with embrasures, commanding the
road along the levee, and calculated to rake the ditch
in front.
We have heretofore stated, that general Morgan
was ordered, on the 24th of December, to cross to the
west bank of the Mississippi. From an apprehension
entertained that an attempt might be made through
Barrataria, and the city reached from the right bank
of the river, the general had extended his defence
there likewise : in fact, unacquainted with the enemy's
views, not knowing the number of their troops, nor,
but that they might have sufficient strength to wage
an attack in various directions, and anxiously solicit-
ous to be prepared at all points, he had carefully di-
vided out his forces, that he might guard, and be able
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 353
to protect, in whatever direction an assault should be;
waged. His greatest fears, and hence his strongest
defence, next to the one occupied by himself, was on
the Chef Menteur road, where governor Claiborne, at
the head of the Louisiana militia, was posted. The
position on the right was formed on the same plan
with the line on the left, lower down than that on
the left, and extending to the swamp at right angles
to the river. Here general Morgan commanded.
To be prepared against every possible contingency
that might arise, Jackson had established another line-
of defence, about two miles in the rear of the one at
present occupied, which was intended as a rallying
point, in the event he should be driven from his first
position. With the aid of his cavalry, to give a mo-
mentary check to the advance of the enemy, he ex-
pected to be enabled, with inconsiderable injury, to
reach it ; where he would again have advantages on
his side be in a situation to dispute a further pas-
sage ta^the city, and arrest their progress. To in-
spirit hifJSown soldiers, and to exhibit to the enemy as
great a show as possible of strength and intended re-
sistance, his unarmed troops, which constituted no
very inconsiderable number, were here stationed. All
intercourse between the lines, but by confidential offi-
cers, was prohibited, and every precaution and vigi-
lance employed, not only to keep this want of prepa-
ration concealed from the enemy, but even from being
known on his own lines.
Occasional firing at a distance, which produced no-
360 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
thing of consequence, was all that marked the interim
from the 1st to the 8th.
On the 4th of this month, the long-expected rein-
J^N, forcement from Kentucky, amounting to twenty-two
vhundred and fifty, under the command of major-gene-
ral Thomas, arrived at head-quarters ; but so ill pro-
vided with arms, as to be incapable of rendering any
considerable service. The alacrity with which the
citizens of this state had proceeded to the frontiers,
and aided in the north-western campaigns, added to
the disasters which ill-timed policy or misfortune had
produced, had created such a drain, that arms were
not to be procured. They had advanced, however, to
their point of destination, with an expectation of be-
ing supplied on their arrival. About five hundred of
them had muskets ; the rest were provided with guns,
from which little or no advantage could be expected.
The mayor of New Orleans, at the request of general
Jackson, had already examined and drawn from the
city every weapon that could be found ; while the ar-
rival of the Louisiana militia, in an equally unprepared
situation, rendered it impossible for the evil to be ef-
fectually remedied. A boat, laden with arms, was
somewhere on the river, intended for the use and de-
fence of the lower country ; but where it was, or when
it might arrive, rested alone on hope and conjecture^
Expresses had been despatched up the river, for three
hundred miles, to seek and hasten it on ; still there
were no tidings of an approach. That so many brave
men, at a moment of such anxious peril, should be
compelled to stand with folded arms, unable, from
their situation, to render the least possible service to
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 36 1
their country, was an event greatly to be deplored,
and did not fail to excite the feelings and sensibility
of the commanding general. His mind, active, and
prepared for any thing but despondency, sought relief
in vain; there was none. No alternative was pre-
sented, but to place them at his entrenchment in the
rear, conceal their actual condition, and by the show
they might make, add to his appearance and numbers,
without at all increasing his strength.
Information was now received that major-general
Lambert had joined the British commander-in-chief,
with a considerable reinforcement. It had been here-
tofore announced in the American camp, that additional
forces were expected, and something decisive might be
looked for, so soon as they should arrive. This cir-
cumstance, in connexion with others, 110 less favouring
the idea, had led to the conclusion that a few days
more would, in all probability, bring on the struggle
which would decide the fate of the city. It was more
than ever necessary to keep concealed the situation of
his army ; and, above all, to preserve as secret as pos-
sible, its unarmed condition. To restrict all communi-
cation, even with his own lines, was now, as danger
increased, rendered more important. None were per-
mitted to leave the line, and none from without to pass
into his camp, but such as were to be implicitly confi-
ded in. The line of sentinels was strengthened in
front, that none might pass to the enemy, should
desertion be attempted : yet, notwithstanding this pre-
caution and care, his plans and situation were disclosed.
On the night of the 6th, a soldier from the line, by
some means, succeeded in eluding the vigilance of our
2 z
362 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON,
sentinels. Early next morning, his departure was
discovered : it was at once correctly conjectured he
had gone over to the enemy, and would, no doubt,
afford them all the information in his power to com-
municate. This opinion, as subsequent circumstances
disclosed, was well-founded ; and dearly did he atone
his crime. He unfolded to the British the situation of
the American line; the late reinforcements we had re-
ceived, and the unarmed condition of many of the
troops ; and, pointing to the centre of general Carroll's
division, as a place occupied by militia alone, recom-
mended it as the point where an attack might be most
prudently and safely made.
Other intelligence received was confirmatory of the
belief of an impending attack. From some prisoners,
taken on the lake, it was ascertained the enemy were
busily engaged in deepening Villery's canal, with a
view of passing their boats and ordnance to the Mis-
sissippi. During the 7th, a constant bustle was per-
ceived in the British camp. Along the borders of the
canal, their soldiers were continually in motion, march-
ing and manoeuvring, for no other purpose than to con-
ceal those who were busily engaged at work in the
rear. To ascertain the cause of this uncommon stir,
and learn their designs, as far as was practicable,
commodore Patterson had proceeded down the river,
on the opposite side, and, having gained a favourable
position, in front of their encampment, discovered them
to be actually engaged in deepening the passage to the
river. It was no difficult matter to divine their pur-
pose. No other conjecture could be entertained, than
that an assault was intended to be made on the line
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 363
of defence commanded by general Morgan ; which, if
gained, would expose our troops on the left bank to
the fire of the redoubt erected on the right ; and in
this way compel them to an abandonment of their
position. To counteract this scheme was important ;
and measures were immediately taken to prevent the
execution of a plan, which, if successful, would be
attended with incalculable dangers. An increased
strength was given to this line. The second regiment
of Louisiana militia, and four hundred Kentucky troops,
were directed to be crossed over, to reinforce and
protect it. Owing to some delay and difficulty in
arming them, the latter, amounting, instead of four
hundred, to but one hundred and eighty, did not ar-
rive until the morning of the 8th. A little before day,
they were despatched to aid an advanced party, who,
under the command of major Arnaut, had been sent to
watch the movements of the enemy, and oppose their
landing. The hopes indulged from their opposition
were not realized ; and the enemy, unmolested, reach-
ed the shore.
Morgan's position, besides being strengthened by
several brass twelves, was defended by a strong
battery, mounting twenty-four pounders, directed
by commodore Patterson, which afforded additional
strength and security. The line itself was not strong ;
yet, if properly maintained by the troops selected to
defend it, was believed fully adequate to the purposes
of successful resistance. Late at night, Patterson as-
certained that the enemy had succeeded in passing
their boats through the canal, and immediately com-
municated his information to the general. The com-
364 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
modore had already formed the idea of dropping the
Louisiana schooner down, to attack and sink them.
This thought, though well conceived, was abandoned,
from the danger involved, and from an apprehension
lest the batteries erected on the river, with which she
would come in collision, might, by the aid of hot shot,
succeed in blowing her up. It was preferred patiently
to await their arrival, believing it would be practica-
ble, with the bravery of more than fifteen hundred
men, and the slender advantages possessed from their
line of defence, to maintain their position, and repel the
assailants.
On the left bank, where the general in person com-
manded, every thing was in readiness to meet the as-
sault when it should be made. The redoubt on the
levee was defended by a company of the seventh re-
giment, under the command of Lieutenant Ross. The
regular troops occupied that part of the entrenchment
next the river. General Carroll's division was in the
centre, supported by the Kentucky troops, under ge-
neral John Adair ; while the extreme left, extending
for a considerable distance into the swamp, was pro-
tected by the brigade of general Coffee. How soon
the attack should be waged, was uncertain ; at what
moment, rested with the enemy, with us, to be in
readiness for resistance. There were many circum-
stances, however, favouring the belief, that the hour of
contest was not far distant, and indeed fast approach-
ing; the bustle of to-day, the efforts to carry their
boats into the river, the fascines and scaling-ladders
that were preparing, were circumstances pointing to
attack, and indicating the hour to be near at hand.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 365
General Jackson, unmoved by appearances, anxiously
desired a contest, which he believed would give a tri-
umph to his arms, and terminate the hardships of his
suffering soldiers. Unremitting in exertion, and con-
stantly vigilant, his precaution kept pace with the zeal
and preparation of the enemy. He seldom slept : he
was always at his post, performing the duties of both
general and soldier. His sentinels were doubled, and
extended as far as possible in the direction of the
British camp ; while a considerable portion of the
troops were constantly at the line, with arms in their
hands, ready to act, when the first alarm should be
given.
For eight days had the two armies lain upon the
same field, and in view of each other, without any
thing decisive being on either side effected. Twice,
since their landing, had the British columns essayed to
effect by storm the execution of their plans, and twice
had failed been compelled to relinquish the attempt,
and retire from the contest. It was not to be expected
that things could long remain in this dubious state.
Soldiers, the pride of England, the boasted conquerors
of Europe, were there ; distinguished generals were
their leaders, who earnestly desired to announce to
their country, and the world, their signal achievements.
The high expectations which had been indulged of the
success of this expedition, were to be realized, at every
peril, or disgrace would follow the failure.
The 8th of January at length arrived. The day
dawned ; and the signals, intended to produce concert
in the enemy's movements, were descried. On the
366 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
left, near the swamp, a sky-rocket was perceived rising
in the air ; and presently another ascended from the
right, next the river. They were intended to announce
that all was prepared and ready, to proceed and carry
by storm a defence which had twice foiled their utmost
efforts. Instantly the charge was made, and with such
rapidity, that our soldiers, at the out posts, with diffi-
culty fled in.
The British batteries, which had been demolished
on the 1st of the month, had been re-established during
the preceding night, and heavy pieces of cannon
mounted, to aid in their intended operations. These
now opened, and showers of bombs and balls were
poured upon our line ; while the air was lighted with
their congreve rockets. The two divisions, commanded
by Sir Edward Packenham in person, and supported
by generals Keane and Gibbs, pressed forward ; the
right against the centre of general Carroll's command,
the left against our redoubt on the levee. A thlck^og,
that obscured the'morning, enabled them to approach
within a short distance of our entrenchment, before
they were discovered. They were now perceived ad-
vancing, with firm, quick, and steady pace, in column,
with a front of sixty or seventy deep. Our troops,
who had for some time been in readiness, and waiting
their appearance, gave three cheers, and instantly the
whole line was lighted with the blaze of their fire. A
burst of artillery and small arms, pouring with de-
structive aim upon them, mowed down their front, and
arrested their advance. In our musketry there was
not a moment's intermission ; as one party discharged
their pieces, another succeeded; alternately loading
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 367
and appearing, no pause could be perceived, it was
one continued volley. The columns already perceived
their dangerous and exposed situation. Battery No. 7,
on the left, was ably served by lieutenant Spotts, and
galled them with an incessant and destructive fire.
Batteries No. 6 and 8 were no less actively employed,
and no less successful in felling them to the ground.
Notwithstanding the severity of our fire, which few
troops could for a moment have withstood, some of
those brave men pressed on, and succeeded in gaining
the ditch, in front of our works, where they remained
during the action, and were afterwards made prisoners.
The horror before them was too great to be withstood ;
and already were the British troops seen wavering in
their determination, and receding from the conflict.
At this moment, Sir Edward Packenham, hastening to
the front, endeavoured to encourage and inspire them
with renewed zeal. His example was of short continu-
ance : he soon fell, mortally wounded, in the arms of
his aid-de-camp, not far from our line. Generals Gibbs
and Keane also fell, and were borne from the field,
dangerously wounded. At this moment, general Lam-
bert, who was advancing at a small distance in the
rear, with the reserve, met the columns precipitately
retreating, and in great confusion. His efforts to stop
them were unavailing, they continued retreating, un-
til they reached a ditch, at the distance of four hun-
dred yards, where a momentary safety being found,
they were rallied, and halted.
The field before them, over which they had ad-
vanced, was strewed with the dead and dying. Dan-
ger hovered still around ; yet, urged and encouraged
368 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
by their officers, who feared their own disgrace in-
volved in the failure, they again moved to the charge.
They were already near enough to deploy, and were
endeavouring to do so ; but the same constant and un-
remitted resistance that caused their first retreat, con-
tinued yet unabated. Our batteries had never ceased
their fire ; their constant discharges of grape and can-
ister, and the fatal aim of our musketry, mowed down
the front of the columns as fast as they could be
formed. Satisfied nothing could be done, and that
certain destruction awaited all further attempts, they
forsook the contest and the field in disorder, leaving
it almost entirely covered with the dead and wounded.
It was in vain their officers endeavoured to animate
them to further resistance, and equally vain to attempt
coercion. The panic produced from the dreadful re-
pulse they had experienced ; the plain, on which they
had acted, being covered with innumerable bodies of
their countrymen; while, with their most zealous ex-
ertions, they had been unable to obtain the slight-
est advantage, were circumstances well calculated to
make even the most submissive soldier oppose the
authority that would have controled him.
The light companies of fusileers ; the forty-third and
ninety-third regiments, and one hundred men from the
West India regiment, led on by colonel Rennie, were
ordered to proceed under cover of some chimneys,
standing in the field, until having cleared them, to
oblique to the river, and advance, protected by the
levee, against our redoubt on the right. This work,
having been but lately commenced, was in an unfinish-
ed state. It was not until the 4th, that general Jack-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 369
son, much against his own opinion, had yielded to the
suggestions of others, and permitted its projection ;
and, considering the plan on which it had been sketch-
ed, had not yet received that strength necessary to its
safe defence. The detachment ordered against this
place, formed the left of general Keane's command.
Rennie executed his orders with great bravery ; and,
urging forward, arrived at the ditch. His advance was
greatly annoyed by commodore Patterson's battery on
the left bank, and the cannon mounted on the redoubt;
but reaching our works, and passing the ditch, Ren-
nie, sword in hand, leaped on the wall, and calling to
his troops, bade them follow ; he had scarcely spoken,
when he fell by the fatal aim of our riflemen. Press-
ed by the impetuosity of superior numbers, who were
mounting the wall, and entering at the embrasures,
our troops had retired to the line, in rear of the re-
doubt. A momentary pause ensued, but only to be
interrupted with increased horrors. Captain BeaL,
with the city riflemen, cool and self-possessed, per-
ceiving the enemy in his front, opened upon them, and
at every discharge brought the object to the ground.
To advance, or maintain- the point gained, was equally
impracticable for the enemy : to retreat or surrender
was the only alternative; for they already perceived
the division on the right thrown into confusion, and
hastily leaving the field.
General Jackson being informed of the success of
the enemy on the right, and of their being in posses-
sion of the redoubt, pressed forward a reinforcement
to regain it. Previously to its arrival they had aban-
doned the attempt, and were retiring. They were se-
,3 A
370 LIFE OF QEiNEKAL JACJKSOft.
verely galled by such of our guns as could be brought
to bear. The levee afforded them considerable pro-
tection ; yet by commodore Patterson's redoubt, on
the right bank, they suffered greatly. Enfiladed by
this, on their advance, they had been greatly annoyed,
and now, in their retreat, were no less severely assail-
ed. Numbers found a grave in the ditch, before our
line ; and of those who gained the redoubt, not one, it
is believed, escaped ; they were shot down as fast
as they entered. The route, along which they had
advanced and retired, was strewed with bodies. Af-
frighted at the carnage, they moved from the scene
hastily and in confusion. Our batteries were still con-
tinuing the slaughter, and cutting them down at every
step : safety seemed only to be attainable when they
should have retired without the range of our shot ;
which, to troops galled as severely as they were, was
too remote a relief. Pressed by this consideration,
they fled to the ditch, whither the right division had
retreated, and there remained until night permitted
them to retire.
Here was a period, the most auspicious that had
appeared during the war, to have gained a complete
triumph to our arms. What important events, in a
nation's history, are often the result of slight occur-
rences ! and how often are they prevented by causes
no less inconsiderable ! This truth is apparent in the
fate* of this grand expedition, which had been fitted
out to humble our national pride ; and which would
have been captured or destroyed but for the ill-timed
policy of the government, or its agents, who, as has
been shown, prevented the arrival of the arms destined
LIFE OF GfciNERAL JACKSON. 371
for this place, because an inconsiderable sum was
thereby saved to the nation. A considerable portion
of our troops were inactive and useless for the want
of arms to place in their hands. If this had not been
the case had they been in a situation to have acted
efficiently, the whole British army must have submit-
ted. But, situated as Jackson then was, pursuit would
have been rashness ; though, with the additional force
which a sufficiency of arms would have placed at his
command, much might have been effected against an
enemy whose ranks were thinned by the unparalleled
slaughter of the day ; and who, panic-struck, and flee-
ing from the danger before them, were incompetent
to resistance, and already believed themselves con-
quered : but prudence, under existing circumstances,
strongly opposed the idea of pursuit, and suggested to
the commanding general, that although he had thus
signally achieved even more than he had expected, yet
with the kind of troops it had been effected, inferior
in number and discipline, to attempt, even under pre-
sent advantages, a contest on the plain, was hazarding
too greatly.
Colonel Hinds was very solicitous, and in person
applied to the commanding general for leave to pursue,
at the head of his dragoons, the fleeing and broken
columns of the enemy : Jackson, however, would not
permit it. " My reason for refusing," he remarked,
" was, that it might become necessary to sustain him,
and thus a contest in the open field be brought on:
the lives of my men were of value to their country,
and much too dear to their families to be hazarded
where necessity did not require it ; but above all, from
372 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
the numerous dead and wounded stretched out on the
field before me, I felt a confidence that the safety of
the city was most probably attained, and hence, that
nothing calculated to reverse the good fortune we had
met should be attempted."
His reasoning on this subject was certainly correct,
and such as feeling and policy sanctioned. If an at-
tack had been urged, and the effort crowned with suc-
cess, enough having been done, the splendour of the
late transaction would be but partially increased, and
little additional lustre reflected on the American cha-
racter : if, however, unsuccessful, the object of the ex-
pedition was then secured to the enemy ; and all that
had, for so many days, and under such weighty pri-
vations, been contended for, would, at the instant, have
been sacrificed and lost. In addition to this, his sol-
diers were most of them owners of the soil, who had
families anxiously concerned for their safety, and
whose happiness depended upon their return: such
men would have proven a loss to the community, too
great to warrant their being risked for the mere gra-
tification of pride; in opposition, too, to those whose
trade was war; and w^ho, wholly abstracted from
every thing like principle, contended in battle with-
out knowing why, or for what they fought. The lives
of his soldiers were too valuable to their families and
the community, to be risked upon a venture not war-
ranted by necessity, nor required by the interest and
honour of the country. He preferred, therefore, to
adopt what seemed the safer course ; to continue his
position, which assured protection to the city, and the
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 373
inhabitants, rather than by endeavouring to obtain
more, to endanger the loss of every thing.
The efforts of the enemy to carry our line of de-
fence on the left, were seconded by an attack on the
right bank, with eight hundred chosen troops, under
the command of colonel Thornton. Owing to the diffi-
culty of passing the boats from the canal to the river,
and the strong current of the Mississippi, the troops
destined for this service were not crossed, nor the op-
posite shore reached for some hours after the expectr
ed moment of attack. By the time he had effected a
landing, the day had dawned, and the flashes of the
guns announced the battle begun. Supported by three
gun-boats, he hastened forward, with his command, in
the direction of Morgan's entrenchment.
