of tt)C Wini\)tviitv oiMovtf) Carolina dEnbotDeb bj> ®f)e dialectic anb ^fjilantftropic Societies; B - J 13 C .J'*''-'<^t VV..4'! ,:. '''V'i^'.-r*'*«?l^;.-<'!'''V? V' ^^^> -^c-^^^,, ^^ #;^te;;;;;' ^^ ■^^^''^' ■iV>^-t.::y^^ ,;«^.^^.A,iQ(^5^^ i'**^ ',i>^' This book must not be taken from the Library building. Form No. 471 *"' '£5,^'^^^ :^^j. Itvi^.m , ATTiDi*i]Kyr jac^iks d".^ CIVIL AND MILITARY OF ANDREW JACKSON, LATE MAJOR-GENERAL IN THE ARMY OF THL UNITED STATES, AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE SOUTHERN DIVISION. ■A Chief in all the v/ays of battle skill'd, Great in the council — mighty in the field : Ry whom the ftow'r of Britain, in full aiartial bloom, Iq battle's rage sent headlong to the tomb. BY AN AMERICAN OFFICER jyEW-YORK: PUBLISHED BY P. M. DAVIg6 1825, Soiiihern District of JS'ew- York^ ss. Be it remembered, That on Ihe 10th day of June, A.D. 1S25; , , in the 49th year of the Independence of the United States j L. S. I of America, P. M. Davis, of tue said District, hath d» pos- < ' ited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words following, to wit : " Civil and Military History of Andrew Jackson, late Major-Gene- ral in the Army of the United States, and Commander-in-Chief of the Southern Division. A Chief in all the ways of battle skill'd, Great in the council, mighty in the field : By whom tie flowV of Britain, in fuU martial bloom, In battle's rage sent headlong to the tomb. By an American Officer." In conformity to the Act of Congress of the United States, entitled " An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and book?, to (he authors and propriottrs of such copjes, during tlie time therein mentioned." .And also to fin Act, en- titled " .An Act, siipplemcntdry to an Act, entitled an Act for the en- couragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, aiul books, to the authors and proprietors of such coj)ieS; during the times tber'.in meitioiitd, and cxtciuling the benefits thereof to die arts of designing, ciigraving, and etching his-torical and other joints." JAMES DILL, Clerk of the Soittheni District of jVew-Yorfr. r^Artiii CarolicF TO THE READER. The high estimation in which General Andrew Jackson is hehi by his countrymen, was the in- ducement to present them with this volume. Since his name became conspicuous in the service of his country, the author and publisher has carefully sought for the most authentic information relative to his origin, and progress from humble life to his exalted station. The facts relative to his parentage, his birth, education, and early pursuits, were derived from a source the most correct, and of absolute veracity. And one thing is most certain, that when time shall have defaced monuments of brass and marble, his name will be handed down to posterity, and an ad- miring world will say, he was a successful defender ^V TO THE EEADER. of the rights and privileges of the only free gov- ernment on earth ; and the citizens of New-Orleans may truly say — Maidens fair, and Matrons grave, These thj- conquering arms did save : Raise for him triumphal botvers ; Strew, ye fair, his way with flowers, Strew our hero's way with flowerr jyeW'YorJ':, May ^Olh^ 1825. CONTENTS, INTRODUCTION. Adoption of American Constitution— Pursuits of Annericans— Dimi- nution of Military ardour— Declaration of War — Militia — Volun- teers— Regular Troops — Andrew Jackson. - - p. 11 CHAP. I. His family, birth, and early pursuits—Enters into the army of the Revolution — is captured by the Britisn — resists an illegal order of a British officer — receives a uound, and is committed to gaol — loses his surviving brother — his mother dies of grief— he completes his literary studies. - - - - - - - p. 21 CHAP. II. Incidents of early life — of Andrew Jackson's --He commences and completes the study of law — Patriotism of American lawyers — He commences the practice of law, and emigrates to the South- West Territory—'is appointed Attorney-General — member of the Ten- nessee Convention — a Representative in Congress — a Senator in Congress— a Judge of the Supreme Court in Tennessee — and re- tires to private life. - - - - - - p. 33 CHAP III. Mr. Jackson's career in civil life— commencement of his Military career — Major-Gpueral "f Tennessee Militia — Militia forces- American Savages — reasfm for their hatred and vengeance against Anglo-Americans — Religious fanaticism among them — The Prophet A O VI CONTENTS. Francis and his brotlicr Tecumseh — Effect of their assumed '11 vim ty — fendei oT Gen. Jackson, and his \c)lunt(fr«, to ue govern- ment of the U. States, --..-. -p 42 CHAP. IV. '^(^n. Jackson and Tennessee Vo unteers — Importance of the river Mi-sisji|pi — Mr. Mn: roc's suiicitu h Coi the security of it, and the Western States — VoLuntf.ci-s rendezvous at Nashville. Tenn — de- sc^ik! the Ohio ymt NUssissippi — encamp at Natchez— Order for their discl)arge, from Mr. Armstrongs-disobeyed liy Gen. Jack- son— Voluoteers return to Tennessee, and are discharged- -Appro- bation of ihe gC'vernmeut. - - - - - p. 53 CH\P. V. Appi-obation and censure of Gen. Jackson — implacable hostility of savages increased by British and Spanish emissaries, and British ravages —Indian massacre of garrison, wonaen and children, at Fort Mirams— Expedition from Tennessee against Creeks prepar- ed— Gen. Jackson assumes the comnnand — Colonel Coffee — differ- ence between Miiitia, Volunteers, and Regular Troops— Generaf Jackson proceed, to t!ie frontiers —prepares for active ser\ice — Deficiency of provisions — Col. Dyer destroys Littafutchcs — First victory over the Creeks at Tuliushatches — Gen. Coffee's report of it t9 Gen. Jackson, -------p. 6i? CH\P. VI. Tennessee forces — Collisions in armies — Establishment at Fort Stro- ther — Perilous situation of friendly Creeks — Dtspatch to General W'hite — his conduct — Battle of Talladega — Geu. Jackson's ac- couniof i>. = -_----- p. 80 CHAP. V!I. Consequences of Hri^. Gcn» White's conduct— Hillabces sue for pesce to Gen. Jnckson— Gen. White destroys their towns— Measures of the Georgia Legislature— Victory at AutoMssee — Brig Gen. Friyd'*? accaunt of it — Gen Jackson's situation in December, 1813— Muti- 3iy aa.ong his troops — also in Gen. Coffee's brigade — dismissal of So'-b. -.-»-.-. ^ p. ffQ CONTENTS- ^^^ CHAP. VIlTo Gen. Jackson's situation at the cnramencement of 1814— bis hopes revive— Victory, at Eccanacliacn, or Holy Ground— Witherford, the Indian Prophet— Col. Cairull joins Gea. Jackson— Victories at Emucktaw, Jan. 22d— at Enotachopco, the 24th— Gen. Jackson's official report of them— Applause bestowed upon soldiers. p. 103 CHAP. IX. Gen Jackson prepares for a new expedition— receive* an account of the victory at Chatahouchee— adopts a ntw mode to obtain sup- plies—Army Coiitiactors— Enero:etic measures— Great victory at Tohopeka— Savage warfare— British and S,vhat unlimited freedom the rights of conscience ma> be enjoyed. The people of Tennessee, as a mark of the confi» dence they placed in Mr. Jackson, elected him their Srst representative in the Congress of the United Stales. Be was a new member of the national le- gislature, and was surrounded by a body of states- men who have scarcely been equalled, and certainly never have been excelled, since the adoption of the American Constitution. If, owing to that modesty uhich is always a concomitant with real greatness, he did not immediately shine, his constituents, the next year, (ir9?',) raised him to the high and re- sponsible station of a Senator of Congress. It was during his congressional life, that the two great po- litica! parties of the Republic were in array against each otlier. He was a Republican ; and of course in the minority. Although no man ever more cheer- fully submitted to authority when properly exerci- sed, yet he never could be brought to be a 7)iinor actor in the plots of political intrigue — and to be a leader in political machinations, his habits and prin- ciples rendered him totally unqualified. He resign- ed his seat in the senate in 1199, and returned to Tennessee, with the government of which he had now become identified. He was now called upon to discharge the duties cf an important ofTice under the constitution and A^fDREW JACKSON, 41 laws of the slate, in the establishment of which he had taken so important a part. In 1799, he was appointed a judge of the supreme court. This appointment was bestowed upon him without his knowledge, contrary to his wishes, and very much opposed to his inclination. After discharging the duties of it for a short period, he resigned it, and retired to his delightful real estate upon the banks of the Cumberland river, where for a number of years he enjoyed, in the bosom of his family, that domestic felicity which is always produced by at- tachment for private worth, mingled with respect for dignity of character. From the citizens with whom he was located, he invariably received every demonstration of respectful attachment, and grateful acknowledgment, which a people in the enjoyment of temporal felicity, usually bestow upon the bene- factor who had secured it for them. In Mr. Jack- son, although he had scarcely reached the middle age of life, the people recognized a political father, who had ever discovered more solicitude for their political rights, and individual happiness, than for bis own emolument or aggrandizement. D 2 42 - MEMOIRS O? CHAPTER III. Mr. Jackson's career in civil life — Comariencement of his military car- reer — Major-General of Tennessee IMilitia— Militia forces — Ameri- can Savages— Reason for their hatred and vengeance against Anglo- Americans — Religious fanaticism among them — The Prophet Fran= cis, and his brother Tecumseh — Effect of their assumed divinity — Tender of Gen. Jackson, and his Volunteers, to the Goveroment of the United States. At the close of tlie last chapter,, the reader found the subject of these memoirs in a situation, above all others the best calculated for the enjo3uiient of tem- poral MlcWy — with an estate abundantly competent, wilhout being so overgroivn as to excite solicitude — in a family circle, where every aiiectionate sentiment was coi'dially rocipiocated, and surrounded by ex- tensive acq^uaintances, who loved him for his affa- bility, rcspeclcd him for his dignity, and venerated him for his exalted patriotism.. Hitherto the attention of Mr. Jackson had been almost exclusively confined to the pursuits of chit lift'. Although the duties of it are oftentimes ardu- ous, and the difficulties sonifilimes inextricable, yet he had moved through it with incalculable benefit to his country, and with undivided approbation to himself. The history of our country scarcely affords an instance of an individual, wko has^ so early in AXDREW JACKSO!^. 43 fife, been called to fill so many important offices ia such rapid succession. At twenty-tvvo, aUorney- general of a district — at twenty-nine, raeraber of convention to form a constitution — at the same agCj a representative in congress — at thirty, a senator in congress, and at thirly-two a judge of the supreme court of an independent state. Thus far in life, Mr. Jackson had reaped a rich reward for his devotion to his country, in the ap- plause bestowed upon him by his countrymen. Had he been disposed to have lived in his delightful re- tirement, and to have been a spectator of the suffer- ings his fellow-citizens were called to endure from a Christian and a savage foe, he would indeed have ended his days without the splendid glory which is non attached to his name ; yet he w ould have also escaped from the acrimonious censure and illiberal abuse of those who envy him his reputation, and-^ vainly endeavour to rob him of his hard earned lame. However brilliant has been the career of Mr» Jackson in civil life, it is almost forgotten by the renown he has acquired by military achievements. To the great mass of his countrymen, he is known onltj as a distinguished military character. It will be the object of the remaining part of this work to present the reader with a view of his military career. The same year that the state of Tennessee was 44i MEiioms OF ad mil ted into the Union, (ITOG,) Mr. Jackson wa« appointed major-general of the militia of that state. As the whole of its militia was then embraced in one division, Gen. Jackson was the actual command- er in chief of the whole military force of the state; as it is unusudl for the governors of the states, who arn c.r-q/^'c7o, captain-generals, to command in per- son. But for many years before the commencement of the last war, the command of a major-general "vvas rather iiombial ih^n real — a wliole division be- ing seldom called out together. But upon Gen. Jackson the people depended for an efficient organi- zation of their military force. Without derogating at all from the high repu- tation of the militia of the American Republic, pro- bably the most efficient in the world, the history of our country will justify the remark, that it is a spe- cies of force that cannot be relied upon, excepting in sudden emergencies. In the revolutionary war, notwithstanding the imperfections of their organi- zatian, they certainly aided essentially in establish- ing our independence. But how often, during that portentous period, was the Commander in Chief, and other commanders, left with an handful of "Conti- nental Troops," to wander through a country where a regiment of militia could scarcely be raised, to lake the field for any length of time ? They might be brought, from the principles of self-preservation, to defend their home, and to repel an enemy from their ANDREW JACKSON. fe immediatc neighbourhood, but could with difficulty be brought to follow the apparently desperate for- tune of the Chief to a distant portion of the country. Had not the " Continental Army" been organized, and been brought to consider themselves as- solid iers of the whole American Republic — Cornwallis might have ultimately surrendered — but it is doul){ful whether Washington would have conquered him in 1781. At the commencement of the last war, the militia of the United States had enjoyed a period of peace for thirty years. The acts of Congress, and of the individual states, made every possible saluta- ry provision to give to that force respectability and efficiency. This body then consisted of eight hun- dred thousand men ; an hundred thousand of whom were drafted for the service of the United States, The collisions between the state governments and that of the Union— the jealousies between the offi- cers of the army and those of the militia, are within the recollection of every reader; but i\iQ detail be- longs more properly to The History of the Second War between the American Republic and the King-^ doinof Great- Brit ainjih^Ln to The Memoirs of Major* General Jackssn. In 1812, Gen. Jackson, being still major-general of the Tennessee miliUa, was called by the dictates of patriotism, and his ardent love of his country, to espouse its cause in the field, as he had spent much Qf. his life in advocating its interests in the ca^^a^^ 46 MEMOIRS OF With the sagacity of a statesman, and with the feel- ings of a patriot, he had long seen a storm gathering over his beloved country. He had seen one Repub- lic after another fall in Europe, before the tremen- dous power of the " Allied Sovereigns." He had seen the best and the last hopes of man blasted and almost annihilated in Europe, by the uplifted arm of despotic power. He had seen the British govern- 3ncnt, from the commencement of the Pitt admin- istration, to that period, the head of this '* holy alliance" offensive and defensive against the rights of man. He had seen that power, from year to year, encroaching upon the independence whicJi the American Republic compelled them to acknowledge in .ir83. He had seen the pacific policy of the American government, resorting to negociation after negociation, met by the increasing insolence of the arrogant court of St. James. He had not only seen, but he and the people of Tennessee had for many years felt, the eii'ect of British and Span- ish influence over tlie Creek, the most ferocious and warlike tribe of Indians upon the continent. For many years this tribe carried on a predatory .vdr- fare against the settlements of Tennessee, especially upon the Cumberland river, upon uhich Gen. Jack- son resided. lie and the people, without any aid from the general government, had defrnded them- selves from the frequent incursions of this insidious and barbarous foe. In this way the people of Ten- ANDREW JACKSOy. 47 lessee had learned the horrors of Indian ^varfa^e from their own sufferings. The history of the world scarcely furnishes a par- allel with the suiierings of the Europeans upon the continent of America. Nor does it furnish a paral- lel with the injuries which the native Americans have sustained from Europeans* The conquest of South America, by the Spaniards, was marked with more sanguinary violations of the rights of humani- ty, than any conquest from that of Canaan to the nineteenth century of the Christian era. As little as we know of its blood-stained history, we have, from infancy, wept over the calamities of the FncaF of Peru, and of the countless legions of their unhappy subjects. Through the eye of history, we see the powerful agents of h''s most Catholic majesty arrive among these happy natives. With an exterminating sword in one hand, and with the word of God in the other, these early missionaries demanded the immediate conversion of a whole people to Chris- tianity. The artless ions of nature, who supposed the most splendid object was the fittest one to be adored, offered their adoration to the Sun. They could not adore an invisible being, who made no im- pression upon their senses. An army with the wea- pons of destruction and death, was ready to aid the priesthood in the work of conversion. One Inca, fell with his nation after another, with their inex- haustible treasures, into the hands of Christian 48 MEMOIRS or Spaniards, and at this time the aborigines of S. America scarcely have an existence. In North America, the acqutsitions of Europeans were attended with circumstances less bloody; but the natives weie compelled by arms, or by contracts -enforced by them, to retire as they advanced in settlements. The tomahawk and the arrow, were feeble, compared with fire-arms and bayonets. Al- though they were compelled to surrender their ter- ritory, their native pride and heroic courage was never subju-iated. They retired before their con- querors; and as their territory was wrested from them by fraud, or by force, and as their numbers were diminished by disease, and by war, their vengeance against their spoilers increased. But one sentiment prevailed among them from the Isth- musof Darien to the North- West coast — from the Atlantic to the Wtstern ocean. The broken rem- nants of some few tribes have indeed been brought to \>ury the hatchet ; but they never have been, and probably never will be, cordially reconciled to the white population. The hostile savages by priva- tions the most severe, by tortures the most cruel, and by deathc the most horrible, still wreak their vengeance upon the descendants of those who first invaded their native soil. In about the year 1810, a blind religious fanati- cism was added to ilip natural ferocity of the Amer- ican savages, A l^rophct arose among them, aud ANDREW JACKSON, 4g Claimed divine power, derived directly from the Great Spirit. This immense accession to human power, was do less calculated to fascinate savages than It ever has been to excite the veneration of that part of mankind who claim to be civilized. The American savage Francis, had as many claims to the character and inspiration of Prophet, as the Asi- atic civilian Mahomet; and had he possessed emial power to make conquests and converts, under the banners of divinity, he might hereafter have had as many followers. But Gen. Harrison disrobed him of his divinity at Tipp^caxob, in 1811, and his brother lecwnseh, fled to the southern tribes upon the Alabama, early in the year 1813, to inspire the savages there, to act in concert ivith their red breth ren m the north. But nothing inspired the Creek Alabama, and Seminole Indians so much as British and Spanish gold, British muskets, and British pro- raises With their hereditary hatred against Ameri- cans (or the citizens of the United States,) added the enthusiasm excited by Tccumseh, and the iberal aid of the British and Spanish governments, hese powerful tribes, at the commencen.ent of the ast war were prepared to spread havoc, devasfa- tion torture and Jeath, among the Americans who bordered upon their territory. The states of Tennessee and Georgia, from their vicmity to the immense country inhabited by the Creeks, w«c more immediately exposed to the hor- \^ 50 MEMOIRS OF rid ravages of Indian warfare. Familiarized to their unrelenting barbarity, the citizens of Georgia and Tennessee were fully aware, that nothing but a war of extermination against the Creeks, would pro- tect their own settlements on the frontiers, from de- struction, and their families from wanton barbarity. Tecumseh had, by his art, his eloquence, and his assumed divinity, infused into the Creek nation the most implacable hatred against the Americans. He addressed himself to their pride, by reminding them of the ancient power of the savages, and the boundless extent of their territory. He aroused their vengeance against Americans, as the people who had reduced their numbers, and diminish- ed their greatness. He censured them for any con- formity, in any respect, to the Americans, and ex- horted them, upon the dreadful penalty of the dis- pleasure of the Great Spirit, to return wholly to the savage state. The preaching of Saint Bernard and Peter the Monk, had not a greater effect upon the Christians of Europe, when they exhorted them to raise a crusade against the infidels, than did that of Tecumseh upon the Creek, the Alabama, and Semi- nole Indians. A complete concert was established between all the southern tribes, and a general con- cert between them and the northern ones. War chiles were every where distributed-^but the most profound secrecy was enjoined. Tecumseh had war- ranted the interposition of the Great Spirit, and, ANDREW JACKSON. 51 what he had much better authority for doing, that of Great-Britain, in favour of the savages. The confidence of the savages in the success that would attend them and their Christian allies, the British, was efTectualiy confirmed. It was an estab- lished principle with them to give no quarters, nor to ask any. Pursuant to this system, they had, be- fore the commencement of the last war, murdered many families upon the frontiers of Georgia and Tennessee, and seemed resolved to extirpate the Americans, or be exterminated themselves. This brief sketch may be deemed a digression; but I considered it necessary to prepare the mind of the reader for the succinct account which will foliow, of the part taken by Gen. Jackson in the sanguinary war carried on by him and the gallant army under his command against the Creeks. The act of Congress, of 1815, authorising the raismg of a volunteer corps, of fifty thousand men, to serve one year within t?vo years after they were' organized, induced Gen. Jackson to address the gallant sons of Tennessee belonging to his division. Perhaps no man in the American Republic could address his fellovy-citizens with more confidence of success, than Gen. Jackson-certain it is that no once addressed them so successfully. In a very short time, he found his standard, at Nashville, sur- rounded by tu enty.five hundred men, among whom were many of the first families and of the greatest 62 MEMOIRS OF fortunes. It was not that wordy and paper patriot- ism which filled many of the journals of the day with inflated resolutions, pledging to the Republic the *' liveSi fonune^ and honour'^'* of those who pas- sed them. These men came in person to serve their country, rather than in a town-meeting to resolve that they would do it. Gen. Jackson voluntarily offered his service to his country, instead of solicit- ing an office from its government. The General and his army of volunteers, made a tender of their ser- vices to government, and in November, 1812, were accepted, and became a part of the national force. When this corps of volunteers was organized, they little thought, perhaps, what arduous duty would be allotted to them ; and had they antici- pated it, the glory they afterwards acquired, would hardly have been thought a sufficient reward for the excessive fatigues and hazards they endured in acquiring it. Their achievements shall be recorded with scrupulous regard to accuracy, and their aber» rations from duty shall be mentioned with all the delicacy that is consistent with truth. ANDREW JACKSOX. 53 CHAPTER IV. Gen. Jackson and Tennessee Volunteers— Importance of the river Mississippi— Mr. Monroe's solicitude for the security of it, and the Western States— Volunteers rendezvous at Nashville, Tenn.— de- scend the Ohio and Mississippi— encamp at Natchez— Order for their discharge from Mr, Armstrong— disobeyed by Gen . Jackson- Volunteers return to Tennessee, and are discharged— Approbation of the government. The avidity and promptitude with which the large and respectable Corps of Tennessee Volun- teers resorted to the standard of their beloved and respected commander, Andrew Jackson, was a sure presage of the gallantry with which they would support the independence, rights, and honour of the Republic against a savage and implacable foe upon the borders of their native state, and against the most powerful and veteran nation in Europe, now in alliance with them. At the commencement of the last war, it was im- possible for the government to determine upon what part of our extended sea- board the naval forces of Britain would first attempt to make a demonstra- Hon; or upon what part of our frontier its armies would attempt to invade our territory. The im- mense importance of the command of the Missis- sippi, and its tributary streams, could not escape E 2 54 MEMOIKS OF the attention of either the American or British governments. Every exertion therefore of the one to retain, and of the other to acquire it, might well be expected. The lower states and territories situ- ated upon this important river, attracted the early attention of government, and induced the most efR- eient measures for their defence. Blr. Monroe, for some time previous, and during the whole war, was a member of the American cabinet. As ambassador of the American Republic at the court of France, he had negociated the treaty for the accession of Louisiana to the United States; and must have felt a deep solicitude in the rising importance of the Western States. He was aware, that without the command of the Mississippi, they would lose their future importance, and be at present subjected to the rapacity of British soldiery, and the horrors of savage warfare. Although the war department, until the campaign of 1814, was not under his immediate control, and although he was not directly implicated in the disasters of those of 1812, and 1813 ; he nevertheless, as one of the first officers in the cabinet, felt a high degree of responsibility. In regard to the Mississippi river, as he may almost be said to have acquired it for his country, he must have felt a deep interest in secur- ing the incalculable benefits arising to the Republic^ especially to the Western States, from the exclusive command of it. ANDREW JACKSON. 53 The Tennessee volunteers, under the command of Gen. Jackson, at the close of the year 1812, were ordered to proceed down the Ohio and Missis- sippi, for the defence of the lower states against an expected attack of the British forces. The deep laid plot of the Indians already mentioned, was not yet ready for execution ; nor were the American settlers exposed to their immediate ravages, excited to make any but the ordinary preparations of de- fence against these insidious, cruel, and infernal enemies. The Creeks were apparently indifferent spectators to the contest which had now commenced between the American Republic, and the kingdom of Great Britain. At the beginning of the year 1813, Gen. Jackson and his fine corps of Tennessee volunteers, having previously rendezvoused at Nashville, in Tennes- see, situated upon the south bank of Cumberland river, prepared to execute the orders received to descend the Ohio and Mississippi. Although situa- ted in a mild and salubrious climate, enduring but little severity in comparison with the more frigid regions of the northern states, the country at this time was covered with snow, and the navigation of the Ohio and Mississippi was obstructed and ren- dered difficult and hazardous by ice. The volunteers had thus far enjoyed the anima- ting splendour of military life, but were yet unac- quainted with its toils, fatigues, and privationsr 5Q MEMeiRS OF Upon the rth January, 1813, headed in person by a leader whom they esteemed as an accomplished commander, and an affectionate guardian, they com- menced an expedition, in which they hoped to ren- der essential service to their country, which they loved better than they did their lives, and to acquire for themselves the reputation of patriotic soldiers. Animated by tlie example of Gen. Jackson, they endured the hardships of a long and tedious passage, without a murmur, and submitted to the discipline indispensably necessary in an army, without the least appearance of insubordination. They arriv- ed at Natchez, about three hundred miles above New-Orleans, where they were ordered to rendez- vous until further orders. Gen. Jackson having selected the most judicious situation for the encampment of his army, here commenced the arduous and difficult duty of chang- ing citizens to soldiers. The Tennessee volunteers had seen nothing of military life, except the easy and pleasurable duty usually performed by militia in time of peace, and occasional excursions against small parties of savages. Had they enlisted into the army of the Republic, received a liberal bounty from its treasury, and been certain of regular pay- ment of wages while in service, and a valuable tract of land when discharged ; a cheerful submission to niiMtary discipline might have been expected, and a necessary one enforced. These patriotic volun- ANDREW JACKSjC/^. ^57 teers thought little of a pecuniary reward ; but were inspired, by the impulse of patriotism, to be- come disciplined soldiers out of principle. But no sooner had they began to learn the duties of the camp, and to acquire the science of war, than an order from the war department was receiv- ed by Gen. Jackson, commanding him to ''dismiss his volunteers, and deliver all public property in his possession to Major-General Wilkinson,^' then com- manding the military district in which they were stationed. Mr. Armstrong was then Secretary at War. It is not for the historian or the biographer to inquire into motives, or to impeach them; but when the fact is stated that this order bore date the 5th of January, 1813, two days before Gen. Jack- son moved with his forces from Nashville, and was not received until sometime after he established his cantonment at Natchez, almost five hundred miles below, the reader may well exclaim, in the language of the Prince of the Drama—" there is a spirit in the affairs of state, which nor tongue, nor pen can give expressure to^^ A compliance with this order would have been an abandonment of his corps. Although among them were many men possessed of ample funds and adequate means to travel half a thousand miles to their homes, yet they little thought, when they en- tered the service of their country, that they should be so soon compelled to expend their wealth, as 58 MEMOIRS OF well as expose their lives and health in its defence. A very great number were wholly destitute of the means of subsistence, and depended wholly upon the public stores in their possession for the support of life while in camp, and upon their return march through a country, either very thinly inhabited or a uilderness. A third class were in a situation still more deplorable ; indeed in a state of absolute des- titution — destitute of health, destitute of resources, and, as a general consequence, destitute of hope. The sick list numbered between one hundred and fifty and two hundred ; many of whom were lan- guishing under extreme debility. It is difficult to conceive of a situation more dis- tressing and responsible than that in which Gen. Jackson was placed by this order from JMr. Arm- strong. Obedience to it, would have been casting most of his patriotic followers upon a pity less world in an inclement season, and destitute of resources — disobedience of the order would subject iiini to mil itary punishment, unless the peculiar circumstan ces of the case should be deemed sufficient to ex cuse him from the operation of military law. Af- ter consultation with his officers, who, at first, ac corded with him in opinion, he assured the Secre tary at War, that the order would be disregarded ; and that a sufficient quantity of the public stores would be retained to aid his volunteers in returning to their homes. ANDJIEW JACKSON. 59 Gen. Willvinson was advised of the order of the war department, and of the determination of Gen. Jackson in regard to it. Clothed with the authori- ty of the government — commanding one of the most extensive military districts in the Republic — anxious to augment his stores, and increase the number of his own troops, he endeavoured to inti- midate Gen. Jackson into obedience of the order, by forewarning him of the alarming consequences to himself of disobedience. Some of his own offi- cers retracted their first decision, and advised a compliance with the order. Even the quarter- master endeavoured to compel him to the measure, by omitting to take the necessary steps preparatory to the commencement of the return march. Cool, collected, and unembarrassed, Gen. Jackson now took counsel from his own judgment, and the re- sponsibility of his conduct upon his own head ; know- ing, that if called to do it, he could justify him- self before any forum, excepting one that had pre- judged his case. He gave orders for breaking up the encampment, and for commencing the move- ment which uas to conduct his volunteers to the place of original rendezvous ; and gave it in such a manner, and accompanied it with such acts, as to convince all, that from this decision there was no appeal. The gloom and dejection which pervaded this corps, when the order from the war department was 60 MEMoms or received, was converted to the exbilirafion of joy when the determination of their general m as made known. The wagons were used for the transporta- tion of the sick ; and even the horses of the general and his staiT were cheerfully surrendered for that purpose when necfssary. During a march of near- ly five hundred miles, Gen. Jackson evinced, by his uniform conduct, that although his situation compelled him to act as a soldier, " he felt like a man.''^ To the high respect which was at all times felt by the Tennessee volunteers for Gen. Jackson, was now added the most ardent attachment. They almost forgot the dignity of the general, in the more amiable and endearing qualities of the patron and the friend. This corps, having endur- ed the privations of the camp, and the fatigues of marching and counter-marching, without having yet acquired any of the laurels which are reaped in the field of battle, were discharged about the 1st of May, 1813. But the ardent patriotism, regula- ted by a spirit of subordination, which they shewed in this first scene of military life, justified the high expectation which was entertained of them, and which was afterwards so amply gratified by their splendid military achievements. The course pursued by Gtn. Jackson in regard to Mr. Armstrong's order, and the volunteers, may meet with the animadversion of the mere officer, who acquired his knowledge of tactics from booksy ANDREW JACKSON. 