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ANDREW JACKSONo
MAJOR-GENERAL IN THE SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES:
compFIšING
A HISTORY
OF THE
WAR IN TWR, SouTW,
FROM THE
corrman criment of THE GREEK campargn,
TO THE
TERMINATION OF HOSTILITIES BEFORE
iſºttu (Britants,
• *
BY JOHN HENRY EATON.
SENATOR OF THE UNITED STATEs.
*-**-tº-
(ºtiutiuntati: ..º.
PUBLISHED BY HATCH & NICHOLS, ... * *
*Cº-
W. M. & O. FARNSWORTH, JR, PRINTERs.

1827
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JPIRIºlº'AGlºs
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sº- TO the decision of the candid, who will duly appreciate
the difficulties of an undertaking like the present, is this
work submitted. He who ventures on a detail of events,
recent in the recollection of the world, hazards much, and
can scarcely expect to escape censure. The numerous ac-
tors in, and spectators of, the scenes portrayed, entertain-
ing different opinions of the facts as they transpired, and
ascribing them to entirely different causes, becomes each a
critic in his turn, accordingly as the narrative corresponds
with, or is variant from his own opinion.
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
undertaking without being acted upon by prejudice, or in-
fluenced by partiality. His readers, too, are similarly situ-
ated. But he who draws them at a moment when recollec-
tion treasures them, is oftentimes placed under the influ-
ence of both—may be diverted insensibly from the course
pointed out by truth;-ascribe events to motives that never
induced them;-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 inducement to do otherwise, and because, having all the
original papers in his possession, and the opportunity of con-
stant and repeated intercourse with the subject of this his-
tory, there was no avenue to error, unless from intention,
and this he disclaims. He can therefore venture uponth lig
assurance, that what is detailed may be taken as correct.

Iv preface.
... As regards the execution of the work, he has not much
to offer to the considêration of the reader. He is willing
to trust it to the world, without preface or apology;-with-
out supplicating its charity or indulgence in his favour:
from no belief that ample room is not afforded for both to
be exercised in his behalf, 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. Wheth-
er he be competent to the task, is the duty of every man to
inquire, before he undertakes to become an author; no soon-
er 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
en the present occasion: peculiar circumstances, and not
choice, were the inducement. It is more, therefore, with a
view of correctly stating the reasons why he is placed be-
fore the public as an author, than to supplicate any indul-
gence for the defects which the work may be found to con-
tain, that any thing is ventured to be said. His greatest re-
gret, if he have any on the subject, 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
publishing to the world, “The Life of General Jackson.”—
By those who knew him, it was a circumstance hailed with
pleasure, because they entertained a confidence that the
narrative would be faithful, and that he was well qualified
to bestow every embellishment necessary to render it inter-
esting. His mind had been generously endowed by nature,
and richly stored with polite and elegant literature. The
means of education had been liberally spread before him, .
nor had they been neglected. But before he could effect .
his object, he died. This event, deeply deplored, produced
PREFACE. v
the necessity either of abandoning what had been already
begun, or of prevailing on some person to complete it.—
Through the entreaty of his relations and friends, the pre-
sent 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 dºesire, that the in-
fant 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 edu-
cation.
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 on.
ly 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 Nash-
ville, 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 papers, without any ar-
rangement or order. Many as were the difficulties present-
ed 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
distinguished standing, had been already brought to public
view; but garbled facts, and contradictory statements, had
been so extensively circulated, that none knew things truly
as they should be; and all, with impatience, looked for the
appearance of work, which should dispel doubt, and bring
forth facts, substantially 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; for the residue he is,
1% .*
wi º " 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 imaginable difference between him who has been ac-
customed to such pursuits, and, from habit, is enabled to give
a happy arrange mºnt to thought, and correctness to expres-
sion, and one who carries with him no such aid. But those
who desire a correct view of those masterly exertions which
constantly hurried their actor to the most brilliant and un-
interrupted 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 coun-
try, at all hazards, and at every risk, will find much to ad-
mire. 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 collision
with the duty he owed to the station he occupied; and who,
in moments of extreme difficulty, did not shrink from respon-
sibility; but, bringing to his aid the slender resources with-
in his reach, protected and saved an all-important and valu.
able portion of his country, at a time when her warmest vo-
taries regarded 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 tranquilli-
ty 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 re-
ceived and patronised, as to afford advantages to the chil-
dren 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 unstained by dishon-
PREFACE. viț
our, and without reproach; a firmness unshaken, and devº
tion to his country, are the inheritance he has 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 gé ºral, he was active
and valiant. Nor can any stronger evidence be furnished
of his capacity, unquestioned merit, and distinguished servi-
ces rendered, 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 cir-
cumstances in which general Jackson was not directly con-
cerned; 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 pub.
lic; and nothing either of charity or favour, supplicated in
its behalf. The matter is important, and the manner of
presenting it, if defective, may at least prove serviceable
to some future historian. &
s . JOHN H. EATON.

THE LIFE
ARDREw JAorson.
CHAPTER I.
His birth, parentage, family, and education.—Engages in the
JAmerican revolution, and is shortly after, with his brother,
made a prisoner.—Their treatment and sufferings.-Com-
mences the study of law.—His removal to the western coun-
try.—Anecdote.—Becomes a member of the Tennessee con-
vention, and afterwards a senator in the United States’ con-
gress.-Retires, and is appointed a judge of the state courts.
Declaration of war—Tenders the services of 2500 volun-
teers to the president.—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 Rob-
ert, 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 sub-
ject of this history was born. Shortly after his birth,
his father died, leaving three sons to 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 opposition to British tyranny
10 LIFE of GENERAL Jackson.
and oppression, which afterwards 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 Carrickfergus, and the oppression exer-
cised by the mobility 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 sup-
porting the natural rights of man.
Inheriting but a small patrimony from their father, it
was impossible that all the sons could receive an expen-
sive education. The two eldest were therefore only
taught the rudiments of their mother tongue, at a com-
mon country school. But Andrew, being intended by
his mother for the ministry, was sent to a flourishing
academy at the Waxsaw meeting house, superintended
by Mr. Humphries. Here he was placed on the study
of the dead languages, and continued until the revolution-
ary war extending its ravages into that section of South
Carolina, where he then was, rendered it necessary that
every one should betake himself to the American stand-
ard, seek protection with the enemy, or flee his country.
It was not an alternative that admitted of tedious deliber-
ation. The natural ardor of his temper, deriving en-
couragement from the -recommendations of his mother,
whose feelings were not less alive on the occasion than
his own; and excited by those sentiments in favor of lib-
erty, 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 American
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 gen-
eral musters of the neighborhood.
The Americans being unequal, as well from the inferi-
ority of their numbers, as their discipline, to engage the
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON, TI
British army in battle, had retired before it, into the in-
terior of North Caroliga; but when they learned, that
lord Cornwallis had crossed the Yadkin, they returned
in small detachments to their native state. On their ar-
rival, 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, major Coffin was immediately
despatched thither,with a corps of light dragoons, a compa-
ny of infantry,and a considerable number of tories, for their
capture and destruction. Hearing of their approach, theº
settlers, without delay, appointed the Waxsaw meeting
house as a place of rendezvous, that they might the better
collect their scattered strength, and concert some system
of operations. About forty of them had accordingly as-
sembled at this point, when the enemy approached, keep-
ing the tories, who were dressed in the common 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; # rest
with difficulty fled, scattering and betaking..themselves
to the woods for concealment. Of those who thus ess,
caped, though closely pursued, were Andrew Jackson.
and his brother, who, entering a secret bend in a creeks.
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
neighboring house, for the purpose of procuring someº
thing to eat, they were broken in upon, and *ade prº.
oners, by Coffin's dragoons, and a party of tories whº"
accompanied them. Those young men, with a view to.
Security, had placed their horses in the wood, on the
margin of a small creek, and posted on the road which
led by the hotfää, a sentinel, that they might have infor- ,
mation 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, unfortu-
pately, 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



12 LIFE of GENERAL J Acksön;
approached cautiously, the house, and were almost at
the door before they were discovered. To escape was
impossible, and both were made prisoners. Being pla-
ced under guard, Andrew was ordered, in a very impe-
rious 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 offi-
cer 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
hands on which he received 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 con-
fined, 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 intercessions
and ºrtions of their mother, and captain Walker, of the
militfä, they were both released from confinement. Cap-
jain Walker had, in a charge on the rear of the British
army, succeeded in making thirteen, prisoners, whom he
gave in exchange for seven Americans, of which number
were these two young men. . Robert, during his confine-
ment in prison, had suffered greatly; the wound on his
head, all this time, having never been dressed, was follow-
*d by affinflammation of the brain, which, in a few days
#. his *. brought him to the grave. To add
to the afflictions of Andrew, his mother, worn down by
grief, and her incessant exertions to providéºlothing and
other comforts for the suffering prisoners, whº had been
taken from her neighborhood, expired º weeks af.
ter her son, near the lines of the enemy, iſ the vicinity of
Charleston. Andrew, the last and only surviving child,
confined to a bed of sickness, occasioned by the suffer-
ings he had been compelled to undergo, whilst a prison-
er, 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 relationship. The smallpox,

M.IFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. H3.
about the same time, having made its appearance upon
him, had well nigh terminated his sorrows and his exis-
tence. - * #
... Having at length recovered from his complicated af.
flictions, 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. Un-
fortunately, however, he, like too many young men, sac-
rificing future prospects to present gratification, expend-
ed it with rather too profuse a hand. Corſhing, at length,
to foresee that he should be finally obliged to rely on his
own exertions, for support and suceessºin 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. Agguisitiona
near Hill's iron works. Here he revised the languages:
devoting a portion of his time to a desultory course of stuº
dies. +
His education being now completed, so far as his wast-
ed patrimony, and the limited opportunities then afford-
ed in that section of the country, would permit, at the
age of eighteen, he turned his är...º.º.º. 8.
profession, and in preparing himself to enter on the busy
scenes of life. The pulpit, for which he had been de-
signed by his mother, was now abandoped for the bar; and
in the winter of 1784, he repaired to Salisbury, in Nort
Carolina, and commenced the study of law, under Spruce.
MºCay, Esq. (afterwards one of the judges of that state.)
and subsequently continued it under colonel John Stokes.
Having remained at Salisbury, until the winter of 1786,
he obtained a license from the judges to practice law,
and continued in the state until the †: of 788. -
The observatiºs he was er:ailed, during this iime, to
make, satisfied ºn that this state presented few induce-
ments to a young attorney; at:d recollecting that he stood
a solitary individual in life, without relations to aid him
in the onset, when innumerable difficulties arise ai.d re-
taed success, he determissed to seek a new coustry. But
for this, he might have again returned to his Bâtive state;




2
14 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
the death, however, of every relation he had, had wiped
away all those endearing recollections 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 accom-
pany 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-eommenced their journey in October,
and passing: through an extensive uninhabited country,
reached Nashville in the same month. It had not been
Jackson's intention, certainly, to make Tennessee the
place of his future residence; his visit was merely exper-
imental, and his stay remained to be determined by the
advantages that might be disclosed; but finding, soon af.
ter his arrival, that a considerable opening was offered
for the success of a young attorney, he determined to re-
main. To one of refined feelings, the prospect before
him was, certainly, not of an encouraging cast. As in all
newly settled countries 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 coun-
try, 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 jº. 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 pro-
digal gentlemen, it was an alarming circumstance; their
former security was impaired; but that it might not
I,IFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 15
wholly depart, they determined to force him, in some
way or other, to leave the country; 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 de-
cision and firmness was such as to leave no hope of effect-
ing any thing through this channel. Disregarding the
opposition raised to him, he continued, with care and in-
dustry, to press forward in his professional course, and
his attention soon brought him forward, and introduced
him to a profitable practice. Shortly afterwards, he was
appointed attorney general for the district, in which ca-
pacity he continued to act for several years.
Indian depredations being then frequent on the Cum-
berland, every man of necessity, became a soldier. Un-
assisted by the government, the settlers were forced to
rely for security on their own bravery and exertions. Al-
though young, no person was more distinguished than
Andrew Jackson, in defending the country against these
predatory incursions of the savages, who continually har-
rassed the frontiers, and not unfrequently approached the
heart of the settlements, which were thin, but not wide-
ly extended. He aided alike in garrisoning 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 conspicu-
ously disclosed in the formation and arrangement of this
instrument, brought him more prominently to view; and,
without proposing or soliciting, he was, in the same year,
elected a member of the house of representatives, in con-
gress, for the state of Tennessee. The following year,
his reputation 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 na-
ture, imposed on him the necessity of asking leave of ab-
I5 LIFE of GENERAL Jackson.
sence and returning home. Leave was granted, and be-
fore the next session he resigned his seat. He was but
a little more than thirty years of age, and hence, scarce-
ly eligible, by the constitution, at the time he was elect-
ed. The sedition law, about which so much concern
and feeling has been manifested through the country,
was introduced into the senate, by Mr. Lloyd, of Mary-
land, in June, and passed that body on the 4th of July
following; henee 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 country.*
The state of Tennessee, on its admission into the Union,
comprising but one military division, and general Con-
way, who commanded it, as major-general, dying about
this time, Jackson, without being consulted on the sub-
ject, and without the least intimation of what was in agi-
tation, was, as the constitution of the state directs, cho-
sen by the field officers, to succeed him; which appoint-
ment 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 himself unqualified, and having for
two years voted in the minority in congress, he resigned,
after the first session, his seat in the senate. To this
measure he was strongly induced, from a desire to make
way for general Smith, who he conjectured, would in
that capacity, be able to render more important 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 re-
signation, he was appointed one of the judges of the su-
*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, How-
ard, Latimer, Lawrence, Lloyd, North, Paine, Read, Rutherford,
Sedgwick, Stockton, Tracy, -
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 17
preme 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 erroneous decisions, he advanced to the
office with reluctance, and in a short time resigned, leav-
ing it open for those, who, he believed, were better qual-
ified than himself, to discharge its intricate and important
duties. Unambitious of those distinctions and honours
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 pursuits; and
accordingly settled himself on an excellent farm, ten
miles from Nashville, on the Cumberland river; where,
for several years, he enjoyed all the comforts of domestic
and social intercourse. Abstracted 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 ami-
able 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 endearments
were again to be abandoned, for the duties of more ac-
tive life. Great Britain, by multiplied outrages on our
rights, as an independent and neutral nation, had provok-
ed from our government a declaration 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 de-
claration, knew no wish so strong as that of entering into
her service, against a power, which, independent of pub-
lic considerations, he had many private reasons for dis-
liking. In her, he could trace sufferings and injuries
received, and the efficient cause, why, in early life, he
had been left forlorn and jºided, without a single re-
18- LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON,
lation in the world. His proud and inflexible mind, how-
ever, could not venture to solicit an appointment in the
army, which was about to be raised. He accordingly
remained wholly unknown, until, at the head of the mi-
litia, employed against the Creek Indians, his constant
vigilance, 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, under other cir-
cumstances, unfortunately, might have slumbered in in-
action. Under the authority of these acts, authorizing
the president to accept the services of fifty thousand vol-
unteers, 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 Mississippi, for the defence of the
lower country, which was then supposed to be in danger-
Accordingly, on the 10th of December, those troops ren-
dezvoused at Nashville, prepared to advance to the
place of their destination; and, although the weather
was then excessively severe, and the ground covered
with show, no troops could have displayed greater firm-
ness. The general was every where with them, inspir-
ing 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 mil-
itary career, as well as the order and subordination they
so readily observed, were happy presages of what was to
be expected, when they should be directed to face an
enemy.
Having procured supplies, and made the necessary ar-
rangements 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 instructed
to remain, until he should receive further orders. Hav-
ing chosena healthy site for the encampment of his troops,
LiFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 19
*
about two miles from Washington, he devoted his time,
with the utmost industry, to training 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 receipt thereof, to dismiss those under his
command, from service, and to take measures for deliv-
ering over every article of public property, in his posses-
sion, to brigadier general Wilkinson. When this order
reached 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 conse-
quence of a strict compliance with the secretary's order,
inevitably would have been, that many of the sick must
have perished, whilst most of the others, from their des-
titute condition would, of necessity, have been compell-
ed to enlist in the regular army, under general Wilkin-
son. Such alternatives were neither congenial with
their general's wishes, nor such as they had expected, on
adventuring with him in the service of their country; he
had carried them from home, and, the fate of war and dis-
ease apart, it was his duty, he believed, to bring them back.
Whether an expectation that, by this plan, many of them
would be compelled into the regular ranks, had formed
any part of the motive that occasioned the order for their
discharge, at so great a distance from home, can not be
known; and it would be uncharitable to insinuate against
the government so serious and foul an accusation, with-
out the strongest evidence to support it. Be this as it
may, general Jackson could not think of sacrificing or in-
juring 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 mentioned, but by the consideration, that many .
of the troops under his command were young men, the
children of his neighbours and acquaintances, who had
delivered them into his hands, as to a guardian, who,
20 ‘LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
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 or-
der he had received, implored him, with tears in their
eyes, not to abandon them in so great an extremity, re-
minding him, at the same time, of his assurances, that he
would be to them as a father; and of the implicit confi-
dence they had placed in his 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 considerations; but, influenced by them
all, he had no hesitation in coming to a determination.
Having made known his resolution to the field officers
of his division, it met, apparently, their approbation; but,
after retiring from his presence, they assembled late at
night, in secret caucus, and proceeded to recommend to
him an abandonment of his purpose, and an immediate dis-
charge of his troops. Great as was the astonishment,
which this measure excited in the general, it produced
a still higher sentiment of indignation. 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 unfor-
tunate soldier, who was alike destitute of both, no meas-
ure could be more calamitous. He concluded by telling
them, that his resolution not having been hastily conclu-
ded on, nor bottomed on light considerations, was unal-
terably 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 or-
der he had given, and to return his army to the place
where he had received it. He painted in strong terms
the evils which the course pursued by the government
was calculated to produce, and expressed the astonish-
ment he felt, that it should have originated with the fa-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON, 21.
mous huthor of the “Newburgh Letters,” the once re-
doubted advocate of soldiers' rights. l
General Wilkinson, to whom the public property was
directed to be delivered, learning the determination
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 consequen-
ces which were before him, and of the awful and danger-
ous responsibility he was 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 en-
eampment 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
eontinued to keep up the semblance of exertion; and the
better to deceive, the very day before that which had
been appointed for breaking up the encampment, and
commencing the return march, 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 dis-
charged the whole. He was grossly mistakenin the man
he had to deal with, and had now played his tricks too
far to be able to accomplish the object which he had, no
doubt, been instructed to effett. 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

22 YIFE or eeneral Jacksen.
the transportation of his sick. It deserves to be recol.
lected, that this quarter-master, so soon as he received
directions 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 gen-
eral, to defeat the design of Jackson; compel him to aban-
don the course he had adopted; and, in this way, draw
to the regular army many of the soldiers, who, from ne-
cessity, would be driven to enlist. In this attempt, they
were fortunately disappointed. Adhering to his original
purpose, he successfully resisted every stratagem of Wik-
kinson, and marched the whole of his division to the sec-
tion of country whence they had been drawn, and dismis-
sed them from service, as he had been instructed.
To present an example that might buoy up the sink-
ing 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 hardships 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 president 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 gen-
eral 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
increased strength to the army, yet the example would
have been of so serious and exceptionable a character, that
injury would have been the final and unavoidable result.
Whether the intention of thus forcing these men to enlist
into the regular ranks, had its existence under the direc-
tion 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
LIFE OF GENERAL JAckson. 23
their homes, under pretence of danger, whilst the con-
cealed design was, by increasing their necessities, at a dis-
tance from their residence, to compel them to an act,
which they would have abstained from under different
circumstances. His conduct, terrible as it first appeared,
was in the end approved, and the expenses incurred die
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 Mimins.—Fapedition
against the Indians.—Jackson unites with the army, and en-
ters the enemy's country.—Scarcity of supplies in his camp.
Learns the savages are embodied.—His address to his troops.
Seeks to form a junction with the East Tennessee division.
Detaches general Coffee across the Coosa-Battle of Tal-
bushatchee. - -
The volunteers, who had descended the river, having
been discharged, early in May, there was little expecta-
tion that they would again be called for. Tennessee
was too remotely situated in the interior of the country,
to expect their services would be required for her de-
fence, and hitherto the British had discovered no serious
intention of waging operations against any part of Louis-
iana. Their repose, however, was not of long duration.
The Creek Indians, inhabiting the country lying between
the Chatahochee and Tombigbee, and extending from
the Tennessee river to the Florida line, had lately mani-
fested 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
importance; as, by assailing the whole line of our frontiers
at the same time, they would be able, at once, to gratify
their vengeance, and to enrich themselves with plunder.
An artful impostor ". about this time, sprung up
amongst the Shawaees, who, by passing for a prophet,
commissioned by the “great spirit,” to communicate his
mandates and assurances to his red children, had acquir-
ed, among his own and the neighbouring tribes, a most
in E or GENERAL JAckson. 25
astonishing influence. Clothed, as they believed him to
be, with such high powers, they listened to his extrava-
gant 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 despatch-
ed to the southern tribes, to excite in them the same tem-
per. To the Creeks, as by far the most numerous and
powerful, as well as the most liable, from their situation
and habits, to be influenced by his suggestions, he direct-
ed his principal attention. Having entered their nation,
some time in the spring of 1812, he repaired to Tookau-
batcha, where he had repeated conferences with the
chiefs; but not meeting with the encouragement he ex-
pected, he returned to the Alabama, which he had previ-
ously 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 pow-
ers from his brother, the Prophet, whose extraordinary
commission and endowments were, previous to this, well
understood by all the neighboring tribes in the south, his
authority was regarded with the highest veneration. He
strongly interdicted all intercourse with the whites, and
prevailed on the greater part of the Alabama Indians to
throw aside the implements and clothing which that in-
tercourse had furnished, and return again to their savage
state, from which he represented them as highly culpable
for having suffered 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 addi-
tional weight to his councils, this designing missionary
gave assurances 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 Uni-
ted 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
3 4.
26 LIFE OF GENERAL J Ackson.
restrained from running immediately to arms, and com-
mitting depredations on the exposed frontiers. This has-
ty measure, however, he represented as calculated to de-
feat the great plan of operations which he was laboring
to concert; and enjoined the utmost secrecy and quiet-
ness, until the moment should arrive, when, all their pre-
parations bging ready, they might be able to strike a
general and decisive blow; in the mean time, they were
to be industriously employed in collecting arms and am-
munition, and other necessary implements of war.
Having ordained a chief prophet, whose word was to
be regarded as infallible, and whose directions were to be
implicitly followed, and established a regular gradation
of inferior dépendents, to disseminate his doctrines
through the different parts of the nation, Tecumseh set
out to his own tribe, accompanied by several of the na-
tives. * - - -
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 to-
gether; whilst the parties, carrying it on committed fre-
quent 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 committed on the fron-
tiers of Georgia, and were continued, at intervals, on the
inhabitants of Tennessee, along her southern boundary.
These multiplied outrages at length attracted the at-
tention of the general government, and application was
made, through their agent, (colonel Hawkins,) to the prin-
cipal 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 determina-,
tion into execution. No sooner was this done, than the
spirit of the greater part of the nation, which, from poli-
cy, had been kept in a considerable degree, dormant, sud-
denly burst to a flame, and kindled into civil war.
Łife of GENERAL JACKSON, 27
it was not difficult for the friends of those murderers,
who had been put to death, to prevail on others, who se-
cretly applauded the acts for which they suffered, to en-
ter warmly into their resentments against those who had
been concerned in bringing them to punishment. An
occasion, as they believed, was now presented which
fully authorized them to throw aside all those injunctions
of secrecy, with regard to their hostile intentions, which
had been imposed on them by Tecumseh and their pro-
phets. This restraint, which, hitherto, they had regard-
ed 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, by this last act of reſaliatory jus-
tice, had unequivocally shown a disposition to preserve
their friendship with the former. The cloak of conceal-
ment being now thrown aside, the war clubs” were im-
mediately seen in every section of the nation; but more
particularly among the numerous hordes residing near the
Alabama. Brandishing these in their hands, they rush-
ed, in the first instance, on those of their own countrymen
who had shown a disposition to preserve their rela-
tions with the United States, and obliged them to
retire towards the white settlements, and place them-
selves in forts, to escape the first ebullition of their rage.
Encouraged by this success, and their numbers, which
hourly increased, and infatuated to the highest degree
by the predictions of their prophets, who assured them
that “the Great Spirit” was on their side, and would ena-
ble them to triumph over all their enemies, they began
to make immediate preparations for extending their ra:
vages to the white settlements. . Fort Mimms, situated
in the Tensaw settlement, in the Mississippi territory,
was the first point destined to satiate their cruelty and
*Instruments used by the Indian tribes on commencing hostili-
ties; 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.
E3 . rife of general Jackson.
Yengeance. It contained, at that time, about one hun-
sired 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
collected a supply of ammunition, from the Spaniards at
Pensacola, and assembled their warriors, to the number
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 slaughter was in-
discriminate; mercy was extended to none; and the tom-
ahawk, 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 unprovoked outrage no sooner reach-
ed Tennessee, than the whole state was thrown into a
ferment, and nothing was thought or spoken of but retal-
iatory vengeance. Considerable excitement had alrea-
dy been produced by brutalities of earlier date, and mea-
sures had been adopted by the governor, in conformity
with instructions from the secretary of war, for commen-
cing a campaign against them; but the massacre at Fort
Mimms, which threatened to be followed by the entire
destruction of the Mobile and Tombigbee settlements, in-
spired a deep and universal sentiment of solicitude, and
an earnest wish for speedy and effectual operations.—
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 discharge 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 frac-
tured arm; but although this apprehension was serious-
ly indulged, arrangements were in progress, and mea-
sures industriously taken, to prepare and press the expe-
dition with every possible despatch.
A numerous collection of respectable citizens, who
convened at Nashville on the 18th of September, for the
trfe of GENERAL JACKSON. 29
purpose of devising the most effectual ways and means of
affording protection to their brethren in distress, after con-
ferring 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, commenced its session. That body, pene-
trated 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 againstall difficulties, in the event the general go-
vernment should omit to adopt them into their service,
three hundred thousand dollars were voted for their sup-
Ort. . . .
p Additional reasons were at hand why active operations
should be commenced with the least possible delay.—
The settlers were fleeing to the interior, and every day
brought intelligence, that the Creeks, collected in consid-
erable force, were.bending their course towards the fron-
tiers of Tennessee. The governor now issued an order
to general Jackson, who, notwithstanding the state of his
health, had determined to assume the command, requir-
ing 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 contemplated. 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 mightmake
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 volunteers, who,
with him, had heretofore descended the Mississippi to
Natchez. . He urged them to appear at the place desig-
nated for the rendezvous on the 4th of October, equipped
and armed for active service. He pointed out the impe-
rious necessity which demanded their services, and urg-
- - 3%
30 LIFE of GENERAL JAeksen. .
ed them to be punctual; for that their frontiers were
threatened with invasion by a savage foe. “Already are
large bodies of the hostile Creeks marching to your bor-
ders, with their scalping knives unsheathed, to butcher
your women and children: time is not to be lost. We
must hasten to the frontier, or we shall find it drenched in
the blood of our citizens. 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 at-
tached at a short notice, was directed to hasten forward
to the neighborhood of Huntsville, and occupy some eli-
gible position for the defence of the frontier, until the in-
fantry 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 prepara-
tions for a vigorous campaign. Orders were given to the
quarter-master, to furnish the necessary munitions, with
the proper transportation; and to the contractors, to pro-
vide ample supplies of provisions. The day of their ren-
dezvous being arrived, and the general not being suffi-
ciently recovered to attend in person, he forwarded by
his aid-de-camp, major Reid, an address, 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 merciless and cruel savages; and intreated his
soldiers to evince that zeal in the defence of their coun-
try, which the importance of the moment so much requir-
ed. “We are about to furnish these savages a lesson of
admonition;–we are about to teach them, that our iong
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 outrages, 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
Port Mimms, calls for gur vengeance; it must not call in
LIFE of GENERAL Jackson. 31
vain. Our borders must no longer be disturbed by the
warwhoop 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 im-
potent. 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 disposi-
tions? Is it worthy the character of American soldiers, .
who take up armis to redress the wrongs of an injured
country, to assume no better model than that furnished
them by barbarians? Nó, fellow soldiers; great as are
the grievances that have called us from our homes, we
must not permit disorderly passions to tarnish the reputa-
tion 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.
attention to discipline and subordination. Without a
strict observance of these, victory must ever be uncertain,
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 glori-
ous will it be to remove the blots which have tarnished
the fair character bequeathed us by the fathers of our re-
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 following
erder. - -
“The chain of sentinels will be marked, and the sen-
tries posted, precisely at 10 o'clock to-day. -
“No sutler will be suffered to sell spirituous liquors to
any soldier, without permission, in writing, from a com-
missioned officer, under the penalties prescribed by the
rules and articles of war. -
32 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON,
“No citizen will be permitted to pass the chain of sen-
tinels, after retreat beat in the evening, until reveille in
the morning. Drunkenness, the bane of all orderly en-
campments, is positively forbidden, both in officers and
privates: officers, under the penalty of immediate arrest;
and privates, of being placed under guard, there to re-
main until liberated by a court martial.
“At reveille beat, all officers and soldiers are to appear
ºde, with their arms and accoutrements in proper
• OTCiêI’. - -
“On parade, silence, the duty of a soldier, is positively
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 sovereignty, had
the appearance of too much rigour; but the general well
+new, that the expedition in which they were embarked
involved much hazard; and that, although such lively
feelings were manifested now, yet when hardships press-
‘ed, these might cease. He considered it much safer,
therefore, to lay before them, at once, the rules of con-
duct to which they must conform; believing that it
would be more difficult to drive licentiousness from his
camp, than to prevent its entrance. - .
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 en-
campment, 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 equipments, mea-
sures were instantly taken to remedy the deficiency. Or-
ders were directed to the several brigadiers in his divi-
sion, to hasten immediately their respective quotas, fully
-equipped for active operations.
Circumstances did not permit him to remain at this
place long enough to have the delinquencies complained
of remedied, and the ranks of his army filled. Colonel
Coffee had proceeded with his mounted volunteers to
eover Huntsville, and give security to the frontiers, where
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 33
alarm greatly prevailed. On the night of the 8th, a let-
ter was received from him, dated two days before, advi,
sing, that two Indians, belonging to the peace party, had
just arrived at the Tennessee river, from Chinnaby's
fort, on the Coosa, with information that the war party
had despatched eight hundred 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 Hampton. In consequence of this
intelligence, exertions were made to hasten a movement.
Late on the following night, another express arrived,
confirming the former statement, and representing the
enemy, in great force, to be rapidly approaching the
Tennessee. Orders 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 reconnoitre
the movements of the enemy, had been killed by their
advance. A strong desire had been manifested to be
led forward; that desire was now strengthened 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 Hunts-
ville, a distance of thirty-two miles. Learning here,
that the information was erroneous which had occasioned
so hasty a movement, the general encamped his troops;
having intended to march them that night to the Tennes-
see river had it been confirmed. The next day the line
of march was resumed. The influence of the late ex-
citement was now visible in the lassitude which followed
its removal. Proceeding slowly, they crossed the Ten-
nessee, at Ditto's tanding, and united in the evening with
eolonel 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 detached
colonel Coffee, with seven hundred men, to scour the
Black Warrior, a stream running from the northeast, and
emptying into the Tombigbee; on which were supposed
to be settled several populous villages of the enemy.— .
He himself remained at this encampfnent a week, using
LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON,
the utmost pains in training his troops for service, and
labouring incessantly to procure the necessary supplies
for a campaign, which he had determined to carry di-
rectly into the heart of the enemy's country. Towards
the latter object, his industry had been employed, and
his attention invariably directed, from the time the ex-
pedition was projected. - -
With general Cocke, who commanded the division of
East Tennessee militia, an arrangement 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 conven-
ient transportation afforded by the river, left no doubt
on the mind of Jackson but that the engagement would
be punctually complied with. To provide, however,
against the bare possibility of a failure, and to be guard-
ed 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,
who commanded the advance of the East Tennessee
troops. Previously to his arrival at Huntsville, he had
received assurances from the two latter, that a consider-
able supply of flour, for the use of his army, had been
procured, 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 immediately,
a thousand barrels more. With pressing importunity,
he had addressed himself to the contractors, and they had
given him assurances, that on his crossing the Tennes-
see, 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 forward-
ness 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 exer-

H.IFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. $5
tions, which, he had been promised, should be unremit-
ting, aird on the speedy arrival of those supplies, de-
scending the river, which had been already unaccounta-
bly delayed, he hoped, in a few days, to be placed in a
situation to act efficiently. Whilst he was encouraged
by these expectations, and 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 considera-
ble body of the war party, who had advanced to the
neighbourhood of the Ten Islands, on the Coosa. Influ-
enced by his representations, and anxious to extend re-
lief, Jackson, on the 18th, gave orders for taking up the
line of march on the following day, and notified the con-
tractors of this arrangement, that they might be prepar-
ed to issue, immediately, such supplies as they had on
hand: but, to his great astonishment, he then, for the first
time, was 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’ ra-
tions, they were deposed from office, and others appoint-
ed, on whose industry and performance, 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 advantage, 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 Hiwassee, and which he felt strongly assured must
be near at hand, be met with on the way? He determin-
ed 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 passen-
gers, he arrived, on the 22d of October, at Thompson's
creek, which empties into the Tennessee, twenty-four
miles above Ditto's. At this place he proposed the es-
tablishment of a permanent de #. the reception of
supplies, to be sent either up or dºwn the river. Disap-
pointed in the hopes with which he had adventured on

36 LIFE OF GENERAL. JACKSON,
his march, he remained here several days, in expectation
of the boats that were coming to his relief. Thus har-
rassed at the first onset, by difficulties wholly unexpect-
ed, and which, from the numerous and strong assurances
received, he could by no means have ealculated on; fear-
ing, too, that the same disregard of duty mightinduce acon-
tinuance, he lost no time in opening every avenue to expe-”
dient, that the chances of future failure might be dimin-
ished. To general Flournoy, who commanded at Mo-
bile, 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 address-
ed in the same style of entreaty. Expresses were des-
patched 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 insure success, every thing
within his reach was attempted: several persons of wealth
and patriotism, in Madison county, were solicited to aſ
ford the contractors all the aid in their power; and, to
induce them more readily to extend it, their deep inter-
est, immediately at stake, was pointed to, and their
deplorable and dangerous situation, should necessity
compel him to withdraw his army, and leave them ex-
posed to the mercy of the savages.
Whilst these measures were taking, two runners, from
Turkey town, an Indian village, despatched by Path-kil-
Jer, a chief of the Cherokees, arrived at the camp.–
They brought information, tº the enemy, from nine.
of the hostile towns, were asséſàbling 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 im-
.*, * , -
minent danger. His want of provisions was not yet re-
medied; but, distributing the partial supply that was on
hand, he resolved to pieceed, in expectation that the re-
lief he had so earnestly looked for, would, in a little,
while, arrive, and be forwarded to him. To prépare his


LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 37
troops for an engagement, 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 opportuni-
ty of signalizing your valour. Wise men do not expect;
brave men will not desire it. It was not to travel unmo-
lested, through a barren wilderness, that you quitted
your families and homes, and submitted to so many pri-
vations: it was to avenge the cruelties committed upon
our defenceless frontiers, by the inhuman Creeks, instiga-
ted by their no less inhuman allies; you shall not be dis-
appointed. If the enemy flee before us, we will overtake
and chastise him; we will teach him how dreadful, when
once aroused, is the resentment of freemen. But it is
not by boasting that punishmentis to be inflicted, or victo-
ry 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 ac-
tion: their hopes shall fail them in the hour of experi-
ment. Soldiers, who know their duty, and are ambitious
to perform it, are not to be taken by surprise. Our sen-
tinels 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. Ima-
ginary danger must not deprive them of entire self-pos-
session. Our soldiers will lie with their arms in their
hands: and the moment an alarm is given, they will move
to their respective positions, 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 commerced
their battles; but brave men will laugh at such efforts to
alarm them. It is not by bellowings and screams that the
2 4
38 . . LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
wounds of death are inflicted. You will teach these
noisy assailants, how weak are their weapons of warfare,
by opposing them with the bayonet; what Indian ever
withstood its charge? what army, of any nation, ever
withstood it long? - X-
“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 mo-
ment of action, coolness and deliberation must be regard-
ed; your fires made with precision and aim; and when or-
dered to charge with the bayonet, you must proceed to
the assault with a quick and firm step; without trepida-
tion or alarm. Then shall you behold the completion of
your hopes in the discomfiture of your enemy. Your
general, whose duty, as well as inclination, is to watch
over your safety, will not, to gratify any wishes of his
own, rush you unnecessarily into danger. He knows,
however, that it is not in assailing an enemy that men are .
destroyed; it is when retreating, and in confusion. A-
ware 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, un-
til you forget all that is due to yourselves and your coun-
try, 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 bo-
soms pant for glory, and a desire to avenge the wrongs
they have received? Your general will not live to be.
hold such a spectacle; rather would he rushinto the thick-
est of the enemy, and submit 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
LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON. 39
were shortly to contend; and having also, by his express-
es, instructed general White to form a junction with him,
and to hasten on all the supplies in his power to com-
mand, 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 preparation, yet, believing that his contrac-
tors, lately installed, would exert themselves to the ut-
most 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 direct-
ly for the Coosa, and solicited him to be diligent in mak-
ing discoveries of the situation and collected forces of the
'savages, and to give him, as early as possible, the result of
his inquiries. • - -
“The hostile Creeks,” he remarked to him, “will not
attack you until they have had a brush with me; 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 ad-
vise 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 thankful for any
º of provisions; and indeed for whatever will support
ife.” * . . - • ,
The army had advanced but a short distance when un-
expected embarrassments were again presented. Infor-
mation was received, by which it was clearly ascertained,
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 quar-
ter-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 evi-
dence derived from other sources, that their want of
funds, and consequent wantº credit, rendered them a
46 LIFE of GENERAL JAckson.
very unsafe dependence, 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 if 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 relianee might be
safely repôsed. To the other contractors he wrote, in-
forming them of the change that had been made, and the
reasons which had induced it.
“I am advised,” said he, “that you have candidly ac-
Rnowledged you have it not in your power to execute the
contract in which you have engaged. Do not think I
‘mean to cast any reflection—very far from it. I am ex-
ceedingly pleased with the exertions you have made, and
feel myself under many obligations of gratitude for them.
The critical situation of affairs, when you entered into
the contract, being considered, you have done all that in-
dividuals, in your circumstances, could have performed.
But you must be well convinced, 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 ad-
missions you have been candid enough to make, the scar-
eity which already begins to appear in camp, and the
difficulties you are likely to encounter, in effecting your
engagements, I am apprehensive I should be doing injus-
tice to the army I command were I to rely for supporton
your exertions—great as I know them to be. Whatever
concerns myself, I may manage with any generosity or
indulgence I please; but in acting for my country, I have
no such discretion. I have, therefore, felt myself com-
pelled to give the contract in which you are concerned,
to another, who is abundantly able to execute it; on con-
dition he indemnifies you for the trouble you have been
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 of the
. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. .4]
hostile Creeks, who had been lately made prisoners, by
his party. At this place, it was represented, that they
were within sixteen miles of the enemy, who were col-
lected, to the number of a thousand, to oppose their pas-
sage. This information was little relied on, and after-
wards 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 ob-
taining small supplies of corn from the neighboring Indi-
ans. 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 ob-
serves:—“Indeed, sir, we have been very wretchedly
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 hon-,
our to them, and to the government whose rights they
are defending.
“Every mean within my power, for procuring the re-
quisite supplies for my army, I have taken, and am con-
tinuing to take. East, west, north and south, have been
applied to with the most pressing solicitation. The gov-
ernor of Georgia, in a letter received from him this eve-
ning, 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 were such as to render his best exertions
unavailing. The contract has been offered to one who
will be able to execute it: if he accepts it, my apprehen-
sions will be greatly diminished.” - -
On the 28th of October, colonel Dyer, who, on the
** 4 -
42 fife of GENERAL JACKSON.
march to the Ten Islands, had been detached from the
main body, with two hundred cavalry, to attack Littafu- .
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
Thympson's creek, that the advance of the East Tennes-
see militia would hasten to unite with him, was not yet
realized. The express heretofore directed to general
White, had not returned. Jackson, on the 31st, despatch-
ed 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 suggesting 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 commanding general.-
Owing to that cause, and the late failures of his contrac-
tors, he represented his army as placed, at present, in a
very precarious situation, and dependent, in a great
measure, for support, on the exertions 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 practi-
cable despatch, to the accomplishment 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, pursuing the same object, should constitute
separate and distinet armies, and act without concert,
and independently 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 pris-
oners 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 distant, general
* LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON. 43
Coffee was detached with nine hundred men, (the mount-
ed troops having been previously organized into a brig-
ade, and placed under his command) to attack and dis-
perse 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 hav-
ing encamped beyond it, very early the next morning pro-
ceeded to the execution of his order. Having arrived
within a mile and a half, he formed his detachment into
two divisions, and directed them to march so as to en-
circle the town, by uniting their fronts beyond it. The
enemy, hearing of his approach, began to prepare for ac-
tion, 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 captain
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 scattering 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 general fire, and charged in their
turn. The Indians retreated, 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 wound-
ed. Two were killed with arrows, which, on this occa-
sion, 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 wounded,
general Coffee, late on the evening of the same day, uni-

44 LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON.
ted with the main army, bringing with him about forty
prisoners. Of the residue, a part were too badly wound.
ed to be removed, and were therefore left, with a suffi-
cient number to take care of them. Those which he
brought in, received every comfort and assistance their
situation demanded, and, for safety, were immediately
sent into the settlements.
From the manner in which the enemy fought, the kil-
ling 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 min-
gled with their women and children, it was impossible
théy should not be exposed to the general danger; and
thus many were injured, notwithstanding every possible
precaution was taken to prevent it. In fact many of the
women united with their warriors, and contended in
the battle with fearless bravery. sº
CHAPTER III.
General Jackson endeavours to unite with the East Tennessee
troops —Establishment of Fort Strother.—Learns the enemy
are embodied.—JMarches to meet them.—Battle of Tallade-
ga–Is compelled to return to his encampment for want of
supplies.—Anecdote.—Discontents of his army.—JMilitia
and volanteers mutiny.—Address to the officers.--Is compell-
ed to abandon Fort Strother.—Hillabee clans sue for peace.
Letter from the Rev. JMr. Blackburn.—Answer.—The volun:
teers 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 Jack-
'son's answer.—They abandon the service and go home.
TMEASUREs were now taken to establish a permanent de-
pot on the north bank of the river, at the Ten Islands, to
be protected by strong picketting and block houses; af.
ter 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 occupy, 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 Tennessee: 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 Cherokee 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 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 prac-
ticable, as soon as a junction could be effected, he again,
on the morning of the 7th, renewed his application to
general White, who still remained at Turkey town.
46 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
As yet no certain intelligence was received of any col-
lection of the enemy. The army was busily engaged 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 arri-
ved from Talladega, a fort of the friendly Indians, distant
about thirty miles below, with information, that the ene-
my had that morning encamped before it in great num-
bers, and would certainly destroy it, unless immediate
assitance could be afforded. Jackson, confiding in the
statement, determined 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 wounded, and all his bag-
gage, with a force which was deermed sufficient for their
protection, until the reinforcement 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 movement,
would have been unpardonable; and unless relief 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 readiness; 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 behind him. The river, at
this place, was six hundred yards wide, and it being ne-
cessary to send back the horses for the remainder of the
infantry, several hours were consumed before a passage
of all the troops could be affected. Nevertheless, though
greatly fatigued 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
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 47
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 in-
to 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 forward 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 reconnoitre the position
of the enemy. About eleven o’clock at night they re-
turned with information that the savages 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 ap-
proach near enough to ascertain either their numbers or
precise situation. Within an hour after this, a runner ar-
rived 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 gen-
eral Cocke to change his course and proceed to the mouth
of Chatauga creek. It was most distressing intelligence:
the sick and wounded had been left with no other calcu-
lation for their safety and defence than that this detach-
ment of the army, agreeably to his request, would by ad-
vancing upon Fort Strother, serve the double purpose of
protecting his rear and enable him to advance still fur-
ther 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. In-
telligence so disagreeable, and withal so unexpected, fill-
ed 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 encamp-
ment in his absence, he determined to lose no time in
bringing 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 wing.
The advance, consisting of a company of artillerists, with
muskets, two companies of riflemen, and one of spies,
Life of GE.
Heral, JACKSON.
marched about four hundred yards in front, under the
command of colonel Carroll, inspector-general, with or-
ders, 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
soccupied, the columns were displayed in order of battle.
..Two hundred 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 in-
fantry, 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
Poberts' the left. -
... About eight o'clock, the advance having arrived with-
in eighty yards of the enemy, who were concealed in a
thick shrubbery, that covered the margin of a small rivu-
let, received a heavy fire, which they instantly returned
with much spirit. Falling in with the enemy, agreeably
to their instructions, they retired towards the centre, but
not before they had dislodged them from their position.
The Indians, now screaming and yelling hideously, rush-
ed forward in the direction 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
which was thus created, directed the regiment, command-
ed by colonel Bradley, to be moved up, which, from
Some 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 execute it in
time, alleging, he was determined to remain on the emi-
nence which he then possessed, until he should be ap-
proached and attacked by the enemy. Owing to this
failure in the volunteer regiment, it became 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


LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 49
at seeing their places so promptly supplied, rallied, and,
recovering their former 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 infan-
try 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 commenced;
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 com-
mendation on the officers and soldiers. “Too much
praise,” he observes, in the close of it, “cannot be bestow-
ed on the advance, led by colonel Carroll, for the spirited
manner in which they commenced and sustained the at-
tack; nor upon the reserve, commanded 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 coun-
try.”
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 af.
terwards died. Jackson, after collecting his dead and
wounded, advanced his army beyond the fortand encamp-
ed for the night. The Indians, who had been for sever-
al days shut up by the besiegers, thus fortunately liber-
ated from the most dreadful apprehension, and severest
30. LIFE of GENERAL Jackson.
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
affecting spectacle. Their fears had been already great-
ly 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, who,
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 consternation of their
first defeat, and to reassemble 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 unknown; 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 inexpli-
cable, 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 under-
stood Jackson had crossed the Coosa, and had an en-
gagement 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 Talapoosa?—Both were deci-
ded unanimously, that he should not be followed, but
that we should proceed in the way proposed.” He re-
marked, that the decision had met his entire approba-
tion; and directed White forthwith to unite with him at
his encampment, where he should wait, fortifying it
'#,IFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. '51
strongly for a depot, until he should arrive. “If.” said
he, “we follow general Jackson and his army, we must
suffer for supplies; 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 important 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 lau-
‘rels, was not so important to the country as by acting in
concert and harmony, endeavour to accomplish the grand
object of terminating the war, and restoring tranquillity
to the frontiers. National, and not individual advance-
‘ment, was the object in carrying an army into the field:
and the best and most effectual mean of securing this,
every officer, acting on Hiberal 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 pro-
vided litters for the wounded, he reluctantly commenced
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 return to Fort
Strother, sufficient supplies would have arrived there;
but, to his inexpressiºle 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 subsist-
‘ed, 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 re-
quire it. A few dozen biscuit which remained on his
82 LIFE of GENERAL Jackson.
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 indifferent beef taken from the enemy, or pur-
chased of the Cherokees, was now the only support af.
forded. 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 entire-
ly 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 ostenta-
tion or design: the one flowed from benevolence, 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 human being invested with
rank and power, was ever more deservedly free. Char-
ity in him is a warm and active propensity of the heart,
urging him by an instantaneous impulse, to relieve the
wants of the distressed, without regarding, or even think-
ing of the consequences. Many of those to whom it
was extended, had no conception of the source that sup-
plied them, and believed the comforts they received
were, indeed, drawn from stores provided for the hospi-
tal department.
On this campaign, a soldier one morning, with a woe:
begone countenance, approached the general, stating
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 busi-
ly engaged in eating something. The poor fellow was
impressed with the belief, from what he saw, that want
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 53
only attached to the soldiers, and that the officers, par. :
ticularly 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 cheer-
fully, 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 circulated amongst his comrades, that
their general was actually subsisting upon acorns, and
that they ought, hence, no more to complain. From this
circumstance was derived, the story heretofore publish-
ed 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 genéral Jackson remained wholly unmoved
by his own privations, he was filled with solicitude and
concern for his army. His utmost exertions, unceasing-
ly applied, were insufficient to remove the sufferings to
which he saw them exposed; and although they were
by no means so great as was represented, yet were they
undoubtedly such as to be sensibly and severely felt.—
Discontents, and a desire to return home, arose, and pre-
sently spread through the camp; and these were still fur-
ther embittered and augmented, by the arts of a few de-
signing officers, who, believing that the campaign would
f
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 ſact, 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, en-
joying in abundance what would have relieved the dis-
tresses 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
:6 - -
54 LIFE of GENERAL JAckson.
*:
quantities of supplies were occasionally forwarded by
the contractors, but not a sufficiency for present want,
and still less to remove the apprehensions that were en-
tertained for the future. At length, revolt began to
show itself openly. The officers and soldiers of the mi-
litia, 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 the officers
of the old volunteer corps exerted themselves clandes-
tinely, and with great industry, to instigate them; look-
ing upon themselves somewhat in the light of veterans,
from the discipline they had acquired in the expedition
to the lower country, they were unwilling 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 bf their determination to abandon
him, resolved to oppose it, and at all hazard, to prevent a
departure. In the morning, when they were to carry
their intentions into execution, he drew up the volun-
teers in front of them, with positive commands to pre-
vent 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 pur-
pose, at once abandoned it, and returned to their quar- .
ters 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
duty, seeing the destruction of those hopes on which
they had lately built, in turn began, themselves, to muti-
ny. Their opposition to the departure of the militia
was but a mere pretence to escape suspicion, for they
silently wished them success. They now determined to
move offin a body, believing, from the known disaffec-
tion in the camp, that the general could find no means
to prevent it. What was their surprise, however, when,
on attempting to affectuate their resolves, they found
the same men whom they had so lately opposed, occu- .
IIFE OF GENERAL JACKSoN. $55
fying 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! Ali
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 curious change of circum-
stances, when we consider in how short a time it hap-
pened; 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 entertained, that the priva-
tions 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 aix-
ious to return to their families and kindred—wearied of
their difficulties and sufferings, and desirous to recount
the brilliant exploits of their first battle, they seized
with eagerness every pretext for exoneration, and listen-
ed with too much docility to the representations of
those, who were influenced by less honorable feelings.-
Having many domestic considerations to attend to—the
first ebullition of resentment being cooled, and the first
impulse of curiosity gratified, there were no motives to
retain them in field, but a remaining sense of honour, and
a fear of disgrace and punishment, should they abandon
their post without a cause. But although these motives
were sufficient for the present, those who were governed
iby 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 volunteers; who, hay.
ing adopted a course which they discovered must final-
Ty involve them in dishonour, if it should fail, were ex-
ceedingly anxious for its success, and that it might have
the appearance of being founded on justice. On this
‘subject, the pretensions of the cavalry were certainly
56 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
much better established; as they were entirely without
forage, and without the prospect of speedily obtaining
any. They petitioned therefore to be permitted to re-
turn into the settled parts of the country, pledging them-
selves, 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
return 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 immedi-
ately set out on their return. - -
About this time general Jackson's prospect of being
able to maintain the conquest he had made, began to
be cheered by letters just received from the contractors
and principal wagon-masters, stating, that sufficient sup-
plies for the army were then on the road, and would
shortly arrive: but discontents to an alarming degree
still prevailed in his camp. To allay them, if possible,
he hastened to lay before the division the information
and letters he had received, and, at the same time, in-
vited the field and platoon officers to his quarters, to
consult on the measures proper to be pursued. Hav-
ing 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 expected with confidence on the
following day. He spoke of the immense importance
of the conquests they had already made, and of the
dreadful consequences that must result, should they be
now abandoned. “What,” continued he, “is the pres-
ent situation of our camp? a number of our fellow sol-
diers 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 circumstances, and under these prospects, consent
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 57
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 com-
panions, who will be murdered by our unthinking, un-
feeling 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 despond?
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 anima-
ting are our prospects! Large supplies are at Deposit,
and already are officers despatched to hasten them on.
Wagons are on the way: a large number of beeves are
in the neighbourhood; and detachments are out to bring
them in.—All these resources surely can not 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; un-
til 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 great-
er than many—perhaps most armies have been compel-
led 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 emergency,
the officers of the volunteer brigade came to the con-
clusion, that “nothing short of marching the army im-
mediately back to the settlements could prevent those
difficulties and that disgrace which must attend a forci-
ble desertion of the camp by his soldiers.” The offi:
cers of the militia determined differently, and 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 pro-
ceed with the campaign—if not, let us be marched
58 LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON.
‘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 ap-
peared unwilling to submit to further hardships; and
with this view ordered general Hall to march his brig-
ade to Fort Deposit, and after satisfying their wants, to
return and act as an escort to the provisions. The sec-
ord regiment, however, unwilling to be outdone by the
militia, consented to remain; and the first proceeded
alone. On this occasion he could not forbear to re-
‘mark, ‘that men for whom he had ever cherished so
warm an affection, and for whom he would at all times
have made any sacrifice, desiring to abandon him at a
moment when their presence was so particularly neces-
sary, filled him with emotions which the strongest lan-
guage was too feeble to express. “I was prepared,”
"he continued, “to endure every evil but disgrace; and
this, as I never can submit to myself, I can give no en-
‘couragement to in others.”
Two days had elapsed since the departure of the vo-
Tūnteers, 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 giving
them an assurance that they should return, if relief did
Tot reach them in two days, had indulged a confidence
that it would certainly arrive by that time; 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 mo-
ment of the deepest dejection. He foresaw how diffi-
cult 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 con-
quests he had made, if his present posts should fall into
the hands of the enemy. While thus pondering on the
gloomy prospect, he lifted up his hands and exclaimed,
IIFE OF GENERAL JACKS6)N, 59,
with a look and manner which showed how much he
felt—“If only two men will remain with me, I will ne-
ver abandon this post.” Captain Gordo”, of the spies,
facetiously replied, “you have one, general, let us look,
if we can’t find another,” and immediately, with a zeal,
suited to the occasion, undertook, with some of the ge-
neral staff, to raise volunteers; and in a little while suc-
ceeded in procuring one hundred and nine, who decla-
red a determination to remain and protect the post.
The general greatly rejoiced that he would not be com-
pelled to an entire abandonment of his position, now set,
out towards Deposit, with the remainder of the army,
who were given distinctly to understard, that on meet-
ing supplies they were to return and prosecute the cam-
paign. This was an event, which, as it had been expec-
ted and foretold, soon took place: they had not proceed-
ed more than ten or twelve miles, when they met a hun-
dred and fifty beeves; but a sight which gave to Jackson:
So much satisfaction, was to them the most disagreeable
and unwelcome. Their faces being now turned towards
home, no spectacle could be more hateful 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 himself intending to see the con-
tractors, 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 munity. 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, be-,
fore 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 operations depended on the result, the general
pursued, until he came near a part of his staff, and a
few soldiers, who, with General Coffee, had halted about
60 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
a quarter of a mile ahead. He ordered them to form
immediately across the road, and to fire on the muti-
neers 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 precipitately to the main body. ' Here, it was
hoped, the matter would end, and that no further oppo-
sition would be made to returning. This expectation
was not realized; a mutinous temper began presently
to display itself throughout the whole brigade. Jack-
son having left his aid-de-camp, major Reid, engaged in
making 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 bri-
gade 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. He 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
threatened to shoot the first man who should attempt to
advance. 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 disliking to
abandon it. In the mean time, those who remained
faithful to their duty, amounting to about two compa-
nies, were collected and formed at a short distance in
advance of the troops, and in the rear of the general,
with positive directions to imitate his example 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 re-
turn to their posts. It is very certain, that, but for the
T.IFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 61
firmness of the general, at this critical moment, the cam-
paign would have been broken up, and most probably
not commenced again. *
Shortly after the battle of Talladega, the Hillabee
tribes, who had been the principal sufferers on that oc-
casion, applied to general Jackson for peace; declaring
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, td, be-
come friendly, I neither wish nor intend to makéwar;
but they must afford evidences of the sincerity of their .
professions; the prisoners and property they have taken &
from us, and the friendly Creeks, must be restored; the
instigators of the war, and the murderers of our citi-
zens, must be surrendcred; the latter must and will be
made to feel the force of our resentment. Long shall
they remember Fort Mimms in bitterness and tears.”
Having stated to general Cocke, whose division was
* 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 unfortunate; and in it may perhaps be found the reason why
these savages, in their after battles, fought with the desperation
they did, obstimately refusing to ask for quarter. They believed
themselves attacked by Jackson's army; they knew they had ask-
ed peace upon his own terms. When, therefore, under these cir-
cumstances, they saw themselves thus assailed, they no longer con-
sidered that any pacific disposition they might manifest would af-
ford them protection from danger; and looked upon it as a war of
extermination. In their battles, afterwards, their is no instance
of their asking for quarter, or even manifesting a disposition to
receive it. -- -
6
62 LIFE of GENERAL Jackson.
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 Stroth-
er six hundred of his men, to aid in the defence of that
place, during his absence, and in the operations he in-
tended 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 obtainin
regular supplies in future. They were required to fur-
nish, immediately, thirty days’ rations at Fort Strother,
forty at Talladega, and as many at the junction of the
Coosa and Tallapoosa; two hundred pack horses and
forty wagons were put in requisition to facilitate their
transportation. Understanding, now, that the whole de-
tachment from Tennessee, had, by the president, been
received into the service of the United States, he persua-
ded himself that the difficulties he had heretofore en-
… countered, would not recur, and that the want of sup-
plies would not again be a cause of impending his oper-
ations. He now looked forward with sanguine expec-
tations, to the speedy accomplishment of the objects of
the expedition. - •
The volunteers, who were at Deposit, began to mani-
fest 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 restrained by
an animated address of the general, who, having assem-
bled 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 prosecuted. By this mean,
he succeeded once more in restoring 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 sat-
isfaction he felt, and the hopes he began to cherish, were
of short continuance. Although he had succeeded in
stilling the tumult of the volunteers, and in prevailing on
them to return to their posts, it was soon discovered he

LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 63
had not eradicated their deep-rooted aversion to a fur-
ther prosecution of the war. Nothing is more difficult
than to re-animate men who have once lost their *.
or inspire with new ardour those in whom it has lately
become extinct. Even where the evils, which produced
the change, are removed, apologies will be sought, and
pretexts seized, for justifying and preserving the present
tone of mind. The volunteers who had so lately clam-
oured about bread, now, when they were no longer hun-
gry, 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 pe:
riod, 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;
and although they had been a greater part of the time
disengaged, and unemployed, that recess was neverthe-
less to be taken into the computation. Jackson replied,
that the law of congress, under which they had been
tendered and accepted, requiring one year's service 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 au-
thorized, 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 6ther means for a continuance of the
campaign, that, even in the worst extreme, he might not
be unprepared to act. Ordering general Roberts to re-
turn, and fill up the deficiencies in his brigade, he now
despatched colonel Carroll and major Searcy, one of his
aids-de-camp, into Tennessee, to raise volunteers, for
six months, or during the campaign; writing, at the same
time, to many respectable characters, he exhorted thern
to contribute all their assistance to the accomplishment
of this object. To a letter, just received from the rev-
erend Gideon Blackburn, assuring him that volunteers
64 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
from Tennessee would eagerly hasten to his relief, if
they knew their services were wanted, he replied, “Rev-
erend 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 my opinion of their bravery is not changed. But
their fortitude—on this too I relied—has been too se-
wereby 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 discontented:—that
is enough. The expedition must nevertheless be prose-
cuted to a successful termination. New volunteers
must be raised, to conclude what has been so auspicious-
ly begun by the old ones. Gladly would I save these
men from themselves, and insure thein 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 assis-
tance, 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
applied than in summoning volunteers to the defence
of their country, their liberty, and their religion.—
While we fight the savage, who makes war only be-
cause he delights in blood, and who has gotten his boo-
ty, when he has scalped his victim, we are, through
him, contending against an enemy"of more inveterate
character, and deeper design—who would demolish a
fabric cemented by the blood of our fathers, and en-
deared 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 immes
diately.”
Anxious to prosecute the campaign as soon as possible,
that by employing his troops actively, he might dispel
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 65
from their minds those discontents so frequently manifes-
ted, 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 mount-
ed men who had returned to the settlements for subsis-
tence, and to recruit their horses, would arrive by the
12th of the month. He wished to commence his ope-
rations directly, knowing they would be prepared for
it, and well knowing they would require it.” “I am as-
tonished,” he continued, “to hear that your supplies con-
tinue deficient. In the name of God, what are the con-
tractors doing, and about what are they engaged? Eve-
ry 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 furnish-
ed., Considering 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 expect,
therefore, and through you must require, that in twenty
days they furnish at Deposit every necessary supply.”
* Independent of an advantageous contract made with the go-
vernment, the state of Tennessee had extended to this contractor
a liberal loan, that immediate supplies might be forwarded. Un-
fortunately, however, and it is a misfortune that will always con-
tinue so long as the present mode of supplying our armies is per-
sisted in, the contract was disregarded; nor did complaints on the
subject cease, even to the close of the war. Great as was the evil,
no adequate remedy was at hand: nor was it confined to any par-
ticular 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 advantages, is made to halt, and to retro-
grade, 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 govern-
6%
66 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
Whilst these measures were taken, 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 commanded the se-
cond 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 painful 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 regiment he command-
ed. He seemed to deplore, with great sensibility, the
scene that would be exhibited on that day, should oppo-
sition 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 con-
sidered themselves finally discharged on the 20th of
April, and never knew to the contrary, until they saw his
sorder of the 24th of September, requiring them to ren-
dezvous at Fayettville, on the 4th of October; for the
first time, they then learned that they owed further ser-
ment has lost the most decided advantages—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
successfully are unimportant considerations: with them profit and
the accumulation 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 consi-
derations 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 law; for, until then, they will be wholly inefficatious-
They might be ruled through their fears—certainly not through
any feelings of patriotismſ; the attempt has been too often unsuc-
cessfully assayed. -
Í,IFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 67
vices, their discharge to the contrary notwithstanding,
“Thus situated, there was considerable opposition to
the order; on which the officers generally, as I am ad-
vised, and I know myself in particular, gave it as an
ºunequivocal 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 honorable discharge on that day; and
that, in every respect, he will see that justice be done
them. They regret that their peculiar situations and
circumstances require them to leave their general at a
time when their services are important to the common
Call$6, -
“It would be desirable,” he continued, “that those men
who have served with honour, should be honourably dis-
charged, 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, and obeyed,
him; but having devoted a considerable portion of their
time to the service of their country, by which their do-
mestic concerns are greatly deranged, they wish to re-
turn 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 here-
tofore been compelled to encounter, from the discontents
of his troops, might well induce him to regret that a spir-
it of insubordination should again threaten to appear in
his camp. That he might, if possible, preventit, he has-
tened 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 ex-
hibited 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
68 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
misconduct of mine, I trust I shall have the firmness not
to shrink from a discharge of my duty.
“It will be well, however, for those who intend to be-
come actors in those scenes, and who are about to haz-
ard so much on the correctness of their opinions, to ex-
amine beforehand, with great caution and deliberation,
the grounds on which their pretensions rest. Are they
founded on any false assurances of mine, or upon any de-
ception that has been practised towards them? Was not
the act of congress, under which they are engaged, direc-
ted, by my general order, to be read and expounded to
them before they enrolled themselves? That order will
testify, and so will the recollection of every general offi-
cer of my division. It is not pretended, that those who
now claim to be discharged, 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
perform? 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 can not be seriously pretended.
Have they then been discharged? It is said they have,
and by me. To account for so extraordinary 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 Mis-
sissippi. 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 received a letter from the
secretary of war directing our dismission. 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 provi-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 69
sion was made for the payment of our troops, or their
subsistence on their return march; whilst many of our
sick, unable to help themselves, 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, ex-
pressing the acts under which he had been enrolled, and
the length of the tour he had performed. This it is
which is now attempted to be construed “a final dis-
charge;” but surely it cannot be forgotten by . officer
or soldier, how sacredly they pledged themselves, be-
fore they were dismissed, or received that certificate,
cheerfully to obey the voice of their country, if it should
re-summon them into service; neither can it be for-
gotten, 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 coun-
try, certain 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. 4. *
“It is true then, that my solicitude for the interest of
the volunteers, is to be made by them a pretext for dis-
gracing a name which they have rendered illustrious?—
Is a certificate, designed solely for their benefit, to be-
come the rallying word for mutiny?—strange perversion
offeeling and of reasoning! Have I really any power
to discharge men whose term of service has not expired?
If I were weak or wicked enough to attempt the exer-
cise of such a power, does any one believe, the
soldier would be thereby exonerated from the obligation
he has voluntarily taken upon himself to his government?
I should become a traitor to the important concern which
has been entrusted to my management, while the soldier,
who had been deceived by a false hope of liberation,
wóuld be still liable to redeem his pledge;—I should dis-
grace myself, without benefitting you. -
“I can only deplore the situation of those officers who
have undertaken to persuade their men that their term
70 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
of service will expire on the 10th. In giving their opi-
nions to this effect, they have acted indiscreetly, and with-
out sufficient authority. It would be the most pleasing
act of my life, to restore them with hononr to their fami-
lies. Nothing would pain me more than that any other
Sentiments should be felt towards them, than those of
#. and esteem. On all occasions, it has been my
ighest happiness to promote their interest, and even to
gratify their wishes, where, with propriety, it could be
done. When in the lower country, believing 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 secretary of war;
—that neither he nor the president, as he believed, had
the power to discharge them. How, then, can it be re-
quired 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
moment I will pronounce it, with the greatest satisfac-
tion. I have only the power of pronouncing a dis-
charges—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-




IIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 71
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.
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

72 LIFE of GENERAL. JACKsen.
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 .
duty. “Reinforcements”—he continued, “are prepar-
ing to hasten to my assistance: it can not 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
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
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 73
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 wholly 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
fort, 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
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
- 7 -
74 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
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 “Volunteers of Tennessee.” ... " -
“In the progress of a war, which the implacable and
eternal enemy of our independence induced to be wa-
ged, we found that, without cause on our part, a por-
tion of the Creek nation was added to the number of
our foes. To put it down, the first glance of the ad-
ministration fell on you; and you were again summon-
ed 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 Tallushatchee and Talladega. The thunder of your
arms was a signal to them that the slaughter of your
countrymen was about to be avenged. You fought, you
conquered! barely enough of the foe escaped to recount
to their savage associates your deeds of valour. You
returned to this place loaded with laurels and the ap-
plauses 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 indebted 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-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 75
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 disgra-
cing 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
can not be controlled. This permission will now be
given. Your country will dispense with your services,
if you have no longer a regard for that ſame which
you have so nobly earned for yourselves and her.—
Yes, soldiers, you who were once so brave, and to
whom honour was so dear, shall be permitted to re-
turn to your homes, if you still desire it. But in what
language, when you arrive, will you address your fami-
lies and friends? Will you tell them that you abandoned
your general and your late associates in arms within fifty
miles of a savage enemy; who equally delights in shed-
ding the blood of the innocent female and her sleeping
babe, as that of the warrior contending in battle. La-
mentable, disgraceful tale! If your dispositions are
really changed; if you fear an enemy you so lately con-
quered; 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 inglorious retire-
ment, 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 disaffection 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 attributed to them. They shall be immedi-
ately 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.”

*76 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
Warm and feeling as was the appeal, it failed of the
desired effect. Captain Williamson alone agreed to
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 presi-
dent of the United States; and that the term of service
of the greater portion of them would expire in a few
days; and of the whole in a few weeks. In consequence
of this, he was ordered into his district, to comply with
that requisition, and to carry back with him and to dis-
charge 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 winter’s cam-
paign should render necessary, to return into the field,
and aid in completing what had been so successfully
begun. Colonel Lilliard's regiment, 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 rein-
forcements should arrive from Tennessee.
Meantime the cavalry and mounted riflemen, who,
under an express stipulation to return and complete the
campaign, had been permitted to retire into the settle-
ments, to recruit their horses and procure winter cloth-
ing, had at the time appointed, re-assembled in the neigh-
bourhood of Huntsville. But, catching the infection of
discontent from the infantry, on their return march, they
began now to clamour with equal earnestness for a dis-
€harge. The cavalry insisted that they were as well
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 77
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 danger-
ous impression they had so readily imbibed, and to re-
claim 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 proceeded as
far as Ditto’s ferry, when the greater part of them refu-
sing to cross the river, returned in a tumultuous manner,
committing on the route innumerable irregularities,
which there was no force sufficient to restrain. 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 extravagances; profusely wasting the public
grain, which, with much difficulty and labour, had been
collected for the purpose of the campaign; and indul-
ging in every species of excess. Whilst thus rioting,
they continued to clamour vociferously for their dis-
charge. General Coffee finding his utmost efforts inef."
fectual, 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 leiter he says, “I am of opin-
ion, the 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 gener-
al. Already sufficiently harrassed by the discontents and
opposition of his troops, now that they had retired, he
looked anxiously forward, in hopesthat the tranquillty of
his camp would be no more assailed, On the brigade
|-e -
78 LIFE of GENERAL Jackson.
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 réplied 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 them-
selves and the government, relative to the service re-
quired of them;..and, believing it to be its policy to act
fairly, are of opinion that a full explanation of their 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 ser-
vice, nor to keep them in it longer than they had enga-
ged to remain. How long that was, can be easily de-
termined by the law under which they were accepted.
This was open to all, and must be presumed to have
been understood by all. But for a complete 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 granted, they would return, at the
shortest possible, notice, prepared and willing to go
through the winter service, or to the end of the cam-
paign. 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 additional 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, agreea-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 79
bly to the pledges that have been given, they send, (in-
stead of coming,) this address. Under these circum-
stances, what “explanation of their case” do they want?
What explanation do they expect their general to give
them? Barely to remind them of their written pledges,
without 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 para-
lyze the spirit of every citizen of Tennessee.” That
they are returning home, not only “like deserters,” but
in the real genuine character of such, is indeed a lamen-
table truth. That they are also endeavouring to sour
the minds of the people against the government and the
officers, and that this attempt will most probably be suc-
cessful, and prevent many from entering the serviedºs,
I am fearful, too true. But, in the name of Godº
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 pat-
riotic motives, as they say—having engaged with their
government, and pledged themselves to their general, to
prosecute the campaign and avenge the injured rights of
their country, forgot both the engagement and the
pledge, and all their boasted i...". moment
when their services are the most confidently expected,
and the most eminently needed. ---
“I can not conceive how the idea has arisen, that they
are attempted to be detained without their consent.—
To say nothing of the length of service really 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

80 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
not those company and platoon officers, too, given a simi-
lar 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 there-
to. 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 gallantly
led us to battle.” - -
“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 ser-
ºges, under a public law, are presumed to understand
ſº y all its provisions; or, at any rate, that those who
#ºn an instrument drawn up by themselves, can not
reasonably be supposed ignorant of its contents, or un-
willing to abide by its terms. But they must be luke-
warm patriots indeed, who, in the moment of danger
and necessity, can halt in the discharge of their duty
to argue and quibble on the construction of laws and
statutes. - -
.* wish “to be praised instead of censured,”
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 present
conduct they cannot expect it, nor believe themselves en-
titled 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, clamour-

f.IFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 3}
ed so vociferously about her injured rights, and having
taken up arms to defend them, abandon them at a mo-
ment when 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 certainty been produced, by their own written
undertakings, subsequently made? But on the question,
whether 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 him-
self 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
expired under the law;-has their sacred pledge, in
writing, 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 volunteers,
proud of the name, and conceiving themselves superior
to the militia, had just fought their first battle; and if
suffering had not destroyed their early excitement, the
same fervour with which they sat out might have still
continued; but the negligence, or interested views of
contractors, had introduced such discontents, as that to
repress them, boldness and energy were required. But
to effect this, as events proved was impracticable, inas-
much as the termination of one difficulty seemed but the
commencement of another. It is not wonderous then,
that the patience of the general should have been ex-
hausted; or in the address presented he should have in-
dulged those feelings which the occasion and the circum-
stances were so well calculated to inspire. * -
To have addressed them in a strain less pointed and
independent, or to have endeavoured to sooth their dis-
contents by entreaty, might at some other time, and un-
der different circumstances, have been better resorted to
82 LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON.
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 detain 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 unsuccessful, 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 in-N
quiries, 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, because
founded in right; but because, under existing circum-
stances, their presence could not prove beneficial, but
highly injurious. To induce them contentedly to re-
main, 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 wor-
thy the trial. It was important, however, to bring it
before them in some delicate way to awaken inquiry,
and guard against offence. The letter was therefore
enclosed for their inspection, accompanied with these
remarks:—“I have just received a letter from govern-
or 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 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.”
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 83
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 support
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 believed, by secretar-
tifices, to have fomented their discontents.
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 impatience
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 proceeded four miles
beyond Huntsville. On receiving it, Coffee had the
brigade drawn up in solid column, and the letters to-
gether with the pledge they had given, read to them; af.
ter which the reverend Mr. Blackburn endeavoured in
an eloquent speech, in which he pointed out the ruinous
consequences that were to be apprehended, if they per-
sisted in their present purpose, to recall them to a sense
of duty, and of honour; but they had formed their re-
solution too steadfastly, and had gone too extravagant
lengths, to be influenced by the letter, the pledge, or the
speech. As to the pledge, a few said they had not au-
thorized it to be made; others, that as the general had
not returned an immediate acceptance, they did not
consider themselves bound by it; but the greater part
candidly acknowledged, that they stood committed, and
were without any justification for their present conduct.
Nevertheless, 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, commit-
ting innumerable extravagances, a regardless alike of
law and decency, continued their route to their respec-
tive Tiomes. . *
CHAPTER IV.
Discontents of the militia-Governor Blount recommends an
abandonment of the service.—Jackson's reply to his let-
ter.—The governor takes measures for bringing out a suf-
jicient force.—Conduct of general Roberts.-His brigade
retires from the service.—Lieutenant Kearley.—General
Jackson endeavours to detain the East Tennessee troops.-
His address to them.—Arrival of additional forces.—Ar-
rest of officers—Eapedition against the Indians.—His mo-
tives.—Battle of Emuckfaw.—General Coffee proceeds to
destroy the enemy's fortifications.—Second battle of Emuck-
faw.—Troops commence their return march-Ambuscade
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 can not 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
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.
A-
LIFE of GENERAL JACKsen. 85
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 Lii-
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 next month. º . . .
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
those who were in service, Jackson kept the gover-
nor 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
8
86. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON:
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 recom-
mend;—he continues: - -
“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 ex-
cuse for their own supineness; and upon the misrepre-
sentations of the discontented from the army, who wish
it to be believed, that the difficulties which overcame :
their patriotism are wholly insurmountable, would af.
ford me but a feeble shield against the reproaches of
my country or my conscience. Believe me, my respec-
ted friend, the remarks I make proceed from the purest
personal regard. If you would preserve your reputa-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON -87
tion, or that of the state over which you preside, you
must take a straight-forward, determined course; re-
gardless 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 cla-
mour 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 dis-
aster, to call down imprecations on your head, and load
you with reproaches. Your country is in danger:-ap-
ply its resources to it 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, and a defini-
tion of your powers? Do you wait for special 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 cir-
cumstances; or rather, under circumstances by no
means so critical? Did he wait for orders to do what
every man of sense knew—what every patriot felt—to
be right? He did not; and yet how highly and justly
did the government extol his manly and energetic con-
duct! and how dear has his name become 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 du-
ty, when the men, called for by your authority, founded
upon that of the government, are known not to be in the
field, to see that they be brought there; and to take im-
mediate 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 constantly 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
88 LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON.
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 de-
fenceless frontiers from butchery and devastation? Be-
lieve me, my valued friend, there are times when it is
highly criminal to shrink from repsonsibility, 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 present
situation? The enemy we have been sent to subdue,
may be said, if we stop at this, to be only exasperated.—
The commander-in-chief, general Pinckney, who sup-
poses me by this time, prepared for renewed operations,
has ordered me to advance and form a junction with the
Georgia army; and, upon the expectation 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 gen-
eral government, too, believe, and nave a right to be-
lieve, that we have 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 become the instrument by which it is
done? God forbid!
“You advise me to discharge or dismiss from service,
until the will of the president can be known, such por-
tion of the militia as have rendered three months’ ser-
vice. 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 exercise it.—
I believed, the militia who were not specially received
for a shorter period, were engaged for six months, un-
less the objects of the expedition should be sooner attain-
ed; and in this opinion I was greatly strengthened
by your letter of the 15th, in which you say, when an-
swering my inquiry upon this subject, “the militia are
detached for six months’ service;” nor did I know, or
suppose, you had a different opinion, until the arrival of
§. last letter. This opinion must, I suppose, agreea:
bly to your request, be made known to general Roberts'
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 89
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 preventing it, but by the application of force, which,
under 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 honourably
discharged, and had hoped I had, in a great measure,
succeeded; but your opinion, operating with their own
prejudices, will give a sanction to their conduct, 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 number of car ene-
mies, those friendly Creeks and Cherokees, who, rely-
ing on our protection, have espoused our cause, and aid-
ed 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! retrograde under such circumstan-
ces! I will perish first. No, I will do my duty: I will
hold the posts I have established, until ordered to aban-
don 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 recommended
to be dismissed: for I am first told to retire into the set-
tlements and protect the frontiers; next to discharge my
troops; and then, that no measures can be taken for rais-
ing others. No, my friend, if troops be given me, it is
not by loitering on the frontiers that I will seek to give
$0 LIfe OF GENERAL JACKSČR,
protection;–they are to be defended, if defended at aſi,
in a very different manner;-by carrying the war into
the heart of the enemy'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 energy 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 governor.
On receiving it, he immediately determined on a course
of greater efficiency, and ordered from the second divi-.
sion twenty-five hundred of the militia, for a tour of
three months, to rendezvous at Fayetteville on the 28th
of January. The command was given to brigadier-gen-
eral Johnston, with orders to proceed without delay, by
detachments, or otherwise, to Fort Strother. He in-
structed 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 oppo-
sition to his first views of their impropriety—without
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 let-
ter from the secretary of war, stating that he was “au-
thorized to supply, by militia drafts or volunteers, any
deficiency that mightarise, and without referring on that
head to the department of war.” -
General Roberts, who had been ordered back to sup-
ply 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 com-
manding general, whether the troops he had brought on
would be received for the term they had stipulated, in-
asmuch as they were unwilling to advance further until
this point was settled. Jackson answered, that although
LiFE of GENerat, JACKSON. 91.
he greatly prefered 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 glad-
ly receive them for the period they had been mustered;
at the expiration of which time he would discharge them.
Notwithstanding this assurance, with which he was in-
structed to make them fully acquainted, for some un-
known cause, they suddenly formed the determination
to abandon their engagements and return home, without
gaining even a sight of the camp. To the misconduct ot
their general, was it justly to be attributed. By halting
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 obligations 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 assented to all that was
or could be asked in their behalf, and that assent had
been reduced to writing, Roberts, either from not un-
derstanding 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 conclu-
ded they would go no further; and, turning about, com-
menced their return home, . The affair, however, was
soon presented very differently to his mind. The care-
less 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 distanee of twen-
ty miles, he endeavoured, in a very gentle manner, to
sooth their discontents, and prevail on them to return;

92 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
but having been discharged, and absolved fully from the
engagements they had at first entered into, they laugh-
ed at the folly of his errand. Unable to effect his ob-
ject, 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 practices of 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 unavailing.—
Jackson, who could not view this incident with the
same carelessness and indifference that. Roberts did, im-
mediately issued an order, directing him to proceed,
forthwith, in pursuit of the deserters, and have them ap-
prehended 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 Mad-
ison, 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 col-
lect a sufficient force to march them safely to head-quar-
ters, 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 officers, who had been charged as en-
couraging the revolt, learning the nature of the proceed-
ings which were about to be enforced against them, re-
turned of their own accord to camp; and concurred in
ascribing their late misconduct entirely to their general.
He was afterwards 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 re-
turn home. Jackson believed them not entitled to it,
and hence, that he had no right to give it; but since
LIFE of GENERAL J Ackson. 93
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 author-
ity to detain them. Nevertheless, believing it to be his
duty to keep them, he issued a general order, command-
ing all persons in the service of the United States, under
his command, not to leave the encampment 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 Kear-
ley,) nor any of the sentinels at their posts. Upon this
information, general Jackson ordered the arrest of
Kearley, who refused to surrender his sword, alleging it
should protect him to Tennessee; that he was a free-
man, and not subject to the orders of general Jacksons
-or any body else. This being made known to the gen-
eral, he issued, immediately, this order to the adjutant-
general: “You will forthwith cause the guards to par-
ade, with captain Gordon's company of spies, and arrest
lieutenant Kearley; and, in case you shall be resisted in
the execution of this order, you are commanded to op-
pose 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 de-
River it, and had already cocked their guns. At this
94 ... LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
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 Kearly his sword,
which he still obstinately refused to deliver. Incensed
at his conduct, and viewing the example as too danger-
ous 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 interposing between
them, urged him to surrender his sword. At this mo-
ment, 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, who now delivered it, and was placed under
guard. During this crisis, both parties remained with
their arms ready, and prepared for firing; and a scene of
bloodshed was narrowly escaped. -
Kearly 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 brigade-major;
that his not delivering his sword, when it was first de-
manded, 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 as-
sured him it would be a sacrifice of character, and that
they would share in his disobedience and protect him in
the hour of danger; why he still resisted, in the presence
of the general, was, that being at the head of his compa-
ny, and having undertaken to carry them home, he was
restrained, 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 expressing
a belief that his late misconduct was wholly to be attri-
buted to the interference of others. Influenced by these
reasons, but particularly by an apprehension of the se-
ductions which he believed had been practised upon
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON, 95
him, by older and more experienced officers in his regi-
ment, 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 he had received,
or more devoted to his benefactor, than he afterwards:
became. -
While these proceedings were taking place, the restº
of the brigade, with the exception of captain Willis's ,
company, and twenty-nine of his men, continued their
march towards home, leaving behind, for the further
prosecution of the campaign, and the defence of Fort,
Strother, a single regiment of militia, whose term of ser-
vice was within a few weeks of expiring; two small
companies of spies, and one of artillery. As this regi-
ment had often professed a desire to be led against the
enemy, and to contend in battle, before they quitted the
service, Jackson flattered himself 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, therefore, with a view to test their pat-
riotism and to detain them if possible, he caused to be
read to that regiment the following address. .
“Your general having reported that your term of ser-
vice wiłł expire on the 14th, I assume no claim on you.
beyond that period. But although I can not demand as
a right, the continuance of your services, I do not des-
pair of being able to obtain them through your patriot-
ism. 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, inhu-
manly slain by that enemy;-to give security in future
to our extended and unprotected frontier, and to signal-
ize the valour by which you were animated? Will any
of these objects be attained if you abandon the cam-
paign 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 sup-
poses influenced you to take up arms, and enter the field
in defence of your rights, none of you will resist the ap-
96 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
peal he now makes, or hesitate to embrace with eager-
ness, the opportunity he is about to afford you. .
“The enemy, more than half conquered, yet deriving
encouragement and hope from the tardiness of our oper-
ations, and the distractions which have unhappily pre-
vailed in our camp, are again assembling below us. An-
other 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 re-
sort. In less than eight days I shall leave this encamp-
ment to meet and fight them. Will any of you accom-
pany me? Are there any amongst you, who, at a mo-
ment 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 expired—is that a consideration
with the valiant, the patriotic, 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 un-
attained, and an opportunity of acquiring them is so near
at 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 engaged? Will it be a sufficient grat-
ification to their feelings, that they served out three
months, without seeing the enemy, and then abandon-
ed 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 period
having expired, you are not bound to serve any longer:
but are you bound by nothing else? Surely, as honoura-
LIFE or GENERAL JACKSON. 97
ble and high-minded men, you must, at such a moment
as the present, feel other obligations than the law impo-
ses. . A fear of the punishment of the law, did not bring
you into camp?–that its demands are satisfied, will not
take you, from it. You had higher objects in view,
some greater good to attain. This, your general be:
lieves, -nor can he believe otherwise, without doing you
great injustice. . . . . -- º
“Your services are not asked for longer than twenty
days; and who will hesitate making such a sacrifice,
when the good of his country and his own ſame 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 defended; if any
of you will remain, and render this service, it will be no
less important than if you had marched 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
cºeerfully 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 re-
turn, not only with the consciousness of having perform-
ed your duty, but with the glorious exultation of having
done even more than duty required.” •
What was hoped for, from this address, did not result.
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 buoy-
ed by the hope, that adequate numbers would shortly
come to his relief; and until this could be accomplished,
it was desirable to retain those who then were with him,
to give to his posts increased protection, Whilst meas-
ures were adopting in Tennessee, to effect this fully,
about a thousand volunteers were moving out, to pre-
Serve an appearance of opposition, and keep secure what
had been already gained. With this force, added to
tº: 9 -
98. LIFE of GENERAL JAckson.
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 advantages. With this view, he
had addressed this regiment, and brought before them
such considerations as might be supposed calculated to
excite a soldier's ardour. But, in answer to his address,
the commanding 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 remain 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. ſ
As nothing but an unhccessary consumption of supplies
was now to be expected from detaining the few
days that remained of their term, troops so spiritless, or-
ders were given, and proper arrangements made, for ta-
king up the line of march to Fort Armstrong, on the 10th;
whence they were directed to proceed to Knoxville, and
receive orders for their discharge. Particular instruc-
tions 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 prop-
erty of the Indians, through whose country they were to
pass; or on the citizens of Tennessee. * .
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 ena-
bled him to proceed against the enemy before the peri-
od at which the remnant of his troops would have been
entitled to a discharge. His exertions to have in readi-
hess the arrangements necessary to the accomplishment
of this end, had been indefatigable. General Cocke
Had been directed to give instructions to his quarter-
master, to forward to Fort Strother such provisions as
should arrive at Fort Armstrong; to proceed thence to
Ross', and make proper arrangements for the speedy
transportation, from that place to Deposit, of all the
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 99
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 arti-
cle, as well for the troops then in the field, as for those
which had been ordered to be raised. The more cer
tainly to effect this object, he had, on the 20th of Decem-
ber, 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-contrac-
tors from camp, with directions to examine the situation
of the different depots; and, if found insufficient to meet
the requisition he had made, to proceed immediately to
the settlements in Tennessee, and procure the necessary
supplies. To the contractors themselves, he had ad-
dressed orders and exhortations almost without number;
and, indeed, from every source, and through every chan-
nel that the hope of relief could be discerned, 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 combin-
ed movement with the East Tennessee militia which he
so much desired. So important did he consider this
measure, that he was willing to subject himself to con-
siderable 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 gal.
lantly come forth to uphold the sinking reputation of
their state. I am exceedingly anxious to re-commence
operations, and indeed they have become more necessa-
ry than ever; yet I can not 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 1 pray you,
use your best exertions to have it brought about with.
* *
i00 LIFE of GENERAL Jackson.

the least possible delay. Until sup plies, and the means
eftºpsportation can be furnished, to justify another
movement from this place, it will be better that you re-
main where your horses can be fed. I say this, upon
the supposition and hope, that it may shortly be effect.
ed; 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 follow-
€I’S, . . . - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . * .
“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
the enemy, or gain assistance from the country below.
General Claiborne, who is encamped eighty-five 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 un-
der his control, 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 de-
spond. 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 fee-
ble force he had at his command, deferring the period
ior more active operations, until the expected reinforce-
ments, collecting in Tennessee, could be brought into
the field.*


• * The troops thus collecting were calculated but for a single ad-
. . . vénture, and no more. Colonel Carroll had not been able to pro-
LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON. 101
On the second of January, colonel Carroll and Mr.
Blackburn, having proceeded from Huntsville, arrived
at head-quarters, to receive instructions as to the man-
ner 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 form-
ed, as had been desired, into two regiments, under offi-
cers 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 feeling had been sufficient-
ly 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 arrival at his camp, that
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
circumstance, 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 was in doubt whether or not to receive them; but, be-
lieving 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 it; and
considering that their rejection might tend to the injury of the
campaign, he finally concluded to accept them. Previously to do-
ing so, he stated his objections, and the difficulties he felt; and en-
deavoured to prevail on them to enlarge their term of service: to
this they would not agree; when, rather than lose them entirely,
he consented to receive them. -
*
9%
102 LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON,
ºthere should be no intermediate 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 in-
structed to make the troops acquainted; and were par-
ficularly requested to use their best endeavours to re-
move any erroneous impressions that might have been
made upon their minds by those who had so lately aban-
doned 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, consider-
edit of the utmost importance to prevent any mutinous
feeling, and to guard, by all the means in his power,
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 order,
the reasons that had induced him to issue it. To his en-
tire astonishment, both these officers refused to obey it;
alledging, in a written statement they made, that general
Coffee had no right to exercise &mmand 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 refuse 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 per-
plexities to the commanding general, or occasion new
disturbances, at so important a crisis, nevertheless, influ-
enced by a regard for his own reputation, which he
believed to be wantonly and wickedly assailed, by this
contumacious refusal to obey an order which the occa-
sion and his instructions required him to execute, he
felt himself constrained to demand the arrest of those of
ficers.

LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON. 103
This application, with charges and specifications of so
serious a nature against his officers highest in command,
placed Jackson in a very delicate situation. To com-
mence the exercise of authority over troops wholly un-
acquainted with service, by the arrest of those in whom
they had reposed such distinguished confidence, it was
pººl. might be attended with consequences fatal to
is views, and to the success of the contemplated expe-
dition. On the other hand, he was fully sensible of the
injury that had been done the feelings of an officer, act-
ing under the authority of his instructions, and how
much, justice required them to be repaired: 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 derive encouragement. But
however his mind might oscillate between the evil con-
sequences of either alternative, he knew that the course
pointed out by duty was a plain one, should general Cof
fee persist in his demand. . -
Notwithstanding the strong injunctions and weighty"
considerations that had been urged, to produce an expe-
ditious movement, it was not until the 13th that those
officers with their regiments reached head-quarters.-
Finding, on their arrival, that they were likely to be no-
ticed, on charges which their better-informed friends ad-
vised would not only deprive them of command, but in-
volve them in disgrace, they immediately came forward,
and made an honourable and satisfactory concession, in
which they pleaded ignorance of military duty, as an
excuse for their misconduct. That the service, at a
crisis so important, might not be injured by any private
feuds, the charges were withdrawn. -
Every preparation was now made to hasten an ac-
complishment of the objects in view. The whole effec-
tive 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,
104 LIFE of GENERAL JAckson.
and moved to Wehogee creek, three miles from the fort.
Jackson, with his staff, and the artillery company, 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 increasing much
his strength. Seldom, perhaps, has there been an ex-
pedition undertaken, fraught with greater peril than
this. Nine hundred new recruits, entirely unacquaint-
ed with the duties of the field, were to be marched into
the heart of an enemy’s country, without a single hope
of escape, but from victory, and that victory not to be
expected, but from the wisest precaution, and most de-
termined bravery. Although so obviously pregnant with
danger, to march was the only alternative that could be
prudently adopted. No other could afford a diversion
ſavourable to general Floyd, who was advancing with
the army from Georgia, or give favourable results to the
campaign, without which it must soon have been aban-
doned, for want of men to prosecute it. Another reason
rendered such a movement proper, and indispensable.—
The officer commanding at Fort Armstrong had received
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 at-
tack that place; which, for the want of a sufficient gar-
rison, was in a weak and defenceless situation. Of this,
general Jackson had been advised. The present move-
ment then, hazardous as it was, under all circumstances,
was indispensable, and could alone prevent the execu-
tion of such a purpose, if it were in truth intended. On
reaching Talladega, he received a letter from the com-
mandant 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 gen-
eral Pinckney, by express, arrived, advising him that
Floyd, on the 10th instant, would move from Coweta,
and in ten days thereaſter, establish a position at Tucka-
LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON. 105
batchee; 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 dis-
tance; that, by having his troops employed, he might
keep disaffection from his ranks, and be, at the same
time, serviceably engaged in harrassing the enemy.—If,
therefore, he could have hesitated before, there was
now no longer any room to do so. By an expeditious
movement, he might save Fort Armstrong, and render
an essential service to general 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 de-
termined, by the nearest route, to direct his course.
As he progressed on the march, a want of the neces-
sary 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 notabated. Troops unacquaint-
ed with service are oftentimes more sanguine than vet-
erans. The imagination too frequently portraying bat-
tles in the light of a frolic, keeps danger at a distance,
until, suddenly springing into view, it becomes a mon-
ster 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 neighborhood of the enemy, Jackson
encamped his little army in a hollow square, on an eligi-
ble site, upon the eminences of Emuckfaw, sent out his
spies, posted his piquets, doubled his sentinels, and
made the necessary arrangements to guard against at-
tack. 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 attack, or to
pursue in the morning, if they did not. At the dawn
of day, the alarm guns of our sentinels, succeeded by

106 tire of GENERAL JACKson.
shrieks and savage yells, announced their presence.—
They commenced a furious assault on the left flank,
commanded by colonel Higgins, which was met and op-
posed with great firmness. General Coffee, and colonels
Carroll and Sitler, instantly repaired to the point of at-
tack, 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 considerably weakened. . It
being now sufficiently light to ascertain, correctly, the
Fº of the enemy, and captain Ferril's company
having come up and reinforced the left wing, the whole
charged under general Coffee, and a route 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 discern objects, our troops de-
rived considerable advantage from their camp fires; these
having been placed at some distance without the line of
the encampment, afforded a decided superiority in a
might attack, by enabling those within to fire with great
accuracy on an approaching enemy, whilst they them-
Belves remained invisible in the dark. -
The pursuit being over, Jackson detached general
Coffee, with the Indians, and four hundred men, to de-
stroy the enemy’s encampment, unless he should find it
too strongly fortified; in which event, he was to give in-
formation immediately, and wait the arrival of the artil-
lery. Coffee, having reconnoitred this position, and
found it too strong to be assailed with the force he com-
manded, returned to camp. The propriety of this
determination was soon perceived. He had not return-
ed more than half an hour, when a severe fire was made
upon the piquets, posted on the right accompanied with
prodigious yelling. General Coffee, having obtained
permission, proceeded to turn the left flank of the assail-
ants. This detachment being taken from different corps,
he placed himself at their head, and moved briskly for-
ward. Those in the rear, availing themselves of this
$ircumstance, continued to drop off, one by one, without
LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON 107
his knowledge, until the whole numberleſt 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, cov-
ered with low under-wood, which afforded them many
opportunities for concealment. 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 sustain-
ed in its execution; 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. Gener-
al Jackson, however, who had apprehended their 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 ad-
vance of the enemy, though sudden and violent, was .
sustained with firmness, and opposed with great gallan-
try. 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 con-
cealment: behind these, prostrating themselves after fir-
ing, 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 posi-
tion, 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 pre-
cipitately away. The pursuit commenced, and they
were overtaken and destroyed in considerable num-
bers; their loss was great, but never certainly ascer,
tained.
#08 - LIFE of GENERAL JAGKSoN.
. In the mean time, general Coffee had been endeav-
during, 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 Čon-
siderable loss, he began to retire towards the place where
he had first dismounted. This expedient, designed 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 fir-
ing they had heard on the left wing, now forsook their
hiding places, and rapidly advanced upon him. That
officer immediately availed himself of the opportunity
thus afforded, of contending with them again on equal
terms; and a severe conflict commenced and continued
about an hour, in which the loss on both sides was near-
ly equal. At this critical juncture, when several of the
detachment had been killed, many wounded, and the
whole greatly exhausted 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. General Coffee, although severely wounded,
still continued the fight, and availing himself of the ar-
rival of this additional strength, instantly ordered a
charge; when the enemy, foreseeing their doom, fled in
consternation, and were pursued with dreadful slaugh-
ter. It is believed that at this place none escaped.—
Thus drew to a close a day of almost continual fight-
ing.” -