Some time during the night of the 7th, two hun-
dred Louisiana militia had been sent off; to watch the
movements of the enemy, and oppose him in his land-
ing: this detachment, under the command of major
Arnaud, had advanced a mile down the river and halt-
ed ; either supposing the general incorrect, in appre-
hending an attack, or that his men, if refreshed, would
be more competent to exertion, he directed them to
lie down and sleep : one man only was ordered to be
upon the watch, lest the enemy should approach them
undiscovered. Just at day, he called upon his sleep-
ing companions, and bade them rise and be ready, for
he had heard a considerable bustle, a little below. No
sooner risen, than confirmed in the truth of what had
been stated, they moved off in the direction they had
come, without even attempting an execution of their
374 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
orders. The Kentucky troops, having reached Mor-
gan at five o'clock in the morning, were immediately
sent to co-operate with the Louisianians. Major Da-
vis, who commanded, had proceeded about three quar-
ters of a mile, and met those troops hastily retreating
up the road ; he ascertained from them that the ene-
my had made the shore; had debarked, and were
moving rapidly up the levee. He informed them for
what purpose he had been despatched, to oppose an
approach as long as practicable, and with their assist-
ance, he would endeavour to execute his orders.
The two detachments, now acting together, formed
behind a saw-mill-race, skirted with a quantity of
plank and scantling, which afforded a tolerable shel-
ter. Davis, with his two hundred Kentuckians, formed
on the road next the river, supported by the Loui-
siana militia on the right. The enemy appearing,
their approach was resisted, and a warm and spirited
opposition for some time maintained: a momentary
check was given. The British again advanced, and
again received a heavy fire. At this moment, gene-
ral Morgan's aid-de-camp, who was present, perceiv-
ing the steady advance of the enemy, and fearing for
the safety of the troops, ordered a retreat. Confusion
was the consequence order could not be maintained,
and the whole fled, in haste, to Morgan's line. Arriv-
ing in safety, though much exhausted, they were im-
mediately directed to form, and extend themselves to
the swamp ; that the right of the entrenchment might
not be turned.
Colonel Thornton having reached an orange grove,
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 375
about seven hundred yards distant, halted ; and exa-
mining Morgan's line, found it to " consist of a formi-
dable redoubt on the river," with its weakest and most
vulnerable point towards the swamp. He directly
advanced to the attack, in two divisions, against the
extreme right and centre of the line ; and, having de-
ployed, charged the entrenchment, defended by about
fifteen hundred men. A severe discharge, from the
field pieces mounted along our works, caused the
right division to oblique, which, uniting with the left,
pressed forward to the point occupied by the Ken-
tucky troops. Perceiving themselves thus exposed,
and having not yet recovered from the emotions pro-
duced by their first retreat, they began to give way,
and very soon entirely abandoned their position. The
Louisiana militia gave a few fires and followed the
example. Through the exertions of the officers, a
momentary halt was effected ; but a burst of congreve
rockets falling thickly and setting fire to the sugar-
cane, and other combustibles around, again excited
their fears, and they moved hastily away ; nor could
they be rallied, until at the distance of two miles, hav-
ing reached a saw-mill-race, they were formed, and
placed in an attitude of defence.
Commodore Patterson, perceiving the right flank
about to be turned, had ceased his destructive fire
against the retreating columns on the opposite shore,
and turned his guns to infilade the enemy next the
swamp; but, at the moment when he expected to
witness a firm resistance, and was in a situation to
eo-operate, he beheld those without whose aid all his
efforts were unavailing, suddenly thrown into con-
376 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
fusion, and forsaking their posts. Discovering he could
no longer maintain his ground, he spiked his guns,
destroyed his ammunition, and retired from a post
where he had rendered the most important services.
In the panic that produced this disorderly retreat, at
a moment when manly resistance was expected, are to
be found circumstances of justification, which might
have occasioned similar conduct even in disciplined
troops. The weakest part of the line, and which was
protected but by a slight ditch, was assailed by the
greatest strength of the enemy: this was defended by
one hundred and eighty Kentuckians, who were stretch-
ed out to an extent of three hundred yards, and unsup-
ported by any pieces of artillery. Thus openly ex-
posed to the attack of a greatly superior force, and
weakened by the extent of ground they covered, it is
not to be wondered at, or deserving of reproach, that
they should have considered resistance ineffectual, and
forsaken a post, which they had strong reasons for be-
lieving* they could not maintain. General Morgan re-
ported to general Jackson the misfortune and defeat
he had met, and attributed it to the flight of those
troops, who had also drawn along with them the rest
of his forces. It is true, they were the first to flee ;
and equally true, that their example may have had the
effect of producing general alarm; but in point of ad-
vantageous situation, the troops materially differed :
the one, as we have shown, were exposed, and enfee-
bled by the manner of their arrangement ; the other,
the considerably superior numbers, covered no greater
extent of ground, were defended by an excellent
breast-work, and several pieces of cannon : with this
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 377
difference, the loss of confidence of the former was
not without sufficient cause. Of these facts, commo-
dore Patterson was not apprized general Morgan
was: both, however, attributed the disaster to the
flight of the Kentucky militia. Upon their informa-
tion, general Jackson founded his report to the secre-
tary of war, by which those troops were exposed to
censures they did not merit. Had all the circum-
stances, as they existed, been disclosed, reproach
would have been prevented. At the mill-race, no
troops could have behaved better: they were well
posted, and bravely resisted the advance of the enemy,
nor, until an order to that effect was given, had enter-
tained a thought of retreating.
The heart-felt joy at the glorious victory achieved
on one side of the river, was clouded by the disaster
witnessed on the other. A position was gained which
secured to the enemy advantages the most important ;
and whence our whole line, on the left bank, could be
severely annoyed. But for the precaution of commo-
dore Patterson, in spiking his guns, and destroying the
ammunition, it would have been in the power of colo-
nel Thornton to have completely enfiladed our line of
defence, and rendered it untenable. Fearful lest the
guns might be unspiked, and brought to operate against
him, general Jackson hastened to throw detachments
across, with orders to regain the position at every
hazard. To the troops on the right bank, he forwarded
an address, with a view to excite them to deeds of
valour, and inspirit them to exertions that should wipe
off the reproach they had drawn upon themselves.*
*See note D.
3 B
378 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON*
Previously, however, to their being in readiness to act*
he succeeded by stratagem in re-obtaining his lost po-
sition, and thus spared the effusion of blood which
would have been necessary to its accomplishment.
The loss of the British, in the main attack, on the
left bank, has been, at different times, variously stated*
The killed, wounded, and prisoners, ascertained, on
the next day after the battle, by colonel Hayne, the
inspector-general, places it at twenty-six hundred.
General Lambert's report to lord Bathurst makes it
but tw r o thousand and seventy. From prisoners, how-
ever, and information and circumstances derived
through other sources, it must have been even greater
than is stated by either. Among them was the com-
mander-in-chief, and major-general Gibbs, who died of
his wounds the next day, besides many of their most
valuable and distinguished officers ; while the loss of
the Americans, in killed and wounded, was but thir-
teen.*
It appears to have been made a question by the
British officers, if it would not be more advisable to
carry general Morgan's line, and refrain from any at*
* Our effective force, at the line, on the left bank, was three
thousand seven hundred ; that of the enemy at least nine thousand.
The force landed in Louisiana has been variously reported : the best
information places it at about fourteen thousand. A part of this acted
with colonel Thornton ; the climate had rendered many unfit for the
duties of the field ; while a considerable number had been killed and
wounded in the different contests since their arrival. Their strength,
therefore, may be fairly estimated, on the 8th, at the number we
have stated j at any rate, not less.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 379
tempt on this side the river. It was believed, that if
successful in this attack, they would be able to force
general Jackson from his entrenchment, and pass with
the main body of the army, in safety, to the city. A
letter found in the possession of captain Wilkinson, a
British officer, who fell in the battle, to a friend at home,
in the war department, speaking on this subject, shows
that a difference of opinion prevailed, and confesses
his own as being decidedly in favour of a vigorous at-
tack on both sides. It bears date late on the night of
the 7th, nor does it appear, although he was a captain
and brigade-major, that he, at that time, knew whether
an assault was seriously intended against Jackson's
line, or was designed as a feint, to aid the operations of
colonel Thornton. With the true spirit of a British
officer, however, he indulged in entire confidence a
hope of success, entertained no fears for the result,
nor doubted but that the Americans would at once re-
tire before their superior skill and bravery. A general
order, which must have been communicated after he
had written, disclosing the manner of attack, on the
left, where he acted, was also found with the letter.
In that the fusileers and light troops were instructed,
after reaching our line, to act as a pursuing squadron,
and keep up alarm, while the army on the right should
press closely in the rear and support them. It breathes
an assurance of success, and shows with what anxiety
they looked to the approaching morning, as likely to
bring with it a successful termination of their labours,
and a triumph over a foe, whose advantages, more
than bravery, they supposed, had so long baffled their
utmost efforts.
380 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
That it was considered, however, an undertaking oi
greater magnitude and hazard than they were dispos-
ed openly to admit, is obvious, from one circumstance.
The officer who leads his troops on a forlorn attempt,
not unfrequently places before them allurements
stronger than either authority or duty. On the pre-
sent occasion, this resort was not omitted ; and induce-
ments were held out, than which nothing more invit-
ing could be offered to an infuriated soldiery.* Let it
be remembered of that gallant but misguided general,
who has been so much deplored by the British nation,
that, to the cupidity of his soldiers, he promised the
wealth of the city, as a recompense for their gallantry
and desperation ; while, with brutal licentiousness,
they were to revel in lawless indulgence, and triumph,
uncontrolled, over female innocence. Scenes like
these, our nation, dishonoured and insulted, had al-
ready witnessed ; she had witnessed them at Hamp-
ton and Havre-de- Grace : but it was reserved for her
yet to learn that an officer of the character and stand-
ing of Sir Edward Packenham, polished, generous, and
brave, should, to induce his soldiers to acts of daring
valour, permit them, as a reward, to insult, injure, and
debase those whom all mankind, even savages, reve-
rence and respect. The history of Europe, since civi-
lized warfare began, is challenged to afford an instance
of such gross depravity, such wanton outrage on the
morals and dignity of society. English writers may
deny the correctness of the charge ; it certainly inte-
rests them to do so : but its authenticity is too well
* " Booty and Beauty," was the watch-word of Sir Edward Packen-
ham's army, in the battle of the 8th.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 381
established to admit of doubt, while its criminality is
increased, from being the act of a people who hold
themselves up to surrounding nations as examples of
every thing that is correct and proper. The facts and
circumstances which were presented at the time of
this transaction left no doubt on the minds of our offi-
cers, but that " Beauty and Booty" was the watch-
word of the day. The information was obtained from
prisoners, and confirmed by .the books of two of their
orderly-sergeants taken in battle, which contained re-
cord proof of the fact.
The events of this day afford abundant evidence of
the liberality of the American soldiers, and show a
striking difference in the troops of the two nations.
While one were allured to acts of bravery and duty,
by the promised pillage and plunder of the inhabitants,
and the commission of crimes abhorrent in the sight
of earth and heaven, the other fought but for his
country, and, having repelled her assailants, instantly
forgot all enmity, viewed his fallen foe as a brother,
and hastened to assist him, even at the hazard of his
own life. The gallantry of the British soldiers, and
no people could have displayed greater, had brought
many of them even to our ramparts, where, shot down
by our troops, they were lying badly wounded. When
the firing had ceased, and the columns had retired,
our troops, with generous benevolence, advanced over
their lines, to assist and bring in the wounded, which
lay under and near the walls ; when, strange to tell,
the enemy, from the ditch they occupied, opened a
fire upon them, and, though at a considerable distance,
succeeded in wounding several. It was enough for
382 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
our generous soldiers, that they were doing an act
which the benevolence of their hearts approved, and,
with charitable perseverance, they continued to ad-
minister to the wants of these suffering men, and to
carry them within their lines, although, in their efforts,
they were continually exposed to danger. Let the
apologist for crime say, wherefore were acts thus un-
pardonable committed against men, who were admi-
nistering to the wants and relieving the sufferings of
the dying countrymen of those who thus repaid the
most laudable humanity with wanton and useless
cruelty.
A communication, shortly after, from major-general
Lambert, on whom, in consequence of the fall of ge-
nerals Packenham, Gibbs, and Keane, the command
had devolved, acknowledges to have witnessed the
kindness of our troops to his wounded. He solicited
of general Jackson permission to send an unarmed
party to bury the dead, lying before his lines, and to
bring off such of the wounded as were dangerous.
Though, in all probability, it was unknown to general
Lambert what had been the conduct of his troops on
this occasion, and unquestionably not authorized by
him, yet Jackson, in answer to his despatch, did not
omit to bring it to his view, and to express his utter
abhorrence of the act. The request to bury the dead
was granted. General Jackson, though, refused to per-
mit a near approach to his line, but consented that the
wounded who were at a greater distance than three
hundred yards from the entrenchment should be re-
lieved, and the dead buried: those nearer were, by
his own men, to be delivered over, to be interred by
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 383
their countrymen. This precaution was taken, that
the enemy might not have an opportunity to inspect,
or know any thing of his situation.
/*
General Lambert, desirous of administering to the
relief of the wounded, and that he might be relieved
from his apprehensions of attack, proposed, about
noon, that hostilities should cease until the same hour
the next day. General Jackson, cherishing the hope
of being able to secure an important advantage, by his
apparent willingness to accede to the proposal, drew
up an armistice, and forwarded it to general Lambert,
with directions for it to be immediately returned, if
approved. It contained a stipulation to this effect
that hostilities, on the left bank of the river, should be
discontinued from its ratification, but on the right
bank they should not cease ; and, in the interim, that
under no circumstances were reinforcements to be
sent across, by either party. This \vas a bold stroke
at stratagem ; and, although it succeeded, even to the
extent desired, was yet attended with considerable
hazard. Reinforcements had been ordered over to
retake the position lost by Morgan in the morning,
and the general presumed they had arrived at their
point of destination, but, at this time, they had not
passed the river, nor could it be expected to be re-
taken with the same troops who had yielded it the day
before, when possessed of advantages which gave 1
them a decided superiority : this the commanding ge-
neral-well knew; yet, to spare the sacrifice of his
men, which, in regaining it, he foresaw must be con-
siderable, he was disposed to venture upon a course,
which, he felt assured, could not fail to succeed. It
384 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSlXN.
was impossible his object could be discovered; while
he confidently believed the British commander would
infer, from the prompt and ready manner in which his
proposal had been met, that such additional troops
were already thrown over, as would be fully adequate
to the purposes of attack, and greatly to endanger, if
not wholly to cut off, colonel Thornton's retreat. Ge-
neral Lambert's construction was such as had been
anticipated. Although the armistice contained a re-
quest that it should be immediately signed and return-
ed, it was neglected to be acted upon until the next
day; and Thornton and his command were, in the
interim, under cover of the night, re-crossed, and the
ground they occupied left to be peaceably possessed
by the original holders. The opportunity thus afford-
ed of regaining a position on which, in a great degree,
depended the safety of those on the opposite shore,
was accepted with an avidity its importance merited,
and immediate measures taken to increase its strength,
and prepare it against any future attack that might be
made. This delay of the British commander was
evidently designed, that, pending the negotiation, and
before it was concluded, an opportunity might be
had, either of throwing over reinforcements, or re-
moving colonel Thornton and his troops from a situa-
tion so extremely perilous. Early next morning, general
Lambert returned his acceptance of what had been
proposed, with an apology for having failed to reply
sooner : he excused the omission, by pleading a press
of business, which had occasioned the communication
to be overlooked and neglected. Jackson was at no
loss to attribute the delay to the correct motive : the
apology, however, was as perfectly satisfactory to him
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 385
as anything that could have been offered; beyond the
object intended to be effected, he felt unconcerned,
and, having secured this, rested perfectly satisfied. It
cannot, however, appear otherwise than extraordinary,
that this neglect should have been ascribed by the
British general to accident, or a press of business,
when it must have been, no doubt, of greater import-
ance, at that moment, than any thing which he could
possibly have had before him.
The armistice was this morning, (9th of January)
concluded, and agreed to continue until two o'clock in
the evening. The dead and wounded were now re-
moved from the field, which for three hundred yards in
front of our line of defence, they almost literally co-
vered. For the reason already suggested, our soldiers,
within the line of demarkation between the two camps,
delivered over to the British, who were not permitted
to cross it, the dead for burial, and the wounded on
parole, for which it was stipulated, an equal number
of American prisoners should be restored.
It has seldom happened that officers were more de-
ceived in their expectations than they were in the re-
sult of this battle, or atoned more severely their error:
their reasoning had never led them to conclude that
militia would maintain their ground when warmly as-
sailed : no other belief was entertained, than alarmed
at the appearance and orderly firm approach of vete-
ran troops, they would at once forsake the contest,
and in flight seek for safety. At what part of our line
they were stationed, was ascertained by information
derived through a deserter, on the 6th ; and influenced
3c
3#6 LIFE OF GENERAt JACKSON.
by a belief of their want of nerve, and deficiency in
bravery, at this point the main assault was urged.
They were indeed militia ; but the enemy could have
assailed no part of our entrenchment where they
would have met a warmer reception, or where they
would have found greater strength : it was indeed the
best defended part of the line. The Kentucky and
Tennessee troops, under generals Carroll, Thomas
and Adair, were here, who had already, on former oc-
casions, won a reputation that was too dear to be sa-
crificed. These divisions, alternately charging their
pieces, and mounting the platform, poured forth a con-
stant fire, that was impossible to be withstood, repel-
led the advancing columns, and drove them from the
field, with prodigious slaughter.
There is one fact told, to which general credit
seems to be attached, and which clearly shows the
opinion had by the British of our militia, and the little
fear which was entertained of any determined opposi-
tion from them. When repulsed from our line, the
British officers were fully persuaded that the informa-
tion given them by the deserter, on the night of the 6th,
was false, and that instead of pointing out the ground
defended by the militia, he had referred them to the
place occupied by our best troops. Enraged at what
they believed an intentional deception, they called
their informant before them, to account for the mis-
chief he had done. It was in vain he urged his inno-
cence, and, with the most solemn protestations, declar-
ed he had stated the fact truly as it was. They could
not be convinced, it was impossible that they had
contended against any but the best disciplined troops;
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON*. 387
* ' \
and, without further ceremony, the poor fellow, sus-
pended in view of the camp, expiated, on a tree, not
his crime, for what he had stated was true, but their
error, in underrating an enemy who had already af-
forded abundant evidences of valour. In all their fu-
ture trials with our countrymen, may they be no less
deceived, and discover in our yeomanry a determina-
tion to sustain with firmness, a government which
knows nothing of oppression ; but which, on an en-
larged and liberal scale, aims to secure the indepen-
dence and happiness of man. If the people of the
United States, free almost as the air they breathe,
shall at any time omit to maintain their privileges and
their government, then indeed will it be idle longer
to speak of the rights of men, or of their capacity to
govern themselves: the dream of liberty must fade
away and perish forever, no more? to be remembered
or thought of.
CHAPTER XI.
Bombardment of Fort St. Philip. British army retire to their shipping.
General Jackson, with his troops, returns to New Orleans. Day of
thanksgiving. Reduction of Fort Bowyer. Legislature of Louisiana
recommence their session. Discontents fomented among the American
troops. Arrest of Louaillier, of Judge Hall. Peace announced.
General Jackson is prosecuted for contempt of court his appearance
in court. Speech at the Cojfee-House. His own opinion of martial
law. Troops are discharged, and the general returns to Nashville.
His person and character. Conclusion.