61 and his ideas of subordination from reading the ar- ticles of war ; but his conduct was approbated by the administration, and the whole expenses of the expedition paid out of the public treasury. The military ardour of Gen. Jackson was not damped by the critical and even dangerous circumstances in which he had recently been placed — dangerous, more from the machinations of official intrigue, than from the open enemies of the country. The first he had too much magnanimity even to sus- pect — the last he had courage enough to face in every possible situation. $2 MEMOIRS Of CHAPTER V. Approbation and censure of Gen. Jackson — implacable hostility of savages increased by British and Spanish emissaries, and British ravages — Indian massacre of garrison, women and children, at Fort Mimms— Expedition from Tennessee against Creeks prepar- ed — Gen. Jackson assumes the command — Colonel Coffee — differ- ence between Militia, Volunteers, and Regular Troops— General Jackson proceeds to the frontiers — prepares for active service — Deficiency of provisions — Col. Dyer destroys Littafutches — First victory over the Creeks at Tallushatches—Gen. Coffee's report of it to Gen. Jackson. The superficial reader of biography, feds im- patient to arrive at the developenient of the dis- tinguished character who is the subject of it. The more critical examiner, traces the progress of the Statesman, the Soldier, and the Scholar, from the first dawn of his greatness, to the meridian of his glory. The untutored imagination will utter vo- ciferous hosannas to the memories of the great ; bat they are as destitute of meaning, as were the enthu- siastic praises bestowed by the Ephesians, upon the goddess Dianna. That applause which is oiiered by intelligence to merit, is the only commendation which a great and a good man wishes to receive when in life, and it is the only sentence which will embalm his memory after his death. The same remarks may be applied to the censure which the ANDREW JACKSON. 62 world generally bestows with more liberality than it does its praise. It has been shewn that Gen. Jackson had scarcely entered the threshold of his military life, before the cheering voice of approba- tion, as well as the dissonant notes of censure, met his ear. But he was then, and is now, a man whom merited praise cannot enervate, and whom unjust censure cannot intimidate. In the third chapter of this work, the reasons were briefly stated why the Aborigines of AmericEj are so implacably hostile to the Anglo-Americans, especially to the citizens of the American Republic. They have been taught to believe that their Great Fathers, beyond the great waters, occupying the thrones of Britain and Spain, are their friends and protectors; while the Americans are their enemies and destroyers. The emissaries of these great po- tentates themselves, will always disseminate and en- courage this sentiment, as long as they have colo- nies bordering upon the United States ; and as long as they need savages as allieSy to aid them in their <^uixotic views of recolonizing them. Lest this fact may, by some be thought to be too confidently stated, I quote the following from the Report of the Committee on Foreign Relations, to whom was referred the Manifesto of President Madison, of the 1st June, 1812, — «' It is known that symptoms of British hostility towards the United Stales, have never failed to produce corresponding br4j MEMOIRS OF symptoms among those tribes. [" Savage tribes on eur frontiers.^*] It is also wel! known, that on all iuch occasions, abundant supplies of the ordinary munitions of war, have been afforded by the agents of British commercial companies, and even from British garrisons, wherewith they were enabled to commence that system of savage warfare on our frontiers, which has been, at all times, indiscrimi- nate in its effect, on all ages, sexes, and conditions, and so revolting to humanity.** This is confined to British emissaries. Before the reader reaches the close of these brief Memoirs, he will be furnished Nyith evidence "strong as proof of holy writ'' of the more aggravated injuries of the emissaries of Ferdinand VII. of Spain. It was not until the British fleets had commen- ced their ravages upon our then defenceless sea- ports; and the British armies had began the work of devastation upon our then unprotected frontiers, that the Creek Indians, as a tribe, advanced for a similar purpose, to the borders of the states of Georgia, Tennessee, and Mississippi. The last men- tioned state, then a territorial government, felt the first disastrous shock from a concealed storm that had long hung in awful silence upon its borders. The Spanish government, the consummate du- plicity of which is equalled only by the horrors of its despotism, had long furnished the Creeks with arms and aramuniliun, the better to enable them ANDREW JACKSON. 65 to destroy the rapidly increasing settlements of the states bordering upon Florida. As before men- tioned, these states had defended themselves with but little aid from the general government. In August 1813, a garrison of one hundred and fifty men, was stationed in a settlement called Ten- saw, in the state of Mississippi. They occupied an incomplete fortress, called Fort Mimms, at Ten^alo, to which many females and children had resorted for protection against the enkindled wrath of the Creek Indians, who had before, in small parties, wantonly murdered a number of families. The whole amounted to nearly 400 at the fort. But the garrison and the inhabitants were unsuspicious of a general movement of these ferocious sons of the forest. Upon the 30th of August, the furious storm of savage warfare burst upon them with all its appal- ing horrors. From six hundred to a thousand savages commenced an assault. The most veteran courage was imbecility itself against such an over- whelming superiority of force. The tragical scene that followed the possession of Fort Mimms, by the Creeks, no mind can conceive — no tongue can ex- press — no pen can describe ! The savages, having long before resolved to ask no quarters, nor to grant any, began and completed the dreadful work of human carnage. The demand of the soldier lor quarters, was as ineffectual as the heart-piercing F 2 66 MEMOIRS Of entreaties of the mother, to spare her life and that of her child. A general slaughter was made ; and out of about three hundred and seventy persons, soldiers, women and children, in and about the fort, but seventeen escaped. The Indians entered one of the gates of the fort, and set -fire to an old building within it. Major Beasli/ commanded ; and with a band that reminds the reader of the Spartan band* of Leonidas at Thermopylae, maintained a conflict with more than four times their force, until they slew more than their own numbers. While this forlorn hope were gelling their lives in the fort, the aged men, the helpless women, and shrieking children, were per- ishing in the flames in the upper story of the burn- ing building. To use the impressive language of one who was near this scene of carnage — " Under the double influence of British gold and furious fa- naticism, the savages fought in a manner scarcely to be credited. The fight was so obstinately main- tained, for a long time, that the opponents, overcome by fatigue and exertion, loaded their pieces delibe- rately, and shot each other down, or were mutually dispatched by the bayonet and tomahawk." The solicitude which this direful catastrophe pro- ♦ I find in many of the official reports during the last war, a brave body of Amtricans is called " a Spartan band " I cannot see how an American bajad should be a band of ^partms hojvever brave fRey may be. ANDREW JACKSON. 67 tluced, in all the exposed settlements upon the Mo- bile, Tombigbee, and in many other places, can bet- ter be imagined than expressed. Although the state of Tennessee was not immediately in danger, yet the most energetic and efficient measures were taken to protect the frontiers, and avenge the mas- sacre at Fort Mimms. The legislature of that state convened towards the close of September — authori- sed Governor Blount to call into immediate service, three thousand five hundred of the militia — and voted three hundred thousand dollars for their sup- port. The legislature, and indeed, the whole popular tion of Tennessee, fixed their hopes upon Gen. Jack- son. The confidence of all in him was unbounded. It had long been his opinion that the only effectual mode of warfare against savages, was to carry war into the heart of their country. Gen. Wayne^ many years since, and Gen. Harrison more recently had evinced the correctness of this opinion. The legis- lature accorded with him in sentiment, and the command of an intended expedition devolved upon him. Gen. Jackson had recently received a fracture in his arm, and a wound in his body, in the settlement of an affair of honour, in an honourable manner. Under any other circumstances, the severity of the wounds, and the consequent debility, would have detained him in his domestic circle. But he was 68 MEMOIRS OF born fcr his country — his country demanded his services; and the ardent patriotism of his soul, made him forget the debility of his bodj% He was ordered by Gov. Blotmt to call out two thousand militia, and to rendezvous at Fayetteville. A part of this detachment consisted of the Tennes- see volunteers, who had the preceding spring return- ed from Natchez. Upon the 4th of October, 1813, the day appointed, the troops promptly repaired to the place of rendezvous. Colonel, soon after Gene- ral Coffee, in the mean time, had raised five hundred mounted volunteers, and was authorised to augment his force, by adding to it the volunteer mounted riflemen who might offer their services. It would be a task highly grateful to the author, would the prescribed limits of this work permit, to give a brief sketch of this accomplished and patriotic officer. It is enough to say, that he commenced his active raili- tary life, with Andrew Jackson; and that in the most disastrous periods of the Creek war, when, by the jealousy of some, the treachery of others, the in- trigues of many, and the apprehensions of all, his general was left almost alone in a wilderness of blood- seeking barbarians, he remained ^\faithful among the faithhssy^ till the last conquering stroke was given. He followed the no less desperate fortune of Gen. Jackson to Neiv-Orleans, where he, with his general, and his gallant army, acquired Jaurels ANDREW JACKSON. G9 which will never fade, until men cease to appreciate exalted patriotism. Upon the 7th October, Gen. Jackson repaired to the rendezvous at Fayetteville ; and although in a state of indisposition which required the repose of the hospital, rather than in that vigorous health which is necessary to endure the fatigue* of the camp, and a march through the wilderness, he as- sumed the command of the army designed to avenge the blood of their countrymen, and to conquer the most warlike tribe of barbarians in the universe. It might be deemed presumptuous to say, that Gen. Jackson was the only man in Tennessee, who could successfully command an army destined to accom- plish this arduous and perilous duty; but it may, without hesitation be said, that no man at that time, had so completely secured the confidence, and raised the hopes of the civil and military power of that state as he. He found the troops assembled, deficient in num- bers, and was aware that few of them had *' seen service." The difi"erence between drafted militia, volunteer troops, and enlisted soldiers, has been slightly alluded to. It will readily be acknowledg- ed by every officer and every soldier in the late war. It does not arise from a difference of patriotism or courage, for both are inherent with all true Ameri- cans. It may probably be imputed to the differ- ence in their organization. The Militia, in times of 70 MEMOIRS OF peace, consider the perfoniianre of military service rather as a pastime, than a duty; and cannot be brought, suddenly, to submit to the rigid discipline of the camp. The Volunteers are impelled by love ©f cotintry, and a thirst for fame, to fly, unasked, to the standard of the Republic; but when the im- pulse that Jed them there has subsided, and they find that glory is to be acquired by a long course of severe duty, apathy often succeeds to animation ; and many are ready to exclaim with Bijron^ "7 nant no other Paradise but rest.** The soldiers enter the army to make a trade of war. They study disci- pline a5 a business; and courage with them is not only a principle, but it is a system. To conquer, to be captured, or to die, is a matter of course and of necessity ; and if disasters are remediless, when thej happen, they endure them without a murmur. Gen. Jackson, at the time he commenced his sec- ond expedition, and his first against the Creeks, had no United States' troops under his command ; in- deed, he had no authority himself under the general government, being senior major-general of Tennessee militia. He commenced the arduous duty of coa- vertipg citizens to soldiers, and resorted to every possible expedient which a prudent as well as an in- trepid commander could devise to insure success. The previous character — the presence and example of the genenl, inspired the soldiers with confidence, and ^ave them victory in anticipation. ANDREW JACKSON. 71 6o1. Coffee had penetrated with his cavalry and mounted volunteers towards the frontiers, and was stationed near Hnntsville In the Creek nation were many natives in amity with the United States. From them, important information was obtained, and by them, essential service was rendered. Upon the 8th, Col. Coffee informed Gen. Jackson, by ex- press, that from information derived from Indian runners, the hostile Creeks were in great force, and intended simultaneously to attack the frontiers of Georgia and Tennessee. Upon the 10th, Gen. Jack- son, in an unprepared state, took up the line of march; and, what is perhaps without a parallel for the first day's march, reached Hnntsville the same evening, a distance of from thirty to forty miles. Col. Coffee had reached the Tennessee river, and Gen. Jackson the next day overtook him, and uni- ted with his regiment upon the bank of that fiver. Aware that "procrastination is the thief of time," and that the ardour of raw and undisciplined troops was soon cooled, he dispatched Col. Coffee with his mounted corps, to explore fhe river Big Warrior and Etoinb'igabi/, commonly called Tombiti;bee. He encamped his own division upon the Tennes- see, and v\as indefatigable in preparing them for active service. He remained here Dut a week ; and, what will excite the astonishment of those who have witnessed the slow proj^ress of raw troops to the character of veteran soldiers, he made his army such 72 MEMOIRS OP in that time. The mystery is explained, when it is saul, in this corps, at this timr, they found pleas- ure in the performanceof duty, and the performance of duty was the enjoyment of pleasure. In the camp of Gen. Jackson, there could hardly be said to be a commissary department at this time ; and he depended upon various contractors for casu- al rather than regular supplies of provisions. An alarming deficiency was found to exist, and an un- certainty of supplies was made known. Nothing could be so much calculated to repress military ar- dour as this discovery. Men who would face death in its most horrible forms, will turn to children at the approach of famine. Gen. Jackson, by meas- ures the most efficient, and by entreaties the most urgent, endeavoured to secure a supply. Undis- mayed himself, he set an example of cheerfulness before his followers, that for a time dispelled their apprehensions. At this critical period, information was received that the Creeks were embodied near the Ten Islands on the Coosa. Collecting what provisions could be obtained, but a few day's supply, he commenced his march upon the 18th for Ihompson^s Creek, His route led through a mountainous country, which would seem to have defied the passage of an army and the appendages of it. Upon the 22d he 'arri- ved there, where he remained until certain informa- tion was received that the Creeks woald soon com- ANDREW JACKSON. 7S rnencc active operations upon the Coosa. The war- riors, to an amount wholly unknown, but who were supposed to be very numerous, had assembled, in warlike array, at Tallushatches. Col. Dyer had before been despatched to attack, and, if possible, destroy the Indian town of Litta- futches. He destroyed the place; and upon the 28th, returned to camp with twenty-nine prisoners of the hostile Creeks, extending that mercy to them by sparing their lives, which their system of warfare prohibited them from extending to Americans. The main body was encamped about thirteen miles from Tallushatches; and upon the 1st of No- vember, a small supply of provisions was brought into camp. Col. Coffee had been promoted to a brigadier-general; and was despatched early upon the 2d, with 900 cavalry, and mounted riflemen, to attack the Creeks in their encampment. Gen. Jack- son, although convalescent, was at this time extreme- ly debilitated, from long indisposition, excessive fa- tigue, and extreme solicitude, and had no use of one arm ; but in Gen. Coffee, he had an officer to whom he might safely entrust an expedition of any impor- tance, and of any danger. The result of this first important engagement, I present to the reader in the language of " OJicial Reports.'* Deeming this altogether the most pre- ferable mode of furnishing the reader with the de- G r4 MEMOIRS OF tails of battles, I shall adopt it through the work, when they can be obtained. GEN. JACKSON TO GOV. BLOUNT. Camp at Ten Islands, Nov. 4ith, 1813. Governor Blount, Sir, — We have retaliated for the destruction of Fort Miraras. On the 2d, I detached Gen. CoiTee, \vith a part of his brigade of cavalry and mounted riflemen, to destroy Tallushatches, where a consid- erable force of the hostile Creeks were concentrated. The General executed this in style. An hundred and eighty-six of the enemy were found dead on the field, and about eighty taken prisoners, forty of whom have been brought here. In the number left, there is a sufficiency but slightly wounded to take care of those who are badly. I have to regret that five of my brave fellows have been killed, and about thirty wounded; some badly, but none I hope mortally. Both officers and men behaved with the utmost bravery and deliberation. Captains Smith, Bradley, and Winston are wound- ed, all slightly. No officer is killed. So soon as Gen. Coffee makes his report, I shall enclose it. If we had a sufficient supply of provisions, we ANDREW JACKSOJT. 75 should in a very short time accomplish the object of the expedition. I have the honour to be, with great respect, yours, .Sec. ANDREW JACKSON. P. S. Seventeen Cherokees, under the command of Col. Brown, acted with great bravery in the ac- tion. Two of Chenubby's sons, and Jim Fife, of the Natchez tribe, also distinguishecf themselves. One of the Creek prophets is killed. A. J. It will be noticed that Gen. Jackson merely alludes to the subject of provisions ; but from numerous sources of correct information, it is certain at that time that a very scanty supply was on hand. The following is Gen. Coffee's report of the battle of Tallushatches, alluded to in the letter to Gov. Blount. BRIG. GEN. COFFEE TO MAJ. GEN. JACKSON. Cainp at Ten Islands^ Nov. 4ith, 1813. Maj. Gen. Jackson, Sir, — I had the honour yesterday, of transmitting you a short account of an engagement that took place between a detachment of about 900 men from my brigade with the enemy at Tallushatches town ; the particulars whereof I beg leave herein to recite you. Pursuant to your order of the 2d, I detailed from my brigade of cavalry and mounted riflemen, 900 men and officers, and proceeding directly to the 76 MEMOIRS OF Tallijshafches towns, crossed Coosa river at the Fish Dam ford, three or four miles above this place. I arrived within one and a half miles of the town, (distant from this place south-east eight miles,) on tht; morning of the 3d, at which place I divided my detachment into two columns, the right composed of the cavalry commanded by Col. Alicorn, to cross over a large 6reek that lay between us and the towns ; the left colunm was of the mounted riflemen, under the command of Col. Cannon, with whom I marched myself. Col. Alicorn was ordered to march up on the right, and encircle one half of the town, and at the same time the left would form a half circle on the left, and unite the head of the columns in front of the tow n — all of which was performed as I could wish. When I arrived w ithin half a mile of the town, the drums of the enemy began to beat, min- gled with their savage yells, preparing for action. It was after sunrise an hour when the action was brought on by Capt. Hammond and Lieut. Patter- son's companies, who had gone on within the circle of alignment, for the purpose of drawing out the enemy from their buildings, which had the most happy effect. As soon as Capt. Hammond exhibit- ed his front in view of the town, (which stood in an open woodland,) and gave a few scattering shot, the enemy formed and made a violent charge on him ; he gave way as they advanced, until they met our right column, which gave them a general fire and ANDREW JACKSON. 77 then charged ; this changed the direction of charge completely ; the enemy retreated firing, until they got around, and in their buildings, where they made all the resistance that an overpowered soldier could do ; they fought as long as one existed ; but their destruction was very soon completed: our men rushed up to the doors of the houses, and in a few minutes killed the last warrior of them. The enemy fought with savage fury, and met death with all its horrors, without shrinking or complaining : not one asked to be spared, but fought as long as they could stand or sit. In consequence of their £ying to their houses and mixing with the families, our men, in killing the males, without intention, killed and wounded a few of the squaws and chil- dren, which was regretted by every officer and sol- dier of the detachment, but which could not be avoided. The number of the enemy killed, was 186, that were counted, and a number of others that were killed in the weeds, not found. I think the calcu- lation a reasonable one, to say 200 of them were killed, and 84 prisoners of women and children* were taken. Not one of the warriors escaped to carry the news — a circumstance unknown hereto- fore. We lost 5 men killed, and 41 wounded, none mor- tally, the greater part slightly; a number with ac- G2 78 MEMOIRS OF rows. This appears to form a very principal part of the enemy's arms for warfare, every man having a bow with a bundle of arrows, which is used after the first fire with the gun, until a leisure time for loading offers. It is with pleasure I say that our men acted with deliberation and firmness. Notwithstanding our numbers were superior to that of the enemy, it was a circumstance to us unknown ; and from the parade of the enemy, we had every reason to suppose them our equals in number : but there appeared no visi- ble traces of alarm in any, but on the contrary all appeared cool and determined, and no doubt when they face a foe of their own, or superior num- ber, they will show the same courage as on this oc- casion. I have the honour to be, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, JOHN COFFEE, Brig. Gen. of Cavalry and Riflemen. Maj» Gen, Andrew Jackson. Killed, 5 privates. Wounded, 4 captains, 2 lieutenants, 2 cornets, 3 sergeants, 5 corporals, 1 artificer, 24 privates.— To- tal, killed and wounded, 46. In this report the reader will readily see, that while Gen. Coffee is gratified at communicating an account oi victory, he is griered at some of the cir- ANDREW JACKSON. 79 cumstances attending it. " Not one,*' he says, ** asked to be spared'* — and without asking quarter, and continuing to fight, they could not be spared. The regret expressed at killing and wounding some of the women and children, mingled with the war- riors, and which could not be avoided, shews that brave men are always humane. $X> MEMOIRS OF CHAPTER VI. Tennessee forces— Collisions in armies — Establishment of Fort Stro- tber — Perilous situation of friendly Creeks — Despatch to General White— his conduct— Battle of Talladega— Gen. Jackson's ac- count of it. At the commencement of the campaign, in the Creek nation, in 1813, the Tennessee forces, militia and volunteers, that were called into service, con- sisted of two divisions — one of West Tennessee, commanded by Maj. Gen. Jackson, the other of East Tennessee, commanded by Maj. Gen. Cocke. The division of the Tennessee forces seemed to b^ governed by the division which nature has made of this state by the range of the Cumberland moun- tains, running from north to south. Major Gen, Thomas Pinckney, of the United States' army, was commander in chief of the military district in which these troops were raised and organized. Whether it was designed by the executive of Tennessee that the two divisions of its forces should act in concert, or remain two distinct corps, acting independently of each other, cannot positively be determined by the writer. The first is altogether the most probable ; indeed it is rendered almost certain from the course pursued by Gen. Jacksom ANDREW^ JACKSON. 31 It cannot for a moment be supposed, that a man who had so Jong been in public life— filling exalt- ed and highly responsible stations in the civil and military departments, would arrogate to himself an authority which was not expressly, or by the fairest implication, bestowed upon him. He issued orders to the division under Gen. Cocke. The un- fortunate collisions, misunderstandings, and jealous- ies which for a time obstructed, and nearly thwart- ed the important and hazardous expedition into the country of the Creeks, though reluctantly, must necessarily, be alluded to, to show the course pur- sued by Gen. Jackson. Although the patriot will lament the existence of feuds in a patriotic army, let it be remembered they were not confined to the militia in the last war, nor to those between the militia of the states, and the national forces ; but that they existed in some departments of the United States' army itself. The northern campaign of 1813, is not forgotten, nor the « Failure of our arms on the Northern Fron" tier,' erased from recollection. Gen. Wilkinson de- Clares in a General Order — " The Commander in Chief is compelled to retire, [from the Canadian shore,] by the extraordinary, unexampled, and it appears, unwarrantable conduct of Major General Hampton, in refusing to join this army with a divi- sioB of 4000 men under his command, agreeable to positive orders from the Commander in Chief.'* B2 MEMOIRS OF The brilliant victory at Tallushatches, and the total defeat of the savages, from which, to use the lan^uasje of Gen. Coffee, " not one of the warriors escaped to tell the ne?vSy** induced Gen. Jackson to take the most efficient measures to follow up the cncourasiing success the army had met with, by more important operations. To accomplish this, he sent an express upon Nov. 4th, (the date of his first official account,) to Brig. Gen. Whiter of Gen. Cockers division, who was only twenty-five miles distant, ordering him with the troops in his com- mand, to form a junction with him at Fort Str other, which he had established as a depot. His object in forming this junction, was to augment his forces to such an amount, as to enable him to go forward with confidence in attacking the enemy, and leave a force in the rear sufficient to profect the sick and guard the baggage. Although he had twice before sent similar orders, not a word of intelligence was received from him. Upon the Tth, he dispatched another express. Upon this day information was received by Gen. Jackson, that a fortress of friendly Indians at Talladega^ thirty miles distant from Fort Slrother, was in imminent danger of total destruc- tion, and the natives to indiscriminate massacre, by the hostile Creeks. They had espoused the cause of the Americans ; and of course had incurred all the vengeful malice which natural ferocity, increas- ed by reiigious fanaticism, could feel towards them. ANDREW JACKSON, 83 They were surrounded by a numerous body of in- furiated Creeks. Their runners beseeched General Jackson to relieve them from their perilous situation. The same sentiment that induced the general to ha- zard his reputation in protecting his countrymen at Natchez, induced him, without hesitation, to extend protection to those faithful natives, whose fate was identified with the success or defeat of the American arms. He commenced his march, commanding in person, at 12 o'clock in the evening. He despatch- ed another express to Gen. White, to repair that night to Fort Strother, and protect it in his absence. To his inexpressible surprise, in a short time he re- ceived a message from him that he had, agreeable to his order, commenced a march to Fort Strother, but that he had received counter orders from Maj. Gen. Cocke, to join him at Chatuga creek! — and that he should obey him I A situation more embarrassing can hardly be imagined. Hiseickand baggage in his rear, liable every moment to destruction — the friendly Creeks in his front in momentary danger of annihilation. The hour of decision had come. Relying upon the gallantry of his troops — knowing the justice of his cause, and hoping for the protection of heaven, he rapidly advanced upon the enemy, ii;norant of their force. The result I give In the general's own lan- guage. S4 MEMOIRS OF MAJ. GEN. JACKSON TO GOV. BLOUNT. Camp St rather, mar Jen Islands of Coosa, Nov. iUh, 1813. Sir,— I am just returned from an excursion which I took a few days ago, and hasten to acquaint you with the result. Late on the evening of the 7th inst. a runner ar- rived from the friendly party in Lashley's Fort, (TdladeG:a,) distant about thirty miles below us, with the information that the hostile Creeks, in great force, had encamped near the place, and were preparing to destroy it ; and earnestly entreated that I would lose no time in affording them relief. Urged by their situation, as well as by a wish to meet the enemy as soon as an opportunity would ofTer, I determined upon commencing my march thither with all my disposable force, in the course of the night ; and immediately despatched an ex- press to Gen, White, advising him of my intended movement, and urged him to hasten to this encamp- ment by a forced march, in order to protect it in my absence. I had repeatedly written to the gene- ral, to form a junction with me as speedily as prac- ticable, and a few days before had received his as- surance, that on the 7th he would join me. I com- menced crossing the river at the Ten Islands, leav- ing behind me my bage:age waggons and whatever mij;ht retard my progress, and encamped that night within six miles of the fort I had set out to relieve. AN1>REW JACKSON. 85 At midnight I had received by an Indian runner, a letter from Gen. White, informing me that he had received my order, but that he had altered his course, and was on his march backwards to join Maj. Gen. Cocke, near the mouth of the Chatuga. I will not now remark upon the strangeness of this manoeuvre; but it was now too late to change my plan, or ir.ake any new arrangements ; and between 3 and 4 o'clock, I recommenced my march to meet the enemy, who were encamped within a quarter of a mile of the fort. At sunrise we came within half a mile of them, and having formed my men, I mov- ed on in battle order. The infantry were in three lines-— the militia on the left, and the volunteers on the right. The cavalry formed the two extreme wings, and were ordered to advance in a curve^ keep- ing their rear connected with the advance of their infantry lines, and enclose the enemy in a circle. The advanced guard whom I sent forward to bring on the engagement, met the attack of the eneniy with great intrepidity ; and having poured upon them four or five very sailing rounds, fell back, as they had been previously ordered, to the main ar- my. The enemy pursued, and the front line was now ordered to advance and meet him ; but ow- ing to ^ome misunderstanding, a few companies of militia, who composed a part of it, commenced a retreat. At this moment a corps of cavalry, com- H 86 ME310IRS OF manded by Lieut. Col. Dypr, which I had kept as a rcwe, was ordered to dismount, and fill up the vacancy occasioned by the retreat. This order was executed with a great dtal of promptitude. and ef- fect. The militia, seeing this, speedily rallied ; and the fire became general along the front line, anrl on that part of the wings which was contiguous. The enemy, -unable to stand it, began to retreat ; but were met at every turn, and repulsed in every di- rection. The right wing chased them, with a most destructive fire, to the mountains, a distance of about three miles — and had 1 not been compelled by the faux pas of the militia in the outset of the battle, to dismount my reserve, I believe not a man of them would have escaped. The victory how- ever was very decisive — 290 of the enemy were left (lead — and there can be no doubt but many more were killed who were noj; found. Wherever they ran, they left behind traces of blood ; and it is be- lieved that very few will return to their villages in assonufl a condition as they left them. I was com- pelled to return to this place to protect the sick and wounded, and get my basriiage on. In the engagement, we lost 15 killed, and 85 wounded — 2 of them have since died. All the offi- cers acted with the utmost bravery, and so^'did all the privates, except that part of tlic milifia who re- treated at the commencement of the battle— and ANT)REW JACKSON. 87' they hastened to atone for their error, Taldng the whole together, they have realized the high expec tations I had formed of them, and have fairly enti- tled themselves to the gratitude of their country. ANDREW JACKSON. His Excellency Willie Blount, Nashville, The following additional despatch completes the account of the Battle of Talladega. Camp Strother, near Ten Islands, 15th Nov. 1813. You will perceive, from a draft which I shall send you, that had there been no departure from the ori- ginal order of battle, not an Indian could have es- caped; and even as the battle did terminate, I be- lieve that no impartial man can say that a more splendid result, has in any instance attended our arms on land, since the commencement of the war. The force of the enemy is represented by themselves to have been 1080 ; and it does not appear from their fire and the space of ground which they occu- pied, that their number can have been less. Two hundred and ninety-nine were left dead on the ground ; and no doubt many more were killed who were not found. It is believed that very few esca- ped without a wound. In a very few weeks, if I had a sufficiency of supplies, I am thoroughly con* 68 MEMOIRS OP vinced I should be able to put an end to Creek hor- tilities. Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon th« advance, led on by Col. Carrol, for the spirited man- ner in which they commenced and sustained the at- tack; nor upon the reserve, commanded by Lieut. Col. Dyer, and composed of Captains Smith's, Mor- ton's, Axum's, Edwards', and H an. mond's compa- nies, for the gallantry with which they met and re- pulsed the enemy. In a word, officers of everj grade, as well as the privates, realized the high ex- pectations I had formed of them, and merit the gratitude of their country. I should be doing injustfce to my staff, composed of Majors Reid and Searcy, my aids, Col. Sitler and Major Anthony, Adjutant, and Assistant Adjutant- General ; Colonel Carrol, Inspector-General ; Major Strother, Topographer ; Mr. Cunningham, my Sec- retary , and Col. Stokey IJ. Haynes, Quarter-Mas- ter-General ; not to say that they were every where in the midst of danger, circulating my orders. They deserve and receive my thanks. T have the honour to be, &c. ANDREW JACKSON. In reading this account of the second victory ob- tained over the Creel^s, it cannot have escaped the notice of the reader, with what delicacy the general ANDREW JACKSON. 