*The Indians had designed their plan of operations well, though
the execution did not succeed. It was intended to bring on the at-
tack at three different points, at the same time; but a party of the
Chealegrams, one of the tribes which compose the Creek confeder-
acy, who had been ordered to assail the right extrenity of our
front line, instead of doing so, thou ght 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
bave terºidated less advantageously, perhaps disasterously,
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON, 109
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 order-
ing a breast-work of timber around the encampment; a
measure the more necessary, as the spirits of our troops,
most of whom had never before been in collision with an
enemy, were observed visibly to flag, towards the eve-
ning. Indeed, during the night, it was with the utmost
difficulty the sentinels could be maintained 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 encamp-
ment 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 ex-
pedition, a diversion in favour of general Floyd, who
was, at this juncture, supposed to be carrying on his op-
erations 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 afford-
ed no means of subsistence, either for his men or their
horses. His wounded, many of whom were exceeding-
ly dangerous, required to be speedily taken care of;
whilst the present temper of his soldiery precluded all
hope that he should be able to effect any thing of mate-
rial consequence beyond what had been already effect-
ed. Besides, if the object were still further to cripple
the enemy, this might be more certainly attained by
commencing a return, which, having the appearance of
retreat, would probably induce a pursuit, than by attack-
ing them in their strong holds; in which event, too, the
diversion comtemplated would be the more complete,
by drawing them in a different direction. Determined
by these considerations, Jackson ordered litters to be
formed for the transportation of the sick and wounded,
10
110 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
and other necessary preparations to be made for a return
march. Every thing being ready, it was commenced at
ten o'clock the next morning, and continued without in-
terruption until nearly night; when the army was en-
camped a quarter of a mile on the south side of Enoti-
chopco 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 arrangement
made to repel their attempts, should they meditate an
attack, during the course of the night, or on the succeed-
ing morning. The night, however, was permitted to
pass away without disturbance, and without any appear-
ance of an enemy. From a knowledge that they had
been hanging on his rear, during the march of the pre-
ceding 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 advantages for such a desigr.—
Near the crossing place, was a deep ravine, formed by
the protection of two hills, overgrown with thick shrub-
bery and brown sedge, which afforded every conven-
ience for concealment, whilst it entirely prevented pur-
suit. Along this route, the army, in going out, had pas-
sed; through it, as might have been expected, it would
again return; and at this defile, it was believed, an am-
buscade would be formed, if any were interºded. Act-
ing under these impressions, and with a view to guard
against them, Jackson determined to take a different
route. He secretly despactched, early next morrirg, a
few pioneers, to ascertain and designate another cross-
ing place below. A suitable one was presently discov-
ered, at about six hundred yards distance from the old
one; and thither the general now led his army; having,
previously to commencing the march, formed his col-
umns, and the front and rear guards, that he might be
in an attitude for defence.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON 111
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 passed;—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 chang-
ed, quitted the defile where they had expected to com-
mence the assault, and advanced upon a company, un-
der the command of captain Russell, which marched in
the rear. Though assailed by greatly superior num-
bers, it returned the fire, and gradually retired, until it
reached the rear guard, who, according to express in-
structions 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 on their pivots, so as complete-
ly to loop the enemy, and render his destruction stire.
he right column of the rear guard was commanded by
colonel Perkins, the left by lieutenant-colonel Stump,
and the centre column by colonel Carroll. Jackson
was just passing the stream when the firing and yelling
commenced. . Having instructed his aid-de-camp to
form a line for the protection of the wounded, who were
but a short distance in advance, and afterwards to turn
the left column, he himself proceded 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 resis-
tance, precipitately give way, bringing with them con-
fusion and dismay, and entirely obstructing the passage,
over which the principal strength of the army was to be
re-crossed! This shameful flight was well nigh being at-
tended 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 precipitated themselves
into the creek; not more than twenty remained to op-
pose the violence of the first assault. The artillery
"company, commanded by lieutenant Armstrong, and

iI2 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON,
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 obstinate conflict ensued; the
enemy endeavouring to charge and take it, whilst this
company formed with their muskets, and resolutely de-
fended it. These young men, the few who remained
with colonel Carroll, and the gallant captain Quarles,
who fell at their head, with Russell's spies, not exceed-
ing in the whole one hundred, maintained with the ut-
most 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 con-
sternation which his first shock had produced. Every
man who there fought, manifested a determination to
prefer death to flight. The brave lieutenant Armstron
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 artillery
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 carraige; in this situ-
ation 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 car-
tridges with a musket, and with the ramrod prepared
them for the match. In the mean time, while the con-
flict was thus unequally sustained, general Jackson and
his staff had been enabled, by great exertions, to restore
something like order, from confusion. The columns
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON, I 13
were again formed, and put in motion; and small detach-
ments had been sent across the creek to support the lit-
tle band that there maintained their ground. The ene-
my, perceiving a strong force advancing, and being
warmly assailed 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 disper-
Sed them. -
In despite of the active exertions made by general
Jackson, to restore order, they were, for some time, un-
availing, and the confusion continued. In addition to
the assistance received from his staff, who were every
where encouraging, and seeking to arrest the disorder-
ed flight of the columns, he derived much from the aid
of general Coffee. That officer, in consequence of the
wound which he had very lately received at Emuckſaw,
had, the day before, been carried in a litter. From the
apprehensions indulged, that an attack would probably
be made upon them that morning, he had proceeded
from the encampment on horseback, 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 disdain-
ed advice, and spurned an order from any but their own
commanders, did not scruple amidst the peril that sur-
rounded them, to be regulated by those who seemed to
be so much better qualified for extricating them from
their present danger. The hospital surgeon, Dr. Shel-
by, appeared in the fight, and rendered important mili-
tary services. The adjutant-general, Sitler, than whom
none displayed greater firmness, hastened across the
creek in the early part of the action, to the artillery
10%
1 F4 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON,
company, for which he felt all the esprit de corps, having
been once attached to it; and there remained, support-
ing them in their duties, and participating in their dan-
gers. Captain Gordon, too, contributed greatly to dis-
pel 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 rally-
ing 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 contributed 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 man-
ner; 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 alarm-
ed, 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 inev-
itable. Our total loss, in the several engagements, on
the 22d, and to-day, was only twenty killed, and seven-
ty-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 war-
riors were found; this, however, may be considered as
greatly below the real number; nor can their wounded
be even conjectured. As had been generally the case,
the greatest slaughter was in the pursuit. Scattered
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 despirit
the nation, endeavoured to have it believed, and so re-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 115
presented 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 disasterous
to them, no more thought of harrassing our march.-
Having continued it, without interruption; over high, i
broken, and, for the most part, barren land, we encamp.
ed, on the night of the 25th, within three miles of Fort
Strother. Thus terminated an expedition replete with
peril, but attended with effects highly beneficial. Fort
Armstrong was relieved; general Floyd enabled to gain a
victory at Autossee, where, but for his movement, which
had diverted much of the enemy's strength, he would
most probably have met defeat; a considerable portion
of the enemy's best forces had been destroyed; and an
end put to the fiopes they had founded on our previous
delays. Discontent had been kept from our ranks; the
troops had been beneficially employed; and inactivity,
the bane of every army, had been avoided. But per-
haps the greatest good that resulted from the expedi-
tion was the effect produced on the minds of the people
at home, from whom was to be collected a force suffi-
cient to terminate the war. Experience has often prov-
ed the facility with which numbers are brought to a vic-
torious standard; whilst the ranks of a defeated arm
are ever with difficulty filled. Any result, therefore,
that was calculated to bring an efficient force into the
field, was highly important and beneficial.
CHAPTER W.
The volunteers are discharged—Execution of a soldier, and
the effect produced.—New troops arrive.—Want of sup-
plies —Mutiny with the East Tennessee brigade.—General
Jackson marches against the Indians.—Battle of Tahopa-
ka.—Returns to Fort Williams-Eagedition to Hoithlexa-
lee; its failure and the causes.—Forms a junction with the
Georgia troops, and proceeds to the Hickory ground.—Indi-
ans sue for peace.—Weatherford surrenders himself—dr-
rival of general Pinckney at head-quarters.-Tennessee
- troops are ordered to be narched home, and discharged from
service. .
THE troops having reached, in safety, the post whence
they had set out, and their term of service being within
a short time of expiring, the general determined to dis-
charge them. The information from Tennessee, was,
that there would soon be in the field a considerable
force, and enlisted for a period sufficient to effect a ter-
mination of the Indian war. He was desirous of having
every thing in readiness by the time of their arrival,
that they might be carried without delay into active
service. Detaining his late volunteers, 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 hon-
ourably dismissed. The further service of his artillery
company was also dispensed with. His parting inter-
view with them was interesting and affecting; they had
rendered important services, and adhered to him, with
great devotedness, in every vicissitude, and through
every difficulty he had encountered, from the commence-
ment of the campaign. Although, from the high sense
entertained of their bravery and fidelity, he would glad-
ly have retained them, yet he was too well convinced
LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON. 117
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 scarcity
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, heretofore
noticed, added to his own sense of the importance of the
crisis, had induced him to issue an order on the 3d, di-
recting twenty-five hundred of the militia of the second
division, to be detached, organized, and equipped, in
conformity to an act of congress of the 16th 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 re-
quired 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 opening 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 di-
vision, about two thousand men. These, however, as
well as those called out from West Tennessee, were but
indifferently armed.
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 prosecution
of the war. It arrived on the 5th or 6th of the month,
about six hundred strong. Most of the men were badly
º: this evil however, was shortly afterwards reme-
1620, -
The quarter-masters and contractors were already ac-
tively engaged, and endeavouring to procure provisions
and the necessary transportations for the army. The
failures, in regard to former enterprises, are to be as- .
cribed to these two departments; to the constant endea-
vour of the contractors to procure provisions at a redu-
118 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
ced 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 inconve-
niences in the quarter-masters’ department, were, in-
deed, less chargeable to the incumbents than to the caus-
es 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 af.
forded these two departments, that the requisition now
made upon them might be promptly complied with.
To give, however, sufficient time, and to prevent any
unnecessary press, the troops advancing from East and
West Tennessee, were directed to be balted in the rear
of the depots, until ample stores, in advance, to justify
immediate operations, should be provided, and the re-
quisite 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 con-
tractor 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 al-
lowed him for that purpose. The troops, however,
agreeably to the order received, proceeded on their
march. Those from the second division, under briga-
dier-general Johnson, arrived on the 14th; which, added
to the force under general Doherty, from East Tennes-
See, constituted about five thousand effectives. Com-
posed, 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 con-
H.IFE OF GENERAL JACKSON, II9
duct and disorder which had hitherto so unhappily pre-
vailed. - - ~. -
The execution of a private, (John Woods,) who had
been sciſtenced by a court-martial, on a charge of muti-
ny, produced, at this time, great excitement, and the
most salutary effects. That mutinous spirit, which had
so frequently broken into the camp, a d for awhile sus-
pended all active operations, remail:ed to be checked.—
A fit occasion was now at band to eviºce, that although
militia when at their fire-sides at Home, might boast an
exemption from control, yet, in the field, those high no-
tions were to be aba, dotted, a.d subordination observed.
Painful as it was to the feelings of the general, he view-
edit as a sacrifice essential to the preservaſiou of good
order, and left the seace of the court to be inflicted.—
he 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 that had been prac-
ticed, afterwards characterized the army.
Nothing was wanting now to put the troops in motion,
and actively to prosecute the war, but the wart of ne-
cessary 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 forward 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 revolt, Jackson resolved to
pursue a different course, and no longer depend on per-
sons who had so frequently disappointed him, and whose
only object was the acquirement of wealth. He accor-
diagly despatched messengers to the nearest settlements,
with directions to purchase provisions, at whatever
price they could be procured. This course, to these in-
cumbents on the nation, afforded an argument infinitely
stronger than any to which he had before resorted.—
Unexpectedly assailed in a way they had not previously

120 LIFE of GENERAL Jackson.
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. Eve-
ry expedient had been practised to urge them to a com-
pliance of the obligations they were under to their go-
vernment; 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 campaign; 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 dan-
gerous. His monitor, on this subject, was his own expe-
rience. Disappointment, mutiny, and abandowment by
his troops, when in the full career of success, and an
unnecessarily protracted campaign, were among the
evils already experienced, and which he desired, if
possible, might be in future avoided. The difficulties—
the perplexities he had met; and the constant dissatis-
faction 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 immedi-
ate benefit. It was high time that the feelings and inter-
est of such men should be disregarded, and a sense of
duty enforced, by that sort of appeal which sordid minds
best can understand—an appeal to profit 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. Eve-
ry thing was moving in opposition to his wishes. The
East Tennessee brigade, under the command of Doher-
ty, having been instructed to halt, until adequate sup-
plies should be received at head-quarters, had already
manifested many symptoms of revolt, and was with diffi-
culty restrained from abandoning the field and return-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON, I?’t
ing 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 im-
properly called out, and without sufficient authority:-
that the draft was illegal, and that they were under no
necessity to remain. Arguments 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 sat-
isfactorily. 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 abandon
his camp and return home. Notwithstanding all his eſ-
forts to prevent this injurious measure, one hundred and .
eighty deserted. His surprise was still greater, on re-
ceiving information in which he confided, that instruc.
tions 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 return to Knoxville. The
general had previously appeared at the camp of Doher-
ty, and, by different means, attempted to excite mutiny
and disaffection among the troops. As a reason for be-,
ing 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 feelings would not enable him to witness: that they
were about to be placed under the command of general
Jackson, who would impose on them the severest trials,
and where they would have to encounter every imagina-
ble 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,
- 11 -
122 LIFE OF GENERAL JAckson.
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 proceeding from one who had al-
ready been employed in a respectable command, were
well calculated to produce serious and alarming impres-
sions. Doherty, who was a brigadier in the first division,
was at a loss to know how he should proceed with his own
major-general, who having...thus obtruded himself into his
camp, was endeavouring to excite mutiny and revolt; he
accordingly despatched an express to head-quarters to
give information to general Jackson of what was passing in
his camp. The messenger arrived, and, in return, re-
eeived an order to Doherty, commanding him, peremp-
torily, 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 incite his army to
mutiny. General Cocke, apprehending what was going
on, or perhaps obtaining intelligence, had retired before
the order arrived, and thus escaped the punishment due
to so aggravated an offence, and which, from the known
patriotism and decision 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 Indi-
ans was embodied in that quarter, and disperse them,
that they might not, through this route, be enabled to
gain the rear of the army, and cut off the supplies. This
detachment having proceeded eight days through the
heights along the Cohawba, had fallen in with a trial the
enemy had passed, stretching eastwardly, and followed
it for some distance. Apprehending that the army
might be on the eve of departing from Fort Strother,
and being unable to obtain any 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 situa-
tion not to be serviceable, and as supplies were an impor-
tant consideration, orders were given the brigadiers to
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 123
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 further
into the enemy's country. A fear of the consequences
to an army from inaction; a wish that time might not be
loitered away uselessly; and a consciousness that a suf.
ficiency of provisions was on the way, and could be for-
warded to him from the post maintained 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 previous-
ly selected for the establishment of a fort.” At this place
it became necessary to delay a day or two, with a view
to detail a sufficient 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 Emuck-
faw, general Coffee, as has been already stated, had been
detached to destroy the Indian encampment on the Tal-
lapoosa; having reconnoitred their position, and believ-
ing them too strongly posted to be advantageously assail-
ed by the force which he then commanded, he had re-
tired without making the attempt. The position they
had chosen was at a bend of the Tallapoosa, called by the
Indians Tohopeka, which interpreted into our language
means Horse Shoe, not far from New Youcka, and near
the Oakfusky villages. Fortified as it was by nature,
and the skill and exertions of the savages, no other con-
jecture was entertained, that at this place was intended
a defence of the most desperate and determined kind.
Learning that the Indians were still embodied here, Jack-
son resolved, so soon as the necessary arrangements
could be made to keep open a communication, and pre-
Rerve in safety his rear, to make a descent on it, and
*Fort Williams,
124 LIFE GE GENERAL JACKSON.
destroy the confederacy; thence, returning to Fort Wii-
Fiams for provisions, to urge forward to the Hickory
ground, where he hoped he would be able finally to ter.
minate the war. - -
On the 24th, leaving a sufficient force under brigadier-
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 Emuckſaw. The
whole force now with him amounted to less than three
thousand effective men; being considerably reduced by
the necessity of leaving behind him detachments 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 con-
siderable numbers, with a view to give him battle. The
Warriors from the adjacent towns, Oakfusky, Hillabee,
Euſalee, and New Youcka, amounting to a thousand
or twelve hundred, were here colleeted ready, and
waiting his approach. They could have selected no
place better calculated for defence; for, independent of
the advantages bestowed on it by nature, their own ex-
ertions had greatly contributed to its strength. Sur-
rounded almost entirely by the river, it was accessible
only by a narrow neck of land, of three hundred and fif.
ty 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 enabled to give complete direc-
#. to their fire, whilst they lay in perfect security be-
hind.
General Coffee, at the head of the mounted infantry
and friendly Indians, had been despatched early in the
morning from the camp, with orders to gain the south-
ern bank of the river, encircle the bend, and make some
feint, or manoeuvering, by which to divert the enemy
from the point where the attack was inter:ded principal-
ly to be waged. He was particularly instructed so to
arrange and dispose the force under his command, that
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 125
the savages might not escape bypassing 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 oc-
cupied a nearer position, were used as the Indians oc-
casionally showed themselves 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, however, was gained for complete
readiness. The signals having now announced that gen-
eral Coffee had reached in safety his point of destination,
on the opposite 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
impatience for the order, and hailed it with acclama-
tions. The spirit that animated them was a sure augu-
ry of the success that was to follow.” Between them
there was no difference; both advanced with the intre-
pidity and firmness of veteran soldiers. The thirty-
ninth regiment, led on by their commander, colonel Will-
iams, and the brave but ill-fated major Montgomery,
and the militia under the command of colonel Bunch,
moved forward amidst a destructive fire that continual-
ly poured upon them, and were presently at the ram-
part. Here an obstinate and destructive conflict ensu-
ed, each contending for the port holes, on different
sides. Many of the enemy's balls were welded between
the muskets and bayonets of our soldiers. At this mo-
ment, major Montgomery leaping on the wall, called to
his men to mount and follow him; he had scarcely spo.
ken, 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 lon-
ger tenable, the savages abandoned their position, and
- retiring from their works concealed themselves amidst
~ - 11%. -
126 i.IFE OF GENERAL JACKSOR,
the brush and timber that lay thickly scattered over the
peninsula; whence they continued resistance, and kept
up a galling and constant fire, until they were again
charged, and forced back. Driven to despair, not know-
ing whither to flee, and resolving not to surrender, they
! saw no other alternative, than an effort to effect their
escape, by passing in their canoes to the opposite bank
of the river; from this they were, however, prevented,
by perceiving that a part of the army already Iined the
opposite shore. Under these circumstances, the re-
maining 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 them-
selves 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 gain-
ed their line, and those who were advancing on the ou-
ter side. From these secreted places they would fire
and disappear. Genéral Jackson perceiving that fur-
ther resistance must involve them in utter destruction;
and entertaining a desire that they should yield a con-
test whieh now evidently was a 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 commanded by
general Jackson to say, that if disposed to surrender,
they should be received and treated as prisoners. They
waited patiently until he had finished, 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 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 desperation on which they
tire of GENERAL JACKSöß. 127
had resolutely fixed their minds, orders were given to
dislodge them. To accomplish this the artillery was
first turned against them; but being from its size incapa-
ble of producing any effect, a charge was made, in which
several valuable 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, com-
municating 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 contin-
ued until night separated the combatants, when the few
misguided savages who had avoided the havoc and
slaughter of the day, were enabled, through the dark-
ness of the night, to make their escape. ,
Whilst the attack was thus waged in front of the line,
the friendly Indians in general Coffee's detachment, un-
der the command of colonel Morgan, with captain Rus-
sell's company of spies, were effecting much; and no
doubt, to the course pursued by them on the opposite
side, was greatly owning the facility with which the
breast-work was scaled, and its possession obtained.—
. The village stood on the margin of the river, and on
that part of the peninsula most remote from the fortifi-
cation. At the line were all their warriors collected,
Several of the Cherokees aud Russell's spies having
swam across, unobserved, and procured their canoes, a
considerable number passed over, entered the town, and
fired it. No sooner was this discovered, than their at-
tention and opposition was necessarily divided, and
drawn to the protection of a point which they had hith-
erto believed secure, and where they had not appre-
hended an attack. Thus assailed from an unexpected
quarter—a force in their rear, and another still stron-
ger, advancing on their front, the invading army was af.
forded a much easier and less hazardous opportunity of
succeeding in the assault and securing the victory.
This battlé gave a déath blow to their hopes; nor did
they weature, afterwards; to Haake a stand. From their
138 Erfe of GENERAL JACKSON.
fastnesses in the woods they had tried their strength,
agreeably to their accustomed mode of warfare; inam-
buscade, 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 characterized, 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 deter-
mined to perish or to be victorious. That such a reso-
lution had been taken, is conclusive, from the circum-
stance of their having permitted their women and chil-
dren to remain: these they are always careful to remove
far from danger, and their scenes of action. The assu-
rance of success which they indulged, arising from the
security their position and defence presented, had pre-
vented their adhering to this precautionary measure,
which, hitherto, they had never overlooked. In this
action, the best and bravest of their warriors were de-
stroyed; and a greater loss was sustained than had been
met with in any of their previous contests. Few escap-
ed the carnage. Qf 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 stea-
dy fire of Coffee's brigade; and five hundred and fifty-
séven were left dead on the ground. Among the num-
ber of the slain, were three of their prophets. Decora-
ted in a most fantastic manner—the plumage of various
birds about their heads and shoulders; with savage grim-
aces, and horrid contortions of the body, they danced
and howled their cantations to the sun. Their depen-
dents already 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 be-
held 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
LIFE OF GENERAL. JACKSON. 129
nation by his pretended divinations, fell, mortally wound-
ed, by a cannon shot in the mouth, while earnestly en-
gaged in his incantations, and in urging and encourag-
,ing 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
elemency of the victors, to persons acquainted with the
mode of Indian warfare will not appear a matter of sur-
prise. It seldom happens that they extend or solicit
quarter: faithless themselves, they place no reliance on
the faith of others; and, when overcome in battle, seek
no other protection than dexterity 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 as-
sailed and put to the sword, at a moment when, having
asked peace at discretion, 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 resistance,
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 submit-
ted to spare the further useless waste of blood. A few,
who had lain quiet, and concealed under the cliffs, sur-
vived the severity of the conflict, and effected their re-
treat under cover of the night. *
Our loss, atthough 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 former 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
130 life or 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: -
“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 charac-
* 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 operate no injury to the dead; yet was it important, that
for the future this should be prevented. It was a fact well ascer-
tained, that the Creek nation, generally, were ignorant of the ex-
tent 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 kill-
ed, 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 there-
by deprived of those badges of national and individual distinction,
the effect of which would be to shorten the period of the war,
IIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON, 131
ter 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 insolent from
impunity. Relying on their numbers, the security of
their situation, and the assurances of their prophets,
they derided our approach, and already exulted in anti-
cipation of the victory they expected to obtain. But
they were ignorant of the influence and effect of govern-
ment 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 be-
came a snare for their own destruction. So will it ever
be, when presumption and ignorance contend against
bravery and prudence. " ; *e
“The fiends of the Tallapoosa will no longer murder
our women and children, or disturb the quiet of our
borders. Their midnight flambeaux will no more illu-
mine their council-house, or shine upon the victim of
their infernal orgies. In their places, a new generation
will arise, who will know their duty better. The wea-
pons of warfare will be exchanged for the utensils of bus-
bandry; and the wilderness, which now withers in ster-
ility, and mourns the desolation which overspreads her,
will blossom as the rose, and become the nursery of the
arts. But before this happy day can arrive, other cha,
stisements remain to be inflicted. It is indeed lament.
able, 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 ap-
proach, and remain to be dispersed. Buried in igno-
rance, and seduced by the false pretences of their pro-
phets, they have the weakness to believe they will still
be able to make a decided stand against us. They must
132 LIFE of GENERAL JAckson.
be undeceived, and made to atone their obstinacy 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 per-
manent.” - iº
Understanding that the enemy was embodied, in con-
siderable numbers, at Hoithlewalee, a town situated not
far from the Hickory ground, he was anxious to re-com-
mence his operations as early as possible, that the ad-
vantages he had gained, and the impression he had
made, might not be lost. The forces under his com-
mand, from sickness, the loss which had been sustained
in the late battle, and numerous discharges given, had
been too much reduced in strength, to permit 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 possible, that from an in-
crease and concentration of his numbers, greater effi-
ciency might be had. The North Carolina troops, un-
der the command of general Graham, an experienced
officer of the revolutionary war; and those of Georgia,
under colonel Milton, were ascertained to be somewhere
south of the Tallapoosa, and could be at no great dis-
tance. To unite with them, was an event greatly de-
sired, 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 own
camp might not sufficiently afford; for hitherto, he had
received from general Pinckney strong assurances that
all complaints 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 command of
brigadier Johnston, and to set out again for the Talla-
poosa. Oa the 7th, with all his disposable force, he
commenced his march, with the double view of effect-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 133
ing a union with the army below, and of attacking on
his route the enemy's force which were collected at
Hoithlewalee. His greatest difficulty was in conveying
to colonel Milton intelligence of his intended operations.
The friendly Indianº, who, from their knowledge of the
country, had been always selected as expresses, were
with difficulty to be prevailed on now for any such un-
dertaking. Believing their nation to be embodied in
larger numbers than any which had been yet encoun-
tered, and that, confiding in their strength, they would
be better enabled to go forth, searching and spying
through the surrounding 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 adventure:
This circumstänce had as yet prevented the arrangement
of such measures as were best calculated to bring the
different divisions to act in general concert. The ne-
cessity, however, of such co-operation, was too impor-
tant, at this moment, not to be effected, if it were possi-
ble. Should it be possible, at the point they now oc-
cupied, to bring the enemy to battle, and a decisive ad-
vantage 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 unex-
pected moment, and thereby protract the war a consid-
erable time. To prevent this was desirable; and in no
other way could it so certainly be effected, than that
while the Tennessee troops under the command of Jack-
son advanced from the north, the Carolinians and Geor-
gians 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 confidential
messengers, previously to setting out on this expedition,
Jackson addressed colonel Milton, and advised him of
his intended movement. To guard against any acci-
dent or failure that might happen, different expresses
+--- 12 $
134 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. w
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
11th. He urged the necessity of a proper concert be-
ing established in their movements; 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 accomplish-
ment of the objects of the expedition. . .
The point of destination, owning to the torrents of
rain which had fallen, and raised the streams to consid-
erable heights, he was not able to reach until the 13th.
This delay, unavoidable, and not to be prevented, gave
the Indians an opportunity of fleeing from the threaten-
ed danger. On arriving at an usually inconsiderable
stream which skirted the town, it was so swollen as to
be rendered impassable. The savages, gaining intelli-
gence of an approach that was thus unavoidably retarded,
were enabled to effect an escape by passing the river in
their canoes, and gaining the opposite shore. Had co-
lonel Milton fortunately made a different disposition of
the troops under his command, and by guarding the
southern bank of the river, co-operated with the Ten-
nessee division, their escape would have been prevent-
ed, and the whole force, collected, would either have been
destroyed or made prisoners. Although Jackson, in his
letter of the 5th, had given intelligence that he would
reach the enemy on the 11th; and when prevented by
tigh 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 re-
guest disregarded, and the savages permitted to escape.
Learning they were abandoning their position, and seek
ing safety in flight, Jackson filed to the right and over-
taking the rear of the fugitives, succeeded in making
twenty-five prisoners. At this time, nothing was heard
of colonel Milton; but on the same day, having march-
1.IFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 135
ed about five miles from his encampment at Fort Deca-
tur, and approached within four of Hoithlewalee, he,
the next morning, gave notice 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 detachment from Jackson's army
that had succeeded in passing the creek. e -
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 provisions,
with which the march had been commenced from Fort
Williams, was now nearly exhausted. Assurances,
however, having been so repeatedly given, that abun-
dant supplies would be had on uniting with the south-
ern army, and that event being now so near at hand, all
uneasiness upon the subject was at once dispelled. Co-
lonel Milton was immediately applied to, the situation
of the army disclosed, and such aid as he could extend,
solicited. He returned an answer to the general's de-
mand, observing, he had sent provisions for the friendly
Indians, and would, the next day, lend some for the re-
mainder of the troops; but felt himself under no obliga-
tion to furnish any. Jackson, fully satisfied of its being
in his power to relieve him, and that this apparent un-
willingness did not, and conld not proceed from any
scarcity in his camp, assumed a higher ground, and in-
stead of asking assistance, now demanded it. He stated,
that his men were destitute of supplies, and that he had
been duly apprised of it; and concluded by ordering,
not requesting him to send five thousand rations immedi-
ately, 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 obeyed.
The next day, a junction having been effected, the ne-
cessary steps were taken to bring down the provisions
deposited at Fort Decatur, and for the first time, since
the commencement of the Creek war, inconveniences
for the want of supplies, and an apprehension of suffer-
ing, were removed. 1 - - - -
136 IIFE of GENERAL Jackson.
&
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 com-
ing in, making professions of friendship, and giving as-
surances 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 information of
their disposition to be at peace. In return they receiv-
ed this answer; that those of the war party who were
desirous of putting an end to the contest 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 themselves to the north of Fort Will-
iams; that no other proof than this, of their pacific dis-
positions, 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 permit-
ted to visit him in person, and was then on his way, with
his followers, to settle above Fort Williams, agreeably
to the information he had received by the flag which
had lately returned to him. s --
Detachments were out scouring the country to the
south, with orders to break up any collection of the ene-
my that might be heard of in convenient distance. The
main body was prepared to advance to the junction 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 Mil-
ton’s brigade, which had lately united with him, was not
in a situation to move. During the previous night some
* The Hickory ground, or that 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 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 fanat-
icism, it was supposed they would make greater exertions to de-
fend this than any other portion of their country.
LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON 137
ef his wagon horses having strayed off, persons had been
sent in pursuit, and were expected 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 rea-
son for delaying the operations of an army which as yet
he had never learned, and by which he had never been
influenced. He had, indeed, been frequently made to
halt, though from very different causes; from murmurs,
discontents and starvation 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 with-
out horses; and that if he would detail him twenty men
from his brigade, for every wagon deficient in horses,
he would guarantee their safe arrival at their place of
destination. Rather than subject his men to such drud-
gery, 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 intel-
ligence of any embodied forces of the enemy; and with-
out the happening of any thing of importance, reached
old Toulossee Fort, on the Coosa river, not far from
the confluence, at which another was determined to be
erected, to be called Fort Jackson, after the command-
ing general. Here the rivers approach within one hun-
dred poles of each other, and, again diverging, unite
six miles below. At this place, the chiefs of the differ-
ent 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 ask-
ing for peace, had fled from the nation, and sought re-
fuge along the coast of Florida, and in Pensacola. Gen-
eral Jackson renewed the declaration which he had pre-
viously made to them; that they could find safety in no
other way, than by repairing to the section of the coun-
iry, already pointed out to them; where they might be
quiet and free of any sort of molestation. -
To put their friendly professions, which he distrusted,
at once to the test, he directed them to bring Weather-
12*
138 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOrt.
ford to his camp, confined, that he might be dealt with
as he deserved. He was one of the first chiefs of the na-
tion, and had been a principal actor in the butchery at
Fort Mimms. Justice well demanded retaliation against
him. Learning from the chiefs, on their return, what
had been required of them by Jackson, he was prevail-
ed upon, as perhaps the safer course, to proceed to his
eamp and make a voluntary surrender of himself. Hav-
ing reached it, without being known, and obtained ad-
mission to the general’s quarters, he fearlessly stood in
his presence and told him he was Weatherford, the chief
who commanded at Fort Mimms, and, that desiring
peace for himself and for his people, had come to ask it.
Somewhat surprised that one who so richly merited p n-
ishment 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,”
continued he, “that you should be brought to me confined;
and had you appeared in this way, I should have known
how to have treated you.” Weatherford replied, “I am
in your power—do with me as you please. I am a sol-
dier. I have done the white people all the harm I could:
I have ſought 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 so-
licit him to lay dºwn his arms, or to become peaceabie:
“The terms on which your nation can be saved, and
peace restored, has already been disclosed: in this way,
ard none other, can you obtain safety.” “If, however,
he -desired still to continue the war, and felt himself
sitepared to meet the consequences, although he was
* †en completely-inshis power, no advantage should be
taken of that circumstarce; that he was at perfect liber-
tyºte-retire;and unite himself with the war party, if he
‘…. ?
***

*
Irre of GENERAL Jackson. 135,

pleased; but whenſtäken, he should know how to treat
ſºiſe 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 now—even
hope has ended. Once I could animate my 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 Tohopeka. 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 how askitformy,
nation, and for myself. On the miseries and misforturies
brought upon my country, I look back with deepest sor-
row, and wish to avert still greater calāmities. 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 destroy-
led my nation. You are a brave man: I rely 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 madress and folly to op-
pose. If they are opposed, you shall find me amongst
the sternest enforcers of obedience. . Those who would.
still held out, can be influenced only by a mean spirit of
revenge; and to this they must not; and shallföi sacri-
fice the last remnant of their country. You have told
our nation where we might go aid 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 cor duct
left no doubtroi the sincerity of his prolessions, and full.
146 tire of GENERAL Jackson.
confidence was reposed in his declarations. . The peace
party became reconciled to him, and consented to bury
all previous animosities. . In a few days afterwards, hav-
ing obtained permission, he set out from camp, accompa-
nied by a small party, to search through the forest ior 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 save their nation from
further disasters. - * -
The present was a favourable moment for preventing
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 resolutions, 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 coun-
try, prevent their collecting at any point, and to scatter
and destroy any who might be found concerting offen-
sive operations. Wherever they directed their course,
submission, and an anxious desire for peace, were mani-
fested 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 doubt-
ing but the assistance looked for, would shortly arrive,
enable thqua to re-commence hostilities with better hopes
of succèss, and regain their country, which they now
considered as lost. Many of the chiefs and warriors,
looking to the defeats they had continually met with in
all their battles, viewing it as impracticable with any
expectation of better fortune, to resist the numerous for-
ces that were collecting, and threatening them at dif-
ferent points, and anxious to have spared to them yet a
#IFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 141
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 faithlessness
of these people, and how little confidence was to be re-
posed 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 pro-
mises to be implicitly relied on, and too much injured
not to feel a disposition to renew the conflict with the
first flattering hope that dawned. Too many difficul-
ties had been encountered, and too many dangers past,
in bringing those savages to a sense of duty, to leave
them now with no better security than mere professions.
Some arrangement was necessary to be made that should
prove lasting, and ensure certainty. None seemed bet-
ter calculated for these ends, than what had been alrea-
dy 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 established, and to the east of the Coosa. The ef.
fect of such an arrangement he calculated would be
this; that 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
nation inhabited by the friendly Indians, whose fidelity
was not doubted, the earliest intelligence would be had
of their hostile intentions, should any be manifested,
The conditions proposed were most cheerfully accept-
ed: and the different tribes forthwith sat out to occupy
a portion of their country, which alone seemed to pro-
mise them protection and safety. Proctor, the chief of
the Owewoha war towns, to whom this promised securi-
ty from danger had first been made, was reported to be
still at home, and to have abandoned all intention of re-
142 LIFE of GENERAL Jackson,
moving, in consequence of permission extended by the
United States agent to the Creeks, for him and his war-
riors to remain where they then were residing. On re-
ceiving this information, the general despatched a mes-
senger, 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 enemies all who did not immedi-
ately 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, re-
turned, and reported, that he had proceeded a consider-
able distance down the Alabama river, and had destroy-
ed several towns of the war party, but could gain no in-
telligence of a force being any where collected. .
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 sincere
in their desire for peace, nothing remained to be done
but to arrange and organize the different garrisons in
such a manner, that should any hostile intention be here-
after 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. Independent of their pro-
fºsions, heretofore given, much of the property plun-
life of GENERAL JACKSON. 143
dered at Fort Mimms, and along the frontiers, having
been brought in and delivered, no doubt was entertain-
ed but that all further national opposition would be
withdrawn. There being no necessity, therefore, for
maintaining an army longer in the field, orders were is-
sued, 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 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 country,
brought the war to a successful termination, and se-
verely chastised the savages for their unprovoked out-
rages upon their defenceless frontiers, it was pleasure to
retire to their homes from the scenes of wretchedness
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 sweetest and hap-
piest of all consolations to a war-worn soldier's mind,
that, in the trying and difficult situations in which they
had bean placed, they had acted with honor to them-
selves, 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 unrelenting
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 unpro-
voked offence with sentiments of deeper inveteracy than
did even our own troops. Meeting a small party who
were on their way to camp, to submit themselves on the
terms that had been previously offered, and understand-
ing 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
144 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
this, was well calculated to keep alive the timid appre-
hensions of the Indians, and induce 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 mar-
shalled in opposition to each other, is not a matter of
surprise, on the principles and practice of modern war-
fare, which affects to prove it right to seize on any cir-
cumstance that may operate prejudicially to an enemy;
but the patriot, whose bosom swells with a love of coun-
try, must ever view it with abhorrence; and although,
from necessity or policy, he may be compelled to avail
himself of the advantages afforded by such a circum-
stance, he can never, be induced either to approve or
justify it. Although the war had been commenced
in opposition to the views and wishes of the friendly
party, yet it was their duty to have united. Their en-
tering 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 order,
the western troops commenced their return march, and
reached Fort Williams on the evening of the 24th. Im-
mediate measures were adopted for carrying into effect
what had been ordered; to send out detachments to as-
sail and disperse any collections of the war party that
might be found on the route, and within striking dis-
tance. - - *
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
*ort Jackson, and to secure more effectually, a peace,
* > . *
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 145
which, being supposed for the present to be founded in
the fears and distresses of the war party, was perhaps
not so securely and firmly established as that any pre-
cautionary 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 de-
served 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 assembled 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 encampment, and on your line
of march, will long be cherished in the memory of your
general, and wiłł not be forgotten by the country which
you have so materially benefitted.” . -
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 without
murmuring. A retrospect of the last month will show,
that more could-scarcely have been done. Fort Will-
iams 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, returning,
not with a view to obtain rest, but to recruit the exhaust-
ed state of their provisions, in one week was this same
army on its way to Hoithlewalee, where, supported and
encouraged by their prophets, was collected the strength
of the nation; and where, but for the absence of the
Georgia army, they must have been captured or dex
stroyed, the war ended, and all apprehension of future
resistance quieted. To this point did they urge for-
ward, over mountains, and through torrents of continual
rain, that rendered the route º: impassable; and



146 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
F: 8
chel and destroyed, on the 14th, a town which the
inspirºmen of the nation had declared was consecrat-
ed; and on which no white man was ever to be permit-
ted to tread with impunity. On the 17th, they are
found at the confluence of the Coosa and Tallapoosa,
treading still this consecrated soil, and driving the pan-
ic-struck savages before them; and again, on the 24th,
are at Fort Williams, retiring to their homes, from the
labours they had encountered, and from the conquests
they had 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
neighbourhood of the enemy before they had received
any intelligence of his approach; º 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 entire
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 Co-
hawba, or had fled for safety to the British and Span-
iards at Pensacola, was uncertain. To ascertain this
fact, to disperse them, and destroy their villages, general
Johnston was despatched, at the head of five hundred
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 Deposit. , Jackson
reported to general Pinckney, that his orders had been
complied with; that four hus:dred troops had been de-
tailed 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
trôops,” he continues, “I shall march to Terinessee,
where 1 shall discharge them: after which, I shall no
longer consider myself accountable for the manner in
which the posts may be defended, or the line of commu-
* -

LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON. 147
nication kept open;–happy that the time for which I
offered my services to my government, and the duties
which they assigned me to perform, will have termina-
ted together.” sº ... • , , , " ' -
The army proceeded on its march, and crossing Ten-
hessee river, in safety reached Camp Blount, near Fay-
etteville, where they were discharged from further ser-
vice. Johnston, who had previously fallen in, had de-
stroyed some of the enemy's towns; but had learned
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 faithful
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 extraordina-
ry zeal he had manifested in the service of his country,
the difficulties he had surmounted, with the favorable ter-
mination, which, by his exertions,had been given to a con-
test 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 mani-
festing their confidence and respect for him, who, b
his zealous exertions, 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. . - t -
CHAPTER VI.
Jackson is appointed a major-general in the service of the Uni.
ted States.—-Is directed to open a negotiation with the In-
dians.—Speech of the Big Warrior, a chief of the nation.—
Concludes a treaty with the Creek Indians.—His views
against Pensacola and Florida.-General Armstrong's let-
ter.—The Spanish governor is called on for an explanation
of his conduct.—His answer, and general Jackson's reply.—
The adjutant-general is despatched to Tennessee to raise vol-
unteers.-Jackson sets out for Mobile.—Orders the Tennes-
see troops to advance to his assistance.
A war, from which greater and more serious injuries
had been apprehended, was thus advantageously termi-
nated. Although many valuable lives were lost in the
gontest, 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 insa-
tiate. To Y. rapidity with which an army had been
collected and pressed into the heart of their country,
was owing the circumstance that the frontiers were not
stained with the blood of the settlers. Though humani-
ty may weep over the misfortunes of this misguided peo-
ple, 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 chargeable on the Ame-
rican 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 parent lives at this
day, whose recollection treasures a child that bled be-
neath their murderous hands. Cold Water, on the Ten-
nessee, was long a den for these savages, whence they
made inroads, and, by their inhuman butcheries, kept
the frontier inhabitants in perpetual alarm. An expe-
dition from Tennessee, acting without the consent of the

LIFE OF GENERAL"JACKSON. 149
government, but with a view to the security their own
situation so imperiously demanded, as early as the year
1787, made a*..." on this settlement and destroyed
it. This active and resolute measure had insured to the
inhabitants a tranquility to which they"had long been.
strangers. Those who escaped, retired to the Blackº,
Warrior, carrying with them an additional spirit of re-
venge, which occasionally, when a favorable opportuni-
ty occurred, displayed itself in the murder of our citizens,
until the winter of 1813, when their towns were again
assailed and destroyed. - - º
* The war in which the United States were engaged
with Great Britain, afforded, as they believed, a safe op-
portunity again to satiate their angry passions. In addi-
tion to former animosities retained, British emissaries
had been among them, engaged to excite and encours
age them to opposition... Arms and ammunition 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-gained by the Indi-
ans, they at once resolved upon the course, they would
pursue. The dreadful and cruel assault made on the
settlement of Tensaw, was the first intelligence af.
forded of the lengths to which they had determined to
proceed. The insecurity of the frontiers, requiring that
efficient measures should be taken to defend them, it
was high time for the government to abandon the course
of moderation and forbearance they had hitherto prac-
tised towards those tribes. The legislature of "Ten-
nessee, at the period of this brutal and murderous as-
sault, being in session, with a promptitude highly hon-
ourable, called out the forces of the state, without giving
to the general government, and waiting the result, infor-
mation of the threatened danger. To protect an exten-
sive country, by erecting garrisons, and relying on them .
for defence, did not appear to Jackson a course at all
likely to assure its object. Placed in command, and cal-
led on to act, he determined with the troops he could
collect on so sudden an emºrgency, to carry the war to

their very doors; and, by giving them employmentathomes.
1.3% -
. . . . t *...
#50. & LIFE of.GENERAL Jackson.
...to divert them from their plans, and force them at once
"into measures of defence. Urging the contractors,
therefore, to be diligent in the discharge of their duties,
and to forward supplies with all possibiºhaste, he took
his position at Fort Strother, directly in the enemy's
country. 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 pro-
phets, 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 pro-
phets could, in future, claim controul: at length however,
when it was discovered that the prophets themselves did
not escape that fatality which attended their warriors in
battle, they began to think, either that they had never
been commissioned, or that the Great Spirit, for some un-
known cause, had become offended, and withdrawn his
eonfidence. - •
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
hot 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 peo-
ple, who from beyond the great waters were coming to
assist in their recovery. A confidence in what those
soothsayers disclosed, would also, they believed, produce
the effect of protecting and guarding them from wounds
and injury when engaged 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 can-
non shot received in the mouth, they adopted the opinion,
that the character of the wound was a judgment on his
false pretensions, and forthwith were departed from
*...* of faith which previously they had enter-
Tºllſ]ed, . . . .

# * - * *
LiFE OF general JACKSON. " 151
Had Jackson been enabled, after his first battle with
the enemy, to have prosecuted the campaign, it might
have had a mugh 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 posi-
tion. From the delays unavoidably met with here, flow-
ed those grievanges which gave a check to further ope-
rations. The winter, against which his troops were ill
provided, was fast approaching; hardships, and hunger,
which were already pressing, with a long fatiguing cam-
paign in prospect, presented a thousand imaginary diffi-
eulties, and excited discontents, 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 du-
ties of the field, 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 im-
press on the minds of the Savages the determination
and strength of the government he represented. It
was adventuring too largely; for, should defeat result, the
difficulty of drawing a new army to the field, would be
increased; whilst that self-confidence in troops, no neces- “.
sary to complete success, would essentially be lost. It
was believed to be the safer course, to permit his discon-
tented volunteers to depart, and await the arrival of
another force. These circumstances had a tentency 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 In-
dian valour, and cunning; whilst by one further success-
ful effort, they might have dispirited the enemy, and
ended the campaign.

... ſ. 3 | ". - -
k
#52 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
TEut the arrival of a different description of troops,
and the confusion into which they were thrown at the
battle of Eäotichopco, had ... Savages, and
induced them to think the contest by no heans a hazard.
ous 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 our-
selves that events transpired in the way they did. Had
peace been restored in consequence of any early fears
excited, it might have lasted only until a favourable op-
*.
portunity occurred of again breaking it; but the war
having continued, until the hopes, the strength, and spir-
it 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 char-
acter of our nation than they have hitherto been dispo-
sed to entertain; give protection to our citizens, and en-
sure that security to the government which the mildness
it has practised, and the tribute it has constantly given
them for their peace, has, heretofore, never been able to
effect; they will tend to destroy the influcnce 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.
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 certain plan to guard
against a future failure of supplies. His health was
still delicate, and rendered retirement essential to its

LIFE of GENERAL Jackson. 153
restoration; but his uniformly successful and good COn-
duct, and the essential advantages he had produced, had
brought him too conspicuously before the pºlic for any
other sentiment to be indulged than that:hould be
placed, with an important command, in tºervice 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 charac-
ter. A notice of his appointment as brigadier and bre-
vet major-general, was forwarded on the 22d of May,
from the war department. General Harrison having,
about this time, for some cause, become dissatisfied
with the conduct of the government towards him, re-
fused to be longer considered one of her military 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 return 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 his state, 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 ob-
jection 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 accepted. - -
The contest wth the Indians being ended, the first and
principal object of the government was, to enter into
some definitive arrangement which should deprive 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 énd, as that
of restricting their limits, so as to cut off their commu-
nication 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


154 £IFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
remained a conquered people, and within the limits, and
subject to the regulations and restrictions, which had
been preseribed in March, by general Jackson, 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 ànd these conquered Indians. But for the
government to proeced on the principles 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 begun, not to be expected.
Those Indians had broken without eause the treaty they
had made, outraged humanity, and murdered our un-
offending citizens. Under such circumstances, by the
peace now to be concluded, to negotiate with, and as
heretofore recognize them as an independent and sove-
reign people, comported not with propriety, nor was de-
manded by any of the ties of moral duty.’ General Jack-
son, therefore, was directed to treat them as a conquered
'people, and to prescribe, not negotiate, the terms and
conditions of a peace. Colonel Hawkins, who for a con-
siderable time past had been the agent to this nation,
was ālso associated in the mission. With the western
people the appointment was not acceptable, and much
solicitude was felt from an apprehension of his influence
and weight of character amóngst 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 opinions upon
data présumed to be correct; but when it occurred to
them, that previously to the commencement of hostili-
ties, 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 negotiation contemplated
to be entered into. : º -
On the 10th of July, the general, with a small retinue,
reached the Alabama; and on the 10th of August, after
some difficulty, succeeded in procuring the execution of

LIFE or GENERAL Jackson. 155
a treaty, in which the Indians pledged themselves no
more to listen to foreign emissaries, to hold no commu-
nication with British or Spanish garrisons; guaranteed
to the United States the right of erecting military posts
in their country; and a free navigation of all their wa-
ters. 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 spe-
cially deriving his authority from the President of the
United States. - -
The stipulations and exactions of this treaty were in
conformity with instructions issued from the department
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 contract and
agreement; and hence has general Jackson been cen-
sured for the manner after which the negotiation was
concluded. The course however, which was pursued,
is readily justified by the terms and expressions of the
order under which he acted, and which prevented the
exercise of discretion. General armstrong, 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 whole authority of mak-
ing and concluding the terms, will be in you exclusively
as commanding general.” Accompanying which were
instructions 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, , - -
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 inter-
course with any Spanish port, garrison or town; and that they will
- *
156 LIFE or ée NERAL JACKSON.
To settle the boundary, defining the extent of territe-
ry to be secured to the Creeks, and that which they
would be required to surrender, was attended with dif.
ficulty, 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 ne-
ver attached to their claim. The Creeks had heretofore
permitted this tribe to extend its settlements as low
down the Coosa at 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, acknowl-
edge the extension of the Cherokee boundary, which
would secure their claim against that of the United
States. The only reply obtained from the Creeks was
in truly Indian spirit, that they could not lie, by admit-
ting 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 ad-
mitted 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
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 milita-
ry posts and trading houses as may be deemed necessary and pro-
per; 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
400n as they shall express a desire to put an end to the war.
º --- J. ARMSTRONG.
Lif'E OF GENERAL JACKSON. 157
cession, only such portion of their country as might
prove a tendency to bar every avenue to foreign intrigue,
and give additional strength to those sections of the
tjnion, which, from their limited extent of territory and
consequent limited population, were unable to afford
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 arranged as
fully to meet these objects. Sufficient territory was ac-
quired on the south to give security to the Mobile settle-
ments, and to the western borders of Georgia, which had
often felt the stroke of Indian vengeance and cruelty;
while at the same time was effected the important pur-
pose of separating them from the Seminole tribes, and
our unfriendly neighbours in Florida. To the frontiers
of Tennessee an assurance of safety was given by the
settlements which would be afforded on the lands stretch-
ing along the Tennessee river; whilst the extent of the
cession, west of the 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 industriously fomented the discontents, of the
Creeks, and excited them to hostility. It is a happy
consideration, that whilst these advantages were ob-
tained, no material injury 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 theory, but practice will always disprove the idea,
14 .
158 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
that the civilization of Indians can be effected, whilst,
scattered through an immense wilderness, they are left
to pursue their vagrant, wandering habits of life. In-
ured 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 exten-
sive wilds gradually reduced, so, in proportion, would
the benefits resulting from hunting, and wandering
through the forest, subside, until prompted at last by
necessity, they would resort to industry and agriculture,
as the only certain and lasting means of support, and
thus imperceptibly be forced into a different and more
advantageous 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 obsti-
nately opposed to every arrangement. Before being
finally acted upon, the treaty had been fully debated in
council, and the voice of the nation pronounced against
it. Jackson had already submitted the views of his
government, and now met them in council, to learn their
determination. He was answered 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 conviction of the consequences
involved, and the distresses it must inevitably bring
upon them. The firm and dignified eloquence of this
untutored orator, evinced a nerve and force of expres-
sion, that might not have passed unnoticed, had it been
exhibited before 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
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 159
admire it when discovered. Having unfolded the causes
that produced the war, told of their sufferings, and ad-
mitted 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 de-
fray, by a transfer of a portion of their country, the ex-
penses 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 Indians, and how seriously
they would be affected by the surrender required of
them, and thus concluded: -
“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 has proved
so fatal to my country, that the treaty entered 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 people; and not only to
them, but to all the people beneath 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
I69 LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON.
heen 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 murders
here. This conduct has already made the war party to
suffer greatly: but, although almost destroyed, 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, oùr 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 wrong: they have deceived us
once, and can deceive us no more. You are two great
people. If you go to war, we will have no concern in
it; for we are not able to fight. We wish to be at peace
with eve y nation. If they offer me arms, I will say to
m, You put me in danger, to war against a people born
ur own land. They shall never force us into danger.
Kou's hall never see that our chiefs are boys in council,
who will be forced to do any thing. I talk thus, know-
ing that father Washington advised us never to inter-
fere in wars. He told us that those in peace were the
happiest people. He told us, that if an enemy attacked
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; pre-
suming that if the council could break up, without any
thing being definitely done, they might, in part, or per-
haps altogether, avoid what was now required of them



LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 161
to do; but the inflexibility of the person with whom they
were treating, evinced to them, that however just and
well founded might be their objections, the policy under
which he acted was too clearly defined, for any abandon-
ment of his demands to be at all calculated upon. She-
locta, 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 addressed him. He told him of the regard
he had ever felt for his white brothers, and with what
zeal he had exerted himself to preserve peace, and keep
in friendship 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 faithful.
ness 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 rendered
greater services, and none had been more faithful...j fles.
had claims, growing out of his fidelity, that few others
had: but his wishes were so much at variance with whât
Jackson considered the interest of his country required,
that he was answered without hesitation. “You know,”
* This country west of the Coosa now forms the respectable state
of Alabama, admitted into the Union in the year 1819.
14*
162 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
said he, “that the portion of country which you desire
to retain, is that through which the intruders and mis-
chief 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
security. I have already told you the reasons for de-
manding it: they are such as ought not—cannot be de-
parted from. This evening must determine whether 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 yourselves.” 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 armies,” continued he,
“came here, the hostile party had even stripped you
of your conntry: we retook it, and now offer to restore
it;;−theirs we propose to retain. Those who are dis-
posed to give effect to the treaty, will sign it. They will
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


LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON, 163.
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 secured to the United States. There are few na-
tions in the world, that would have acted with such justice and
lenity towards a vanquished people. The country had been con-
quered and won, at considerable expense and loss. Few govern-
ments, under such circumstances, 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 terri-
tory 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 Choc-
tows, Chickasaws and Cherokees, asserted their claims, each, to a
part of the session. The latter set up a title to the whole extent
} ying along the Tennessee river, and in the end succeeded in having * -
it recognized by the government. The other two tribes, gathgring
•onfidence from their success, came. forward, and were no less for-
tunate. The United States, to remove every ground of comf intº
opened a negotiation with these Indians, and purchased the s:
rest at the price that was demanded. When it is consider:
these claims were set up by inconsiderable clan", which migº
word, have been hushed to silence, it affords the highest eulogy of
the justice and magnanimity of our government, that, instead of
attempting any excise 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 unquestiona”
bly 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