THE conflict had ended, and each army occupied its
former position. In appearance the enemy were visi-
bly altered : menace was sunk into dejection, and
offensive measures yielded for those which promised
safety. Their bold attitude so long preserved, was
now lain aside ; and they were perceived to be erect-
ing partial defences, to guard against expected attack.
It had been already announced, upon good authority,
that a considerable force had succeeded in passing the
Balize made prisoners of a detachment there, and
was proceeding up the Mississippi, to co-operate with
the land forces. It was intended to aid in the battle
of the 8th, but failing to arrive, the attack had been
made without it. Whether the enemy, chagrined and
mortified at the failure of an effort, into which the idea
of disappointment had never entered, might not again
renew the attack, on the arrival of this force, was a
probable event, and every preparation was in progress
to be again in readiness to repel it
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 389
Of this formidable advance, no certain intelligence
was received until the night of the 1 1th, when a heavy
cannonading, supposed to be on Fort St. Philip, was
distinctly heard. Jackson entertained no fears for the
result. The advantages in defence, which his precau-
tion and vigilance had early extended to this passage
to the city, added to an entire confidence in the skill
and bravery of the officer to whom it had been con-
fided, led him to .believe there was nothing to be ap-
prehended; and that every thing which duty and
bravery could effect, would be done. The enemy's
squadron, consisting of two bomb vessels, a brig, sloop,
and schooner, were discovered by the videttes, from
Fort Bourbon, on the morning of the 9th, directing
their course up the river; signals were made, in-
formation communicated, and every thing was in readi-
ness to receive them. About ten o'clock, having ap-
proached within striking distance, an assault was com-
menced on the fort, and an immense quantity of bombs
and balls were discharged against it. A severe and
well-directed fire from our water battery soon com-
pelled them to abandon the attack, and retire about
two miles. At this distance, the enemy was possess-
ed of decided advantages, having it in their power
to reach the fort, with the shot from their large mor-
tis, while they were entirely without th& range of-
ouis. The assault continued, without much intermis-
sion, from the 9th until the night of the 17th. They
had hitherto lain beyond the effective range of our
shot, ani although from their large mortars the fort
had been^onstantly reached, and pierced in innume-
rable piace$, still, such an effect had not been pro-
duced, as to justify a belief, that they could now. more
390 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSO.
than at the moment of their arrival, venture to pass.
A heavy mortar having been prepared, and turned
against them on the 17th, the security they had hith-
erto enjoyed was taken away : their vessels could now
be reached, and considerable effect was discovered to
be produced. This circumstance, and an ineffectual
bombardment, which though continued for eight days,
had secured no decided advantage, induced them to
suspend all further efforts ; and, on the morning of the
18th, they retired^
Major Overton, who commanded at this place, his
officers, and soldiers, distinguished themselves by
their activity and vigilance. To arrest the enemy's
passage up the river, and prevent them from uniting
with the forces below the city, was of great import-
ance ; and to succeed in this was as much as could be
expected. So long, therefore, as they kept at a distance,
nor attempted a final accomplishment of their object,
no other concern was felt than to watch their ma-
noeuvres, and adopt such a course as should afford
safety to the troops in the garrison ; for this purpose,
pieces of timber and scantling were used, which formed
a cover, and gave protection from their bombs. The
store of ammunition was also divided, and buried in
different places in the earth, that in the event of acci-
dent the whole might not be lost. During the period
of the bombardment, which lasted with little intermis-
sion for nine days, sleep was almost a strange-' in the
fort The night was the time when most of *H it was
feared lest the enemy, aided by the darkness, and as-
sisted by some fortunate breeze, would ha-e it in their
power to ascend the river, in despite of ^very opposi-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 391
tion : the constant activity which was necessary,
prevented all opportunities for repose. On a tempes-
tuous night, the wind setting fair to aid them, an attempt
was made to pass : to divert the attention of the fort,
and favour the chances for ascent, their boats were
sent forward to commence an attack. In this, however,
they were disappointed, and compelled to abandon the
undertaking. At length, after many fruitless efforts,
and an immense waste of labour and ammunition, they
retired without effecting their purpose, or producing,
to us, a greater injury than the loss of nine of the
garrison, who were killed and wounded.
The failure of this squadron to ascend the river,
perhaps, determined general Lambert in the course
which he immediately adopted. His situation before
our line was truly an unpleasant one. Our batteries,,
after the 8th, were continually throwing balls and bombs
into his camp; and wherever a party of troops appeared
in the field, they were greatly annoyed. Thus harass-
ed, perceiving that all assistance through this chan-
nel had failed, and constantly in apprehension lest an
attack should be made upon him, he resolved on avail-
ing himself of the first favourable opportunity to depart,
arid forsake a contest where every effort had met dis-
appointment, and where an immense number of his
troops had found their graves. The more certainly to
effect a retreat in safety, detachments had been sent
out to remove every obstruction that could retard their
progress through the swamp; while, to give greater
facility to his departure, strong redoubts were erected
on the way, and bridges thrown across every creek and
bayou that obstructed the passage. Every thing being
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
thus prepared, on the night of the 18th, general Lam-
bert silently decamped, and, proceeding towards the
lake, embarked for his shipping, leaving, and recom-
mending to the clemency and hospitality of the Ameri-
can general, eighty of his soldiers, who were too severe-
ly wounded to be removed. With such silence and
caution was this decampment managed, that riot the
slightest intelligence was communicated, even to our
sentinels occupying the out posts. Early on the next
morning, the enemy's camp was perceived to be eva-
cuated; but what had become of them, and whither they
had gone, could only be conjectured : no information
on the subject was possessed. To ascertain the cause
of this new and sudden appearance of things, detach-
ments were in readiness to proceed and reconnoitre
their camp, when surgeon Wadsdale, of the staff, ar-
rived at our line, with a letter to general Jackson, from
the British commander, announcing his determination
to suspend, " for the present, all further operations
against New Orleans," and requesting his humanity
towards the wounded he had left, and whom necessity
had compelled him to abandon.
Detachments were now sent out to ascertain the
cause of this unexpected state of things ; with orders
to harass their rear, if a retreat were really intended.
But the precaution taken by the enemy, arid the
ground over which they were retreating, prevented
pursuit in sufficient numbers to secure any valuable
result The system of operations which Jackson had
prescribed for himself, he believed was such as policy
sanctioned, nor to be abandoned but for advantages
evidently certain, and which admitted not of question.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 393
To pursue on a route protected and defended by
canals, redoubts, and entrenchments, would, at least,
have been adventuring upon an uncertain issue, where
success was extremely problematical, and where in-
jury and loss might have resulted.
Thus, at last, in total disappointment, terminated an
invasion from which much had been expected. Twen-
ty-six days ago, flushed with the hope of certain
victory, had this army erected its standard on the banks
of the Mississippi. At that moment, they would have
treated with contempt an assertion, that in ten days
they would not enter the city of New Orleans. How
changed the portrait, from the expected reality ! But
a few days since, and they were confident of a triumph,
and a successful termination of their labours : now,
vanquished, beaten, and cut to pieces, at midnight, un-
der the cover of its darkness, they are found silently
abandoning their camp, breaking to pieces their ar-
tillery, fleeing from an enemy, who, but a little while
before, they had held in utter contempt, and submit-
ting their wounded to his clemency. A demonstration
is given, which a Briton, short of absolute proof, would
have been among the last to have admitted, that four-
teen thousand troops, who, oftentimes, against the
sternest opposition, had signalized themselves in bat-
tle, arid marched to victory, could, under any circum-
stances, be beaten, and one-third of them destroyed, by
an inferior number of men, who scarcely knew how to
form in column, or deploy into line : yet they knew that
which was of infinitely more service in nerving with
strength the soldier's arm, and dispelling every thing
like fear, that they were contending for their rights,
3D
394 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON*
against a power which was causelessly seeking their
destruction, for privilege against usurpation, for
liberty, in opposition to oppression : that they were
fighting for a country they loved, and for enjoyments,
which, once lost, could never be regained. Prompted
by these considerations, they had entered the field,
and under their influence had acted. For their toils
and privations, they were amply remunerated : they
had met their own and country's expectations had
saved a city from destruction its inhabitants from
cruelty and dishonour, and were carrying with them
that consolation which the recollection of a faithful
discharge of duty never fails to inspire.
There was no certainty that the contest was finally
ended. The enemy had indeed retired, and, " for the
present, relinquished all further operations against
New Orleans :" but of w r hat continuance their forbear-
ance would be, whether they might not avail them-
selves of the first flattering opportunity, to renew the
struggle, and wipe off the stain of a defeat so wholly
unexpected, could not be doubted. The hopes and
expectations indulged, in England, of the success of
this expedition, had inspirited the whole army ; and
failure had never been anticipated. They had now
retired ; yet, from their convenient situation, and hav-
ing command of the surrounding waters, it was in
their power, at a short notice, to re-appear, at the
same, or some more favourable point cause a repeti-
tion of l the hardships already encountered, and, per-
haps, ^succeed in the accomplishment of their views.
These considerations led general Jackson to conclude,
that, although, for the present, there was an abandon-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 395
ment of the enterprise, still it behoved him not to
relax in his system of defence ; but be in constant
readiness to maintain the advantages he had gained ;
and not to risk a loss of the country by a careless in-
difference, growing out of the belief that danger had
subsided. To prevent such a result, vigilance and
caution were essentially necessary.
The enemy being again at their shipping, with an
entire control of the lakes and gulf, it could not be
known at what point they might venture on a second
attack. General Jackson determined now to withdraw
his troops from the position they had so long occupied,
and place them about the city, whence, to repel any
further attempt that might be made, they could be
advanced wherever it should become necessary. The
seventh regiment of infantry remained to protect the
point he was leaving; while, further in advance, on
Villery's canal, where a landing had been first effect-
ed, were posted a detachment of Kentucky and Loui-
siana militia. To secure this point more effectually,
orders were given, on the 22d, to throw up a strong-
fortification, at the junction of Manzant and Bayou
Bienvenu; which order was again attempted to be
executed on the 25th. On both occasions, failure was
the result, from the circumstance of the enemy having,
on their retreat, left a strong guard at this place, which,
from its situation, defied approach by a force compe-
tent to its reduction. Their occupying this position
was looked to as a circumstance which afforded strong
evidence that further hostilities were not wholly aban-
doned. To counteract, however, any advantages which
plight thence be derived, different points, along the
396 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON*.
swamp, and in the direction of Terre au Boeuf, were
occupied, and strong works erected, to prevent their
again reaching in this direction the banks of the Mis-
sissippi.
These arrangements being made, calculated, if not
to prevent, at least to give intelligence of an approach
in time to be resisted, on the 20th of January, general
Jackson, with his remaining forces, commenced his
march to New Orleans. The general glow excited,
at beholding his entrance into the city, at the head of
a long suffering and victorious army, was manifested
by all those feelings which patriotism and sympathy
inspire. The windows and streets were Crowded, to
view the man, who, by vigilance, decision, and en-
ergy, had preserved the country from the fate to which
it had been devoted. It was a scene well calculated
to excite the tenderest emotions. But a few weeks
since, and every bosom throbbed for deliverance and
safety. Fathers, sons, and husbands, urged by the ne-
cessity of the times, were toiling in defence of their
wives and children. A ferocious soldiery, numerous,
and skilled in the art of war, and to whom every in
dulgence had been promised, were straining exertion
to effect their object. Every cannon that echoed from
the line was, perhaps, the signal of approach, and the
commencement of indescribable horrors. But those
feelings had subsided : the painful anticipations which
had lasted so long, were gone. The tender female,
relieved from the anguish of danger and suspense, no
longer trembled for her safety and her honour : a new
order of things had arisen : joy sparkled in every coun-
tenance ; while scarcely a widow or an orphan was
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 397
seen, to cloud the general transport The command-
ing general, under whose banners every thing had
been achieved, deliberate, cool, and sparing of the
lives of the brave defenders of their country, had dis-
pelled the storm which had so long threatened to in-
volve the ruin of thousands ; and was now restoring,
safe and unhurt, those who had with him maintained
the contest. His approach was hailed with acclama-
tions : it was not the kind of applause, which, result-
ing from fear, is oftentimes extended by the subject,
to some conqueror or tyrant returning in triumph, but
that which was extended by citizens to a citizen,
springing from affection, and founded in the honest
sincerity of the heart. All greeted his return, and
hailed him as their deliverer.
But, amidst the warm expression of their thanks, and
the honours and congratulations heaped upon him, he
was not unmindful, that to an energy superior to his
own, and a wisdom which controls the destiny of na-
tions, he was indebted for the glorious triumph of our
arms. Respited from the arduous duties of the field,
his first concern was to draw the minds of all in thank-
fulness and adoration to that sovereign mercy, without
whose aid, and inspiring counsel, vain would be all
earthly efforts. The 23d having been appointed a day
of prayer and thanksgiving for the happy deliverance
effected by our arms, Jackson repaired to the cathe-
dral. The church and altar were splendidly decorated,
and more than could obtain admission had crowded to
witness the ceremony. A grateful recollection of his
exertions to save the country, was cherished by all ;
nor did the solemnity of the occasion, even here, re-
398 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
strain a manifestation of their regard, or induce them
to withhold the honour he had so nobly earned. Chil-
dren, robed in white, and representing the different
states, were employed in strewing the way with flow-
ers ; while, as he passed, a flattering ode produced for
the occasion saluted his ears.
Hail to the chief! who hied at war's alarms,
To save our threaten'd land from hostile arms ;
Preserv'd, protected by his gallant care,
Be his the grateful tribute of each fair :
With joyful triumph swell the choral lay
Strew, strew with flow'rs the hero's welcome way.
Jackson, all hail ! our country's pride and boast,
Whose mind's a council, and his arm a host;
Welcome, blest chief ! accept our grateful lays,
Unbidden homage, and spontaneous praise ;
Remembrance, long, shall keep alive thy fame,
And future infants learn to lisp thy name.
When the general reached the church, Dubourg, the
reverend administrator of the diocese, met him at the
door. Addressing him in a strain of pious eloquence,
he intreated him to remember, that his splendid
achievements, which were echoed from every tongue,
were to be ascribed to Him to whom all praise was due.
" Let the votary of blind chance," continued he, " de-
ride our credulous simplicity. Let the cold-hearted
atheist look for an explanation of important events, to
the mere concatenation of human causes ; to us, the
whole world is loud in proclaiming a Supreme Ruler,
who, as he holds the destiny of man in his hands, holds
also the thread of all contingent occurrences; from
his lofty throne, he moves every scene below, infuses
his wisdom into the rulers of nations, and executes his
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 399
uncontrollable judgments on the sons of men, accord-
ing to the dictates of his own unerring justice." He
concluded his impressive address, by presenting the
general with a wreath of laurel, woven for the occasion,
and which he desired him to accept as " a prize of
victory."
General Jackson accepted the pledge, presented as
a mark of distinguished favour by the reverend pre-
late, and returned him a reply no less impressive than
the address he had received. He was now conducted
in, and seated near the altar, when the organ, and church
ceremonies were commenced, and inspired every mind
with a solemn reverence for the occasion.* These
being ended, he retired to his quarters, to renew a
system of defence, which should ensure entire safety,
and ward off any future danger that might arise. The
right bank of the Mississippi was now strengthened by
additional reinforcements, and a strong position taken
on La Fourche, to prevent any passage in that direo-
tion. Suitable arrangements for security having been
already made below the city, generals Coffee and Car-
roll were instructed to resume their former encamp-
ment, four miles above, where they had been stationed
previously to the landing of the enemy. The rest of
the troops were arranged at different points, where
necessity seemed most to require it, and where they
might be convenient, and concentrated for action, on
the first appearance of danger.
Previously to general Lambert's departure, articles
* See note E.
400s LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
of agreement had been entered into by the command-
ers of the two armies, for an exchange of prisoners ;
in pursuance of which, sixty-three Americans, taken
on the night of the 23d, from the left wing of general
Coffee's brigade, had been delivered up : the remain-
der, principally those w r ho had been taken at the cap-
ture of our gun boats, were shortly afterwards surren-
dered by admiral Cochrane, and an equal number of
British prisoners, in our possession, sent off to be de-
livered at the Balize.
The enemy had now withdrawn from the shore the
troops which had been landed, and occupied their
former position at Cat and Ship Island. Mortified at
their unexpected disaster, they were projecting a
plan, by which it was expected a partial advantage
might, perhaps, be secured, and the stigma of defeat
be somewhat obliterated.
Fort Bowyer had been once assailed, with a con-
siderable force, by land and water, and failure had re-
sulted. This post, the key to Mobile, and considered
of infinite consequence, had been retained under the
command of him, who, heretofore, had defended it so
valiantly. The British commander, turning from those
scenes of disappointment and wretchedness so lately
witnessed, and anxious to retrieve his fortunes, be-
fore, with his shattered and diminished forces, he
should retire, perceived no place against which he
might proceed with better founded hopes of success.
Its importance, in a military point of view, has been
already shown : but, dispirited and reduced as the ene-
my now were, even should they possess it, they would
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 401
be without the power to derive those important ad-
vantages which were heretofore so greatly appre-
hended and dreaded.
On the 6th of February, the British shipping ap-
peared off Dauphin Island, fronting the point on which
stood the fort, garrisoned with three hundred and six-
ty men. Having made the necessary arrangements,
on the 8th an attack was commenced, both from the
land and water. The fleet was formed in two divi-
sions; and approached within one and two miles,
bearing south and south-west from it. But the princi-
pal attack, and that which compelled a surrender, was
from the shore, where colonel Nicholls and Woodbine
had carried on their operations in September. Five
thousand troops, aided by pieces of heavy ordnance,
and secured from the fire of our guns by large em-
bankments, urged the assault. Under cover of the two
succeeding nights, redoubts had been thrown up, and
trenches cut through the sand, which enabled them to
approach gradually, and without being exposed to the
fire of our guns. Twice, on the 8th, were detach-
ments sent out, to effect by storm the accomplish-
ment of their purpose ; but the fire from the fort com-
pelled an abandonment of their course, and drove them
to the necessity of approaching by trenches, protected
by strong redoubts. To demolish these from the fort
was impracticable, from their strength ; and to attempt
to prevent their erection, by any sortie, with so weak
a force, would have been rash and imprudent. Thus
situated, and every thing being ready to attack and car-
ry the fort, if opposition were still intended, about ten
o'clock on the llth the enemy hoisted a flag : major
3 E "
402 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOtf.
Lawrence raised another. Hostilities ceased, and ge-
neral Lambert required a surrender. The officers
being convoked, with one consent agreed that further
resistance would be ineffectual, and could only lead to
the unnecessary loss of many valuable lives. A ca-
pitulation was agreed on, and the fort forthwith yielded
to the enemy.
General Winchester, who commanded at Mobile,
having received intelligence of what was passing at
the point, ordered a detachment of a thousand men,
under major Blue, to proceed down the bay, and aid
in its defence. This auxiliary force was too late : hav-
ing surprised and captured one of the enemy's out
piquets, consisting of seventeen men, and ascertained
that a surrender had already taken place, they return-
ed. Had this detachment reached its destination, our
loss would have been more severe. The enemy's
forces were too numerous, and their means of attack
too effectual, for any different result to have taken
place, even had the detachment arrived in time.
It had early been the wish of general Jackson, for
the large frigate, lying at Tchifonte, to be completed,
and placed in defence of Fort Bowyer. We have be-
fore remarked the confidence entertained by him, that,
with the aid of this vessel, no force brought against
the place would be competent to its reduction. Near
it is the only channel a vessel of any size can pass.
This frigate, occupying the passage, would have pre-
sented as strong a battery as could be brought against
her, and, with the aid of the fort, defied any assault from
the water; and, while her position would have enabled
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 403
her to have thrown her bombs and shot across the nar-
row neck of land, in the rear of the point, and arrested
the advance of any number of troops, which, in this
direction, might have attempted an approach. Yet every
necessary precaution, to defend this important pass,
had been altogether overlooked or disregarded, and
more money disbursed by the government in erecting
shelters, to protect the frigate from the weather, than
would have been sufficient for her completion.