89 mentions the retreat of a part of his force, and with what readiness he endeavours to exculpate them from censure, by saying — " they hastened to atone for their error,^^ This retreat, however, had a most pernicious effect. It tended to excuse subse- quent retreats, and to encourage the desponding hopes of the Indian warriors. When they once saw an assailing enemy shrink from a sanguinary com- bat, they expected to see it again* H U 90 3IEM0IRS OF CHAPTER VII. Consequences of Crig. Gen. White's conduct — Hillabces sue for peace to Gen. Jackson — Gen. White destroys their towns — Measures of the Georjjiii Legislature — Victory at Autoussee — Brig. Gen. Floyd's account of it — Gen. Jackson's situation in December, 1813 — Muti- ny among bis troops— also iu Gen. Coffee's brigade — dismissal of both. In consequence of the refusal of Brig. Gen. White to form a junction nith Gen. Jackson, or to repair to Fort Strolher in his absence, he was corapelled to relinquish his intentions of carrying the wdiV forivard into the Indian territories, and to return back with his wounded to that fortress. This conduct of Gen, White, acting under Maj. Gen. Cocke, was produc- tive of a double disadvantage, and a double injury — it prolonged the war with the Creeks, and compel- ied those of thera who wished for peace, to continue to fight. The Hillabee tribes, after the signal victory at TalladegGf were solicitous to make peace with Gen. Jackson and the United States. He was as ready to negociate as to conquer ; but before any terms could be made. Gen. White attacked them — and, while they were preparing to bury the tomahawk, they were compelled to uield it. Supposing that tho forces under Gen. White, were a part of Geo. ANDREW JACKSON. 91 Jackson's army, and that while they were sueing for peace, to be assailed by a superior force, was unjus- tifiable duplicity, they became more enragtd than ever. Desperation took the place of timidity, and, during the remainder of the war, the Hillabees ne- ver asked quarter, nor granted it. They fought with the raging fury of maniacs; and each one seemed to have become a ^^ Son of Alknomock^ who scorned to compLain^^ — they asked no favours, and extended no mercy. Gen. White destroyed the Hillabee towns as he entered them by conflagration. The first town was Little Oak/uskie, of thirty houses ; the second Genalga^ of ninety-three houses. Nitty Choptoay to use his own language, he *' considered it most pru- dent not to destroy, as it might possibly be of use at some future period." Upon the 18th November, he entered an Hillabee town, "consisting" as he says, "of about 316, (hostile Creeks,) of which number, abotit 60 warriors were killed on the spot, and the rest made prisoners." This town he also destroyed. In his report he says — " We lost not one drop of blood in accomplishing this enterprise." It is without a parallel, in Indian warfare, that so ma- ny warriors should be slain and captured, and « not one drop of blood" should be lost by the force as- sailing them 5 and can be accounted for, perhaps, upon no other principle, than that the Hillabees scorned to shed the biood of those to whom they 92 MEMoins OP were, at the very time, supplicating for peace ! The facts are before the reader — he must make his own inferences. It will be surely recollected that Gen. Jackson, however sanguinary ntcfsslty compelled him to make the war after this period, had hitherto exercised a lenity towards the Creeks, almost incon- sistent with energy. He had acted like an humane conqueror, who chose rather to conciliate a ruth- less foe by mercy, than to exterminate them by the sword. It has previously been stated, that the Creeks had determined to attack the frontiers of Georgia and Tennessee, simultaneously. Measures equally efficient with those adopted by the executive and legislature of Tennessee were adopted by the ex- ecutive and les:islature of Georgia. His excel- lency Peter Earbj, governor of that state, upon the 8th November, 1813, communicated to the Senate and House of Representatives, the informa- tion he had received of savage depredations and murders upon the frontiers. The legislature im- mediately authorized the governor to cause the frontiers to be put in a state of defence, and to send a sufficient force into the heart of the Creek CO intry. As the executive and military powers of Georgia acted in concert with Gen. Jackson, the measures pursued by them must necessarily be al- luded to. Brig. Gen. John Floi/d^ commanded the Georgia ANDREW JACKSON. 03 militia. The victory obtained by him at iutoussee upon the Tallapoofia river, v^as a signal advantage to the American arms. It tended to increase the fears of the Creeks, and to hasten the conquest of their country. Sensible that no description of this battle will be so gratifying to the reader, as that given by the accomplished commander of the gal- lant troops who achieved the victory, I present it h) the language of the general to Gov. Eariy. " Having received information that numbers of the hostile Indians were assembled at Autoussee, a town on the southern bank of the Tallapoosa, about eighteen miles from the Hickory Ground, and twenty above the junction of that river with the Coosa, I proceeded to its attack, with 950 of the Georgia militia, accompanied by between 3 and 400 friendly Indians. Having encamped within nine or ten miles of the point of destination the preceding evening, we resumed the marc-h, a few minutes before one on the morning of the 29th, and at half past six were formed for action in front of the town. Booth's battalion composed the right column, and marched from its centre. Watson's battalion composed the left, and marched from its right — Adams's rifle company, and Merriwpther's under Lieut. Hendon, were on the flanks— Capt. Thomas's 94 MEMOTRJ; OF artillery marched in front of the right column ic the road. It was my intention to have completely surround- ed the enemy, by appajjing the right wing of my force, on Canleebee creek, at the mouth of which I was inforDied the town stood, and resting the left on the river bank below the town, but to our sur- prise, as the day dawned, we perceived a second town about 500 yards below that which we had first viewed, and were pi eparing to attack. The plan was immediately changed — three companies of infantry on the left were wheeled into echelon, and advanced to the low town, accompanied by Merri wether's rifle company, and two troops of light dragoons under the command of captains Irwin and Steele. The residue of the force approached the upper town, and the battle soon became general. The Indians presented themselves at every point, and fought with the desperate bravery of real fanatics. The well directed fire, however, of the artillery, added to the charge of the bayonet, soon forced them to take refuge in the out-houses, thickets, and copses, in rear of the town ; many, it is believed, concealed themselves in caves, previously formed for the purpose of secure retreat, in the high bluff of the river, which was thickly covered with reed anfl brush wood. The Indians of the friendly par- ly who accompanied us on the expedition, were di- ANDREW JACKSON. 96 Vided into four companies, and placed under the comuiand of leaders of their selection. They were, by engagement entered into the day previous, to have crossed the river above the town, and been posted onthe opposite shore during the action, for the purpose of firing on such of the enemy as might attempt to escape, or keep in check any reinforce- ment u hich might probably be thrown in from the neigh''0uring town ; but owing to the difficulty of the ford, and coldness of the weather, ami tlie lateness of the hour, this arrangement failed, and their leaders were directed to cross Canleebee creek, ani' occupy that flank, to prevent escapes from the Tailassee town. Some time after the action com- menced, our red friends thronged in disorder in the rear of our lines. The Cowetaws (mder MTnlosh, and theTookaubatchians under the Mad Dog's Son, fell in on our flunks, and fought with an intrepidity worthy of any troops. At 9 o'clock, the enemy was completely driven from the plain, and the houses of both towns wrap- ped in flames. As we were then 60 miles from any depot o! provisions and our five days* rations pretty much reduced, in the heart of an enemy's country, which, in a few momxiuts could have poured from its numerous towns, hosts of the fiercest warriors— as soon as the dead and woun ;ed were [)roperly disposed of, I ordered the place to be abandoned, 96 MEMOIRS OP and the troops to commence their march to Chata- houchie. It is difficult to determine the strength of the ene- my, but from the information of some of the chiefs, which it is said can be relied upon, tliere were as- sembled at Autoussec, warriors from eight towns, for its defence, it being their beloved ground, on which, thty proclaimed no white man could ap- proach without inevitable destruction. It is difficult to i;ive a pr cise account of the loss of the enemy ; but from the number which were lying scattered over the field, together uith those destroyed in the towns, and the many s!ainonthe bank of the river, which respectable officers affirm they saw Jaying in heaps nt the water's edge, where they had been precipitated by their surviving friends, their loss in killed, independent of their wounded, must have been at least 200, [among whom were the Autoussee and Tallassee kings,] and from the cir- cumstance of their making no eiforts to molest our return, probably greater. The number of buildin^^s burnt, some of a superior order for the dwellings of savages, and filled with valuable articles, is sup- posed to be 400. Adjt. Gen. Newman rendered important services during the action, by his cool and deliberate cour- age. My aid. Major Crawford, discharged with promptitude the duties of a brave and meritorious officer. Major Pace, who acted as field aid, also ANDREW JACKSON. 97 distinguished himself; both these gentlemen had their horses shot under them, and the latter lost his. Dr. Williamson, hospital surgeon, and Dr. Clopton, were prompt and attentive in the discharge of their duty towards the wounded, during the action. ' Major Freeman, at the head of Irwin's troop of cavalry, and part of Steele's, made a furious and successful charge upon a body of Indians, sabred several, and completely defeated them ; Capt. Thom- as and his company, Capt. Adams and Lieut. Hen- don's rifle companies, killed a great many Indians, and deserve particular praise : Capt. Barton's com- pany was in the hottest of the battle, and fought like soldiers. Capts. Myric, Little, King, Broad- nax, Cleveland, Joseph T. Cunningham, and Lee, with their companies, distinguished themselves.— Brig. Gen. Shackleford was of great service in bringing the troops into action ; and Adj. Broad- nax, and Major Mont^romery, who acted as assistant Adjutant, showed great activity and courage. Maj. Booth used his best endeavours in bringing his bat- talion to action, and Maj. Watson's battalion acted with considerable spirit. Irwin's, Patterson's, and Steele's troops of cavalry, whenever an opportunity presented, charged with success. Lieut. Strong had his horse shot, and narrowly escaped, and Quarter Master Tennell displayed the greatest he- roism, and miraculously escaped, though badly ^8 MEMOIRS or wounded, after having his horse shot from under him. The topographical engineer was vigilant in his en- deavours to render service. The troops deserve the highest praise for their fortitude in enduring hunger, cold, and fatigue, without a murmur, having marched 120 miles in seven days. The friendly Indians lost several killed and wound- ed, the number not exactly known. Capt. Barton, an active and intelligent officer, (the bearer of these despatches,) can more particularly explain to your excellency the conduct, movements, and operations of the army." The importance of this victory may be duly ap- preciated, when it is considered, that besides the death of two kings and two hundred warriors — double that number wounded — and four hundred superior Indian residences destroyed ; the religious charm that had led them on to desperation, was dissolved. Upon " their beloved ground^ on which they proclaimed no nhite man could approach, nith- out inevitable destruction" they saw their chiefs and warriors fail — their houses consume, and the whites lose but eleven men. It is a little singular that General Floyd should mention every officer that was wounded, and even every officer's horse that was killed, and omit to meotion that he was very budly wounded himself. ANDREW JACKSOJl. 99 A brave man is always modest in regard to his own merits; but tlie general seemed to have that modes- ty which may be denominated false, in omitting this in his official report. While these interesting events were taking place in one part of the Creek country, General Jackson was placed in a most unpleasant, not to say perilous situation, at Fort Strother. His volunteers, who had become familiar with service, by descending the Mississippi the preceding campaign, and who, with the Tennessee militia, had become familiar with victory over the Creeks, began to look toward home, for the ease and tranquillity of private life, and the ordinary pursuits of private business, as the means of advancing private interest. No man in the service had more reasons to wish and pant for retirement than Gen. Jackson. His solicitude as commander — his extremely debilitated state of health — the disaffection of his men — the deficiency of supplies for his army — the conduct of the East Tennessee militia, under Gen. Cocke, and the open mutiny of some part of his army, presented a tis- sue of discouraging considerations, which would have disheartened a man of more than ordinary fortitude. Had he retired from the service of his country at this time, he would have retired with honour and with approbation. But he believed, and he acted upon the principle, that until '• all Tvas done, nothing was done.^^ He knew that the 100 3IEM0IRS OJ hopes of the frontier settlers of Tennessee and Georgia were fixed upon him ; he knew that they had derived encouragement from his successes, and that from his exertions they hoped to be placed in a state of permanent security. Having encountered and overcome difficulties before, he resolved to encounter them again, for he was now in the midst of them. The " Tennessee Volunteers," claimed to be dis- charged, on the ground of having served one year out of tivOi from the time they were organized. Many of the officers who belonged to this corps, deserted the ground they ought to have maintained as soldiers, and resorted to arguments which would have disgraced pettifoggers. Although they had not served a year, they had for that period been organized, and they were very much disposed to give weight to arguments which coincided with their inclinations. They resolved to leave a wil- derness where they were surrounded by implacable enemies, exposed to severe privations, and in ex- pectation of enduring the dreadful horrors of fam- ine. General Jackson exerted every faculty to arouse their desponding spirits. He appealed to the pride of the volunteers, by reminding them of the expedition to Natchez, and of the victories which they and the militia had gained over tlie Creeks. He appealed to the sensibility of them all, by rep- resenting the danger of their fathers and mothers, ANDREW JACKSON. 101 their wives and children. He alluded to the mas- sacre at Fort Mimms, in Mississippi, and endeavour- ed to arouse their revenge. He endeavoured to excite their vanity, by speaking of the fame the " Tennessee Volunteers" had acquired at Tallus- hatches and Talladega. But every avenue to per- suasion was closed. The cogent addresses of the general, were lost upon the apathy of the soldiers, and the volunteers became mutineers. The gene^ ral laid aside the language of entreaty, and assumed that of command. He prevented, at the hazard of his life, the departure of the troops ; but soon found that an army which required one half of it to guard the other, had no efficiency. He ordered them to be marched home, and to be disposed of by the President or the Governor of Tennessee. It was now about the middle of December. General Cocke, had for the first time joined General Jackson ; but upon finding the time for which Ms men were enlisted, had nearly expired, and that he could not hope from patriotism, what he could not enforce by power, he ordered Gen. Cocke to march his troops home. But few troops now remained with Gen. Jackson. Soon after the battle of Tal- ladega, Brig. Gen. Coffee's mounted volunteers and cavalry were permitted to retire into the settle- ments, to recruit their horses. They were to ren- dezvous at Huntsville, in Mississippi, upon the 8th December, where Gen. Coffee was dangerously 12 102 MEMOmS OF sick. Upon this excellent officer and his gallant men, Gen. Jackson placed the most confident reli- ance. They rendezvoused upon the 8th ; but they hid caught the infection that pervaded the infantry — the fever of private life. They however pro- ceeded touard head quarters ; but they were no longer ^Hhe men they were. "^^ It must always be admitted, that they had already rendered essential service to their country, and it was the reputation they had acquired, that rendered it desirable to have them continue in the service. Gen. Jackson, seconded in all his views by the gallant ColTee, and by many patriots of the first water, exerted again his great powers ; but exerted them in vain. Gov. Blount ordered the volunteers to be dismused^ and they returned home. AKDREW JACKSOy. 103 CHAPTER VIII. Gen. Jackson's situation at the commencement of 1814 — his hopes revive — Victory at Eccanachaca, or Holy Ground— Witherford, the Indian Prophet—Col. Carroll joins Gen. Jackson — Victories at Emuckfaw, Jan. 22d~at Enotachopco, the 24th— Gen. Jackson's oflScial report of them—Applause bestowed upon soldiers. Gen. Jackson was now in a situation which re- quired all the fortitude of the man — all the nerve of the soldier, and all the sagacity of the statesman. He held frequent comraunications with Gov. Blount of Tennessee, Gov. Early of Georgia, and Maj. Gen. Pinckney ; and his opinion seemed to be a guide for their's. Certain it is, that Gov. Blount, toward the close of 1813, owing to the disaffection of the Tennessee troops, and the reluctance with which volunteers appeared, recommended an aban- donment of the expedition into the Creek country. The urgent and cogent expostulations of General Jackson, induced him to change his opinion, and to resort to the most energetic measures to prosecute the war which had been so successfully commenced by him. Perhaps the situation of Gen. Jackson, at this time, cannot be better described than it is in the 104 MEMOIRS OF following letter, written by a gentleman, known by the author to be of the first respectability. « Iluntsville, M. T. Dec. 23, 1813. " Since the battle of Tallushatches and Tallade- ga, the army of General Jackson has crumbled to pieces. The whole of his volunteer infantry are re- turning home — insisting that their tiaie of service expired on the 10th of this month, being the anni- versary of their rendezvous at Nashville. The gen- eral, however, did not discharge them — the decision is left with the governor of Tennessee. What he will do, is not yet known. The universal impres- sion, however, is, that they will be discharged. Yet nothing is more clear than that they have not served 12 months— and they were, by law, to serve 12 months in a period of 2 years, unless sooner dischar- ged. The general's force now at Fort Strothcr, Ten Islands of Coosa, may amount to about 1500 men, chiefly drafted militia. Of these, nearly the whole will be entitled to discharge about the 4th of the ensuing month. It is supposed that not more than 150, or 200, (who are attached to the general per- sonally, and v\ill remain through motives of affec- tion,) will be left with him after that day. Doubt- less you know that the brigade of cavalry volunteers and mounted riflemen, under the command of Gen. Coffee, were some time since ordered into the settle- ments, to recruit their horses for a few days, and ANDREW JACKsun. lOo procure new ones. About half, perhaps 800, ap- peared at the day and place of rendezvous; but of these not more than 600 would consent to go on af- ter the 10th. About half oi this last number were of the old volunteer cavalry ; the rest mounted men, newly raised. The first will certainly return with the volunteer infantry, their term commencing and expiring together. The last claim a discharge at the expiration of three months from the day they were mustered into service ; which must be nearly out. We may say, then, that all these are gone too. Yet Gen. Jackson has very recently received an or- der from Gen. Pinckney, to garrison and maintain every inch of ground he gains. And although all active exertions of the campaign seem to be para- lyzed, I still hope this may, and will be done. Gen. Cocke is now in E. Tennessee, endeavouring to col- lect a new levy : as to his success we know nothing. But General Roberts, from West Tennessee, passed through our country three days ago, and has just crossed the river with about 250 men. Col. Car- roll, inspector-general of this army, arrived to-day with a force of 5 or 600, and 4 companies are pro- posed to be sent from this county. How long these men are to serve, I know not— not longer I fancy than three months. I trust, however, that this sys- tem of short service, wretched as it is inefficient, and expensive above all others, will yet enable Jackson to occupy till spring the ground he has won. Per- 106 MEMOIRS OF haps the return of moderate weather, and great ef- forts meanwhile, may collect around his banner, an army sufficient to effect the complete 0, and on the 15th I marched them across the river to graze their horses. On the next day I followed with the remainder of my force, consisting of the artillery company, with one six pounder ; one company of infantry, of 48 men ; two compa- nies of spies, commanded by Captains Gordon and R'.'ssell, of about 30 men each ; and a company of volunteer officers, headed by Gen. Coffee, who had been abandoned by his men, and who still remained ANDREW JACKSON. Ill in the field, awaiting the orders of the government; making my force, exclusive of Indians, 930. The motives which influenced me to penetrate still farther into the enemy's country, with this force, were many and urgent. The terms of ser- vice of the new raised volunteers was short, and a considerable part of it was expired ; they were ex- pensive to the government, and were full of ardour to meet the enemy. The ill effects of keeping sol- diers of this description long stationary and idle, I had been made to feel but too sensibly already-— other causes concurred to make such a movement not only justifiable, but absolutely necessary. I had received a letter from Capt. M'Alpin, of the 5th inst. who commanded at Fort Armstrong in the ab- sence of Col. Snodgrass, informing me that 14 or 15 towns of the enemy, situated on the waters of the Tallapoosa, were about uniting their forces, and at- tacking that place, which had been left in a very feeble state of defence. You had, in your letter of the 24th ult. informed me that Gen. Floyd was about to make a movement to the Tallapoosa, near its junction with the Coosa ; and in the same letter, had recommended temporary excursions against such of the enemy's towns, or settlements, as might be within striking distance, as well to prevent my men from becoming discontented, as to harass the enemy. Your ideas corresponded exactly with my own, and I was happy in the opportunity of keep- il2 i^lEM«IRS •! ing my men encfaged, distressing the enemy, and at the same time making a diversion to facilitate the operations of Gen. Floyd. Determined by these and other considerations, 1 took up the line of march on the 17th inst. and -en the 18th encamped at Talladega Fort, where I was joined by between Sand 300 friendly Indians; 6.5 of whom were Cherokees, the balance Creeks, Here I received your letter of the 9th inst. stating that Gen. Floyd was expected to make a move- ment from Cowetau the next day, and that in 10 days thereafter he would establish a firm position at Tuckbatchee; and also a letter from Col. Snod- grass, who had returned to Fort Armstrong, inform- ing me that an attack was intended to be soon made on that fort, by 900 of the enemy. If I could have hesitated before, I could now hesitate no longer. I resolved to lose no time in meeting tliis force, which was understood to have been collected from New Yorcau, Oakfuskie, and Ufauley towns, and were concentrated in a bend of the Tallapoosa, near the mouth of a creek, called Emuckfau, and on an isl- and below New Yorcau. On the morning of the 20th, your letter of the lOfh inst. forwarded by iM'Candles, reached me at tbeJIillabee creek; and that night 1 encamped at Enofachopco, a small Hillabee village, about 12 miles from Emuckfau. Here I began to perceive very plainly how little knowledge my spies had of ANDREW JACKSON. 1^^ the country, of the situation of the enemy, or of the distance I was from them. The insubordina- tion of the new troops, and the want of skill iu most of their officers, also became more and more apparent. But their ardour to meet the enemy was not diminished; and I had sure reliance upon the guards, and upon the company of old volunteer officers, and upon the spies, in all about 125. My wishes and my duty remained united, and I was determined to effect, if possible, the objects for which the excursion had been principally under- taken. On the morning of the 21st, I marched from Enotachopco, as direct as I could for the bend of the Tallapoosa, and about 2 o'clock, P. M. my spies having discovered two of the enemy, endeavoured to overtake them, but failed. In the evening I fell in upon a large trail, which led to a new road, much beaten, and lately travelled. Knowing that I must have arrived within the neighbourhood of a strong force, and it being late in the day, I determined to encamp, and reconnoitre the country in the night. I chose the best site the country would admit, en- camped in a hollow square, sent out my spies and pickets, doubled my sentinels, and made the neces- sary arrangements before dark, for a night attack. About 10 o'clock at night, one of the pickets fired at three of the enemy, and killed one, but he was not found until the next day. At 11 o'clock, the K2 114 MEMOIRS OF spin's whom I had sent out, returned with the infoF" niaiinn, that there was a large encanjpment of In- dian? at the distance ofafiout three niiies. who, t>om tbf ir whooping and ilancing, scenied to be apprized of our approach. One o! these spies, an Indian, in whom I had c^reat confidence, assured me that they were carrying otf their women and children, and thai the warriors would either make their escape, or attack me before day. Being prepared at all points, nothing:!; remained to be done but to await their approach, if they meditated an attack, or to be in readiness, if they did not, to pursue and attack them at day light. While we were in this state of readiness, the enemy, about 6 o'clock in the morn- ina, commenced a vigorous attack on my Jeft flank, which was vigorously met : the action continued to rage on my left flank, and on the left of my rear, for about half an hour. The brave Gen. Coffee, with Col. Sitler, the adjutant-general, and Col. Car- roll, the inspector-general, the moment the firing commencfd, mounted their horses and repaired to the line, encouraging and animating the men to the performance of their duty. So soon as it became light enough to pursue, the left wing having sus- tained the heat of the action, and being somewhat weakened, was reinforced by Capt. Ferrill's compa- ny of infantry, and was ordered and led on to the charge by Gen Cofl'ee, who was well supported by Col. Higgins and the inspectorgencraK and by all ANDREW JACKSON. 115 the officers and privates who composed that line. The enemy was completely routed at every point, and the friendly Indians joining in the pursuit, they were chased about two miles with considerable slaughter. The chase being over, I immediately detached Gen. Coffee with 400 men, and all the Indian force, to burn their encampment ; but it was said by some to be fortified. I ordered him in that event, not to attack it until the artillery could be sent forward to reduce it. On viewing the encampment and its strength, the general thought it most prudent to return to my encampment, and guard the artillery thither. The wisdom of this step was soon discov- ered — in half an hour after his return to camp, a considerable force of the enemy made its appear- ance on my right flank, and commenced a brisk fire on a party of men, who had been on picket guard the night before, and were then in search of the In- dians they had fired upon, some of whom they be- lieved had been killed. Gen. Coffee immediately requested me to let him take 200 men, and turn their left flank, which I accordingly ordered; but, through some mistake, which I did not then observe, not more than 54 followed him, among whom were the old volunteer officers. With these, however, he immediately commenced an attack on the left flank of the enemy ; at which time I ordered 200 of the friendly Indians, to fall in upon the right flank of 116 MEMOIRS OF the enemy, and co-operate with the general. This order was promptly obeyed, and on the moment of ils execution, what I expected was realized. The enemy had intended the attack on the right as a feint, and expecting to direct all my attention thither, meant to attack me again, and with their main force, on the left flank, which they had hoped to find weakened and in disorder — they were dis- appointed. I had ordered the left flank to remain firm in its place, and the moment the alarm gun was heard in that quarter, I repaired thither, and ordered Capt. Ferrill, part of my reserve, to sup- port it. The whole line met the approach of the enemy with astonishing intrepidity, and having given a few fires, they forthwith charged with great vigour — the eiTect was immediate and inevitable. The enemy fled with precipitation, and were pur- sued to a considerable distance, by the left flank and the friendly Indians, with a galling and de- structive fire. Col. Carroll, who ordered the charge, led on the pursuit, and Col. Higgins and his regi- ment again distinguished themselves. In the mean time. Gen. Cofifee was contending with a superior force of the enemy. The Indians who I had ordered to his support, and who had set out for this purpose, hearing the firing on the left, had returned to that quarter, and when the enemy were routed there, entered into the chase. That being now over, I forthwith ordered Jim Fife, who ANDREW JACKSON. 117 was one of the principal coriinianders of the friend- ly Creeks, with 100 of his warriors, to execute my first order. So soon as he reached Gen. Coffee, the charge was made, and the enemy routed ; they were pursued about three miles, and 45 of them slain, who were found. Gen. Coffee was wounded in the body, and his aid-de-camp, A. Donaldson, killed, together with three others. Having brought in and buried the dead, and dressed the wounded, I ordered my camp to be fortified, to be the better prepared to repel any attack which might be made in the night, determined to make a return march to Fort Strother the following day. Many causes concurred to make such a measure necessary, as I had not set out prepared, or with a view to make a permanent establishment. I considered it \^orse than useless to advance, and destroy an empty en- campment. I had, indeed, hoped to have met the enemy there, but having met and beaten them a little sooner, I did not think it necessary or prudent to proceed any farther — not necessary, because I had accomplished all I could expect to effect by inarching to their encampment ; and because if it was proper to contend with and weaken their forces still farther, this object would be more certainly attained, by commencing a return, which having to them the appearance of a retreat, would inspirit them to pursue me. Not prudent — because of the number of my wounded ; of the reinforcement* 118 MEMOIRS OF from below, which the enemy might be expected to receive ; of the starving condition of my horses, thty having had neither corn nor cane for two days and nights ; of the scarcity of supplies for my men, the Indians who joined me at Talladega having drawn none, and being w holly destitute ; and be- cause if the enemy pursued me, as it was likely they would, the diversion in favour of Gen. Floyd would be the more complete and effectual. Influ- enced by these considerations, I commenced my return march, at half after ten on the 23d, and was fortunate enough to reach Enotachopco before night, having passed without interruption, a dangerous defile occasioned by a hurricane. I again fortified my camp, and having another defile to pass in the morning, across a deep creek, and between two hills which I had viewed with attention as 1 passed on, and where I expected I might be attacked, I de- termined to pass it at another point, and gave di- rections to my guide and fatigue men accordingly. My expectation of an attack in the morning was increased by the signs of the night, and with it my caution. Before I moved the wounded from the interior of my camp, 1 had my front and rear guards formed, as well as my right and left columns, and moved off my centre in regular order, leading down a handsome ridge to Enotachopco creek, at a point where it was clear of reed, except immediately on its margin. I had previously issued a general order, ANDREW JACKSON. 119 pointing out the manner in which the men should be formed in the event of an attack on the front or rear, or on the flanks, and had particularly caution- ed the officers to halt and form accordingly, the instant the word should be given. The front guard had crossed with part of the flank columns, the wounded were over, and the ar- tillery in the act of entering the creek, when an alarm gun was heard in the rear. I heard it with- out surprise, and even with pleasure, calculating with the utmost confidence on the firmness of ray troops, from the manner in which I had seen them act on the 22d. I had placed Col. Carroll at the head of the centre column of the rear guard ; its right column was commanded by Col. Perkins, and its left by Col. Stump. Having chosen the ground, I expected there to have entirely cut off the enemy, by wheeling the right and left columns on their pi- vot, recrossing the creek above and below, and fall- ing in upon their flanks and rear. But to my aston- ishment and mortification, when the word was given by Coh Carroll to halt and form, and a few guns had been fired, I beheld the right and left columns of the rear guard precipitately give way. This shameful retreat was disastrous in the extreme ; it drew along with it the greater part of the centre column, leaving not more than 25 men, who being formed by Col. Carro'l, maintained their ground as long as it was possible to maintain it j and it 120 MEMOIRS OF brought consternation and confusion into the centre of the army ; a consternation which was not easily removed, and a confusion which could not be soon restored to order. There was then left to repulse the enemy, the few who remained of the rear guard, the artillery company, and Capt. RusselTs company of spies. They however, realized, and exceeded my highest expectations. Lieut. Armstrong, who commanded the artillery company in the absence of Capt. Deaderick, (confined by sickness.) order- ed them to form and advance to the top of the hill, whilst he and a few others dragged up the six pounder. Never was more bravery displayed than on this occasion. Amidst the most galling fire from the enemy, more than ten times their number, they ascended the hill, and maintained their posi- tion until their piece was hauled up, when having levelled it, they poured upon the enemy a fire of grape, reloaded and fired again, charged and re- pulsed them. The most deliberate bravery was displayed by Constantine Perkins and Craven Jackson, of the artillery, acting as gunners. In the hurry of the mouipnt, in separating the gun from the limbers, the rammer and picker of the cannon was left tied to the limber. No sooner was this discovered, than Jackson, amidst the galling fire of the enemy, pulled out the rimrod of his musket and used it as a picker ; primed with a cartridge and fired the ANDREW JACKSON. 