164 LIFE OF general JACKSON.
In the progress of this business another difficulty arose:
the council insisted that there should be inserted in the
treaty a reservation of certain tracts of land; one for
colonel Hawkins, in consideration of his fidelity to them
as an agent; and another to Jackson, because of the
gratitude felt towards him for his exertions in their fa-
vöur against the hostile Creeks. To this the general
objected. It was personal as it regarded 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 consid-
erations would be imputed as an inducement to what
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
warlike of the southern tribes; and are spoken of “as coming out
of the ground.” Possession, with Indians, is the only evidence of
title. Their country and individual possessions, always defihed by
natural objects, belongs to the next, when once the first occupant
has abandoned it. The tradition of their origin, reaching to a pe-
riod long anterior to the time when other tribes settled on their
borders, proves them to have been the first proprietors of the soil:
the country was never abandoned by them; being the most war-
like and powerful, 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, how-
ever, power, the legitimate rule and national law in modern times,
had been made the appeal between a government strong as the
United States, and such inconsiderable Indian hordes, there can be
no question as to the manner the difference might have been set-
tled; 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. 165
was done. He refused, therefore, to have it inserted;
and for the further reason, that the instructions under
which he was acting, required it to be a capitulation,
not a treaty. The next morning, however, when they
met in council to sign the instrument, the chiefs deliver-
ed to the general a paper, expressing a wish, and dis-
closing their reasons, that a reservation to himself—co-
lonel Hawkins, and Mayfield, who being made a prison-
er in his youth, had always resided in the nation, might
be assented to; and requested it to be forwarded on and
made known to the government. Jackson consented
to do so, and to recommend its adoption; but that the
reservation they had thought proper to request, if as-
sented to, he would accept of on no other terms than that
their father the president should dispose of it, and ap-
ply the proceeds to those of the nation on whom distress
and poverty had been brought by the war. Mr. Mad-
ison subsequently brought this matter to the considera-
tion of the Senate of the United States, and in recom-
mending 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 negotia-
tion, to impress on the minds of the savages the necessi-
ty of remaining at peace and in friendship with the Uni-
ted States; for, although all apprehensions of their act-
ing in concert as a nation had subsided, yet it was im-
portant to leave their minds favourably impressed, lest
the wandering fugitives, scattered in considerable num-
bers towards the Escambia and Pensacola, might, by
continuing hostile, associate with them others of their
countrymen, attach themselves to the British, should
*
i
ió6 LIFE of GENERAL JACKson.
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 the United
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 ammunition;
nor was it less certain, but that through the art and ad-
dress practised on them, they had been excited to the
outrages which had been heretofore committed. It
was an idea entertained by Jackson, at the commence-
ent 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;
and, by holding it, effectually cut off their intercourse,
and meansofencouraging the war; but the unexpected dif
ficulties which we have before noticed, had repressed the
execution of his well-digested plans, and left him to pur-
sue his course as circumstances, and the obstacles met
with, would permit. The assistance which, during the
war, had been continually afforded these people from
Pensacola, induced him once more to turn his attention
there; and he now strongly urged on government the
propriety of attacking 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 differ.
ences at Fort Jackson, had sought through every chan-
nel 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
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 167
a stop to active operations on the Canada frontier, with
all their disposable force, they would turn their atten-
tion against the southern states, and there attempt to
gain some decisive advantage. New Orleans, with one
consent, 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 rea-
sons which strongly led to this conclusion.
General Jackson having understood, that that comfort
and aid which heretofore had been so liberally extended,
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 deser-
vedly to exclude him from that protection to which, un-
der other circumstances, he would be entitled, from the
professed neutrality of Spain. At all events, if the im-
proper 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 continuance and give safety
to the country. In this point of view he had already con-
sidered it, when on his way to the treaty at Fort Jack-
son, he received certain information, that about three
hundred English troops had landed; were ſortifying
themselves at the mouth of the Apalachicola; and were
endeavouring to excite the Indians to war. No time was
lost in giving the government notice of what was passing,
168
Irºes general JACKson.
and of the course; by him. deemed most advisable to be
pursued. The advantages to be secured from the pos-
session of Pensacola he had frequently urged. Wheth-
er it was that the govornment beheld things in a point
of view different from himself, or that being at peace
with Spain, was disposed to encounter partial inconven-
iences, rather than add her to the number of our eme-
mies, 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 protected; if the British have landed a
large force, munitions of war, and are fortifying and stir-
ring up the savages; will you only say to me, raise a few .
hundred militia, which can be quickly done, and with
such regular force as can be conveniently collected,
make a descent upon Pensacola, and reduce it? If so,
I promise you the war in the south shall have a speedy
termination, and English nfluence be forever destroyed
with the savages in this quarter.” *
Notwithstanding this and other information communi-
cated to the government, yet, to his repeated and pres-
sing applications, he was unable to obtain any answer:
nothing was returned that could be construed into eith-
er a permission of, or command to abstain from the ex-
ecution of his project. At length, on the 17th of Janua-
ry, 1815, after the British army had been repulsed at
TNew Orleans, and the descent on Florida almost forgot-
ten, through the post office department, dated at Wash-
ington City, the 18th of July, 1814, he received the ſol-
lowing letter from general Armstrong, then secretary at
War: -
“The case you put is a very strong one; and if all

Life of GENERAL JACKSON. 169
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 disposi-
tion 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 authorities, 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 secre-
tary, did actually exist; that the British were favoura-
bly received, and every assistance necessary to a contin-
uance of hostilities extended to the Indians, the govern-
ment had been already apprised, by the frequent-com-
munications made to them on the subject. The facts
were too well ascertained for any reasonable doubt to
attach. To determine then upon a proper course, no
postulata were necessary, or should have been required
by the government. Had this letter reached him in
time, it would at once have determined general Jack-
son in the course to be pursued, 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 sub-
ject, conjecture alone, could be indulged. We would,
however, recommend in all casese, where a measure is
to be proceeded in, either from necessity, or a well-
. . . 15 - -
170 “LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
founded apprehension of its propriety, that the govern-
ment 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 sub-
ject of commendation or reproof.
“If" remarked the general, speaking of this transac-
tion, “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 cap-
tured the British shipping in the bay. I would have
marched at once against Barrancas, and carried it, and
thus prevented any escape; but, acting on my own re-
sponsibility against a neutral power, it became essential
for me to proceed with more caution than my judgment
or wishes approved, and consequently important advan-
tages were lost, which might have been secured.”—
The delay of the letter is inexplicable and strange.—
Did general Armstrong detain it? He could not, because
his efficiency of character and decision stand in opposi-
tion to the idea: and, besides, after the burning of Wash-
ington, 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
a question arose where responsibility should rest, the ab-
sence 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
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 171
a neutral and friendly power, without the sanction of
the government.
On arriving at Fort Jackson, his first attention had
been direced to a subject which he believed to be of
greater importance than making Indian treaties—to es-
tablish a plan by which to be constantly advised, during
his stay, of those schemes that were in agitation in the
south: believing that every passing event might be rea-
dily obtained through the Indians, who could go among
the British without in the least exciting suspicion, he had
required colonel Hawkins to procure some who were
confidential, and might be certainly relied on, to pro-
ceed 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 state-
ment previously received, 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 In-
dians, and runners 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 addres-
sed a letter to the governor of Pensacola, apprising him
of the information received; and enquiring why and
wherefore it happened that every protection and assis-
tance 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,” con-
tinued he, “on the existing friendship of Spain, her
treaties and that neutrality which she should observe’
172 Life of GENERAL Jackson.
as authority for the demand I make.” The governor's
answer, which shortly afterwards was received, evinced
nothing of a conciliatory temper, and left no hope of pro-
curing any other redress than that which might be ob-
tained through some different channel. It was a sub-
ject, however, which required to be managed with con-
siderable 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 aggresion, 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-
wading 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 solicita-
tions on the subject had been received. On his own re-
sponsibility, to advance to the execution of a measure,
which involved so much, when his government was, and
had for some time been, in possession of all the circum-
stances, was risking too much. Yet, were it delayed
longer, every day might give to Pensacola additional
strength, and increase the danger attendant on its reduc-
tion. Undetermined, under considerations like these
he resolved upon another expedient—to despatch a mes-
senger, to lay open to the governor the ground of his
complaint—obtain from him a declaration of his inten-
tion, as regarded the course he meant to adopt, and
pursue—and ascertain whether he designed to make
subsisting treaties between the two nations the basis of
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 173
his conduct, or to pursue a strange and concealed course, -
which, under the garb of pretended 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 har-
rassed his mind, whetherit would not be more properto re-
returnit without an answer, “in imitation of the conduct
of general Flournoy, who, acting in conformity to the
orders of Mr. Madison, heretofore had omitted to answer a
despatch of his.” But having considered the matter
quite maturely and deliberately, he at length came to
the conclusion, to wave the example set him by the
president, and in replying to, act in obedience to those
“high and generous feelings peculiar 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, on
the ground of hospitality, refuse them assistance, at a
momentwhen their distresses were so great; nor could he
surrender them, as he believed, without acting in open
Violation of the laws of nations,—laws, to which his SOV-.
ereign had ever strictly adhered, and of which he had
already afforded the United States abundant evidence,
in omitting to demand of them “the traitors, insurgents,
incendiaries, and assassins of his chiefs, namely, Guiter-
res, Toledo, and many others, whom the American gov-
ernment protected and maintained in committing hostil-
ities,in fomenting the revolution, and in lighting up the
15%
174 Life OF GENERAL JACKsoN.
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 hostility, he
proceeded with his same “national characteristic,” and
demanded to be informed if the United States were ig-
norant, that at the conquest of Florida, there was a trea.
ty 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 Barrataria, 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 scanda-
lous notoriety, that the cargoes of our our vessels, taken
by them, have been publicly sold in Louisiana.”
It is difficult to discover how, or by what system of
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 by Spanish tyranny, 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
Tafitte and his party at Barrataria, and the successful
smuggling which brought their plundered 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 con;
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. I75
tinuing there, with the avowed intention of waging war
against apbwer 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 ma-
jesty were in consequence, 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 relieved from those high and honourable feelings,
“peculiar to the Spanish character,” reason may re-as-
Serther empiry over him, and point the manner he was
enabled to produce his strange results.
The governor, however, had evinced rather too high
a state of feeling, and taken his ground without suffering
his reflections to go to their full extent. He had placed
arms in the bands of the savages, “for the purposes of
self-defence;” many of them were hastening 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 unexpected strength,
added to what his own resources could supply, he be-
lieved an American general would not venture to ad-
vance. These considerations had led him to assume a
proud and lofty tone,—to arraign the conduct of the
United States, in extinguishing the Indian title on the
Alabama, to accuse them of disregarding 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
T”6 LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON.
break down his fancied security, did not desire to be
ordered, but only to be apprised 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 com-
plaint in behalf of his country, and in a style at least as
courtly as his own.
“Were I clothed,” he remarks, “with diplomatic pow-
ers, for the purpose of discussing the topics embraced in
the wide range of injuries of which you complain, and
which have long since been adjusted, I could easily de-
monstate that the United States have been always faith-
ful to their treaties, steadfast in their friendships, nor
have ever claimed any thing that was not warranted by
justice. They have endured many insults from the gov-
ernors and other officers of Spain, 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. Butas no such pow-
ers 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 discharge
the task, and trust your excellency will always find me
ready and willing to go forward, in the performance of
that duty, whenever circumstances shall render it ne-
cessary. I agree with you, perfectly, that candour and
Polite language should, at all times, characterize the
fife of GENERAL JACKSON. 177
communications between the officers of friendly sove-
reignties; 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 asserted, that the ringlea-
ders of the Creek confederacy might be delivered to me,
who had taken refuge in your town, and who had viola-
ted all laws, moral, civil, and divine. This I had a right
to do, from the treaty which I sent you, and which I now
again enclose, with a request that you will change your
translation; believing, as I do, that your former one was
wrong, and has deceived you. What kind of an answer
you returned, a reference to your letter will explain-
The whole of it breathed nothing but hostility, ground-
ed upon assumed facts, and false charges, and entirely
evading the inquiries that had been made. -
“I can but express my astonishment at your protest.
against the cession on the Alabama, lying within the
acknowledgedlimits and jurisdiction of the United States,
and which has been ratified in due form, by the princi.
pal chiefs and warriors of the nation. But my astonish-
ment 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 ensue to yourself-
My government will protect every inch of her territory,
her citizens and their property, from insult and depreda-
tion, regardless of the political revolutions of Europe;
and although she has been at all times sedulous to pre-
serve a good understanding with all the world, yet she
has sacred rights, that cannot be trampled upon withim-
punity. Spain had better look to her own intestine
commotions, before she walks forth in that majesty of
178 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
strength and power, which you threaten to draw upon
the United States. •
“Your excellency has been candid enough to admit
your baving supplied the Indians with arms. In addi-
tion to 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 sur-
prised, then, but on the contrary will provide a fort in
your town for my soldiers and lndians, should I take it
in my head to pay you a visit. -
“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 Pensa-
cola, 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
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 179
alone by a manly and dignified course, that we can se-
cure 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 captain of ma-
rines is, and has for some time past been engaged 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 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 present resources are so limited—a
sickly climate as well as an enemy to contend with, and
without the means of transportation to change the posi-
tion of my army, that, resting on the bravery of my little
phalanx, I can only hope for success.” -
Many difficulties were presented; and, although anx-
ious 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 inhabited, 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 reliance. 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 govern-
ment. He addressed himself to the governors of Tennes-
180 IIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
see, Louisiana, and the Mississippi territory, and pressed
them to be vigilant in the discharge of their duties. In-
formation, he said, had reached him, which rendered it
necessary that all the forces allotted for the defence of
the seventh military district, should be held in a state of
perfect readiness 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 the 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 Jack-
son, he had departed for Mobile, to place the country
in a proper state of defence. The third regiment, a part
of the forty-fourth and thirty-ninth, constituted 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 possi-
ble. His appeals to the people 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 securely rely, and that their ardour would
readily excite them to contend with an enemy at their
very doors. Well knowing the delay incident to bring-
ing militia requisitions expeditiously forth, and fearing
that some circumstance might arise to jeopardize the
LiFE OF GENERAL JACKSON, 181
safety of the country, before the constituted authorities
could act, he had already despatched his adjutant-gene.
ral, colonel Butler, to Tennessee, with orders to raise
volunteers, and have them in readiness to advance to his
relief, whenever it should be required. * -
Every day's intelligence tended to confirm the belief
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, would soon
burst and entirely involve the lower country in wo and
ruin. Where certainly to expect attack, was as yet un-
known. The part of the country bordering on Mobile
might be assailed; yet, taking into consideration that no
very immediate advantages eould be obtained there, it
was an event not much to be apprehended. The ne-
cessity, however, 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, re-
marked, “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 without delay. The order
reached him at Nashville, on the 9th of September, and
he forthwith engaged actively in its execution. He di-
rectly applied to general Coffee, to advance with the
16 *
182 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
mounted troops he could collect. A general order was
at the same time issued, bringing to view the dangers
that threatened, and soliciting those who were disposed
to aid in protecting their country from invasion, to unite
with him at Fayetteville, by the 28th instant. The ap-
peal was not ineffectual: although the scene of opera-
tion was at least four hundred miles from the point of
rendezvous, the call was promptly obeyed; and two
thousand able-bodied men, well supplied with rifles and
muskets, appeared 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 forward the militia under the command of
colonel Lowery, which had been heretofore required for
garrisoning the posts in the Indian country; whilst cap-
tains Baker and Butler, with the regular forces lately
enlisted, 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 country
called them. -
CHAPTER VII.
Colonel Nicholls arrives at Pensacola, and issues a proclama-
tion to the southern inhabitants.-Attack on Fort Bowyer,
and loss of the Hermes.—Jackson determines to reduce Pen-
sacola-Demands of the governor an explanation of his
conduct: his answer.—Enters and takes possession of Pen-
. sacola–Conduct and perfidy of the governor—Destruc-
tion, by the British, of Barrancas Fort.— Our troops return
to Mobile.—Expedition against the Indians.—General Win-
chester 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 Jack-
son's character, to lock closely in his bosom all his deter-
minations; it was only to a few, on whom he reposed
with unlimited confidence, that the least intimation 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 applica-
tions he had made to the war department, to be indulged
in the execution of this purpose, without having obtained
any directions or permission to do so, had placed a veto
184 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
on the project, unless he should venture to assume and
risk it on his own responsibility. -
It was impossible he should remain long in doubt, as
to the course best calculated to assure defence, or to the
ulterior objects of the enemy. Colonel Nicholis, with
a small squadron of his Britannic majesty's ships, had ar-
rived the latter part of August, and taken up his head
quarters with governor Manrequez. He was an Irish-
man, sent in advance by his royal master to sow dissen-
tions among our people, and to draw around his standard
the malcontents and traitors of the country. His pro-
clamation, issued to the western and southern inhabi-
tants, full of well turned periods, false statements, and
high sounding promises, it was hoped would lead them
to a belief, that the government under 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 declared war against a
power, the freest, the happiest, the most moral and re-
Higious on earth. He stated, that he was at the head of
a force amply sufficient to reinstate them in those liber-
ties 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 as-
surances 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
vouchsafed nothing that the American people would not
* See note A, at the end of the volume, where will be found this
most extraordinary production of a British officer who acted, no
doubt, under instructions received from his government.
LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON. 185
have sooner relied on: it was a pledge in which past ex-
perience told them they could not safely confide. To
them it was a matter of surprise, that a country from
which they had learned all they had ever known or felt
of oppression, should come to make then freer than they
were; or that, groaning themselves under a load of taxes,
from which there was scarcely a hope of being ever re-
lieved, that they should come, with such apparent com-
passion and great benevolence, to take away the bur-
dens of those whom they despised, and on whom, for
forty years, they had heaped nothing but contumely and
reproach. Where it was that this agent of Britain
learned, that the citizens of the United States com-
plained of burdens, heavily and unjustly imposed, we
know not; satisfied, however, are we, that it was a mur-
mur 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 as-
sailed honour and independence of their country should
be secured on a basis firmer than before.
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 de-
livering hero, aided by his Indian and Spanish allies, set
éut, to ascertaif 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 in-
corrigible race, who could be neither duped, flattered,
nor forced into submission. . -
16*
186 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. “
Fort Bowyer had been heretofore abandoned; and,
until the arrival of general Jackson in this section of the
country, was, indeed, ill calculated for serious resistance.
On perceiving its importance, he immediately 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 rivers which discharged
themselves into the bay, and , which opened directly to
the Indian country, that it was with him a matter of sur-
prise it had not been more regarded by the Uni-
ted States, and even better attended to by our enemies.
Major Lawrence had the honour to command this spot,
the gallant defence of which has given it celebrity, and
raised him to an elevated stand in the estimation of his
country. That, at Pensacola, plans of operation were di-
gesting, 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 fort in such a
state of readiness, as would place it in his power, should
that be their object, to make a successful and brave de-
fence, had prompted him to the most vigourous exertions.
His whole strength was but one hundred and thirty men.
By this Spartan band was evinced a confidence in each
other, and an unshaken resolution, which left their brave
commander 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, consisting
of Indians, marines, and Spaniards, had landed; and the
same day two brigs and sloops hove in sight of the fort,
and anchored not far distant. - - -
LIFE of GENERAL JACKson. 187
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 com-
pelled them to retire about two miles, whence, attempt-
ing 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 assault
was intended, and would shortly be made. At half past
four o’clock in the evening, every thing being ar-
ranged, the Hermes, in the van, commanded by Sir W.
H. Percy, and the other vessels close in the rear, an-
chored within musket shot fire of the fort. From her
near position, supported by the Caron, and brigs Sophia
and Anaconda, mounting in akl ninety-guns, she opened
a broadside. Colonel Nicholls and captaiº
at the head of their detachment, commenced a simulta-
neous attack by land, with a twelve pound howitzer, at
point blank distance; but, from their sand bank fortifica-
tions they were so quickly driven, as to be unable to pro-
duce the slightest injury.
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
position, where for twenty minutes she received a severe-
ly raking fire, which did her considerable damage. In
her disabled condition it was no longer possible to con-
troul her—whence, drifting with the current, she ran
upon a sand bank about seven hundred yards distant,
where, until late at night, she remained expºsed to the


188 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
guns of the fort. Her commander, finding it impractica-
ble to be relieved, set her on fire, and abandoned 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 difficulty went out
to sea.
It is worthy of remark, to show the difference in battle,
between the two combatants, to mark the conduct of
British and American officers, under circumstances pre-
cisely 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 contest, and surrender.
Influenced by this belief, Lawrence, with a generosity
characteristic of our officers, immediately desisted from
further firing. The appearance 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 carried away: but so far from pursuing the
same generous course that had just been witnessed, the
zeal of the enemy was increased, and the assault more
furiously urged. At this moment, Nicholls and Wood-
bine, at the head of their embattled train, perceiving
what had happened, that our “star-spangled banner” had
sunk, at once presuming all danger to have subsided,
made a most courageous sally from their stronghold; and,
pushing towards their vanquished foes, were already cal-
culating on a rich harvest of blood and plunder: but a
well-directed fire checked the progress, dissipated their
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 139
expectations, and drove them back, with a rapidity even
surpassing the celerity of their advance.
Taking into consideration, the inequality of force em.
ployed on opposite sides of this contest, it will appear a
matter of surprise, that the attack should have termina-
ted in the way it did;—that it was not attended with
success to our enemy. This circumstance would be a
sufficient evidence of the bravery and correct conduct
of its gallant defenders, were 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 calcula-
ted for successful defence, are facts remembered, and en-
title them to the highest commendation. 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 prepared for defence, and not more than twenty
guns, was ill calculated for stubborn resistance; most of
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 compelled
the enemy, resting in full confidence of success, to retire,
with the loss of their best ship, and two hundred 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 pre-
190 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
pared for giving success to their plans, and where scarce.
ly 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 ex-
pected, would fall, of course. This being effected, in-
dependent of the strong hold already possessed in Flori-
da, an additional advantage would be acquired, calcu-
lated to prevent all intercourse 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 pro-
ceed across to the Mississippi, and cut off all communi-
cation with the western states. To render the blow
effectual, was important; that, by impressing at once the
inhabitants with an idea of their strength and prowess,
the proclamations already disseminated might claim a
stronger influence on doubting minds. The force em-
ployed, and its disposition, was calculated to attain these
wished for results. While the attack should be furiously
waged by the ships from the bay, and the forces on the
shore, the yells of three or four hundred savages 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—in-
stead of triumph, they had met defeat. The only badges
of victory 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
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 191
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 proceeded 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 ene-
my's arrival, and requesting that assistance might be
immediately sent to his relief. The general hastened
back, and reaching Mobile late at night, despatched 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 reinforcement under his
command. The battle, however, having in the mean
time commenced, presented new difficulties, and re-
strained the execution of his purpose, unless he should
venture to encounter greater hazard than prudence.
seemed to sanction. The Hermes, on being driven from
her anchorage, had, at the time of her explosion, floated
and grounded in a direction, which, from the position
192 LiFE of GENERAL Jackson.
she occupied, placed her immediately in rear of the fort.
"This circumstance well accounted for the mistake with
which he was impressed, and led captain Laval to sup-
pose that his brave countrymen had all perished. Be-
lieving 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. Jack-
son 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 disaster commu-
nicated were as it was reported, his own situation being
thereby rendered precarious, something was necessary.
to be done to repair the loss, and regain a place, for
many reasons too important to be yielded. His princi-
pal fears were, lest the strength 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 pursued. He determined at all
hazards to retake the fort; and to that end a general or-
der 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 van-
quished, 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 can.
Life of eENERAL Jaekson. IS3
not wish our country better, than that the future defen-
ders of her honour and violated rights may be as sen-
sibly alive to their duty, and act with a like determined
bravery. •
The British had now retired to Pensacola, to dispose
of their wounded, refit their vessels, and be ready, as soon
as circumstances would permit, to make perhaps, 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 command.
ing general entertained a suspicion that this was merely
a feint, and that the object of their wishes and designs,
so soon as a sufficient force 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 concert 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 probably, their views were intended to be directed.
His regret was indeed great, that time after time, with-
out the least success, he had urged and entreated his
government for permission to take possession of a place
where so many dangers threatened, and where every as-
sistance and encouragement was afforded the British;
and that regret was increased, now, when he saw the ºf
very evils engendering and springing into existence, to
which he had so often endeavoured to draw their atten-
tion, and which were jeopardizing the safety of the
- 17
194 . . LIFE of GENERAL Jackson.
whole lower country. To him the defence of this dis-
trict 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 dis-
grace. 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 the place-a rendezvous for the enemy.
Jackson and his government had ever viewed this
subject in very different lights: they were not willing to
risk any act which might involve the possibility of a con-
test with Spain, for the sake of removing what they con-
sidered 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 nations. 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 harrassed and annoyed, she
deserved to be placed herself on the list of enemies, and
treated accordingly. If, however, Great Britain, taking
advantage of the defenceless 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 obe-
dience to her laws. Upon either ground, he believed
it might be sufficiently justified. There was one, how-
ever, 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
LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON. 195
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, injustice,
could demand no more. The attack on Mobile point was a
confirmation of his previous conjectures as to the views
of the enemy; and from that moment he determined to
advance against and reduce Pensacola, throw a sufficient
force in the Barrancas, hold them until the principles of
right and neutrality were better respected, and rest the
measure on his own responsibility. Believing this the
only course calculated to assure ultimate security, he
decided with firmness, and resolved to execute his inten-
tions 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 Eng-
land, 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 ene-
my; it was the key to the entire commerce of the wes.
tern country. Had a descent been made on it a few
months before, it might have been taken with all imagi-
nable ease; but the British had confidently indulged 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, sensibly alive to the great
benefits the English had conferred upon their native
country—benefits that prostrated her liberty, and which
have sunk her, perhaps, in eternal slavery, would, on
their first appearance, hail their deliverers, and at once
196 Life of GENERAL JAcksos.
become their vassals. Independent of this, they imagined
the black population would afford them the means of ex-
eiting insurrection and massacre, and deluging the coun-
try 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 female as
the soldier, should be sanctioned by a nation professing
a high sense of moral feeling; or whether a nation that
adopts such a system merits countenance from a civi-
lized world, are questions on which we should not fear
the decision even of an Englishman, could he but divest
himself of that animosity and hatred, which, from infan-
cy, he learns to entertain for the Americans. To this,
and many other acts equally in violation of the rules
that should govern honourable warfare, may be traced
the cause of those deep-rooted inveteracies in the breasts
of our citizens, towards those of England, which time,
and a different course of conduct, can alone remove.
Why such hostility has been practised towards us, it is dif.
ficult 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 together; the
noary locks of a father, torn off by the merciless Indian,—
the innocent, helpless female, bleeding by savage tor-
ture, and the unoffending babe, dragged from the beat-
ing bosom of its mother, and butchered in her sight, are
eruelties that can be traced to British influence; yet
these people and ourselves are descended from the same
life of GENERAL Jackson. 197
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 historian; it is his duty only to detail facts.
The war is over; peace is restored; and the two na-
tions, and their citizens, by a mutual respect and for-
bearance towards each other, should endeavour to pro-
mote that friendship and intercourse, which it is evi-
dently the interest of both to preserve, and which, we
hope may be lasting. - -
The expected reinforcements were now announced.
General Coffee, with his brigade, had arrived and halted
at the cut-off, not far from fort St. Stephens, on the Mo-
bile river. In addition to the force with which he com- -
menced his march, he had been strengthened by the ar-
rival 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 arrange-
ments for an immediate march, general Jackson, on the
26th day of October, repaired to Coffee's camp. A de-
pendence on himself to further the objects of the govern-
ment 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 army: thus situated, with his own
limited funds, and loans effected on his credit and re-
sponsibility, he succeeded in carrying his plans into eſ:
fect, and in hastening his army to the place of its des-
tination. - - . . . . . . . .

17%
198 LIFE 6F GENERAL JACKSON.
The difficulty of subsisting cavalry on the route; ren-
dered it necessary that part of the brigade should pro-
ceed on foot. Although they had volunteered in the
service as mounted men, and expected that no different
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 ap-
proach and intended attack; and every thing was in
readiness to dispute their passage to the town. The
forts were garrisoned, and prepared for resistance; bat-
teries formed in the principal streets; and the British
vessels moored within the bay, and so disposed as to
eommand 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-
eation 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 un-
der such circumstances, however, as should impress the
minds of the Spaniards with a conviction, that the inva-
sion of their territory was a measure resorted to from
necessity, not choice, and from no disposition to infringe
er violate their neutral rights, was believed to be essen-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 199
tial. It was rendered the more so, on the part of Jack-
son, because a measure of his own and not sanctioned or
directed by his government. Previously, therefore, to
having recourse to any act of open war, he determined
once more to try the effect of negotiation, that he might
ascertain certainly and correctly how far the governor
felt disposed to preserve a good understanding between
the two governments.
Major Piere, of the forty-fourth regiment, was accor-
dingly despatched with a flag, to disclose the objects in-
tended to be attained by the visit, and to require 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 furnish-
ing a sufficient force, might be able to protect the pro-
vince and preserve unimpaired her neutral character.—
He was charged by the general with a candid and explicit
statement of his views, and instructed to require of the
governor a decisive and positive 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 material in-
quiry. 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 Jack-
son, had been removed, and the colours of Spain left,
which were designed to afford protection to our enemies,
and a pretext for every injury. This conduct, so unex,
pected and unprovoked, and withal so directly in op-
200 J.Lº. OF GENERAL JACKSON,
position to the principles and practice of civilized war-
fare, might have well determined the general to abstain
from further forbearance, and to proceed immediately
in the accomplishment of his views; but a consciousness,
that although the reduction of this place was required
by circumstances of the highest necessity, yet fearing it
might be blazoned around to his prejudice, and particu-
larly that it might become a cause of national difficulty,
he was prompted 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 ful-
ly, previously to proceeding to extremities, he again des-
patched a letter to him, not by any of his officers, for
after such perfidy he was unwilling, and felt it unsafe
to risk them, but by a Spanish corporal, who had been
taken on the route the day before. By him, it was re-
quired to be known, why the former application which
had been made, instead of being met with a becoming
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 transaction 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 negotiation should place in his
hands the different fortresses, before information of it
could be had by the British shipping lying in the bay,
#,IFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 201
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 proper; and to insist on the condi-
tions already noticed, as alone calculated to assure safe-
ty to the United States, and give protection to the pro-
vinces of Florida. He was particularly instructed to
impress on his consideration 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 in-
jury. 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 country,
and that respect to which she is entitled and must re-
eeive. My force is sufficient, and my determination ta-
ken, 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 muni-
tions of war. If delivered peaceably, the whole will be
receipted for and become the subject of future arrange-
ment by our respective governments; 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 given you for deliberation, when your determina-
tion must be had.” - - * -
The council was called, and the propositions made,
£02 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON,
considered, when the conclusion was taken that they
could not be acceded to. As soon as the answer was
received, showing that nothing peaceably could be ef.
fected, Jackson resolved to urge his army forward; and,
immediately commencing his march, proceeded to the ac-
complishment of his object, determined to effect it, in
despite of danger, and of consequences.
Early in the morning of the 7th, the army was in mo-
tion. To foster the idea, that he would march and reach
the town along the road, on which he was encamped, ar
detachment of five hundred men was sent forward, with
orders to show themselves in this direction, that they
might amuse and deceive the enemy; while, urging ra-
pidly on, with the strength of his army, he was gaining
Pensacola at a different and unexpected point. This
stratagem succeeded: the British, looking for his ap-
pearance where the detachment was seen, had formed
their vessels across the bay, and were waiting his ap-
roach, with their guns properly bearing; nor had they
an intimation to the contrary, until our troops were des-
cried upon the beach, on the east side, where they were
at too great a distance to be annoyed from the flotilla;
and whence, pushing forward, 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-
tain Laval, who fell, severely wounded, while, at the
head of his command, he was charging a Spanish batte-
ry, formed in the street. The left column, composed 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 dismounted volunteers pro-
ceeded down the street, next the regulars: Coffee's

LIFE OF GENERAL JACKson. 263
brigade next, on their right: the Mississippi dragoons,
commanded by colonel Hinds, and the Choctaw Indians
by major Blue, of the thirty-ninth, advanced on the ex-
treme right of all. Captain Laval's party, although de
prived of their leader, moved forward, and, at the point
of the bayonet, 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 garden fences, were constant vollies of musketry dis-
charged, 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
remembering the declaration of the general, that, if driv-
en to extremes, he should not attempt to restrain, or
hold himself responsible for his enraged soldiers, hasten-
ed, 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 faultering 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
ibe 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 previ-
ously been communicated to him, that the town, arsenals,
and munitions of war, and in fact whatever 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 commanding
{204 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
situation was obtained, they continued to fire upon oux
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 sudden-
ly unmasking himself from a hill, exposed, and uncov-
ered, he commenced a brisk and well-aimed fire, which
drove them back to a respectful 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 negotiation placed
them privately in his hands, without its being previous-
ly known to his enemies, yet even now their possession
was not to be neglected. Their occupancy was neces.
sary still to his own security—to check any design that
might be in agitation. What was the force opposed to
him; at what moment reinforcements might appear off
Pensacola, and thereby give an entire change to things,
as they at present existed, were matters of which no cer-
tain idea could be formed. To possess the Barrancas,
which lay fourteen miles to the west, was a considera-
tion 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 govern-
or, that all differences would be accommodated, and eve-
ry 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.
LIFE of GENERAL J Ackson. 265
It is curious to observe the treachery of the Spaniards,
and the unpardonable method they took to indulge
their rancour and spleen. Previously to striking his
colours, the commandant at St. Michael had asked per.
mission 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 Choc-
taw Indians, who were at a small distance, which killed
three horses and wounded two men. Such unpardona-
ble conduct, independent of other wrongs and injuries
already noticed, might have justified any treatment; the
destruction of the garrison would not have been an un-
merited chastisement. The general was on his way to
Mount St. Bernard, where his artillery was planted,
when he received intelligence of what had been done.—
He determined no longer to confide in persons so faith-
less, 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 com-
mand at: Pensacola, that the capitulation had been
agreed on, and a surrender 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 Dinkins 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 indispos.
18 - -
206 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
- * s
efl; 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. Understanding,
at St. Bernard, that what had been required would be
done, and that no further delay would be met, the gen-
eral had set out to the encampment, leaving majer Piere
behind, with a sufficient force to preserve every thing in
Safety and quietness. He was astonished early in the
morning, to learn that the officer despatched to St. Mi-
chael, the preceding evening, had, on his arrival, been
threatened to be fired on by colonel Sotto: possessions,
however, was yielded, on being made to understand,
that if the fort were not delivered instantly, and without
further parley, it would be carried forcibly, and the gar-
rison 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 regarded 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 car.
ry it by force, if it were not immediately surrendered.—
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 execute an au-
thority to the commandant of the fort, to deliver it; and,
in the event he would not comply immediately, to ar-
LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON. 207
rest him, and every public officer, and hold them as pris.
oners. The order for its delivery 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—for-
cibly, if not—when a tremendous explosion in that di-
rection, followed by two others, in quick succession, ex-
cited the apprehension that all was destroyed. To as-
certain, certainly, whence the noise had proceeded,
major Gales, a volunteer aid, was despatched, with two
hundred men, to reconnoitre and obtain intelligence.—
He presently returned, and confirmed what had been
previously 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 pre-
pare their expeditions, and where, in despite 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 in-
curring any expense for the re-establishment of what
had been thus treacherously destroyed. Though disap-
pointed in the object he had principally in view, he ne-
vertheless believed that 'some of the benefits intended
and expected would result. This strong hold, which
had so long given protection to the southern hostile 'sa-
vages, and where they had been excited to aets 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, hitherto, they had not entertained; and the Brit,
$208 Life of GENERAL Jackson.
ish, by being dislodged, were prevented from maturing
and settling those plans which were to give efficacy to
their future operations against the southern sec-
tion of the Union: but, as the means of maintaining
and defending it were destroyed, it was unnecessary
to think of garrisoning and attempting to hold it. It was
accordingly concluded to re-deliver all that had been
surrendered, and retire to Fort Montgomery. Jack-
son was the more disposed to adopt this course from a be-
lief that the British, who had sailed out of the bay, would
probably 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 apprehensions 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 Manrequez,
and, after stating to him the causes which had induced
him, justifiably, as he believed, to enter his territory, 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.” º
LiFE of eENERAL JACKSON, 209.
Much is due not only to the calmness and intrepidity
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 conduct to-
wards a people who had wholly outraged every princis
ple of correct conduct; and who, even at the moment
when the sword was made the appeal, and the blow they
merited only stayed by humanity, were still pursuing a
eourse of faithlessness and treachery, and clearly evincing
a disposition to aid and assist our enemies; yet, under
such circumstances which certainly would have war-
ranted 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 Indians had behaved with more de-
cency and propriety than their friends, with whom they
had just parted. When we remember, what is undenia-
bly the fact, that the British had been always well re-
ceived by the inhabitants of Florida, who had rendered
them every assistance and protection in their power; and
who, from their disposition to aid them, had even brought
difficulties 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
retreating from Pensacola, carried off three or four
hundred slaves, not their own, in despite of the remon-
strances and repeated demands of the owners to have
them restored. - ... ºr ... 4
Our loss in this expedition was quite inconsiderable.
The left column alone met resistance, and had fifteen or
4. 18%
210 LIFE of GENERAL Jackson.
**
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 number 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 Uni-
ted States’ regiment. By a cannon shot he lost his leg.
Captain Laval being too dangerously injured to be re-
moved, was confided by the general 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 Pensa-
cola, finding themselves abandoned by the British, fled
across the country, and sought safety on the Appalachi-
cola: many were afforded shelter on board the shipping,
from which they were shortly afterwards landed, to pro-
secute 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 nei-
ther the valour of their allies, nor their own exertions,
eould afford them protection. He believed it an auspi-
eious moment to pursue them in their retreat; increase
still further their fears and apprehensions; and effectu-
ally 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 land-
ed 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 thou-
sand mounted men, with orders to follow and attack
, - LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 211
them, and destroy any of their villages he might find on
his route. General M'Intosh, of the Georgia militia, then -
in the Creek country, was apprised 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 ordered 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 in-
terference of their friends. Anxious to regain that con-
fidence they had justly forfeited, the British offered 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 needed, he would make ap-
plication to his friend, general Jackson.
There was nothing now so much desired by the gene-
ral, 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 already effect-
ed 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 permit. 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 the fatigues incident to his station, he as
yet had no brigadier-general in his district, to relieve him
res GENERAL Jackson.
of many of those duties which he had neither time nor
bodily strength to meet. General Winchester had been
ordered to join him. He had not yet arrived, but was
daily looked for. In expectation of his speedy approach,
Jackson was making every necessary arrangement for
investing him with the command of Mobile, and for his
own departure. Colonel Hayne, the inspector-general,
was despatched to the mouth of the Mississippi, to ex- .
amine whether in that direction there were any eligible
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, was ordered to
march with their commands, and take a position as con-
venient 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 day of November, left Mobile for the
city of New Orleans, where he arrived on the 1st of De-
cember; and where his head-quarters were, for the
present, established. -

CHAPTER VIII.
Jackson's correspondence with the governor of Louisiana–
His address to the citizens.—Militia from Tennessee and
Kentucky advance; and general plans adopted for defence.
Plan for filling delinquencies in the army.—British ship-
ping arrive on the coast.—Loss of the Sea Horse.—Battle
on the lake, and loss of the gun boats.-Jackson reviews the
militia.--His address to them.—detention of his flag-
&necdote.—Eapresses sent to generals Coffee and Carroll.
—Declaration of martial law at New Orleans.— The Bri-
tish 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 different from
any he had yet encountered: the time had arrived to
eall 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 ex-
haustion, with a mind constantly alive to the apprehen-
sion that, with the means given him, it would not be in
his power to satisfy his own wishes, and the expectations
of his country, were 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 ex-
pected shortly at some unprepared point, to enter and
łay waste the lower eountry. What was to be hoped
214 LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON.
, from the clemency and generous conduct of such a foe,
their march to the city of Washington already an-
nounced; while the imagination portrayed in lively co-
lours the repetition, 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 Tennessee.
His only reliance for defence, if suddenly assailed, 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 apprehensions in his own breast, he
appeared constantly serene, and as constantly endea-
voured to impress a general belief, that the country
could and would be successfully defended. The mani-
festation of such tranquillity, and his avowed certainty
of success, under circumstances so unpropitious, excited
strong hopes, dispelled every thing like fear, and im-
pressed all with additional confidence. -
With the remnant of force he had at command, and
the additional strength to be afforded him from Ken-
tucky and Tennessee, uncertain in its arrival, undiscip-
LIFE of GENERAL JACKson, 215
lined and unarmed, to oppose an enemy who might be -
already on the coast, and of whose exceeding valour
great and wondrous stories had been already told, might
have sunk into inaction any mind not gifted with uncom-
mon...and extraordinary energy, and made it to retire .
from a contest, where seemingly insurmountable difficul-
ties but rendered delusive every hope of resistance; yet,
firm and resolute, an increase of difficulties but occa-
sioned an increase of exertion, and he entered on his for-
lorn undertaking with no other determination, than to
leave nothing unassayed that might enable him to ride
out the threatening storm in safety. * r
While engaged in his operations on the Mobile, and
even while at fort Jackson, he had kept up a correspon.
dence 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 in-
formation 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 decisive advantages
from their services, it would be necessary to abandon
every thing like temporizing policy, and pursue a course
at once steady and unwavering. Many of the inhabi-
tants 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 suc-
cessfully defended, had led most well designing men
astray; while Englishmen, Spaniards, and innumerable
other foreigners, feeling no attachment to the govern-
ment under which they lived, were, at any time, ready
to surrender it to any power that might venture to invade
it. The requisition made, had been badly filled; many
had absolutely refused, even after being drafted, to enter
#216 tire of GENERAL Jackson,
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 government,
were, and should be, under obligations to defend it, when
required. - - -
Governor Claiborne had been addressed on this sub-
ject; and, while the necessity of discouraging every im-
proper temper of mind among his citizens was insisted
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 discontents of your peo-
ple: they must not exist. Whoever 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 severity. To re-
pel the danger with which we are assailed, requires all
our energies, and all our exertions. With union on our
side, we shall be able to drive our invaders back to the
ocean. Summon all your energy, and guard every ave-
nue with confidential patroles, for spies and traitors are
swarming around. Numbers will be flocking to your
city, to gain information and corrupt your citizens.—
Every aid in your power must be given to prevent ves-
sels sailing with provisions. By us, the enemy must not
be fed. Let none pass; for on this will depend out
T.IFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 217
safety, until we can get a competent force in the field to
oppose attack, 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.
Remember, our watchword 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 procla-
mation, and dishonourable stratagem, had sought to pro-
mote disunion, and to draw the disaffected to their stan-
dard. He pointed out the course the present crisis re-
quired 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 friendship and aid of even
traitors, pirates, and robbers.
“Your government, Louisianians, is engaged in a just
and honourable contest, for the security of her individu-
al, and her national rights. The only country on earth,
where man enjoys freedom, where its blessings are alike
extended to the poor and rich, calls on you to protect
her from the grasping usurpation of great Britain:--she
will not call in vain. I know that every 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 dan-
ger, or nobly to die in her defence. He who refuses to
defend his rights, when called on by his government, de-
19.
218 LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON.
serves to be a slave—deserves to be punished, as an ene-
my to his country—a friend to her foes.” -
The minds of the people of Louisiana were thus gra.
dually turned to consider of the contest, in which it was
certainly expected they were shortly to be engaged, that
they might be ready and prepared to meet it, when the
period should arrive to render it necessary. Prepara-
tions for collecting, in sufficient strength to repel an in.
vasion, when it should be attempted, had been carried
actively forward. The fiat of the secretary 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 delay. The ardour felt by the
governor of Tennessee, rendered any incentive unneces-
sary. He was well aware of the importance of activity
and exertion, and had used all the authority of his office,
to call the requisition forth, and have it in readiness,
speedily as possible.
Governor Shelby, of Kentucky, had been no less vigi-
lant in discharge of the duty required of him. The ne-
cessity of despatch, in military matters, and the advan-
tages resulting from it, in his youth and more advanced
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 in-
roads of the enemy.” It may be esteemed a circum-
* When this requisition was ready to proceed, the state of the
quarter-master's department was discovered to be wholly inade-
quate to those outfits and supplies necessary to its departure. Thus
situated, individuals of the state came forward, pledged their funds,
and enabled it to advance. *
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. | 219
stance of great good fortune, that Shelby, at a time so
perilous as that in which the United 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 crowded to the American
standard, at the first onset of danger, 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.
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 intºnded 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 rendezvous,
twenty-five hundred of the yeomanry of the state ap-
peared at Nashville; and, in eight days, embarked on
board their boats, and directed their way to New Orleans,
the place of their destination. To the industry of gene-
ral Carroll, in hastening those arrangements which ena-
bled his division so promptly to depart, every respect is
due; for, to his fortunate arrival, as will be seen hereaf-
ter, is greatly to be attributed the reasºhat Success
220 LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON.
did not result to the enemy, in his first assault, or that
Louisiana escaped the impending 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 bravery, they were not surpassed by any
troops; yet were they without experience or discipline,
and indifferently armed. Many had procured muskets
and bayonets; though the greater part of them had arms
capable of rendering little or no service; while some had
mone at all. To remedy their want of discipline was
attended with some difficulty, on account of the slender
means afforded for instruction, while, in boats, they were
descending the river. Carroll's anxiety, however, for
the respectable appearance of his troops, and a still
stronger desire entertained, that they might be in a situ-
ation for immediate action, if necessity, on his arrival,
should require it, led him to seize even on the limited
opportunities 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 in-
formation 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 manoeuvres.
Although in this way, partial progress was made, and
some advantages gained, yet were they inconsiderable;
for still were they but militia-men, and as yet unquali-
fied to meet the veteran troops with which they were
going to contend.
Although general Jackson had obtained his successes
heretofore with troops of this description, yet he was far
from entertaining a belief that they could be relied on for
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 221
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 ca-
pricious and refractory, 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 de-
fence. In a letter to him, of the 20th of November, 1814,
he observes: “Permit me to suggest a plan, which, on a
fair experiment, will do away or lessen the expenses, un-
der the existing mode of calling militia forces into the -
field. Whenever there happens to be a deficiency in
the regular force, in any particular quarter, let the go-
vernment determine on the necessary number: this
should be apportioned among the different states, agree-
ably to their respective representations, and called into
service 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
harrassed by repeated drafts. In the mean time, let the
present bounty, given by the government, be also con-
tinued. If this be done, I will insure that an effective
force shall soon appear in every quarter, amply 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
19%
222 LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON,
period was too momentous to afford a respite from busi.
ness; and he immediately adopted such measures as
could be earliest effected, and which were best calcu-
lated for resistance and defence. -
The legislature of Louisiana had for some weeks been
in session; and, through the governor's communication,
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 resolved upon nothing pro-
mising certainty and safety, or calculated to infuse tran-
quillity and confidence in the public mind. The arrival
of Jackson, however, produced a new aspect in affairs.
IHis 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.
The volunteer corps of the city were reviewed, and a
visit, in person, made to the different forts, to ascertain
their situation and capacity for defence, and the reliance
that might be had on them, to repel the enemy’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 descent, which might
be resisted at their landing, and before any opportunity
could be had of executing fully their designs. Up the
Mississippi, however, was looked upon as the most proba-
ble pass through which might be made an attempt to
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 223
reach the city; and here were in progress suitable pre-
parations 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 advantage-
ous 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 had already
declared. General Jackson was always disposed to re-
spect the decisions of those, who, from their character
and standing, were entitled to confidence; yet, in mat-
ters of great importance, it formed no part of his creed
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 ob-
servation, could infer correct conclusions, he had des-
patched him thither to examine how far it was practica-
ble 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 ad-
ditional platforms immediately raised: and the embra-
sures so enlarged that the ordnance might have the
greatest possible sweep upon their circles, and be brought
224 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON,
to bear on any object within their range that might ap-
proach either up or down the river. At a small dis-
tance 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 point of land, might
reach an approaching vessel before she should be un-
masked from behind it. On the site of Bourbon was to
be thrown up a strong work, defended by five twenty-
four pounders, which, with the fort above, would be cal-
culated 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 ef.
fectually 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 Jackson, with his flying artil-
lery 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 aux-
iliary batteries above and below it, would so concen-
trate their fires, that an enemy could never pass without
suffering greatly, and perhaps being so shattered that
they would fall an easy prey to those defences which
were 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 cosideration of the legislature, and to prevail, if
LIFE 6F &ENERAL JACKSON, 225
possible, with the planters, to furnish their slaves, by
whom, alone, such work could, in so insalubrious a cli-
mate, be safely executed. “If what is proposed be per-
formed,” 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 be disposed to extend their fostering care to the
objects 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, after
the most incessant exertions and laborious efforts, he
had well nigh fallen a victim. -
Aware of approaching danger, the views of the gene-
ral had been met with becoming zeal, and the necessary
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 fear-
ed 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 for-
ces, had executed every order with promptness and ac-
tivity. 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
,226 LIFE of GENERAL Jackson.
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 com-
mand of captain Newman, which, when acting in con-
junction with the gun boats, it was supposed would be
competent to repel any assault that might there be wa-
ged. 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 obstruction, by sinking
large frames in their beds, and filling them with earth.
Guards and videttes were also posted in different direc-
tions to give the earliest information of every thing that
passed. In despite, however, of these precautionary
measures, treachery opened a way, and pointed the en-
trance of the enemy to a narrow pass, through which
they effected a landing, and reached previously to being
discovered, the banks of the Mississippi. -
Such were the measures adopted for protection of
Louisiana against an attack, which, although hitherto
resting on conjecture, was supported by too many strong
circumstances to admit of doubt. Information of a con-
siderable force having left England, filled with high hopes
and expectations—the attack on Fort Bowyer, and the in-
flammatory proclamations already published, with anony-
mous letters received from persons in the West Indies
and Pensacola, known and to be relied on, all tended
strongly to unfold the views of the enemy, and to dissi-
pate every thing of doubt as to their designs.” But the
time was at hand when conjecture was giving place to
bertainty; when the intention of the invaders were fully
#See note B,
LIFE of GENERAL J Ackson. 227
‘developing themselves; and the fact fairly presented,
that Louisiana must fall and her principal city be sacked,
unless the brave men associated to defend her, should
stand firmly in her defence, resolved to justify the high
expectations which had been formed of their valour.—
Certain information was at hand, of an English fleet be-
ing now off Cat and Ship island, and within a short dis-
tance of the American 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 disembar-
kation, to retire to the Rigolets, and there, with his flo-
tilla, make an obstinate resistance, and contend to the
last. He remained off Ship island, until the 12th of De-
cember, when, understanding the enemy’s forces were
much increased, he thought it advisable to change his
anchorage, and retire to a position near Malheureux isl-
and. The course was rendered the more necessary, be-
cause 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. Whoeverlooks 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 into Pontchartrain. By reaching it, the gun boats
would be enabled to present as formidable an opposition
as could be waged by all the force that could be brought
against them, and put at defiance any effort that could
be made to gain the city through this route. . -
228 LIFE of GENERAL JACKson,
On the 13th, Jones discovered the enemy moving off
in his barges, and directing his way towards Pass Chris-
tian. He was not long in doubt, as to the object probably
had in view; for, although at first it was supposed 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 inconsiderable in numbers,
was of too much consequence to the nation, at this junc-
ture, 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 reach-
ing the point to which he had been ordered: this he en-
deavoured to effect, as soon as he became satisfied of
what was intended by their present movement. Weigh-
ing therefore, his anchors, with the design of reaching
the position referred to in his orders, he soon discover-
ed it to be wholly impracticable. A strong wind having
blown for 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 squad-
ron. The oars were resorted to, but without rendering
the least assistance: it was immovable. Recourse was
now had to throwing every thing overboard that could
be spared, to lighten aud bring them off; all, however,
was ineffectual,—nothing could afford relief. At this
moment of extreme peril and danger, the tide coming
suddenly in, relieved from present embarrassment, and
lifting them from the shoal, they bore away from the at-
tack meditated; directed their course for the Pigolets,
and came to anchor at one o'clock the next morning on
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 229
the west passage of Malheureux isle; where, at day,
they discovered the pursuit had been abandoned.
At the bayof 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 additional force now pro-
ceeded against him; when a smart action commenced,
and the assailants were again compelled to retire with
Some loss. Johnston, satisfied that it was out of his
power successfully to defend himself, and considering it
hopeless to attempt uniting, 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, proceeded west-
wardly to the pass, where our gun boats still lay. The
same difficulty experienced yesterday was now en-
countered. 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 pre-
vailed; while a strong current setting to the gulf, ren-
dered 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,
20 .* -
230 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
wait their approach, and defend themselves, 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 imagined himself advancing
to an easy conquest. The contest, in so open and unfa-
worable a situation, and against so superior a force, pro-
mised, indeed, to be a very unequal one: yet the firm-
ness and bravery which had always characterized our
fearless tars in battle, were, on this occasion, not to be
tarnished. An unfortunate state of things, which they
could not control, had brought them into battle at a mo-
ment, and under circumstances, their discretion did not
approve; but, being inevitable, every mind was de-
termined on a desperate stand; and still, though beat-
en, to preserve unsullied their reputation,-their flag
from dishonour. -
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, were
unable to keep their anchorage, and floated about a hun-
dred yards in advance of the line. This circumstance
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 preserved, the chances for
defence would have been increased—the opportunity
more favorable for inflicting injury, and crippling the
foe, while the period of the contest would have been
protracted.
LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON. 231
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 afforded of retiring from the battle when-
ever 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 lieuten-
ant 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. 156, the centre of
our line, and twice attempting to board, was twice re-
pulsed with an immense destruction 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 longer to maintain the deck,
retired, leaving the command with George Parker, who
no less valiantly defended his flag, until badly wounded,
he was also compelled to leave his post; and soon after
the boat was carried. No. 163, though ably defend-
ed, was also taken; and the guns of both turned on No.
162 and 5 which also surrendered; and last of all No.
23, commanded by lieutenant M:Iver. Thus in detail
was our little squadron, after a conflict, of nearly an hour
lost; a conflictin whicheverything was done that gallantry
could do, and nothing unperformed that duty required;but
it was a disaster which, under all the circumstances, could
232 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKsos.
not be avoided. The calm which prevailed, and the un-
wieldly 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 facility, were able to avail themselves
of the advantages of position: besides this, from our cen-
tre 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 cannon had been made, and material in-
jury produced.
The commandant was ably supported by the officers
associated with him. Lieutenants Spedden and M’Iver.
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. Midshipmen
Cauley and Reynolds, young men of spirit 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 Spartà band: their bravery and
good conduct will be long remembered and admired, and
excite emotions much stronger than language can paint.
The great disparity of force between the combattants,
added to the advantages the enemy derived from the
peculiar construction of their boats, which gave them an
opportunity to take any position that circumstances and
safety directed, while the otherslay wholly unmanageable
presents a curious and strange result; that, while the Ame-
ricanloss 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:
LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON. 233
but, from every information, and from all the attendant cir-
cumstances 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 would retire at the
first appearance of danger. It was the same argument
which a few weeks before had been made to colonel
Nicholls at fort Bowyer, and which had produced on his
mind such conviction, as to render him altogether unwil-
ling 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 erect-
ed and in progress. He heard it with much concern;
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 dif.
ferent remedies. - -
Aided by ours, and the great number of their own
boats, his fears for the safety of Mobile were much in-
* Boats. Men. Guns.
* The British had 43 1200 43
The Americans .. 5 182 2s
- §ººms - —- - ... •
Difference 38 1018 20
So that the disparity in force of boats, i.en, and guus, was as eight
—seven—and nearly two to oſie. .