The legislature of Louisiana had re-commenced their
session. The necessity which had induced a suspen-
sion of their deliberations, having been removed, by
the departure of the enemy, they were no longer
restricted in the exercise of their constitutional pri-
vileges. Some of the members, during the past strug*
gle, had forsaken their official duties, and repaired to
the field, where more important services were to be
rendered, and where they had manifested a zeal and
devotion to the country worthy of imitation. A much
greater part, however, had pursued a very opposite
course, and stood aloof from the impending danger.
The disposition they had shown, on the 28th of De-
cember, to propose a capitulation with the enemy, has
been adverted to : how far it was calculated to es-
trange the public sentiment from that conviction,
which the commanding general, throughout, had en-
deavoured to rivet and impress, "that the country could
and would be successfully defended," can be easily
imagined. But with them he had sinned beyond for-
giveness. The course he had adopted his arresting
their proceedings, and suspending their deliberations,
by placing an armed force at the door of the capitol.
404 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
were viewed as intolerable infringements upon legis-
lative prerogative denounced as an abuse of power,
and hence the first opportunity was seized on to ex-
hibit their resentment against the man who had stood
forth in opposition to, and defeated their designs.
Whether it were better to indulge them in a heedless
course, which led to no other object than individual
advancement, or, by interposing a remedy, arrest the
foul purpose intended, preserve the nation from dis-
honour, and avert the dangerous consequences involv-
ed, was not a matter requiring much deliberation ; nor
was it a circumstance to justify the legislature in
treating as they did, with marked disrespect, him who
Avas the efficient cause of all that had been achieved.
No sooner had the members resumed the exercise
of their legislative duties, than their first concern was
to pass in review, the incidents of the last month. To
those who had acted vigilantly in the defence of the
state, and who, by their toils and exertions, had con-
tributed to its safety, they officially tendered their
thanks. In pursuance of their resolutions, the govern-
or addressed the principal officers : but of Jackson,
nothing was said. We are not disposed to censure or
even call in question the conduct of this body, though
the circumstances present no very favourable appear-
ance. When danger threatened, they were disposed
to make terms with the enemy, and obtain safety by
a surrender of the city : from this they were prevent-
ed by a decision of character that compelled legisla-
tive to yield to military authority. Greatly incensed
at being thus unexpectedly restrained in the execution
of their designs, no sooner did they resume the du-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 405
ties of their station, than they became lavish in the
praise of those who adopted and pursued a course
directly contrary to their own ; while in that commen-
dation and approval, they intentionally neglected the
very man to whom their section of country was in-
debted for its salvation. But to Jackson, this was an
immaterial circumstance : he had a mind incapable of
being inflated by applause, or depressed by unmerited
censure. He knew, full well, that his countrymen
would duly appreciate his conduct, trace his actions
and errors to proper motives, and extend " honour to
whom honour was due." Humamtm est errare, was a
maxim from which he claimed no exemption ; but a
conviction rested on his mind, that necessity had
prompted him to the course he had taken, that if he
had erred, it was for the general good : if legislative
prerogative had been invaded, it was to save the actors
from themselves : if constitutional forms and provi-
sions had been violated, the country had been thereby
protected from outrage, dishonour, and ruin. These
afforded consolatory reflections, which the neglect or
censures of none could disturb, or take away. Mind-
ful of what he owed to his country, and what was ex-
pected at his hands, he continued a course calculated
to preserve the advantages he had secured, regardless
of the cabal, the murmuring and intrigue of party.
Appearances in the American camp were about this
time assuming an unfavourable aspect : present danger
and alarm being removed, confusion was arising, and
disaffection spreading through the ranks. Pretexts
were sought after to escape the drudgery of the field.
Many naturalized citizens, who had been brought into
406 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
the service, and made to aid in the general defence,
were seeking exemption from further control, and
claiming to be subjects of the king of France. Some
were indeed foreigners : but most of them had, by
naturalization, become citizens of the United States.
Notwithstanding this, as French subjects, they were
seeking, and actually procuring, exonerations through
Monsieur Toussard, the consul resident at New Or-
leans. No applicant ever went away unsupplied, and
hundreds, for the price of a consular certificate, ob-
tained protections which were to relieve them from
the drudgery of the field, and the ties due to their
adopted country. A flag was displayed from the con-
sul's residence, and rumour circulated, that under it
every Frenchman would find protection. Five dollars,
the price of the certificate, was all that was required of
any applicant to assure, through the consul, the protec-
tion of the French government. Harassed by such evils,
that were every day increasing, and having strong and
satisfactory reasons to believe that the enemy, then
within a few hours sail of the shore, were constantly
advised of his situation, Jackson determined to adopt
such measures as would at once put down the mach-
inations of the guilty and designing. Toussard, thus
manifesting, what could be considered in no other
light, a warmth of attachment to the English, and a
desire to aid them, for the services perhaps which
they had given in the restoration of his monarch, was
ordered to leave the city retire to the interior of the
country, nor venture to return, until peace was re-
stored. His countrymen, also, who were disposed to
claim his protection, and abandon the service, were
ordered to follow him, and, at their peril, not to ap-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 407
pear again about New Orleans. The general did this
with a view to his own security, and from a conviction
that those who could thus shamefully seek to avoid a
contest, threatened against a country which they had
adopted, and whose privileges and benefits they had
enjoyed, would not scruple, if an occasion offered, to
inflict any injury in their power: he believed his
camp, or its vicinity, by no means a proper place
where such characters should be permitted to loiter.
Particular care and caution had been early taken
that embarrassments on the score of citizenship might
not arise. Danger threatening, it was no difficult mak
ter to perceive, that on the ground of being subjects of
a foreign power, and owing no allegiance to the Uni-
ted States, many would assert a neutrality and exemp-
tion from the fatigues and dangers of the field. If
entitled to this character, then was it fair they should
receive whatever of immunity could attach to their
claim ; yet if in prosperous times they had asserted
their right to be citizens, participated in our privi-
leges, and drawn to themselves all the benefits apper-
taining to that relation, then was there every justice
in demanding of them the military services which
were exacted of others : but as the language spoken
was not vernacular, any inquiry on this subject, cal-
culated to result in certainty, was attended with diffi-
culty. Fortunately, however, a warmly contested
election, the preceding summer, had taken place at
New Orleans, and a register of the votes on the oc-
casion had been preserved. To this document then,
the general resorted, and with this unanswerable ar-
gument, that those who had voted, and thereby par-
408 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
ticipated in the highest privileges of the country,
should not now be permitted to deny, or throw off', a
citizenship thus established. By this mean, he ren-
dered in a great degree, inoperative, the French con-
sul's certificates, and compelled to the field, spite of
their consular protection, every man whose name
could be traced on the election roster.
Our own citizens, too, were giving rise to difficul-
ties, and increasing the danger of the moment. Mr.
Livingston had arrived on the 10th, from the British
fleet, whither he had gone to effect a general cartel :
through him, admiral Cochrane had announced the ar-
rival of a vessel from Jamaica, with news, that a treaty
of peace had been agreed on and signed by the two
countries. This information was immediately caught
at by the news-mongers, and either from intention, or
want of correct intelligence, it suddenly appeared in
the Louisiana gazette, in an entirely different shape :
it stated the arrival of a flag at head-quarters, which
announced the conclusion of a peace, and requested a
suspension of hostilities. It was evident, the effect of
such a declaration would be, to introduce lassitude, or
perhaps disaffection among the troops, and induce a
belief that their accustomed vigilance was no longer
necessary. Sensible of this, general Jackson sent for
the editor, and instructed him to alter what he had
stated, and exhibit the facts, which he now communi-
cated to him, truly as they were. He adopted this
course, from fear of the consequences to be produced
to himself. One thing he well knew,, that the enemy
had retired, under circumstances of mortification and
humbled feeling, at their complete discomfiture ; nor
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 409
was it an improbable conjecture, that they might yet
seek an accomplishment of their views, through any
channel a hope of success could be discerned. Might
not this annunciation of peace, and request for the
suspension of hostilities, introduced through the
public journals, be a devise of the enemy to induce
a relaxation in his system of operation and defence;
to divert his officers and ? soldiers from that atten-
tion and activity so essential to security, to excite
discontents and murmurings, and a desire to be dis-
charged from the further drudgery of a camp ? All
these dangers he saw lurking beneath it, if false; and
whether true or false, it was foreign to his duty to be
influenced by any thing, until it should be officially
communicated by his government. Fearful of the
effect it might produce, he lost no time in addressing
his army : " how disgraceful," he remarked, " as well
as disastrous, would it be, if, by surrendering ourselves
credulously to newspaper publications, often proceed-
ing from ignorance, but more frequently from dishonest
design, we should permit an enemy, whom we have so
lately and so gloriously beaten, to regain the advan-
tages he has lost, and triumph over us in turn." A
general order, at the same time, announced that no
publication relating to, or affecting the army, was to be
published in any newspaper, without first obtaining
permission. It has been objected, that this prohibi-
tion, going to restrict the exercise of a constitutional
right, was an outrage op the feelings and liberty of the
country : but if the press be of so sacred and intacti-
ble a character, that it may adopt and pursue a course,
calculated to scatter dissentions, and excite mutiny in
the ranks of an army, when in the very face of an
3r
410 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
enemy, without the power of control, it is a circum-
stance much to be regretted. Reflecting minds will
determine, if an interposition of power were not ne-
cessary, to restrain so dangerous a freedom, and to
avert injury from a country, whose protection the
press, when it seeks to injure, ceases to deserve.
Notwithstanding this prohibition, shortly afterwards
an anonymous publication appeared in the Louisiana
Courier, calculated by its inflammatory character to ex-
cite mutiny among the troops, and afford the enemy
intelligence of the situation and disposition of the
army. It was now high time, the general believed, to
act with decision, and prove by the rigid exercise of
authority, that such conduct militated against the
police and safety of his camp, and required not to be
passed with impunity. The enemy had heretofore
effected a landing, secretly, and without opposition 1 ;
and although beaten, might again return. If spies
were to be nestled in his camp, and permitted to go
forth to the world with the gleanings of their industry,
it was folly to believe the enemy would not profit by
the information. Martial law still prevailed in New
Orleans, and he resolved to put it in execution against
those who manifested such an evident disregard of the
public good. The editor was immediately sent for to
the general's quarters ; he stated the author of the
piece to be Louaillier, a member of the legisla-
ture, and he was thereupon discharged.
Louaillier was arrested, and detained for trial. This
circumstance afforded civilians a fair opportunity of
testing if it were in the power of a commanding
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 41 1
general to raise the military above the civil authority,
and render it superior by any declaration of his. Ap-
plication was made to judge Hall for a writ of habeas
corpus, which was immediately issued. The general,
to render the example as efficacious as possible, and
from information that the judge had been much more
officious than his duty required, and believing in fact,
that it was a measure of combination and concert to
test his power, determined to arrest him also, and
thereby at once to settle the question of authority. On
a matter involving such important consequences, he
believed it best to have it determined in a way calcu-
lated to silence opposition, and show that he was re-
solved to put down every effort to thwart the mea-
sures he had adopted for defence, or which was intend-
ed to destroy the police which he had established for
the tranquillity of his camp, and for the safety of the
country.
Instead of surrendering Mr. Louaillier, and acting in
obedience to the writ, which had issued for his relief,
he seized the person of the judge, and, on the 1 1th of
the month, sent him from the city, with these instruc-
tions " I have thought proper to send you b^ond the
limits of my encampment, to prevent a repetition of
the improper conduct with which you have been
charged. You will remain without the line of my sen-
tinels until the ratification of peace is regularly an-
nounced, or until the British shall have left the south-
ern coast" He did this, believing he was right in
the declaration of martial law, and that the good sense
of judge Hall, should, at so momentous a period, have
taught him a different course. He did it, because dis-
412 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
posed to give complete effect to his measures to
silence opposition, and satisfy the refractory and de-
signing, that judicial interference should not mar the
execution of his plans, or afford a screen, behind which
treason might stalk unmolested. He did it, to make
the example effectual, and to obtain, through fear, that
security which could not be had through love of coun-
try.
The mind coolly calculating, in the closet, the prin-
ciples of right and wrong, cannot fairly appreciate the
merits of this question. Proper inferences can be only
drawn, by bearing in recollection all those circum-
stances which existed at the moment. That a zeal
suited to the occasion, was not felt by all, the events
already adverted to abundantly prove. The course
pursued by the legislature had evidenced a feeling
and conduct which had forfeited reliance ; while the
enemy being, as we have heretofore shown, constantly
advised of every thing transacted in the American
camp, plainly evinced, that safety and success were to
be attained in no other way than by pursuing a course
at once firm and determined.
%
The militia had already grown tired of the field, and
sighed to be discharged from their toils. To impress
on their minds a conviction, that, peace being restored,
they were unnecessarily detained in service, when it
rested on rumour* alone, or to attempt, by any course
of conduct, to render them more disaffected, carried
with it such a degree of criminality and guilt, as could
not be permitted, without endangering the safety of
the country. This spirit of discontent had become ex-
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
tensively diffused. The different posts, which had been
established, could with difficulty be maintained. The
Kentucky troops, and two hundred of the Louisiana
militia, stationed in defence of Villery's canal, had
abandoned their post. Chef Menteur, too, a point no
less important, had been forsaken by one hundred and
fifty of the Louisianians, in despite of the remon-
strances and exertions of their officers to detain them.
Governor Claiborne had been heard to declare, in
words of mysterious import, that serious difficulties
would be shortly witnessed in New Orleans. For the
commanding general, at a time like this, when disaf-
fection was spreading like contagion through his camp,
patiently to have stood and witnessed mutiny fomented
and encouraged by persons who, from their standing
in society, were calculated to possess a dangerous in-
fluence, would have been a crime he never could have
sufficiently atoned, had injury resulted. He thought
it time enough to relax in his operations, and ground
his arms, when the conclusion of peace should be an-
nounced through the proper authorities. Until then,
believing that imperious duty required it, he resolved
to maintain his advantages, and check opposition, at
every hazard. To have obeyed the writ would have
been idle. He had declared the existence of military
authority, and thereby intended to supersede all judi-
cial power. If he had obeyed the mandate, it would
have been an acknowledgment of civil supremacy,
and a virtual abandonment of the course he had adopt-
ed. It was not an improbable event, that the petitioner
would be discharged, on a hearing, because guilty of
no offence cognizable by the civil courts. He had not
levied war against the country, nor directly aided the
414 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
enemy ; but had done that which was paralyzing exer-
tion, scattering 'dissention, introducing mutiny, and
thinning the ranks of the army. Either, then, judicial
interference should have been disregarded, or the ar-
rest was wholly unnecessary. But whether the course
pursued were right or wrong, the effect was import-
ant and salutary, for good order was restored, and dis-
organizers forthwith were hushed to silence.
On the 13th of the month, two days after the de-
parture of judge Hall from the city, an express reach-
ed head-quarters, with despatches from the war de-
partment, at Washington City, announcing the con-
clusion of a peace between Great Britain and the
United States, and directing a cessation of hostilities.
A similar communication from his government was
received by general Lambert, shortly afterwards, and
on the 19th, military operations, by the two armies,
entirely ceased. The aspect of affairs was now chang-
ing : the militia were discharged from service ; bustle
was subsiding ; and joy and tranquillity every where
appearing. A proclamation, by the direction of the
president of the United States, was issued, extending
pardon and forgiveness for past offences.
Judge Hall, being restored to the exercise of those
functions, of which he had been lately bereaved, by
military arrest, proceeded, without loss of time, to an
examination of what had passed, and to become the
arbiter of his own wrongs and injuries. Accordingly, on
the 21st, he granted a rule of court for general Jack-
son to appear, and show cause why an attachment for
contempt should not be awarded, on the ground that
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 415
he had refused to obey a writ issued to him, detained
an original paper belonging to the court, and imprison-
ed the judge.*
In this case, there was certainly too much latitude
for an improper indulgence of feeling, for the judge,
the complaining party, to have claimed any kind of
interference : it would have been more advisable to
have appealed to a jury of his country, and thus
brought before a dispassionate tribunal, the question
of the illegality of his arrest and detention. But, by be-
coming the prosecutor and arbiter of his own griev-
ances, he placed himself in a situation, were reason
could have but little agency, calculated to do injustice,
and attach to his decision suspicion and censure. It
would have been more satisfactory to Jackson, to have
met the inquiry before a less partial tribunal ; yet, al-
though he was well convinced of its being an extra-
judicial proceeding, he did not hesitate to appear, and
submit the grounds which he believed ought fully to
acquit him of all alleged guilt. The trial by jury was
secured, generally, in criminal prosecutions, and in all
others, except where the law, from conceived necessi-
ty, had directed a more summary course. But the
authority of courts had already settled, that statutes
which infringe the privilege of jury trial, were never
to receive a liberal construction, and could be made to
operate only in cases which came strictly within their
* The writ had been detained, and a certified copy given, on ac-
count of its having been altered by judge Hall, in a material part.
The general's reasons for the detention will be found in his answer,
at the end of the volume.
416
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOX.
letter: inasmuch, therefore, as the indignity complained
of, and the right to punish for contempt, was not clearly
within the provisions of any existing law, but merely
a right incidental to judicial power, it was believed the
court possessed no jurisdiction of the case, that it
deserved to be classed with general injuries, and in-
quired into by a jury. Claiming to himself this and
other exceptions to the jurisdiction, he met the inves-
tigation. He was the more disposed to do so, because
the busy politicians of the city had condemned his
acts, without seeking for the reasons which had in-
duced them. An opportunity was now presented of
developing them fully, and of bringing to the view of
his country, the weighty considerations that had in-
fluenced his mind, and to which, in a great measure,
were to be ascribed the protection and safety the
country had experienced.
On the 24th, his appearance being entered, he stood
represented at the bar by John Reid, his aid-de-camp,
and Messrs. Livingston and Duncan. Major Reid ad-
dressing himself to the court, remarked, that he appear-
ed with the general's answer, supported by an affidavit,
which w r ent to show, that the rule should be discharg-
ed, and no further proceeding had against him. A cu-
rious course of judicial proceeding was now witnessed.
Cause, why the rule should not be made absolute, was
to be shown, and yet the judge would determine
whether the reasons were exceptionable or not, pre-
viously to their being heard or seen. The counsel
urged in vain, the propriety of his hearing first, before
he decided, if the answer were consonant with pro-
priety. This was over-ruled. He would first deter-
LI.FE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 417
mine what it should be. If within any of the rules laid
down, it should be heard, not else.
" If," remarked the judge, " the party object to the
jurisdiction, he shall be heard.
" If it be a denial of facts; or that the facts charged
do not amount to a contempt, he shall be heard.
" If it be an apology to the court ; or an intention to
show, that by the constitution and laws of the United
States, or in virtue of his military commission, he had
a right to act as charged, the court will hear him."
Hear what it does contain, and you can then decide
if it come under any of the general rules laid down,
was replied and argued at length by his counsel, as
the correct and proper course.
After a debate of considerable length, Major Reid
was permitted to proceed and to read the answer. He
had gotten through the exceptions reserved as to the
jurisdiction, and was proceeding with the respondent's
reasons, showing the necessity, and hence the conse-
quent propriety of declaring martial law, when he was
again interrupted by the judge, because coming with-
in none of the rules which he had laid down. The
ears of the court were closed against every thing of
argument or reason, and without hearing the defence,
the rule against him wa rendered Absolute, and the
attachment sued out.