121 cannon. Perkins having pulled off his bayonet, used his musket as a rammer, drove down the cart- ridge; and Jackson using his former plan, again discharged her. The brave Lieut. Armstrong, just after the first fire of the cannon, with Capt. Ham- ilton of East Tennessee, Bradford and M'Gavock, all fell, the Lieut, exclaiming as he lay, *' my brave fellows., some of you may fall, but you must save the cannonJ^ About this time, a number crossed the creek and entered into the cha^e. The brave Capt. Gordon of the spies, who rushed from the front, endeavoured to turn the flank of the enemy, in which he partially succeeded, and Col. Carroll, Col. Higgins, and Capts. Elliot and Pipkins, pursu- ed the enemy for more than two miles, who fled in consternation, throwing away their packs, and leav- ing 26 of their warriors dead on the field. This last defeat was decisive, and we were no more disturbed by their yells. I should do injustice to my feelings if I omitted to mention that the venerable Judge Cocke, at the age of 65, entered into the engage^ raent, continued the pursuit of the enemy with youthful ardour, and saved the life of a fellow sol- dier, by killing his savage antagonist. Our loss in this aflfair was — killed and wounded, among the former was the brave Capt. Hamilton from E. Tennessee, who had with his aged father and two others of his company, after the period of liis engagement had expired, volunteered his servi- L 122 MEMOIRS 01' ces for this excursion, and attached himself to the artillery company. No man ever fought more bravely, or fell more gloriously ; and by his side f6ll with equal bravery and glory. Bird Evans of the same company. Capt. Quarles, who command- ed the centre column of the rear guard, preferring death to the abandonment of his post, having taken a firm stand in which he was followed by 25 of his men, received a wound in his head of which he has since died. In these several engagements, our loss was 20 killed and 75 wounded, 4 of whom have since died. The loss of the enemy cannot be accurately ascer- tained ; 180 of their warriors were found dead ; but this must fall considerably short of the number really killed. Their wounded can only be guessed at. Had it not been for the unfortunate retreat of the rear guard in the affair of the 24lh inst. 1 think I could safely have said, that no army of militia ever acted with more cool and deliberate bravery : un- disciplined and inexperienced as they were, their conduct in the several engagements of the 22d, could not have been surpassed by regulars. No men ever met the approach of an enemy with more intrepidity, or repulsed them with more energy. On the 24th, after the retreat of the rear guard, they seemed to have lost all their collectedness, and were more difficult to be restored to order, than ANDREW JACKSON. 12^ any troops I had ever seen. But this was no doubt, owing in a great measure, or altogether, to that very retreat, and ought rather to be ascribed to the want of conduct in many of their officers, than any cowardice in the men, who on every occasion, have manifested a willingness to perform their duty so far as they knew it. All the effects which were designed to be pro- duced by this excursion, it is believed have been produced. If an attack was meditated against Fort Armstrong, that has been prevented. If General Floyd is operating on the east side of the Tallapoo- sa, as I suppose him to be, a most fortunate di- version has been made in his favour. The number of the enemy has been diminished, and the confi- dence they may have derived from the delays I have been made to experience, has been destroyed. Discontent has been kept out of my army, while the troops who would have been exposed to it, have been beneficially employed. The enemy's country has been explored, and a road cut to the point where their force will probably be concentrated, when they shall be driven from the country below. But in a report of this kind, and to you who will immediately perceive them, it is not necessary to state the happy consequences which may be ex- pected to result from this excursion. Unless I am greatly mistaken, it will be found to have hastened the termination o£ the Creek war, more effectually 12^ MEMOIRS Of than any measure I could have taken with the troopfe under my command. I am, Sir, with sentiments of high respect, your obedient servant, ANDREW JACKSON, Maj. Gen. When it is considered what troops Gen. Jackson had to command, and what enemies he had to fight, (he two victories at Emuck/aiVt on the 22d, and the signal one of Eriotachopco, on the 2kih, will bear a comparison with any in modern warfare. The liberal applause the general bestows upon the brave, and the excuse he finds for those whose " retreat ^ight rather to be ascribed to the jvant of conduct in- many of their officers^ than to any cotvardice in, the vien^'^ must endear him for ever to the soldier. The ^^ venerable Judge Cocke^^ (who survived,) and " the brave Lieut, Jrmstrong,^' and Capts. Hamilton and Quarks, (who all fell,) are placed, by the gen- eral's report, upon the rolls of fame. ANDREW JACKSON* l^^ CHAPTER IX. Gen. Jackson prepares for a new expedition-receives an account of the victory at Chatahouchee-adopts a new mode to obtain sup. plies-Army Contractors-Energetic measures-Great victory at Tohopeka— Savage warfare— British and Spanish emissaries. The solicitude evinced by Gen. Jackson, in his report, incorporated in the last chapter, for the safe- ty, security, and success of Gen. Floyd, could not have escaped the attention of the reader. It must have been greatly diminished by the signal victo- lies he therein so perspicuously describes ; but this did not induce him to remit any of his customary vigilance, or to omit any measure necessary to secure the advantage he had gained. He had »* scotched the snake, not killed him,'' Gen. Jackson had now with him his beloved as- sociates, Brig. Gen. Coffee, Col. Dyer, Col. Carroll, Maj. Reid, (his aid,) and many other accomplished and patriotic officers. The disaffected officers had either reti&ed to that obscurity which was their on- Jy safety, or remained envious spectators of that ex- cellence which they could not reach, and detractors of those great men, whose gallant exploits they had not the courage to achieve. He had a band of nev? volunteers, who had suddenly become veterans, and 12& MEMOIRS OF familiarized with victory. But still his force was inadequate to the complete accomplishment of his primary objecl — the effectual subjection of the Creeks. He knew that the government of the Anierican Republic had inviolably regarded all treaties made, and performed every stipulation en- tered into with them. He knew, and he lamented, the infatuation under which they acted ; and re- gretted that a race of beings, possessing the most exalted courage, should become victims in subser- ving the cause of the British and Spanish monarchs. But his duty to his country was, with him, para- mount to every other consideration ; and he was re- aolved, as long as the last glimmer of hope remain- ed unextinguished, not to despair of the common- wealth. After the victories of the 22d and 24th, he and his officers were incessantly engaged in disciplining the forces with them, and incorporating into the little army such recruits as arrived. These duties •were entirely different from those belonging to offi- cers in the regular army, at a well appointed can- tonment. There, the commanding and subordinate officers have specific duties to perform; and the soldiers, so far from thinking of disobedience, or plotting mutinies, scarcely utter a complaint. Gen. Jackson had never yet commanded such a body of men, in such a situation. His subordinate officers Tiad been his companions, and his volunteers had ANDREW JACKSON. 127 been his fellow citizens. He had depended more upon the weight of his character, and his devotion to the service, than upon military authority, to ac- complish what he had done. He had, in many in- stances, found that the most urgent entreaties, and the most energetic remonstrances, were ineffectual, and was now resolved to exercise the authority which was vested in him. While he was exerting every faculty which native energy and military authority enabled him to call into operation, to prepare for more important meas- ures, he was highly gratified at receiving the most favourable intelligence from the Georgia forces un- der Brig. Gen. Floyd. That officer was stationed, with his troops, at Camp Defiance, 50 miles west of Chatahouchee, Up- on the 27th January, he was assailed very early, by a numerous horde of savages. The sentinels were suddenly driven in, and a most desperate attack was commenced upon the lines. Gen. Floyd thus de- scribes the engagement. " The steady firmness and incessant fire of Capt. Thomas's artillery, and Capt. Adams's riflemen, pre- served our front line: both of these suffered greatly. The enemy rushed within 30 yards of the artillery, and Capt. Broadnax, who commanded one of the picket guards, maintained his post with great brave- ry, until the enemy gained his rear, and then cut his iSi StEMeiRS OF way through them to the army. On this occasion, Timpoochie Barnuel, a half breed, at the head of the Uchiesy distinguished himself, and contributed to the retreat of the picket guard: the other friendly Indians took refuge within our lines and remained inactive, with the exception of a few who joined our ranks. So soon as it became light enough to distin* guish objects, I ordered Majors Watson's and Free«- man's battalions, to wheel up at right angles, with Majors Booth's and Cleveland's battalions, (who formed the right wing,) to prepare for the charge. Capt. Duke Hamilton's cavalry, (who had reached me but the day before,) was ordered to form in the rear of the right wing, to act as circumstances should dictate. The order for the charge was promptly obeyed, and the enemy fled in every direction before the bayonet. The signal was given for the charge of the cavalry, who pursued, and sabred 15 of the enemy ; who left 37 dead on the field. From the effusion of blood, and the number of head-dresses and war-clubs found in various directions, their loss must have been considerable, independent of the wounded. I directed the friendly Indians, with 3Ierriweth- er's and Ford's rifle companies, accompanied by Capt. Hamilton's troop, to pursue them through Callibee swamp, where they were trailed by their 1)lood, but succeeded in overtakinj^ but one of IhCi* wounded. JlNDREW JACKSON. 12^ Colonel Newman received three balls in the com- mencement of the action, which deprived me of the services of that gallant and useful officer. The as- sistant Adjt. Gen. Narden, was indefatigable in the discharge of his duty, and rendered important ser- vices : his horse was wounded under him. The wiiole of the staff was prompt, and discharged their duty with courage and fidelity: their vigilance, the intrepidity of the officers, and the firmness of the men, meet my approbation, and deserve the praise of their country. I have to regret the death of many of my brave fellows, who have found hon- ourable graves in the voluntary support of their country. My aid-de-camp, in executing my orders, had his horse killed under him. Gen. Lee and Maj^ Pace, who acted as additional aids, rendered me essential services, with honour to themselves, and usefulness to the cause in which they have embark- ed. Four waggon, and several other horses were killed, and two of the artillery horses woundod. While I deplore the losses sustained on this occa*. sion, I have the consolation to know, that the men who I have the honour to command, have done their duty." The loss of the Americans in this battle, was 17 killed, and 133 wounded. General Jackson found 130 jJEMOIRS OF that one great object of his last brilliant expeditioij, was effected— the relief of the Georgia militia. It was now the 1st of February, 1814 General Jackson's forces were at Fort Strother, where, al- though in no immediate danger of famine, there was by no means a supply for any length of time. Gen. Jackson, ever since he had commanded the army in the Creek country, had had his attention diverted from the great object of a general — the organization of his army — the introduction of cor- rect discipline, and preparation for active service. Indeed, he had to perform the duty of Commissary, Quarter-Master, and Commander. Washington was often in his situation in the war of the Revolu- tion. He could find an excuse for his countrymen, in the then destitute state of the country; but for the contractors lor the southern army in 1814, there was no excuse. In a country abounding in beeves, swine, and bread stuffs, an army had often been driven to mutiny and desertion, through the ap- prehension of want. There is, probably, not an officer in the American service, but who will con- demn the mode of supplying an army by contrac- tors. They make the best terms they can with the government for themselves ; the hardest possible terms for the seller of provisions ; and often furnish the war-worn veteran with rations deficient in quan- tity, and miserable in quality. They think of no- thing but gaining a fortune, while the gallant sol- ANDREW JACKSON. 131 diers who are suffering by their frauds, and famish- ing by their avarice, are gaining victories for their country. Gen. Jackson, who may emphatically be called the Soldier's Patron, had suffered too much, with his brave soldiers, for longer endurance. He sup- plied his army by his own agents, leaving the con- tractors to pay the expense. When no longer any cause existed for complaints in his camp, he silenced them. He caused a mutineer to be tried by a court martial ; and when condemned to die, he approved of the sentence, and he suffered death. He ordered every officer to be arrested within his command, who should be found exciting mutiny or disobedi- ence. He knew that a crisis had arrived when a great blow must be struck, or the expedition aban- doned. The Creeks had assembled in very great force at the bend of the Tallapoosa, at a place called by the savages, Tohopeka — by the Americans, The Horse Shoe. At this place, the most desperate resistance was expected ; and every measure, within the lim- ited means of General Jackson, was resorted to, to meet it. The 39th regiment U. S. infantry, under the command of ** the intrepid and skilful Colonel Wil- liamsy'' had been ordered to join the army under Gen. Jackson. It did not exceed 600 men. By the middle of March, his whole force amounted to 1S2 MEMOIRS •F between 3 and 4000. He then commenced hi? march. Upon the 21st, he established a fort at the mouth of Cedar creek, and named it Fort Wil- liams. Leaving a sufficient force to protect it, he renewed his march upon the 24th. Upon the 2rth, a day which w ill be remembered in the traditional annals of the brave, the infatuated, the blood- thirsty Creeks, until they become extinct, General Jackson and his army reached Tohopeka, The events of that day, are thus briefly detailed by the commander. Battle Groundy Bend of Tallapoosa, 2Sth March, 1814. Maj. Gen. Pincknet, Sir, — I feel particularly happy in being able to commiHiicate to you, the fortunate eventuation of my expedition to the Tallapoosa. I reached the head, near the Emuckfau, called by the whites the Horse Shoe, about 10 o'clock, on the forenoon of yesterday, where I found the strength of the neigh- bouring towns collected. Expecting our approach, they had gathered in from Oakfuskie, Oakehoga, New Yorcau, Hillabees, the Fish Pond, and EuXau- lee towns, to the number, it is said, of 1000. It is difiicult to conceive a situation more eligible for de- fence than the one they had chost n, or one rendered more secure by the skill with which they had erect- ed their breast-work* It was from 5 to 8 feet higb. ANiDREW JACKSON. 133 and extended across the point in such a direction, as that a force approaching it would be exposed to a double fire, while they lay in perfect security be- hind. A cannon, planted at one extremity, could have raked it to no advantage. Determining to exterminate them, I detached Gen. ColTee, with the mounted men, and nearly the whole of the Indian force, early on the morning of yesterday, to cross the river, about two miles below their encampment, and to surround the bend in such a manner, as that none of them should escape by attempting to cross the river. With the infant- ry, I proceeded slowly, and in order, along the point of land which led to the front of their breast- work ; having planted my cannon, one 6 and one 3 pounder, on an eminence, at the distance of 150 to 200 yards from it, I opened a very brisk fire, play- ing upon the enemy with muskets and rifles, when- ever they shewed themselves beyond it. This was kept up, with short interruptions, for about two hours, when a part of the Indian force, and Capt. Russell*s and Lieut. Bean's company^ of spies, who had accompanied Gen. Coffee, crossed over in canoes to the extremity of the bend, and set fire to a few of the buildings which were there situated ; they then advanced with great gallantry towards the breast-work, and commenced a spirited fire upon the enemy behind it. Finding that this force, notwithstanding the 1S4 MEMOIRS OF bravery they displayed, was wholly insufficient to dislodge them, and that Geu. Coffee had entirely secured the opposite bank of the river, I now de- termined to take it by storm. The men by whom this was to be effected, had been waiting with im- patience to receive the order, and hailed it with acclamation. The spirit which animated them, was a sure au- gury of the success which was to follow. The his- tory of warfare, I think, furnishes few instances of a more brilliant attack. The regulars, led on by their intrepid and skilful commander, Col. Williams, and by the gallant Maj. Montgomery, soon gained possession of the works, in the midst of a most tre- mendous fire from behind them ; and the militia of the venerable Gen. Doherty's brigade, accompanied them in the charge with a vivacity and firmness which would have done honour to regulars. The enemy were completely routed. Five hundred and fifty-seven were left dead on the peninsula, and a great number were killed by the horsemen in at- tempting to cross the river: it is believed that not more than 20 have escaped. The fighting continued with some severity about 5 hours, but we continued to destroy many of them who had concealed themselves under the banks of the river, until we were prevented by the night. This morning we killed 16, who had been concealed. We took about 250 prisoners, all women and chil- ANDREW JACKSON^ 135 dren, except two or three. Our loss is 160 wound- ed, and 25 killed: Maj. M'Intosh, (the Cowetau,) who joined my army with a part of his tribe, great- Jy distinguished himself. When I get an hour'0 leisure, I will send you a more detailed account. According to my original purpose, I commenced my return march to Fort Williams to-day, and shall, if I find sufficient supplies there, hasten to the Hick- ory Ground. The power of the Creeks is, I think, i'or ever broken. I send you a hasty sketch, taken by the eye, of the situation on which the enemy were encamped, and of the manner in which I approached them. I have the honour to be, &c. ANDREW JACKSON, Maj. Gen. Maj. Gen, Pinckney, The loss of the Americans, added to the whole loss of the friendly Indians, was 54 killed and 156 vrounded. In communicating the resultof this victory, with- out a parallel, to the War Department, Gen. Pinck- ney elegantly and impressively observes, — » While the sigh of humanity will escape, far this profuse effusion of human blood, which results from the savage principle of our enemy, neither to give nor accept quarter; and while every American will deeply lament the loss of our meritorious fellow sol- diers v/ho have fallen in this contest, we have ample 136 MEMOIRS OF cause of gratitude to the giver of all victory, for thus continuing his protection to our women, and children, who would otherwise be exposed to the in- discriminate havoc of the tomahavvk, and all the horrors of savage warfare." The aged soldier who has been familiarized through life with civilized warfare, can form but an imperfect idea of war, as carried on by savages. Those who have passed their lives in the tranquil scenes of civil life, are still more incompetent to form a conception of its horrors. We can read its history and weep; but were we to witness its tragi- cal scenes, even tears would be stopped, by the ghastly and appalling forms, in which death is pre- sented to the view of its victims. The writer has seen nothing of savage warfare, and but little of sav- age life in a state of peace ; but he can yet almost realize its horrors from impressions, never to be erad- icated, made upon his mind in the earliest stages of life. His venerated grandfather, Israel Putnam, ** seamed with viany a scar,'^ by the knives and toma- hawks of savages, as he was treading the last steps that carried him to his tomb, related to his listening grand-children, the tortures he had borne from sav- ages, and his ^^ hair breadth 'scapes^' from savage death. His accomplished Aid-de-camp, General Humphreys, has left them upon the page of Biog- raphy.'* • Vide Humphreys* Life of Putnam, rages 67, 68, 69, 82. ANDREW JACKSON. l3f The severity of Gen. Jackson with the Creeks, has been a subject of severe animadversion with ma- ny who sympathize with savages, but who can rea- - dily forget the indiscriminate slaughter at Tensaw. Let such remember that at Fort Mitnms in that set- tlement, the unoffending citizen was consumed by fire — his beseeching wife and helpless children were, by the same tomahawk, in the same moment, inhu- manly murdered. And to make them withdraw their ill-placed sympathy, let them remember that the fate which there swallowed up the whole of the citizens, and the whole of their defenders, was de- clared to be the destiny of every American, within the reach of savage vengeance. Whatever injustice the Aborigines of America may have endured from Europeans in the early set- tlements of North America, they have no cause of complaint against the present generation of Anglo- Americans, who are citizens of the United States, nor against the government of the American Repub- lic. Mildness has marked the policy of individuals in their intercourse with the natives, and lenity and justice has characterized every measure of the Amer- ican administrations in regard to them, from the commencement of the government under the sainted Washington, to this period. While the state has protected them in the enjoyment of their temporal rights, the church has, with unceasing exertions, en- deavoured to convert them to Christianity. M2 138 MEMOIRS OF But every measure to introduce among them the arts of civilized life and the benign influence of Christianity, " to soothe the savage breast^ has been tliwarted by ihe poisonous influence of British and Spanish emissaries. Upon them, let a double por- tion of indignation be poured, as the guilty causes of the miseries inflicted by savages upon Americans, and of the almost total extinction of the Indians by the arm of power. Indubitable testimony v^ ill sup- port the as'^ertion, that every Indian v ar in North America, from the treaty of peace in 1783, to this period, has been occasioned by foreign emissaries. Although the British government was compelled to acknowledge the independence of the American Republic, it has always endeavoured to check its rising greatness. They still hope to subjugate it to their dominion, by the power of their navy up- on the seaboard, and of their savage allies upon the frontiers; It would be a handsome accession to the power of the *' legitimate sovereigns" of Europe, to behold George III. (or IV.) wielding the sceptre of power over North, and Ferdinand VII. over South America. ANDREW JACKSON. 139 CHAPTER X. Conclusion of the Creek war — Return of Gen. Jackson and Volua* teers — their reception and separation — Geu. Jackson is appointed Brigadier-General in U. S. army — also a Commissioner to treat with Creek Indians — concludes a, treaty — Foreign emissaries— In- dian eloquence — Speech of Witherford— of Big Warrior — of Te- cumseh, and his death. Having accomplished the object of the expedi- tion to the rallapoosa, by the viotory at Tohopeka^ Gen. Jackson returned with his army to Fort Wil- liams, about the 1st of April. Incessant fatigue and arduous duty, had retarded the recovery of his health, and reduced him almost to a skeleton; but the animation he felt at having effected, in a few months, what, from every former prospect, would have been supposed to need the exertion of years, made him forget his debility ; and his mind arose in majesty, as his body was emaciated by toil. Proud of the title " Commander of Tennessee Vol- unteer Sy^ he rejoiced that they had retrieved the reputation they had recently tarnished by mutiny and disaffection. His object now was to form a junction with the forces of the state of Georgia, and either complete the extermination of the Creeks, or compel them to bury the tomahavvi, and sue for peace. The Hih 140 xMEMQIRS Of labeeSf a cian of them, for reasons before mentioned, were the last to supplicate for mercy. The attack made upon them the 18th November, 1813, by Gen. White, when they were urgent to make peace with Gen. Jackson, rendered them desperate.— The remnants of all the tribes had assembled at Hothlewalee, in the Hickory Ground, Gen, Jackson with his foices, went in pursuit of them. But despair had now succeeded to fury, and the savages dispersed. The general prosecuted his march to the Hickory Ground, and on or about the loth April, established a fort upon the Coosa, near its confluence with the Tallapoosa, which was named Fort Jackson* This completed a line of posts through Tennessee, Georgia, and the Alabama Territory. The Georgia forces had formed a junction with the conquering general; and upon the 20th April, Maj. Gen. Pinckney, commander in chief of Mili- tary Districts No. 6 and 7, arrived at Fort Jackson, and assumed the command of the whole forces in the Creek country. Gen. Pinckney invited Gen. Jackson to his head quarters, where a splendid en- tertainment had been prepared. This emaciated and war-worn veteran, with some of his principal officers, partook of it with the Commander in Chief, To reciprocate the civility, the Conqueror of the Creeks, invited the Commander to dine with him at his marquee the next day. The simple diet ANDREW JACKSON. 14J1 that had sustained hini and his gallant associates for months, was the bill of fare. It called to mind gloomy and proud recollections — the dish of rice, and draught of whiskey, had supported them in times of peril — they were now enjoyed in safety. Never, since the discovery of America, did an American officer leave the command of an army, to his superior offictr, under circumstances more aus- picious, than did Maj. Gen. Jackson, of Tennessee Volunteers, to Maj. Gen. Pinckney, of the U. S. array. He assumed the command of the troops, only to disband them. Their work was done, and well done. Gen. Jackson, for a number of weeks previous, had moved with his army, with the ce- lerity of lightning, and like that, had prostrated every thing that opposed them. He might have said with Caesar, " Venii vidi, vicV^ — I came — I saw — I conquered ! The panic-struck savages, who had been led by the wild incantations of their prophets, and the more guilty encouragement of foreign emissaries, to spread devastation, havoc, carnage, and death, among the unoffending American settlers, humbly prostrated themselves before their conquerors, and begged for that sparing mercy which it had been enjoined upon them never to extend. Fearing to raise a hand against a white man, these infatuated daemons of the forest preyed upon each other ; and seemed to delight in bearing and inflict- 14^ MEMOIRS OF ing tortures. The Creeks massacred every one of their tribe who were known to have attacked Fort Mimms. Upon the 21sl, the next day after Gen. Pinckney assumed the command, he ordered the Tennessee troops to be marched home, and discharged ; retain- ing, however, sufficient to garrison the established posts. Gen. Jackson immediately took measures to comply with the order. The following is Gen. Jackson's last communica- tion, as an officer in the military forces of Tennessee. Fort Williams, April 25fh, at night. Sir, — Gen. Pinckney joined me at Fort Jackson on the 20th. The enemy continuing to come in from every quarter, and it being now evident that the war was over, I received an order at 3 o'clock. P. M. on the 21st, to march my troops hack to Fort Williams, and after having dispersed any bodies of the enemy who may have assembled on the Cahajv- ba, or within striking distance, and provided for the maintenance of posts between Tennessee and Fort Jackson, to discharge the remainder. Within two hours after receiving this order, I was on the line of march ; and reached this place last evening, a distance of about sizty miles. To Brig. Gen. Doherty I shall assign the duty of keeping up the posts, which form the line of com'* ANDREW JACKSON. 14S munication between Tennessee and the confluence of the Coosa and Tallapoosa, making the necessary arrangements to enable him to do so. About 400 of the E. Tennessee militia will be left at this place, 250 at Fort Strother, and 75 at Fort Armstrong and New Deposit. Old Deposit will be maintained by Capt. Hammond's company of rangers. To-morrow I detail 500 of the militia under the command of Brig. Gen. Johnson, to the Cahawba, with instructions to unite with me at Fort Deposit, after having dispersed any bodies of the enemy they may find there assembled. The commissioners who have been appointed to make a treaty with the Creeks, need have nothing to do but assign them their proper limits. Those of the friendly party, who have associated with me, will be easily satisfied ; and those of the hostile par- ty, they consider it a favour that their lives have been spared them, and will look upon any space that may be allowed them for their future settle^ meut, as a bounteous donation. I have taken the liberty to point out what I think ought to be the future line of separation, with which I will hereaf- ter make you acquainted. If they should be estab- lished, none of the Creeks will be left on the west of the Coosa. Accompanying this, I send you a report made by the Adjutant-General, of the killed and wounded at 144 MEMOIRS Of the battle of Tohopeka, which was omitted to be sent by the former express. I have tlie honour to he, Sec. ANDREW JACKSON. His Excellence/ Gov, IF. Blount. At the expiration of a few days he commenced a return march to his home, after an absence of eight months. If the sense of obligation bears any pro- portion to the benefits received, it may well be con- cluded that the people of Tennessee and Mississippi, must have been deeply impressed with the obliga- tions of gratitude to Gen. Jackson and his gallant volunteers. For tvventy years, the frontier settlers had lived in a state of insecurity ; and since the commencement of the second war between the American Republic and the kingdom of Great-Brit- ain, in the most alarming apprehensions. Their danger was now removed, and their safety was secured. The spontaneous bursts of admira- tion and applause that were every where uttered, was more grateful to the feelings of Gen. Jackson, than all the studied encomiums that could be be- stowed. Upon reaching Camp Blount, at Fayetteville, (Tenn.) the bond of union, which had been cement- ed by common danger and common toils, between the general and the volunteers, was dissolved. Hav- ing learned and discharged the duty of veteran sol- i-NDREW JACKSON. 145 diers, they now reverted back to industrious aYz- zens ; ready, at no distant period, to follow their beloved chief, to conquer a civilized, as they al- ready had done, a barbarous foe. While tears of pungent grief were shed at the recollection of their brave associates, who were left to nionldt^r in the graves of the wi'derness, those of exquisite joy flow- ed at the safety of their fathers, and the security of their homes. Gen. Jackson having very ranch exceeded the time for which he volunteered his service^ and hav- ing accomplished vasUy more than the most san- guine expectations could have anticipated, was about to retire to the repose of private life, which his debilitated state of health imperiously demand- ed. But the portentous clouds of war, which were constantly augmenting upon the southern borders of the Republic, rendered his services, if possible, more necessary than they had already been, \bout the 1st June, 1814*, he was appointed Brigadier- General in the army of the United States. Before he was called upon to commence his mili- tary career in his new capacity, he was appointed a commissioner, to secure by negociation what he had already acquired by arras. To raake a treaty, however, with Indians, can hardly be called negociation, as it is considered among civilized po^^ers. The law of nations, which requires *' good faith" between the contracting par= N 14(5 BIEMOTRS OF ties, is a code not recognized by American sata- ges. It is rather a contract of bargain and sale, with a penalty annexed for a breach of covenant. Col. Hawkins, who was appointed Indian Agent by Gen. Washington, and who has been in the agency ever since, was associated with Gen. Jackson in this mission. By the American forces, a complete conquest had been made of the whole Creek country ; and this conquest had been occasioned by flagrant breaches of treaty, and outrageous violations of humanity by the Creeks. Had the American government felt the cupidity, or exercised the power which the larger kingdoms of Europe manifest towards the smaller ones, the Creeks must either have fled from their country, or been reduced to vassalage, and their country itself would have been annexed to the Republic. But its existence commenced upon the broad principles of national and individual jus- tice, and in the progress of its government, it has never deviated from them. The object of Gen. Jackson and the other com- missioners, was not so much to obtain new territo- ry, as to secure the acknowledged territory of the Republic, from the future depredations of Indian hostility. Upon the 10th August, 1814, a treaty was executed, which is before the public. It cut oQ" the savages from all communication with the perpetual disturbers of our tranquillity, and secur- ANDREW JACKSON. w td to the goverDiiient such privileges in their coun» try, as wiil hereafter place the frontiers out of dan- ger from the Creeks, It will be seen in the sequel what measures were adopted by the government and Gen. Jackson to secure our country against other powerful tribes, who were incited by our arch and implacable ene- mies, to raise the tomahawk against our country- men, as they had already induced the unfortunate Creeks to do. Having often been obliged, from the nature of the subject, to allude to the unjustifiable and rep- rehensible conduct of British and Spanish emissa- ries, I am confident the reader will be gratified, in seeing the evidence furnished by the savages themselves. In presenting this evidence, I furnish at the same time specimens of Indian eloquence, which have never been equalled, unless by the speech of Logan, as found in Jefferson's Notes on Virginia. The first I offer, is the speech of the ferocious Ifither/ord, previously mentioned. His surrender to Gen. Jackson, reminds the historian of Coriolanus and dufidius — of Tkemistocles and a Per- sian king. Magnanimity in each overcame ven- geance. WITHERFORd's speech to general JACKSON. " I am in your power— do with me as you please. I am a soldier. I have done the white people all 148 MEMOIRS Of the harm I could ; I have fought them, and fought them bravely : If I had an army, I would yet fight, and contend to the last ; but I have none; my peo- ple are all gone. I can now do no more than u eep over the misfortunes of my nation. Once I could animate my warriors fo battle ; but I cannot ani- mate the dead. My warriors can no longer hear my voice : their bones are at Talladega, Tallus- hatches, Emuckfau, and Tohopeka. I have not sur- rendered myself thoughtlessly. Whilst there were chances of success, I never left ray post, nor sup- plicated peace. But my people are gone, and I now ask it for my nation and for mybelf. On the miseries and misfortunes brought upon my country, I look back with deepest sorrow, and wish to avert still greater calamities. If I had been left to con- tend with the Georgia army, I would have raised my corn on one bank of the river, and fought them on the other; but your people have destroyed my nation. You are a brave man— I rely upon your generosity. You will exact no terms of a conquered people, but such as they should accede to ; whatev- er they may be, it would now be madness and folly to oppose. If they are opposed, you shall find me amongst the sternest enforcers of obedience. Those who would still hold out, can be influenced only by a mean spirit of revenge; and to this they must not, and shall not sa,crifice the last remnant of their coun- try. You have told us where we might go, and be ANDREW JACKSON. 