20*
234 ... Life of general JAckson.
ereased. The apprehensions which he had constantly
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 as-
sailed by superior strength and numbers. The impor-
tance of this place and its security, was to him a matter
of the greatest concern. It seems to have been an object
that never sufficiently fastened itself on the considera-
tion of the enemy, or indeed our own government. His
own apprehensions of an invasion here, as affecting much
more seriously the interest of the lower country, was to
him a cause of constant uneasiness. He felt confident,
that while this point remained safe, so might the country
adjacent; but if it fell, conquered by a greatly superior
force, the Indians would again be excited, the settlements
on the Mobile and Alabama rivers become 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 secre-
tary of war, the propriety 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
'unknown, had been left on the stocks, at Tchifonte, in
an unfinished state, should be completed, and applied 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, can not 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
LIFE 6f GENERAL JAckson. 235'
and massacre;—penetrate, if they can, to the left bank
of the Mississippi, and arrest all communication. If they
succeed in this, the lower country falls of course.” . No
notice, however, was ever taken of his admiorition, and
nothing done to effect the object proposed. His entire
defence and safety rested on the means which he himself
could reach. An express was immediately despatched
to general Winchester, apprising him of what had hap-
pened; that all communication being cut off, he must
look to the procuring supplies for his army from Tennes.
see river, through the posts established in the Creek
country. “The enemy,” he continues, “will attempt,
through Pass Huron, to reach you: watch, nor suffer
yourself to be surprised; haste, and throw sufficient sup-
plies into fort Bowyer; and guard vigilantly the commu-
nication 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, commanding
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 entrance might be effected,
suitable arrangements were made to obstruct the pas-
sage, and prevent approach. Through the Rigolets was
236 ure of GENERAL Jacksos.
resumed the most probable route the enemy would ad-
venture, 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 different points, make such a diversion,
as, with raw troops, could not be resisted under any cir-
eumstances of advantage.
This place had been confided to captain Newman, of
the artillery. It was an important point, as well for 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 advised 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 re.
treat until your judgment is well convinced that it
is absolutely necessary to the very salvation of your com-
mand.”
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 acces-
Šible point, and a confidence, constantly evinced, that his
resources were commensurate with all the purposes of
successful resistance, had completely undermined those
fears, at first so generally indulged. Lest, ſrom 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
fire of GENERAL JACKSON. 237
review; to convince them, by his deportment, that the
safety of the city was not to be despaired of. He di-
rected 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 inspire the same glow to others. He
told them they were contending for all that could render
life desirable: “For your property and lives;–for that
which is dearer than all, your wives and children;–for
liberty, 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 deprive
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 political
existence—they are the men your fathers fought and
conquered, whom you are now to oppose. Descend-
ants of Frenchmen! natives of France! they are English,
the hereditary, the eternal enemies of your ancient
country, the invaders of that you have adopted, who
are your foes. Spaniards! remember the conduct 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 dishonour the
human race. Louisianians' your general rejoices to
witness the spirit that animates you, not 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, unmindful of his rights,
with the enemy he ceases to oppose. Commanding men
238 LIFE OF GENERAL JAckson.
who know their rights, and are determined to defend
them, he salutes you as brethren in arms; and has now
a new motive to exert all 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 victory over an insolent foe, who has in-
sulted you by an affected doubt of your attachment to
the constitution of your country. Your enemy is near;
his sails already 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 considerable
honour on the officer in command of the fleet. The day
subsequent to the contest on the lakes, Mr. Shields, pur-
ser 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 wounded, and to effect a
negotiation, by which they should be liberated on pa-
role. We are not aware that such an application mili-
tated against the usages and customs of war: if not, the
flag of truce should have been respected; nor ought its
bearer to have been detained as a prisoner, Admiral
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 239
Cochrane's pretended fear that it was a wile, designed
to ascertain his strength and situation, are far from pre-
senting any sufficient excuse for so wanton an outrage
on propriety and the rules of war. If this were appre,
hended, could not the messengers 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 in-
fringing 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 resorted
to various means to obtain from these gentlemen infor-
mation of the strength and condition and disposition of
our army; but so cautious a reserve was maintained,
that from them nothing could be elicited. Shields was
perceived to be quite deaf, and calculating on some ad-
vantage to be derived from this circumstance, he and
the Doctor were placed at night in the green 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 being detained, and of the pru-
dent caution with which they had guarded themselves
against communicating any information to the British
admiral. But, continued Shields, how greatly these
gentlemen will be disappointed in their expectations, for
Jackson, with the twenty thousand troops he now has,
and the reinforcements from Kentucky, which must
speedily reach him, will be able to destroy any force
240 IIFE of GENERAL JACKSON,
that can be landed from these ships. Every word was
heard, and treasured, 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 reason of that prudent care and caution with
which the enemy afterwards proceeded; for, as was re-
marked by a British officer, the actual strength of gene-
ral Jackson's army, though repeatedly sought after,
could never be procured; it was a desideratum not to
be obtained. - -
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 endeavor to procure information of
{he Kentucky and Tennessee divisions, which it was
hoped were not far distant, and to urge their speedy ap-
proach. In his communication to Coffee, the general
observes, “You must not sleep, until you reach me, or
arrive within striking distance. Your accustomed acti-
vity is looked for. Innumerable defiles present them-
selves, where your services and riflemen will be all im-
portant. An opportunity is at hand, to reap for yourself
and brigade the approbation of your country.”
In obedience to the order he had received at Mobile,
to occupy some central position, where his horses could
be subsisted, and whence he might act as circumstances
should require, Coffee had proceeded as far as Sandy
creek, a small distance above Baton Rouge, where he
had halted. His brigade, on its march, had been great-
ly exposed, and many and various hardships encounter-
ed. 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
LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON. $241.
be bridged or swam. Added to this, their march was
through an uncultivated country, but thinly settled,
where little subsistence was to be had, and that procur-
ed with much difficulty. He had been at this place
eight or ten days, when, late on the evening of the 17th,
the express despatched 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 foraging, 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 celerity the
exigency of the moment so much required. Coffee,
perceiving that the movement of his whole force in a
body, would perhaps occasion delays, ruinous to the
main object in view, ordered all who were well mount-
ed, and able to proceed, to advance with him, while the
rest of his brigade, under suitable officers, were left to
follow as fast as the weak and exhausted condition of
their horses would permit. His force, by this arrange-
ment, was reduced to eight hundred men, with whom
he moved with the utmost industry. Having marched
seventy miles the last day, 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 advance, 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 en-
emy had landed, the relative position of the two armies,
- 21
242. LiFE of GENERAL JACKSON.
These brave men, without murmuring, had now tra-
versed an extent of country nothing short of eight hun-
dred 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 enemy, 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 commandin
general; and their good conduct, in the different situa-
tions in which they had acted with him, was a proof
how much they deserved it. On inspecting their arms,
which consisted principally of rifles, two hundred were
discovered to be so materially injured 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 expe-
ditious; an active and brave officer, he was, on this, a
on all other occasions, at his post, ready to act as cir-
cumstances should require. Having received his or-
ders, he hastened forward, and effected, in four days, a
march of two hundred and thirty miles.
On the 16th, colonel Hynes, aid-de-camp to general
Carroll, reached head-quarters, with information from
the general, that he would be present as early as possi-
ble; but that the state of the weather, and high and con-
trary winds, greatly retarded his progress. To remedy
this, a steam boat was immediately put in requisition,
and ordered to proceed up the river to aid him in reach.
ing his destination, without loss of time. He was ad-
vised of the necessity of hastening rapidly forward ; that
the lakes were in possession of the enemy, and their ar-
iife of GENERAL JACKSON. 243
rival daily looked for: “But,” continued 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 descending
with general Carroll, his approach was looked to with
additional pleasure, from the circumstance of his having
with him a boat laden with arms, destined for the de-
fence of the country, and which he had overtaken on his
passage down the Mississippi. His falling in with them
was fortunate; for, had their arrival depended on those
to whom they had been incautiously 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 entrusted with their management
and transportation, did not reach New Orleans until af.
ter all difficulties had terminated. Great inconvenience
was sustained, during the siege, for want of arms to
place in the hands of the militia. Great as it was, it
would have been increased, even to an alarming extent,
but for the accidental'čircumstance of this boat having
fallen into the hands of the Tennessee division, which
impelled it on, and thereby produced incalculable ad-
vantage.* -
* On the first intimation that the British intended a descent on
this section of the United States, general Jackson suggested to the
sacretary of war the scarcity of both arms and ordance, and the ne-
cessity 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 previ-
ously to the enemy's landing. Their transportation down the west-
ern 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
244. LIFE OF GENERAL JAckson.
This division, as we have before remarked, had left
Nashville on the 19th of last month. Their exertions,
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 independence,
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 Cumberland river admits a pas-
sage for boats so early in the season; but torrents of rain
descending, swelled the stream, and waſted our troops
penny-wise economy suggested by the quarter-master, we do not
know. The fact, however, is, that a steam vessel, sailing with
much expedition, proposed to carry and deliver them at New Or.
leans in eighteen days, which would have been in time for all the
purposes afterwards needed. But the officer who had the manage-
ment of this business, because it was in his power to save an icon-
siderable sum in freight, preferred delivering them to the captain of
a large flat bottomed boat, which moved slowly, and which, withal,
it was understood, 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 go-
vernment, who, to save a partial expense, hazards the loss of thou-
sands; or who, through parsimonious views of any kind whatever,
risks the loss of a whole country, evidences so weak and narrow-
sighted a policy, as can on no ground be Justified. This single cir-
cumstance, 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 executed the duties confided to thcm on a
seale enlarged and liberal as the crisis demanded.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON, 245
safely to the Mississippi, where all obstructions were
at an end. An apprehension 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 concen.
trate 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 assailed, was receiv-
ing such additional strength and security as could be
given. Patroles and videttes were ranged through the
country, that the earliest intelligence might be had of
any intended movement. The militia of the state were
called out en masse; and, through the interference of the .
legislature, an embargo on vessels at the port of New
Orleans was declared, to afford an opportunity of pro-
curing additional recruits for the navy. General Ville-
ry, because an inhabitant of the country, and best under-
standing the several points on the lakes susceptible of,
and requiring defence, was ordered, with the Louisiana .
militia, to search out, and give protection to the different
passes, where a landing might be effected.
To hinder the enemy from obtaining supplies on th
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 pro-
visions, under the operation of the embargo imposed by
the legislature, had greatly disappointed the expecta-
21% -
246 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
tions of the British, and even introduced distress into
Pensacola, whence the Spaniards had been in the habit
of procuring their supplies. The governor had solicited
the opening a communication, for the relief of the suffer.
ing inhabitants of his province. Jackson was aware that
this appeal to his humanity might be a stratagem, having
for its object to aid his enemy. Although the governor,
hitherto, had given no flattering evidence, either of his
friendship, his candour, or sincerity, still the statement
offered by him might be correct; and if so, the neutral-
ity of his country established a well-founded claim to the
benevolence of the Americans. Balancing between a
desire that these people should not be seriously injured,
and a fear that the application was intended 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 particularly enjoined on him that the
quantity of provisions sent should be small, and be con-
veyed 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 afford-
red an additional proof of ours: the supply, too, being in-
considerable, even if captured, will prove of no great
benefit to our enemy.” -
Jackson's arrangements were well conceived, and ra-
pidly progressing; but they were still insufficient; and
his own forebodings assured him, that, to obtain securi-
!, something stronger than had been yet resorted to,
required to be adopted. That there was an enemy in
the midst of his camp, more to be feared than those who
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON, 247
were menacing from abroad, was indeed highly, nay
more than probable; while an apprehension indulged,
that there were many foreigners, who, feeling no attach-
ment for the country, and having nothing to defend,
would not scruple to avail themselves of every opportu-
nity to give intelligence of the strength, situation, and
arrangement of his camp, excited his fears, and induced
a wish to apply the earliest possible corrective. A stran-
ger himself, his own conjectures might not have led to
the conclusion; but information received, before and
soon after his arrival, through different channels, and
particularly from the governor of the state, had awak-
ened a belief, that the country was filled with disaffect.
ed persons, and who, if not closely guarded, might occa-
sion 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. Abun-
dant evidence of prevailing disaffection had been already
obtained, through governor Claiborne. In a letter to
general J ackson, after his return from Pensacola, he ob-
served, “Enemies to the country may blame your prompt
and energetic measures; but in the person of every pa-
triot, you will find a supporter. I am well aware of the
lax police of this city, and indeed of the whole state,
with respect to strangers. I think, with you, that our
country is filled “with traitors and spies.” On this sub-
ject, I have written pressingly to the city authorities and
parish judges. Some regulations, I hope, will be adopt-
ed by the first, and greater vigilance be exercised, in fu-
ture, by the latter.”
248 LIFE of GENERAL JAckson,
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 cir-
cumstance to excite surprise. 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 particularly, where for eigers are
freely and readily admitted to all our rights and privileges,
many of whom have been allured, not by attachment,
but from motives of cupidity, we shall ever have cause,
perhaps, to regret a want of union and energy at those
periods when they may be mostly needed. But, that
satisfaction 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 legisla-
ture, instead 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 lib-
erty: they are its sinews and its strength. Let them
continue virtuous, and they will cheerfully, nay, fearless-
ly, maintain themselves against aggression; but if they
become corrupted, or through the intrigue or misconduct,
of their rulers loose confidence in their government, forth-
LIFE of GENERAL JAckson. 249
with 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 go-
vernment, and felt that they were a part of it.
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 Flour-
noy 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 militia; 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 them-
selves the right of declaring the demand to be illegal,
unnecessary, and oppressive. When popular re-
sentment is once awakened, and opposition to measures,
however proper, once begun, the slightest encourage-
ment impels it forward; but when the authorities of a
state become abettors, and by their conduct and expres-
sions give it sanction, the delusion is increased, and
forthwith it swells beyond the bounds where reason can
control. Thus supported, the militia, as might have
been expected, stood their ground, and resolutely resist-
ed the call to defend their country. The example thus
established had already induced the conviction that they
were privileged persons, and had reserved to them, on
250 LIFE of GENERAL JACKson.
all occasions, when called for, the right of determining
if the call were regular, why and wherefore made,
where they would prefer to act, and be governed accor-
diugly. When, therefore, the first requisition made by
Jackson was attempted to be filled, a number made a
tender of their services as volunteers; but on this condi-
tion, that they were not to be marched from the state.—
The reply made, showed they were to act with a gener-
al who knew nothing of temporizing policy, and who
would go the entire length that safety and necessity re-
quired, and his powers permitted. They were assured
his object 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
forget the habits of social life, and be willing and pre-
pared to go wherever duty and danger called; such
were the kind of troops he wanted, and none others
*would he have. - ... + -
influenced by these and other weighty considerations,
which were daily disclosed ;sensibleof the dan ger that sur-
rounded him;and from a conviction which he felt was foun-
ded not upon light considerations, that the country with-
out a most decisive course could not be saved, he brought
to the view of the legislature the propriety and necessi-
ty of suspending the writ of habeas corpus. To attempt
himself so new and bold a course, he was satisfied would
draw to him the reproofs and censures of the orthodox
politicians of the day, and involve him in many and vari-
ous reproaches. The legislature had already interrupt-
ed the commerce by declaring and enforcing an embar-
go; and the exercise of this subsequent authority, equal-
ly necessary with the first, could involve, he supposed,
no higher exercise of power than the enactment of an
LIFE OF GENERAL. JACKSON. 25%
embargo law. He was solicitous, therefore, to relieve
himself of the responsibility, by prevailing on the legisla-
ture to do that which necessity and the security of the
country seemed imperiously to require. They proceed.
ed slowly to the investigation, and were deliberating,
with great caution, upon their right, authority, and con-
stitutional power to adopt such a measure, when the gen-
eral. settsiide that procrastination was dangerous, and,
migo defeat the objects intended to be answered, as-
sumed all responsibility, and superseded their delibera-
tions 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 detained.
for examination. None were to depart from it, or be
suffered to pass beyond, the chain of sentinels, but by
permission of the commanding general, or one of the
staff; nor was any vessel or craft to be permitted to
sail on the river, or the lakes, but by the same authori- .
ty, 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 permission in
writing, signed as above, were to be arrested 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 pre-
served by the exercise of any ordinary-powers, he be-
ieved it best to adopt a course that should be efficient,
even if it partially endangered the rights and privileges
of the citizen. He proclaimed martial law, believing
252 Lire of GENERAL Jackson.
necessity and policy required it: “Under a solemn con-
viction 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 su-
persede such civil powers, as, in their operation, inter-
fered with those he was obliged to exercise. He
thought that, at such a moment, constitutional forms
should be suspended, for the preservation of constitu-
tional rights; and that there could be no question, whe-
ther it were better to depart, for a moment, from the
enjoyment of our dearest privileges, or to have them
wrested from us for ever.”
This rigid course, however, was by no means well re-
ceived. Whether it had for its object good or evil, whe-
ther springing from necessity, or from a spirit of oppres-
sion in its author, with many, was not a material question:
it was sufficient for them to consider it an infraction of
the law, to excite their warmest opposition; whilst the
long approved doctrine of necessitas rei afforded no sub-
stantial argument to induce a conviction of its propriety.
Whether the civil should yield to military law, or which
should have controul, 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 luke-
warm breasts, it opened a field for investigation: and
many a fire-side patriot had arguments at command, to
to prove it an usurpation of power, an outrage upon go-
vernment, and a violation of the constitution. During
the invasion, and while affairs of major importance im-
pended, no occasion was presented of testing its correct-
ness; but soon as the enemy had retired, and before it
WaS ascertained, whether, at some more fortunate and,
LIFE or GENERAL JAckson, 255
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 för this district, deter.
mined 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 general to appear before
him, on a process of contempt, for detaining and refusing
to obey a writ of habeas corpus, which had been direct-
ed to him, amerced him in a fine of a thousand dollars.
How far he was actuated by correct motives, in exclu-
sion to those feelings which sometimes estrange the judg-
ment, his own conscience can determine; and how far
his proceedings were fair and liberal, will appear here-
after, when, in proper order, we shall be brought to ex-
amine this prosecution. For the present, we are confi-
dent, 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
citizens. If judge Hall were impelled to the course he
took, in defence of the violated dignity of the constitu-
tion, and to protect the rights of a government, whose
judicial powers he represented, whether right or wrong,
he deserves not censure; although it might be well re.
plied, that an infinitely fairer and more glorious oppor-
ºiſ
*
tunity of showing his devotedness to his country had jäät



254 LIFE of GENERAL Jackson.
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 resort.
ed to from the mere anticipation of danger; already suf.
ficient 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 en-
joyed, 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. Composed, as our army at this time was, of
heterogeneous materials, Frenchmen, Spaniards and
natives, it required constant efforts to keep alive ex-
citement, 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 counteract the effect, and preserve their ardour and
devotion to their country. -
“Believe hot,” he observed, “that the threatened in-
vasion is with a view to restore the country to Spain. It
is founded in design, and a supposition that you would
be willing to return to your ancient government. Listen
not to such incredible tales: your government 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,
IIFE of GENERAL JACKSON. 255
that you may fall an easier prey. Then look to your
liberty, your property, 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 patriotism and virtue, will be inspired with indig-
nation, and pant for the arrival of the hour when we shall
meet and avenge those outrages against the laws of civi-
lization 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 immediately
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 necessary. 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 provent it; ſor, Silice the loss of the
gun boats, any attempt of this kind could only be re-'
garded as hopeless: but, by preserving a constant vigi-
lance, and, thereby having the earliest intelligence of
their approach, they might be met at the very threshold,
and opposed. Small guard boats were constantly ply-
ing on the lakes, 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 unfavourable appearance portended in that di-
rection. . With such vigilance, constantly exercised, it is
truly astonishing that the enemy should have effected an
invasion, and succeeded in disembarking so large a force
without the slightest information being had, until they
%
256 LIFE of GENERAL Jackson.
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 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 purpose. This place had not reeeived the at-
tention 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, endeavor.
ed to reach the city; but, owing to the thick undergrowth
and briars, which rendered it almost impervious, they
did not arrive until after the enemy had reached the
banks of the Mississippi, and been discovered.
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 state-
ment, majors Tatum and Latour, topographical engi-
neers, had been sent off, with orders to proceed in that
direction, and learn if any thing were attempting there.
it was towards noon of the 23d, when they started:-
LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON." 257
Approaching general Villery's plantation, and perceiv-
ing 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 certain; and it was now no
longer a doubt, but that the British had landed, in con-
siderable force, and had actually gained, unobserved,
the house of general Villery, on the bank of the Missis-
sippi, where they had surprised and made prisoners, a
company of militia, there posted. -
Major Tatum, hastening back, announced his discove-
ry. Preparations to act were immediately made by ge-
neral Jackson. Believing that to act speedily was of
the highest importance, the signal guns were fired, and
expresses sent forward, to concentrate his forces; re-
Solving that night to meet the invaders, and try his own
and their firmness.
22%
... ſº sº
CHAPTER IX.
General Jackson concentrates his forces, and marches to fight
the enemy.—Alarms of the city.—Anecdote.—Mode of at-
tack, and battle of the 23d of December.—British reinforce-
ments arrive during the action.—Arrival of general Car-
roll's division.—Our army retires from the field,—Effects
of this battle.—Jackson establishes a line of defence.—Gen-
eral JMorgan is ordered on the right bank of the JMississip-
pi.—Destruction and loss of the Caroline schooner.—Battle
of the 28th December.—Conduct of the legislature of Low-
isiana; 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 ma-
ny reasons, assuring him of the necessity of acting speed-
ily, to hesitate a moment on the course proper to be pur-
sued. Could he assail them, and obtain even a partial
advantage, it might be beneficial—it might arrest disaf.
ſection—buoy up the despondent—determine the wa-
vering, and bring within his reach resources for to mor-
row, which might wholly fail, should fear once take pos-
session 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 land-
LIFE of GENERAL Jackson. 259
ed 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 remain-
der would be certainly disembarked as early as possible.
These circumstances seemed to augment, in his behalf,
the chances of victory, 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 Coffee 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
regiments, the Louisiana troops, and colonel Hinds’ dra-
goons, from Mississippi, constituted the strength of his ar-
my, which could be carried into action against an enemy
whose numbers, at this time, could only be conjectured.
It was thought advisable that general Carroll and his di-
vision should be disposed in the rear, for the reason that
there was no correct information of the force landed
through Willery's canal, and because Jackson feared
that this probably might be merely a feint intended to
divert his attentions while a much stronger and more nu-
merous division, having already gained some point high-
er 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 dispositions of his troops,
be ready to resist, in whatever quarter he might be as-
sailed. Carroll, therefore, at the head of his division,
and governor Claiborne, with the state militia, were di: ,
rected to take post on the Gentilly road, which leads
from Chef Menteur to New Orleans, and to defend it to
the last extremity. -
260 LiFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
Alarm pervaded the city. The marching and coun-
termarching of the troops—the proximity of the enemy—
with the approaching contest, and uncertainty of the is-
sue, had excited a general fear. Already might the
British be on their way, and at hand, before the neces-
sary arrangements could be made to oppose them. To
prevent this, colonel Hayne, with two companies of ri-
flemen, and the Mississippi dragoons, was sent forward to
reconnoitre their camp, learn ther position and their
number; and, in the event they should be found advan-
cing, to harass and oppose them at every step, until the
main body should arrive. -
Every thing being ready, general Jackson commenced
his march, to meet and fight the veteran troops of Eng-
land. 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 apprehend the worst of consequen-
ces. 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; sor-
row 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 colonel Hayne,
who had been sent in advance, their position, and that
H.IFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 261
their strength was about two thousand men,” he immedi,
ately concerted the mode of attack, and hastened to exe-
cute it. Commodore Patterson, who commanded the na-
val forces on this station, with captain Henly, on board the
Caroline, had been directed 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 encampment, formed with the left resting on the ri-
ver, and extending at right angles into the open field.—
General Coffee, with his brigade, colonel Hinds' dragoons,
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 volun-
teers, Daquin's coloured troops, the artillery underiieu-
tenant Spotts, supported by a company of marines com-
manded by colonel M'Kee, advanced on the road along
the bank of the Mississippi, and were commanded by
Jackson in person.
General Coffee with silence and caution had advan-
ced beyond their piquets, next the swamp, and nearly
reached the point to which he was ordered, when a
broadside from the Caroline announced the battle begun,
Patterson had proceeded slowly, giving time, as he be-
*This opinion, as it afterwards appeared, was incorrect. The
umber 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." .
262 IIFE & F &ENERAL JACKSON.
lieved, for the execution of those arrangements contem:
plated on the shore. So sanguine had the British been
in the belief that they would be kindly received, and lit-
tle opposition attempted, that the Caroline floated by the
sentinels, and anchored before 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 question was made. This, added to
some other attendant circumstances, confirmed the opin-
ion that they believed her a vessel laden with provisions,
which had been sent out from New Orleans, and was in-
tended for them. Having reached what, from their
fires, appeared to be the centre of their encampment,
her anchors were cast, and her character and business
disclosed 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 con-
greve rockets, which passed without injury, while the
grape and canister from her guns, were pouring destruc-
--tively on them. To take away the certainty of aim af.
forded by the light from their fires, these were immedi-
ately extinguished, and they retired two or three hund-
red yards into the open field, if not out of the reach of
the cannon, at least to a distance, where, by the darkness
ef 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 La-
rond's plantation, and gained, as he believed, 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 received a heavy fire, from a
FIFE OF GENERAL JAckson. 253
line formed in his front; this, to him, was an unexpected
circumstance, as he supposed the enemy lying principal-
ly at a distance, and that the only opposition he should
meet, until he approached towards the levee,” would be
from their advanced 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
enemy 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
ſelling 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 direct-
ed, and too severe and destructive to be withstood; the
enemy gave way, and retreated,—rallied,—formed,—
were charged, and again retreated. Our gallant yeo-
manry, led by their brave commander, urged fearlessly
on, and drove their invaders from every position they at-
tempted to maintain. Their general was under no ne-
cessity 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
*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.
Frequently 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, when incal-
culable injury is the consequence, . -
: £64 - Life of GENERAL JACKSON.
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 or-
ange trees, with a ditch running past it, protected by a
fence on the margin. Here they were halted and form.
ed for battle. It was a favorable position, promising se-
curity, and was occupied with a confidence they could
not be forced to yield it. Coffee's dauntless 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 ardour, they charged across the ditch,
gave a deadly and destructive fire, and forced them to
retire. The retreat 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 Bri-
tish reached the bank of the river; here a determined
stand was made, and further encroachments resisted: for
half an hour the conflict was extremely violent on both
sides. The American troops could not 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 darkness had greatly increa-
. . .
:*::::
sed, already contemplated again to charge them; but one
of his officers, who had discovered the advantage their
situation gave them, assured him it was too hazardous;
that they could be driven no further, and would, from the
LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON. 265
point they occupied, resist with the bayonet, and repel,
with considerable loss, any attempt that might be made
to dislodge them. The place of their retirement was
covered in front by a strong bank, which had been ex-
tended into the field, to keep out the river,in consequence
of the first being encroached upon, and undermined
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 distance. A further
apprehension, lest, by moving still nearer to the river,
he might greatly expose himself to the fire of the Caro-
line, which was yet spiritedly maintaining the conflict,
induced Coffee to retire until he could hear from the
commanding general, and receive his further orders. •,
During this time, the right wing under Jackson, had
been no less prompt and active. A detachment of ar-
tillery, under lieutenant Spotts, supported by sixty ma-
rines, and constituting the advance, had moved down
the road next the levee. On their left was the 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 Car-
oline, to move off by heads of companies, and, on reach-
ing the enemy's line, to deploy, and unite the left wing
of his command with the right of general Coffee's.-
T. is order was omitted to be executed; and the conse: ;
quence was an early introduction of confusiga,
23 º *



$266 LIFE of GENERAL Jacksos.
ranks, whereby was prevented the important design of
uniting the two divisions.
Instead of moving in column from the first position,
the troops, with the exception of the seventh regiment,
next the person of the general, which advanced agreea-
bly to the instructions that had been given, were formed
and marched in extended line. Having sufficient ground
to form on at first, no inconvenience was at the moment
sustained; but this advantage presently failing, the cen-
tre became compressed, and was forced in the rear.—
The river, from where they were formed, gradually in-
clined 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 incovenience might have been remedied, but for
the briskness of the advance, and for 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 ammuri-
tion 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, gradually
diminished the little light shed by the moon, and greatly
increased the darkress of the night: no clue was left to
ascertain how or where the enemy were situated.—
There was no alternative but to move on, in the direc-
...tion of their fire, which subjected the assailants to ma-
ºdisadvantages. The British, driven from their


LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON. 267
first position, had retired back, and occupied another,
behind a deep ditch, that ran out of the Mississippi to-
wards the swamp, on the margin of which was a wood
railed fence. Here, strengthened by increased 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. Instantly our battery was
formed, and poured destructively 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. General Jackson, perceiving the decided
advantages which were derived from the position they
occupied, ordered their line to be charged. It was
obeyed with cheerfulness, and executed with prompt-
ness. Pressing on, our troops gained the ditch, and pour-
ing across it a well aimed fire, compelled them to retreat
and to abandon their entrenchment. The plain, on
which they were contending, was cut to pieces, by ra-
ces from the river, to convey the water to the swamp,
The enemy were, therefore, very soon enabled to occupy
another position, equally favorable 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 advance
made by the right wing of the American army, and pre-
268 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
suming perhaps that its principal strength was posted
on the road, formed the intention of attacking violently
the left. Obliquing, for this purpose, an attempt was
made to turn it. At this moment, Daquin's and the bat.
talion 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 ma-
ny of those benefits which might have been derived
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 advantage; yet, not-
withstanding, it greatly annoyed them, whenever it
could be brought to bear. Directed by 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 important services were ren-
dered. -
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 deter-
mined to halt, and ascertain Coffee's position and suc-
cess, previously to waging the battle further; for as yet
no communication had passed between them. He en-
tertained no doubt, from the brisk firing in that direc-
tion, but that he had been warmly engaged; but this had
now nearly subsided; the Caroline, too, had almost ceas-
ed her operations; it being only occasionally, that the
noise of her guns disclosed the little opportunity she pos-
sessed of acting efficiently.
The express despatched to general Jackson, from the
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 269
left wing, having reached him, he determined to prose-
cute the successes he had gained, no further. The dark-
ness of the night—the confusion into which his own di-
vision had been thrown, and a similar disaster produced
on the part of Coffee, all pointed to the necessity of re-
tiring from the field, and abandoning 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 discipline, should compel him to recede from
the effort, he well knew the enemy would not have te-
merity enough to attempt pursuit. The extreme dark-
ness—their entire ignorance of the situation of the coun-
try, and an apprehension lest their forces might be great-
ly out-numbered, afforded sufficient reasons on which to
ground a belief, that although beaten from his purpose,
he would yet have it in his power to retire in safety: but
on the arrival of the express from general Coffee, learn-
ing 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 captured, be determined to retire
from the contest, nor attempt a further prosecution of his
successes. General 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 marchedº
The last charge made by the left wing, had separated,
from the main body, colonels Dyer ard Gibson, with two
hundred men, and captain Beal's company of riflemen.
What might be their fate; ºther they were captured,
." 23% .
276) LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
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 gene-
ral Coffee; he very soon discovered a force in front, and
halting his men, hastened towards it; arriving within a
short distance, he was hailed, ordered 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 brigade; by this time they had
arrived within a short distance of the line, and perceiv-
ing that the name of the brigade they had stated was not
undertood, their apprehensions were awakened, lest it
might be a detachment of the enemy; in this opinion,
they were immediately confirmed; and wheeling to re-
turn, 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 boyonet; fortunately the stab had
but slightly wounded him, and he was only held by his
clothes: thus pinioned, and perceiving others to be brisk-
ly advancing, but a moment was left for deliberation;–
making a violent exertion, and springing to his feet, he
threw his assailaat to the ground, and made good his
retreat. Colonel Dyer had retreated about fifty yards,
when his horse dropped dead; entangled in the fall, and
slightly wounded in the thigh, there was little prospect
of relief, for the enemy were briskly advancing: his men
being near at hand, he ordered them to advance and fire,
which checked their approach, and enabled him to es-
cape. Being now at the head of his command, perceiv-
life of GENERAL JACKSON. 27 i
ing 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.
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 no-
thing of the situation of the two armies, during the en-
gagement advanced in the rear of general Coffee's bri-
gade. Coming in contact with colonel Dyer and cap-
tain Beal, they filed off to the left, and reached the Bri-
tish lines. . . . - w
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 retreat, in the
event it became necessary.
Jackson had gone into this battle confident of success;
and his arrangements were such as would have insured it,
even to a much greater extent, but for the intervention
of circumstances that were not, and could not be fore-
seen. The Caroline had given her signals, and come
menced the battle, a little too early, before Coffee had
reached and taken his position, and before every thing
272 LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON.
was fully in readiness, to attain the objects designed:
but it was chiefly owing to the confusion introduced at
first into the ranks, which checked the rapidity of his
advance, gave the enemy time for preparation, and pre-
vented his division from uniting with the right wing of
general Coffee's brigade. -
Colonel Hinds, with one hundred and eighty dragoons,
was not brought into action during the night. Inter,
spersed as the plain was, with innumerable ditches, di-
verging 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 cap-
ture 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 Lou-
isiana militia, for the defence of an important pass to the
city, the Gentilly road, he despatched an express to Car-
roll, 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 ar.
rival, a different determination was made. From pri-
soners 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 reinforce-
ments 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
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 273
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, 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 succeed, 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. Prompted by these con-
siderations, that it was important to pursue a course
calculated to assure safety; and believing it attainable
in no way so effectually, as in occupying some point, and
by the strength he might give it, compensate for the in-
feriority 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 Kentucky troops, which had not yet arrived,
should reach him. Pursuing this idea, at four o’clock
in the morning, 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
recommending 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 almost
impervious, had here approached within four hundred
yards of the Mississippi, and hence, from the narrowness
of the pass, was more easily to be defended; added to
which, there was a deep canal, whence the dirt being
thrown on the upper side, already formed a tolerable
274 LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON.
work of defence. Behind this, his troops were formed,
and proper measures adopted for increasing its strength,
with a determination never to abandon it; but there to
resist to the last, and valiantly to defend those rights
which were sought to be outraged and destroyed.
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 un-
armed 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 activity and in-.
dustry, based on a hope of ultimate success, he com-
menced his plan of defence, determining to fortify him-
self 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, he was every where, through the night,
present, encouraging his troops, and bastening a com-
pletion of the work. The concern and excitement pro-
duced 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 em-
LIFE of GENERAL JACKson, 275
ployed. His line of defence being completed on the
night of the 27th, he, for the first time since the arrival
of the enemy, retired to rest and repose.
The soldier who has stood the shock of battle, and
knows what slight circumstances oftentimes produce de-
cided advantages, will be able, properly to appreciate
the events of this night. Although the dreadful carnage
of the 8th of J anuary, 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 British had reached the
Mississippi without the fire of a gun, arid 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 scarcely venture to resist them: resting
thus confidently in the expectation of success, they
would the next day have moved forward, and succeed.
ed in the accomplishment of their desigris. Jackson,
convinced that an early impression was essential to ulti-
mate success, 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 moment,
break into their camp, and with his ul-disciplined yeoman-
ry, drive before him the pride of England, and the con-
querors of Europe. It was an event that could not fail
to destroy all previous theories, aid establish a conclu-
sion, which our enemy had not before formed, that they
27B. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
were contending against valour inferior 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 represented to them; for much
as they had heard of the courage of the man with whom
they were contending, 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 greatly superior army, and one, which, by the
numerous victories it had achieved, had already acquir-
ed a fame in arms; they were convinced that his force
must greatly surpass what they had expected, and be
composed of materials different from what they had im-
agined. cº - -
* 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, - tº Lº * 763
Company of marines and artillery, sº - 82
Plauche's and Daquin's battalions, º - 488
And the Mississippi dragoons under colonel 186
Hinds, not in the action,
*21 67
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
* This statement may be relied on ; it was furnished to the au-
thor by colonel Robert Butler, adjutant-general of the southern
division, who assured him it was correct.
LſPE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 277
filled, one hundred and fifteen wounded, and seventy-
four made prisoners; while the killed, wounded, and
prisoners, of the enemy, were not less than four hundred.
Our officers and soldiers executed every order with
promptitude, and nobly sustaired their country's cha-
racter. Lieutenant-colonel Lauderdale, of Coffee's bri-
gade, an officer of great promise, and on whom every
reliance was placed, ſell 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 manifested 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 future, have become useful;
his exemplary conduct, both in civil and military life,
had acquired for him a respect, 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 ex-
ample of their commander, bravely contended, and ably
supported the character they had previously established.
The unequal contestin which they were engaged, never
occurred to them; nor, for a moment, checked the ra-
pidity of their advance. Had the British known they
were merely riflemen, and without bayonets, a firm stand
would have arrested their progress, and destruction or
capture would have been the inevitable consequence;
but, this circumstance being unknown, every charge
they made was crowned with success, producing dis-
comfiture, and routing and driving superior numbers
before them. Officers, from the highest to inferior
24
278 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSox.
grades, discharged what had been expected of them.--
Insign Leach, of the 7th regiment, being wounded
through the body, still remained at his post, and in the
performance of his duty. Colonel Reuben Kemper, en-
terprising and self-collected, amidst the confusion intro-
duced on the left wing, found himself 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 discre-
tion is sometimes the better part of valour: to attempt
resistance was idle, and could only eventuate in destruc-
tion: with a mind unclouded by the peril that surround-
ed him, he sought and procured his safety through strat-
agem. Calling to a group of soldiers who were near, in
a positive tone, he demanded of them where their regi-
ment was: lost themselves, they were unable to answer:
but supposing him one of their own officers, they assent-
ed 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. Confi-
ding in themselves, and their general, who was constant-
ly with them, exposed to danger and in the midst of the
fight, inspiring by his ardour, and encouraging by his
example, they advanced to the conflict, nor evinced a
disposition to leave it until the prudence of their com-
mander 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
LIFE of gener&AL. JACKSON. 279
a view partially to destroy the overweening confidence
with which they had arrived on our shores, and to com-
pel them to act, for a time, upon the defensive. To
effect this, general Coffee, with his brigade, was order-
ed down on the morning of the 24th, to unite with colo-
nel Hinds, and make a show in the rear of Lacoste's
plantation. The enemy, not yet recovered of the panic
produced by the assault of the preceding evening, al-
ready believed it was in contemplation to urge another
attack, and immediately formed themselves to repel it;
but Coffee having succeeded in recovering some of his
horses, which were wandering 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 conjecture the objects of his movement.
The scanty supply of clothes and blankets that remain-
ed to the soldiers, from their long and exposed marches,
had been left where they dismounted to meet the ené-
my. Their numbers were too limited, and the strength
of their opponents too well ascertained, for any part of
their force to remain and take care of what was left be-
hind: it was so essential to hasten on, reach their desti-
nation, 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 en-
tirely 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 se-
verity of winter. It is a circumstance which entitles
them to much credit, that under privations so severely
oppressive, complaints or murmurs were never heard.—
280 LIFE OF GENERAL JAckson.
This state of things fortunately was not of long contina.
ance. 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 in-
creased by subscriptions in the city and neighbourhood.
Materials being purchased, the ladies, with that Chris-
tian 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 defence of their
benefactresses. This distinguished mark of their pa-
triotism and benevolence, is still remembered; and often
as these valiant men are heard to recount 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 con-
ferred upon them such distinguished marks of their kind-
ness, and who, by timely interference, alleviated their
misfortunes and their sufferings. r
To present a check, and keep up a show of resistance,
detachments of light troops were occasionally kept in
front of the line, assailing and harrassing the enemy's ad-
vanced posts whenever an opportunity was offered of
acting to advantage. Every moment that could be
gained, and every delay that could be extended 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
§uccessful opposition was brightening. .
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 28T
The enemy still remained at his first encampment.—
To be in readinesss 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 Spotts,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 un-
founded: the enemy had not appeared in that direction,
nor had the officer, to whom was entrusted the com-
mand of this fort, so much relied on, forgotten his duty, or
forsaken 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 hastened to inform
him what he had understood, and to ſorbid his leaving'
his positioni. “The battery I have placed under your
*
24** .
282 LiFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
command, must be defended at all hazards. In you, and
the valour of your troops, I repose every confidence: let
me not be deceived. With us, every thing goes on well:
the enemy has not yet advanced. Our troops have
eovered 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 confi-
dence, and ensure safety, colonel Dyer, and two hun-
dred men, were ordered here to assist in its defence, and
act as videttes, in advance of the occupied points.
General Morgan, who, at the English turn, commanded
the fort on the east bank of the river, was instructed 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 between 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 occu-
pying the intermediate ground, was entirely detached
from his camp, directed him to abandon his eneampment,
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 posi-
tion 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 aban-
doned. - -
From every intelligence, obtained through deserters
and prisoners, it was evident that the British fleet would
LIFE of GENERAL JACKson. 283
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 attempted, exertions were
made to be able to resist at all points, and to interpose
such defences on the Mississippi, as might assure protec-
tion. 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, 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 difficulty
of ascending the Mississippi, from the rapidity of the cur-
rent, its winding course, and the ample protection al-
ready given at forts St. Philip and Bourbon, were cir-
cumstances to which, it was not to be inferred, the Bri-
tish 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, proceed up on the right
bank of the river, and gain a position whence, co-opera-
ting 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 effec-
tually to guard the route, and protect it from approach.
Lafite, who had been heretofore promised a pardon for the
outrages he had committed against the laws of the United
284. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON,
States, and who had already shown a lively zeal in be-,
half of his adopted country, was also despatched with
Reynolds. He was selected, because, from the proofs,
already given, no doubt was entertained of his fidelity,
and because his knowledge of the topography and pre-
cise situation of this section of the state was remarkably
correct: it was the point where he had constantly ren-
dezvoused, during the time of cruising against the mer-
chant vessels of Spain, under a commission obtained at
Carthagena, and where he had become perfectly ac-
quainted with every inlet and entrance to the gulf
through which a passage could be effected.
With these arrangements—treason apart—all anxious-
ly alive to the interest of the country, and disposed to
protect it, there was little room to apprehend or fear
disaster. To use the general's own expression, 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 de-
scription with him, on whom he could safely rely, in mo-
ments of extreme peril, he well knew ; but that there
were many strangers to him and danger, and who had
never been called to act in those situations where death,
stalking in hideous round, appals and unnerves even the
most resolute, was equally certain; whether they would
contend with manly firmness, support the cause in which
they had embarked, and realize his anxious wishes on
the subject, could be only known in the moment of con-
flict 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 intended-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 285
whether offensive or defensive operations would be pur-
sued, were circumstances on which they possessed no
correct knowledge, nor could it be obtained: still their
exertions were unremitting to have all things prepared,
and in readiness to urge their designs whenever the
moment for action should airive. They had been con-
stantly engaged, since their landing, in procuring from
their shipping every thing necessary to ulterior opera-
tion. A complete command on the lakes, and possession
of a point on the margin, presented an uninterrupted
ingress and egress, and afforded the opportunity of con-
veying 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 increased depth to the canal, from which they
had first debarked—enabled them to advance their boats
much further, in the direction of their encampment, and
to bring up, with greater convenience, their artillery,
bombs and munitions. Thus engaged during the first
three days after their arrival, early on the morning of
the 27th, a battery was discovered on the bank of the
river, which had been erected during the preceding
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 opposite shore.
After the battle of the 23d, in which this vessel had so
effectually aided, she had passed to the opposite side of
the river, where she had since lain. Her services were
too highly appreciated not to be again desired, in the
event the enemy should endeavour to advance. 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 yet arisen to £id
#286 1.IFE or GENERAL JACKSON.
her instemming the current; and towing, and other renas
edies, 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 poli-
cy, 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 advance of the enemy, it might be in
her power so completely to extend. Commodore Pat-
terson had left her on the 26th, by the orders of the
commanding general, when captain Henly made a fur-
ther, but ineffectual effort to force her up the current,
near to the line, for the double purpose of its defence
and for her own safety. - g .
These attempts to remove her being discovered, at
daylight, on the morning of the 27th, a battery, mount-
ing five guns, opened upon her, discharging bombs and
red-hot shot; it was spiritedly answered, but without af.
fecting the battery, there being but a long twelve pound-
er 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 com-
municated fire to the schooner. The shot from the bat-
tery 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 commander, that she could be no longer defended
—the flames bursting forth in different parts, and fast
increasing, 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 glimmer-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON, 28?
ing of hope entertained that she could be preserved,
orders were given to abandon her. The crew in safety
reached the shore, and in a short time afterwards she
blew up. . .
Although thus unexpectedly deprived of so, material
a dependence, for successful defence, an opportunity wa
soon presented of using her brave crew to advantage.
Gathering confidence from what had been just effected,
the enemy left their encampment, and moved in the di-
rection of our line. Their numbers had been increased,
and major-general Sir Edward Packenham now com-
manded in person. Early on the 28th, his columns com-
menced their advance to storm our works. At the dis-
tance 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 calculated would excite a panic in the
minds of the raw troops of our army, and compel them
to surrender at discretion, or abandon their stronghold.
But our soldiers had afforded abundant proof, that, wheth.
er disciplined or not, they well knew how to defend, the
honour and interests of their country; and had sufficient
valour not to be alarmed at the reality—still, less the
semblance of danger, Far from exciting their appre-
hensions, and driving them from their ground, their firm-
ness still remained unchanged;—still was manifested a
determination not to tarnish a reputation they had hard-
ly earned; and which had become too dear, from the dif.
ficulties 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 strangers, excited no other feeling than
288 LIFE OF 6: ENERAL JACKS6R,
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 expect-
ing to behold 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, ob-
tained 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 volun-
teered, and with the crew of the Caroline rendered im-
portant services, and maintained, at the guns they com-
manded, that firmness and decision for which, on previ-
ous occasions, they had been so highly distinguished.—
They had been selected by the general, because of their
superior knowledge in gunnery; and, on this occasion,
gave a further evidence of their skill and judgment, and
of a disposition to actin any situation where they could
be serviceable. The line, which, from the labours be-
stowed on it, was daily 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.
From the river the greatest injury was effected.—
Lieutenant Thompson, who commanded the Louisiana
sloop, which lay nearly opposite the line of defence, no
sooner discovered the columns approaching, than warp-
ing 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
Fife of GENERAL JACKSON. 289
the conflict with great spirit, constantly 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 com-
mander, were they so well perfected in their duty, that
they already managed their guns with the greatest pre-
cision and certainty of effect; and by three o'clock in
the evening, with the aid of the land batteries, had com-
pletely silenced and driven back the enemy. Embol-
dened by the effect produced the day before on the Car-
oline, 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 pro-
tection, heretofore had, being taking away, those in the
direction of it were fairly exposed to our fire, and suf.
fered 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 engage-
ment, commenced and waged for seven hours, we re-
ceived little or no injury. The Louisiana sloop against
which the most violent exertions were made, had but a
single man wounded, by the fragments 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 pro-
cured, considerable injury; at least one hundred and
twenty were killed and wouñded.
25
290 LIFE of GENERAL Jackson,
*…*
Among the killed, on our side, was colonel James
Hendersons of the Tennessee militia. An advance par-
ty of the British had, during the action, taken post be-
hind a fence that ran obliquely to, and not very remote
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 ad-
vanced in the manner directed, he would have been less
exposed, and enabled more effectually to have secured
the object intended, but, misunderstai,ding 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 detach-
ment open and exposed. 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. º
Having reached a knoll of dry ground, he formed, and
attempted the execution of his order; but soon fell, by a
wound in the head. Deprived of their commander, and
perceiving their situation hazardous and unteliable, the
detachment retreated to the line, with the loss of their
colonel and five men. . -
While this advance was made, a column of the enemy
was threatening an attack on our extreme left; to frus.
trate the attempt, Coffe was ordered with his reflemen
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 tiley had previously meditated.
LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON. 291
A supposed disaffection in New Orleans, and an ene-
my in front, were circumstances well calculated to ex-
cite unpleasant forebodings. General Jackson believed
it necessary and essential to his security, while contend-
ing with avowed foes, not to be wholly inattentive to
dangers lurking at home; but, by guarding vigilantly,
to be able to suppress any treasonable purpose the mo-
mentitshould bedeveloped, 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 vigi-
lant 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 govern-
ment, and would not scruple to surrender, whenever,
prompted by their interest, it should become necessary,
has been already noticed. In this belief, subsequent
circumstances evinced there was no mistake, and show-
ed that to his 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 prison-
ers, 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 arrangement,
and every change of position, was immediately commu-
nicated. “Nothing,” remarked a British officer, at the
close of the invasion, “was kept a secret from us, except
our 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
292 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKsen.
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, destroy 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 duty of a subordinate
officer; and that even if, from his situation, major But-
ler had so far acquired the confidence of his general as
to have become acquainted with his views and designs,
he was not at liberty to divulge them, without destroy-
ing confidence and acting criminally. On asking the
eause of the inquiry, Mr. Skipwith replied, it was ru-
moured, and so understood, that if driven from his posi-
tion, and made to retreat upon the city, general Jackson
had it in contemplation to lay it in ruins; the legislature,
he said, desired information on this subject, that if such
were his intentions, they might, by offering terms of ca-
pitulation to the enemy, avert so serious a calamity.—
That a sentiment 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 devi-
sing plans to ensure the safety of themselves and proper-
ty, even at any sacrifice. While the general was hasten-
ing 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, secret-
ly, by the members of the legislature, to offer terms of
eapitulation to the enemy, and proffer a surrender; and
that governor Claiborne awaited his orders on the sub-
ject. Poised as was the result, the safety or fall of the
eity resting in uncertainty, although it was plainly to be
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 293
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 parties—ex-
cite opposition in the army, and inspire the enemy with
renewed confidence. The Tennessee forces, and Mis-
sissippi volunteers, it was not feared would be affected
by the measure; but it might detach the Louisiana mili-
tia, and even extend itself to the ranks of the regular
troops. Jackson was greatly incensed, 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 impor-
tance merited; but, availing himself of the first respite
from the violence of the attack waged against him, he
apprized governor Claiborne of what he had heard;—
ordered him closely to watch the conduct of the legisla-
ture, and the moment the project of offering a capitula-
tion 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 con-
tingent; 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 Lot to re-
strain the legislature in the discharge of their official du-
25%
294 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
ties; for although he thought that such a moment, when
the sound of the cannon was constantly pealing in their
ears,was inauspicious to wholesome legislation, 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 indelicate to be proposed; and
it was hence preferred, that they should adopt whatever
eourse might be suggested by their own notions of pro-
priety. This sentiment would have been still adhered
to; but when through the communication of Mr. Dun-
can, they were represented as entertaining opinions and
schemes adverse to the general interest and safety of
the country, the necessity of a new and different course
of 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 gene-
ral 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 general, was,
that then they would be able to proceed with their
business without producing the slightest injury: what-
ever schemes they might entertain would have remained
with themselves, without the power of circulating 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 opportunity would have been
afforded them to enact good and wholesome laws; but
governor Claiborne mistook my order, and instead of
shutting them in doors, contrary to my wishes and ex-
pectation, turned them out.
ŁIFE OF GENERAL J Ackson. 295
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 position? 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 honourable 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,
and fought the enemy amidst the surrounding flames.
There were with me men of wealth, owners of conside-
rable property, who, in such an event, would have been
amongst the foremost to have applied the torch to their
own buildings; and what they had left undone, I should
have completed. Nothing for the comfortable mainte-
nance of the enemy would have been left in the rear. I
would have destroyed New Orleans—occupied a posi-
tion 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 to dis-
affection to the government, or to treasonable motives.
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 destroyed hope. If Jackson
were driven back, and little else was looked for, rumour
fixed his determination of devoting the city to destruc-
tion: 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 receives
296 LIFE of GENERAL Jackson.
Although these considerations may somewhat palliate,
they do not justify. The government was represented
in the person of the commanding general, on whom
rested all responsibility, and whose voice on the subject
of resistance or capitulation, should alone have been
heard. In the field were persons who were enduring
hardships, and straining every nerve, for the general
safety. A few of the members of their own body, too,
were there, who did not despond.* Might not patriot-
ism, 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 ex-
citement, than to have endeavoured to introduce fear,
and paralyze exertion. Such conduct, if productive of
nothing worse, was well calculated to excite alarm. It
the militia, who had been hastily drawn to the camp,
and who were yet trembling for the safety of their fami-
lies, had been told, that a few private men, of standing
in society, had expressed their opinions, and declared
resistance useless, it would, without doubt have created
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 attempts at successful opposition
vain and ineffectual. r
Here was an additional reason why expedients should
be devised, and every precaution adopted, to prevent
* 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.
1.IFE OF GENERAL JAckson, 297
any communication, by which the slightest intelligence
should be had of our situation, already, indeed, suffi-
ciently deplorable. Additional guards were posted
along the swamp, on both sides of the Mississippi, 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 could scarcely
float down the stream unperceived. Two flat-bottomed
boats, on a dark night, were turned adrift above, to as-
certain 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 be-
ing given, they were opened upon by the Louisiana
sloop, and the batteries on the shore, and in a few min-
utes were sunk. In spite, however, of every precaution,
treason still discovered avenues through which to pro-
ject and execute her nefarious plans, and through them
was constantly afforded information to the enemy; car-
ried 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 sub-
ject also, obtain information: to prevent it, as far
as possible, general Jackson endeavoured to conceal
the strength and situation of his army, by suffer-
ing his reports to be seen by none but himself and
the adjutant-general. Many of the troops in the
* See note C,
#98 LIFE or GENERAL Jackson.
field were supplied with common guns, which were of
little service. The Kentucky troops, daily expected,
were also understood to be badly provided with arms.
Uncertain but that the city might yet contain many alº-
ticles that would be serviceable, orders were issued to
the mayor of New Orleans, directing him diligently to
enquire through every store and house, and take posses-
sion 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
Gontest.
Frequent light skirmishes, by advanced parties, with-
out material effect on either side, were the only inci-
dents 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
eover of a ditch that ran across the plain, were annoying
our fatigue parties. In his advance, he was unexpected-
ly thrown into an ambuscade, and became exposed to
the fire of a line, which had hitherto lain concealed and
unobserved. His collected conduct, and gallant deport-
ment, gained him and his corps the approbation of the
commanding general, and extricated him from the dan-
ger 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 de-
fence.—Kentucky 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 Thornton proceeds
against general JMorgan's line, and takes possession of it.—
Letter of captain Wilkinson.-British watchword.—Gene-
rous conduct of the flmerican soldiers.-Morgan’s line re-
gained.— General Lambert requests a suspension of hostili-
ties.—Armistice concluded—Execution ºf an American sol-
dier by the British.
The British were encamped two miles below the
A merican 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 resolved
upon another a tack, and one which they believed would
be more successful. Presuming their failure to have
arisen from not having sufficiently strong batteries, and
heavy ordnance, a more eularged arra; gement was re-
sorted to, with a co: fidence of sileicing opposition, and
effecting such breaches in our entrenchment as would
enable their columns to pass, without being exposed to
any considerable hazard. The interim, 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 shipping, and an ad-
300 LIFE of GENERAL JACKSoN.
ditional supply of heavy cannon landed through bayou
Bienvenu, whence they had first debarked.
During the night of the 31st, they were busily enga-
ged. An impenetrable fog, next morning, which was
not dispelled until nine o'clock, by concealing their pur-
pose, aided them in the plans they were projecting, and
gave time for the completion of their works. This hav-
ing disappeared, several heavy batteries, at the distance
of six hundred yards, mounting eighteen and twenty-four
pound carronades, were presented to view. No sooner
was it sufficiently clear to distinguish objects at a dis-
tance, than these were opened, and a tremendous burst
of artillery commenced, accompanied with congreve
rockets, that filled the air in all directions. Our troops,
protected by a defence, which, from their constant la-
bours and exertions, they believe to be impregnable, un-
moved and undisturbed, maintained their ground, aid,
by their skilful management, in the end, succeeded in dis-
mounting and silencing the guns of the enemy. The
British, through the friendly interference of some disaf.
fected 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 principle 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, disap-
pointed; for with Jackson it was a constant practice, on
the first appearance of danger, 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,
LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON. 301
he was never absent from the post of danger; and thith-
er he had this morning repaired, at the first sound of the
cannon, to aid in defence, and inspire his troops with
firmness. Our guns, along the line, now opened, to re-
pel 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 use-
less. 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 contest, 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 American 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 indulged, that
the undisciplined collection which constituted the
strength of our army, would be able to derive little ben-
efit from such a circumstance; and that artillery 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 unacquainted 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 ca-
pacity of becoming, in a short time, well acquainted with
the art of gunnery, or that it was a science, the acqui-
ring of which was not attended with incalculable diffi.
culties, - . . . . . . . . .
- 26
302 LIFE of GENERAL Jackson.
That they would be able to effect an opening, and
march through the strong defence in their front, was an
idea so fondly cherished by our assailants, that an appre-
hension of failure had scarcely ever occurred. So san-
guine 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 impres-
sion, 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 comman-
der, 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 expected a diversion could
be made, while the reserve columns, being in readiness,
and waiting, were to press forward the moment this ob-
ject could be effected. Here, too, disappointment re-
sulted. 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 extreme left of the line was practicable,
and might be attempted, was the subject of early con-
LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON, 303
sideration; and 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, had determined the general to extend his de-
fence even here. This had been entrusted to general
Coffee; and surely a more arduous duty can scarcely
be imagined. To form a breastwork, 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 recol-
lected, 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. Sensible 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 twenty-
three wounded: that of the enemy was never correctly
known. The only certain information is contained in a
communication of the 28th instant from general Lam-
304 LIFE of GENERAL Jackson.
bert to earl Bathurst, in which the casualties and losses,
from the 1st to the 5th, are stated at seventy-eight.—
Many allowances, however, are to be made for this re-
port. It was written at a time, when, from the nume-
rous disasters encountered, it was not to be presumed
the general's mind was in a situation patiently to re-
member, 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 entrench-
ment, in many places, it was discovered not to be as
strong as had at first been imagined. 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 embra-
sures along the line. A Frenchman, whose property
had been thus, without his consent seized, fearful of the
injury it might sustain, proceeded in person to general
Jackson, to reclaim it, and to demand its delivery. The
general having heard his complaint, and ascertained
from him that he was unemployed in any military ser-
vice, directed a musket to be brought to him, and placing
it in his hand, ordered him on the hine, 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 few more
days would also bring to his assistance the troops from
Kentucky. Each party, therefore, was busily and con-
stantly engaged in preparation,-the one to wage a
LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON. 305
vigorous attack, the other bravely to defend, and reso-
lutely to oppose it. -
The position of the American army was in the rear
of an intrenchment formed of earth, and which extended
in a straight line from the river to a considerable dis-
tance in the swamp. In front was a deep ditch, which
had been formerly used as a mill-race. The Mississippi
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 general Car-
roll's command, were guns mounted, of different cali-
ber, from six to thirty-two pounders. Near the river,
and in advance of the entrenchment, was erected a re-
doubt, 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 enter-
tained that an attempt might be made through Barrata-
ria, and the city reached from the right bank of the
river, the general had extended his defence there like-
wise: 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 solicitous to be pre-
pared at all points, he had carefully divided out his
forces, that he might guard, and be able 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 Lous
isiana militia, was posted. The position on the right
was formed on the same plan with the line on the left-
-*
26%
-> *... . .
tAL Jackson,
lower down than that on the left, and extending to the
swamp at right angles to the river. Here general Mor-
gan 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 pre-
sent 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 momentary check
to the advance of the enemy, he expected 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 passage to the city, and arrest their
progress. To inspirit his own soldiers, and to exhibit to
the enemy as great a show as possible of strength and
intended resistance, his unarmed troops, which consti-
tuted no very inconsiderable number, were here sta-
tioned. All intercourse between the lines, but by confi-
dential officers, was prohibited, and every precaution
and vigilance employed, not only to keep this want of
preparation concealed from the enemy, but even from
ºbeing known on his own lines. - -
Occasional firing at a distance, which produced no-
thing of consequence, was all that marked the interim
from the 1st to the 8th.
On the 4th of this month, the long expected reinforce-
ment from Kentucky, amounting to twenty-two hundred
and fifty, under the command of major-general Thomas,
arrived at head-quarters; but so ill provided 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