This process was made returnable the 31st: and
30
418 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
on that day the general appeared. Public feeling was
excited, and the crowd, on the tiptoe of expectation,
were anxiously waiting to know what punishment the
judge would think due to acts which all agreed had
mainly contributed to the success of our cause. Jack-
son, previously apprized of the popular fervor towards
him, and solicitous that nothing on his part should be
done calculated to give it impulse, practised more than
usual caution : and now when it had become neces-
sary to appear in public, to ward himself from crimes
imputed, he threw off his military costume, and as-*
suming the garb of a citizen, the better to disguise him-
self, entered alone the hall, where the court was
sitting. Undiscovered amidst the concourse which
was present, he had nearly reached the bar, when,
being perceived, the room instantly rung with the
shouts of a thousand voices. Raising himself on a
bench and moving his hand, to procure silence, a
pause ensued. He then addressed himself to the crowd ;
told them of the duty due to the public authorities ;
for that any impropriety of theirs would be imputed
to him, and urged, if they had any regard for him, that
they would, on the present occasion, forbear those
feelings and expressions of opinion. Silence being re-
stored, the judge rose from his seat, and remarking,
that it was impossible, nor safe, to transact business
at such a moment, and under such threatening circum-
stances, directed the marshal to adjourn the court. The
general immediately interfered, and requested that it
might not be done. " There is no danger here ; there
shall be none the same arm that protected from out-
rage this city, against the invaders of the country, will
shield and protect this court, or perish in the effort."
0$ GENERAL JACKSON. 4l9
This declaration had the effect to tranquillize the feel-
ings and apprehensions of the judge ; and the business
of the court was proceeded with. It was now de*
manded of him to answer nineteen interrogatories,
drawn up with much labour, and in studied form,
which were to determine as to his guilt or innocence,
He informed the court he should not be interrogated j
that, on a former occasion, he had presented the rea-
sons which had influenced his conduct, without their
producing an effect, or being even listened to. " You
would not hear my defence, although you were ad-
vised it contained nothing improper, and ample rea-
sons why no attachment should be awarded. Under
these circumstances, I appear before you, to receive
the sentence of the court, having nothing further in
my defence to offer*
" Your honour will not understand me as intending
any disrespect to the court; but as no opportunity has
been afforded me of explaining the reasons and mo-
tives by which I was influenced, so is it expected^
that censure or reproof will constitute no part of that
sentence which you may imagine it your duty to pro-
nounce." .
The judge proceeded to a final discharge of what
he conceived was due to the offended majesty of the
laws, and fined the general a thousand dollars.
The hall in which this business was transacted was
greatly crowded, and excitement every where pre-
vailed. No sooner was the judgment of the court pro-
bounced, than again were sent forth shouts of the
429 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
pie. He was now seized and forcibly hurried from
the hall to the streets, amidst reiterated cries of huzza
for Jackson, from the immense concourse that sur-
rounded him. They presently met a carriage in which
a lady was riding, when, politely taking her from it,
the general was made, spite of entreaty, to occupy her
place : the horses being removed, the carriage was
drawn on, and halted at the coffee-house, into which
he was carried, and thither the crowd folloAved, huz-
zaing for Jackson, and menacing violently the judge.
Having prevailed on them to hear him, he addressed
them with great feeling and earnestness; implored
them to run into no excesses ; that if they had the
least gratitude for his services, or regard for him per-
sonally j they could evince it in no way so satisfactori-
ly, as by assenting, as he most freely did, to the deci-
sion which had just been pronounced against him.
" That the civil was the paramount and supreme au-
thority of the land. He had never pretended to any
thing else, nor advocated a different doctrine. He had
departed from its rules, because that they were too
feeble for the state of the times. By a resort to mar-
tial law, he had succeeded in defending and protecting
a country, which,without it, must have been lost; yet
under its provisions he had oppressed no one, nor ex-
tended them to any other purpose than defence and
safety; objects which its declaration was intended
alone to effect." " I feel," continued he* " sensible for
those marks of personal regard which you have evinc-
ed towards me ; and with pleasure remember those
high efforts of valour and patriotism which so essen-
tially contributed to the defence of the country. If
recent events have shown you what fearless valour
OF GENERAL JACKSOX. 421
can effect, it is a no less important truth to learn, that
submission to the civil authority is the first duty of a
citizen. In the arduous necessity imposed on me, of
defending this important and interesting city, imperi-
ous circumstances compelled me, either to jeopardize
those important interests which were confided to me,
or to take upon myself the responsibility of those mea-
sures which have been termed high handed, but
which, I thought, absolutely essential for defence. Thus
situated, I did not hesitate I could not. I risked all
consequences ; and you have seen me meet the penal-
ty of my aggression, and bow with submission to the
sentence of the law. Had the penalty imposed reach-
ed the utmost extent of my ability to meet it, I should
not have murmured or complained ; nor now, when it
is ended, would I forbear a similar course were the
same necessity and circumstances again to recur. If
the offence with which I am now charged had not
been committed, the laws by which I have been punish-
ed would not now exist: Sincerely do I rejoice
in their maintenance and safety, although the first
vindication of their violated supremacy has been
evinced in the punishment of myself. The order
and decorum manifested by you, amidst various
circumstances of strong excitement, merits my warm-
est acknowledgments. I pray you, permit that mode-
ration to continue. If you have any regard for me,
you will not do otherwise than yield respect to the
justice of the country, and to the character of its min-
isters ; that feeling and disposition will, I trust, always
characterize you ; and evince on your part, as firm a
disposition to maintain inviolate and unimpaired the
laws of the country, as you have recently shown to
422 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
defend yourself against invasion and threatened out-
rage." Mr. Davasac, who had acted in the capacity of
volunteer aid, being requested by the general, rose,
and in the French language, repeated the substance of
the remarks previously delivered by Jackson. He
urged zealously the maintenance of peace and good
order, and thus produced tranquillity to excited feel-
ing.
Being at length relieved from this warm display of
gratitude and regard manifested towards him for the
exertions he had made in their defence, Jackson retired
to his quarters, and giving a check to his aid-de-camp,
sent him to discharge the fine imposed, and to termi-
nate his contest with the civil authority. He was
greatly consoled at learning, through various respect-
able channels, that all was tranquil, and that against
the judge nothing of indignity or unkindness was lon-
ger meditated.
So riveted was the impression, that the course pur-
sued by the commanding general was correct, and the
conduct of judge Hall more the result of spleen than
any thing else, that the citizens of New Orleans deter-
mined to ward off the effect of his intended injury, by
discharging, themselves, the fine imposed. It was
only necessary to be thought of, and it was done. So
numerous were the persons, entertaining the same
feelings on the subject, that in a short time the entire
sum was raised by voluntary contribution. The gene-
ral understanding what was in agitation, to spare his
own and their feelings, had despatched "his aid-de-
camp to seek the marshal, and thereby avoided the
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 423
necessity of refusing a favour, intended to be offered,
and which he could not have accepted. Without, how-
ever, any knowledge of his wishes, or consulting at all
his feelings on the subject, they proceeded in the ar-
rangement, and, by subscription, the entire amount
was in a short time raised, and deposited to his use in
bank, and notice thereof given. But it was not ac-
cepted ; though refused in a manner the most delicate.
In reply, he declared the obligations felt for this re-
newed evidence of regard; and, although he could not
accept of it, yet as it was the result of the most gene-
rous feeling, he solicited that the amount might be
applied to the assistance and relief of those whose re-
latives, during the siege, had fallen in battle. The
proposition made was acceded to, and the amount
subscribed, and which had been designed expressly
for his relief, was disposed of for the benefit of the
widow and the fatherless.
Those who are disposed to be informed further
upon this subject, and to know, if in declaring martial
law he acted correctly, or whether, short of the stern
and determined course adopted, he could have effect-
ed the important ends he accomplished, and preserved
from dishonour, wretchedness and ruin, the country
and its inhabitants, can refer to the able and eloquent
answer, submitted to the court, and which was refused
to be heard. Jt will be found replete with reasons
calculated to satisfy the mind that the course he took
was required by every principle of propriety and ne-
cessity.*
* See note F.
424 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSCKN.
To suspend the writ of habeas corpus, belongs to
congress, by the constitution. It restricts any interfe-
rence, except in cases of invasion or insurrection. To
say that it is a privilege which must be continued to
the citizen until discharged by a law, embracing the
circumstances of every case that may arise, is to sup-
pose a something that never can happen. An invasion
might be made, a thousand miles from the seat of gov-
ernment, or in the recess of congress, when no author-
ity, competent to its suspension, did exist. The Ro-
man maxim, inter arma silent leges, had its origin in
the necessities of the republic, and must occasionally
apply to the condition and circumstances of every
country. In all governments there are moments of
danger and distress, when, no matter how cautiously
protected be the rights of the citizens, those rights
must be disregarded, not for the purpose of being de-
stroyed, but that they may be more permanently se-
cured. Certainly none but an officer, acting upon an
enemy's line, privy to all his intrigues, stratagems, and
wiles, can so correctly judge of the emergency, re-
quiring the exercise of such power. He assumes a
weighty responsibility ; but, with an intelligent world,
hazards no more, than to be abie to show, that threat-
ening danger, and unavoidable necessity, required him
to act. Cases have occurred where the constitution
has been violated without reproach. A previous appro-
priation by Congress is required, or monies are forbid-
den to be drawn from the Treasury ; and yet this rule
has been disregarded when circumstances made it ne-
cessary ; and sometimes too, violated when the neces-
sities of the country did not demand it. Few generals
have, in all situations, respected private property;
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 425
when the country afforded provisions, and their armies
were in want, they have wrested them from the own-
er. Here, it may be said, compensation and atone-
ment can be offered, but none for the violation of
personal liberty : this, however, is a distinction without
a difference, because both rights are equally sacred,
and the infringement of one is no less a constitutional
violation than the other. We would have but little
cause to applaud the prudence, energy, or good sense
of a commanding general, who should suffer distress
and want in his camp, mutiny in his army, and ruin to
his country, when he possessed the means of preventing
them, yet omitted their exercise, because the constitu-
tion forbade him to act. Highly as we may appreciate
the man, who, when clothed with authority, avoids
infringing this sacred shield of our liberty, yet, to hesi-
tate, when surrounded by peril and danger, would de-
servedly attach to him the censures of the patriotic
and the good. Whenever individual rights shall be
trampled on, and personal liberty disregarded and
violated, merited reproach will pursue him whose only
justification may be, that he possessed the power : but,
when founded on necessity, demanded by the exi-
gency of the moment, and obviously resorted to for
the protection and safety of the country, it will be ex-
cused, approved, nay, even commended : nor will the
act be punished, unless some victim to it should
chance to sit in judgment
Much as has been said of this declaration of mar-
tial law, and greatly as it has been complained of, yet
is it difficult to conceive what other course for safety
could, with equal effect, have been resorted to. None
3 n
426 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON,
will pretend, that it was not an infraction of con*
stitutional right ; though none can seriously entertain
a belief, under all the circumstances, that imperious
necessity did not demand the introduction of some
similar, if not presisely such a measure. Although so
much has been said and written of this imputed ag-
gression on the rights of the citizen ; and, although
it has so often been denounced as a high handed act
of tyranny, yet when the measure itself, and all its
incidents, are fully examined, nothing of oppression or
injustice can be traced. Jackson alone was the suf-
ferer : he suffered by the fine imposed on him, and by
torrents of abuse, which ever since have been lavish-
ly poured upon him. A member of the legislature,
who had not merely attempted, but in fact succeeded
in exciting mutiny and insubordination in the army,
when in the very face of an enemy, and the arrest of
the judge, who, by a too officious interference, seemed to
stand forth a participant in the offence, constitutes the
whole of what took place under the declaration of
martial law. Judge Hall was not imprisoned : it was
simply an arrest. During the siege, he had absented
himself from the city, and gone to Baton Rouge. He
had afforded neither by example or advice, any assist-
ance to our cause, while the enemy was present ; but
had retired on the first appearance of danger, nor re-
turned until it had disappeared. Whether they would
reappear, and where, could not be told ; and hence,
whatever necessity may have induced the declaration,
that same necessity imperiously demanded its contin-
uance. On his arrest, he was merely sent to a distance,
and placed at liberty under an order containing no
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 427
other restriction, than that he should not approach the
city nearer than twelve miles.
Louaillier was detained under guard, and brought
before a court-martial, of which general Gaines was
president, charged under the second section of the
rules and articles of war, as one " owing allegiance to
the United States of America, and found lurking as a
spy about the encampment :" for the reason, however,
that the inflammatory and mutinous publication which
had occasioned his arrest, could not be shown to have
been conveyed to the enemy, he was acquitted the quo
animo being from this circumstance in the proof not
sufficiently apparent. That none might be uninform-
ed of the law, the following official notice had been
circulated through the public journals.
Head Quarters, 7th Military District.
SECT. 2. And be it further enacted, that in time of
war, all persons not citizens of, or owing allegiance to the
United States of America, who shall be found lurking
as spies in or about the fortifications or encampments
of the armies of the United States, or any of them,
shall suffer death, according to the law and usage of
nations, by sentence of a general court-martial.
The city of New Orleans and its environs being
under martial law, and the several encampments and
fortifications within its limits, it is necessary to give
publicity to the above section, for the information of
all concerned.
By command.
ROBERT BUTLER, Adjutant- Generak
428 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
Conversing with general Jackson, once, concerning
the declaration of martial law, he expressed himself
after the following manner. " I very well knew the
extent of my powers, and that it was far short of that
which necessity and my situation required. I deter-
mined, therefore, to venture boldly forth, and pursue
a course correspondent to the difficulties that pressed
upon me. I had an anxious solicitude to wipe off the
stigma cast upon my country by the destruction of the
capital. If New Orleans were taken, I well knew
that new difficulties would arise, and every effort be
made to retain it ; and that if regained, blood and trea-
sure would be the sacrifice. My determination, there-
fore, was formed, not to halt at trifles, but to lose the
city only at the boldest sacrifice ; and to omit nothing
that could assure success. I was well aware that calcu-
lating politicians, ignorant of the difficulties that sur-
rounded me, would condemn my course ; but this was
not material. What became of me, was of no conse-
quence. If disaster did come, I expected not to sur-
vive it ; but if a successful defence could be made, 1
felt assured that my country, in the objects attained,
would lose sight of, and forget the means that had
been employed."
The war being now ended, it was indispensable to
hasten the necessary arrangements to relieve from the
toils of the field those brave men who had so long
been struggling in their country's defence. The ne-
cessary measures to effect this were adopted. The
Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi troops had
taken their departure. General Gaiiies being invested
with the command, in a few days general Jackson left
L1FB OP GENERAL JACKSON. 429
New Orleans for Nashville. The good wishes and
friendship of the people followed him : there were
a few, however, who rejoiced at his departure ; but
they were those, who, in moments of peril, had stood
aloof from danger, or sought to increase it; and who,
in the reproaches to be cast upon him, expected to
palliate their own misdeeds. They had no unpleas-
ant sensations at being relieved from the presence of
one who, they believed, was fully acquainted with the
abandoned course they had pursued: but the great
body of the citizens, mindful of his vigilance, and
of the weighty privations he had encountered for
their safety and protection, fondly cherished a recol-
lection of what he had done, and felt every gratitude
towards him. Previously to breaking up his encamp-
ment, he addressed his army, and declared the high
sense he entertained of those valiant men, who, with
him, had toiled in the field, and who, by perseverance
and fidelity, had obtained safety for their country, and
distinguished honour for themselves.*
On his return, the respect of all was manifested* m
his behalf: all evinced a partiality for the man whose,
signal achievements had raised his country to a high
and dignified standing, and whose unremitting exertion*
had closed the war with a lustre that enlightened even
the blots of its commencement. He carried with him
a consciousness of having discharged his duty; and
although, from necessity, he had been compelled to
the exercise of a rigid severity, which he would gladly
have avoided, yet now, when feeling was lulled,
* See note G.
430 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON.
danger past, he beheld nothing to excite regret, or
convince him he was wrong. If, however, he could
before have doubted, this general manifestation of
public regard was sufficient to quiet his apprehensions.
The citizens of the United States were yet too virtu-
ous, merely because of his battle achievments, to be-
stow such unqualified approbation, could they have be-
lieved that, when invested with power, he had wanton-
ly trampled on the rights of individuals, and outraged
the sacred principles of the constitution : and yet this
approval of his conduct was evinced not only by the
citizens of the country where he passed, but by con-
gress, and the legislatures of different states all bore
testimony to the propriety of his measures, by the
commendations they bestowed.
The annunciation of the triumphant defence of New
Orleans, was, in every section of the country, hailed
with acclamation ; illuminations and fetes followed it
into all our cities and principal towns ; and in all was
it agreed, that none other than the decided course
adopted by Jackson, could have attained so auspicious
a result. The legislatures of many of the states voted
to him their approbation and thanks for what he had
done. The congress of the United States did the
same, and directed a gold medal to be presented to
him, commemorative of the event. Addresses from
numerous societies and meetings of the people were
forwarded, expressive of their great regard, and pro-
claiming him the deliverer and second saviour of his
country.
A tedious journey of eight hundred miles brought
LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 431
him to Nashville, where he was gratified with a fur-
ther evidence of a people's regard. An immense con-
course was collected, to greet his return, and welcome
his arrival. They had long known him as among the
number of their best and most respectable citizens ;
but curiosity had a new incentive : until now, they
had not beheld him as one, who, to protect his coun-
try, knew no difficulty too great to be encountered
who, by his firmness and unconquerable perseverance,
amidst surrounding dangers, had shielded and saved
her from foreign and intestine foes. An address, pre-
viously prepared, and delivered at the court-room, in
behalf of the citizens, welcomed his return. Relieved
from this further display of public confidence, the more
grateful, because from those who were his acquain-
tances, neighbours, and friends, he retired home, to
repair a broken constitution, and to enjoy that repose,
to which, for eighteen months, he had been a stranger.
In the person of general Jackson is perceived no-
thing of the robust or elegant. He is six feet and an
inch high, remarkably straight and spare, and weighs
not more than a hundred and forty-five pounds. His
conformation appears to disqualify him for hardship;
yet, accustomed to it from early life, few are capable
of enduring fatigue to the same extent, or with less
injury. His dark blue eyes, with brows arched and
slightly projecting, possess a marked expression ; but
when, from any cause, excited, they sparkle with pe-
culiar lustre and penetration. In his manners he is
pleasing in his address commanding ; while his coun-
tenance, marked with firmness and decision, beams
with a strength and intelligence that strikes at first
432 UFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
sight. In his deportment, there is nothing repulsive.
Easy, affable, and familiar, he is open and accessible
to all. Influenced by the belief, that merit should con-
stitute the only difference in men, his attention is
equally bestowed on honest poverty as on titled con-
sequence. No man, however inconsiderable his stand-
ing, ever approached him on business, that he did not
patiently listen to his story, and afford him all the in-
formation in his power. His moral character is with-
out reproach, and by those who know him most
intimately, he is most esteemed. Benevolence, in him,
is a prominent virtue. He was never known to pass
distress without seeking to assist and to relieve it.
It is imputed to him, that he derives from his birth
a temper irritable and hasty, which has had the effect
to create enemies, and involve him in disputes. In a
world like this, exemption from every fault is not to
be expected; to a higher destiny is perfection reserv-
ed! For purposes w r iser than man can conjecture,
has it been ordained, that vice and virtue shall exist
together in the human breast, tending like the happy
blending of light and shade in a picture, to reflect each
other in brighter contrast. Some of those foibles and
imperfections therefore, which heaven usually mingles
in the composition of man, are to be looked for, and
must be found with every one. In Jackson, however,*
those defects of character exist to an extent limited
as with most men ; and the world is in error in pre-
suming him under a too high control of feeling and
passion. A fixed devotion to those principles which
honour sanctions, peculiarly attaches to him, and ren-
ders him scrupulously attentive to his promises and
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 433
engagements of every description. Preserving sys-
tem in his monied transactions, his fiscal arrangements
are made to correspond with his resources, and hence
his every engagement in relation to such subjects, is
met with marked punctuality, not for the reason that
he is a man of extraordinary wealth, but rather, be-
cause he has method, and with a view to his re-
sources, regulates properly his balance of trade.