149 safe. This is a good talk, and my nation, ought to listen to it. They shall listen to it." The second evidence, is the speech of" The Big Warrior^'' before Gen. Jackson, Col. Hawkins, &c. It is with all the pleasure of delight, that I incor- porate this eloquent appeal to the magnanimity of our government, into this work. While it eulogi- zes the raeniory of our immortal political saviour George Washington, it also places Mr. Madison, in the most exalted station — the protector of the weak. It also repels the many insinuations which have been made against the long tried and faithful Indian agent, Col. Hawkins. It is but an ill requi- tal for the long seclusion in which the Agent has liv- ed ; and the pacific and salutary policy which he has pursued in the Creek agency, to have it hinted, " that his ageneij had lasted too long to hope that he would steadily pursue that course which the safety and interest of the country required?^ But such is the fate of public functionaries in our Republic. James Monroe, and Andrew Jackson^ than whom, more devoted patriots were never enrolled upon the re- cords of worth, have shared in public obloquy, as well as in public applause. Even this is not with- out its benefits. Jealousy is the shield of freedom? and results from the solicitude Americans feel fcHr their sacred rights and liberties. These censures 150 jjEMOiRs or serve the same purpose in our Republic, as the dust that wcis, by order, cast by lictors upon the heads of the returning conquerors of the Roman Repub- lic, when they were passing under triumphal arches. BIG warrior's speech TO TUE AMERICAN COUMISSIONERS. ** The President, our father, advises us to hon- esty 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 friend- Jy arm T hold fast. I will never break that chain of friendship we made together, and which bound us to stand to the United States. He was a fathei to the Muscoga people; anfl 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 •hildren 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 anet determined to fight the Americans. Listen! — When war was declared, our father stood up and gave us the tomahawk, and told us that he was now ready to strike the Americins; that he wanted our assistance ; and that he certainly would get us our lands back, which the Americans had taken from us. Listen! ^Yow told us at that time, to bring for- ward our families to this place, and we did so ; and you promised to take care of them, and that they * The revolutionary war, t The British made peace without any stipulation for their «»'*='- allies. I54l MEMOIRS OF should want for nothing, while the men would go and fight the enemy ; that we need not trouble our- selves about the enemy's garrisons; that we knew nothing about them ; and that our father would at- tend to that part of the business. You also told your red children, that you would take good care of your garrison here, which made our hearts glad. Listen! — When we were last at the rapids, it is true we gave you little assistance. It is hard to fight people who live like ground hogs.* Listen Father! — Our fleet has gone out — we know they have fought — we have heard the great guns, but know nothing of what has happened to our fa- ther with one arm.f Our ships have gone one way, and we are very much astonished, to see our father tying up every thing and preparing to run away the other, without letting his red children know what his intentions are. You always told us to remain here and take care of our lands — it made our hearts glad to hear that was your wish. Our great father, the King, is the head, and you represent him. You always told us you would never draw your foot off British ground ; but now, father, we ste you are drawing back, and we are sorry to see our father doing so, without seeing the enemy. We must compare our father's conduct to a fat animal that * During the siege of Fort Meigs, the troops covered themselves from the eoeiij's fire, by throwiog up traverses and ditches ^f earth. - '"^mmodof^ Barclay. AITDREW JACKSON. 155 carries its tail upon its back, but when affrighted it drops it between its legs, and runs off. Listen bather ! — The Americans have not yet defeated us by land ; neither are we sure that they have done so by water : we therefore wish to remain here and fight our enemu^ should theij make their appearance. It* they defeat us, we will then retreat with our father. At the battle of the Rapids, last war, the Ameri- cans certainly defeated us; and when we retreated to our father's* fort at that place, the gates were shut against us. We were afraid that it would now^ be the cas^ , but instead of that, we see our British father preparing to march out of his garrison. Fath of from 24 to 28 guns, Capt. Spencer, son of Earl Spencer; the other brig's name unknown. On board of the Carron, 85 men were killed and wounded ; among whom was Col. Nicholl, of the Royal Ma- rines, who lost an eye by a splinter. The land force consisted of 110 marines, and 200 Creek Indians, under the command of Capt. Woodbine, of marines, and about 20 artillerists, with one four and an half inch howitzer, from which they discharged shells and nine pound shot. They re-embarked the piece, and retreated by land towards Pensacola, whence they came. By the morning report of the 16th, there were present in the fort, fit for duty, officers and men, 158. The result of this engagement has stamped a character on the war in this quarter, highly fa- vourable to the American arms: it is an event from which may be drawn the most favourable augury. An achievement so glorious in itself, and so im° portant in its consequences, should be appreciated by the government , and those concerned are enti- tled to, and will, doubtless, receive the most gratify^ ing evidence of the approbation of their countrymen. 170 MEMOIRS OF In the words of I\Iajor Lawrence, *^ where all be- haved well, it is unnecessary to discriminate." Bat all being meritorious, I beg leave to annex the names of the officers, who were engaged and present ; and hope they will, individually, be deemed worthy of distinction. Maj. Wm. Lawrence, 2d infantry, commanding; Capt. Walsh, of the artillery; Capts. Chamberlain, Brownlow, and Bradley, of the 2d infantry ; Capt. Sands, deputy commissary of ordnance ; Lieuts. Villard, Sturges, Conway, H. Sanderg, T. R. San- ders, Brooks, Davis, and C. Sanders, all of the 2d infantry. I am confident that your own feelings will lead you to participate in my wishes on (his subject. Permit me to suggest the propriety and justice of allowing to this gallant band, the value of the ves- sel destroyed by them. I remain, &c. ANDREW JACKSON, Brig. Gen, Com. The Hon. Secretary of JFar, The following is " the official report of Maj. Wm. Lawrence," alluded to by Gen. Jackson, in his let- ter to the Secretary of War. MAJ. LAWRENCE TO GEN. JACKSON. Fort Bowjjcr, Sept. 15th, 1814)— 12 0^ clock at night. Sir, — After writing the enclosed, I was prevented "by the approach of the enemy, from sending it by ANDREW JACKSON. 171 an express. At meridian they were under full sail, with an easy and favourable breeze, standing di- rectly for the fort, and at 4» P. M. we opened our battery, which was returned from two ships, and two brigs, as they approached. The action became general at about 20 minutes past 4, and was contin- ued, without intermission on either side, until f, when one ship and two brigs were compelled to re- tire. The leading ship, supposed to be the Com- modore, mounting 22 thirty-two pound carronadee, having anchored nearest our battery, was so much disabled, her cable being cut by our shot, that she drifted on shore, within 600 yards of the battery, and the other vessels having got out of our reach, we kept such a tremendous fire upon her, that she was set on fire, and abandoned by the few of the crew who survived. At 10 P. M. we had the pleas- ure of witnessing the explosion of her magazine. The loss of lives on board must have been immense, as we are certain no boats left her except three, which had previously gone to her assistance, and one of these 1 believe was sunk: in fact one of her boats was burnt along side of her. The brig that followed her, I am certain was much damaged both in hull and rigging. The other two did not approach near enough to be much injured, but I am confident they did not escape, as a well directed fire was kept on them during the whole time. 112 3JEM0IRS 01 During the action, a battery of a twelve pounde? and a howitzer, was opened on our rear, but without doing any executionjand was silenced by a few shot. Our loss is 4j privates killed, and 5 privates wounded. Towards the close of the action the' flag-staff was shot auay; but the flag was immediately hoisted on a sponge stall over the parapet. While the flag was down, the enemy kepi up their most incessant and tremendous fire: the men were withdrawn from the curtains and northeast bastion, as the enemy's own shot completely protected our rear, except the position they had chosen for their battery. Where all behaved well, it is unnecessary to dis- criminate. Suffice it to say, every officer and man did his duty; the whole behaved with that cool- ness and intrepidity which is characteristic of the true American, and which could scarcely have been expected from men, most of whom had never seen an enemy, and were now, for the first time, exposed for nearly three hours, to a force of nearly or quite four guns to one. We fired during the action between 4 and 5(X> guns, most of them double shotted, and after the first half hour but few missed effect. September 16/A, 11 o'clock, A. M. Upon an examination of our battery this morn- ing, we find upwards of 300 shot and shot holes, in the inside of the north and east curtains, and north- east bastions, of all calibres, from, miisket ball to 32 ANDREW JACKSOK. IT'S pound shot. In the north-east bastion there were three guns dismounted ; one of which, a four pound- er, was broken off near the trunnions by a 32 pound shot, and another much battered. 1 regret to say that both the 2i pounders are cracked in such a manner as to render them unfit for service. I am informed by two deserters from the land force, who have just arrived here, and whom I send for your disposal, that a reinforcement is expected, when they will doubtless endeavour to wipe off the stain of yesterday. If you will send the Amelia down, we may pro- bably save most or all of the ship's guns, as her wreck is lying in six or seven feet water, and some of them are just covered. They will not, however, an- swer for the fort, as they are too short. By the deserters, we learn that the ship we have destroyed, was the Hermes, but her commander's name they did not recollect. It was the Commo- dore, and he doubtless fell on his quarter deck, as we had a raking fire upon it, at about 200 yards distance, for some time. To Capt. Sands, who will have the honour of handing you this depatch, I refer you for a more particular account of the movements of the enemy than may be contained in my letters: his services, both before and during the action, were of great importance, and I consider fully justify me in hav^ ing detained hira> Capt. Walsh and several luaB P 2 17-i ME3f©iRS QF ivere much burned in the accidental explosion oi two or three cartridges. They are not included in the list of the wounded heretofore given. The enemy's fleet this morning, at day break, were at anchor in the channel, about four miles from the fort : shortly after, it got under weigh and stood to sea: after passing the bar, they hove to, and boats have been constantly passing between the disabled brig and the others. I presume the for- mer is so much injured as to render it necessary to lighten her. Fifteen minutes after 1, P, M. The whole fleet have this moment made sail, and arc standing to sea. I have the honour to be, &c. WILLIAM LAWRENCE. Maj. Gen, Andrew Jackson^ See, When it is considered that this fort was in a very incomplete state, having been almost totally aban- doned, until Gen. Jackson had recently discovered its importance to the surrotmding country in time of war — that it was only in a progressive state of improvement — that it was garrisoned by only 15(>- xaew recruits, who had never before faced a veteran enemy — and that it was assailed on every side by land and naval forces, probahly amounting to 1500 men, and 100 pieces of cannon, its defence may be ranked among tlie most gallant achievements in the !ast, or any previous war in America: When the ANDREW JACKSON. 175 defences of Stonington, Fort M" Henry, Fort Bonyer, and Fort St. Phillips, are remembered, the " naval demonstrations" of the haughty mistress of the ocean, lose the terror which our countrymen for- merly attached to them; and shews that independ- ent and valiant freemen, defendijig their homes against modern hired Vandals, sent to destroy them,. nill be victorious. 17S MEMOIRS or CHAPTER XII. GcQ. Jackson is appointed Maj. Gen. iu U. S. army — Fori Bowyer— its importance, and its danger — Gen. Jackson determines to re- duce Pensacola— Arrival of Gen. Coffee with Tennessee Volunteers and Mississippi Dragoons — Capture of Pensacola — Geu. Jackson's account of it — Destruction of the Barancas — Ke returns to Mo- bile — Col. Nicoll's proclamation — Remark. Previous to this period, (Oct. 1814,) General Jackson had been appointed a Major General in the army of the United States, and commander of the rth military district. He had been Major General^ by brevet, some time antecedent to this appoint- ment, and commander of the same district. The importance of Fort Bowyer as a military post, became more and more apparent to him, as he discovered the immense preparation of the ene- my, ta assail the whole American seaboard, from Pensacola to New-Orleans. This fort was but three days' march for land forces from Pensacola, where the British had already hoisted their flag; and from thence to New. Orleans, but ten days*^ march. By the possession of this fort at the mouth of the ca- pacious bay of Mobile — the bay itself, and the ad- joining country, the British land and naval forces "yrould derive incalculable advantages. To secure ANDREW JACKSON. 177 it, therefore, was, in the view of the commanding general, of the utmost importance. But however important the measure, the means to accomplish it were altogether beyond his reach. Without a na» val force to cover the fort, or to assist in its defence, with but a small regular force under his command at Mobile, and wholly uncertain when the forces from the distant state of Tennessee, and other pla- ces, would arrive, it would seem to have been the dictate, not only of the cardinal virtue oi prudence, but oi fortitude itself, to have evacuated the fort and the country at once. The gallant defence of this place upon the 15th September, although a se- vere mortification to the enemy, would induce them to send a force against it, absolutely irresistible. So insufficient were his means of defence, from the middle of September, to about the aOth October, and so overwhelming was the superiority of the enemy's force, and constantly augmenting, that had he at this time retired to New-Orleans, with his^ Jittle army, an unanimous sentence of approbation must have been pronounced by his countrymen. But his language was, " resting on the bravery OF MY LITTLE PHALANX, I HOPE FOR SUCCESS." Notwithstanding the discouraging aspect of affairs,, it was at this period that he resolved, on his own responsibility, to march for Pensacola ; and with his army <* to carry our arms where we find our en- irS MEMOIRS OF eniies,^*^ Having been educated as a jurist, he was versed in the principles of the Law of Nations, He had a knowledge of the obligations which one government owes to another — he was aware of the acts which this code would justify in a Oriligerent power, and the duty it enjoined upon a power that was professedly a neutral one. The Spanish gov- ernment at this time, in regard to the American Republic, was of the latter character by profession, and of the former one by practice. He determined to place himself within striking distance of the en- emy, whether he found them devastating the ter- ritory of the Republic, or preparing to do it in the adjoining territory of another power. The proprie- ty and legality of this measure will more properly be considered, when we have traced the life of Gen. Jackson to the year 1818, when he, a second time, carried the American arms to the capital of Florida. About the 25th October, the exhilirating intelli- gence was received at Mobile, that Gen. CofTee * Had it not been for some unaccountable neglect or design in the War Department, in July, 1814, Gen. Jackson would not have been reduced to this dilemma Upon January 17tb, 1815, he received a letter from Mr. Armstrong, dated July 18th, 1814, as Secretary of War, which says — " If all the circu.iistances stated by you, unite, the conclusion is irresistible It becomes our duty to carry our arms where loe Jind our enemies.''^ Mr. Armstrong, not long after this date, was surcfPded in the war department, by Mr. Monroe. The whole of this Utter may be seen by recurrence to the publicatipos of that period. ANDREW JACKSON. 179 had arrived at Fort St. Stevens, with nearly 3000 " Tennessee Volunteers," and Mississippi Dragoons, The news operated upon the ** little phalanx,'* like a shock of electricity upon the human system. Though previously resolved to follow their com- mander to the cannon's month, and force their way into the fortress of the enemy, though bristled with bayonets, they became enthusiastic when they knew they were reinforced by veterans, to many of whom victory had become familiar, and who were igno- rant of the name of fear. Gen. Jackson hastened to the encampment of his companion in arms. He might have said of Gen. Coifee, as Nelson said of Capt. Hardy — " He is my right arm" They had travelled hand in hand, in the highroad to con- quest over savages, and were now again united in a desperate effort to save their country from subju- gation and slavery, by the vaunting conquerors of the rights of man in Europe. Many of the troops who arrived from Tennessee and Mississippi, had seen no service, but they saw their beloved country endangered, and they imme- diately became practical, if not theoretical soldiers. Parts of the 3d, 39th, and 44th infantry of U. S. soldiers, were mingled with them. In a few days, Ihey were all ready for an expedition to Pensacola, to " plant the American Eagle*^ in the place of the British Lion.*' * A British flag had, for many days, been hoiited at the Spanish fort ID Pensacola, 180 MEMOIRS OF Upon the 3d November, the army took up the line of March. Gen. Jackson commanded in per- son. Upon the 6th, he approached the place, and sent forward a flag to the governor at Fort St. George. In open violation of every principle of civilized warfare — in flagrant contempt of the rights even of contending armies. Major Pierre, who bore the flag, was fired on by a cannon from the fort ! It was courtesy alone, that induced General Jackson to send the flag. His wish was, notwith- standing the previous insolence of Gov. Manrequez, to save (he effusion of human blood, by a pacific interview, explaining the object of his visit; and Lad he imraedialely stormed the fort, and put the garrison to the sword, the laws of war would have justifit'd the procedure. He encamped his troops for the night, and upon the morning of the Ttb, ** proclaimed his diph^matic character from the jyiouths of Ids cannon.'*^ The general hastily and briefly describes the bat- tle in the following letter, having subsequently made his Report to the Secretary of War. GEN. JACKSON TO GOV. BLOUNT. H. ^, 7th Military District^ TensarVj Nov. 1814. Sir, — On last evening I returned from Pensacola to this place. I reached that po'^t on the evening of the 6th. On my approach, I sent Major Pierre ANDREW JACKSON. 181 With a flag to corunuinicate the object of my visit to the Governor of Pensacola. He approached Fort St. George, with his flag displayed, and was fired on by the cannon from the fort: he returned, and made report thereof to me. I immediately went, with the adjutant-general and the major, with a small escort, and viewed the fort, and found it de- fended by both British and Spanish troops. I im- mediately determined to storm the town; retired and encamped my troops for the night, and made the necessary arrangements to carry my determina- tion into effect the next day. On the morning of the Tth, I marched with the effective regulars of the 3d, 39lh, and 4th infantry; part of Gen. CoiTee*s brigade; the Mississippi dra« goons, and part of the West Tennessee regiment, commanded by Lieut. Col. Hammonds, (Col. Low ry having deserted and gone home) ami part of the Choctaws, led by Maj. Blue, of the 39th, and Maj. Kennedy, of Mississippi territory. Being en« camped on the west of the, town, I calculated they would expect the assault from that quarter, and be prepared to rake rae from the fc^rt, and the British armed vessels, 7 in number, that lay in the bay. To cherish this itiea, I srnt out part of the mounted men to show themselves on the west, whilst i passed in rear of the fort imdisravered to the east of the town. When 1 appeared within a mile, I was in full view. My pride was never more heightened Q 182 MEMOIRS OF than in viewing the uniform firmness of my troops, and with what undaunted courage they advanced, with a strong fort ready to assail them on the right ; seven British armed vessels on the left ; strong block- houses and batteries of cannon in their front : but they still advanced with unshaken firmness, and en- tered the town, when a battery of two cannon was opened upon the centre column, composed of regu- lars, with ball and grape, and a shower of musketry from the houses and gardens. The battery was im- mediately stormed by Capt. Levall and company, and carried, and the musketry was soon silenced by the steady and well directed fire of the regulars. The governor met Cols. Williamson and Smith, who led the dismounted volunteers, with a flag, begged for mercy, and surrendered the town and fort, unconditionally. Mercy was granted and pro- tection given to the citizens and their property, and still Spanish treachery kept us out of possession of the fort, until nearly 12 o'clock at night. Never was more cool, determined bravery dis- played by any troops; and the Choctaws advanced to the charge with equal bravery. On the morning of the 8th, I prepared to march and storm the Barancas; but before I could move, tremendous explosions told me that the Barancas, with all its appendages, was blown up. I despatch- ed a detachment of 200 men to explore it, who re- turned in the night, with the information that it ANDREW JACKSON, 183 was blown up ; all the combustible parts burnt ; the cannon spiked and dismounted, except two. This being the case, I determined to withdraw my troops ; but before I did, I had the pleasure of see- ing the British depart. Col. Nicoll abandoned the fort on the night of the 6th, and betook himself to Ids shipping, with his friend Capt. Woodbine, and their red friends. The steady firmness of my troops has drawn a just respect from our enemies. It has convinced the Pved Sticks, that they have no strong hold or protection, only in the friendship of the United States. The good order and conduct of my troops whilst in Pensacola, has convinced the Spaniards of our friendship and our prowess, and has drawn from the citizens an expression, that owr C/iOc^aK'5 are more civilized than the British. In great haste, I am, &c. ANDREW JACKSON. In this engagement not an American lost his life. The gallant Capt. Levall, mentioned in the general's letter, commenced the attack, and fell desperately wounded at the head of his command, in storming the enemy's battery. The conduct of Gov. Manre- quez, in the midst of the engagement, is a volume of commentary upon his previous conduct. ** With a flag, he begged for mercy, and surrendered the town and fort, unconditionaWi /" General Jackson 184 MEMOIRS or might have said to him, as a gallant chieftain of antiquity did to a trembling and supplicating foe— " Be not as extreme in submissioii as in oj'ence,'** This generous commander felt a contemptuous pity for the humbled governor. He was aware that he was not a free agent, and, of course, hardly an ac- countable being. He acted under duress from the imperious Col. Nicoll and Capt. Woodbine, who, no less terrified than the governor, fled in consternation to their shipping, before a gun was fired ; in which > if they could not withstand, they could flee from the vengeance of Republican Soldiers. Soon after the terms of capitulation were agreed upon, the governor agreed also to surrender the Ba- rancaSf about 15 miles to the westward. But in perfect consistency with Spanish faith, and British honour, it was blown up and completely demolish- ed, before it could be possessed by the American forces. Gen. Jackson, having struck this important blow; having convinced the hostile Indians, that Span- iards could not protect them; and Spaniards, tliat the confident security they had placed in British protection only exposed them to destruction, he ira- mediately prepared to throw himself and his army into the more exposed parts of the country. It ex- cites astonishment that he should have left Mobile upon the 3d, arrived at Pensacola upon the 6th, cap- tured it upon the 7th, agreed upon the surrender of ANDREW JACKSON, 185 the Barancas upon the 8th, and upon the 9th have taken up the line of march for Mobile to defend Fort Bowyer. To this celerity of movement, and importance of measures, modern warfare scarcely furnishes a parallel. Gen. Jackson possesses one of the most essential attributes of a warrior— prom/>^i. tude. He decides promptly— he executes promptly. He also possesses the rare quality of infusing into the hearts of his soldiers, th€ ardour that inspires his own. While these events were transpiring in the eastern section of the 7th military district, the solicitude of the commander and the whole adjoining country, was increased for the safety of New-Orleans, era^ phatically the key of the whole Western States and Territories. Col. Nicoll, soon after his arrival at Pensacola, confident of success, and swelling with the « un^ gathered laurels" of anticipated victories, endeav-^ oured to prepare the minds of Louisianians, Ken- tuckians, Tennesseeans, and the citizens of Missis- sippi, for the blessin^rs of British dominion, to whicb they would shortly be subjected. Although his eel^ ebrated proclamation has long been before the in- dignant reader, to hold that and him up again ta contempt, I insert it in this work. COL. NICOLL, TO LOUISIANIANS, KENTUCKIANS, &c>^ "Natives of Louisiana ! On you the £rst call i^ 0.2 186 MEMOIRS OF made, to assist in liberating from a faithless^ imbe- cile government, your paternal soil: Spaniards, Frenchmen, Italians, and British, whether settled, or residing for a time is Louisiana, on you, also, I call, to aid me in this just cause. The American usurpation in this country, must be abolished, and the lanful owners of the soil put in possession. I am at the head of a large body cf Indians, well armed, disciplined, and commanded by British offi- cers — a good train of artillery, with every requisite, seconded by the powerful aid of a numerous British and Spanish squadron of ships and vessels of wan Be not alarmed, inhabitants of the country, at our approach; the same good faith and disinterested- ness, which has distinguished the conduct of Brit- ons in Europe, accompanies them here; you will have no fear of litigious taxes imposed on you, for the purpose of carrying on an unnatural and anjust war ; your property, your laws, the peace and tran- quillity of your country, will be guaranteed to you by men, who will suffer no infringement of theirs. Rtst assured, that these brave red men only burn with an ardent desire of satisfaction, for the wrongs they have suffered from the Amtrirans; to join you, in liberating these southern provinces from their yoke^ and drive them into those limits former- ly prescribed by my sovereign. The Indians have pledged themselves in the most solemn manner, not to injure, in the slightest degree, the persons or ANDREW JACKSON. 187 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 thresliold 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 Ameri- cans bhish for their more inhuman conduct lately on the Escambia, and within a neutral territory. Inhabitants of Kentucky ! you have too long borne with grievous impositions — the whole brunt of the war has fallen on your brave sons : be impo- sed on no longer, but either range yourselves under the standard of your forefathers, or observe a strict neutrality. If you comply with either of these offers, what- ever provisions you send down, will be paid for in dollars f and the safety of the persons bringing ity as well as the free navigation of the Mississippi^ guar* anteed 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, unjusty and unnatural war^ at a time when Great Britain was straining every nerve, in defence of her own, and the liberties of the world — when the bravest of her sons were fighting and bleeding in so sacred a cause— when she was spend mg mil- 138 MEMOIRS OP lions of her treasure, in endeavouring to pull down one of the most formidable and dangerous tyrants, that ever disgraced the form of man— when groan- ing Europe was almost in her last gasp — when Brit' ons alone showed an undaunted front — basely did those assassins endeavour to stab her from the rear ; she has turned on them, renovated from the bloody, but successful struggle. Europe is happy and free, and she now hastens, justly, to revenge the unpro- voked insult. Show them that you are not collect- ively unjust ; leave that contemptible few to shift for themselves: let those slaves of the tyrant send an embassy to Elba, and implore his aid ; but let every honest, upright American spurn them with united contempt. After the experience oi twenty-one years, can you longer support those brawlers for liberty, who call it freedom, when themselves are free ? Be HO longer their dupes — accept of my offers— every thing I have promised in this paper,. I guarantee to you, on the sacred honour of a British officer. Given under my hand, at my head quarters, Pen- sqcola, this 29th day of August, 1814. EDWARD NICOLL." It would be difficult to determine whether weak- ness, ignorance, arrogance, or falsehood predomi- nates in this British state paper; and whether it was the production of a cabinet council at London, or of the individual labour of the redoubted Col. ANDREW JACKSON. 189 Nicoll. It would be " stale, flat, and unprofitable," to analyze or criticise it. It evinces the weakness of the author, his ignorance of the American charac- ter, the arrogance of a coward, and the baseness of a scoundrel. The conduct of Nicoll at Pensacola, is a sufficient commentary upon his proclamation. Having duped the Governor of Florida, and expo- sed his capital to destruction, he basely deserted him, in his utmost need, and shewed, that with an ancient British Knight, he thought " the better part of valour is — discretion." Maj. I^awrence, at Fort Bowyer, taught him, for the rest part of his life, to look with a single eye.^ No proclamation could be better calculated to call the gallant sons ot Ken- tucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi, to the standard of the American Hero, than this. They knew well how to distinguish between his patriot- ism and courage, and *' the sacred honour of a Brit- ish officer*'^ It will be remembered that another British officer, Gen. Brisbane, invited the citizens of New-York and Vermont, to flee to the standard of Sir George Prevost, at Plattsburg. They pre- ferred that of Gen. Macomb; and there taught the vaunting conquerors of Napoleon the same lesson at the Norths which Gen, Jackson afterwards repeated to them at the South, * See Gen. Jackson's account of the defence of Fort Bowyer. i90 MEMOIRS Of CHAPTER Xlir. General Jackson's arrival at New-Orleans— perilous situation of that place— reliance upon distant forces— bis address to the people of Louisiana — tinaidity of the legislature — evidence of disaffection, and traitorous conduct — Declaration of Martial Law — Measures of defence— Arrival of reinforcements— Landing of the enemy — Bat- tle of the 23d December— OflScial report of it. The solicitude which Gen. Jackson felt for the safety of Mobile Bay and Fort Bowyer, was now almost forgotten in the overwhelming anxiety he endured for the most important place in his district, and, in some respects, in the Union — Nciv-Orleans, For a considerable period there had been no general officer in the 7th military district but himself, who was attached to the army of the United States, al- though with him there had long been one general officer who would adorn any service. At length Brig. Gen. Winchester, of the U. S. army, arrived, and to him Gen. Jackson assigned the command of the eastern section of his district, and immediately repaired to New-Orleans. He arrived at this place upon the 2d December, 1814. A mere casuist may wonder why the pres- ence of a single individual at an exposed place, is an augury of its safety ; hut it is in vain for casu- ists, philosophers, or stoics, to laugh at a sentiment ANDREW JACKSON. 