Liegºër’s entrar. JAekson, 36;
•r 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 expecta-
tion of being supplied on their arrival. About five hun-
dred of them had muskets; the rest were provided with
guns, from which little or no advantage could be ex-
pected. 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
arrival of the Louisiana militia, in an equally unpre-
pared situation, rendered it impossible for the evil to
be effectually 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 their country, was
an event greatly to be deplored, and did flot fail to ex-
cite the feelings and sensibility of the commanding ge-
neral. His mind, active, and prepared for any thing
but despondency, sought relief in vain;–there was none.
No alternative was presented, but to place them at his
entrenchment in the rear, conceal their actual condition,
and by the show they might make, add to his appear-
ance and numbers, without at all increasing his strength.
Information was now received that major-general Lam-
bert had joined the British commander-in-chief, with a
considerable reinforcement. It had been heretofore
announced in the American camp, that additional forces
308 LIFE OF GENERAL JAcksos.
were expected, and something decisive might be looked
for, so soon as they should arrive. This circumstance,
in connexion with others, no less favouring the idea, had
led to the conclusion that a few more days 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 possible its unarmed condi-
tion. To restrict all communication, even with his own
lines, was now, as danger increased, rendered more im-
portant. None were permitted to leave the line, and
none from without to pass into his camp, but such as
were to be implicitly confided in. The line of sentinels
was strengthened in front, that none might pass to the
enemy, should desertion be attempted: yet, notwith-
standing this precaution 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 vigi-
lance of our sentinels. Early next morning, his depar-
ture was discovered: it was at once correctly conjec-
tured he had gone over to the enemy, and would, no
doubt, afford them all the information in his power to
communicate. This opinion, as subsequent circum-
stances 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 received, and the unarmed condition of many of
the troops; and, pointing to the centre of general Car.
roll's division, as a place occupied by militia alone, re-
commended 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,
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 309
taken on the lake, it was ascertained the enemy were bu-
sily engaged in deepening Villery's canal, with a view
of passing their boats and ordnance to the Mississippi.
During the 7th, a constant bustle was perceived in the
British camp. Along the borders of the canal, their sol-
diers were continually in motion, marching and manoeu-
wring, for no other purpose than to conceal 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, ha-
ving gained a favourable position, in front of their en-
campment, discovered them to be actually engaged in
deepening the passage to the river. It was no difficult
matter to divine their purpose. No other conjecture
could be entertained, than that an assault was intended
to be made on the line of defence commanded by gen-
eral Morgan; which, if gained, would expose our troops.
on the left bank to the fire of the rédoubt erected on the
right; and in this way compel them to an abandonment
of their position. To counteract this scheme was im-
portant; and measures were immediately taken to pre-
vent 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 pro-
tect 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 arrive until the
morning of the 8th. A little before day, they were de-
spatched to aid an advanced party, who, under the com-
mand of major Arnaut, had been sent to watch the move.
310 LIFE of GENERAL Jackson.
ments of the enemy, and oppose their landing. The
hopes indulged from their opposition were not realized;
and the enemy unmolested reached the shore.
Morgan's position, besides being strengthened by se-
veral brass twelves, was defended by a strong battery,
mounting twenty-four pounders, directed by commodore
Patterson, which afforded additional strength and secu-
rity. The line itself was not strong; yet, if properly
maintained by the troops selected to defend it, was be-
lieved fully adequate to the purposes of successful resis-
tance. Late at night, Patterson ascertained that the
enemy had succeeded in passing their boats through the
canal, and immediately communicated his information
to the general. The commodore 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 pre-
ferred patiently to await their arrival, believing it would
be practicable, with the bravery of more than fifteen
hundred men, and the slender advantages possessed from
their line of defence, to maintain their position, and re-
pel the assailants. - - -
On the left bank, where the general in person com-
manded, every thing was in readiness to meet the assault
when it should be made. The redoubt on the levee was
defended by a company of the seventh regiment 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 general John Adair;
EIFE of GENERAL JAckson. 31}.
while the extreme left, extending for a considerable dis-
tance into the swamp, was protected 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 circumstances, however, favouring the be-
lief, that the hour of contest was not far distant, and in-
deed fast approaching; the bustle of to-day,+the efforts
to carry their boats into the river, the fascines and scal-
ing-ladders that were preparing, were circumstances
pointing to attack, and indicating the hour to be near at
hand. General Jackson, unmoved by appearances, anx-
iously desired a contest, which he believed would give a
triumph 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 Brit-
ish 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 deci-
sive 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,
$13 LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON,
who earnestly desired to announce to their country, and
the world, their signal achievements. The high expec-
tations which had been indulged of the success of this
expedition, were to be realized, at every peril, or dis-
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 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 difficulty 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 rock-
ets. The two divisions, commanded by Sir Edward
Packenham in person, and supported by generals Keane
and Gibbs, pressed forward; the right against the cen-
tre of general Carroll's command,-the left against our
redoubt on the levee. A thick fog, that obscured the
morning, enabled them to approach within a short dis-
tance of our entrenchment, before they were discovered.
They were now perceived advancing, with firm. quick,
and steady pace, in column, with a front of six-y or se-
venty deep. Our troops, who had for some time been
in readiness, and waiting their appearance, gave thrge
cheers, and instantly the whole line was lighted with
LIFE of GENERAL JACKson. 313
the blaze of their fire. A burstof artillery and small arms,
pouring with destructive aim upon them, mowed down
their front, and arrested their advance. In our mus-
ketry there was not a moment's intermission; as one par-
ty discharged their pieces, another succeeded; alternate-
ly loading and appearing, no pause could be perceived,
it was one continued volley. The columns already per-
ceived 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 dur-
ing 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, danger-
ously wounded. At this moment, general Lambert, 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 una-
vailing.—they continued retreating, until they reached
a ditch, at the distance of four hundred yards, where a
- - 27. -
314 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKson.
momentary safety being found, they were rallied and
halted. -
The field before them, over which they had advanced,
was strewed with the dead and dying. Danger hovered
still around; yet, urged and encouraged by their officers,
who feared their own disgrace involved 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 unremitted resistance
that caused their first retreat, continued yet unabated.
Our batteries had never ceased their fire; their constant
discharges of grape and canister, and the fatal aim of
our musketry, mowed dowed 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 disor-
der, 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 dread-
ful repulse they had experienced; the plain, on which
they had acted, being covered with innumerable bodies
of their countrymen; while, with their most zealous ex-
ertion, they had been unable to obtain the slightest ad-
vantage, were circumstances well calculated to make
even the most submissive soldier oppose the authority
that would have controled him.
Tºe 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, stand-
ing in the field, until having cleared them, to oblique to
the river, and advance, protected by the levee, against
IIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON, - 3.15
burredoubt on the right. This work, having been but
lately commenced, was in an unfinished state. It was
not until the 4th, that general Jackson, 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 sketched, had not yet received a
strength essential 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 Pat-
terson's battery on the left bank, and the cannon mount-
ed on the redoubt; but reaching our works, and passing the
ditch, Rennie, 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.—
Pressed 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 redoubt.
A momentary pause ensued, but only to be interrupted
with inereased horrors. Captain Beal, with the city rifle-
men, cool and self-possessed, perceiving 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 possession of the
redoubt, pressed forward a reinforcement to regain it.—
Previously to its arrival they had abandoned the attempt,
and were retiring. They were severely galled by such
316 LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON.
of our guns as could be brought to bear. The levee
afforded them considerable protection; yet by commo-
dore Patterson's redoubt, on the right bank, they suffer-
ed greatly. Enfiladed by this, on their advance, they
had been greatly annoyed, and now, in their retreat,
were no less severely assailed. 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. Affrighted at the carnage, they moved from the
scene hastily and in confusion. Our batteries were still
continuing the slaughter, and cutting them down at eve-
ry 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 re-
mote 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 ap-
peared during the war, to have gained a complete tri-
umph to our arms. What important events, in a nation's
history, are often the result of slight occurrences! and
how often are they prevented by causes no less inconsid-
erable! 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 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,--
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 317
If this had not been the case—had they been in a situa-
tion to have acted efficiently, the whole British army
must have submitted. 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 ef.
fected against an enemy whose ranks were thinned by
the unparalleled slaughter of the day; and who, panic-
struck, and fleeing from the danger before them, were
incompetent to resistance, and already believed them-
selves conquered: but prudence, under existing circum-
stances, strongly opposed the idea of pursuit, and sug-
gested 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 ap-
plied 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 neces-
sity did not require it; but, above all, from the mu-
merous dead and wounded stretched out on the field be- .
fore me, I feit 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.” • * .
- 27%
318 : LIFE & F GENERAL JACKSON.
His reasoning on this subject was certainly correct,
and such as feeling and policy sanctioned. If an attack
had been urged, and the effort crowned with success,
enough having been done, the splendour of the late
transaction would be but partially increased, and little
additional lustre reflected on the American charaeter:
if, however, unsuccessful, the object of the expedition
was then secured to the enemy; and all that had, for
so many days, and under such weighty privations, been
contended for, would, at the instant, have been sacrificed
and lost. In addition to this, his soldiers were most of
them owners of the soil, who had families anxiously con-
Černed 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 gratification of pride; in opposition,
too, to those whose trade was war; and who, wholly
abstracted from any thing like principle, contended in
battle without 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 warranted 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
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 defence
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 difficulty of passing
the boats from the canal to the river, and the strong
current of the Mississippi, the troops destined for this
LIFE of GENERAL JACKson. 3 HQ
service were not crossed, nor the opposite shore reached
for some hours after the expected moment of attack.-
By the time he had effected a landing, the day had
dawned, and the flashes of the guns announced the bat-
tle 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 hundred
Louisiana militia had been sent off, to watch the move-
ments of the enemy, and oppose him in his landing: this
detachment, under the command of major Arnaud, had
advanced a mile down the river and halted; either sup-
posing the general incorrect, in apprehending 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 sleeping 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 orders. The Kentucky troops,
having reached Morgan at five o'clock in the morning,
were immediately sent to co-operate with the Louisi-
anians. Major Davis, who commanded, had proceeded
about three quarters of a mile, and met those troops.
hastily retreating up the road; he ascertained, from
them that the enemy 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


320 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
their assistance, he would endeavour to execute his
orders. - - 4.
The two detachments, now acting together, formed
behind a saw-mill-race, skirted with a quantity of plank
and scantling, which afforded a tolerable shelter. Da-
vis, with his two hundred Kentuckians, formed on the
road next the river, supported by the Louisiana 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, general Morgan's aid-de-camp,
who was present, perceiving 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 Mor-
gan's line. Arriving in safety, though much exhausted,
they were immediately directed to form, and extend.
themselves to the swamp, that the right of the entrench-
ment might not be turned,
Colonel Thornton having reached an orange grove,
about seven hundred yards distant, halted; and examin-
ing Morgan's line, found it to “consist of a formidable
: redoubt on the river,” with its weakest and most vulner-
able point towards the swamp. He directly advanced
to the attack in two divisions, against the extreme right
and centre of the line; and, having deployed, 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 obliqāe,
which, uniting with the left, pressed forward to the
point occupied by the Kentucky troops. Perceiving
themselves thus exposed, and having not yet recovered
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 321
from the emotions produced 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 ex-
cited, their fears, and they moved hastily away; nor
could they be rallied, until at the distance of two miles,
having 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 resis-
tance, and was in a situation to co-operate, he beheld
those without whose aid all his efforts were unavailing,
suddenly thrown into confusion, 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 stretched
out to an extent of three hundred yards, and unsupported
by any pieces of artillery. Thus openly exposed to the
322 LIFE 6F GENERAL JACKSON,
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 con.
sidered resistance ineffectual, and forsaken a post, which
they had strong reasons for believing they could not
maintain. General Morgan reported 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 advantageous situation, the troops mate-
rially differed: the one, as we have shown, were ex-
posed, and enfeebled by the manner of their arrange-
ment; the other, though considerably superior in num-
bers, covered no greater extent of ground, and were de-
fended by an excellent breast-work, and several pieces
of cannon: with this difference, the loss of confidence of
the former was not without sufficient cause. Of these
facts, commodore 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 cen-
sures they did not merit. Had all the circumstances, as
they existed, been disclosed, reproach would have been
prevented. At the mill-race, no troops could have be-
haved better: they were well posted, and bravely re-
sisted the advance of the enemy, nor, until an order to
that effect was given, had entertained a thought of re-
treating. .
The heart-felt joy at the glorious victory achieved on
one side of the river, was clouded by the disaster wit.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 323
nessed on the other. A position was gained which se-
cured to the enemy advantages the most important; and
whence our whole line, on the left bank, could be se-
verely annoyed. But for the precaution of commodore
Patterson, in spiking his guns, and destroying the ammu-
nition, it would have been in the power of colonel Thorn-
ton 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, gerie-
ral 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.” Previously, however, to
their being in readiness to act, he succeeded by strata-
gem in re-obtaining his lost position, 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 Lam-
bert's report to lord Bathurst makes it but two thousand
and seventy. From prisoners, however, and informa-
tion and circumstaces derived through other sources,
it must have been even greater than is stated by either.
Among them was the commander-in-chief, and major-
general Gibbs, who died of his wounds the next day,
besides many of their most valuable and distinguished
* See note D,
324 LIFE of GENERAL Jacksos.
officers; while the loss of the Americans, in killed and
wounded, was but thirteen.”
It appears to have been made a question by the Bri-
tish officers, if it would not be more advisable to carry
general Morgan's line, and refrain from any attempt 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 depart-
ment, speaking on this subject, shows that a difference of
opinion prevailed, and conſesses his own as being decided-
ly in favour of a vigorous attack on both sides. It bears
date late on the night of the 7th, nor does it appear, al-
though he was a captain and brigade-major, that he, at
that time, knew whether an assault was seriously intend-
ed 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 retire before their superior skill and bravery. A
general order, which must have been communicated af.
ter he had written, disclosing the manner of attack, on
* 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 considerabje number had
been killed and wounded in the different contests since their arri-
val. Their strength, therefore, may be fairly estimated, on the
8th, at the number we have stated; at any rate, not less.
LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON. 325
the left, where he acted, was also found with the let-
ter. In that the fusileers and light troops were instruc-
ted, 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.
That it was considered, however, an undertaking of
greater magnitude and hazard than they were disposed
openly to admit, is obvious, from one circumstance.—
The officer who leads his troops on a forlorn attempt,
not unfrequently places before them allurements strong-
er than either authority or duty. On the present occa-
sion, this resort was not omitted; and inducements were
held out, than which nothing more inviting could be of
fered 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 cupidi-
ty 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 law-
less indulgence, and triumph, uncontrolled, over female
innocence. Scenes like these, our nation, dishonoured
and insulted, had already witnessed; she had witnessed
them at Hampton and Havre-de-Grace: but it was re-
served for her yet to learn that an officer of the charac-
* “Booty and Beauty,” was the watch-word of Sir Edward Pack-
enham's army, in the battle of the 8th. * -
28
326 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
ter and standing of Sir Edward Packenham, polished,
generous, and brave, should, to induce his soldiers to
acts of daring valour, permit them, as a reward, to in-
sult, injure, and debase those whom all mankind even
savages, reverence and respect. The history of Europe
since civilized warfare begun, 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 in-
terests them to do so; but its authenticity is too well es-
tablished to admit of doubt, while its criminality is in-
creased, from being the act of a people who hold them-
selves up to surrounding nations as examples of every
thing that is correct and proper. The facts and circum-
stances which were presented at the time of this transac-
tion left no doubt on the minds of our officers, but that
“Beauty and Booty” was the watch-word of the day.—
The information was obtained from prisoners, and con-
firmed by the books of two of their orderly-sergeants ta-
ken in battle, which contained record proof of the fact.
The events of this day afford abundant evidence of
the liberality of the American soldiers, and show a strik-
ing 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, hav-
ing 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 display-
ed greater, had brought many of them even to our ram-
parts, where, shot down by our troops, they were lying
T.IFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 327
badly wounded. When the firing had ceased, and the
columns had retired, our troops with generous benevo-
lence, 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 our generous soldiers, that they were doing an act
which the benevolence of their hearts approved, and,
with charitable perseverance, they continued to admin-
ister 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 unpardonable
committed against men, who were administering to the
wants and relieving the sufferings of the dying country-
men of those who thus repaid the most laudable humani-
ty with wanton and useless cruelty.
A communication, shortly after, from major-general
Lambert, on whom, in consequence of the fall of gener-
als Packenham, Gibbs, and Keane, the command had
devolved, acknowledged to have witnessed the kind-
ness of our troops to his wounded. He solicited of gen-
eral Jackson permission to send an unarmed party to bu-
ry the dead, lying before his lines, and to bring off such
of the wounded as were dangerous. Though, in all pro-
bability, it was unknown to general Lambert what had
been the conduct of his troops on this occasion, and un-
questionably not authorized by him, yet Jackson, in an-
swer 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 Jack-
son, though, refused to permit a near approach to his
328 LIFE or GENERAL Jackson.
line, but consented that the wounded who were at a
greater distance than three hundred yards from the en-
trenchment should be relieved, and the dead buried:—
those nearer were, by his own men to be delivered over,
to be interred by their countrymen. This precaution
was taken, that the enemy might not have an opportu-
inity to inspect, or know any thing of his situation.
General Lambert, desirous of administering to the re-
lief 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 willing-
ness 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 ratifi-
cation, 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
was a bold stroke at stratagem; and, although it suc-
ceeded, 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 morn-
ing, 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 retaken with
the same troops who had yielded it the day before, when
possessed of advantages which gave them a decided su-
periority: this the commanding general well knew; yet,
to spare the sacrifice of his men, which, in regaining it,
he foresaw must be considerable, he was disposed to
£iff. Of GENERAL JACKSON. 329
venture upon a course, which, he felt assured, could not
fail to succeed. It was impossible his object could be
discovered; while he confidently believed the British
commander would infer; from the prompt and ready man-
ner in which his proposal had been met, that such addi-
tional troops were already thrown over, as would be fully
adequate to the purposes of attack, and greatly to endan-
ger, if not wholly to cut off, colonel Thornton's retreat.
General Lambert's construction was such as had been
anticipated. Although the armistice contained a re-
quest that it should be immediately signed and returned,
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 afforded of re-
gaining 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 con-
cluded, an opportunity might be had, either of throwing
over reinforcements, or removing colonel Thornton and
his troops from a situation 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 plead-
ing a press of business, which had occasioned the com-
munication to be overlooked and neglected. Jackson
was at no loss to attribute the delay to the correct mo-
tive: the apology,however,was as perfectly satisfactory to
330. LIFE, of GENERAL Jacksen.
him 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 gene-
ral to accident, or a press of business, when it must have
been, no doubt, of greater importance, at that moment,
than any thing which he could possibly have had before
him. - º
The armistice was this morning (9th of January) con-
cluded, and agreed to continue until two o'clock in the
evening. The dead and wounded were now removed
from the field, which, for three hundred yards in front
of our line of defence they almost literally covered. 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
Aprisoners should be restored.
* It has seldom happened that officers were more de-
ceived in their expectations, than they were in the result
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 assailed: no
other belief was entertained, than alarmed at the ap-
pearance and orderly firm approach of veteran 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 de-
serter, on the 6th; and influenced by a belief of their
want of nerve, and deficiency in bravery, at this peint
the main assault was urged. They were indeed militia;
LIFE of GENERAL JACKsen. 334
but the enemy could have assailed no part of our en-
trenchment where they would have met a warmer recep-
tion, 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 occasions, won a reputation that was too dear
to be sacrificed. These divisions, alternately charging
their pieces, and mounting the platform, poured forth a
constant fire, that was impossible to be withstood, re-
pelled 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 opposition from them.
When repulsed from our line, the British officers were
fully persuaded that the information given them by the
; : ****
deserter, on the night of the 6th, was false, and that, in-
stead 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 mischief he had done. It was in vain he
urged his innocence, and, with the most solemn protesta-
tions, declared 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; and, without further ceremony, the poor fellow,
suspended 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 afford-
ed abundant evidences of valour. In all their future
332; LIFE of GENERAL Jackson.
d
trials with our countrymen, may they be no less deceived,
and discover in our yeomanry a determination to sustaº
with firmness a government which knows nothing of diº- -
pression; but which, on an enlarged and liberal scale,
aims to secure the independence 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 for ever, no more to be remem-
bered 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 ses-
sion—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 Coffee-House.—His
own opinion of martial law.—Troops are discharged, and
the general returns to Nashville.—His person and charac-
ter.—Conclusion.
The conflict had ended, and each army occupied its
former position. In appearance the enemy were visibly
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 erecting 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 priso-
ners 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 ſailing 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
334 LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON.
entered, might not again renew the attack, on the arrival
of this force, was a probable event, and every preparas.
tion was in progress to be again in readiness to repel it.
Of this formidable advance, no certain intelligence
was received until the night of the 11th, when a heavy
cannonading, supposed to be on Fort St. Philip, was dis-
tinctly heard. Jackson entertained no fears for the re-
sult. The advantages in defence, which his precaution
and vigilance had early extended to this passage to the
city, added to an entire confidence in the skill and brave-
ry of the officer to whom it had been confided, led him
to believe there was nothing to be apprehended; and
that everything which duty and bravery could effect,
would be done. The enemy's squadron, consisting of
two bomb vessels, a brig, sloop, and schooner, were dis-
covered by the videttes, from Fort Bourbon, on the morn-
ing of the 9th, directing their course up the river: sig-
nals were made, information communicated, and every
thing was in readiness to receive them. About 10 o’clock,
having approached within striking distance, an assault
was commenced 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 possessed of de-
cided advantages, having it in their power to reach
the fort, with the shot from their large mortars, while
they were entirely without the range of ours. The as-
sault continued, without much intermission, from the
9th until the night of the 17th. They had hitherto lain
beyond the effective range of our shot; and although
from their large mortars the fort had been constantly
reached, and pierced in innumerable places, still such

LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 335
an effect had not been produced, as to justify a belief
that they could now, more than at the moment of their
arrival, venture to pass. A heavy mortar having been
prepared, and turned against them on the 17th, the se-
curity they had hitherto 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 con-
tinued for eight days, had secured no decided advan-
tage, induced them to suspend all further efforts; and,
on the morning of the 18th, they retired.
Major Overton, who commanded at this place, his of.
ficers and soldiers, distinguished themselves by their ac-
tivity 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 importance; 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 manoeuvres, and adopt such
a course as should afford safety to the troops in the gar-
rison; for this purpose, pièces 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 accident, the whole might not be lost.
During the period of the bombardment, which lasted
with little intermission for nine days, sleep was almost a
, a stranger in the fort. The night was the time when
most of all it was feared lest the enemy, aided by the
darkness and assisted by some fortunate breeze, would
have it in their power to ascend the river, in despite of
every opposition: the constant activity which was neces-
536 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
sary, prevented all opportunities for repose. On a tem.
pestuous night, the wind setting fair to aid them, an at-
tempt 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 re-
tired 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, per-
haps, 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 harassed, per-
ceiving that all assistance through this channel had
failed, and constantly in apprehension lest an attack
should be made upon him, he resolved on availing him-
self of the first favourable opportunity to depart, and
forsake a contest where every effort had met disappoint-
ment, and where an immense number of his troops had
found their graves. The more certainly to effect a re-
treatin 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 depar-
ture, strong redoubts were erected on the way, and
bridges thrown across every creek and bayou that ob-
structed the passage. Everything being thus prepared,
on the night of the 18th, general Lambert silently de-
camped, and proceeding towards the lake, embarked for
LiFE of GENERAL JAckson, 337
his shipping,leaving, and recommending to the clemency
and hospitality of the American general, 80 of his soldiers,
who were too severely wounded to be removed. With such
silence and caution was this decampment managed, that
not the slightest intelligence was communicated, even to
our sentinels occupying the outposts. Early on the next
morning, the enemy’s camp was perceived to be evacu-
ated; 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, detachments
were in readiness to proceed and reconnoitre their camp,
when surgeon Wadsdale, of the staff, arrived at our line,
with a letter to general Jackson, from the British com-
mander, 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 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, and the ground over
which they were retreating, prevented pursuit in suffi-
cient numbers to secure any valuable result. The sys-
tem of operations which Jackson had prescribed for him-
self, he believed was such as policy sanctioned, nor to
be abandoned but for advantages evidently certain, and
which admitted not of question. To pursue on a route
protected and defended by canals, redoubts, and en-
trenchments, would, at least, have been adventuring
upon an uncertain issue, where success was extremely
problematical, and where injury and loss might have re-
sulted. - - -
29
338 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON,
Thus, at last, in total disappointment, terminated an
invasion from which much had been expected. Twenty-
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, under the cover of its
darkness, they are found silently abandoning their camp
—breaking to pieces their artillery—fleeing from an
enemy, who, but a little while before, they had held in
utter contempt, and submitting their wounded to his cle-
mency. A demonstration is given, which a Briton,
short of absolute proof, would have been among the last
to have admitted, that fourteen thousand troops, who,
oftentimes, against the sternest opposition, had signal-
ized themselves in battle, and marched to victory, could,
under any circumstances, 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
Hine; 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 conten-
ding for their rights, against a power which was cause-
lessly 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

LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 339
toils and privations, they were amply remunerated: they
had met their own and country's expectations—had sa-
ved a city from destruction—its inhabitants from cruelty
and dishonour, and were carrying with them that conso
lation 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 what continuance their forbearance
would be, whether they might not avail themselves 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 in-
dulged, 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 having command of the sur.
rounding waters, it was in their power, at a short notice,
to re-appear, at the same, or some more favourable point
—cause a repetition of the hardships already encounter-
ed, and, perhaps, succeed in the accomplishment of their
views. These considerations led general J ackson to
conclude, that although, for the present, there was an
abandonment 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 indiffer.
ence, growing out of the belief that danger had subsided.
To prevent such a result, vigilance and caution were es-
sentially necessary. 3.
The enemy being again at their shipping, with an en-
tire control of the lakes and gulf, it could not be known
340 LIFE or GENERAL Jackson.
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
aº
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 effected, were posted a detach-
ment of Kentucky and Louisiana 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 occa-
the enemy having, on their retreat, left a strong guard
at this place, which, from its situation, defied approach
by a force competent to its reduction. Their occupying
this position was looked to as a circumstance which af.
forded strong evidence that further hostilities were not
wholly abandoned. To counteract, however, any advan-
tages which might thence be derived, different points,
along the 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
Mississippi. -
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 behold-
ing his entrance into the city, at the head of a long suf
fering and victorious army, was manifested by all those
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON, 341,
feelings which patriotism and sympathy inspire. The
windows and streets were crowded, to view the man,
who, by vigilance, decision, aud energy, 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 necessity of the times, were toil-
ing in defence of their wives and children. A ferocious
soldiery, numerous, and skilled in the art of war, and to
whom every indulgence had been promised, were strain-
ing exertion to effect their object. Every cannon that
echoed from the line, was, perhaps, the signal of ap-
proach, and the commencement of indescribable horrors.
But those feelings had subsided: the painful anticipations
which had lasted so long, were gone. The tender fe-
male, 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 seen,
to cloud the general transport. The commanding gen-
eral, under whose banners every thing had been achie-
ved, deliberate, cool, and sparing of the lives of the brave
defenders of their country, had dispelled the storm which
had so long threatened to invölve the ruin of thousands;
and was now restoring, safe and unhurt, those who had
with him maintained the contest. His approach was
hailed with acclamations; it was not the kind of ap-
plause, which, resulting from fear, is oftentimes extend-
ed 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
~~~ * 29*
342 LIFE of GENERAL JAgiºson.
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 aud congratulations heaped upon him, he
was not unmindful, that to an energy superior to his own;
and a wisdom which controls the destiny of nations, he
was indebted for the glorious triumph of our arms. Re-
spited from the arduous duties of the field, his first con-
cern was to draw the minds of all in thankfulness 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 cathedral. The church
and altar were splendidly decorated, and more than
could obtain admission had crowded to witness the cer-
emony. A grateful recollection of his exertions to save
the country, was cherished by all; nor did the solemni-
ty of the occasion, even here, restrain a manifestation of
their regard, or induce them to withhold the honour he
had so nobly earned. Children, robed in white, and re-
presenting the different states, were employed in strew-
ing the way with flowers; while as he passed, a flatter-
ing 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; º
tire of GENERAL Jackson. 343
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 acheive-
ments, 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, “deride our
credulous simplicity. Let the cold-hearted atheist look
for an explanation of important events, to the mere con-
catenation 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 uncontrollable judg-
ments on the sons of men, according to the dictates of
his own unerring justice.” He concluded his impres-
sive 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 prelate;
and returned him a reply no less impressive than the ad-
dress he had received. He was now conducted in, and
seated near the altar, when the organ, and church cere-
monies were commenced, and inspired every mind with
a solemn reverence for the occasion.* These being end-
ed, he retired to his quarters, to renew a system of de-
fence, which should ensure entire safety, and ward off
any future danger that might arise. The right bank of
4 See note E.
344 ºr IFE OF GENERAL. JACKson.
.--> -
: *-- *- -t,
the Mississippi was now strengthened by additional reim-
forcements, and a strong position taken on La Fourche,
to prevent any passage in that direction. Suitable ar-
tº rangements for security having been already made below
the city, generals Coffee and Carroll were instructed to
resume their former encampment, 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 concentra-
ted for action, on the first appearance of danger.
Previously to general Lambert's departure, articles of
agreement had been entered into by the commanders of
the two armies, for an exchange of prisoners; in pursu-
ance 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 remainder, principally those
who had been taken at the capture of our gun boats,
were shortly afterwards surrendered by admiral Coch-
rane, and an equal number of British prisoners, in our
possession, sent off to be delivered at the Balize.
The enemy had now withdrawn from the shore the
troops which had been landed, and occupied their for-
mer 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, per-
haps, be secured, and the stigma of defeat be somewhat
obliterated.
Fort Bowyer had been once assailed, with a consider.
able force, by land and water, and failure had result-
ed. This post, the key to Mobile, and considered of in-
finite consequence, had been retained under the com-
mand of him, who, heretofore, had defended it so vali-
LIFE or GENERAL Ackson. 345
antly. The British commander, turning from those
scenes of disappointment and wretchedness so lately with
nessed, and anxious to retrieve his fortunes, before, 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, dis-
pirited and reduced as the enemy now were, even
should they possess it, they would be without the pow-
er to derive those important advantages which were
heretofore so greatly apprehended and dreaded.
On the 6th of February, the British shipping appeared
off Dauphin Island, fronting the point on which stood the
fort, garrisoned with three hundred and sixty men. Ha-
ving made the necessary arrangements, on the 8th an at-
tack was commenced, both from the land and water.
The fleet was formed in two divisions; and approached
within one and two miles, bearing south and south-
west from it. But the principal attack, and that which,
compelled a surrender, was from the shore, where colo-.
nel 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 embankments, 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 accomplishment of
their purpose; but the fire from the fort compelled an
abandonment of their course, and drove them to the ne-
cessity of approaching by trenches, protected by strong
redoubts. To demolish these from the forts was imprae.
346 LIFE or GENERAL Jackson.
ticable, 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 ev-
erything being ready to attack and carry the fort, if op-
position were still intended, about ten o'clock on the 11th
the enemy hoisted a flag: major Lawrence raised anoth-
er. Hostilities ceased, and general Lambert required
a surrender. The officers being convoked, with one con-
sent agreed that further resistance would be ineffectual,
and could only lead to the unnecessary loss of many val-
uable lives. A capitulation was agreed on, and the fort
forthwith yielded to the enemy.
General Winchester, who commanded at Mobile, hav-
ing 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: having surprised and
captured one of the enemy's out piquets, consisting of
seventeen men, and ascertained that a surrender had
already taken place, they returned. Had this detach-
ment 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 Tchiſonte, to be completed,
and placed in defence of Fort Bowyer. We have before
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,
•ccupying the passage, would have presented as strong
LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON. 34?
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 her to have thrown
her bombs and shot across the narrow 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 precau-
tion, 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 suffi-
cient 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 privileges. Some
of the members, during the past struggle, 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 December, to propose a capitulation with
the enemy, has been adverted to: how far it was calcu-
lated to estrange the public sentiment from that convic-
tion, which the commanding general throughout, had
endeavoured to rivet and impress, “that the country
could and would be successfully defended,” can be easi-
ly imagined. But with them he had sinned beyond for-
giveness. The course he had adopted—his arresting
their proceedings, and suspending their deliberations, by
348 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
placing an armed force at the door of the capitol, were
viewed as intolerable infringements upon legislative pre-
rogative—denounced as an abuse of power, and hence
the first opportunity was seized on to exhibit their re-
sentment against the man who had stood forth in opposi-
tion 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 dishonour, and avert the dan-
gerous consequences involved, was not a matter requirº
ing much deliberation; nor was it a circumstance to jus-
tify the legislature in treating as they did, with marked
disrespect, him who was 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 kad acted vigilantly in the defence of the
state, and who, by their toils and exertions, had contri-
buted to its safety, they officially tendered their thanks.
In pursuance of their resolutions, the governor 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 pre-
sent no very favorable appearance. When danger threat-
ened, they were disposed to make terms with the enemy,
and obtain safety by a surrender of the city: from this
they were prevented by a decision of character that com-
pelled legislative to yield to military authority. Great-
ly incensed at being thus unexpectedly restrained in the
execution of their designs, no sooner did they resume
the duties of their station, than they became lavish in
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 349
the praise of those who adopted and pursued a course
directly contrary to their own; while in that commenda-
tion and approval, they intentionally neglected the very
man to whom their section of country was indebted 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 ap-
preciate his conduct, trace his actions and errors to pro-
per motives, and extend “honour to whom honour was
due.” Humanum 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 provisions 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.
Mindful of what he owed to his country, and what was
expected 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 unfavorable 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. Ma-
'ny naturalized citizens, who had been brought into 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
30
350 LiFE OF GENERAL +---
Jaekson.
foreigners: but most of them had, by naturalization, be-
come citizens of the United States. Notwithstanding
this, as French subjects, they were seeking, and actual-
ly procuring, exonerations through Monsieur Toussard,
the consul resident at New Orleans. No applicant ever
went away unsupplied, and hundreds, for the price of a
consular certificate, obtained 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 consul’s residence, and rumor circulated, that
under it every Frenchman would find protection. Five
dollars, the price of the certificate, was all that was re-
quired of any applicant to assure, through the consul,
the protection of the French government. Harassed
by such evils, that were every day increasing, and have
ing 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
machinations 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 de-
sire 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 restored. His coun-
trymen, also, who were disposed to claim his protection,
and abandon the service, were ordered to follow him,
and, at their peril, not to appear again about New Or-
leans. The general did this with a view to his own se-
curity, 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


LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON. 35}
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 pro-
per place where such characters should be permitted to
loitre. 3. -
Particular care and caution had been early taken that
embarrassments of the score of citizenship might not
arise. Danger threatening, it was no difficult matter
to perceive, that on the ground of being subjects of a for-
eign power, and owing no allegiance to the United States,
many would assert a neutrality and exemption 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 pros-
perous times they had asserted their right to be citizens,
- —participated in our privileges, and drawn to themselves
all the benefits appertaining to that relation, then was
there every justice in demanding of them the military
services which were exacted of others: but as the lan-
guage spoken was not vernacular, any inquiry on this
subject, calculated to result in certainty, was attended
with difficulty. Fortunately, however, a warmly con-
tested election, the preceding summer, had taken place
at New Orleans, and a register of the votes on the occa-
sion had been preserved. To this document then, the
general resorted, and with this unanswerable argument,
that those who had voted, and thereby participated in
the highest privileges of the country, should not now, be
permitted to deny, or throw off, a citizenship thus esta-
blished.” By this mean, he rendered in a great degree,
inoperative, the French consul’s certificates, and com-
pelled to the field, spite of their consular protection, eve-
ry man whose name could be traced on the election ros-
ter, º - -
352. LIFE of GENERAL J Ackson.
Our own citizens,too, were giving rise to difficulties, 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, ad-
miral Cochrane had announced the arrival 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 Ga-
zette, in an entirely different shape: it stated the arrival
of a flag at head-quarters, which announced the conclu-
sion 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 vigi-
lance 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
communicated 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 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
device of the enemy to induce a relaxation in his system
of operation and defence; to divert his officers and sol-
diers from that attention and activity so essential to se
curity, to excite discontents and murmurings, and a
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 353
desire to be discharged 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 addres-
sing his army: “How disgraceful,” he remarked,as well
as disastrous, would it be, if, by surrendering ourselves
credulously to newspaper publications, often proceeding
from ignorance, but more frequently from dishonest de-
sign, we should permit an enemy, whom we have so late-
ly and so gloriously beaten, to regain the advantages 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 prohibition, going to restrict the
cxercise of a constitutional right, was an outrage on the
feelings and liberty of the country: but if the press be
of so sacred and intactible a character, that it may adopt
and pursue a course calculated to scatter dissensions, and
excite mutiny in the ranks of an army, when in the very
face of an enemy, without the power of controul, it is a
circumstance much to be regretted. Reflecting minds will
determine, if an interposition of power were not neces-
sary, to restrain so dangerous a freedom, and to avert
injury from a country, whose protection the press, wheir
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 in-
telligence of the situation and disposition of the army.
30%
354 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
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, se-
cretly, and without opposition; 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 im-
mediately sent for to the general’s quarters; he stated
the author of the piece to be — Louaillier, a
member of the legislature, and he was thereupon dis-
charged. -
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 general
to raise the military above the civil authority, and ren-
der it superior by any declaration of his. Application
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 informa-
tion 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 thatter involving
such important consequences, he believed it best to have
it determined in a way calculated to silence opposition,
and show that he was resolved to put down every effort.
LIFE or GENERAL JACKSON, 355
to thwart the measures adopted for defence, or which
was intended to destroy the police which he had estab-
lished 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 11th of the
month, sent him from the city, with these instructions—
“I have thought proper to send you beyond 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 sentinels until the ratifica-
tion of peace is regularly announced, or until the British
shall have left the southern coast.” He did this, believ-
ing he was right in the declaration of martial law, and
that the good sense of judge Hall should, at so momen-
tous a period, have taught him a different course. He
did it, because disposed to give complete effect to his
measures, to silence opposition, and satisfy the refractory
and designing, 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
country. . - --- - ...”
The mind cooly calculating, in the closet, the princi-
ples of right and wrong, can not fairly appreciate the
merits of this question. Proper inferences can be only
drawn, by bearing in recollection all those circumstance
which existed at the moment. That a zeal suited to
the occasion was not felt by all, the events already ad-
verted to abundantly prove. The course pursued by the
legislature had evidenced a feeling and conduct which
356 LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON.
had forfeited reliance; while the enemy being, as we
have heretofore shown, constantly advised of everything
transacted in the American camp, plainly evincéd, 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 con-
duct, 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 coun-
try. This spirit of discontent had become extensively
diffused. The different posts which had been estab-
lished, could with difficulty be maintained. The Ken-
tucky 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 impor-
tant, had been forsaken by one hundred and fifty of the
Louisianians, in despite of the remonstrances and exer-
tions of their officers to detain them. . Governor Chai-
borne had been heard to declare, in words of mysterious
import, that serious difficulties would be shortly wit-
messed in New Orleans. For the commanding general,
at a time like this, when disaffection 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 influence, would have been a crime
he never could have sufficiently atoned, had injury re-
Sulted. He thought it time enough to relax in his opera-
tions, and ground his arms, when the conclusion of peace
1.IFE or GENERAL Jackson. 357
should be announced through the proper authorities.
Until then, believing that imperious duty required it, he
resolved to maintain his advantages, and check opposi-
tion, at every hazard. To have obeyed the writ would
have been idle. He had declared the existence of mili-
tary authority, and thereby intended to supersede all
judicial 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 adopted.
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 enemy; but
had done that which was paralizing exertion, scattering
dissension, introducing mutiny, and thinning the ranks of
the army. Either, then, judicial interference should
have been disregarded, or the arrest was wholly unne-
cessary. But whether the course pursued were right
or wrong, the effect was important and salutary, for
good order was restored, and disorganizers forthwith
were hushed to silence. *.
On the 13th of the month, two days after the depar-
ture of judge Hall from the city, an express reached
head-quarters, with despatches from the war depart-
ment, at Washington city, announcing the conclusion of
a peace between Great Britain and the United States,
and directing a cessation of hostilities. A similar com-
munication from his government was received by gene-
ral Lambert, shortly afterwards, and on the 19th, mili-
tary operations, by the two armies, entirely ceased.— .
The aspect of affairs was now changing: the militia
were discharged from service; bustle was subsiding;
and joy and tranquillity every where appearing. A
355 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSČN.
proclamation, by the direction of the president of the
Jnited States, was issued, extending pardon and for-
giveness for past offences. - .
Judge Hall, being restored to the exercise of those
functions, of which he had been lately bereaved, by mil-
itary arrest, proceeded, without loss of time, to an ex-
amination of what had passed, and to become the arbit-
er of his own wrongs and injuries. Accordingly, on the
21st, he granted a rule of court for general Jackson to
appear, and show cause why an attachment for contempt
should not be awarded, on the ground that he had re-
fused to obey a writ issued to him, detained an origin-
al paper belonging to the court, and imprisoned the
judge.* - -
In this case, there was certainly, too much latitude for
an improper indulgence of feeling, for the judge, the com-
plaining 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 dispas-
sionate tribunal, the question of the illegality of his ar-
rest and detention. But, by becoming the prosecutor
and arbiter of his own grievances, he placed himself in a
situation, where reason could have but little agency, cal-
culated to do injustice, and attach to his decision suspi-
cion and censure. It would have been more satisfactory
to Jackson, to have met the inquiry before a less partial
tribunal; yet, although he was well convinced of its be-
*ing an extrajudicial proceeding, he did not hesitate to
appear, and submit the grounds which he believed
*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. *
LIFE or GENERAL Jackson. ~ 359
ought fully to acquit him of all alleged guilt. The tri-
al by jury was secured, generally, in criminál prosecu-
tions, and in all others except where the law, from con-
ceived necessity, had directed a more summary course.
But the authority of courts had already settled, that sta-
tutes 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 with-
in their 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 be-
lieved the court possessed no jurisdiction of the case,_
that it deserved to be classed with general injuries, and
inquired into by a jury. Claiming to himself this and
other exceptions to the jurisdiction, he met the investi-
gation. He was the more disposed to do so, because the
busy politicians of the city had condemned his acts, with-
out seeking for the reasons which had induced them.—
An opportunity was now presented of developing them
fully,and of bringing to the view of his country, the weigh-
ty considerations that had influenced his mind, and to
which, in a great measure, were to be ascribed the pro-
tection 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 went to show, that the rule should be discharged,
and no further proceeding had against him. A curious
course of judicial proceeding was now witnessed:-
Cause, why the rule should not be made absolute,was to be
360 Life of GENERAL Jackson.
shown, and yet the judge would determine whether the
reasons were exceptionable or not, previously 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 propriety. This was over-
ruled. He would first determine 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 ju-
risdiction, 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 cor-
rect 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 juris-
diction, and was proceeding with the respondent's rea-
sons, showing the necessity, and hence the consequent
propriety of declaring martial law, when he was again
interrupted by the judge, because coming within 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 was rendered absolute, and the attachment sued
out.
1IFE of GENERAL Jackson. 361
This process was made returnable the 31st: and on
that day the general appeared. Public feeling was ex-
cited, 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. Jackson, pre-
viously apprized of the popular fervor towards him, and
solicitous that nothing on his part should be done calcu-
lated to give it impulse, practised more than usual cau-
tion: and now when it had become necessary to appear
in public, toward himself from crimes imputed, he threw
off his military costume, and assuming the garb of a cit-
izen, the better to disguise himself, 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, ſorbear those feelings
and expressions of opinion. Silence being restored, the
judge rose from his seat, and remarking, that it was im-
possible, nor safe, to transact business at such a moment,
and under such threatening circumstances, directed the
marshal to adjourn the court. The general immediate-
ly interfered, and requested that it might not be done.
“There is no danger here; there shall be none—the
same arm that protected from outrage this city, against
the invaders of the country, will shield and protect this
court, or perish in the effort.” This declaration had the
* 31
362. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
effect to tranquilize the feelings and apprehensions of
the judge; and the business of the court was proceeded
with. It was now demanded of him to answer nineteen
interrogatories, drawn up with much labour, and in stu-
died form, which were to determine as to his guilt or in-
nocence. He informed the court he should not be in-
terrogated; that, on a former occasion he had presented
the reasons which had influenced his conduct, without
their producing an effect, or being even listened to.—
“You would not hear my defence, although you were
advised 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 de-
fence 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 motives
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 pronounce.” -
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 prevailed.
No sooner was the judgment of the court pronounced,
than again were sent forth shouts of the people. . He
was now seized and forcibly hurried from the hallföthe
streets, amidst reiterated cries of huzza for Jackson,
from the immense concourse that surrounded him. They
presently met a carriage in which a lady was riding,
when, politely taking her from it, the general was made,
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 363
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 followed, huzzaing for Jackson, and menacing vio-
lently the judge. Having prevailed on them to hear
him, he addressed them with great feeling and earnest-
ness; implored them to run into no excesses; that if they
had the least gratitude for his services, or regard for him
personally, they could evince it in no way so satisfactori-
ly, as by assenting, as he most freely did, to the decision
which had just been pronounced against him. “That
the civil was the paramount and supreme authority 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 martial 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 extended them to any other
purpose than defence and safety; objects which its de-
claration was intended alone to effect.” “I feel,” con-
tinued he, “sensible for those marks of personal regard
which you have evinced towards me; and with pleasure
remember those high efforts of valour and patriotism
which so essentially contributed to the defence of the
country. If recent events have shown you what fear-
less valour 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, im-
perious circumstances compelled me, either to jeopar-
dize those important interests which were confided to
me, or to take upon myself the responsibility of those
364, LIFE OF GENERAL Jackson.
measures 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 penalty
of my aggression, and bow with submission to the sen-
tence of the law. Had the penalty imposed reached
the utmost extent of my ability to meet it, I should not
have murmured or complained; nor now, when it is end-
ed, would I forbear a similar course were the same ne-
cessity 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 punished 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 my-
self. The order and decorum manifested by you,
amidst various circumstances of strong excitement, mer-
its my warmest acknowledgments. I pray you, permit
that moderation 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 minis-
ters; that feeling and disposition will, I trust, always cha-
racterize you; and evince on your part, as firm a dispo-
- sition to maintain inviolate and unimpaired the laws of
- the country, as you have recently shown to defend your-
self against invasion and threatened outrage.” 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 re-
marks previously delivered by Jackson. He urged zea-
lously the maintenance of peace and good order, and
thus produced tranquillity to excited feeling.
LiFE of GENERAL JACKSON. 365
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 terminate
his contest with the civil authority. He was greatly
consoled at learning, through various respectable chan-
nels, that all was tranquil, and that against the judge
nothing of indignity or unkindness was longer medi-
tated.
So rivetted 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 citizéns 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 nume-
rous were the persons entertaining the same feelings on
the subject, that’in a short time the entire sum was
raised by voluntary contribution. The general, under-
standing 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 necessity of reſu-,
sing a favour, intended to be offered, and which he could
not have accepted. Without, however, any knowledge
of his wishes, or consulting at all his feelings on the sub-
ject, they proceeded in the arrangement, and, by sub-
scription, the entire amount was in a short time raised,
and deposited to his use in bank, and notice thereaf
given. But it was not accepted; though refused in a
manner the most delicate. In reply, he declared the
obligations felt for this renewed evidence of regard;
and although he could not accept of it, yet as #was
- & 1 & - *




366 LIFE or GENERAL JACKson.
the result of the most generous feeling, he solicited
that the amount might be applied to the assistance
and relief of those whose relatives, 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 deter-
mined course adopted, he could have effected the impor-
tant 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. It will
be found replete with reasons calculated to satisfy the
mind that the course he took was required by every
principle of propriety and necessity.”
To suspend the writ of habeas corpus belongs to con-
gress, by the constitution. It restricts any interference,
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 suppose a something
that never can happen. An invasion might be made a
thousand miles from the seat of government, or in the
recess of congress, when no authority, competent to its
suspension, did exist. The Roman maxim, inter arma
silent leges, had its origin in the necessities of the repub-
lic, and must occasionally apply to the condition and cir-
cumstances of every country. In all governments there
* See note F.
LIFE 6F GENERAL JACKSON. 367
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
of being destroyed, but that they may be more perma-
nently secured. Certainly none but an officer, acting
upon an enemy’s line, privy to all his intrigues, strata-
gems and wiles, can so correctly judge of the emergency
requiring the exercise of such power. He assumes a
weighty responsibility; but, with an intelligent world,
hazards no more, than to be able to show, that threatene
ing danger, and unavoidable necessity, required him to
act. Cases have occurred where the constitution has
been violated without reproach. A previous appropria-
tion by congress is required, or monies are forbidden to be
drawn from the treasury; and yet this rule has been disre-
garded,when circumstances made it necessary; and some-
times, too, violated when the necessities of the country
did not demand it. Few generals have, in all situations;
respected private property: when the country afforded
provisions, and their armies were in want, they have
wrested them from the owner. Here, it may be said,
compensation and atonement 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 dis- .
tress and want in his camp, mutiny in his army, and ruin
to his country, when he possessed the means of pre-
venting them, yet omitted their exercise, because the
constitution forbade him to act. Highly as we may ap-
preciate the man, who, when clothed with authority,
368 LIFE of GENERAL JACKson.
avoids infringing this sacred shield of our liberty, yet, to
hesitate, when surrounded by peril and danger, would
deservedly attach to him the censures of the patriotic
and the good. Whenever individual rights shall be
trampled on, and personal liberty disregarded and vio-
lated, merited reproach will pursue him whose only jus-
tification may be, that he possessed the power: but,
when founded on necessity, demanded by the exigency
of the moment, and obviously resorted to for the protec-
tion and safety of the country, it will be excused, ap-
proved, nay, even commended: nor will the act be pun-
ished, unless some victim to it should chance to sit in
judgment. -
Much as has been said of this declaration of martial
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 will
pretend, that it was not an infraction of constitutional
right; though none can seriously entertain a belief, un-
der all the circumstances, that imperious necessity did
not demand the introduction of some similar, if not pre-
cisely such a measure. Although so much has been
said and written of this imputed aggression on the rights
of the citizen; and although it has so often been de-
nounced 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. Jack-
son alone was the sufferer: he suffered by the fine im-
posed on him, and by torrents of abuse, which ever since
have been lavishly 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
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 365
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 mar-
tial law. Judge Hall was not imprisoned: it was sim-
ply an arrest. During the siege, he had absented him-
self from the city, and gone to Baton Rouge: He had
afforded neither by example or advice, any assistance
to our cause, while the enemy was present; but had
retired on the first appearance of danger, nor returned
until it had disappeared. Whether they would reap-
pear, and where, could not be told; and hence, whatever
necessity may have induced the declaration, that same
necessity imperiously demanded its continuance. On
his arrest, he was merely sent to a distance, and placed
at liberty under an order containing no other restric-
tion, 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 sufficient-
ly apparent. That none might be uninformed 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
370 Life or GENERAL Jacksos.
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 fortifica-
tions within its limits, it is necessary to give publicity to
the above section, for the information of all concerned. -
By command. -
RoBERT BUTLER, Adjutant-General.
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 neces-
sity and my situation required. I determined, therefore,
to venture boldly fourth, and pursue a course correspon-
dent to the difficulties that pressed upon me. I had an
anxious solicitude to wipe off the stigma cast upon my
sountry by the destruction of the capitol. If New Or-
leans were taken, I well knew that new difficulties would
arise, and every effort be made to retain it; and that if
regained, blood and treasure would be the sacrifice. My
determination, therefore, was formed, not to halt at tri-
fles, but to lose the city only at the boldest sacrifice; and
to omit nothing that could assure success. I was well
aware that calculating politicians, ignorant of the diffi-
culties that surrounded me, would condemn my course;
but this was not material. What became of me, was of
no consequence. If disaster did come, I expected not
to survive it; but if a successful defence could be made
I felt assured that my country, in the objects attained,
LIFE or GENERAL JACKSON, 37]
would lose sight of, and forget the means that had been
employed.”
The war being now ended, it was indispensable to has-
ten the necessary arrangements to relieve from the toils
of the field those brave men who had so long been stru g-
gling in their country's defence. The necessary meas-
ures to effect this were adopted. The Tennessee, Ken- w
tucky, and Mississippi troops had taken their departure.
General Gaines being invested with the command, in a
few days general Jackson left New Orleans for Nash-
ville. The good wishes and friendship of the people fol-
lowed 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, ex-
pected to palliate their own misdeeds. They had no un-
pleasant 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 recollection of what
he had done, and felt every gratitude towards him.
Previously to breaking up his encampment, he address-
ed 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 obtain-
ed safety for their country, and distinguished honour
for themselves.”
On his return, the respect of all was manifested in his
behalf-all evinced a partiality for the man whose sig-
*See note G.
$72. LIFE of GENERAL Jackson.
nalºachievements had raised his country to a high and
dignified standing, and whose unremitting exertions had
closed the war with a lustre that enlightened even the
blots of its commencement. He carried with him a con-
sciousness 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, and 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 virtuous, merely because of his bat-
tle achievements,to bestow such unqualified approbation,
could they have believed that, when invested with pow-
er; he had wantonly trampled on the rights of individuals,
and outraged the sacred principles of the constitution:
and yet this approval of his conduct was evinced not on-
ly by the citizens of the country where he passed, but
by congress, 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
LIFE of GENERAL JACKson. 373
meetings of the people were forwarded, expressive of
their great regard, and proclaiming him the deliverer
and second saviour of his country. . . . .
A tedious journey of eight hundred miles brought him
to Nashville, where he was gratified with a further evi-
dence of a people's regard. An immense concourse 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 country, knew no difficul- 3.
ty 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, previously prepared, andº
delivered at the court-room, in behalf of the citizens,
welcomed his return. Relieved from this further dis-
play of public confidence, the more grateful, because
from those who were his acquaintances, 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 nothing º
of the robust or elegant. He is six feet and an incº -
high, remarkably straight and spare, and weighs not -
more than a hundred and forty-five pounds. His con-
formation appears to disqualify him for hardship: yet,
accustomed to it from early life, few are capable of en-
daring fatigue to the same extent, or with less injury.
$4
blue eyes, with brows arched and slightly pro-
jecting, possess a marked expression; but when, from
any cause, excited, they sparkle with peculiar lustre and
penetratigº
º
tº ºth his manners he is pleasing—in his ad.
-º-,
º d





32
374 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKson.
dress commanding, while his countenance, marked with
firmness and decision, beams with a strength and intelli-
gence that strikes at first 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 constitute the only difference in men, his
attention is equally bestowed on honest poverty as on
titled consequence. No man, however inconsiderable
his standing, ever approached him on business, that he
did not patiently listen to his story, and afford him all
the information in his power. His moral character is
without reproach, and by those who know him most in-
timately, he is most esteemed. Benevolence, in him, is
a prominent virtue. He was never known to pass dis-
tress 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 expect-
ed; to a higher destiny is perfection reserved! For
purposes wiser than man can conjecture, has it been or-
dained 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, there-
fore, 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 wiſh most men; and the world
is in error in presuming him under a too high control of
feeling and passion. A fixed devotion to those principles
which honour sanctions, peculiarly attaches to him, and
renders him scrupulously attentive to his promises and eL-
LIFE of GENE. AL. Jackson. . 375
gagements of every description. Preserving system in his
monied transactions, his fiscal arrangements are made to
correspond with his resources, and hence his every en-
gagement in relation to such subjects, is met with marked
punctuality, not for the reason that he is a man of extra-
ordinary wealth, but rather, because he has method,
and, with a view to his resources, 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 en- '
tertained, 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 manners, 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 embarrassments under which he labored.
at New-Orleans, were such as might well have perplexed:
and thrown the mind aside from every thing of hild-'
ness. Arms and ammunition were wanted; the country
was in an unprepared and defenceless situation: what-
ever could be done was to be decided on promptly, and
executed speedily. Mutiny, through designing men,
was introduced, and disaffection stalked about. Night
or day there was no respite from duties of the most im-
portant and responsible kind; and yet, under all these
circumstances, embarrassing as the * were, the evidence
of temper and impropriety, charged by his enemies, to
use their own language, is, that he turned the legislature
º,

376 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
out of doors, and arrested and detained one of its mem
bers, with the judge who interposed for his relief.”
If it be true that his principles and sentiments on some
subjects, be at variance with those practised upon, and
deemed correct by others, it is the effect of education,
and of early impressions upon his mind, by which a par-
ticular bent has been given to it. Speaking one day of
his mother, he observed, “One of the last injunctions
given me by her, was, never to institute a suit for assault
and battery, or for defamation; never to wound the feel-
ings of others, nor suffer my own to be outraged: these
were her words of admonition 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, insensible 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 seldom
- err; and seldom would disputes and differences in soci-
ety arise. It is a misfortune, however, incident to the
very nature of man, occasionally to be under the influ-
ence of excitement; and then error of conclusion may be
the consequence. Wise is the man, peculiarly blest, and
greatly to be envied, who, in every situation, before he
acts, can deliberately think, and correctly decide. It
was this received impression, respecting general Jack-
son, 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
. . . *See the circu mstances of this transaction, and refutation of the
- charges in a preceding page of this work.
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 377
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 dispas-
sionately on the fitness and propriety of measures—none
more cautious where caution was necessary; or more
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 circumstan-
ces gloomy and inauspicious—now through his eloquence
and persuasion, and again by his firmness—portrays a
character for decision, and a mind intimate 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 com-
mander, is too commonly the case to excite surprise. -Of
such materials general Jackson's army was not compo-
sed: they were freemen—citizens. Yet, with the ex-
ception 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 attached to him; ready to serve him under any
circumstances. The best evidence of private worth, and
private character, is to be derived from those who know
us most intimately—from our acquaintances and neigh-
bours, who see and know us, stripped of that conceal-
ment 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 ās
distinctly as things of consequence. General Jackson
one day during the siege of New-Orleans, was approach-
32%
378 IIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
ed 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 situation. The general,
with much apparent sympathy for him, replied, that he
had ascertained there was a practice in the camp of giv-
ing nick-names; and had understood, too, that very many
had dared to call him Old Hickory: now, 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 inquired 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 gene-
ral’s, and both ere long be effectually redressed.
General Jackson possesses ambition, but it rests on vir-
tue; an ambition, which, regulated by a high sense of
honourable feeling, leads him to desire “that applause
which follows good actions—not that which is run aſter.”
No man is more ready to hear and to respect the opinions
of others; and none, where much is at stake, and at con-
flict with his own, less disposed to be under their influ-
ence. 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 minds tº:
tire of general, Jaekson. 379
TMuch as we may delight to range through the field of
'battle, in quest of acts, to fix a hero's character, yet in-
considerable circumstances oftentimes mark it more dis-
tinctly: it is then that the mind, retiring from every thing
like motive, gives a loose to impulse, and acts from feel-
ing alone. The general, who meets and repels his coun-
try's foes, is not unfrequently impelled by ambition, and
the recollection, that a nation's gratitude 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
ſound, 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 wo-
men to take care of and rear it. They signified their
unwillingness to do so, stating that, inasmuch as ałłits
relations had 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 became himself the protector and guardian of
the child. Bestowing on the infant the name of Lincoir, he
adopted it into his family, and has ever since manifested
the liveliest zeal towards it, prompted by benevolence,
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
COUTSé.
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
380 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
people. sº During Mr. Adams' administration, when the
party was few and inconsiderable, he appeared on the
side of the rights of man, espousing and advocating the
principles of tolerance and free will; until disgusted
with the mode of administering the government, he re-
tired from the legislative councils of the nation. He
is not, however, one of those blind infatuated parti-
zans, who holds the opinions of others in derision, and
determines on the good or bad qualities of a man, accor-
ding 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.”
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 poli-
ticians, that parties, by acting as spies on, and correc-
tors 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 peo-
ple, and where law is the paramount rule, so long as we
shall continue virtuous and intelligent, and duly appre-
ciate our rights, no such auxiliary can be essential, either
for happiness or tranquillity. Already have we wit-
nessed innumerable evils to spring from the acerbity and
intemperance of party: but for the hopes and expecta-
tions of a designing power, which through our dissen-
LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 381
sions and domestic broils, believed she would be able .
seriously to affectus, we might have remained at peace,
and preserved the lives of many a valuable citizen.—
That there should be a contrariety of opinion among, usf
is certainly nothing remarkable: it is only in govern-
ments absolutely despotic, 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 con-
stitution, on this subject, bars every check, and leaves our
conduct, 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, that it
is a circumstance whence foreign powers will be ever
able to derive an advantage, by which materially to €I]-
danger our rights. Although we may, and do differ, as
te the best mode of administering the government, a cir-
cumstance 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 sanction, 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 calculated 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, re-
solved 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
$82 - LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
the odium and just indignation of the country towards
its actors, that any future recurrence of such acts should
not be anticipated. Involved in war, every citizen of the
country is boundinsome form or other, to yield assistance,
and steadily to maintain it; and thatman, or combination of
men, who, in such a time of peril, shall stand opposed
to the constituted authorities, in any other manner than
the constitution authorizes, should be considered, if not
the enemy, at least, not the friend of the country.
The proclamations disseminated by Great Britain, du-
ring the war, to the people of the United States, were
an insult to our understandings, and a reflection on her
own. The divisions she saw prevailing among us, were,
no doubt the inducement. If ever there was a time,
when she could have even partially effected the disor.
ganization 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 indigna-
tion against her; and before she had so effectually aided
to subvert the liberty of France, and plunge her in a
state of absolute vassalage, when, throughout, the pro-
fessed and openly avowed object was to rescue from
oppression, and make her “free indeed.” When such
an example, with all its wretched and fatal consequen-
ces, is held up to view, well should a warning voice
teach nations to spurn every external interference, how-
ever 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 pre-
'servation of our rights, and to resist aggressions which
LIFE of GENERAL JACKSON, 385
had become too numerous and grievous to be longer
borne. With nations, as with individuals, a submission
to insult serves but to authorize a repetition; and for-
bearance under injuries is frequently 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 repeated wrongs, and secured from
other nations that respect which our peaceful habits had
forfeited. We have brought more closely into view our
own strength, 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 ex-
hausted. But, above all, our contest has had the effect
of drawing closer the cords of our union, quieting party
opposition, 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 indis-
solubly cemented, as a matter of greater importance
than any thing that has happened, since the all-glorious
hour when our Independence was declared. -
“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.
*-ºs-
§ (A)
Proclamation of colonel JNicholls to the southern and western
inhabitants.
NATIves of Louisiana! on you the first call is made, to as-
sist in liberating from a faithless, imbecile government,
your paternal soil: Spandiards, Frenchmen, Italians and
British, whether settled, or residing for a time in Louisiana,
on you, also, I call, to aid me in this just cause: the Ameri-
can 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 artille-
ry, with every requisite, seconded by the powerful aid of
a numerous British and Spanish squadron of ships and ves-
sels 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,
accompanies them here; you will have no fear of litigious
taxes imposed on you for the purpose of carrying on an un-
natural 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 as-
sured that these brave red men only burn with an ardent
desire of satisfaction for the wrongs they have suffered from
the Americans; to join you in liberating these southern pro-
vinces from their yoke, and drive them into those limits -
formerly prescribed by my sovereign. The Indians have
dged themselves, in the solemn manner, not to injure, in
le
P 33
386 wotes.
the slightest degree, the persons or properties of any but
enemies. A flag over any door, whether Spanish, French
or British, will be a certain protection; nor dare any Indian
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 children, the red men, by their good
conduct, and treatment to them, will (if it be possible,) make
the Americans blush for their more inhuman conduct, late-
ly on the Escambia, and within a neutral territory.
Inhabitants of Kentucky, you have too long borne with
grievous impositions—the whole brunt of war has fallen on
your brave sons; be imposed on no longer, but either range
yourselves under the standard of your forefathers, or ob-
erve 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 bringing 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 your abhorrence) the conduct of those factions which
hurried you into this civil, unjust, and unnatural War, at a
time when Great Britain was straining every nerve, in de-
fence of her own, and the liberties of the world—when the
bravest of her sons were fighting and bleeding in so sacred
3. cause—when she was spending millions of her treasure in
endeavouring to pull down one of the most formidable and
dangerous tyrants that ever disgraced the form of man—.
when groaning Europe was almost in her last gºtSp-when
Britons alone showed an undaunted front—base, y did those
assassins endeavor to stab her from the rear, she has turn-
ed on them, renovated from the bloody, luſ SUCC essful
struggle-Europe is happy and free, and she now hastens
justly, to avenge the unprovºked insult. Show ** “m int
you are not collectively unjust; leave th 4. contemptible few
to shift for themselves: let those slaves of the \y rant send
an embassy to Elba, and implore his aid; but let every hon-
est, 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—ac-
cept of my offers—every thing I have promised in this par
per, I guarantee to you, on the sacred honour of a British
afficer.
Given under my hand, at my head-quarters,
Pensacola, this 29th day of August, 1814.
EDWARD NICHOLLS.
(B)
Letter to commodore Daniel T. Patterson.
PENs Acola, 4th December, 1814.
SIR-I 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 im-
mediate commencement of their operations 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 de-
scriptions, and a large body of troops. Admiral Cochrane
commands; 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 object. The admiral arrived only
yesterday noon. -
I am yours, &c.
N * * *.
(C) .
Eetterfrom Charles K. Blanchard to general Jackson.
- NEw ORLEANs, JMarch 20, 1814.
SIR-I have the honour, agreeably to your request, to
state to your excellency, in writing, the substance of a con-
versation that occurred between quarter-master Peddie, of
the British army, and myself, on the 11th instant, on board
his Britannic Majesty's ship Herald. Quarter-master Ped-
die observed, that the commanding officers of the British
forces were daily in the receipt of every information from
the city of New Orleans, which they might require, in aid
of their operations, for the completion of the objects of the
expedition;–that they were perfectly acquainted with the
situation of every part of our forces, the manner in which the
same was situated, the number of our fortifications, their
strength, position, &c. As to the battery on the keft 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 re-
ceived from seven or eight persons, in the city of New-Or-
leans, from whom he could, at any hour, procure every
information necessary to promote his majesty's interest.
(D)
£ddress 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
victories was obtained by the troops under my immediate
command, no words can express the mortification I felt, at
witnessing the scene exhibited 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 sourée of eter-
nal regret, that a few moment's exertion of that courage
you certainly possess, was alone wanting to have réfidered
your success more complete than that of your fellow-citizens
in this camp. To what cause was the abañdonment of your
lines owing? To fear? No! You are the countrymen, the
friends, the brothers of those who have secured to them-
sefves, by their courage, the gratitude of their country;
who have been prodigal of their blood in its defence, and
who are strangers to any other fear than disgrace—to dis-
affection 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 itself, are the causes which led to this disaster,
and they must be eradicated, or I must cease to command.
I desire to be distinctly understood, that every breach of
orders, all want of discipline, every inattention of duty, will
be seriously and promptly punished; that the attentive offi-
cers, and good soldiers, may not be mentioned in the dis-
grace and danger which the negligence of a few may pro-
duce. Soldiers! 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 coun-
trymen. -
But remember! without obedience, without order, with-
out discipline, all your efforts are vain. The brave man, in-
attentive to his duty, is worth little more to his country
33% -
390 Notes.
than the ceward 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 impossible 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 ma-
ny 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 obedience
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
neverend W. Dubourg, administrator apostolic of the avocese
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—w hile grateful Amer-
ica, so lately wrapped up in 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 adairation of the latest posterity, $
Nó'FEs. 391
triumph perhaps unparalleled 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 assume 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 acknowledge the sig-
mal interposition of Providence—your first step, a solemn dis-
play of your humble sense of His favours.
Stillagitated at the remembrance of those dreadful agonies
from which we have been so miraculously rescued, it is our
pride to acknowledge, that the Almighty has truly had the
principal hand in our deliverance, and to follow you, gener-
al, in attributing to his infinite goodness, the homage of our
unſeigned gratitude. Let the infatuated votary of a blind
chance deride our credulous simplicity; let the cold-heart-
ed 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 interme-
diate agents,” says an illustrious prelate, “still on the se-
cret orders of His all-ruling providence, depend the rise and
prosperity, as well as the decline and downfall of empires.
From His lofty throne, he moves every scene below, now
curbing, now letting loose, the passions of men; now infu-
sing His own wisdom into the leaders of nations; now con-
founding their boasted prudence, and spreading upon their
councils a spirit of intoxication; and thus executing His un-
controllable judgments on the sons of men, according to the
dictates of His own unerring justice.”
§OTEs.
To Him, therefore, our most fervent thanks are due, for
our iate unexpected rescue. It is Him we intend to praise,
when considering you, general, as the mail of his right hand,
whöffi he has taken pains to fit out for the important com-
mission of our defence. We extol that fecundity of genius,
by which, under the most discouraging distress, you crea-
ted 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 instinctive superiority of your mind, which at once
rallied around you universal confidence; impressed one ir-
resistible movement to all the jarring elements of which
this political machine is composed; aroused their slumber-
ing spirits, and diffused through every rank, the noble ar-
dour which glowed in your own bosom. To Him, in fine,
we address our acknowledgments for that consummate pru-
dence which defeated all the combinations of a sagacious
enemy, entangled him in the very snares which he had
spread for us, and succeeded in effecting his utter destruc-
tion, without exposing the lives of our citizens. Immortal
thanks be to His Supreme Majesty, for sending us such an
instrument of His bountiful designs! A gift of that value is
the best token of the coutinuance of His protection—the
most solid encouragement to sue for new favours. The
first which it emboldens us humbly to supplicate, as near-
est 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 victory, the symbol of immortality. The next is
a speedy and honourable termination of the bloody contest
in which we are engaged. No one has so efficaciously la-
boured as you, general, for the acceleration of that blissful
period; may we soon reap that sweetest fruit of your splen-
did and uninterrupted victories. -

Notes. 393
General Jackson's Reply.
REveREND SIR,--I receive, with gratitude and pleasure,
the symbolical grown 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 bestcw. *
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 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 pat-
riotism dictates, for our beloved country, be first heard;
and may mine, for your individual prosperity, as well as
that of the congregation committed to your care, be favour-
ably received—the prosperity, wealth, and happiness of
this city, will then be commensurate with the courage and
other qualities of its inhabitants.
(F)
&nswer 3ubmitted 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 couit of the United States
for Louisiana, in a suit entitled “The United States vs. A.
Jackson; commanding him to show cause why an attach-
ment should not issue against him, for divers alledged cont
tempts of the said court.” Before he makes any answer
whatever to the said charges, he deems it necessary to pro-
test, and he does hereby protest against, and reserve tº
394 . - Notes.
himself all manner of benefit of exception to, the illegal,
unconstitutional, and informal nature of the proceedings
instituted against him; it appearing, by the said proceed-
ing— . .
I. That witnesses have been summoned by process of
subpoena, in 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 pending 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 du-
ties of the attorney being, by law, restricted to the prose-
cution of “all delinquents for crimes and offences, cognizable
under the authority of the United States, and all civil ac-
tions in which they shall be concerned.” As this proceed-
ing is not pretended to be a civil action, to bring it within the
purview of the duties of the attorney, it must be a prose-
cution for a crime or offence, cognizable under the author-
ity of the United States. But the facts stated in the rule do
not constitute any “crime or offence, cognizable under this
authority.” The courts of the United States have no com-
mon 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; there-
fore, 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 pro-
ceeding is both unconstitutional and illegal: the 7th and
8th amendment to the constitution contain many provisions
directly contrary to the mode of proceeding by attachment,
for contempt; particularly the 7th amendment, that no per-
son shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without
NoTEs. 359
due process of law; and of the 8th, that, in all criminal pros.
ecutions, 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 contain-
ed a conclusive implication, if not an express provision, that
no offence can be prosecuted, except by information or in-
dictment; neither of which have been filed in this instance.
The respondent, therefore, concludes those heads of excep-
tions, by the dilemma, that, if the proceeding be a prosecu-
tion 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 contempt 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 punish-
ment, by fine and imprisonment, for contempt 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 con-
tempts, are stated to have been done in relation to an ex-
parte application made to the judge of the said court, at his
chambers, at a time when his court was in vacation, 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 cz-parte proceeding at a judge's chamber, could not be
punished, by attachment, as a contempt.
598 £3'Tºſs,
VI. That no act in relation to the writ of habeas corpus,
or the allowance of the same, in the case mentioned in the
said rule, can be considered as a contempt; because the
judge of this honorable court, by the 14th section of the
judiciary act of the United States, is expressly inhibited
from issuing any writ of habeas corpus, except in cases of
prisoners “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; neither of which circumstances appear ei-
ther in the writ, the allowance of the same, or the affidavit
on which it was founded. This court, then, having no juris-
diction 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 tresspass. -
- VII. That, by the said writ, no place was designated at
which the same should be returned. .
Vffſ. That the writ was served on the respondent long
after the return thereof, by reason whereof he could not
hâve complied with the tenor, had he been so disposed.
IX. The said writ of habeas corpus was issued in an ir-
regular manner, and the respondent was in no wise compel-
led by law to obey it; inasmuch as the name of the judge,
allowing the same, was not signed on the writ with his pro-
per hand writing: nor were the words, “according to the
form of the statute,” marked thereon—both which are pos-
itively required, by the statutes regulating the issuing of
such process; and without which they need not be obeyed.
Should it be objected, that the English statutes are not bind-
ing here, it is answered, that the United States are without
a statutory provision on the subject; and that the introduc-
tion 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, con-
trary to the express words of the statute, be deemed suffi-
cient, yet the respondent was not bound to pay any attentior
NOTES. 397
to the writ of habeas corpus, because the same was not is.
sued in conformity with the allowance 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 cir-
cumstance is an excellent illustration of the wisdom of the
statutory provision, which requires that the writ itself be
signed by the judge. - * .
Under all which protestations and exceptions—without
submitting to the jurisdiction of the said court, or acknowl-
edging the regularity of the proceedings, but expressly de-
nying the same—this respondent, 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 communications, putting him on his guard
against a portion of the inhabitants of the state, the legisla-
ture, and foreign emissaries in the city. The population
of the country was represented as divided by political par-
ties and national prejudices; a great portion of them at-
tached to foreign powers, and disaffected to the government
of their own country, and some as totally unworthy of con-
fidence. The militia was described as resisting the author-
ity of their commander-in-chief, and encouraged in their
disobedience by the legislature of the state. That legisla-
ture characterized as politically rotten, and the whoſe state
in such a situation as to make it necessary to look for de-
fence principally from the regular troops. and the militia
from other states. Among those representations, theºst

398 NOTES.
important, from the official station of the writer, were those
of the governor. On the 8th of August, 1814, he says—
“On a late occasion I had the mortification to acknowl-
edge my inability to meet a requisition from general Flour-
noy; the corps of this city having, for the most part, resist-
ed my orders, being encouraged in their disobedience by
the legislature of the state, then in session; one branch of
which, the senate, having declared the requisition 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 reason 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 I ought not
to confide. Upon the whole, sir, I can not disguise the fact,
that if Louisiana should be attacked, we must principally
depend for security upon the prompt movements of the reg-
ular force under your command, and the militia of the wes-
tern states and territories. At this moment, we are in a
very unprepared and defenceless condition: several impor-
tant points of defence remain unoccupied, and in case of a
sudden attack, this capital would, I fear, fall an easy sac-
rifice.” -
On the 12th of the same month, the respondent was told—
“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 resi-
ded in the country; but there are others, much devoted to
the interest of Spain, and whose partiality to the English is
not less observable than their dislike to the American gov-
ernment.” -
In a letter of the 24th, the same ideas are repeated—
“Be assured, sir, that no exertions shall be wanting on
NöTES. 399
my part; but I can not disguise from you, that l have a very
difficult people to manage: to this moment no opposition to
the requisition has manifested itself, but I am not seconded
with that ardent zeal, which, in my opinion, the crisis de-
mands. We look with great anxiety to your movements,
and place our greatest reliance for safety on the energy and
patriotism of the western states. In Louisiana there
are many faithful citizens; these last persuade them-
Helves, that Spain will soon repossess herself of Louisiana,
and they seem to believe that a combined Spanish and En-
glish force will soon appear on our coast. If Louisiana is
invaded, I shall put myself at the head of such of my mili-
tia as will follow me to the field, and, on receiving, shall obey
vour orders. I need not assure you of my entire confidence
in you, as a commander, and of the pleasure I shall expe-
rience in supporting all your measures for the common de-
fence; but, sir, a cause of indescribable chagrin to me is,
that I am not at the head of a willing and united people:
native Americans, native Louisianians, Frenchmén, and
Spaniards, with some Englishinen, compose the mass of the
population—among them there exists much jealousy, and
as great differences in political sentiments as in their
language and habits. But, nevertheless, sir, if we are sup-
ported by a respectable body of regular troops, or of wes-
tern militia, I trust 1 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 exist-
ing jealousies 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
400 NOTEs.
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 regu-
1ār 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. I am #ssu-
red, 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 New-
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, Pensacola
is, in fact, an enemy's post, and had our commercial inter-
course with it continued, the supplies furnished to the ene-
my would have so much exhausted our own stock of provis-
ions, 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 person 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.” ‘.
NOTEs. 401
On the 19th of September, speaking of the drafts of mi-
litia, he says— - . • * . -
“The only difficulty I have hitherto experienced in
meeting the requisition, has been in this city, and exclusive-
ly 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 of securing the country against the
machinations of foreigners, he, on the 4th of November
informed the respondent— .
“You have been informed of the contents of an intercept-
ed 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, in forty-eight hours, for Pensacola,
and gave him the necessary passports. I hope this meas-
ure may meet your approbation. It is a just retaliation for
the conduct lately observed by the governor of Pensacola,
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 produce, the respondent arrived in this city, where, in
different conversations, the same ideas were enforced, and
he was advised, not only by the governor of the state, but
very many influential persons, to proclaim MARTIAL LAW, as
34 *
402 NOTEs.
the only means of producing union, overcoming disaffec-
tion, detecting treason, and calling forth the energies ºf
the country. This measure was discussed and recommend-
ed to the respondent, as he well recollects, in the presence
of the judge of this honourable court, who not only made
no objection, but seemed, 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
design to their prolonged session; and appeared extremely
desirous that they should adjourn. -
The respondent had also been informed, that in the house
of representatives, the idea that a very considerable part
of the state belonged to the Spanish government, and ought
not to be represented, had been openly advocated, and fa-