No man has been more misconceived in character.
Many on becoming acquainted with him have been heard
to admit the previous opinions which they had enter-
tained, and how great had been their mistake. Rough
in appearance positive and overbearing in his manner,
are what all upon a first introduction expect to find ;
and yet none are possessed of milder manner*, or of
more conciliating address. The public situations in
which he has been placed, and the circumstances
which surrounded him, are doubtless the cause that
those opinions have become so prevalent ; but they
are opinions which an acquaintance with him tends
speedily to remove. The difficulties and embarrass-
ments under which he laboured at New Orleans, were
such as might well have perplexed, and thrown the
mind aside from every thing of mildness. Arms and
ammunition were wanted ; the country was in an un-
prepared and defenceless situation : whatever could be
done was to be decided on promptly, and executed
speedily. Mutiny, through designing men was intro-
duced, and disaffection stalked about. Night or day there
was no respite from duties of the most important and re-
sponsible kind ; and yet, under all these circumstances,
embarrassing as they were, the evidence of temper
3i
434 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
and impropriety charged by his enemies, to use
their own language, is, that he turned the legislature
out of doors, and arrested and detained one of its
members, with the judge who interposed for his re-
lief.*
If it be true, that his principles and sentiments on
some subjects, be at variance with those practiced
upon, and deemed correct by others, it is the effect
of education, and of early impressions upon his mind,
by which a particular bent has been given to it. Speak-
ing one day of his mother, he observed, " one of the
last injunctions given me by her, was never to insti-
tute a suit for assault and battery, or for defamation ;
never to wound the feelings of others, nor suffer my
own to be outraged; these were her words of admo-
nition to me ; I remember them well, and have never
failed to respect them; my settled course through
life has been, to bear them in mind, and never to insult
or wantonly to assail the feelings of any one ; and yet
many conceive me to be a most ferocious animal, insen-
sible to moral duty, and regardless of the laws both of
God and man."
Controlled by a rule so golden, as always to respect
the feelings of others, mankind would doubtless sel-
dom err; and seldom would disputes and differences
in society arise. It is a misfortune, however, incident
to the very nature of man, occasionally to be under
the influence of excitement ; and then error of conclu-
* See the circumstances of this transaction and refutation of the
charges at page 321.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 435
sion may be the consequence. Wise is the man, pe-
culiarly blest, and greatly to be envied, who, in every
situation, before 'he acts, can deliberately think, and
correctly -decide. It was this received impression re-
specting general Jackson, which, on his entering the
army, induced many to fear he would prove too rash
for a safe commander; that occasions might arise,
when he would suffer his judgment to be estranged,
through an improper exercise of feeling. Events
early proved the fallacy of the conjecture, and showed
that there were none who reasoned more dispassion-
ately on the fitness and propriety of measures, none
more cautious were caution was necessary, or mpre
adventurous, when daring efforts were required. Few
generals had ever to seek for order, amidst a higher
state of confusion, or obtained success through more
pressing difficulties. The effects he produced, under
circumstances gloomy and inauspicious now through
his eloquence and persuasion, and again by his firm-
ness, portrays a character for decision, and a mind in-
timate and familiar with human nature. That the
hireling soldier, the mere echo of his superiors^
prodigal of life, because his sovereign orders it, should
entertain respect for his commander, is too commonly
the case to excite surprise : of such materials, general
Jackson's army was not composed ; they were free-
men, citizens ; yet, with the exception of those who
abandoned him in his first advance against the Indians,
there was scarcely one that served with him, officer,
or soldier, that was not particularly and warmly attach-
to him ; ready to serve him under any circumstances.
The best evidence of private worth, and private cha-
racter, is to be derived from those who know us most
436 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
intimately, from our acquaintances and neigh bours^
who see and know us, stripped of that concealment
which hangs on character when surveyed at a dis-
tance. Tested by this rule, general Jackson stands
well, for by those who know him most intimately he
is most esteemed.
Light and trifling pleasantries often mark character
as distinctly as things of consequence. General Jack-
son one day during the siege of New Orleans, was
approached by an officer of the militia, who stated his
desire to leave the service, and return home ; for that
he was made game of, and called by the company
Pewter Foot. He manifested great concern, and an
anxious desire to be relieved from his unpleasant situ-
ation. The general, with much apparent sympathy
for him, replied, that he had ascertained there was a
practice in the camp of giving nick-names; and had
understood too, that very many had dared to call him
Old Hickory : how, said he, if you prefer mine, I am
willing to exchange; if not, remain contented, and
perform your duty faithfully, and soon as we can get
clear of those troublesome British, our wrongs shall
be enquired into by a court-martial, and the authors
punished ; for then, and not till then, shall we have
an end of those insults. The effect was happy, and
induced the complaining officer to retire, perfectly
satisfied to learn, that his grievance would be united
with the general's, and both ere long be effectually re-
dressed.
General Jackson possesses ambition, but it rests on
virtue; an ambition, which, regulated by a high sense
LIFE OF GEKERAL JACKSOX. 4,37
of honourable feeling, leads him to desire " that ap-
plause which follows good actions not that which is
run after." No man is more ready to hear and to re-
spect the opinions of others, and none where much is
at stake, and at conflict with his own, less disposed to
be under their influence. He has never been known
to call a council of war, whose decisions, when made,
were to shield him from responsibility or censure,
His council of war, if doubting himself, was a few
officers, in whom he fully confided, whose advice was
regarded, if their reasons were conclusive ; but these
not being satisfactory, he at once adopted and pursued
the course suggested by his own mind.
Much as we may delight to range through the field
of battle, in quest of acts, to fix a hero's character, yet
inconsiderable circumstances oftentimes mark it more
distinctly : it is then that the mind, retiring from
every thing like motive, gives a loose to impulse, arid
acts from feeling alone. The general, who meets and
repels his country's foes, is not unfrequently impelled
by ambition, and the recollection that a nation's gra*--
titude will succeed his efforts : but when, amidst the
general carnage, he is seen acting as a Christian, and
sympathizing in others' woes, his character is marked
by virtue, and more truly ennobled. At the battle of
Tohopeka, an infant was found, pressed to the bosom
of its lifeless mother. This circumstance being made
known to general Jackson, he became interested for
the child, directed it to be brought to him, and sought
to prevail on some of the Indian women to take care
of and rear it. They signified their unwillingness to
do so, stating that, inasmuch as all its relations had
438 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
fallen in battle, they thought it best, and would prefer,
it should be killed. The general, after this disclosure,
determined he would not entrust it with them, but be~
came himself the protector and guardian of the child.
Bestowing on the infant the name of Lincoier, he
adopted it into his family, and has ever since manifest-
ed the liveliest zeal towards it, prompted by benev-
olence, and because, perhaps, its fate bore a strong
resemblance to his own, who, in early life, and from
the ravages of war, was left in the world, forlorn and
wretched, without friends to assist, or near relations
to direct him on his course.
Of the two great parties, which have distracted our
country, general Jackson is attached to the republican.
In his first political career, he rallied on the side of
the people. During Mr. Adams' administration, when
the party was few and inconsiderable, he appeared on
the side of the rights of man, espousing and advocat-
ing the principles of tolerance and free will ; until dis-
gusted with the mode of administering the govern-
ment, he retired from the legislative councils of the
nation. He is not, however, one of those blind infatu-
ated partizans, who holds the opinions of others in
derision, and determines on the good or bad qualities
of a man, according as he belongs to this or the other
political sect; but, influenced by higher and nobler
sentiments, acts on the liberal principle, that
" Honour and shame from no condition rise,
Act well your part, there all the honour lies
Worth makes the man, and want of it the fellow."*
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 43$
Could such sentiments be generally diffused, of
what importance would they not prove to our country!
We are aware of the opinion entertained by many
wise politicians, that parties, by acting as spies on, and
correctors of, each other's conduct, more effectually
ensure a nation's safety. Such an idea may answer in
a country where individuals' rights are merged in the
exaltation of a few, and where the contest is for the
loaves and fishes, and not in relation to honest difference
in opinion : but in ours, whose government is derived
from the people, and where law is the paramount rule,
so long as we shall continue virtuous anil intelligent,
and duly appreciate our rights, no such auxiliary can
be essential, either for happiness or tranquillity. Al-
ready have we witnessed innumerable evils to spring
from the acerbity and intemperance of party : but for
the hopes and expectations of a designing power,
which through our dissentions and domestic broils, be-
lieved she would be able seriously to affect us, we
might have remained at peace, and preserved the lives
of many a valuable citizen. That there should be a
contrariety of opinion among us, is certainly nothing
remarkable : it is only in governments absolutely des-
potic, that oppressed and trembling subjects imbibe
the sentiments of the sovereign and his ministers, and
appear to think with them, for the reason that they
dare not assert their own opinions. Our constitution,
on this subject, bars every check, arid leaves our con-
duct, words, and actions, free ; yet, were our prudence
consulted and regarded, it would long since have
told us, that party rancour was carried much too far.
both for our own and the honour of our country. We
are far, however, from assenting to what is often urged.
440 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
that it is a circumstance whence foreign powers will
be ever able to derive an advantage, by which mate-
rially to endanger our rights. Although we may, and
do differ, as to the best mode of administering the gov-
ernment, a circumstance which happens to all countries
in proportion as liberty is enjoyed ; and although, as has
been the case, party spirit may be carried beyond the
bounds where reason or prudence should give sanc-
tion, yet against the invaders of our rights, our union
will prove strong, and all parties be the same. Should
the period ever arrive, when our nation shall be vitally
assailed, it will be perceived that all advantages calcu-
lated to arise from our jarrings are delusive; that
then there will be but one party, all rallied in defence
of a country believed by them to be the freest and
happiest in the world, resolved to swim or sink together*
It is very true, that the history of the late war presents
some melancholy facts, at variance with this opinion ;
but such has been the odium and just indignation of
the country towards its actors, that any future recur-
rence of such acts should not be anticipated. Involved
in war, every citizen of the country is bound in some
form or other, to yield assistance, and steadily to main-
tain it ; and that man, or combination of men, who, in
such a time of peril, shall stand opposed to the consti-
tuted authorities, in any other manner than the con-
stitution authorizes, should be considered, if not the
enemy, at least, not the friend of the country.
The proclamations disseminated by Great Britain
during the war, to the people of the United States,
were an insult to our understandings, and a reflection
on her *>wn. The divisions she saw prevailing among
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON, 441
us, were, no doubt, the inducement. If ever there was
a time, when she could have even partially effected the
disorganization she so industriously endeavoured to
foment, and reached us through our differences, it was
before she had, by an unusual, unpractised system of
warfare, destroyed all confidence, and excited our just
indignation against her ; and before she had so effectu-
ally aided to subvert the liberty of France, and plunge
her in a state of absolute vassalage, when, throughout,
the professed and openly avowed object was to rescue
from oppression, and make her " free indeed. w When
such an example, with all its wretched and fatal con-
sequences, is held up to view, well should a warning
voice teach nations to spurn every external interfere
ence, however plausibly it may be offered*
The principles of our government are at opposition
with war those of her citizens no less so. If, amidst
the general confusion of the world, we have been
forced into a struggle, let it be remembered, it was
for the preservation of our rights, and to resist ag-
gressions which had become too numerous and griev-
ous to be longer borne. With nations, as with indi-
viduals, a submission to insult serves but to authorize
a repetition; and forbearance under injuries is fre-
quently construed into an inability to redress them,
We boast not of any thing acquired by our contest.
Conquest and power were not the inducements to its
commencement : what was sought has been attained.
We have evinced a determination not to submit to re-
peated wrongs, and secured from other nations that
respect which our peaceful habits had forfeited. We
have brought more closely into view our own strength,
3K
442 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
and our own resources ; and shown our enemies, that,
however we may be solicitous for peace, and opposed
to war, there is a point where even patience ceases
to be a virtue, and where it may become exhausted.
But, above all, our contest has had the effect of draw-
ing closer the cords of our union, quieting party op-
position, and allaying discontents. In future, there-
fore, when we shall be told we have gained nothing
by the war, laying aside all minor considerations, we
will point to our union, which it has more strongly
and indissolubly cemented, as a matter of greater im-
portance than any thing that has happened, since the
all-glorious hour when our Independence was de-
clared.
u Patriots have toiled, and in their country's cause,
Bled nobly ; and their deeds as they deserve
Receive proud recompense. We give in charge,
Their names, to the sweet lyre. The historic muse,
Proud of her treasure, marches with it down
To latest times ; and sculpture in her turn
Gives bond, in stone, and ever during brass,
To guard them, and immortalize her trust."
THE END.
NOTES.
(A)
Proclamation of colonel Nicholls to the southern and western inhabitants.
NATIVES of Louisiana ! on you the first call is made, to assist in
liberating from a faithless, imbecile government, your paternal soil :
Spaniards, Frenchmen, Italians, and British, whether settled, or resid-
ing for a time in Louisiana, on you, also, I call, to aid me in this just
cause : the American usurpation in this country must be abolished, and
the lawful owners of the soil put in possession. I am at the head of
a large body of Indians, well armed, disciplined, and commanded by
British officers a good train of artillery, with every requisite, se-
conded by the powerful aid of a numerous British and Spanish squad-
ron of ships and vessels of war. Be not alarmed, inhabitants of the
country, at our approach ; the same good faith and disinterestedness,
which has distinguished the conduct of Britons in Europe, accompa-
nies them here ; you will have no fear of litigious taxes imposed on
you for the purpose of carrying on an unnatural and unjust war ; your
property, your laws, the peace and tranquillity of your country, will
be guaranteed to you by men who will suffer no infringement of
theirs; rest assured that these brave red men only burn with an ar-
dent desire of satisfaction for the wrongs they have suffered from the
Americans ; to join you in liberating these southern provinces from
their yoke, and drive them into those limits formerly prescribed by
my sovereign. The Indians have pledged themselves, in the most
solemn manner, not to injure, in the slightest degree, the persons or
properties of any but enemies. A flag over any door, whether Span-
ish, French, or British, will be a certain protection ; nor dare any In-
dian put his foot on the threshold thereof, under penalty of death from
his own countrymen ; not even an enemy will an Indian put to death,
except resisting in arms; and as for injuring helpless women and chil-
. tlren, the red men, by their good conduct, and treatment to them,
444
will (if it be possible,) make the Americans blush for their more
inhuman conduct, lately on the Escambia, and within a neutral ter
ritory.
Inhabitants of Kentucky, you have too long borne with grievous
impositions the whole brunt of the war has fallen on your brave
sons; be imposed on no longer, but either range yourselves under the
Standard of your forefathers, or observe a strict neutrality. If you
comply with either of these offers, whatever provisions you send
down, will be paid for in dollars, and the safety of the persons bring-
ing it, as well as the free navigation of the Mississippi, guaranteed to
you.
Men of Kentucky, let me call to your view, (and I trust to youi*
abhorrence) the conduct of those factions which hurried you int6
this civil, unjust, and unnatural war, at a time when Great Britain was
straining every nerve, in defence of her own, and the liberties of the
world when the bravest of her sons were fighting and bleeding in
so sacred a cause when she was spending millions of her treasure
in endeavouring to pull down one of the most formidable and danger-
ous tyrants that ever disgraced the form of man when groaning Eu-
rope was almost in her last gasp- when Britons alone showed an un-
daunted front basely did those assassins endeavour to stab her from
the rear ; she has turned on them, renovated from the bloody, but
successful struggle Europe is happy and free, and she now hastens^
justly, to avenge the unprovoked insult. Show them that you are
not collectively unjust: leave that contemptible few to shift for them-
selves : let those slaves of the tyrant send an embassy to Elba, and
implore his aid ; but let every honest, upright American spurn them
with united contempt. After the experience of twenty-one years, can
you longer support those brawlers for liberty, who call it freedom,
when themselves are free ? Be no longer their dupes accept of my
offers every thing 1 have promised in this paper, I guarantee to you,
on the sacred honour of a British officer.
Given under my hand, at my head-quarters,
Pensacola, this 29th day of August, 1814,
EDWARD NICHOLLS
NOTES* 445
(B)
Letter to commodore Daniel T. Patterson.
PENSACOLA, 4th December, 1814.
SIR 1 feel it a duty to apprize you of a very large force of the
enemy off this port, and it is generally understood New Orleans is
the object of attack. It amounts, at present, to about eighty vessels,
and more than double that number are momentarily looked for, to
form a junction ; when an immediate commencement of their opera-
tions will take place. I am not able to learn, how, when, or where
the attack will be made ; but I understand that they have vessels of
all descriptions, and a large body of troops. Admiral Cochrane com-
mands ; and his ship, the Tonnant, lies, at this moment, just outside
the bar. They certainly appear to have swept the West Indies of
troops, and probably no means will be left untried to obtain their ob-
ject, The admiral arrived only yesterday noon.
I am yours^ &c.
Letter from Charles K. Blanchard to general Jac&sdn,
NEW ORLEANS, March 20, 1814,
StR I have the honour, agreeably to your request, to state to your
excellency, in writing, the substance of a conversation that occurred
between quarter-master Peddie, of the British army, and myself, on
the 1 1th instant, on board his Britannic Majesty's ship Herald, Quar-
ter-master Peddie observed, that the commanding officers of the Bri-
tish forces were daily in the receipt of every information from the
city of New Orleans, which they might require, in aid of their ope-
rations, for the completion of the objects of the expedition ; that they
were perfectly acquainted with the situation of every part of our
446 NOTES.
forces, the manner in which the same was situated, the number of our
fortifications, their strength, position, &c. As to the battery on the
left bank of the Mississippi, he described its situation, its distance from
the main post, and promptly offered me a plan of the works. He
furthermore stated, that the above information was received from
seven or eight persons, in the city of New Orleans, from whom he
could, at any hour, procure every information necessary to promote
his majesty's interest.
Address of major-general Jackson, on the 8th of January, to the troops on
the right bank of the river.
While, by the blessing of heaven, one of the most brilliant victo-
ries was obtained by the troops under my immediate command, no
words can express the mortification I felt, at witnessing the scene ex-
hibited on the opposite bank. I will spare your feelings and my own,
nor enter into detail on the subject. To all who reflect, it must be a
source of eternal regret, that a few moments' exertion of that courage
you certainly possess, was alone wanting to have rendered your success
more complete than that of your fellow-citizens in this camp. To
what cause was the abandonment of your lines owing? To fear ? No !
You are the countrymen, the friends, the brothers of those who have
secured to themselves, by their courage, the gratitude of their coun-
try ; who have been prodigal of their blood in its defence, and who
are strangers to any other fear than disgrace to disaffection to our
glorious cause. No, my countrymen, your general does justice to
the pure sentiments by which you are inspired. How then could
brave men, firm in the cause in which they were enrolled, neglect
their first duty, and abandon the post committed to their care ? The
want of discipline, the want of order, a total disregard to obedience,
and a spirit of insubordination, not less destructive than cowardice it-
self, are the causes which led to this disaster, and they must be eradi-
cated, or I must cease to command. I desire to be distinctly un-
derstood, that every breach of orders, all want of discipline, every
inattention of duty, will be seriously and promptly punished ; that the
attentive officers, and good soldiers, may not be mentioned in the dte-
NOTES. 447
grace and danger which the negligence of a few may produce. Sol-
diers ! you want only the will, in order to emulate the glory of your
fellow-citizens on this bank of the river you have the same motives
for action ; the same interest, the same country to protect ; and you
have an additional interest, from past events, to wipe off reproach, and
show that you will not be inferior, in the day of trial, to any of your
countrymen.