191 that is common to our nature. The presence of Washington at Trenton^ and of Putnam at Bun* ker^s Hill, had the same effect upon citizens and soldiers, as that of Jackson at Neiv-Orleans, At no period since the declaration of American Independence in July 1776, to December 1814, had an American commander a duty of more impor- tance and difficulty to discharge, than had Gen. Jackson at this portentous period. At Mobile, with means apparently wholly insufficient, (to use his own language,) he had " a sickly clinmte, as well as an enemy to contend with." At New-Orleans, he had to contend with the consternation of the citizens, the insolence of judicial power, and the timorous policy of the legislature of Louisiana ; as well as against the most powerful land and naval force, that had, for forty years, menaced any one place in the Republic. He had also to contend with the prejudices, the favouritism, and the perficHous- ness of foreigners, a vast number of whom had mi- grated to Louisiana before its accession to the Re- public, by Mr. Monroe's treaty. Although the proclamation of Nicoll, excites in the mind of an intelligent American reader, no feeling but that of ineffable contempt ; yet uith the mixed population of Louisiana, its effects might be essentially different. Although amongst that popu- lation, were many native Americans of distinguish- ed talents and patriotism, it is without a doubt the 192 MEMOIRS OF fact, that in 1814, a majority of its inhabitanta were of foreign fxtraction; and that much the most niinuTous class of foreigners were Frenchmen. They saw the same formidable power, that had re- cently taken the lead in conquerini^ the conqueror of Europe, driving him into exile, and restorini; Louis XVIII. to the French throne, now menacing Lou- isiana with a force, that seemed to be irresistible. Spaniards^ in the same power, recognized the re- storer of Ferdinanrl VII. Englishmen^ dared not take up arms against their oun countrymen unless certain of victory. Gen. Jackson was auare that in this discordant mass of people, there would he many, who uould not only neglect to repair to the American stantJard, but who would '* give aid and comfort'' to the enemy. He was also aware that energetic and coercive measures to detect domestic traitors, or to conquer a powerful foe, would nieet with rtsistance from that undefined, and frequently unrestrained spirit of liberty, wliich foreigners, re- cently settled \n the Republic, almost invariably manifest. But, it was in vain for him to wish for a diJferent state of thines, or to pursue a course of con:'uct which adiirerent state would have render- ed judicious ami expedient. He was compelled to act as circumstances dictated, without thepowerof changing them. Like a great m.in in danger, de- scribed by a great poet, with elegance—'' Serene ANDREW JACKSON. 193 and master of himself, he prepared for what might comey and left the rest to heaven,^* Commander in Chief of the extensive and im- portant military district No. f, he knew that the eyes and the hopes of the American people were fixed upon him, and "the little phalanx" who had fol- lowed him to victory. With many who Ivnew the peril of his situation, these hopes were mingled with despair ; but despair never produced its para- lizing effects in the bosom of the general. In Gov. Claiborne of Louisiana, Gov. Blount of Tennessee, and Gov. Shelby of Kenlucky, he felt a safe, a certain reliance, as he knew them to be patriotic statesmen of the first water. In Gen. Coifee and Gen. Carroll, and the gallant men whom he knew would follow him to victory or to death, he could recognize oflicers and soldiers who would cheerfully unite with him and the S'uall regular force he had under his command, at New-Orleans. From Mis- sissippi, he also felt the strongest assurance that his force would be augmented by many of its gallant soldiers, who had followed him in taking ample ven- geance upon the Creeks, for the massacre at Tensaw, in tleir territory. It was still, however, wholly uncertain how soon an effect ive force, which would give any hopes of a successful defence of the place, would arrive. His first reliance was upon the Lou- isiana militia, upon whom, from circumstances al- ready mentioned, he could place the least. He had R 104 MEMOIRS Of a faithful coadjutor in Gov. Claiborne ; and from Mr. Edward Livingston, derived every assistance which his great talents and influence enabled him to afford. General Jackson addressed the citizens and soldiers of Louisiana, in the following impres- sive manner : — *« Natives of the L^nited States ! the enemy you are to contend with, are the oppressors of your in- fant political existence — they are the men your fa- thers fought and conquered, whom you are now to oppose. Descendants of Frenchmen! natives of France I they are English, the hereditary, the eternal ene- mies of your ancient country, the invaders of that you have adopted, who are your foes. Spaniards! remember the conduct of your allies at St. Sebas- tian, 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 wit- ness 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, un- mindful of his rights, with the enemy he ceases to oppose. Commanding men who know their riL;hts, and are determined to defend them, he salutes you as brethren in arms ; and has now a new motive to ANDREW JACKSON. 195 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 insulted you by an aflected doubt of your attach- ment 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.'* Considering the nature of the people and of the troops he had to address, it is difficult to conceive of an appeal more appropriate. The native Ameri- cans are pointed to '' the oppressors of their infant political existence''^ — The natives of France to the " eternal enemy rf their ancient countrij — the invaders of the one theij had adopted*^ — Spaniards too, are reuiinded of *' the brutal injuries inflicted'^ upon their country, *' % men who dishonour the human race.^^ It was argumentwn ad homimnn^din appeal to men; which is generally more eifectual than ar- guments deduced from principle. But excepting with the American part of the population, it had no effect. Indeed from European Spaniards but little exertion could be expected in the cause of the Republic, when they shortly expected to see the country they inhabited return to the Spanish yoke ; and the Frenchme!3 there, who, a short period 196 MEMOIRS OF before, were vociferating, Vive PEmpereur ! were now sending in their adhesions to Louis XVIII. and exclaiming, Vioe le Roi J — So far from volunteer- ing, they refused to comply with the military drafts that were made. The disaffection of the few is easily checked, when the public functionaries discharge the neces- sary duties devolved upon them; but so far were the legislative and judiciary powers of the state, from calling in the power of law to check the grow- ing discontent, that they encouraged it by con- niving at it. Governor Claiborne did every thing which a patriotic and vigilant executive could dis- charge ; but a majoritij of the legislature, nerveless, timorous and desponding, hung upon him like an incubus, and paralized all his exertions. In regard to this house of assembly, the governor might have said, " mine enemies are those of n)y own house- hold." From the police of the city of New-Orleans, no more hopes could be derived than from the majori- ty of the legislature of the state; and some of its inhabitants were carrying on a treacherous inter- course with the enemy. The writer would not so confidently have stated the facts contained in this chapter, unless he had in his possession indubitable evidence of their accuracy. From the mass of testimony, the following is selected from the corres- pondence between Gov. Claiborne and Gen. Jack- ^ ANDREW JACKSON. lor son. In one letter the governor says, " On a late occasion I had the mortification to acknowledge my inability to meet a reqnisition from Gen. Flournoy; the corps of this city having for the most part re- sisted my orders, being encouraged in their diso- bedience 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 pro- position 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 patri- otism 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 cannot disguise the fact, that if Louisiana should be attacked, we must principally depend for security upon the prompt movements of the regular force under your command, and the militia of the western states and territories. At this moment we are in a very unprepared and de- fenceless condition ; several important points of defence remain unoccupied, and in case of a sudden attack, this capital would, I fear, fall an easy sac- rifice." In another letter he most impressively remarks — •• Inclosed you have copies of my late general or- ders. They may, and I trust will be obeyed; but R2 198 MEMOIRS OP to this moment, my fellow-citizens have not mani- fested all that union and zeal the crisis demands, and their own safety requires. There is in this city a much greater spirit of disaifection than 1 had anticipated ; and among the faithful Louisianians, there is a despondency which palsies ail my prepa- rations ; they see no strong regular force, around which they could rally with confidence, and they seem to think themselves not within the reach of seasonable assistance, from the western states, I am assured, sir, you will make the most judicious disposition of the forces under your command ; but excuse me for suggesting, that the presence of the seventh regiment, at or near 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 appre- hend from within as from without. In arresting the intercourse between New-Orleans and Ptnsacola, you have done right. Pensacola is in fact, an ene- my's post, and had our commercial intercourse with it continued, the supplies furnished to the enemy, would have so much exhausted our own stock of provisions, as to have occasioned the most serious inconvenience to ourselves. I was on the point of taking on myself the pro- hibition of the trade with Pensacola: I had prepar- ed a proclamation to that elft'ct, and would have ANDKEW JACKSOK. 199 issued it the very day I heard of your interposition^ Enemies to the country, may blame you for your prompt and energetic measures ; but, in the per* son of every patriot you will find a supporter. I am very confident of the very lax police of this city, and indeed, throughout the state, with respect to the visits of strangers. I think with you, that our country is filled with spies and traitors. I have written pressingly on the subject, to the city au- thorities and parish judges — I hope some efliicient regulations will speedily be adopted by the first, and more vigilance exerted for the future, by the latter.*' In a third letter, the governor observes — « The only difficulty I have hitherto experienced, in meet- ing the requisition, has been in this city, and exclu- sively 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 dis- cussion, 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. You have been informed of the contents of an intercepted letter, written by Col. Coliel, a Spanish officer, to Capt. Morales, of Pensacola. This letter was submitted for the opinion of the attorney gene- ral c7f the state, as to the measures to be pursued 200 MEMOIRS OF 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 Coi Coliel to take his departure, in forty-eight hours, for Pensacola, and gave liim the necessary passports. I hope, this measure may meet your ap- probation. 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." In another letter, this patriotic chief-magistrate says to Gen. Jackson, *' If Louisiana is invaded, I shall put myself at the head of such of my militia as will follow me to the fie'd, and on receivmg, shall obey your orders.'' It will be reiaembered that the venerable Gov. Shelby, of Kentucky, served under Maj. Gen. Harrison, when he obtained his signal victory over Gen. Proctor. In addition to this ex- plicit evidence, furnished by Gov. Claiborne, Charles K. Blanchard, Esq. writes to Gen. Jackson thus — '* Quarter-Master Peddle, of the British army, ob- served [to me,] that the commanding officers of the British forces, were daily in the receipt of every in- formation 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 ANDREW JACKS05?. ^201 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, ^Scc. He furthermore sta- ted, that the above information was received from persons in the cily of New-Orleans, from whom he could at any hourj procure every information neces* sary to promote his majesty's interest ! !" I have been Ihus particular in describing the situ- ation in which Gen. Jackson found the citizens of Louisiana, its legislature, and its capital, upon his arrival there, early in December, 1814, because it induced, and indeed, compelled him to resort to a measure which had never before been resorted to in the Republic, since the adoption of the Constitution, THE DECLARATION OF MARTIAi LAW. TWs tOOk place on the 16th of the month, twenty-three days before the splendid victory, which secured the city of New-Orleans and the states bordering upon the Mis- sissippi, from the rapacity of an enemy, whose prin- ciples of warfare, had been demonstrated, upon the western frontier, at Havre de Grace, at Hampton, and at Washington ! The proceedings of the legislature were suspend- ed. But let the majority of the membersj who then constituted it, remember, that the suspension of their civil power, was occasioned by their resist- ance of a legal military power. Gen. Jackson had been loo long in the discharge of the highest civil MEMOIRS OF functions, not to acknowledge the superiority of the civil, over the military power. He had been too long in military life, to be ignorant of the duties of aD American General, to whom was committed the defence of a district, the safety of which was para- mount to every other consideration. The citizens of New-Orleans, and its environs, were, for a few days deprived of their accustomed privileges. But the patriotic part of them, endured the deprivation with pleasure, since it prohibited the perfidious and traitorous part of them, from holding an intercourse with the enemy, calculated to aid theui in the subjugation of it. Gen. Jackson had been incessantly engaged, since his arrival, in selecting the most commanding scites for fortifications, near the mouth of the Mississippi. Fort St. Philips, was selected as the most eligible one, and Maj. W. H. Overton, was appointed to the command of it. His gallant defence of it, will constitute a subsequent article in these memoirs. The naval force near New -Orleans, consisted of small gun-vessels, under the command of Capt. Pat- terson. The gallantry, not to say desperation, \\ ith which they were defended, more properly belongs to the naval chronicle than to this work. From the 16th to the 22d December, the gene- ral, by his animation, vigilance, and exertions, seemed to magnify his little phalanx into a host, and to dissipate the despondency that pervaded the citi« ANDREW JACKSON. 203 2ens, by the confidence his presence excited. Upon the last mentioned day, the reinforcements from Tennessee, under Generals Carroll and Coflce, had arrived. Those under Gi the safety of this city will depend on the fate of this arniif, it must not be incautiously exposed^ He selected the most advantageous po- sition, upon the east bank of the iAlississippi, and commenced a system of defence, which will for ever give him an exalted rank among the great com- manders of the nineteenth century. Although, to use his own expressions, for which our copious lan- guage can with difficulty furnish a substitute — *' The surest defence, that seldom fails of success, is a rampart of high-minded and brave men*'^ — he acted, in every situation, as if he was accountable to his country and his God, for the life of every man tliat was lost, who fought under his standard. After the loss of the small flotilla under Lieut. Jones, there was no naval defence but the schooner Caroline, and she was placed in a situation, which, owing to the current of the Mississippi, and the course of the winds, rendered her an easy prey to the enemy. Her gallant crew, however, defended her until the red hot balls thrown from the enemy's ANDREW JACKSON. SIS battery, set her on fire and bfew her up, upon the 27ih, Capt. Patterson, and ail his officers and men> immediately placed themselves under the command of Gen. Jackson, and by their consummate skill in gunnery, rendered most essential service in the land batteries. I cannot omit a brief extract from Capt* Patterson's letter to the Navy Department, dated 2rth January, 1815. — * I have received from all the olhcers whom 1 have the honour to command, every aid and si>pport which could possibly be ren- dered. They have been exposed to extraordinary hardships, both by day and night, to all the chan- ges of this unstable clime, in this inclement season of the year ; performing the most arduous duties on shore, out of the line of their profession, inde- pendent of their ordinary duties; and all has been done and executed, with a cheerfulness and alacrity that reflects upon them the highest credit ; and that the unwearied exertions of the small naval force on this station, from the first appearance of the enemy, has contributed, in a great decree, to his expulsioHj is freely acknowledged by the gallant general, com- manding the land forces." The officers mentioned in this letter, are Captain Henley; Lieuts. Alexis^ Thompson, Norris, and Ciinningham ; Mr. Purser Shields, Dr. Morrell, sailing-master Dealy, surgeon Heermun, navy agent Smith; Maj. Cormick, com- manding the marine corps; Mr. Sheph^ird, aid-de- camp ; Lieut. Nevitt, volunteer; acting Lieuts* 214f MEMOIRS OF Spedflin and M'Keever. He further says, — "My petty officers, seamen, and marines, performed their duties to my entire satisfaction." It has already been mer)tioned that the gun boats, commanded by Lieut. Jones, were captured upon the 1430 MEMOIRS Of with his advance upon my lines, he had throwu over in his boats, a considerable force to the other side of the river. These having landed, were har- dy enough to advance against the works of Gen. Morgan! and what is strange and difficult to ac- count for, at the very moment whrn their entire discomfiture was Jooked for with a confidence ap- proaching to certainty, the Kentucky reinforce- ments, ingloriousiy fled, drawing after them, by their example, the remainder of the forces ; and thus yielding to the enemy tliat most fortunate po- sition. The batteries which had rendered me, for many days, the most important service, though bravely defended, were of course now abandoned ; not however, unti! the guns had been spiked. This unfortunate route, had totally changed the aspect of affairs. The enemy now occupied a posi- tion from which they might annoy us without haz- ard, and by means of which they might have been enabled to defeat, in a great measure, the effects of our success on this side of the river. It became therefore, an object of the first consequence, to dis- lodge him as soon as possible. For this object, all the means in my power, which I could with any safety use, were immediately put in preparation. Perhaps, however, it was somewhat owing to an- other cause, that I succeeded beyond my expecta- tions. In ncgociatiijg the terms of a temporary suspension of hostilities, to enable the enemy to ANDREW JACKSON. 231 bury their dead, and provide for their wounded, I had required certain propositions to be acceded to as a basis ; among which this was one — that al- though hostilities should cease on this side the river until 12 o'clock of this day, yet it was not to be understood, that they should cease on the other side ; but that no reinforcements should be sent across by either army, until the expiration of that day. His excellency Maj. Gen. liambert, bee:ged time to consider of those propositions until 10 o'clock of to day, and in the mean time re crossed his troops. I need not tell you with how much eager- ness I immediately regained possession of the posi- tion he had thus hastily quitted. The enemy having concentrated his forces, may again attempt to drive me from my position, by storm. Whenever he does^ I have no doubt my men will act with their usual firmness, and sustain a character now become dear to them. I have the honour, kc, ANDREW JACKSON. It will be noticed in this account, that Gen. Jack- son, while he bestows the most unqualified appro- bation upon his own brave troops, does not omit to declare, that the *' columns of the enemy continued to advance with a firmness which reflects upon them the highest credit." A brave man is always gene- rous to a brave foe; and although a fallen one, 232 MEMOIRS Of withholds from him no credit that is justly his due. The general estimates the loss of the enemy, at ecarceiy half what it really was; for although the Inspector-General Haynes, makes it 2.600, subse- quent acknowledgments from British prisoners make it exceed 3,000. The agitation felt by the general, at the loss of the important post on the right bank of the river, under Gen. Morgan, is clearly discoverable in the language he uses ; and it has been said that he was too severe in saying, ** The Kentucky reinforcements inglorionsly fled." He immediately delivered to them the following elegant address, in which he gives them the fullest credit, for courage, except in this instance. '* While, by the blessing of heaven, one of the most brilliant victories was obtained by the troops under my immediate command, no words can ex- press the mortification I felt, at witnessing the scene exhibited on the opposite bank. I will spare your feelings and ray own, nor enter into a detail on the subject. To all who reflect, it must be a source of eternal regret, that a few moments' exertion of that courage you certainly possess, was alone wanting to have rendered your success more complete, than that of your fellow citizens in this camp. To what cause was the abandonment of your lines owing? To fear ? No ' Yoti src the countrymen, the ANDREW JACKSON* 2S$ friends, the brothers of those who have secured to themselves, by their courage^ the gratitude of their country ; who have been prodigal of blood in its defence, and who are strangers to any other fear than disgrace — To disaffection to our glorious cause ? No, my countrymen, your general does justice to the pure sentiments by u^hich you are inspired. How then could braue 7nen, 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, the 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 1 must cease to com- mand, 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 officers, and good sol- diers, may not be mentioned in the disgrace 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 pro- tect ; and you have an additional interest, from past events, to wipe off reproach, and show that you will not be inferior, in the day of trial, to any of your countrymen. U 2 234i MEMOIRS GF But remember, without obedience, without or- dcr, without discipline, all your ejforls are vain. The brave man, inaltenlive to his duty, is worth lit- tle more to his country, than the coward, who de- serts her in the liour of danger. Private opinions, as to the cowpctcncij of oftlcers, iMust not be indulged, and still less expressed. It is impossible that the measures of those w ho com- mand, should satisfy all who are bound to obey ; and one of the most dangerous faults in a soldier, is a disposition to criticise and blame the orders and characters of his superiors. Soldiers ! I know that many of you have done your duty ; and I trust in future, that I shall liave no reason to make any ex- ception. OJJircrs! I have the fullest confidence that you will enforce obedience to your commands; but above all, that by subordination in your dili'er- ent 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 sojdiers— that they will earn their share of those honours and rewards, which their country will prepare for its deliverer s,^^ Gen. Jackson took immediate measures to regain by forccy the important post on the right bank of the Mississippi ; but, ever anxious to spare the eiTu- sion of human blood, he obtained it by negociaUon, as mentioned in his letter to the Secretary of War. The relinquishment of this post, seems to be the ANDREW JACKSON. 235 result of that infatuation which evinced itself in every measure of the British comnianders, after they landed in Louisiana. Had they abandoned the east side of the river, and concentrated their forces upon the west, with tl^e immense quantity of heavy artillery in their possession, they would have had the exclusive command of the country to New- Orleans ; and what could then have saved the city, must be kh to conjecture. Hence the solicitude of Gen, Jackson to regain it : hence too, his exces- sive mortification at its temporary loss. Notwith- standing the unparalleled victory obtained, it ap- pears from the following letter, that the general act- ed as if the enemy were preparing '' to make a still mightier effort to attain his first object, ^^ GEN. JACKSON TO HON. JAMES MONROE. Head Quarters, Campy 4> miles below New-Orleans f Jan. 13th, 1815. Sir, — At such a crisis, I conceive it my duty to keep you constantly advised of my situation. On the 10th instant, I fowarded you an account of the bold attempt made by the enemy, on the morning of the 8th, to take possession of ray works by storm, and of the severe repulse which he met with. That report having been sent by the mail which crosses the lake, may possibly have miscarri- ed; for which reason, I think it the more necessary briefly to repeat the substance of it. 236 MEMOIRS Of Early on the morning of the 8th, the enemy hav- ing been actively employed the two preceding days, in making preparations for a storm, advanced in two strong columns on my right and left. They were received, however, with a firnmess which it 6eems ihty little expected, and which defeated all their hopes. My men, undisturbed by their ap- proach, which indeed they long anxiously wished for, opened upon them a fire, so deliberate and cer- tain, as rendered their scaling ladders and fascines, as well as their more direct implements of warfare, perfectly useless. For upwards of an hour it was continued with a briskness of which there have been but few instances, perhaps, in any country. In jus- tice to the enemy, it must be said, they withstood it as long as could be expected from the most de- termined bravery. At length, however, when all prospect of success became hopeless, they fled in confu-ion from the field, leaving it covered with their dead and wounded. Their loss was immense. I had at first computed it at 1500; but it is since ascertained to have been much greater. Upon in- formation, Avhich is believed to be correct, Colonel Haynes, the inspector-general, reports it to be in total 2G00. His report I enclose you. iMy loss was inconsiderable, being only 7* killed, and 6 wounded. Such a disproportion in loss, when we * This wap in the action on the line : afterwards a skirmishing was kept up, iQ which a few more of our men were lost. ANDREW JACKSON. 2St consider the number and the kind of troops enga- ged, must, I know, excite astonishment, and may not every where be fully credited ; yet I am per- fectly satisfied that the account is not exaggerated on the one part, nor underrated on the other. The enemy having hastily quitted a post, which they had gained possession of, on the other side of the river, and we, having immediately returned to it, both armies, at present, occupy their former positions. Whether, after the severe losses he has sustained, he is preparing to return to his shipping, or to make still mightier efforts to attain his first object, I do not pretend to determine. It becomes me to act as though the latter were his intention. One thing, however, seems certain, that if he still calculates on effecting what he has hitherto been unable to accomplish, he must expect considerable reinforcements ; as the force with which he landed must be undoubtedly diminished, by at least 3000. Besides the loss which he sustained on the night of the 23d ult. which is estimated at 400, he cannot have suffered less between that period and the morn- ing of the 8th inst. than 3000 — having, within that time, been repulsed in two general attempts to drive us from our position, and there having been contin» ual cannonading and skirmishing during the whole of it. Yet he is still able to shew a very formidable force. There is no doubt that the commanding general, iSS MEMOIRS OF Sir Edward Pakenhani, was killed, in the action of the 8th» and that i\lajor-GeneraIs Keane and Gibbs were badly wounded. Whenever a more leisure moment shall occur, I vili take the liberty to make and forward you a more circumstantial account of the several actions, and particularly that of the 8th; in doing which, my chief motive will be, to render justice to those brave men I have the honour to command, and who have so remarkably distinguished themselves. I have the honour, kc, ANDREW JACKSON. The rival armies upon the 9th, were restored to their former positions; and both were ignorant of the intentions of each other. Sir Edward Paken- hani being slain, and Generals Keane and Gibbs be- ing, the one mortally, and the other severely wound- ed, were compelled, the one to languish and die, the other to languish and barely survive. The command devolved upon Maj. Gen. I.ambert. The deep penetration of Gen. Jackson might well lead him to suppose, that Gen. Lambert, and Col. Thorn- ton, (who had once conquered on the right bank of the river,) would unite their *' mightier elTorts'* to conquer on the east. Ever vigilant, and never re- miss, he relai^ed not in the least from his former en- ergy. The plains of Capua, after a. victory, and the luxurious indulgence of the fruits of conquest upop ANDREW JACKSON. 230 them, proved to be the destruction of Hannibal and his army. Gen. Jackson was resoJved, that the banks of the Mississippi should not prove so to him and his patriotic companions. While every exertion was made to prepare for another attack, the distant thunder of cannon, an- nounced to the armies, the operations of the power- ful British naval force at the mouth of the Missis- sippi. From the official report of Maj. Overton to Gen. Jackson, it may be concluded, that Admiral Cochrane, and Sir Edward Pakenham, had agreed to commence final operations at the same time — the one to capture New OrleanF, the other to destroy the American forts at the mouth of the river. Upon the memorable 8th January, a squadron of the Brit- ish naval force appeared before Fort St. Philips. Gen. Jackson thus writes to the Secretary at War: ♦' I have the honour to enclose you Maj. Overton's report of the attack of Fort St. Philips, and of the manner in which it was defended. The conduct of that officer, and of those who acted under him, merits, 1 think, great praise. They nailed their own colours to the standard, and placed those of the enemy underneath them, determined never to surrender the fort." The following is the report alluded to by the general. 240 MEMOIRS Of MA J. W. H. OVEKTON TO GEN. JACKSON. Fort St. Philips, Jan. 19, 1815. Sir, — On the 1st of the present month, I received the information, that the enemy intended passing this fort, to co-operate with their land forces, in the subjugation of Louisiana, and the destruction of New-Orleans. To effect this with more facility, they were first, with their heavy homb vessels, to bombard this place into compliance. On the grounds of this information, I turned my attention to the security of my command. I erected small magazines in different parts of the garrison, that if one blew up, I could resort to another ; built covers for my men, to secure them from the explosion of the shells, and removed the combustible matter without the work. Early in the day of the 8th inst. I was advised of their approach, and on the 9th, at a quarter past 10, A. M. hove in sight, two bomb vessels, one sloop, one brig, and one schooner : they anchored two and one quarter miles below. At half past 11, and at half past 12, they advanced two barges, apparently for the purpose of sounding within one and a half miles of the fort. At this moment, I ordered my water battery, under the comraaml of Lieut. Cunningham, of the navy, to open upon them : its well directed shot caused a precipitate retreat. At half past 3 o'clock, P. M, the enemy's bomb vessels opened their fire, from four ^ea-mortars, two of thirteen inches, two of ten, and, A^'UREVf JACKSON, 241 to my great mortification, I found they were with- out th€ eflective range of my shot, as many subse- quent experiments proved. They continued their fire, with little intermission, during the 10th, llth, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, and IHh. I occa- sionally opened my batteries on them with great vivacity, particularly when they showed a dispo- sition to change their position. On the 17th, in the evening, our heavy mortar was said to be in readiness. I ordered that excel- lent officer, Capt. VVolstoncroft, of the artillerists, who previously had charge of it, to open a fire, which was done with great effect, as the enemy from that moment became disordered, and at day- light^ Oil the J8th, commenced their retreat, after having thrown upwards of a thousand heavy shells, besides shells from howitzers, roun'l shot anci grape, which he discharged from boats, under cover of the night. Our loss in this affair has been uncommonly smnll, owing entirely to the great pains that were taken by the different officers to keep their men undercover; as the enemy left scarcely ten feet of this garrison untouched. The officers and soldiers, through this whole af- fair, although nine days and nights under arms, in the different batteries, with the consequent fatigue and loss of sleep, huve manifested the greatest firm- ness and the most zealous warmth to beat the enc- W ^4l2 MEMOIRii Oi? my. To distinguish individuals, would be a deli- cate task, as merit was conspicuous every where. Lieut. Cunningham, of the navy, who comraandt^d my waler battery, with his brave crew, evinced the most determined bravery and uncommon activity throughout : in fact, Sir, the only thing to be re- gretted, is, that tlie enemy was too timid to give us an opportunity of destroying him. I herewith enclose you a list of the killed and wounded. I am, Sir, very respectfully, W. H. OVERTON. The loss of the Americans, from the official re- port, was, killed, 2 — wounded, 7 — -total, 9. No- thing but the immense importance of the post he commanded, can justify Maj. Overton in nailing his colours to his standard. Even the praise of Gen. Jackson, cannot wholly exculpate a commander for an act, which might have led to the sacrifice of his 7vhole garrison, by a force, to contend with which., would have been desperation. iNDREW JACKSON. 24:^ CHAPTER XVI. Situation of the armies after the battle of the 8th Januaiy— Melan.