vourably heard. The co-operation of the Spaniards with
the English, was, at that time, a prevalent idea. This in-
formation, therefore, appeared highly important. He de-
termined 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 demonstra-
tion should have determined its propriety. He was then
almost an entire stranger, in the place he was sent to de-
fend, and unacquainted with the language of a majority of
its inhabitants. While these circumstances were unfa-
vorable to his obtaining information, on the one hand, they
precluded, on the other, a suspicion that his measures were
dictated by personal friendship, private animosity, or par-
ty views. Uninfluenced by such motives, he began his ob-
servations. He sought for information, and to obtain it,
communicated with men of every description. He be-
lieved that even then he discovered those high qualities,
which have since distinguished those brave defenders of
their country:-that the variety of language, the differ-
NOTEs. 403
enee of habit, and even the national prejudices, which
seemed to divide the jnhabitants, might be made, if pro-
perly directed, the source of the most honourable emula-
tion. Delicate attentions were necessary to foster this dis-
position; and the highest energy, to restrain the effects,
that such an assemblage was calculated to produce; he de-
termined to avail himself of both, and with this view, call-
ed 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, ralli-
ed without delay, round the standard of their country.—
Their efforts, however, would have been unavailing, if the
disaffected had been permitted to counteract 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 de-
feat. . . .
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 prevent their landing on
our shores. Their point of attack was uncertain—a hun-
dred inlets were to be guarded, by a force not sufficient
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 sup-
ply was distant and uncertain; our utter ruin if we failed,
at hand, and inevitable; every thing depended on the
prompt and energetic use of the means we possessed—on
calling the whole fºrce of the comuunity into action; it was
a contest for the very existence of the state, and every nerve
was to be strained in its defence. The pitysical force of
every individual, his moral faculties, his property and the
404 - NoTEs.
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
constitution and laws, were swept away by the avowed
principles, the open practice of the enemy with whom we
had to contend. Fortifications were to be erected, supplies
procured, arms sought for, requisitions made, the emissa-
ries of the enemy watched, lurking treason overawed, in-
subordination punished, and the contagion of cowardly ex-
ample to be stopped. -- -
In this crisis, and under a firm persuasion that none of
those objects could be effected by the exercise of the ordi-
nary powers confided to him—under a solemn conviction
that the country committed to his care, could be saved by
that measure only from utter ruin—under a religious belief,
that he was performing the most important and sacred du-
ty, the respondent proclaimed martial law. He intended,
by that measure, to supersede such civil powers as, in their
operation, 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 us forever.
He knew, that if the civil magistrates were permitted to
exercise their usual functions, none of the measures neces-
sary to avert the awful fate that threatened us, could be
expected. Personal liberty can not exist at a time when
every man is required to become a soldier. Private pro-
perty can not be secured when its use is indispensable to the
public safety. Unlimited liberty of speech is incompatible
with the discipline of a camp; and that of the press more
dangerous still, when made the vehicle of conveying intel-
ligence to the enemy, or exciting mutiny among the troops.
NoTEs. - 405
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 pro-
clamation of martial law was therefore intended to super-
sede 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, be-
cause they are the basis of his defence, and because a mis-
taken notion has been circulated, that the declaration of
martial law only subjected the militia in service to its ope-
ration. This would, indeed, have been a very useless cer-
emony, 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 unquestion
ably have been conquered, then does it form a complete jus-
tification for the act. If it do not, in what manner will the
proceedingsby 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 necessi-
ty 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 doubtful case of avoiding confusion in a court,
shall it be denied in the serious one of preserving a country
from conquest and ruin? The respondent begs leave to
explain, that in using this argument, he does not mean to
admit the existence of necessity in the case of attachment.
but to show that the principle of a justification from neces-
sity is admitted, even in the weaker case. If the legisla-
406 NOTES.
ture of the United 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 neces-
sarily exclude the intervention of a jury; and secondly, if
they do, the law itself is contrary to the words of the con-
stitution, and can only be supported on the plea of necessi-
ty; to which head it is referred by the English writess 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 circumstances of the case, or it forms
no justification. He submits all his acts, therefore, to be
tested by this rule. . . . .
To the forcible reasons which he has detailed, as impel-
ling him to this measure, he ought to add, that he has since,
by the confession of the enemy himself, received a confir-
mation 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 oup
forces; that the number of those persons was considerable,
and their activity unceasing. The names of those wretch-
es will probably be discovered; and the respondent per-
suades 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 mea-
sures that were taken to counteract them. -
If 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 different 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
f\OTES. 407
executive sanctioned it, and, from a conviction of its neces-
sity, it was acquiesced in. The same legislature shut up
the courts ofjustice 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 exiie upon an inhabi-
tant, 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 defence, consented to the discharge of men
committed and indicted for capital crimes, without bail,
and without recognizance: and probably under an impres-
sion that the exercise of his functions would be useless, ab-
sented himself from the place where his court was to be
holden, and postponed its session, during a regular term.
Thus the conduct of the legislative, executive, and judi-
ciary branches of the government of this state, have borne
the fullest testimony 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 de-
fence; inasmuch as all these respectable 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 necessity 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 neces-
sity, was not abused in its exercise, nor improperly pro-
tracted in its duration.
408 Notes.
An the acts mentioned in the rule, took place after the.
enemy had retired from the position they had at first #US-
sunsed—after they had met with a signal defeat, and after
an unofficial account had been received of the signature of
a treaty of peace. Each of these circumstances might be,
to one who did not see the whole ground, a sufficient reason
for supposing that further acts of energy and vigour were
unnecessary. On the mind of the respondent they had a
different effect. The enemy had retired from their posi-
tion, 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 ex-
pected 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. De-
feat, 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 conjecture 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
zealºus in the preceding part of the campaign. now became
iukewarm in the service. Those whom no danger could
appal, and no labour discourage. cort, plained of the hard-
ships of the camp. When the enemy were no longer im-
mediately before them, they thought themselves oppressed,
by being etained in service. Wicked and weak men. who,
from their situation in life. ought to have furnished a better
example, secretly encouraged this spirit of itsubordination.
They affected to pity the hardships of those who were kept
Notes. 409
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 peri-
od, only fifteen men and one officer. out of a whole regi-
ment, stationed to guard the very avenue through which
the enemy had 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 re-
voked his proclamation, or ceased to act under it, the fatal
security by which we were lulled, might have destroyed
all discipline, have dissolved all his force, and left him
without any means of defending the country against an ene-
my, 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 re-
ally taken place, a few days must bring the official advice
of it; and he he'ieved 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 uncer-
tain contingency. Admit the chances to have been a hun-
dred or a thousand to one in favor of the ratification, and
against any renewed attempts of the enemy; what should
we 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' anticipa-
ted enjoyment of the blessings of peace? The respondent
could not bring himself to play so deep a hazard; uninflu-
- 35
410 NotEs.
enced by the clamours of the ignorant and the designing,
he continued the exercise of that law which necessity had
compelled him to proclaim; and he still thinks himself jus-
tified, by the situation of affairs, for the course which he
adopted and pursued. Has he exercised this power wan-
tonly or improperly? If so, he is liable; not, as he believes,
to this honourable court for contempt, but to his govern-
ment 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 appears, by governor Claiborne's letter, to have em-
barrassed the first drafts, by his claims in favor of pretend-
ed subjects of his king, renewed his interference; his certi-
ficates were given to men in the ranks of the army, to some
who had never applied, and to others who wished to use
them as the means of obtaining an inglorious exemption
from danger and fatigue. The immunity derived from these
certificates not only thinned the ranks, by the withdrawal
of those to whom they were given, but produced the de-
sertion of others, who thought themselves equally entitled
to the privilege; and to this cause must be traced the aban-
donment of the important post of Chef Mienteur, and a tem-
porary refusal of a relief ordered to occupy it.
Under these circumstances, to remove the force of an ex-
ample which had already occasioned such dangerous con-
sequences, 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 certificates, to re-
move 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 resort-
ed to, as the mildest mode of proceeding against a danger-
ous and increasing evil; and the respondent had the less
scruple of his power, in this instance, as it was not quite
NOTES, 41 I .
so strong as that which governor Claiborne had exercised,
before the invasion, by the advice of his attorney-general,
in the case of colonel Coliel.
It created, however, some sensation;–discontents were
again fomented, from the source that had first produced
them. Aliens and strangers became the most violent advo-
cates of constitutional rights, 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 and insubordination, and pub-
Hishing the evidence of our weakness and discord to the
enemy, who were still in our vicinity, anxious, no doubt,
before the cessation of hostilities, to wipe away the late stain
upon their arms. To have silently looked on such an of:
fence, without making any attempt to punish it, would have
been a formal surrender of all discipline, all order, all per-
sonal 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 fore-
seen, the very contingency on which martial law was in-
tended to operate, had now occurred. The civil magistrate
seemed to think it his duty to enforce the enjoyment of civil
rights, although the consequences which have been descri-
bed, 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.
412 --> NotES,
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 effectual-
ly to do this, was to place the judge in a situation in which
his interference could not counteract the measures of de-
fence, 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 respon-
dent is charged with taking and detaining, he answers, that
when the writ was produced by the clerk of this honorable
court, the date of its issuance appeared to have been alter-
ed 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 accor-
dingly did; but gave a certified copy, and an acknowledg-
ment 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 offence, as justified the idea then formed,
that the judge approved his conduct, and supported his at-
tempts 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
NoTES. 413
jurisdiction, if it had been deemed expedient to give him
that species of trial, to which he thinks himself entitled, by
the constitution of his country. The powers which the ex-
igency of the times forced him to assume, have been exer-
cised 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 rela-
tion to the means he has used, he can never regret that he
employed them.
- ANDREW JACKSON.
(G)
JAddress to the troops at New Orleans, after the annunciation
of peace.
The major-general is at length enabled to perform the
pleasing task of restoring to Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisi-
ana, and the territory of the Mississippi, the brave troops
who have acted such a distinguished part in the war which
has just terminated. In restoring these brave men to their
homes, much exertion is expected of, and great responsibi-
lity 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 unnecessary delay, to their respective states.—
The troops from the Mississippi territory and state of Lou-
isiana, both militia and volunteers, will be immediately
mustered out of service, paid, and discharged.
The major-general has the satisfaction of announcing the
approbation of the president of the United States to the
conduct of the troops under his command, expressed, in
flattering terms, through the honourable the secretary of
War. -
- 35%
414 NotES.
In parting with those brave men, whose destinies have .
been so long united with his own, and in whose laboursăd
glories it is his happiness and his boast to have participa-
ted, the commanding general can neither suppress his feel-
ings, nor give utterance to them as he ought. In what
terms can he bestow suitable praise on merit so extraordi-
nary, so unparalleled? Let him, in one burst of joy, gra-
titude, and exultation, exclaim—“These are the saviours of
their country—these the patriot soldiers, who triumphed
over the invincibles of Wellington, and conquered the con-
querors of Europe!” 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 companions, to your homes; to
those tender connexions, and blissful scenes, which render
fife 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 ali
your past exposures be converted into sources of inexpressi-
ble delight? Who, that never experienced your sufferings,
will be able to appreciate your joys? The man who slum-
bered singloriously at home, during your painful marches,
your nights of watchfulness, and your days of toil, will envy
wou the happiness which these recollections will afford—
still more will he envy the gratitude of that country, which
you have so eminently contributed to save.
Continue, fellow soldiers, on your passage to your seve-
ral destinations, to preserve that subordination, that digni-
N6)TES. 415
fied and manly deportment, which have so ennobled your
character.
While the commanding general is thus giving indulgence
to his feelings, towards those brave companions, who ac-
companied him through difficulties and danger, he can not
permit the names of Blount, and Shelby, and Holmes, to
pass unnoticed. With what generous ardour and patrio-
tism have these distinguished governors contributed alſ
their exertions, to provide to the means of victory ! The
recollection of their exertion, and of the success which has
resulted, will be 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 danger was before him, he was on no occasion compel-
led to use towards his companions in arms, either severity
or rebuke. If, after the enemy had retired, improper pas-
sions 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 regret, 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. . x
Farewell, fellow-soldiers. The expression of your gen-
eral's thanks is feeble; but the gratitude of a country of
freemen is yours—y ours the applause of an admiring world.
ANDREW JACKSON.
Major-General commanding,
APPENDIX.
Since the period to which the preceding pa-
ges bring down the events of General Jackson's
life, the subject of these memoirs has been
called upon by his country, to perform various
and important public services. As major-gen-
eral in the army of the United States; as Com-
missioner, in 1816, for surveying and making a
personal examination of the Coast, with a view
to the selection of proper sites for the erection
of fortifications; as Commissioner to treat with
the Chitkasaw, Creek, and Cherokee Indians,
and for surveying and opening the Military
road from Nashville to New Orleans; as Com-
mander in Chief of the successful campaign
against the Seminole Indians; as Governor of
Florida; and as a member of the Senate of the
United States, until 1825; his life has been one
continued scene of active and laborious duties,
in the performance of which, the nation has
awarded to him that promptness, fidelity, and
ability, which has uniformly distinguished his
course in public life. Few men in any country,
have been required by its government, to engage
in more dangerous services, to perform more
arduous and responsible duties, or to suffer
more privations and endure more hardships,
for the general benefit. Endowed by nature
with a vigour of mind and body seldom united
418 APPENDIX.
in the same person; combining firmness of pur-
pose with decision of character; with an exten-
sive knowledge of public law and an intimate
acquaintance with the principles and powers of
our republican governments; he seemed emi-
mently fitted for the times and the occasions,
which have repeatedly called him into the
public service, whether as a military comman-
der to lead our citizens to battle and to victory,
or as a practical statesman to perform the va-
rious duties of the civil government. -
While the nation was contemplating him as
one of its most eminent citizens and benefac-
tors, and his deeds of patriotism and of glory as
the brightest illustration of republican virtue,
he was presented to the consideration of his
countrymen, in a new and more interésting at-
titude. A considerable portion of his fellow
citizens, in the exercise of a power guaranteed
to them by the provisions of the Federal con-
stitution, in 1823-4, selected him for the first
and highest office in their gift. It was not the
sudden impulse of feeling, excited by the colli-
sions of party strife, which prompted a numer-
ous and respectable portion of the American
people to desire his elevation to the Chief Ma-
gistracy of the Republic; but it was from a full
and solemn conviction, that “his great talents,
Stern political integrity, unfeigned republican-
ism, and long and faithful services to his coun-
try, in both civil and military capacities, pre-
eminently qualified him, above all others, for
that high and responsible station.” From ear-
ly life, “he had been distinguished for ardent
APPENDIX. 419
and unshaken patriotism, for a strong and vi-
gorous intellect, and for those powers of mind
and active virtues, which have, at subsequent
periods, contributed so essentially to sustain
the honor and promote the prosperity of the
nation.” It was a deep sense of public duty,
united with the best feelings of national grati-
tude, which “pointed to JACKSON, as posses-
sing the highest claims to the confidence and
support of his country.” - --.
At the same time, other portions of the Amer-
ican people, had respectively selected John Q.
Adams, of Massachusetts, then Secretary of
State; William H. Crawford, of Georgia, then
at the head of the Treasury Department; and
Henry Clay, of Kentucky, then a member of
Congress and Speaker of the House of Repre-
sentatives: as candidates for the same eleva-
ted station. These gentlemen had long been
in public life, and were extensively known to
the nation. They had for many years acted
prominent parts in the management of our na-
tional affairs, either on foreign missions, or in
the administration of our government, at home.
Mr. Adams had resided principally in Europe,
and had spent the largest portion of his public
life at Foreign Courts. Mr. Crawford, although
for a considerable time our resident Minister at
Paris, had been chiefly employed as a member
of Congress, and in the civil departments of
the general government. Mr. Clay had long
been distinguished for his forensic powers and
eloquence, and was one of our Commissioners
at Ghent, in forming the treaty of peace between
420 APPENDIX.
the United States and Great Britain. General
Jackson's life had received a somewhat (iiffer-
ent direction, more full of incident, and of niore
important influence and bearing upon the for-
tunes of his country. He had been a youthful
soldier of the Revolution. Ardently attached
to his country, and early devoted to its liberty
and happiness, at fourteen years of age he was
seen fighting the battles of freemen, by the side
of the heroes and patriots of that day, in the
arduous struggle for our National Indepen-
dence. He had been the Attorney General of
the South West Territory, at the age of twenty
two, by the appointment of Washington; at
twenty-nine, a member of the Convention which
formed the constitution of Tennessee, and, at
the same age, a Major General of Militia and a
Representative in Congress; at thirty, a Sena-
tor in Congress; and at thirty-two, a Judge of
the Supreme Court of that state. Subsequent-
ly he had filled various important offices, to the
entire satisfaction of the public, and in the late
war between the United States and Great Bri-
taim, he had greatly distinguished himself for
the able and efficient protection which he
afforded to our Southern frontier, and for his
brilliant and glorious defence of New Orleans.
It was objected to Mr. Adams, by the friends
of Mr. Clay and also by a portion of those who
supported General Jackson, that his political
prejudices were “hostile to the western inter-
est;” that his repeated votes, while in the Sen-
ate of the United States, against those meas-
ures which were peculiary calculated to bene-
APPENDIX. 421.
fit the west and to advance its prosperity, and
his proposition at Ghent, to give to Great Bri-
tian the right of navigating the Mississippi, in
exchange for more extensive privileges connec-
ted with the fisheries on the coast of Labrador
and Newfoundland, evinced a course of policy,
in relation to the administration of the general
government, inconsistent with the present condi-
tion and future importance of the western
states. It was also objected to Mr. Adams
and to Mr. Crawford, that, being at the head of
two of the principal executive departments of
the government, both propriety and expediency
forbid sanctioning the principle and the prece-
dent, that the president should be taken, as a
matter of course, from the constitutional advi-
ser of the executive. It was urged with great
effect, that—“Reflecting men could not but see
that a struggle for the presidency, between the
principal secretaries, was fraught with much
evil to the nation, inasmuch as it must distract
the harmony of her councils, if it did not endan-
ger the integrity of her functionaries, and jeo-
pardize her peace and reputation. Besides
these mischiefs, to select one of the secretaries,
was to continue the same influence in office,
which virtually would be a departure from the
maxim that rotation in office was essential to
the preservation of the republic. For, to change
the man, and to retain the influence, would be
to repose upon the shadow, and to abandon the
substance. These considerations determined
many of the most reflecting citizens of the coun-
try, to adopt the opinion that no member of the
36
422 APPENDIx.
present executive cabinet ought to be selected
to succeed Mr. Monroe, and this determination
was formed without any respect for the talents
or characters, of the incumbents themselves.
It rested upon PUBLIC PRINCIPLE, and upon PUBLIC
DUTY-and upon these alone.” [Eatract of a
circular address, issued by JMr. Clays friends,
from a public meeting held at Columbus, Ohio,
July 15, 1824.] In another part of the same
address, it is stated to be the first object with
Mr. Clay's friends to prevent one of the cabinet
from being placed in the presidential chair;
“not in reference to the men, but to the princi-
ple.” A further objection was urged—“The
great power and immense patronage, which is
absolutely vested in, or indirectly exercised by,
the heads of the state and treasury depart-
*ments, afford opportunities for intrigue and
electioneering, no where else to be found in the
nation, at all times sufficient to create the most
powerful parties, and distract and paralize the
operations of government. And it is now too
apparent to the whole union, any longer to be
concealed or disguised, that if either of these
gentlemen (Messrs. Adams and Crawford)
should succeed to the presidency, the nation
would be literally distracted with two conten-
ding parties, losing sight of the interests of the
people, in a virulent and selfish contest for pow-
er.” [Extract from the address of the Jackson
committee of correspondence, for the state of
Ohio, dated September 13, 1824.] It was also
objected to §r. Crawford, “not in reference to
the man, but to the principle,” that he had been
APPENDIX. 423
hominated by a congressional caucus, and urged
upon the people, as the only regularly nomina-
ted candidate. - - ºg
To Mr. Clay it was objected, that, although
possessing great powers as a parliamentary ora-
tor, and of facinating elocution, yet he had not
evinced those solid talents and that consisten-
ey of purpose, which are essential in the char-
acter of a safe and prudent statesman, and that,
being much younger than either of his competi-
tors, and having the least prospect of success,
no public consideration seemed to be involved
in his pretentions, at that time. Of the last ob-
jection, it was said—“Mr. Clay is much youn-
ger than either of his competitors, and eight
3years hence, will be younger than the present or
any former president, when first entering on
the duties of that office. It has ever been the
policy, as it has been the settled practice of the
American people, to select the chief magis-
trate of the republic from the vener ABLE sages of
THE NATION; and in making the selection, to
prefer that man, whose age, long experience,
and great public services, give a commanding
dignity to office, and are calculated to insure
the respect of foreign powers. This policy is
founded in the soundest maxims of political ex-
pediency, and as its practical operation has
largely contributed to raise the nation to a high
rank in the contemplation of the world,
it can not be doubted, that it comports with the
genius and stability of our government.” [Ad-
dress of the Jackson, committee for Ohio, Sep-
tember 13, 1824.] … -

424 APPENDix.
In support of the subject of these memoirs,
it was contended, that—“To general Jackson,
none of these objections would apply. Full of
years and of glory, “by a life devoted to honor-
able pursuits,” he is not only older than any of
his competitors, but HE Is THE LAST OF THAT VEN-
ERABLE BAND of RevolutionARY PATRIOTs, who
can or ever will be offered to the nation, as a
candidate for the highest office in her gift.—
Standing exclusively upon his own merits and
upon the affections and gratitude of his country,
for whose liberty he has fought and bled, and
for whose security and independence he has
conquered; no congressional caucus has been
held to sustain and give character to his cause;
—no cabinet influence has been employed to
promote his election. But, unaided by any such
or other improper means, he is emphatically
the CANDnoATE OF THE PEOPLE: to whom alone
he looks for support, and from whom alone do
his friends expect success, and anticipate his
elevation to the head of the government.” [Ad-
dress of the Jackson committee for Ohio.] It
was, however, urged against gen. Jackson, that,
although a good general and a sucsessful mili-
tary captain, he did not possess the necessary
qualifications to administer the civil govern-
ment. The same objection was formerly rais-
ed to gen. Washington, previous to his first
election to the presidency, and honourably and
judiciously negatived by the people The dif-
ficulties which gen. Jackson has had to encoun-
counter, and the obstacles which stood in the
Way of his success, in the performance of his
APPENDIx. 425
military duties, were overcome by the exercise
of the highest order of talents, the soundest
judgment, and by a prudence and discretion
which no circumstances could embarrass, no
dangers could dissipate. The same powers
and qualities of mind, transferred to the direc-
tion of the civil administration of our public af.
fairs, would be found as pre-eminently useful in
the conduct and management of government.
This objection was met by the committee for .
Ohio, in the following popular language:—“But
of Jackson it may, and we trust will be said, as
it has been remarked of the illustrious father of
his country, “Mars and Minerva had been his tu-
tors, but with the Graces he had never studied;
yet the people did not hesitate to confide in him
the direction of their affairs. They did it from
no particular knowledge of his talents as a civil-
ian, but from a belief that a good soldier would
readily make a good statesman; that the pilot
who could safely guide his ship through a peril-
ous storm, might well be confided in when the
tempest had ceased, and a calm prevailed. The
trial proved their hopes correct, and in peace
he was ascertained to be the same able and
faithful guardian he was in war.” The evidence
of general Jackson's abilities, as a statesman,
are, at least, equally strong and conclusive.-
With more experience in the civil departments
of government, like Washington, he has met and
conquered the embattled enemies of his coun-
try; secured the rich blessings of peace, by pro-
tecting and preserving the honour of the nation;
and acquired a fame as imperishable as it is
36
426 APPENDIX.
brilliant, and lasting as the gratitude and glory
of freemen.”
It was under these circumstances, the last
presidential election was submitted to the can-
did consideration and impartial judgment of the
American people; and the result, so far as they
were permitted to take a part in the canvass,
or their opinion was suffered to have an influ-
ence, was alike honorable to themselves, and
to the object of their choice. Of the whole num-
ber of electoral votes, general Jackson received
99; Mr. Adams 84; Mr. Crawford 41; and Mr.
Clay 37. These votes were cast as follows:
Jackson, Adams. Crawford. Clay.
Maine ,” 9 • .
New-Hampshire 8
Vermont 7.
Massachusetts 15
Connecticut v: 8
Rhode Island - 4
New-York, I 26
New-Jersey 8
Pennsylvania. 28 -
Maryland 7 3 1
Lelaware 1 2
TNorth Carolina 15 w”
South Carolina 1 1 -
Georgia 9
Ohio 16
Indiana 5 r
Illinois 2 f
Missouri • , 3
Kentucky 14
Tennessee 11
Alabama - 5
Mississippi 3
Louisiana º 3
Total 99 84 41 37.
5
4
APī’ENDIX. © 427
From this view of the result, it appears gen-
eral Jackson received a majority of, or the en-
tire electoral votes, of eleven states; Mr. Adams,
of seven; Mr. Crawford, of three; and Mr. Clay,
of three. Of the electors, those of Vermont,
New-York, Delaware, South Carolina, Georgia,
and Louisiana, were chosen by the respective
state legislatures; those of the other states,
were elected by the people, either in districts,
or by general ticket. The result of the popular
vote, in those states, where the electors were
chosen by the people, was as follows: -
Jackson. Adams. Crawford. Clay,
Maine 6,870 2,380
New-Hampshire 4,107 643
Massachusetts 30 687 6,616
Connecticut 7,587 1,978
Rhode Island 2,145 200
New-Jersey 10 985 9,110 1,196.
Pennsylvania 36,100 5.440 4,206 1,690
Maryland 14,523 14,632 3,646 695
Virginia 2,861 3,189 8,489 4 16
North Carolina 20,415 - 15,621
Ohio 18,489 12,280 19,255
Indiana 7,343 3.095 5,315
Illinois 1,901 1,542 219 1,047
Missouri 987 3.11 1.401
Kentucky 6 453 16,782
Tennessee 20, 197 216 312
Alabama 9,443 2,417 1,680 67
Mississippi 3,254 1,694 119
Total 152,951 105,322 47,305 46,668
This table has been formed from statements
made in the current newspapers of the time,
and is believed to be substantially correct.—
The popular sentiment of the nation was thus
428 APPENDIX.
decidedly expressed in favour of general Jack-
son. Of these eighteen states, general Jackson
received a plurality, or a majority of votes, in
eight; Mr. Adams, in six; Mr. Crawford, in one;
and Mr. Clay, in three: and of the aggregate
votes, general Jackson received 47,629 more
than Mr. Adams; 58,978 more than Messrs.
Crawford and Clay; 96 I more than Messrs.
Adams and Clay; and 324 more than Messrs.
Adams and Crawford. But as no person had
received a majority of all the electoral votes,
the election was referred, under the provisions
of the federal constitution, to the house of repre-
sentatives in congress; each state having one
vote, to be given by the members of the respec-
tive states—the selection to be made from the
three highest candidates, Messrs. Jackson, Ad-
ams, and Crawford.
It was not expected, under the circumstances
of the case, by those who had dispassionately .
reflected on the subject, that the house of repre-
sentatives, acting in behalf of the people of
the several states, would assume to them-
selves the high responsibility of placing in
the presidential chair, either Mr. Adams or Mr.
Crawford. General Jackson having obtained
ifteen electoral votes more than Mr. Adams,
and fifty-eight more than Mr. Crawford, and of
the direct votes of the people, an excess over
both; every public consideration, every motive
of public policy, and the great fundamental
principle of all our republican institutions, uni-
ted in favor of the most popular candidate.—
The authority vested in the house of represen-
APPENDIX. 429
tatives, to elect a president, on a failure of the
colleges of electors, is not an arbitrary, but a
discretionary power. to be exercised according
to the expressed or implied will of the people;
and in no case contrary to the general sentiment
of the nation. Any other interpretation of the
constitution, would be inconsistent with the ge-
nius of the government, subversive of the rights
of the citizen, and dangerous, in its remotest
consequences, to the civil liberty of the country.
But without considering the manifest inconsis-
tency and impropriety, as also the injustice and
dereliction of principle, of selecting that can-
didate who had obtained less than one-third, in
preference to another who had received nearly
two-fifths of all the electoral votes; the power-
ful and democratic state of Pennsylvania, to-
gether with New-Jersey, Maryland, Ohios Ken-
tucky, and the entire western states, had sol-
emnly protested against continuing the line of
cabinet succession any further. The sentiment
of Pennsylvania was proclaimed from the Har-
risburg convention. “For twenty-four years,
none but a secretary of the cabinet has been
elevated to the presidency. We do not object
to the distinguished democrats who have hol-
den, or are now contending for this station; but
we do object to the uninterrupted continuance
of a secretary dynasty. The period has surely
arrived, when a president should be elected
from the ranks of the people. If it has not, how
soon will the secretaries claim, by usage and
prescription, the exclusive right of nomination,
and, from the powerful patronage in their gifts,
430 APPENDIX.
may be but too likely to obtain it? This arti-
ficial system qf cabinet succession to the presi-
dency, is little less dangerous and anti-republi-
can, than the hereditary monarchies of Europe.
If a link in this chain of secretary dynasties
can not be broken now, then may we be fettered
by it forever. Andrew Jackson comes pure,
untrammelled, and unpledged, from the bosom
of the people.” The language of Maryland
was not less direct and positive on the subject.
“If the precedent should be consecrated by an-
other elevation of the secretary of state to the
presidency, the chief magistrate of the nation,
in effect, elects the president when he nominates
this secretary; and the secretary, with a view
to the prospective ascent, is thus tempted, and
enabled from his already high position in the
nation, to create and command an influence
bearing upon the great object of his ambition,
which no other individual can have at his dis-
posal. The crisis demands a man from among
the peopl.:—perfectly free and disentangled
from all connections with the cabinet; unstain-
ed by any of its intrigues, and unsoiled by any
of its errors or corruptions; unfettered by any
pledges to favorites or political parasites, who
have helped him to power, and claim their re-
ward—a man who, when he comes into the con-
stitutional possession of power, will fearlessly
scrutirize every department of the government,
expose and correct its errors, and reform the long
list of abuses, which time and CABINET succes-
sions have introduced and sanctioned.” [Ad-
dress of the Jackson committee to the people of
APPENDIX. - 431
JMaryland, Aug. 17, 1824.] These sentiments
prevailed to a great extent, in almost every
state of the Union, and it was believed would
have a powerful influence on the members of
congress; notwithstanding it was asserted, in a
circular address of Mr. Clay's friends in Ken-
tucky, but a few months previous, that if the
election of president should devolve on the house
of representatives—“The voice of the people
will be no more heard in the contest. All will
be carried by influence and intrigue, bargain
and management. He who has the most exten-
sive means of influence, and will promise the
most favours, will have the prospect of success;
and the nation will receive the president, not
from the pure hands of the people, but from a
club of political managers and intriguers.” •
On the 9th of February, 1825, the house of
representatives proceeded to the election of
President, and on the first ballot, Mr. Adams
received the votes of the following states:—
Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachu-
setts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York,
Maryland, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky,
and Louisiana, -13, and was elected. Gener-
al Jackson received the votes of Pennsylvania,
New Jersey, South Carolina, Indiana, Tennes-
see, Alabama, and Mississippi, 7; and Mr.
Crawford, those of Virginia, Delaware, North
Carolina, and Georgia, 4. This result, so un-
expected to the nation, and so contrary to those
republican maxims, by which our whole politi-
cal system is sustained, produced an instanta-
neous burst of feeling and indignation through-
432 APPENDIX.
out the union. Imputations of the most serious
character, were immediately cast upon the mo-
tives of Mr. Clay and other members of con-
gress, who were supposed to have procured the
election of Mr. Adams, against the declared
voice of the people. The appointment of Mr.
Clay to the department of state, on the 5th of
March following, by Mr. Adams, increased that
feeling, and excited strong suspicions, that some
improper arrangement had been previously
made, by their respective friends, for the mutual
benefit of both. Subsequent events have
strengthened these suspicions, rather than di-
minished them. On no sound principle can the
conduct of those members be defended, who
gave the states of Maryland, Ohio, Illinois, Mis-
souri, Kentucky, and Louisiana to Mr. Adams.
No public considerations will justify or excuse
it. These states had given to general Jackson,
12 electoral votes, and 42,353 votes of the peo-
ple; and to Mr Adams, only 6 electoral votes,
and 28.765 of the votes of the people. -
Within a few months after the result of those
extraordinary proceedings was first made
known to the nation, numerous meetings of the
people were held in the western, and some of
the Atlantic states, on the subject of the alarm-
ing crisis of our political affairs; at which the
conduct of those who had been chiefly instru-
mental in procuring the elevation of Mr. Adams
was severely censured, and ANDREw Jackson
again nominated as a candidate for the Presi-
dency. So rapidly did the public sentiment
unite and concentrate upon this illustrious citi-

AppENDIX. - 433
Zen, as the immediate successor of the present
incumbent, that the apprehensions of the new
cabinet, superseded the dictates of prudence,
and an organized Swstem of proscription and
denunciation, emanating from the principal de-
partments of the government, succeeded to the
liberal and magnanimous policy of previous ad-
ministrations. None but active partizans and
supporters of the executive and the secretary
of state, were appointed to office. The selfish
passions of leading politicians were appealed to,
and offices of high trust and great responsibili-
ty, were bestowed upon those whose principal
merit consisted in a submissive compliance to
official domination. The independence of the *
press was assailed, by withdrawing the publi-
cation of the laws from those journals which’
would not submit to the slavery and drudgery
of indiscriminate praise, or censure, as the ca-
price or policy of men in power should dictate,
and transfered to others of limited circulation,
and entirely subservient of the views of govern-
ment. With this preparation to direct and con-
trol public opinion, those papers under the im-
mediate influence of administration, or that of
its subordinate officers, commenced and have
continued a series of attacks upon the charac-
ters of many of the most distinguished and pa-
triotic men in the nation, who have had tº
courage to exercise the freedom and indepf ſº
dence of speech and opinion, and the firifºss
to withstand the terrors of executive influence.
In this crusade apon private character and the
motives of public conduct, the peputation of
- - 37 ‘. . .


434 - APPENDIX.
general Jackson, as a citizen, soldier, and civi-
lian, has been most wantonly and cruelly assail-
ed, and even the sanctuary of his domestic
peace, has not escaped the calumny of official
spleen and envy. Those great achievements
and most important public services, for winich
he has received the thanks and approbation of
every patriot citizen, and which have given
to himself and his country a name and a praise
among the nations of the earth, have been im-
puted to motives alike unjust and dishonour:ble.
A disposition for arbitrary power, has been at-
tributed to the political disciple of Jefferson and
the gallant defender of New Orleans; and of
wanton cruelty, to the protector of our southern
frontier from the bloody scenes of savage inas-
sacre, and the appalling horrors of the Indian
tomahawk and scalping knife. 'I he se unjust
and unwarrantable attacks upon the motives
and character of the man, who stood forth the
efficient champion of his country and its rights,
“in the hour of its most fearful extremity,” at
length aroused the sensibilities of the nation,
and produced a reaction upon the public mind,
as just as it was powerful, and honourable to
freemen. “That country is fated to infamy and
ruin, that will not defend the character and pro-
teet the fame of its greatest benefactor.” In-
ºatitude, the reproach of republics, belongs
to America. •
That the merits and qualifications of candi-
dates for public office or popular favour, and
their conduct in life.so far as the public are con-
Cerned, should be the subjects of free discus-


APPENDIX. 435.
sion and strict inquiry, is admitted to be essen-
tial to the proper exercise of the elective fran-
chise. It is the right of the citizen, and can not
be yielded without a virtual surrender of one of
the highest privileges of freemen. The motives
and conduct of general Jackson, therefore,
while engaged in the public service, whether
in civil or military capacities, are interesting to
the nation, and should be examined with can-
dour and discussed with moderation. As a
candidate for the first office in the republic,
he is entitled to the impartial judgement of his
countrymen. But the spirit of the times, and
the rivalship of competition, arising out of the
controversy, has excited feelings unpropitious to
calm and dispassionate inquiry. His motives
have been arraigned and his conduct and cha-
racter misrepresented, to an extent unpreceden-
ted in the history of this country. That portion
of the public press, which has been patronised
and partially supported by government, has in-
duiged in a licentious course of crimination,
from no apparent motive, but that of elevating
a rival candidate on the ruins of his competi-
tor. A series of accusations, embracing the
events of his life for nearly forty years, have
been made and reiterated, in every part of the
union where the influence of the administration
has been sufficient to control the press. PXag-
gerated statements of facts, have been connect-
ed with assertions having no foundation in truth,
to create an impression on the public mind, that
this distinguished citizen and patriot is unwor-
thy the confidence and gratitude of his country.
436 Appendix.
Among the accusations which have been
urged upon the consideration of the American
people, to prejudice the public mind against his
character, is that of a disposition for arbitrary
power; in enforcing martial law throughout the
city of New Orleans and its environs, and the
consequent suspension of the writ of habeas cor-
pus, pending his defence of that place; and his
invasion of Florida, and the consequent occu-
pation of St. Marks and Pensacola, during the
Seminole war. Of his motives for declaring
martial law, his own declarations are entitled
to much weight and consideration; and in justi-
fication of his conduct, on that occasion, it is
proper he should be heard in his own defence.
in conversing with a gentleman, on this subject,
a short time after the peace, he said—“I very
well knew the extent of my powers, and that
it was far short of that which necessity and my .
situation required. I determined, therefore, to
venture boldly forth, and to pursue a course cor-
respondent to the difficulties that pressed upon
me. I had an anxious solicitude to wipe off
the stigma cast upon my country by the destruc-
tion of the capitol. If New Orleans were ta-
ken, I well knew that new difficulties would
arise, and every effort be made to retain it; and
that if regained, blood and treasure would be
the sacrifice. My determination, therefore,
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 calculating politicians, ignorant of
the difficulties that surrounded me, would con-
APPENDIx. 437
demn my course; but this was not material,—
What became of me, was of no consequence.
If disaster did come, I expected not to survive
it; but if a successful defence could be made,
I felt assured that my country, in the objects
attained, would lose sight of, and forget the
means that had been employed.” [See 370th
page of this work] His own reasoning, in jus-
tification of that strong but necessary measure,
is no less satisfactory to every impartial mind.
In answer to the address of the New Orleans
battalion of uniform companies, dated, March
16, 1815, in which his declaration of martial
law is mentioned in terms of approbation, he
thus expresses himself:-“The first wish of my
heart, the safety of my country, has been accom-
plished; and it affords me the greatest happi-
ness to know, that the means taken to secure
this object, have met the approbation of those
who have had the best opportunities of judging
of their propriety, and who, from their various
relations, might be supposed the most ready to
censure any which had been improperly resort-
ed to. Whenever the invaluable rights which
we enjoy, underoar happy constitution are threat-
ened by invasion, privileges the most dear, and
which in ordinary times ought to be regarded
as the most sacred, may be required to be in-
fringed for their security. At such a crisis, we
have only to determine whether we wili sºts-
pend, for a time, the exercise of the latter, that
we may secure the permanent enjoyment of the
former, is it wise, in such a moment, to sacri-
fice the spirit of the laws to the letter, and, by
37
438 - APPENBix.
adhering too strictly to the letter, lose the sub-
stance forever, in order that we may, for an in-
stant, preserve the shadow? It is not to be ima-
gined, that the express provisions of any writ-
ten law can fully embrace emergencies, which
suppose and occasion the suspension of all law,
but the highest and last, that of self preserva-
tion. No right is more precious to a freeman
than that of suffrage; but had your election
taken place on the 8th of January, would your
declaimers have advised you to abandon the
defence of your country, in order to exercise this
inestimable privilege at the polls? Is it to be
suppºsed that your general, if he regarded the
important frtist committed to his charge, would
have permitted you to preserve the constitution
by an act which would have involved constitu-
tion, country, and honour, in one undistinguish-
ed ruin? What is more justly important than
personal liberty? Yet how can the civil enjoy-
ment of this privilege be made to consist with
the order, subordination, and discipline of a
camp? Let the sentinel be removed by subpoe-
na from his post; let writs of habeas corpus car-
ry away the officers from the lines, and the ene-
my may conquer your country, by only employ-
ing lawyers to defend your constitution. Pri-
vate property is held sacred in all good govern-
ments, and particularly in our own; yet, shall
the fear of invading it, prevent a general from
marching his army over a corn-field, or burning
a house which protects an enemy?”
“These and a thousand other instances might
be cited, to show that laws must sometimes be
APPENDix. 435
- The only ques-
tion with the friend of his country will be, have
these laws been made to be silent wantonly and
unnecessarily 2 If necessity dictated the meas-
ure; if a resort to it was important for the pres-
ervation of those rights which we esteem to be
dear, and in defence of which we had so wil-
lingly taken up arms, surely it would not have
been becoming in the commander in chief, to
have shrunk from the responsibility which it in-
volved. He did not shrink from it. In declar-
ing martial law, his object, and his only object,
was, to embody the whole resources of the
country for its defence. The law, while it ex-
isted, necessarily suspended all rights and pri-
vileges inconsistent with its provisions. It is a
matter of surprise, that they who boast them-
selves the champions of those rights and privi-
leges should not, when they were first put in
danger by the proclamation of martial law, have
manifested that lively sensibility of which they
have since made so ostentatious a display. So
far, however, was this from being the case, that
this measure not only met, then, the open sup-
port of those who, when their country was in-
vaded, thought resistance a virtue, and the si-
lent approbation of all; but even the particular
recommendation and encouragement of many
who now inveigh the most bitterly against it.—
It was not until a victory, secured by that very
measure, had lessened the danger which occa-
sioned a resort to it, that the present feeling
guardians of our rights discovered that the com-
manding general ought to have suffered his post
* * - g +
silent. when necessit” speaks
is a wº. ~ 9 * • * ~ * * ~, $1.3 kJ
* * ... t \-, i. i. tº jº tº ºf * * * * º
440 APPENDIX.
to be abandoned through the interference of a
foreign agent—his ranks to be thinned by deser-
tion, and his whole army to be broken to pieces
by mutiny; while yet a powerful force of the en-
emy remained on your coast, and within a few
hours' sail of your city. I thought and acted
differently. It was not until I discovered that
the civil power stood no longer in the need of
the military for its support, that I restored to it
its usual functions; and the restoration was not
delayed a moment after that period arrived.”
The man who can feel and act as general
Jackson did on that perilous and trying occa-
sion, can have no motive but that of the purest
and most disinterested patriotism; no disposition
but to put forth his whole energies in defence of
his country. The responsibility which he as-
sumed, was fearful and tremendous. His life,
his fortune, and his fame, were risked upon the
most hazardous enterprise. Few men, in any
country, have manifested such devotion to the
public safety; and few men could have stood,
unawed and unappalled, amidst such a compli-
cation of surrounding difficulties and dangers.
Yet he met them all, with a solemn conviction
that, if disaster did come, he should not survive it.
What has been imputed to him, therefore, as an
arbitrary disposition, on a close examination,
will be found to be, promptness in decision, firm-
ness of purpose, and an unalterable determina-
tion to succeed in the defence of his country, or
perish in the attempt. Such a character, in-
stead of meriting the censures of the press, and
the reproaches of civilians, is worthy the high-
APPENDIX. 441
est honours and the noblest rewards of a grate-
ful people. It would have honoured Greece in
the proudest days of her republics. .
The invasion of Florida, and the occupation
of St. Marks and Pensacola, by the American
army under his command, during the Seminole
war, has also been brought forward as evidence.
of an arbitrary disposition, and a desire to accu-
mulate power in his own hands. His conduct
throughout that campaign, was fully examined
by congress; justified by Mr. Monroe and his
administration; and has received the approba-
tion of the nation. He found the frontier bleed-
ing at every pore. The merciless savage, insti-
gated by British agents, had spread death and
desolation among the settlements, by the indis-
criminate massacre of men, women, and chil-
dren. He traced the footsteps of the enemy,
marked by the blood of his innocent and unof-
fending victims, to the Spanish line, and to the
forts and garrisons of Florida; where aid and
succour had been afforded him, and where shel-
ter and protection were given and received,
contrary to existing treaties, and in direct viola-
tion of the law of nations. Every consideration
of public duty, required of Jackson the most
prompt pursuit of the enemy, wherever assist-
ance or protection was afforded him; and the
laws of war, under the circumstances of the
case, justified him in passing into the Spanish
territory for that purpose. A neutral country
loses all its rights, as such, the moment it takes
part in a war between the belligerents of other
nations. A distinguished member of congress,
442 APPENDºx.
(Mr. Baldwin, of Pennsylvania.) who took part
in the debate on the Seulinole war. expressed,
the opinion, that “General Jackson, in the wilds
of Florida, better understood the laws of na-
tions, and the constitution of his country, than
gentlemen of this house who had been so long
discussing the propriety of his conduct.” The
hostile Indians, with whom the United States
were at war, resided principally within the Span-
ish territory; and, with the exception of a few
settlements and military posts, the whole of that
country was in their possession. They held the
sovereignty in fact, though Spain claimed it;
but her authority was neither respected nor
maintained, even in appearance. General
Jackson, in his communications with the war
department, justifies his conduct, “on the immu-
table principles of self-defence, authorised by
the law of nature and of nations.” On this prin-
ciple he bottoms all his operations: On the fact,
that the Spanish officers had aided and abetted
the Indian enemy, and therefore became a party
in hostilities against us, does he justify his oc-
cupying the Spanish fortresses. Spain had dis-
regarded the treaties existing with the Ameri-
can government, or had not power to enforce
them. The Indian tribes within her territory,
and which she was bottnd to keep at peace, had
visited our citizens with all the horrors of sav-
age war. Negro brigands were establishing
themselves when and where they pleased, and
foreign agents were openly and knowingly prac-
tising their intrigues in this neutral territory.—
The immutable principles of self-defence justi-
APPENDIX. 443
fied, therefore, the occupancy of the Floridas;
a hiſ the Sºuthe principle wiil warrant the Amer-
ican government in holding it, until such time as
Spain can guarantee, by an adequate military
force, the maintaining of her authority within
the colony. [Letter ºf Jackson to the secretary
of war. June 2.]
But the jàstification of general Jackson's con-
duct on that occasion, does not depend entirely
on his own defence of it. A complete and un-
qualified justification, is to be found in the offi-
cial instructions from Mr. A dams, then secreta-
ry of state, to the American minister at the
court of Mła rid, dated, November 28, 1818.-
The Spanish monarch had demanded of our
minister at Viadrid, a disavowal, by the Ameri-
can government, of these acts of general Jackson;
the infliction upon him of some Stritable punish-
men, for his spposed miscon luct, and a resti-
tution of the posts and territory taken by him.—
To these deman, is, the letter of instructions
were intended to be a reply, and was according-
ly directed to be communicated in extenso, with
the accompanying doctºments, to the Spanish
government. Mr. Adams, in that letter of in-
strictions, after stating the facts and circum-
stances which rendered the occupation of Flor-
ida, by general Jackson, both necessary and
justifiable, makes the following declaration of
the views and opinion of the American govern-
ment, on that subject. “He [general Jackson]
took possession, therefore, of Pensacola, and of
the fort of Barrancas, as he had done of St.
Marks, not in a spirit of hostility to Spain, but
444 APPENDIX.
as a necessary measure of self defence; giving
notice that they should ire restored whenever
Spain should place commanders and a force
there, airie and willing to fulfil the engagements
of Spain towards the United States, of restrain-
ing, by force, the florida Indians from hostili-
ties against their citizens. The president of the
United States, to give a signal manifestation of
his confidence in the disposition of the king of
Spain, to perform with good faith this indispen-
sai)le engagement, and to demonstrate to the
world, that neither the desire of conquest nor
hostility to Spain, had any influence in the coun-
cils of the United States, has directed the un-
conditional restoration, to any Spanish officer
daily authorized to receive them, of Pensacola
and the Barraneas, and that of St. Marks to
any Spanish force adequate for its defence,
against the attack of the savages. But the
president will neither inflict punishment, nor
pass censure “pon general Jackson, for that con-
duct, the motives for which were founded in the
purest patriotism. of the necessity for which he
had the most immediate and effectual means of
forming a judgment, and the vindication of which
is written in every page of the law of nations, as
well as in the first law of 7tature, SELF DEFENCE.”
Instructions are then given “to demand of the
Spanish government, that inquiry shall be insti-
tuted into the conduct of Don Jose Masot, go-
Vernor of Pensacola, and of Don Francisco C.
Luengo, commandant of St. Marks. and a suit-
able prinishment inflicted upon them, for having,
in defiance and violation of the engagements of
‘ĀppENDfx. 445
$pain with the United States, aided and assist-
eti these hordes of savages, in those very hos-
tiłities against the United States, which it was
their official duty to restrain.”
Very great exertions have been made, by the
political opponents of general Jackson, and by
those who are envious of his fame. or jealous of
his popularity, to fix upon him the charge of
wANToN cRUELTY, for approving the sentence of
a court martial, in pursuance of which six mili-
tia soldiers of Tennessee were executed at Mo-
bile, in the beginning of the year 1815, for mu-
tiny and desertion; in causing the Indian chie's
to be executed, for murders and butcheries of
innocent Americans who had unfortunately fal-
len into their power; and in directing the exe-
cution of Arbºrthnot and Ambrister, two Eng-
lishmen, for exciting, aiding, and assisting the
I dians to make war upon our defenceless fron-
tier. With what justice or propriety these ac-
cisations have been made, it is difficult to per-
ceive. They were all cases of aggravated
crime, without any circumstances of extenua-
tion and requiring the nost prompt and rigorous
piºnishment. Namerous instances of the inflip-
tion of capital punishment,for mutiny and deser-
tion, are to be found in the records of the revoln-
tionary war, and of the execution of tories aſid
others, for aiding and assisting the enemy. Many
of these suffered death without the formality of a
trial, or any of the ceremonies of a defence. Yet
"Washington, La Favette, Greene, and Wayne,
by whose orders and directions these punish-
ments were inflicted, have never been charged
38
446 APPENDIX,
with wanton cruelty; nor did they ever mer;
st;ch an imputation. The discipline of a camp,
the rules and articles of war, and the law of na-
tions, require and justify instances of rigorous
justice, as examples of terror to others. Human-
ity herself sometimes resorts to these expedients,
to prevent the repetition of crime, and to pre-
serve her own influence over the events of war.
The execution of the deserter, by lieutenant
Reed, and of the ringleaders of the mutiny in
the Jersey brigade, under the special and posi-
itive orders of general Washington. without
even the preliminary formalities of a trial;-of
James Grant, a soldier of the Virginia line, for
exciting mutiny, by general La Fayette;—of the
7militia man, for simply going home to see his
wife and children, without leave, by general
Greene;—of William Fitzpatrick, a soldier of
the Pennsylvania line, for marauding, by gene-
ral Wayne;—and of Walter Butler, and many
others, for exciting the Indians to hostilities
against the country; are all cases which occur-
red in the war of the revolution, and were never
urged as instances of wanton cruelty, against
those illustrious patriots, under whose orders
these punishments were inflicted. A candid
and impartial examination of the cases which
occurred under general Jackson, will exhibit his
character as free from any just imputation of
cruelty, as that of Washington, La Fayette,
Greene, or Wayne. The strongest necessity,
and the imperious dictates of public duty, re-
quired of general Jackson these examples of
rigid and retributive justice, at his hands, and
APPENDIX. -- 44%
it can not be said, that, in any case, humanity
has suffered, or that mercy has been offended.
The case of the six Tennessee militia, was
one of the most dangerous and extensive in-
stances of mutiny and desertion. which has ever
occurred in the United States, since the declara-
tion of Independence. About two hundred were:
found guilty, by a court martial composed exclu-
sively of militia officers, and, of the whole num-
ber, only six suffered the punishment of the
law; the remainder were pardoned. General
Jackson was engaged in preparing for the de-
fence of New Orleans, was more than three hun-
dred miles distant from the court, during its
whole session; and the only agency which he
had in the case, was to authorize the trial of
these offenders, and subsequently to approve
of the sentence of the court. The facts and
circumstances of this case, have been briefly
detailed by colonel Pipkin, the commander of
the regiment to which these mutineers belong-
ed, in an affidavit of his, from which the follow-
ing statement is extracted:—“The regiment
which I commanded was mustered into service
under an act of congress, for a term of six
months duty, on the 20th June, 1814, and order-
ed to garrison the different posts in the Creek
nation. In the latter end of August, or the first
of September, I discovered a mutinous disposi-
tion in my regiment, as well at fort Jackson
where I had established my head quarters, as
at other posts, but I had no proof that would jus-
tify my prefering charges, until a soldier by the
name of Hunt, made a public declaration that
443 APPENDIX.
he would go home, at the expiration of three
months, or die in the attempt. I then wrote to
general Jackson, at Mobile, and requested him
to order a court martial for the trial of said
Hunt, which he did, but the order did not come
to hand until after the mutinous party of my
regiment, had released him from under guard;
who, with him, deserted on the 26th of Septem-
, ber, 1814. A short time previous to this, the
same party demolished the bake house, destroy-
ed the oven, and did many other disorderly and
mutinous acts. The day previous to, their de-
Sertion, a large number paraded armed, and
marched towards the commissary’s stores. I
ordered them to disperse, but my order was
disregarded, and they forced the guard station-
ed for the protection of the stores. The com-
missary anticipating their design, closed and
locked the door; but that did not restrain
them, for one of the men (who was afterwards
shot by sentence of the court marshal) immedi-
ately snatched up, a pick axe and cut the door
off the hinges. They then entered the house,
and took out eleven barrels of flour, and made
public proclamation to all who intended...going
home, to come forward and draw rations, which
they did. They afterwards, proceeded to the
bullock pen, and shot down two beeves, and the
balance taking fright, broke the pen and run
some distance, where they killed a third. They
then returned to the fort and completed their
arrangements to start home, as before stated,
to the number of about two hundred. I imme-
diately reported to general Jackson the situa:
arrendix. 449
tion of my command, and the manner of my
proceeding. Shortly aſter, I received orders
from the general, directing me, that if I had not
already arrested them, to use every exertion
in my power to do so, and have them brought
back for trial. A part of them were arrested,
and a court martial ordered to be convened for
their trial, by lieutenant-colonel Arbuckle
(acting under the orders of general Jackson) at
Mobile, and to consist of five members and
two supernumeraries. Lieutenant-colonel Per-
kins of the Mississippi, militia, was appointed
president of the court, and lieutenant Robeson,
judge advocate. I was ordered to detail the
balance of the court from the militia troops of
the state of Tennessee, and to order on the wit-
nesses, for the trial of the prisoners of my regi-
ment, to Mobile; also to make out charges and
specifications against them, which I did. On
the 4th of December, I received notice from
colonel Perkins, that the court martial was or-
ganized. It commenced with the trial of cap-
tain Strother, and continued from day to day
until all the prisoners were tried. In this busi-
mess, general Jackson had but little to do. It is
true, that at my request, he ordered a court mar-
tial, and appointed the president and judge ad-
vocate, who were both very respectable and
intelligent men; but the balance of the court
were detailed by me. Nor was general Jack-
son present, or even in Mobile, at the time the
prisoners were tried or executed, for I have al-
ways understood and believe. that he had reach-
ed the city of New Orleans, before the court was
38.*
450 - APPENDIx.
organized, where he remained until the restora-
tion of peace.” - -
The executions of the two Indian warriors,
and the two Englishmen, were called for by
every sense of justice, by the dictates of pru-
dence, and by every principle of legitimate
warfare. Their fate is justified by the laws of
nature and of nations, and humanity, clothed in
all the attributes of mercy, while she weeps
over the consequences of their crimes, yields
to the stern mandates of justice. Hamathle
Micco, was the Indian chief who presided at
the inhuman murder of lieutenant Scott and his
party. He had been guilty of the most atro-
cious cruelties, and was executed, not as an ene-
my only, but as the blood-stained murderer of
our defenceless men, women, and children.—
Hillis Hajo, was the master spirit of the tribes,
more ferocious in his barbarities, and refined in
his cruelties; uniting the character of brigadier-
general in the British army, with that of a pro-
phet, “the crucifix of whose religion, is the tom-
ahawk and scalping knife; the libations to
whose worship is the blood of the white man.”
Arburthnot had long been actively engaged in
exciting and stirring up the Creeks to hostilities
against the United States, and in supporting
them with the means of war. Ambrister led
and commanded the lower Creeks, and was
present at Some of the sanguinary scenes of In-
dian barbarity, which had been marked with
the extremest cruelty. Of the guilt of these in-
human monsters, no doubt has ever been enter-
tained. The evidence against them consists
APPENDIx. - 451
of the most irrefragable proof. In reviewing
this part of the subject, after detailing the
crimes of these wretches, and the circumstan-
ces of their guilt, Mr. Adams, in his letter of
instructions to the American minister at Madrid,
expresses himself in the following strong and
eloquent language:—“If the bare recital of
scenes like these can not be perused without
shuddering, what must be the agonized feelings
of those whose wives and children are, from
day to day, and from night to night, exposed to
be the victims of the same barbarity | Has
mercy a voice to plead for the perpetrators
and instigators of deeds like these ? Should in-
quiry hereafter be made, why, within three
months after this event, (the massacre of lieu-
tenant Scott and his party,) the savage Ha-
mathle Micco, upon being taken by the Ameri-
can troops, was, by order of their commander,
immediately hung, let it be told that, that
savage was the commander of the party by
which those women were butchered, and those
helpless infants were thus dashed against the
boat. Contending with such enemies, although
humanity revolts at entire retaliation upon them,
and spares the lives of their feeble and defence-
less women and children, yet mercy herself sur-
renders to retributive justice, the lives of their
leading warriors taken in arms—and still more,
the lives of the foreign white incendiaries, who,
disowned by their own government, and disown-
ing their own natures, degrade themselves be-
neath the savage character, by voluntarily de-
scending to its level. Is not this the dictate of
452 APPENDIX.
common sense? Is it not the usage of legitimate
warfare? Is it not consonant to the soundest au-
thorities of national law'” “When at war (says
Wattel) with a ferocious nation, which observes
no rules, and grants no quarter, they may be
chastised in the persons of those of them who
may be taken; they are of the number of the
guilty; and by this rigor the attempt may be
made of bringing them to a sense of the laws of
humanity.” Again: “As a general has the right
of sacrificing the lives of his enemies, to his own
safety or that of his people, if he has to contend
with an inhuman enemy, often guilty of such
excesses, he may take the lives of some of his
prisoners, and treat them as his own people
have been treated.” The justification of these
principles is found in their salutary effect, for
terror and for example. It is thus only, that
the barbarities of Indians can be successfully
encountered. It is thus only, that the worse
than Indian barbarities of European impostors,
but always disavowed, can be punished and
arrested. Two of them, offenders of the deep-
est dye, after solemn warning to their govern-
ment, and individually to one of them, have
fallen, flagrante delicto, into the hands of an
American general; and the punishment inflict-
ed upon them, has fixed them on high as an ex-
ample, awful in its exhibition, but, we trust, aus-
picious in its results, of that which awaits unau-
thorized pretenders of European agency, to
stimulate and interpose in wars between the
United States and the Indians, within their con-
trol. The two Englishmen executed by order of
AppENDix. 453
general Jackson, were not only identified with
the savages, with whom they were carrying on
the war against the United States, but that one
of them was the mover and fomenter of the war,
which, without his interference and false prom-
isºs io the indians of support from the British
government, never would have happened—that
the other was the instrument of war against
Spain, as well as the United States, commission-
ed by M. Greger. and expedited by Woodbine,
upon their project of conquering Florida with
these Indians and negroes. That, as accompli-
ges of the savages, and, sinning against their
better knowledge. worse than savages, general
Jackson, possessed of their persons, and of the
proofs of their guilt, might, by the lawful and or-
dinary usages of war, HAve HUNG THEM Both
witHouT THE ForMA Lity of A TRIAL.”
- Such has been the conduct of general Jack-
son, and such are the grounds on which his po-
litical opponents have founded their charges
against him, of wanton cruelty, and a disposition
for arbitrary power. It will be remembered,
that every part of his conduct, in relation to the
Seminole war, which has been made the subject
of censure or animadversion, has been ably and
successfully defended by Mr. ADAMs, his rival
competitor for the presidency. When the po-
litical excitements of the day shall have passed
off, and with them the effervescence of animos-
ity which they have produced, and men and
measures shall be spoken of only as their influ-
ence upon society may have been beneficial or
injurious; when the events of the last thirty
454 AppENDIX.
years shall be known only as they may be found
recorded in the page of the historian, and suc-
ceeding heroes and statesmen shall search the
annals of their country for models of true great-
ness; the name of JACKSON will be honoured,
and his deeds of patriotism and of glory eulo-
gized and celebrated, by every free-born som of
liberty. That period in the history of this re-
public, which closed with the eighteenth centu-
ry, has been denominated the age of Washixg-
TON; the succeeding one, that which has com-
menced with the nineteenth, will seek its ap-
propriate appellation in the merits and virtues
of its brightest and most illustrious character.
-- A CITIZEN OF OHIO.
October 1, 1827.
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