But remember ! without obedience, without order, without disci-
pline, all your efforts are vain. The brave man, inattentive to his
duty, is worth little more to his country than the coward who deserts
her in the hour of danger. Private opinions, as to the competency
of officers, must not be indulged, and still less expressed ; it is impos-
sible that the measures of those who command should satisfy all who
are bound to obey ; and one of the most dangerous faults in a soldier,
is a disposition to criticise and blame the orders and characters of his
superiors. Soldiers ! I know that many of you have done your duty ;
and I trust, in future, I shall have no reason to make any exception.
Officers ! I have the fullest confidence that you will enforce obe-
dience to your commands ; but, above all, that by subordination in
your different grades, you will set an example to your men ; and that,
hereafter, the army of the right will yield to none in the essential
qualities which characterize good soldiers; that they will earn their
share of those honours and rewards which their country will prepare
for its deliverers.
ANDREW JACKSON,
Major-General commanding.
(E)
Address delivered to major-general Andrew Jackson, by the reverend \V*
Dubourg) administrator apostolic of the diocese of Louisiana.
GENERAL, While the state of Louisiana, in the joyful transports of
her gratitude, hails you as her deliverer, and the asserter of her
menaced liberties while grateful America, so lately wrapped up jii
NOTES.
V \.
anxious suspense, on the fate of this important city, is re-echoing from
shore to shore your splendid achievements, and preparing to inscribe
your name on her immortal rolls, among those of her Washing-tons
while history, poetry, and the monumental arts, will vie in consigning
to the admiration of the latest posterity, a triumph perhaps unparal-
leled in their records while thus raised, by universal acclamation,
to the very pinnacle of fame, how easy had it been for you, general,
to forget the Prime Mover of your wonderful successes, and to as-
sume to yourself a praise, which must essentially return to that ex-*
alted source whence every merit is derived. But, better acquainted
with the nature of true glory, and justly placing the summit of your
ambition, in approving yourself the worthy instrument of Heaven^s
merciful designs, the first impulse of your religious heart was to ac-
knowledge the signal interposition of Providence your first step, a,
solemn display of your humble sense of His favours*
Still agitated at the remembrance of those dreadful agonies, from
which we have been so miraculously rescued, it is our pride to ac-
knowledge, that the Almighty has truly had the principal hand in our
deliverance, and to follow you, general, in attributing to his infinite
goodness, the homage of our unfeigned gratitude. Let the infatuated
votary of a blind chance deride our credulous simplicity ; let the cold-
hearted Atheist look for the explanation of important events to the
mere concatenation of human causes : to us, the whole universe is
loud in proclaiming a Supreme Ruler, who, as he holds the hearts of
men in his hands, holds also the thread of all contingent occurrences.
" Whatever be His intermediate agents," says an illustrious prelate,
" still on the secret orders of His all-ruling providence, depend the
rise and prosperity, as well as the decline and downfal of empires.
From His lofty throne, he moves every scene below, now curbing,
now letting loose, the passions of men ; now infusing His own wisdom
into the leaders of nations ; now confounding their boasted prudence,
and spreading upon their councils a spirit of intoxication ; and thus
executing His uncontrollable judgments on the sons of men, according
to the dictates of His own unerring justice."
To Him, therefore, our most fervent thanks are due, for our late
unexpected rescue. It is Him we intend to praise, when considering
you, general, as the man of his right hand, whom he has taken pains
to fit out for the important commission of our defence. We extol
VOTES, 449
that fecundity of genius, by which, under the most discouraging dis-
tress, you created unforeseen resources, raised, as it were, from the
ground, hosts of intrepid warriors, and provided every vulnerable
point with ample means of defence. To Him we trace that instinc-
tive superiority of your mind, which at once rallied around you uni*
versal confidence; impressed one irresistible movement to all the
jarring elements of which this political machine is composed ; aroused
their slumbering spirits, and diffused through every rank, the noble
ardour which glowed in your own bosom. To Htm, in fine, we ad-
dress our acknowledgments for that consummate prudence which
defeated all the combinations of a sagacious enemy, entangled him in
the very snares which he had spread for us, and succeeded in effect-
ing his utter destruction, without exposing the lives of our citizens.
Immortal thanks be to His Supreme Majesty, for sending us such an
instrument of His bountiful designs !l A gift of that value is the best
token of the continuance of His protection the most solid encourage-
ment to sue for new favours. The first which it emboldens us humbly
to supplicate, as nearest our throbbing hearts, is, that you may long
enjoy the honour of your grateful country ; of which you will permit
us to present you a pledge, in this wreath of laurel, the prize of vic-
tory, the symbol of immortality. The next is a speedy and honourable
termination of the bloody contest in which we are engaged. No one
Jias so efficaciously laboured as you, general, for the acceleration of
that blissful period ; may we soon reap that sweetest fruit of your
splendid and uninterrupted victories.
General Jackson's Reply.
REVEREND SIR, I receive, with gratitude and pleasure, the sym-
bolical crown which piety has prepared. I receive it in the name
of the brave' men who have so effectually seconded my exertions ;
they well deserve the laurels which their country will bestow.
For myself, to have been instrumental in the deliverance of such a
country, is the greatest blessing that heaven could confer. That it
has been effected with so little loss that so few tears should cloud
the smiles of our triumph, and not a cypress leaf be interwoven in
SL
450 NOTES.
the wreath which you present, is a source of the most exquisite
pleasure.
I thank you, reverend sir, most sincerely, for the prayers which
you offer up for my happiness. May those your patriotism dictates,
for our beloved country, be first heard : and may mine, for your in-
dividual prosperity, as well as that of the congregation committed to
your care, be favourably received the prosperity, wealth, and hap-
piness of this city, will then be commensurate with the courage and
other qualities of its inhabitants.
Answer submitted by major-general Jackson, on a rule to show cause why
an attachment for contempt should not issue against him.
This respondent has received a paper, purporting to be the copy
of a rule of the district court of the United States for Louisiana, in a
suit entitled " The United States vs. A. Jackson ; commanding him to
show cause why an attachment should not issue against him y for divert
alleged contempts of the said court." Before he makes any answer
whatever to the said charges, he deems it necessary to protest, and
he does hereby protest against, and reserve to himself all manner of
benefit of exception to, the illegal, unconstitutional, and informal na-
ture of the proceedings instituted against him ; it appearing, by the
said proceeding
I. That witnesses have been summoned by process of subpoena, hi
a suit or prosecution of the United States against him, when in fact,
in truth there was not then any such suit or prosecution legally pend-
ing in said court
II. That the said rule was obtained at the instance of the attorney
of the United States, for the district of Louisiana, who had no right
officially to ask for or obtain it; the duties of the attorney being, by
law, restricted to the prosecution of " all delinquents for crimes and
offences, cognizable under the authority of the United States, and all
civil actions in which they shall be concerned." As this proceeding
NOTES. 45 1
is not pretended to be a civil action, to bring it within the purview of
the duties of the attorney, it must be a prosecution for a crime or of-
fence, cognizable under the authority of the United States. But the
facts stated in the rule do not constitute any " crime or offence, cog-
nizable under this authority." The courts of the United States have
no common law jurisdiction of crimes or offences ; if, therefore, the
facts stated in the rule are not made such by statute, they are not
cognizable by the courts : but the statutes have been searched, and
no such provision can be found ; therefore, the facts charged are not
offences which are either cognizable by this court, or liable to be
prosecuted by the attorney for the United States.
III. That if this be a prosecution for a crime or offence under the
authority of the United States, the mode of proceeding is both un-
constitutional and illegal: the 7th and 8th amendment to the constitu-
tion contain many provisions directly contrary to the mode of pro-
ceeding by attachment, for contempt ; particularly the 7th amendment,
that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without
due process of law ; and of the 8th, that, in all criminal prosecutions,
the accused shall enjoy the right of a speedy trial, by an impartial
jury ; and in the 32d section of the law for punishing certain crimes
against the United States, is contained a conclusive implication, if not
an express provision, that no offence can be prosecuted, except by
information or indictment ; neither of which have been filed, in this
instance. The respondent, therefore, concludes those heads of ex-
ceptions, by the dilemma, that, if the proceeding be a prosecution for
a crime or offence, cognizable by the authority of the United States, it
is both unconstitutional and illegal in its present form ; and if it be not
such a prosecution, then has the attorney of the United States no right
to institute it ; his ministry by law extending only to them.
IV. That this court has no right to issue an attachment for any con-
tempt whatever; or to punish the same, in any other cases than those
prescribed by the 17th section of the judiciary act, which confines
such authority to the punishment, by fine and imprisonment, for con-
tempt in any cause or hearing before the same whereas, by the rule,
nor the affidavits, does it appear, that the alleged contempts were
offered in any cause or hearing before the said District Court; on the
contrary, all the acts complained of as contempts, are stated to have
been done in relation to an ex-parte application made to the judge o
452 NOTES.
the said court, at his chambers, at a time when his court was in vaca-
tion, and not in a cause or hearing before the court.
V. That no attachment ought to issue, for neglecting or refusing a
"return to a habeas corpus, issued and returnable out of court: the
statutes on that subject, both in England and in the United States,
wherever they have been re-enacted, contain express penalties for
this offence ; doubtless for the reason that such neglect or refusal, in
relation to an act done, not in a cause or hearing pending in court, but
in an ex-parte proceeding at a judge's chambers, could not be punish-
ed, by attachment, as a contempt.
VI. That no act in relation to the writ of habeas corpus, or the al-
lowance of the same, in the case mentioned in the said rule, can be
considered as a contempt ; because the judge of this honourable court,
by the 14th section of the judiciary act of the United States, is ex-
pressly inhibited from issuing any writ of habeas corpus, except in
cases of prisoners u in custody, under, or by colour of the authority
of the United States, or committed for trial before some court of the
same ; or who are necessary to be brought into court to testify ; nei-
ther of which circumstances appear either in the writ, the allowance
of the same, or the affidavit on which it was founded. This court,
then, having no jurisdiction of the case, according to a decision of the
Supreme Court of the United States, this respondent had a right to
consider the service as a trespass.
VII. That, by the said writ, no place was designated at which the
same should be returned.
VIH. That the writ was served on the respondent, long after the
return thereof, by reason whereof he could not have complied with
the tenor, had he been so disposed.
IX. The said writ of habeas corpus was issued in an irregular man-
ner, and the respondent was in no wise compelled by law to obey it;
inasmuch as the name of the judge, allowing the same, was not signed
on the writ with his proper hand writing : nor were the words, " ac-
cording to the form of the statute," marked thereon both which are
positively required, by the statutes regulating the issuing of such pro-
cess ; and without which they need not be obeyed. Should it be ob-
NOTE.&, 453
Jiccted, that the English statutes are not binding here, it is answered
that the United States are without a statutory provision on the sub-
ject ; and that the introduction of the writ of habeas corpus generally,
must introduce it, as it stood at the time of making the constitution.
X. That if the allowance on the back of the affidavit, contrary to
the express words of the statute, be deemed sufficient, yet the re-
spondent was not bound to pay any attention to the writ of habeas
corpus, because the same was not issued in conformity with the al-
lowance given on the fifth day of March ; this was for a writ returnable
on the next day, and afterwards altered, so as to bear date on the
sixth of the same month, returnable on the succeeding morning, which
would have been the 7th ; whereas the writ actually issued, bore date
the 6th, and was returnable the same day thus varying materially
from the allowance. This circumstance is an excellent illustration of
the wisdom of the statutory provision, which requires that the writ it-
self be signed by the judge.
Under all which protestations and exceptions ; without submitting
to the jurisdiction of the said court, or acknowledging the regularity
of the proceedings, but expressly denying the same This respon-
dent, in order to give a fair and true exposition of his conduct, on
every occasion in which it may be drawn into question
Saith
That previously to, and soon after, his arrival in this section of the
seventh military district, he received several letters and communica-
tions, putting him on his guard against a portion of the inhabitants of
the state, the legislature, and foreign emissaries in the city. The
population of the country was represented as divided by political
parties and national prejudices ; a great portion of them attached to
foreign powers and disaffected to the government of their own country,
and some, as totally unworthy of confidence. The militia was de-
scribed as resisting the authority of their commander-in-chief, and en-
couraged in their disobedience by the legislature of the state. That
legislature characterized as politically rotten, and the whole state in
such a situation as to make it necessary to look for defence princi-
pally from the regular troops, and the militia from other states.
Among those representations, the most important, from the
454 NOTES.
station of the writer, were those of the governor. On the 8th oi
August, 1814, he says
" On a late occasion I had the mortification to acknowledge my
inability to meet a requisition from general Flournoy ; the corps of
this city having, for the most part, resisted my orders, being encour-
aged in their disobedience by the legislature of the state, then in ses-
sion ; one branch of which, the senate, having declared the requisi-
tion illegal and oppressive, and the house of representatives having
rejected a proposition to approve the measure. How far I shall be
supported in my late orders, remains yet to be proved. I have rea-
son to calculate upon the patriotism of the interior and western
counties. I know also that there are many faithful citizens in New
Orleans ; but there are others, in whose attachment to the United
States / ought not to confide. Upon the whole, sir, I cannot disguise the
fact, that if Louisiana should be attacked, we must principally depend
for security upon the prompt movements of the regular force undef
your command, and the militia of the western states and territories.
At this moment, we are in a very unprepared and defenceless condi-
tion : several important points of defence remain unoccupied, and in
case of a sudden attack, this capital would, I fear, fall any easy sa-
crifice."
On the 12th of the same month, the respondent was told
tc On the native Americans, and a vast majority of the Creoles of
the country, I place much confidence, nor do I doubt the fidelity of
many Europeans, who have long resided in the country ; but there
are others, much devoted to the interest of Spain, and whose partiali-
ty to the English is not less observable than their dislike to the
American government."
In a letter of the 24th, the same ideas are repeated
ce Be assured, sir, that no exertions shall be wanting, on my part ;
but I cannot disguise from you, that 1 have a very difficult people to
manage : to this moment, no opposition to the requisition has manifest-
ed itself, but 1 am not seconded with that ardent zeal, which, in my opi-
nion, the crisis demands. We look with great anxiety to your move-
ments, and place our greatest reliance for safety, on the energy and
NOTES. 455
patriotism of the western states. ID Louisiana, there are many faithful
citizens ; these last persuade themselves, that Spain will soon re-
possess herself of Louisiana, and they seem to believe, that a com-
bined Spanish and English force will soon appear on our coast.
If Louisiana is invaded, I shall put myself at the head of such of my
militia as will follow me to the field, and, on receiving, shall obey your
orders. I need not assure you of my entire confidence in you, as a
commander, and of the pleasure I shall experience in supporting all
your measures for the common defence ; but, sir, a cause of inde-
scribable cfiagrin to me is, that 1 am not at the head of a willing and
united people : native Americans, native Louisianians, Frenchmen,
and Spaniards, with some Englishmen, compose the mass of the popu-
lation among them, there exists much jealousy, and as great differ-
ences in political sentiments as in their language and habits. But,
nevertheless, sir, if we are supported by a respectable body of regu-
lar troops, or of western militia, 1 trust I shall be able to bring to
your aid, a valiant and faithful corps of Louisiana militia : but if we
are left to rely principally on our own resources, I fear existing jeal-
ousies will lead to a distrust so general, that we shall be able to
make but a feeble resistance."
On the 8th of September, the spirit of disaffection is said to be
greater than was supposed the country is said to be filled with
spies and traitors : " Inclosed you have copies of my late general
orders. They may, and I trust will be obeyed ; but to this moment
my fellow-citizens have not manifested all that union and zeal the
crisis demands, and their own safety requires. There is in this city
a much greater spirit of disaffection than I had anticipated ; and among
the faithful Louisianians, there is a despondency which palsies all my
preparations ; they see no strong regular force, around which they
could rally with confidence, and they seem to think themselves not
within the reach of seasonable assistance from the western states. 1
am assured, sir, you will make the most judicious disposition of the
forces under your command ; but excuse me for suggesting, that the
presence of the seventh regiment, at or near JNew Orleans, will
have the most salutary effect. The garrison here at present is
alarmingly weak, and is a cause of much regret : from the great
mixture of persons, and characters, in this city, we have as much to
apprehend from within as from without. In arresting the intercourse
between New Orleans and Pensacola, you have done right. Pensa-
456 NOTES.
cola, is, in fact, an enemy's post, and had our commercial intercourse
with it continued, the supplies furnished to the enemy would have
so much exhausted our own stock of provisions, as to have occasioned
the most serious inconvenience to ourselves. I was on the point of
taking on myself the prohibition of the trade with Pensacola : I had
prepared a proclamation to that effect, and would have issued it the
very day I heard of your interposition. Enemies to the country may
blame you for your prompt and energetic measures ; but, in the per-
son of every patriot, you will find a supporter. I am very confident
of the very lax police of this city, and indeed throughout the state,
with respect to the visits of strangers. I think, with you, that our
country is filled with spies and traitors : I have written pressingly on
the subject to the city authorities and parish judges. I hope some
efficient regulations will speedily be adopted by the first, and more
vigilance exerted for the future by the latter."
On the 19th of September, speaking of the drafts of militia, he
says
" The only difficulty I have hitherto experienced in meeting the
requisition, has been in this city, and exclusively from some European
Frenchmen, who, after giving their adhesion to Louis XVIII, have,
through the medium of the French consul, claimed exemption from
the drafts, as French subjects. The question of exemption, however,
is now under discussion, before a special court of inquiry, and I am
not without hopes, that these ungrateful men may yet be brought
to a discharge of their duties."
On the necessity qf securing the country against the machinations
of foreigners, he, on the 4th of November, informed the respon-
dent
" You have been informed of the contents of an intercepted letter,
written by colonel Coliel, a Spanish officer, to captain Morales, of
Pensacola. This letter was submitted for the opinion of the attorney-
general of the state, as to measures to be pursued against the writer.
The attorney-general was of opinion, that the courts could take no
cognizance of the same: but that the governor might order the
^writer to leave the state, and in case of refusal, to send him off by
force. I accordingly, sir, ordered colonel Coliel to take his departure,
NOTES, 457
in forty-eight hours, for Pensaeola, and gave him the necessary pass-
ports. I hope this measure may meet your approbation. It is a just
retaliation for the conduct lately observed by the governor of Pensa-
eola, and may induce the Spaniards residing among us, to be less
communicative upon those subjects which relate to our military
movements.
With the impressions this correspondence was calculated to pro-
duce, the respondent arrived in this city, where, in different conver-
sations, the same ideas were enforced, and he was advised, hot only
by the governor of the state, but very many influential persons, to
proclaim MARTIAL LAW, as the only means of producing union, over-
coming disaffection, detecting treason, and calling forth the energies
of the country. This measure was discussed and recommended to
the respondent, as he well recollects, in the presence of the judge
of this honourable court, who not only made no objection, but seem-
ed, by his gestures and silence, to approve of its being adopted.
These Opinions, respectable in themselves, derived greater weight
from that which the governor expressed, of the legislature then in
session. He represented their fidelity as very doubtful ; ascribed de-
sign to their prolonged session ; and appeared extremely desirous that
they should adjourn.
The respondent had also been informed, that in the house of re-
presentatives, the idea, that a very considerable part of the state be-
longed to the Spanish government, and ought not to be represented,
had been openly advocated, and favourably heard. The co-operation
of the Spaniards with the English, was, at that time, a prevalent
idea. This information, therefore, appeared highly important. He
determined to examine, with the utmost care, all the facts that had
been communicated to him ; and not to act upon the advice he had
received, until the clearest demonstration should have determined its
propriety. He was then almost an entire stranger, in the place he
was sent to defend, and unacquainted with the language of a majori-
ty of its inhabitants. While these circumstances were unfavourable
to his obtaining information, on the one hand, they precluded, on the
other, a suspicion that his measures were dictated by personal friend-
ship, private animosity, or party views. Uninfluenced by such mo-
tives, he began his observations. He sought for information, and to
obtain it ? communicated with men of every description. He believed
3M
458
NOTES.
that even then he discovered those high qualities, which have since
distinguished those brave defenders of their country : that the va-
riety of language, the difference of habit, and even the national pre-
judices, which seemed to divide the inhabitants, might be made, if
properly directed, the source of the most honourable emulation.