- choly and distressing scene — Operations at the mouth of the Mis- sissippi — Departure of the enemy — Gen. Jackson's address to the American troops — Disparity in the loss of the two armies. Although the American army uncier Gen. Jack- son, and the British army under Gen. Lambert, remained in full view of each other, irom the 9th to the 18th, no hostile military operations took place between them, during that time. The first were preparing for a renewed attack, enjoying the repose their valour had rendered secure, and which many days of excessively hard labour, and a number of severe fighting, rendered peculiarly necessary. The last were employed in discharging the most melan- choly duties of the camp. The soldiers were en- gaged in depositing in the bosom of the earth, their slain comrades, who had for many days previous, fought by their sides upon its surface, and assuaging the distresses of the wounded who yet survived. Humanity must weep over such a scene ; and in the death and anguish of the gallant, and comparative- ly innocent soldiers of England, for a season forget the wicked cause in which they fell — the cause of tyranny against freedom. Even the patriotic so!- 244 MEMOIRS OF diers of our beloved Republic, in beliolding the banks of the majestic Mississippi, converted into an outspread sepulchre for veteran focmen, who had one common origin '.vith themselves, must have dropped a manly tear. But how soon will reftec- tion compel them to pour forth the most indignant imprecations against the British governmen!, whose systematic injustice first occasioned the war, and against the British officers, whose Vandalism and barbarity, even charity itself can never forgive. It must crimson with a blush every Englishman, who reads the history of the nineteenth century, vvhen he finds it recorded, that an officer, the pride of England, confident of capturing one of the finest cities in America, gave as a countersign^ upon the day his army was to enter it — " Booty and Beau- ty !" The hard earnings of patient industry, were to be ravished from the defenceless citizens, and their wives and daughters to be subjected to the diabolical lust of a full-gorged soldiery. The in- nocent and accomplished females of New-Orleans, who had spent days of labour, and nights of watch- fulness, in alleviating the toils of their valiant coun- trymen, while stationed under the banners of the Republic, were to sutler more than ten thousand deaths could inflict, before the very eyes of those who had blessed them for their bounty, but who could no longer extend io them protection. Well may the English reader exclaim with an ancient ANDREW JACKSON. 245 poet — ^^ 2uis temprret a Inchri/mis^ talia fandoy"* (who can refrain from tears in relating such deeds;) and \TeiI may the patriotic sons of CoIuml)ia, when thinking of their impi icable enemy, resolve to be. " Fire to fire, flint to flint, and to outface " The brow of bragging horror." It would seem that Gen. Lambert had determin- ed to maintain his position upon the Mississippi, until he learned the result of the naval operations at its mouth. Upon the ITth, Capt. Wolstoncroft, of the artillerists, having taken a position which brought the British shipping within the range of his mortar, immediately threw them into disorder, and compelled them to retire. Upon the 18th, Gen. Lambert having had time to receive this dis- couraging intelligence, decamped in the night sea- son, as appears from the following official coramu- nication. GEN. JACKSON TO HON. JAMES MONROE. Camp below New-Orleans, 19th Jan. 1815. Last night at 12 o'clock, the enemy precipitate- ]y decamped and returned to their boats, leaving behind him under medical attendance eighty of his wounded, including two officers, 14 pieces of his heavy artillery, and a quantity of shot, having destroyed much, of his powder. Such was the sit- uation of the ground he abandoned, and of that through which he retired, protected by canals, re- W /i 246 MEMOIRS OF douhfs, intrenchments, and swamps on his right, and the river on his left, that I could not without encountering a risk, ^hich true policy did not seem to require, or to authorize, attempt to annoy him much on his retreat. We took only eight prisoners. Whether it is the purpose of the enemy to aban- don the expedition altogether, or renew his elForts at some other point, I do not pretend to determine ^uth posit iveness. In my own mind, however, there is but little doul)t, that his last exertions have been made in this quarter; at any rate for the pre- sent season, and l)y the next^ I hope we shall be ful- 4y prepared for him. In this belief, I am strength- ened not only l^y the prodigious loss he has sustain- ed at the position he has just quitted, but by the failure of his fleet to pass Fort St. Philips. His loss on the ground, since the debarkation of his troops, as stated by the last prisoners and desert- ers, and as confirmed by many additional circum- fitances, must have exceeded four thousand ; and was greater in the action of the 8th, than was esti- jaiated, from the most correct data then in his pos- session, by the inspector-general, whose report has been forwarded to you. We succeeded, on the 8th, in getting from the enemy about lOUO stand of arms of various descriptions. Since the action of the 81b, the enemy have been allowed very little respite — my artillery from both sides of the river, beiag constantly employed, til) ANDREW JACKSON. 24iT the night, and indecl until the hour of their retreat, in annoying them. No doubt they thought it quite time to quit a position in which so little rest could be found. I am advised by Maj. Overton, w ho commands at Fort St. Philips, in a htter of the 18th, that the enemy having homt)arded his fort for eight or nine days, from 13 inch mortars, without efi'ect, had, on the morning of that day, retired. I have little doubt that he would have been able to have sunk their, vessels, had they attempted to run by. Giving the proper weight to all these considera- tions, I believe you vVill not think me too sanguine in the belief, that Louisiana is now clear of its enemy. I hope, however, I need not assure you, that wherever / command, such a belief shall never occasion any relaxation in the measures for resist- ance. 1 am but too sensible, that the moment when the enemy is opposing us, is not the most proper to provide for them. I have the honour to be, &c. ANDREW JACKSON, P. S. On the 18th, our prisoners on shore were delivered us, an exchange having been previously agreed to. Those who are on board the fleet, will be delivered at Petit Coquiile— after which, I shall still have in my hands an excess of several hun- dred. ^th.— Mr. Shields, purser in the navy, has to- 24S MEMOIRS OF day fallen 54 prisoners ; among them are four oftl. cers. A. J. Thus enrlrd the expedition of the British army, agairvt tL>e city of New-Orleans — thus ended the demonstration of the British naval force, against the f. rts at liie mouth of the Mississippi. The de- tail of events which took place in this mteresting and important st^ction of the Republic, have neces- sarily been blended with the Memoirs of Gen. Jack- son. Indeed, they are identified with each other — he was ihtjirsf motion of every movement. The deeply interesting scenes through which Gen. Jackson, his army, and the citizens of New- Orleans were called to pass, from the I6th Decem- ber, 1814, to the 18th January, 1815, would fur- nish subjects for a volume far more extended than the whole of this little Mork. In a few pages I have endeavoured to present the reader with the prominet facts connected \*ith these great events. That they were derived from sources indisputably accurate, I have the most confident assurance. A brief recapitulation would be attempted, were it not in my power to furnish the reader with the elegant and impressive address of Gen. Jackson to his troops upon the 21st January, which follows. ANDREW JACKSON. 24i^ Directed by Maj. Gen. Jackson, to be read at the head of each of the corps composing the line below New-Orleans, Jan. 21, ldl6. ADDKtiSS. Cilizens, and fellow soldiers! The enemy has re- treate(r, and your general has now leisure to pro- claim to the world what he has noticed vviih ad mi- ration and pride— your undaunted courage, your patriotism, and patience, under hardships and fa- tigues. Natives of ditiferent states, acting together for the first time in this camp; differing in habits and in language, instead of viewing in these cir- eumstances, the germ of distrust and division, you have made them the source of an honourable emu- lation, and from the seeds of discord itself, have reaped the fruits of an honourable union. This day completes the fourth week, since fifteen hun- dred of you attacked treble your number of men, who had boasted of their discipline and their servi- ces under a celebrated leader, in a long and event- ful war— attacked them in their camp, the moment they had profaned the soil of freedom, with their hostile tread, and Inflicted a blow which was a pre- lude to the final result of their attempt to conquer, or their poor contrivances to divide us. A few hours was sufficient to unite the gallant band, though at the moment they received the welcome order to march, they were separated many leagues, in different directions from the city. The gay ra- pidity of the march, and the cheerful countenances 260 UTEMOIRS OF of the officers and men, would have induced a be- Hcf that some festive entertainment, not the strife of battle, was the scene to which they hastened with so much eagerness and hilarity. In the con- flict that ensued, the same spirit was supported, and my communications, to the executive of the U. States, have testified the sense 1 entertained of the merits of the corps and officers that were enga- ged. Resting on the field of battle, they retired in perfect order on the next morning to these lines, destined to become the scene of future victories, which they were to share with the rest of you, my brave companions in arms. Scarcely were your lines a protection against musket shot, when on the 28th, a disposition was nidde to attack th'*ra with all the pomp and parade of military tactics, as improved by those veterans of the Spanish war. Their batteries of heavy cannon kept up an in- cessant fire; their rockets illuminated the air; and under their cover, two strong columns threatened our flanks. The foe insolently thought that this spectacle was too imposing to be resisted, and in the intoxication of his pride, he already saw our lines ainndoned without a contest — how were these menacing appearances met ? By shouts of defiance, by a manly countenance, not to be shaken by the roar of his cannon, or by the glare of his firework rockets; by an artillery served uith superior skill, and with deadly effect. Never, my brave friends, ANDREW JACKSON. ^51 . can your general forget the testinaonials of attach- ment to our t^lorious cause, of indignant hatred to our foe, of affectionate confidence in your chief, that resounded from every rank, as he passed along your line. This animating scene damped the cour- age of the enemy ; he dropped his scaling ladders and fascines, and the threatened attack dwindled into a demonstration, which served only to shew the emptiness of his parade, and to inspire you with a just confidence in yourselves. The new year was ushered in with the most tre- mendous fire his whole artillery could produce: a few hours only, however, were necessary for the brave and skilful men, who directed our own, to dismount his cannon, destroy his batteries, and eiiectually silence his fire. Hitherto, my brave friends, in the contest on onr lines your courage had been passive only ; you stood with calmness, a fire that would have tried the firmness of a veteran, and you anticipated a nearer contest with an eager- nesi which was soon to be gratified. On the 8lh of January the final effort was made. At the dawn of day the batteries opened, and the columns advanced. Knouing that the volunteers from Tennessee, and the militia from Kentucky, were stationed on your left, it was there they di- recti!d their chief attack. R^^sonin; always from false principles, they ex- pected iittie opposition from men, whose officers 252 MEMOIRS OF even were not in uniform, who were ignorant of the rules of dress, and who had never been cojied int9 dtsripline. Fatal mistake! a fire incessantly kept up, directed with a calmness and unerring aim, strewed the field with the hravest oflicers and men, of the column w hich slowly advanced, according to the most approved rules of European tactics, and was cut down hy the untutored courage of Ameri- can militia. Unable to sustain this galling and unceasini* fire, some hundreds nearest the intrench- luent called for quarter, w hich w as granted — the rest retreating, were rallied at gome distance, but only to make them a surer mark for the grape and cannister shot of our artillery, which, w ithout exag- geration, mowed down whtde ranks at every dis- charge ; and at length they precipitately retired from the field. Our rii^ht had only a short contest to sustain with a few rash men, who fatally for themselves, forced their entrance into the unfinished redoubt on the river. They were quickly dispossessed, and this glorious day terminated with the loss to the enemy, of their commander-in-chief and one major-general liilled, another major general wounded, the most experienced and bravest of their oflicers, and more than three thousand mtn killed, wounded and miss- ing, while our ranks, my friends, were thinned on- ly by the loss of se\en of our brave companions kill- ed, and six disabled by wounds — wonderful interpo- ANCREW JACKSON. 253 si!ion of heaven i unexampled event in the history x>{ war f Let us be grateful to the God of battles, who has directed the arrows of indignation against our in- vaders, while he covered with his protecting shield the brave defenders of their country. After this unsuccessful and disastrous attempt, their spirits uerc broken, their force was destroyed, and their whole attention was employed in provi- ding the means of escape. This they have eifect- ed ; leaving their heavy artillery in our power, and many of their wounded to our clemency. The con- sequences of this short but decisive campaign, are incalculably important. The pride of our arrogant enemy humbled, his forces broken, his lea(lers kill- ed, his insolen' hopes of our disunion frustrated — his expectation of rioting in our spoils and wasting our country, changed into ignominious deff^dt, shameful flight, and a reluctant ackuouledgmenf of the humanity andhindness of those, whom he had doomed to ail the horrors and humiliation of a con- quered state. On the other side, unanimity established, disaffec- tion crushed, confidence restored, your country saved from conquest, your property from pillage, your wives and daughters from insult and violation —.the union preserved from dismemberment, and perhaps, a period put by this decisive stroke, to a bloody and savage war. These, ray brave friends. ^54 MKMOIRS OF are the consequences of the eiTorts you have made, and the success with which they have been crowned by heaven. Tijese important results have been elTected by the united courage and perseverance of the army ; but which the dillerent corps, as well as the indi- viduals that compose it, have vied with each other in their exertions to produce. The gratitude, the admiration of their country, offers a fairer reward, than that which any praises of the general can he- stow, and the best is that of which they can never be deprived, the consciousness of having done their duty, and of meriting the applause they will receive. The history of modern warfare furnishes innu- merable instances of enthusiastic and ardent appeals to the pride and courage of soldiers, before battles were fought, and most extravagant exaggerations of their achievements, after Ihey were won. In the addresses of Gen. Jackson to bis troops, before he entered the sanguinary field, nothing is to be dis- covered but the cool, dignified, and majestic lan- guage of a great commander, /7rrp«rrd for victory. When he had vanquished his foe, tlie highest en- comium he could bestow upon his officers and sol- diers was, that they had answered his expectations. In no instance but one, in the numerous battles he had fought and conquered, had he occasion to ex- press regret at the conduct of any portion of hi? ANDREW JACKSON. 255 troops ; and in that very instance, he gained one of the greatest victories recorded in modern history— that of the 8th January, 1815. His agitation at losinij the right bank of the Mississippi, for only a few hours, compelled him to say to a section of his little army, that he was disappointed, Wi'h Gen. Jackson, victory was never the result of accident or fortune. It was the necessary efi'ect produced by a known cause. Although invariably victorious, it would be a miserable eulogy to pro- nounce him a fortunate commander. He left no- thing to be decided by the capricious *' fortune of war,'* which as often gives glory to a blundering braggadocio, as to an accomplished general. He acted as though he was the guardian, as well as the commander of the soldiers, and as if he was ac- countable for every limb and life lost by executing his commands. The manner in which he defended New -Orleans, evinced the solicitude he felt for the lives of his soldiers ; and although he was conscious that it would assuage the sorrow of the surviving friends of slain heroes, to declare that they died covered with glory, yet, in restoring them to the bosoms of their connections, with the laurels of victory upon their living brows, and the ardour of patriotism in their beating hearts, he felt as if he was rendering to his countrymen and to his country, the best account of his battles and his victories. The astonishing disparity in the losses of the ^5€ MEBiaiES OF American and British armies, would stagger the belief of the reader, were it not presented to him from most indubitable evidence. P>om r fficial re- ports, now in the AVar Office, it appears that the whole loss of the Americans, before New-OrJeans, and at the mouth of the jMississippi, was as follows : Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total. Bee. 23d, : : : ^4 : 115 : r4 : 213 Dec. 28th, : : : 7 : 8 : 00 : 15 Jan. 1st, : : : : 11 : 23 : 00 : 34 Jan. 8th, : : : : 13* : 30 : 19 ; 62 From Olh to irth, at ) « -. ^^ Fort St. Philips, 5 ^ " ^ - ^^ 9 333 Thus it appears that but 57 were killed—of the 183 wounded, it is not known that any one died; and of the 93 missing, it is not known that but one deserted, and he was hung before tiie British camp, by order of the commander, immediately after the final victory over him.f Notwithstanding the se- verity of the season — the excessive labour and fa- tigue of the troops, and the want of camp equipage, but few died ; so that it may be said of Gen. Jack- * But seven were killed in the engagement. t This m\a was the only fleserter from Gen. Jackson's army. He told Sir E'lward ivhere the weakest part of the American lines were, having nothing but Tennessee and Kentucky militia to defend it. The principal column of the enemy attacked that point. After the defeat^ ^hey railtd at the deserter and hung him. ANDREW JACKSON. 251 son, as it was said of an ancient warrior—** He 7vas twice a conqueror y for he brought home full num- bers,'* The loss of the British, from their own acknowl- edgment, and from the most correct accounts, must have been from 4500 to 5000. The mention of New-Orleans, while it calls up the most grateful and animated recollection of Americans, reminds Englishmen of one of the most disastrous defeats recorded in the history of their country. X2 ^58 MEMOIRS O/ CHAPTER XVII. Gen. Jackson nppoints a Day of Tlianksgiving and Praise, for the vic- toiies olitaiurd. an 1 for the pirservation of the city, upon the 23d Jaiiuni-y — Doct. Dubourg*s Address — the General's answer— con- tinues his exrrtions to render ihe country more secure — surrendec of Fort Bo«yer— peace proclaimed — discharge of troops — General Jackson's address to them- -Remark. The atteniion of the n-ader is now to be called from scenes of carnage, wounds, death, deft at, and victory, to one, the most d< eply interesting that can possibly be presented to the view of man. He is la be suddenly transported from those appalling scenes,^ which, it tears are permitted to soil the purity of laeaven, must make the angels weep, to one which HI list make them rejoice. Gt n. Jackson, his gallant; officers, and his troops, although loaded with earthly honours, and greeted with the acclamations of a grateful and protected people^ did not omit to render that homage which is due to that Almighty Being, who ''reigns in the armies of heaven above, as nell as in the earth be- neath,^^ A day of thanksgiving and solemn praise, was appointed by the general. It was upon the 23d of January. The solemn rites were performed in the Cathedral in New-Or'eans. To behold a war- ^^o^R yeteran, like Gen. Jackson, surrounded by hi? ANDREW JACKSON. 259 war-worn officers and troops, prostrated upon the altar of adoration, aud offering to the God of Bat- tles, that glory which the world had bestowed np* on theni^ must have moved the heart of apathy itselL It is totally impossible for one who was not a wit- ness of the scene, to have a conception of its solemn grandeur. The solemn peals of the organ, in uni- son with vocal praises, sent up to heaven the grate- ful acknowledgments of a preserved people. *' Grim visag^d nar hud smoothed its wrinkled fronV"* — ttars of exquisite joy rolled down the cheeks of soldiers and citizens, antl the hearts of all were swollen with gratitude to the King of kings, and Lord of lords. The Republic was safe ;. a vaunting foe was over- thrown, and, although the memories of the few who had fallen in the sanguinary field — »*2rt sad remem- prance roscy^^ it was a subject of inexpressif)le con« solation, that almost all the soldiers who had form« ed the impregnable rampart upon the plains of the Mississippi, were now assera!)led in the city, which owed its preservation to their valour, and to the blessing of heaven. Upon this occasion, the Rev. Dvoct. Dubourg, the administrator apostolic of the diocese of Louisiana, delivered to the General arj address, replete with the pious effusions of the Christian, ami the elegan^ cies of the scholar. Although it has long been be- fore the public, I cannot omit to enrich this volume by inserting a part of it, together with the impres- 260 MEMOIRS O? sive answer of Gen. Jackson. While they will be read with rapture by the Christian, they cannot fail to excite the admiration of the patriot. The venerable minister of the gospel thiis ad- dressed the Hero of New-Orleans, and the gallant officers and soldiers who had followed him to victo- ry, and now joined him in adoration: — ** General, — AVhile the state of Louisiana, in the joyful trans- ports of her gratitude, hails you as her deliverer, and the assertor of her menaced liberties— while grateful America, so lately wrapped up in anxious suspense, on the fate of this important city, is re- echoing from shore to shore, your splendid achieve- ments, and preparing to inscribe your name on her immortal rolls, among those of her Washingtons — while history, poetry, and the monumental arts, will vie, in consigning to the admiration of the latest posterity, a triumph, perhaps, unparalleled in their records — while thus raised by universal acclamation, to the very pinnacle of fame — how easy had it been for yoUf General, to forget the Pkime JMover 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 hea- ven's merciful designs, the first impulse of your re- ligious heart was^ to acknowledge the interpositioi ANDREW JACKSON. 261 of Providence — your first step, a Bolemn display of your liun)ble sense of His favours. Still agitated at the remembrance of those dreadful agonies, from which we have been so miraculously rescued, it is our pride to acknowledge, that the Almighty has truly had the principal hand in our deliverance, and to follow you, General, in attributing to His in- firn'te goodness, the homage of our unfeigned grati- tude. 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, u ho, as he holds the hearts of men in his hand, holds also the thread of all contingent occurrences. To Him, therefore, our most fervent thanks are due, for our late unexpected rescue. It is Him we intend to praise, when considering you, General, as the man of his right hand, whom he has taken pains to fit out for the important commission of our de» fence. We extol that fecundity of genius, by which, under the most discouraging distress, you created unforeseen resources; raised, as it were, from the ground, hosts of intrepid warriors, and provided every vulnerable point with ample means of defence. To Him we trace that instinctive supe- riority of your mind, which at once rallied around you universal confidence: impressed one irresistible 562 AIEMOIRS OF movement to all the jarring elements of which this political machine is compose*! ; aroused their slum- bering spirits, and diiiused throuirh every rani? the noble ardour \\hich glowed in your bosom. To Him, in fine, we address our acknowledgments for that consummate prudence, which defeated all the combinations of a sagacious enemy, entangled him in the very snares which he had spread for us, and succeeded in effecting his utter destruction, without exposing the lives of our citizens. Immortal thanks be to his Supreme Majesty, for sending us such an instrument of His bountiful designs ! A gift of that value, is the best token of the continuance of His protection— the most solid encouragement to sue for new favours Ihe first, which it emboldens us hum- bly to supplicate, as nearest our tlirol)bi[jg hearts, is that you may long enjoy the honour of your grate- ful 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 aspecfiy and honourable termination of the biooily contest, in which we are engaged. No one has so efiicaciously laboured as you. General, for the accel- eration of that blissful period : may we soon reap that sweetest fruit of your splendid and uninterrupt- ed victories.*' The General thus replied to this solemn ami im* pressive address. His allusion to the »* cypress ANDREW JACKSON* 263 leaf," a symbol of grief and wo, is inimitably fine. Cypress groves u ere constantly in view of the rival armies, diirinii their sanguinary conflicts, and they ^vill hereafter remind Englishmen of the carnage committed amongst his infatuated countrymen, in- vading our soil, by the gallant armies of the Repub- lic in defending it. ''Reverend Sir, — I receive, with e;rafitude and pleasure, the symbol crown, which piety has prepa- red. I receive it in the name of the brave men who so etfectiially seconded ray exertions — they well deserve the laurels which their country will bestow. For myself, to have been instrumental in the de- liverance of Siich a country, is the greatest blessing that heaven could confer^ That it has been effect- ed with so little loss — that so few tears should cloud the smiles of our triumph, and not a cypress leaf be interwovf n in the wreath u hich you present, is a soijrce of the most exquisite pleasure. I thank you, reverend Sir, most sincerely, for the prayers which you offer up for my happiness. iVIay those your patriotism dictates for our beloved country, hv first heard ; and may mine, for your individual pros- perity, as well as that of the consre^ation commit- ted to vour care, be favourably received : the pros- peritys wealth, and happiness of this city, will then 264j MEBiOIRS OF be coiiimfnsurate with the courage and other quali ties of its inhabitants." Gen. Jackson, although he felt as if Louisiana and its capital were safe, did not remit any of his exer- tions to renrler the country still more secure. With the assistance of his hcloved associates, Generals Coffee, Carroll, Adair, ike and the troops under their immediate coninian for taking this little fort, only to surrender it up again. Upon the 13th JFebruary, Gen. Jackson was ad- vised of the ratification of the Treaty of Peace, by an express from the War Department. The follow- ing address to his troops, upon ordering them to be marched home, will always be read with delight- y ^G6 MEMOIRS OF « The Major- General is at length enabled to per- form the pleasing task, of restorin^^ to Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana, and the territory of the Mis- sissippi, the brave troops who have acted such a distinguished part, in the war which has just ter- minated. In restoring these brave men to their homes, much exertion is expected of, and great re- sponsibility imposed on, the commanding officers of the different corps. It is required of Maj. Gens, Carroll and Thomas, and Brig. General Coffee, to march their commands, without "innecessftry delay, to their respective states. The troops from the Mississippi territory, and state of Louisiana, both militia and volunteers, will be immediately muster- ed out of service, paid, and discharged. The Major-General has the satisfaction of an- nouncing 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. In parting with these brave men, whose destinies have been so long united with his own, and in whose labours and glories it is his happiness and his boast to have par- ticipated, the commanding general can neither sup- press his feelings, nor give utterance to them as he ought. In what terms can he bestow suitable praise on merit so extraordinary — so unparalleled ? Let him, in one burst of joy, gratitude, and exultation, exclaim— these are the saviours af their country — ANDREW JACKSON. 2Qr 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 priva- tions—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 con- nections, and blissful scenes, which render life so dear — full of honour, and crowned with laurels which will never fade. When participating, in the bosoms of your families, tfee enjoyment of peaceful life, with what happiness will you not look back to the toils you have borne — to the dangers you have encountered ? How will all your past exposures be converted into sources of inexpressible delight? Who, that never experienced your sufferings, will be able to appreciate your joys ? The man who slumbered ingloriously at home, during your pain- ful marches, your nights of watchfulness, and your days of toil, will envy you the happiness which these recollections will afford — still more will he envy thf gratitude of that country, which you have so eminently contributed to save. Continue, fellow^- ^^ JklEMGISS 01, soldiers, on your passage to your several destkm- lions, to preserve that subordination, that dignified and manly deportment, whicii have so ennobled your character.^ While the commanding general is thus giving indulgence to his feelings, towards those brave com- jpanions, who accompanied him through difficulties, and danger, he cannot permit the names of Blount j and Shelby, and Holmes, to pass unnoticed. With what generous ardour and patriotism, have these distinguished governors contributed all their exer° tjons; and 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, compelled to use towards his companions in arms, either severity or rsbuke. If, after the. enemy had retired, improper passions began their empire in a few unworthy bosoms, and rendered a resort to energetic meas.ires necessary for their sup- pression, he has not confounded the innocent with the guilty — the seduced with the seducers. To- wards you, fellow-soldiers, the most cheering recol- lections exist, blended, alas ! with regret, that dis- ease and war should have ravished from us so many worthy companions. But the memory of the cause m which they perished, and of. the yj>/?-^c^5 which ANDREW JACKSON, 269 animated them, while Jiving, must occupy the place where sorrow would claim to dwell. Farewell, fellow-soldiers. The expression of your General's thanks is feeble, but the gratitude of a country of freemen is yours — yours the applause of an admiring world." In this address to the troops, the solicitude of Gen. Jackson for the reputation of the army, is clearly evinced. Aware that the exultation they felt from the victories they had obtained, and the animation that aroused them to enthusiasm, at the " wreath of laurel" bestowed u^xjn them by their countrymen, might occasion aberrations from the regular walk of sober citizens, he exhorted them not to tarnish in peace, the glory they had acquired in war. The troops thus dismissed by their com- mander, had to march from 5 to 800 miles, before they reached their homes. The citizens, inhabiting the country through which they passed, so far from treating them with distant coldness, and extorting from them the pittance they had obtained for de- fending the Republic, (conduct not unknown to some parts of America,) received them with un- bounded hospitality, and congratulated them ae the gallant defenders of American Independence. Y£ 210 AilEMOlRS OJ CHAPTER XVIII. Recapitulation of facts relative to the proclamatioD of Martial La?r, writ of habeas coi'piis, Louaillier, and Judge Hall — Arrest of GeOc Jackson — liis .'t fence, convictioa, and fine — Trial by jury — Popular fceliiig— .»1odcration of Gen. Jackson — he advises to a $acred re- gard for civil power. It uill l)e recollected hy the reader, that upon the 16th Deceii)f)er, Grn. Jackson proclaimed mar- tial law in New-Orleans, and in the environs of it. The reasons of that measure, have already been briefly given, and the. imperious necessity of adopt- ing it demonstrated. Next to the efficient nieas« ures of defence below the city, the peo|.)Ie are in- debted to tlie temporary exectition of this system of government, for their salvation from the horrors of British invasion. That the military power must be secondary to ihe civil, is an axiom in our Republic generally as- sented to. That they are both, on great emergen- cies, to support the honour, dignity, and independ- ence of the States, is a sentiment no less generally prevalent. It is a principle, that may be said to be coeval with the formation of civil governinentj that laws are sijent . in the midst of arms, or as the B.O mans had it, ^' leges silent inter arnia" These ■pnnstlples are each to hsive an influence upon Ih*^ ANDREW JACKSON. 2Th inind, In forming an opinion of the propriety of Gen. J ickson's conduct, in regard to the suppression of the civil authority at New Orleans, anil the le- gislature of Louisiana, at that time in session there. Nothing l)ut the agitation produced at the ap- proach of imniinent danger upon fearful minds, can furnish the least palliation for the extraordinary course pursued by the city police of New-OrleanSj and the legislature of Louisiana, during the most portentous period of their history, i» e. from the 16th Decemher, 1814, to the middle of Feb. 1815o These confident assertions would not be made, were they not susceptible of the clearest proof. The existence of that state of things which led to the declaration of martial law, by Gen. Jackson, has been partly unfolded, by presenting the reader, in, a preceding chapter, with what was deemed appro- priate extracts, from the correspondence of GoVo Claiborne with hira. This evidence must be com- pletely satisfactory, as it was derived from a dis- tinguished civil oliicer, who must, with distressing, reluctance, have detailed. to the world, the melan- oholy confession of facts. so derogatory to the dig= aity and to the patriotism of the legislature, over whom he presided, and of the city, where they, were in session. It will never, however, be forgot* ten, that the police of New Orleans, at this perilous period, was not in accordance with the wishes of a> great proportion of its patriotic citizens;^ nor did 272 MEMOIRS OF the timorous, and vascillating policy of the legisla- ture, coincide with the ardent desires of a great number of its members. A number of them follow- ed the governor from the house of legislation, to the camp of Gen. Jackson, and shewed that they felt more solicitous to preserve their state from the contaminating footsteps of a barbarous enemy, than to remain in conclave, debating upon questions of punctilious etiquette, between the civil and milita- ry powers. It has already been stated, that a majority of the senate and house of representatives, in the state le- gislature of Louisiana, were opposed to the requisi- tions which Gov. Claiborne had made upon the Louisiana militia. The patriotism of the militia, however, was not to be damped by a legislative veto, and they followed their patriotic governor io the field; and while they were repelling the tre- mendous assault of the enemy, upon the 28th Dec. with their brave countrymen from Tennessee, Ken- tucky, and Mississippi, the legislature were actually engaged in debating the question^ whether the?