Delicate attentions were necessary to foster this disposition ; and the
highest energy, to restrain the effects, that such an assemblage was
calculated to produce ; he determined to avail himself of both, and
with this view, called to his aid, the impulse of national feeling, the
higher motives of patriotic sentiment, and the noble enthusiasm of
valour. They operated in a manner which history will record ; all
who could be influenced by those feelings, rallied without delay,
round the standard of their country. Their efforts, however, would
have been unavailing, if the disaffected had been permitted to coun-
teract them by their treason, the timid to paralyze them by their
example, and both to stand aloof in the hour of danger, and enjoy
the fruit of victory, without participating in the danger of defeat.
A disciplined and powerful army was on our coast, commanded by
officers of tried valour and consummate skill ; their fleet had already
destroyed the feeble defence, on which, alone, we could rely to pre-
vent their landing on our shores. Their point of attack was uncer-
tain a hundred inlets were to be guarded, by a force not suflicient
in number for one ; we had no lines of defence ; treason lurked
among us, and only waited the moment of expected defeat to show
itself openly. Our men were few, and of those few, not all were
armed ; our prospect of aid and supply was distant and uncertain ; our
titter ruin, if we failed, at hand, and inevitable ; every thing depend-
ed on the prompt and energetic use of the means we possessed on
calling the whole force of the community into action ; it was a con-
test for the very existence of the state, and every nerve was to be
strained in its defence. The physical force of every individual, his
moral faculties, his property, and the energy of his example, were
to be called into action, and instant action. No delay no hesitation,
no inquiry about rights, or all was lost ; and every thing dear to
man, his property, life, the honour of his family, his country, its con-
stitution and laws, were swept away by the avowed principles, the
open practice of the enemy with whom we had to contend. Fortifi-
cations were to be erected, supplies procured, arms sought for, re-
quisitions made, the emissaries of the enemy watched, lurking trea-
NOTES. 459
son overawed, insubordination punished, and the contagion of cow-
ardly example to be stopped.
In this crisis, and under a firm persuasion that none of those ob-
jects could be effected by the exercise of the ordinary powers con-
fided to him under a solemn conviction that the country committed
to his care could he saved by that measure only from utter rum
under a religious belief, that he was performing the most important
and sacred duty, the respondent proclaimed martial law. He intend-
ed, by that measure, to supersede such civil powers as, in their ope-
ration, interfered with those he was obliged to exercise. He thought,
in such a moment, constitutional forms must be suspended, for the
permanent preservation of constitutional rights, and that there could
be no question, whether it were best to depart for a moment, from
the enjoyment of our dearest privileges, or have them wrested from
s forever. He knew, that if the civil magistrates were permitted
to exercise their usual functions, none of the measures necessary to
avert the awful fate that threatened us, could be expected. Personal
liberty cannot exist at a time when every man is required to become
a soldier. Private property cannot be secured when its use is indis-
pensable to the public safety. Unlimited liberty of speech is incom-
patible with the discipline of a camp ; and that of the press more
dangerous still, when made the vehicle of conveying intelligence to
the enemy, or exciting mutiny among the troops. To have suffered
the uncontrolled enjoyment of any of those rights, during the time
of the late invasion, would have been to abandon the defence of the
country : the civil magistrate is the guardian of those rights ; and the
proclamation of martial law was therefore intended to supersede the
exercise of his authority, so far as it interfered with the necessary
restriction of those rights ; but no further,
The respondent states these principles explicitly, because they
are the basis of his defence, and because a mistaken notion has been
circulated, that the declaration of martial law only subjected the
militia in service to its operation. This would, indeed, have been a
very useless ceremony, as such persons were already subject to it,
without the addition of any other act. Besides, if the proclamation
of, martial law were a measure of necessity, a measure, without the
exercise of which the country must unquestionably have been con*
, then does it form a complete justification for the act. If it do
460 NOTES.
not, in what manner will the proceeding by attachment for contempt
be justified ? It is undoubtedly and strictly a criminal prosecution ; and
the constitution declares, that in all criminal prosecutions, the accused
shall have the benefit of a trial by jury ; yet a prosecution is even
now going on in this court, where no such benefit is allowed. Why ?
From the alleged necessity of the case, because courts could not, it
is Said, subsist without a power to punish promptly by their own act,
and without the intervention of a jury. Necessity then, may, in some
cases, justify a departure from the constitution : and if, in the doubt-
ful case of avoiding confusion in a court, shall it be denied in the se-
rious one of preserving a country from conquest and ruin? The re-
spondent begs leave to explain, that in using this argument, he does
not mean to admit the existence of necessity in the case of attach-
ment; but to show that the principle of a justification from necessity
is admitted, even in the weaker case. If the legislature of the Unit-
ed States have given to courts the power to punish contempts, it is
no answer to this defence, for two reasons first, because the words
of the law do not necessarily exclude the intervention of a jury; and
secondly, if they do, the law itself is contrary to the words of the
constitution, and can only be supported on the plea of necessity ; to
which head it is referred by the English writers on the subject.
The only responsibility which has been incurred in the present
case, is that which arises from necessity. This, the respondent
agrees, must not be doubtful ; it must be apparent, from the circum-
stances of the case, or it forms no justification. He submits all hi?
acts, therefore, to be tested by this rule.
To the forcible reasons which he has detailed, as impelling him
to this measure, he ought to add, that he has since, by the confession
of the enemy himself, received a confirmation of the opinions, which
he had then good reason to believe ; that there were men among us
so depraved, as to give daily and exact information of our movements,
and our forces ; that the number of those persons was considerable,
and their activity unceasing. The names of those wretches will
probably be discovered ; and the respondent persuades himself, that
this tribunal will employ itself, with greater satisfaction, in inflicting
the punishment due to their crimes, than it now does in investigating
the measures that were taken to counteract them.
NOTES. 461
Jf example can justify, or the practice of others serve as a proof
of necessity, the respondent has ample materials for his defence; not
from analogous construction, but from the conduct of all the differ-
ent departments of the state government, in the very case now under
discussion.
The legislature of the state, having no constitutional power to
regulate or restrain commerce, on the day of December last,
passed an act laying an embargo the executive sanctioned it, and,
from a conviction of its necessity, it was acquiesced in. The same
legislature shut up the courts of justice for four months, to all civil
suitors the same executive sanctioned that law, and the judiciary
not only acquiesced, but solemnly approved it.
The governor, as appears by one of the letters quoted, undertook
to inflict the punishment of exile upon an inhabitant, without any form
of law, merely because he thought that an individual's presence
might be dangerous to the public safety.
The judge of this very court, duly impressed with the emergency
of the moment, and the necessity of employing every means of de-
fence, consented to the discharge of men committed and indicted for
capital crimes, without bail, and without recognizance : and probably
under an impression that the exercise of his functions would be use-
less, absented himself from the place where his court was to be hold-
en, and postponed its session, during a regular term.
Thus the conduct of the legislative, executive, and judiciary
branches of the government of this state, have borne the fullest tes-
timony of the existence of the necessity, on which the respondent
relies.
The unqualified approbation of the legislature of the United States,
and such of the individual states as were in session, ought also to be
admitted, as no slight means of defence ; inasmuch as all these re-
spectable bodies were fully apprized of his proclamation of martial
law, and some of them seem to refer to it, by thanking him for the
energy of his measures.
The respondent, therefore, believes he has established the oeces-
462
NOTES.
sity of proclaiming- martial law. He has shown the effects of that
declaration ; and it only remains to prove, in answer to the rule, that
the power assumed from necessity, was not abused in its exercise,
nor improperly protracted in its duration.
All the acts mentioned in the rule, took place after the enemy
had retired from the position they had at first assumed after they had
met with a signal defeat, and after an unofficial account had been re-
ceived of the signature of a treaty of peace. Each of these circum-
stances might be, to one who did not see the whole ground, a suffi-
cient reason for supposing that further acts of energy and vigour
were unnecessary. On the mind of the respondent, they had a dif-
ferent effect. The enemy had retired from their position, it is true ;
but they were still on the coast, and within a few hours' sail of the
city. They had been defeated, and with loss; but that loss was to
be repaired by expected reinforcements. Their numbers still much
more than quadrupled all the regular forces which the respondent
could command ; and the term of service of his most efficient militia
force was about to expire. Defeat, to a powerful and active enemy,
was more likely to operate as an incentive to renewed and increased
exertion, than to inspire them with despondency, or to paralyze their
efforts. A treaty, it is true, had been probably signed ; yet it might
not be ratified. Its contents had not transpired, and no reasonable con-
jecture could be formed, that it would be acceptable. The influence
which the account of its signature had on the army, was deleterious
in the extreme, and showed a necessity for increased energy, instead
of a relaxation of discipline. Men, who had shown themselves zeal-
ous in the preceding part of the campaign, now became lukewarm
in the service. Those whom no danger could appal, and no labour
discourage, complained of the hardships of the camp. When the
enemy were no longer immediately before them, they thought them-
selves oppressed, by being detained in service. Wicked and weak
men, who, from their situation in life, ought to have furnished a bet-
ter example, secretly encouraged this spirit of insubordination. They
affected to pity the hardships of those who were kept in the field >
they fomented discontent by insinuating that the merits of those to
whom they addressed themselves, had not been sufficiently noticed
or applauded ; and to so high a degree had the disorder at length
risen, that at one period, only fifteen men and one officer, out of a
whole regiment, stationed to guard the very avenue through which
NOTES. 463
tho cne my hnd penetrated into the country, were found at their post.
At another point equally important, a whole corps, on which the
greatest reliance had been placed, operated upon by the acts of a
foreign agent, suddenly deserted their post.
If, trusting to an uncertain peace, the respondent had revoked his
proclamation, or ceased to act under it, the fatal security by which
ive were lulled, might have destroyed all discipline, have dissolved
all his force, and left him without any means of defending the country
against an enemy, instructed, by the traitors within our own bosom,
of the time and place at which he might safely make his attack. In
such an event, his life might have been offered up ; yet it would have
been but a feeble expiation, for the disgrace and misery, into which,
by his criminal negligence, he had permitted the country to be
plunged,
He thought peace a probable, but by no means a certain event. If
it had really taken place, a few days must bring the official advice of
it ; and he believed it better to submit, during those few days, to the
salutary restraints imposed, than to put every thing dear to ourselves
and country at risk upon an uncertain contingency. Admit the chances
to have been a hundred or a thousand to one in favour of the ratifi-
cation, and against any renewed attempts of the enemy ; what should
\ve say or think of the prudence of the man, who would stake his
life, his fortune, his country, and his honour, even with such odds in
his favour, against a few days' anticipated enjoyment of the blessings
of peace ? The respondent could not bring himself to play so deep a
hazard ; uninfluenced by the clamours of the ignorant and the desi^nin^
he continued the exercise of that law which necessity had compelled
him to proclaim ; and he still thinks himself justified, by the situation
of affairs, for the course which he adopted and pursued. Has he
exercised this power wantonly or improperly ? If so, he is liable ;
not, as he believes, to this honourable court for contempt, but to his
.government for an abuse of power, and to those individuals whom he
has injured, in damages proportioned to that injury.
About the period last described, the consul of France, who ap-
pears, by governor Claiborne's letter, to have embarrassed the first
drafts, by his claims in favour of pretended subjects of his king, re-
newed his interference ; his certificates were given to men in the
464 .NOTES.
ranks of the army ; to some who Ind never applied, and to others
who wished to use them as the means of obtaining- an inglorious e'x-
emption from danger and fatigue. The immunit}' derived from these
certificates not only thinned the ranks, by the withdrawal of those to
whom they were given, but produced the desertion of others, who
thought themselves equally entitled to the privilege ; and to this
cause must be traced the abandonment of the important post of Chef
Menteur, and the temporal'}' refusal of a relief ordered to occupy it.
Under these circumstances, to remove the force of an example
which had already occasioned such dangerous consequences, and to
punish those who were so unwilling to defend what they were so
ready to enjoy, the respondent issued a general order, directing those
French subjects, who had availed themselves of the consul's certifi-
cates, to remove out of the lines of defence, and far enough to avoid
any temptation of intercourse with our enemy, whom they were so
scrupulous of opposing. This measure was resorted to, as the mild-
est mode of proceeding against a dangerous and increasing evil; and
the respondent had the less scruple of his power, in this instance, as
it was not quite so strong as that which governor Claiborne had ex-
ercised, before the invasion, by the advice of his attorney-general,
in the case of colonel Coliel.
It created, however, some sensation ; discontents were again fo-
mented, from the source that had first produced them. Aliens and
strangers became the most violent advocates of constitutional right?,
and native Americans were taught the value of their privileges, by
those who formally disavowed any title to their enjoyment. The
order was particularly opposed, in an anonymous publication. In
this, the author deliberately and wickedly misrepresented the order,
as subjecting to removal all Frenchmen whatever, even those who
had gloriously fought in defence of the country ; and, after many
dangerous and unwarrantable declarations, he closes, by calling upon
all Frenchmen to flock to the standard of their consul thus advising
and producing an act of mutiny arid insubordination, and publishing
the evidence of our weakness and discord to the enemy, who were
still in our vicinity, anxious, no doubt, before the cessation of hostili-
ties, to wipe away the late stain upon their arms. To have silently
looked on such an offence, without making any attempt to punish it,
would have been a formal surrender of all dicipline, all order, all
NOTES. 465
personal dignity and public safety^ This could not be done ; and the
respondent immediately ordered the arrest of the offender. A writ
of habeas corpus was directed to issue for his enlargement. The very
case which had been foreseen, the very contingency on which mar-
tial law was intended to operate, had now occurred. The civil magis-
trate seemed to think it his duty to enforce the enjoyment of civil
rights, although the consequences which have been described, would
probably have resulted. An unbending sense of what he seemed to
think his station required, induced him to order the liberation of the
prisoner. This, under the respondent's sense of duty, produced a
conflict which it was his wish to avoid.
No other course remained, than to enforce the principles which he
had laid down as his guide, and to suspend the exercise of this judicial
power, wherever it interfered with the necessary means of defence.
The only way effectually to do this, was to place the judge in a situa-
tion in which his interference could not counteract the measures of
defence, or give countenance to the mutinous disposition that had
shown itself in so alarming a degree. Merely to have disregarded
the writ, would but have increased the evil, and to have obeyed it,
was wholly repugnant to the respondent's ideas of the public safety,
and to his own sense of duty. The judge was therefore confined,
and removed beyond the lines of defence.
As to the paper mentioned in the rule, which the respondent is
charged with taking and detaining, he answers, that when the writ
was produced by the clerk of this honourable court, the date of its
issuance appeared to have been altered from the 5th to the 6th. He
was questioned respecting the apparent alteration, and acknowledged
it had been done by judge Hall, and not in the presence of the party
who made the affidavit. This material alteration, in a paper that
concerned him, gave the respondent as he thought, a right to detain
it for further investigation, which he accordingly did ; but gave a
certified copy, and an acknowledgment that the original was in his
possession.
The respondent avows, that he considered this alteration in the
date of the, affidavit, as it was then explained to him by the clerk, to
be such evidence of a personal, not judicial interference, and activity,
in behalf of a man charged with the most serious ofience,:as justified
3N
466 NOTES.
the idea then formed, that the judge approved his conduct, and sup-
ported his attempts to excite disaffection among the troops.
This was the conduct of the respondent, and these the motives
which prompted it. They have been fairly and openly exposed to
this tribunal, and to the world, and would not have been accompanied
by any exception or waver of jurisdiction, if it had been deemed ex-
pedient to give him that species of trial, to which he thinks himself
entitled, by the constitution of his country. The powers which the
exigency of the times forced him to assume, have been exercised
exclusively for the public good; and, by the blessing of God, they
have been attended with unparalleled success. They have saved
the country ; and whatever may be the opinion of that country, or
the decrees of its courts, in relation to the means he has us*d, he
can never regret that he employed them.
ANDREW JACKSON.
(<*)
Address to the troops at Aew Orleans, after the annunciation of peace.
The major-general is at length enabled to perform the pleasing
task of restoring to Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana, and the territory
of the Mississippi, the brave troops who have acted such a distinguish-
ed part in the war which has just terminated. In restoring these
brave men to their homes, much exertion is expected of, and great
responsibility imposed on, the commanding officers of the different
corps. It is required of major-generals Carroll and Thomas, and
brigadier-general Coffee, to march their commands, without unne-
cessary delajr, to their respective states. The troops from the Mis-
sissippi territory and state of Louisiana, both militia and volunteers,
will be immediately mustered out of service, paid, and discharged.
The major-general has the satisfaction of announcing the approba-
tion of the president of the United States to the conduct of the troops
under his command, expressed, in flattering terms, through the ho-
nourable the secretary at
NOTES.
467
In parting with those brave men, whose destinies have been so
long united with his own, and in whose labours and glories it is his
happiness and his boast to have participated, the commanding general
can neither suppress his feelings, nor give utterance to them as he
ought. In what terms can he bestow suitable praise on merit so ex-
traordinary, so unparalleled ? Let him, in one burst of joy, gratitude,
and exultation, exclaim " These are the saviours of their country
these the patriot soldiers, who triumphed over the invincibles of
Wellington, and conquered the conquerors of Europe I" With what
patience did you submit to privations with what fortitude did you
endure fatigue what valour did you display in the day of battle !
You have secured to America a proud name among the nations of the
earth a glory which will never perish.
Possessing those dispositions, which equally adorn the citizen and
the soldier, the expectations of your country will be met in peace, as
her wishes have been gratified in war. Go, then, my brave com-
panions, to your homes ; to those tender connexions, and blissful
scenes, which render life so dear full of honour, and crowned with
laurels which will never fade. When participating in the bosoms of
your families, the enjoyment of peaceful life, with what happiness
will you not look back to the toils you have borne to the dangers you
have encountered ? How will all your past exposures be converted
into sources of inexpressible delight? Who, that never experienced
your sufferings, will be able to appreciate your joys ? The man who
slumbered ingloriously at home, during your painful marches, your
nights of watchfulness, and your days of toil, will envy you the hap-
piness which these recollections will afford still more will he envy
the gratitude of that country, which you have so eminently contri-
buted to save.
Continue, fellow soldiers, on your passage to your several destina-
tions, to preserve that subordination, that dignified and manly deport-
ment, which have so ennobled your character.
While the commanding general is thus giving indulgence to his
feelings, towards those brave companions, who accompanied him
through difficulties and danger, he cannot permit the names of Blount,
and Shelby, and Holmes, to pass unnoticed. With what generous
ardour and patriotism have these distinguished governors contributed
468 NOTES*
all their exertions, to provide the means of victory ! The recoilec
tion of their exertions, and of the success which has resulted, will he
to them a reward more grateful than any which the pomp of title, or
the splendour of wealth, can bestow.
What happiness it is to the commanding general, that, while dan-
ger was before him, he was, on no occasion, compelled to use to-
wards his companions in arms, either severity or rebuke. If, after
the enemy had retired, improper passions began their empire in a
few unworthy bosoms, and rendered a resort to energetic measures
necessary for their suppression, he has not confounded the innocent
with the guilty the seduced with the seducers. Towards you, fellow-
soldiers, the most cheering recollections exist ; blended, alas ! with re-
gret, that disease and war should have ravished from us so many
worthy companions. But the memory of the cause in which they
perished, and of the virtues which animated them while living, must
occupy the place where sorrow would claim to dwell.
Farewell, fellow-soldiers. The expression of your general's thanks
is feeble ; but the gratitude of a country of freemen is yours yours
the applause of an admiring world.
ANDREW JACKSON,
Major-General commanding
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