/ should not surrender the capital and state, to the British army— -and make the best terms they could with Sir Edward Pakenham ! i Gen. Jackson order- ed Gov. Claiborne, to repair to the city with a re- quisite number of troops, to preserve it from the danger of their own legislature , while he would icfend it from the enemy hanging upon its border^. ANDREW JACKSON4 2f^, Xhis order was prompHy execuiecl, and the legisla- ture, hy their own governoc, was prevented from, sacrihcing the city as a victim to their ovmi fears. To see a state legislature gravely taking measures to negociate with the enemy of the jvholr Republic, evinced almost a complete deterioration of intellect. The commander of the forces, so far as his power extends, is the representaiive of the national pow» er — he only must be the judge of what will conduce to the safety of the country ; he commands; and he only is accountable for the measures (hat may be adopted. If New. Orleans had been sacrificed by the commander, in a manner as dastardly as was, Detroit, the same disgrace would novv have been attached to the name of Jackson, as tlierf^ is to that of Hull; but by defending it against the power of the enemy, the intrigues of some of its citizf'ns, and the feverish agitation of the legisiaturCj he has placed hin>seif beyond the reach of rivalshipj upon the rolls of lame. Without pursuing Ihis subject farther, the reader is now called to leave the Legislature of Louisiana, in 1814 — 15. where facts have left it, and follow Gen. Jackson from tiie solemn scene of thanksgiving to heaven, and the acclaiuations of a preserved people for victories obtained, to,an?wer for his mili- tary conduct before a judicial tribjinal. To a be- liever in the doctrine of decrees, it would seem to l^ave been foreordained, that Andrew Jackson. 274i MEMOIRS OF should be the instrument of procuring the greatest temporal l)lessings for his country ; and that the ingratitude of republics should have made him, in some respects, a signal instance, to show that they are still ungrateful. Gen. Jackson found himself under the imperious ■ecessity of continuing the execution of martial law, until the enemy had totally abandoned his hostile Tiews against New-Orleans and Mobile; or until the rumours of peace were confirmed by official eommunications from the War Department. Upon the first circulation of these rumours, the troops evinced the utmost impatience, and a spirit of in- subordination pervaded the army before New -Or- leans. From his knowledge of the innumerable stratagems of the enemy, to gain by the policy of war, what they had despaired of acquiring by the force of arms, Gen. Jackson was apprehensive that they had devised this report, to lull the soldiers and citizens into a fatal security, and to take the first favourable opportunity that oii'ered, to invade the country, and subject it to British dominion. A member of the legislature, by the name of Xo«fl27//>r, had published in a New-Orleans gazette, an article calculated to excite rebellion in the Amer- ican army, and to encourage the enemy to renew their attack. Gen. Jackson immediately ordered him to be arrested and confined. Mr. Domhiic A. UaUf judge of the district, immediately issued a writ of habeas corpus, directed to Gen. Jackson, commanding him to show reasons for the detention of this legislator. The general, knowing that his appearance before his troops, in a time of danger, was of more consequence to his country, than hig appearance before a judge, who was endeavouring, by the exercise of judicial power, to protect a do- mestic enemy, immediately ordered Judge Hall to be arreMed and sent out of the city. The trial was poUponcd until the country was secured. In a very few days after this commencement of 7vnr htiwtm the military power of the American ilepublic,and the judicial authority at New-Orleans, peace was officially announced to Gtn. Jackson, from the War Department, " between his Britannic Mnjesii/ and the United States, and between their re* spective countries, territories, cities, to?vns, and peO' pie, of every degree, without exception of places or persons'' The joy that filled every heart at the return of peace, was mingled with gratitude to Gen. Jackson, his long tried, brave, and patriotic officers, and gallant soldiers, for their protection is time of war. But amidst this exhiiirating scene, the sullen murmurs of disappointed faction, were heard in discordant notes ; and the very men who were indebted to Gen. Jackson and his army, for the preservation of their lives, fortunes and fami- lies, seemed to be actuated by the bitterest malice against him. 2Y^ MEMOIRS OF It was upon the 11th March, that Judge Hali tvas removed from New-Orleans-;— upon the 13»h, the ratification of the treaty of Ghent was officially announced there-=— upon the 19th, military opera- tions were brojight to a close between the two ar- toies — and upon the 31st, Gen. Jrickson was arrest- ed and hrodt^ht f)eroTe the same Judge Ha/l, to an- swer for his contempt of the covrt, for not answer- ing instanter, to the habras corpus, and for impris- oning the Judge who issued it ! I From the nature t)f the subject, and the mode of proceedins:, this may be pronounced by the legal profession^ to be causn prhruz imprrsaionis. Called thus suddenly from the encakipmewt of an army, before a court of law, Gen.. Jackson divested himself of the stern character of the soldier, and resumed the more gentle one of the advocate — not to defend a client, as he often had done, against groundless charges ; but to save himself from the Vengeance of infuriated malice. The defence he made, has been before the public ever since he made it. It is a source of regret, that the insertion of it lent ire, cannot be made. It comprises hot only the facts upon which it was grounded, but a profound disquisition upon the civil and military power, in a timr of imminent danger. The followina: selections froni it will show the reasons, in addition to those already given, why he procldimed and enforced martial law— imprisoned a leji^islative scribbler— =» ANDREW JACKSON. 2(7 !3eg!ecREW JACKSON. 281 Mter denying the jurisdiction of the court, and claiming, as a constitutional right, a trial by jury, he thus concludes a defence, which the jurist may read with advantage, and the patriot with admi- ration. " This was the conduct of the respondent, and these the motives which prompted it. They have been fairly and openly exposed, tq this tribunal, and to the world, and would not have been accom- panied by any exceptions or waver of 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 exigency of the times forced him to assume, have been exercised exclu- sively for the public good ; and, by the blessing of God, they have been attended with unparalleled success. They have saved the country ; and what- ever may be the opinion of that country, or the de- crees of its courts, in relation to the means he has used, he can never regret that he employed them." The trial by jury, however much it may be sneered at, by the possessors and advocates of un- defined power, has secured to Englishmen the few rights remaining to them. To Americans it is se- cured by our inimitable Constitution; but in the instance before the reader, it was refused to GeB> Z2 282 :\i£3ioiRs OF Jackson, by calling in the aid of the common law of England, lo ensure the conviction of the respon- dent \nT contempt of court ! ! Dominic A. Hall -was the judge whose dignity was alleged to he aliecled by contemj)t of court — Dominic A. Hall was the mail who was said to have sustained an individual injury by the operation of martial law — Dominic A. Hall was the judge who ivould have jurisdiction of the case— who deprived Gen. Jackson of a trial by jury, and who amerced him in a fine of a thou- sand dollars ! ! Half of this sum must have been expended in delay&,.costs of prosecution, and in the expenses of making defence, and the whole fifteen hundred dollars, was drawn out of the j)ocket of the man whose indefatigable exertions, consummate wisdom, and gallant, courage, had secured to the judge the privilege of Convicting him. The records of Judge Jeil'ery himself, scarcely furnished a parallel with this proceeding. An Eng- lish y^r^ saved Penn anct Meade — afterwards the Dean of St» Jsnph, and in the present reign, looker Hardij and Thelwelly from the grasp of a vindictive ministry, and subservient judiciary ; and had Gen. Jackson been arraigned before an impartial and an inilependent jury of Americans, allowed to consider his w'Ao/^case, with what readiness would they have pronounced a verdict of *' not guilty," and changed the indignant murmurs of the audience at his con- ^IctioH, into joyous acclamations at his acquittal. ANDREW JACKSON. 283 Gen. Jackson immediately satisfied the judgment, and retired from the court to his carriage. The throng that surrounded the hall of justice, could not repress their feelings. The horses were unharnes- sed — the carriage elevated upon their shoulders^ and the Hero of New- Orleans was, in this manner, borne through the streets to his lodgings, by its pro- tected and secured citizens. Flattering as was this demonstration of respect and admiration for himj the General was apprehensive that it was evincive of some disrespect for civil po/ver, and addressed them, in the most pathetic manner. This address is before the writer; but its length forbids its in- sertion. He acknowledged the civility of the peo- ple, not with the studied formality of fashionable etiquette, but with the impassioned eloquence of the heart. He exhorted the people whom he lov- ed, and who almost adored him, not to sufl'er the ebullitions of passion, to make them forget the re- spect due to civil authority. They ofl'ered to pay the amount of the fine inflicted upon him, but he declined receiving it ; and retired to his lodgings with the unassumed dignity of conscious integrity. It is with pride, mingled with veneration, that the writer is enabled thus to furnish the reader with conclusive evidence, of the dignified modera- tion of a cor.queror, who conquered, not to aggran- dize himself, but to render secure that independ- ence acquired by his countrymen. Although by ^4 MEMOIRS OF militarii porver^ he had saved an important section of the Republic, and secured the enjoyment of civil power, he was conscious that the first was, and must be, in a free government, inferior to the last ; and if, by a civil or judicial functionary, he had sustained what his countrymen deemed an injury, he was conscious that it was far preferable tosufler himself, and to have errors of judgment overlooked, than to have the civil institutions of his country dis-- jegarded^ ANDREW JACKSOX. ^8^ CHAPTER XIX. Gen. Jackson retires from New-Orleans — arrives at Nashville, his place of residence — Reflection — He receives a message to repair to the seat of government, to assist in arranging the Prace Estab- lishment of the U. S. army — Difficulty of that duty — Votes of thanks, &c to Gren Jackson — He repairs to the seat of government — Ci- vilities received upon his passage, and on his arrival — Returns t© his head-quaiters at Nashville, and in 1816, repairs to New-Or- leans, and arranges the army. Gen. Jackson, having preserved the military district assigned to his command, from invasfon — having defended it against a force which the ene- my supposed irresistible, and his countrymen alarm- ingly formidable — having restored his gallant army to the fire-sides rendered safe by their valour — hav- ing submitted to the adjudication of a civil tribu- nal, and complied with its decision, he had an op- portunity to enjoy that repose to which he had long been a stranger, and which was now rendered se- cure from the disturbance of savage and civilized foes. He beheld an immense portion of the Repub- lic, which was recently in danger of subjugation, by a power whose ambition is as boundless as its cupidity, enjoying in security, the blessings of the American Constitution. It is utterly impossible to describe by language. ^86 MEMOIRS or the emotions of the heart upon this occasion— cTe- scrij)tion lags far behind reality, and its power is impotency itself. Surrounded f)y a recently alarm- ed, and now a secured people, whose hearts were swollen with gratitude, emd whose eyes were swim- ming in tears of joy, he stood amidst the citizens of New-Orleans like a father in the midst of a family, who owed their temporal felicity to his assiduous labours. The females of the city, who owed their lives, and, what was dearer, their honour, to his courage, in impressive silence, evinced their grati- tude to their *' Patron and Friend." '* A glance sends volumes to the heart, While toords impassion'd die-" Gen. Jackson had a family 800 miles distant, froaj which he had long been separated, and to which he was impelled, by the most affectionate atlachmentj to return. He left New-Orleans with the blessings of its citizens for his wisdom and courai^e in defend- ing them, and with their prayers for his happiness. In the long distance of country through which he. passed to his residence at Nashville, he was every where received by the people with the most enthu- siastic demonstrations of respect, and greeted as the great instrument in the hands of heaven, of preser: ving their country from British outr^gp, and British dominion. It was the only reward they couM be- stow, and the most grateful one he could receive. In every heart a monument was erected to his glory. ANDREW JACKSON. 28i tipoii the foundation of gratitude, which will never be shaken ; hut which will be transmitted from the bosom of the sire to the son, through all the distant ages of posterity. He arrived at Nashville upon the 15th May, 1815. Twenty-seven years before, he arrived here at tlie age of twenty-four years, an insulated being, relying solely upon his own exertions and the smiles of heaven, for his establishment in life. He rapidly advanced in fame, as the country with rapidity ad- vanced to civilization— he literally " grew with the growth, and strenj^thened with the strength" of the people of Tennessee. He had gone hand in hand with his fellow-citizfns, in protecting the territory and the state^ from the barbarous carnage of sava- ges, and Sf curing the rude cottage of the early set- tler from conflagration, and his family from massa- cre. He had seen an expanded wilderness, where the majestic silence of nature was broken only by the houiing of beasts, the yells of savasfes, and the lumbliug; of waters, converted into a region of civi- lization, where the arts^ so conducive to the happi- ness of man, and the sciences, which enlarges his views, were practised and taught. He had seen, in the space of a quarter of a century, a new people arise in a new country, to an elevation equal to that of many portions of the globe, which have enjoyed the uif'stimable blessings of civilization for many centuries. He had st^n a constitution established 288 MEMOIRS OF to secure the rights of the people — courts instituted toadddnister jiisticp. and thrt-e iinivcrsities founded to dilfuse the Ws^Uts of scir'nre. He had su^ained many important offices in the state, and had repre- sentT^d it in both branches of the national govern- ment, and had laboured to rend-r the civil, reli- gions, and political rights of the people secure. To protect these enjoyments, he had, at the call of his fellou citizens, led them into the heart of a country of savages, and conquered them into peace. He also had ki\ Miem into the face of the most formi- dable and best Hisriplinrd army, that ever assailed the American Republic, anrl compelled those of them who were not left to moulder in the soil they invaded, to flee from destruction. At Nashville he found himself surrounded by his grateful fellow- citizens, in the enjoyment of peace and happiness; and by his accomplished officers and gallant sol- diers, who had, by their courage, rendered them se- cure. Terrestrial regions could not afford a scene more impressively interesting. In General Jackson the people recognized a Statesman, whose labori- ous and scientific exertions had conduced greatly to the security of their political rights; and a Sol- dier, whose valour had defended them from viola- tion. In the people who now surrounded him, the Genera! recognized virtuous and industrious citi- zens, and faithful and gallant soldiers. Gen. Jackson had received a message, some time ANDREW JACKSON. ^89 previous to his arrival at Nashville, to repair to the seat of government, to render that assistrtnce which his knowledge and experience enabled him to afford, in organizing a peace establishment in the army of the Republic. Indispensable duties, in the district under his command, rendered a compliance impos- sible. The task which devolved upon the War, and the other Departments of the government, in disband- ing an army, which, in the last campai2;n of the war, liad every where covered itself with glory, was important and delicate in the extreme. To the private soldier, whose toils had been severe., wliose ' privations had t)een hard, and whose reward at the conclusion of the war was ample, to be restored to private life, was a gratification. But to officers, from the highest to the lowest grade, who entered the service more for the acquisition of fame than fortune— who had left promising prospects in pri- vate life, to defend their endangered country-^for such men to be dismissed from the service, with which they had become familiar, and be compelled to return again to the dull pursuits of civil life, which has but a few charms for the soldier, was a difficult, although a necessary duty. The American Republic is not a military govern- ment — and an overgrown standing army, in a time of peace, cannot be maintained. From the immense extent of the country— from Aa 290 MEMOIRS OF the number of its forts on the seaboard, and fron- tier, a small standing force is nec(ssary, and a small one only, in a time of peace, will be endured by the people. Conversant with the history of ancient and modern military governments, the American people are jealous of military power. A necessary military force will always be supported — a super- numerary army, will always be considered and op- posed as dangerous. At the conclusion of the sec- ond war between the American Ke])ul)lic and the feingdom of Great-Britain, the government decided that ten thousand troops, properly proportioned, as to officers and soldiers, should constitute the peace establishment — probably the smallest standing army, considering the extent, population, and importance of the country, in any nation in the world. Many officers, who would have adorned any army, must have been dismissed by the reduction of the Ameri- can army, from the war to the peace establishment. The whole of the Republic was divided into tiio divisions, or departments — the South, and the North. Maj. Gen. Jackson was appointed com- mander in chief of the Division of the South. His appointment to this important command, met with the approbation of the coimtry. His ability to command, had been proved by obtaining a series of victories, over the most warlike tribe of savages, and the best disciplined armies in the world, under the most disadvantageous circumstances. ANDREW JACKSON. 291 General Jackson established his hearl-quarters at Nashville, where he was constantly receiving the most unequivocal evidence of the gratitude of his countrymen. Minute details are incompatible with the limits of this work: otherwise the reader might be furnished with the proceedings of various legis- latures, in passing votes of thanks, expressed in the strongest terms of approbation. A vote of thanks, although unaccompanied with any pecuniary fa- vour, is, to a disinterested patriot, the highest re- ward he can receive. The legislature of Tennessee, were amongst the first to manifest their respect for the character and achievements of General Jackson, They passed a vote of thanks, and presented him with a gold medal. They could not forget bis gal- lant associates. Gens, Coffee and Carroll, to whom they presented elegant swords. A British parliament, when it bestows the title of a duke, also drains the treasury, to purchase a dukC' dom for the ennobled subject, and compels the hiwt- ble subjects to refund it, by imposing exorbitant taxes. The American government, although ^1/5^ to its distinguished citizens and soldiers, cannot he gen- erous at the expence of the whole of them. General "W ASHiNGTON, in ih^Jirst war between the Republic and Britain, thought nothing of pecuniary reward, nor did Gen. Jackson in the second; but the one could not have been, and the other cannot be, indif» 2^2 MEMOIKS OF ferent to the grateful applause of independent and protected iVmericans. Although Gen. Jackson, In early life felt little soh'citude for the accunjuiation or preservation of wealth, he nevertheless, after he commenced busi* ness at Nashville, acquired by industry, and saved by frugality, a fine real estate, delightfully situated upon the bank of the Cumberland river. To this he might have retired, had he left the service, and have enjoyed an elegant independence. He might have surveyed his tenements and fertile fields, and have exclaimed, with exquisite delight, " these were acquired by my labour — these were defended by my valour, and here I can enjoy domestic felicity in safety." But although the Republic was at peace with all the world, it could not dispense with the nailitary services of this great Commander. He was retained in the service, not like a pensioned doke, with a numerous pensioned retinue, to excite the unmeaning admiration of a degraded peasantry, but to perfect a military system for his country. The division assigned to his command, is larger than half of Europe, and requires the most consum- mate skill in the commander, to place it in a situa- tion to repel future invasions. Late in the autumn of 1815, Gen. Jackson re- paired, for the first time since the declaration of war, to the seat of government. Upon his passage thither, he received that marked attention, which ANDREW JACKSON. 293 a grateful and an admiring people bestow, upon a distinguished benefactor. Although in time of war he avoided all parade and ceremonies inconsistent with the imperious demands of duty, yet he could not, at this period, avoid a compliance with the wishes of his countrymen, to mingle with their gal- Jant defenders, nor could he avoid a reciprocation of their civility and hospitality. At Lynchburg, in Virginia, a public dinner was given him, at which the philosopher of Monticello, Thomas Jefferson, was present. The veneration that was excited by the presence of the American Statesman, could hardly restrain the enthusiasm produced by the presence of the American Hero. Although far removed from the deeply interesting scenes of Gen. Jackson's military operations, the people of this place and its vicinity, duly apprecia- ted his exalted merit. Toasts have been said to discover the undisguised sentiments of the people; and it is presumed the toast given upon this occa- sion, in reference to Gen. Jackson, by Mr. JeiTerson, will be cordially assented to, by every American; " Honour and gratitude to the man nho has fil- led thff measure of his country's honour." Upon this occasion, the General, knowing that the country he had defended was acquired by ne- goriaiiorty by the same man who had so essentially aided him in protecting it, gave for a toast— " Jaaies Monroe." Ad. 2 29^ MEMOIRS OF Upon his arrival at Washington, he wag received witlj that dig:nifietl all'ability, and cordial afiection, for which the President and the heads of the seve- ral departments are distinguished. No ostentatious parade, better calculated to repress than to elicit, the feelings of the heart, was displayed upon the occasion. The civil fathers of the Republic saw before them a soldier, who had supported in the field the measures they had devised in the cabinet. Respecting and respected, they mutually congrata- lated each other, upon the successful termination of their arduous labours. In surveying the city, tiie effects of Vandal warfare, were visible in the barba- lous ravages of a British army. He saw the ruins of the Capitol and the President's house, and knew that it was in open violation of the principles of civilized warfare that it was produced. He must have rejoiced that a Pakenham was prevented from leaving such tracks of desolation in New-Orleans, as a Ross had in Washington. At all the public parties which the General at- tended at Washington, at Georgetown, and at other places in the vicinity, he shewed, that although in time of war, a soldier must be as a lion to his ene- mies, he could, in time of peace, be a lamb to his friends — that he could " smooth the wrinkled front^' of the soldier, and enjoy the *' lulling tune of the lute." At the table, he could enjoy the luxuries it afforded, with the elegance of the gentleman — at a ANDREW JACKSON, 295 levee, or a drawing-room, could reciprocate the ci- vilities he received, and in the ball-room, could, if he chose, display the refined accomplishments of the courtier. Mrs. Jackson accompanied her hus- band to Washington ; and every where received that distinguished respect, which her own merit, as well as admiration for the General, induced every one to bestow. But amidst the fascinating blandishments of re- fined society, and the alluring charms of elegant amusemenis, he never forgat his duty to his coun- trymen. More than one half of one of the largest nations in the world, in point of territory, had been assigned to his command. Although the olive-branch of peace waved over his country, where the cidrion of war had, for a long time, assailed the ears of his countrymen, he never remitted his exertions to se- cure, in time of peace, by efficient regulations and necessary establishments, the rights and blessings that had been defended by the sword. It is inconsistent with the design of these me- moirs, to give a minute detail of ail the interesting scenes through which Gen. Jarkson passed, in his extensive private intercourse with the most exalted, as well as the middling classes of society. A Bos- well might swell the life of a Johnson to three octa- vos, by telling the world how the "giant of litera- ture" dressed upon particular days — upon what days he drank wine with his friends— cream with 296 MEMOIRS OF his coffee, and enriched his bunns with butter. Gen. Jackson's life is interspersed with incidents more in- teresting to his countrymen, than such events ; and it is presumed they will be more interested in the detail of them. In the spring of 1816, Gen. Jackson repaired to the great scene of his military operations, New- Orleans. It is utterly impossible to give the reader any conception ot the rapture of the people, in again seeing in the bosom of the city, the man who had saved it from carnage and destruction — its sons from murder, and its daughters from wanton violation. After the scenes of cordial congratulation were passed, he immediately reviewed the troops — ex- amined minutely into the police of the camp, and finding the troops unhealthy, resolved to have them removed to the Alabama Territory, \\hich was soon after effected. Although the health and comfort of troops, is a primary object with a commander, yet in addition to this consideration, Gen. Jackson considered, from former experience, that the most endangered part of the *' Division of the South," was that which bordered upon the Spanish provinces of Florida, in which the Alabama and Seminole Indians were embosomed. He was aware that the stationing of American troops upon their borders, would tend to restrain their barbarity ; and that they could more promptly be punished when coumiitted. Subse- quent events, shewed the wisdom of this measure. A^NDRiW JACKSOlf. 2^7 CHAPTER XX. GcD. Jackson negociates a treaty for the extin^ishment of Indian titles to land — Issues an order relative to this subjt-ct —Receives a silver vase from the Ladies of South-Carolina, &c— Returns to Nashville — Issues an important general cider — Prepares to defend his Division — Commencement of Seminole War— Gen. Gaines at- tacks the Seminoles— Geo. Jackson addresses the " Tennessee Volunteers" — repairs to Georgia — aud enters with his army into Florida— Justification of that measure— lie captures St. Marks. Gen. Jackson, having discharged the important duty of regulating and stationing the army, in the southern section of tlie Division of the South, he entered into negociation with the Chickasaw, Choc- taw, Cherokee, and Creek Indians. The object of the negociation, was to obtain from them, the abso- lute relinquishment of all the claim they pretended to have to lands, within the limits of the United States, and which had previously been ceded by them. This measure evinced, in a signal manner, the moderation of the American government to- ward the natives. Although the territory had be- fore been obtained, first by conquest, after a san- guinary war, occasioned by the savages themselves, and afterwards by treaty with them, by which they acknowledged their gratitude to the government for permitting them to retain anf^ territory, yet, to 298 MEMOIRS 07 pacify them completely, for the diminution of their limits, and to extinguish their title, Gen. Jackson engaged, in hehalf of bis government, to pay the Creeks ^10,000 a year, for ten years, and the Cher- ©kees $10,000 a year, for ei^rht years. Having accomplished this important measure, Gen. Jackson repaired to Huntsville, in the state of Mississippi, and upon the 8th of Octoiier, published an order which was sanctioned by the government, by which all citizens of the United States, were enjoined to abstain from ail encroachments upon Indian lands, and ordered such as had, to be re- moved in a limited number of days. Although this might operate hard upon individuals who had acted under misapprehension, yet it was doing that justice and equity to savages, which the American govern- ment has always extended to them ; and it rendered still more secure the frontiers of Mississippi, Ten- nessee and Georgia. During this season, Gen. Jackson received a manifestation of respect from the '* Ladies of South- Carolina,'* his native state, which must have been peculiarly grateful to his feelings. They presented him, through Col. Haynes and Maj. Gadsden, with a splendid siker vase, elevated upon a pedestal. The figures attached to it are emblematical of the country's glory, and of the glory of " the man of NEW-ORLEANS." UpoH ouB side of it, a striking representation of the great battle, and an inscrip- ANDREW JACKSOK. 2^9 tion, " EIGHTH JANUARY, 1815" — upoti the other, */ PRESENTED BY THE LADIES OF SOUTH CAROLINA, TO MAJOR GENERAL ANDREW JACKSON." The gift was worthy of tiie receiver — worthy of the givers- worthy of the descendants of the patriotic matrons of South-Carolina, who, in the gloomy period of the revolution, added lustre to their characters, by exercising a benevolence as boundless as the wants of their assailed countrymen. The toils, the grief, and the death, of the venerable mother of Andrew Jackson, cannot be forgotten.* At about the same time, the general received an- other present, although less splendid, equally appro- priate. A boot manufacturer of Pittsburgh, pre- sented him with an elegant and superb pair of m^7^- tarT/ boots. He received them with great affability, and reciprocated the civility with his usual cordial- ity. The presentation of a pair of woollen stockings^ to the Emperor Alexander, when at London, suita- ble for the frigid climate in which he reigns^ was received with all the condescension which the head of the allied sovereigns could bestow upon a pea- sant. In October, 1816, Gen. Jackson returned to his head quarters at Nashville, Tenn. It has long been his happiness, when returning to the place of his residence, from the discharge of civil and mili- tary duties abroad, to have, in his absence, raised • Vide Chap. I. page 29. 300 MEMOIRS or an ackHtional claim to tlie gratitude and admiration of his fellow-citizens. The treaty he had recently made with the Indians, waf: most peculiarly advan- tageous to the people of Tennessee, as it diminished, and almost allayed the apprehensions of the people, from all future fears of Indian warfare. Having become perfectly familiarized with the necessary regulation and police of an army, his at- tention was almost exclusively devoted to the in- troduction of them into the American army. In the spri!)g of ISlf, he issued the following general order, which has been the subject of severe ani- mdversion, from some distinguished cfficers in the arn)y, and of approi)alion from others. DIVISION ORDER. Jdjutant-GeneraVs Office, H.'sl. Division of the South-^Naskville, April 22, 1817. The commanding? general considers it due to the principles of suborrlination. A\hich ought and must exist in an army, to prohibit the obedience of any order emanating from the Department of War, to officers of this division, who have reported and been assii^ned to duty, unless coming throu2:h him, as the proper organ of communication. The object of this order, is to prevent the recurrence of a cir- cumstance, which removed an important officer from the division without the ]?no\\ ledge of the commanding general, and indeed, when he supposed ANDREW JACKSOi?. 301 that officer engaged in his official duties, and antici- pated hourly the receipt of his official reports, on a subject of great importance to his command ; al- so to prevent the topographical reports from being made public through the medium of the newspa- pers, as was done in the case alluded to, thereby en- abling the enemy to obtain the benofit of all our topugraphical researches, as soon as the general com- manding, who is responsible for the division. Su- perior officers, having commands assigned them, are held responsible to the government, for the charac- ter and conduct of that command; and it might as well be justified in an officer, senior in command, to give orders to a guard on duty, without passing that order through the officer of that guard, as that the Department of War should countermand the arrangements of commanding generals, without giv- ing their order through the proper channel. To acquiesce in such a course, would be a tame surren- der of military rights and etiquette ; and at once subvert the established principles of subordination and good order. Obedience to the lawful com- mands of superior officers, is constitutionally and morally required : but there is a chain of commu- nication that binds the military compact, which, if broken, opens the door to disobedience and disre- spect, and gives loose to the turbulent spirits, who are ever ready to excite mutiny. All physicians," able to perform duty, who are absent on furlough, Bb 302 MEMOIRS OF will forthwith repair to their respective posts. Commanding officers of regiments and corps, are ordered to report speciaUi/, all officers absent from duty on the 30th of June next, and their cause of absence. The army is too small to tolerate idlers, and they will be dismissed the service. Bi/ order of Maj. Gen. Jack son, (Signed) ROBERT BUTLER, J d jut ant General. Until the commencement of the last war, the American Republic could hardly be said to have had a practical military system. From the conclu- sion of the war of the revolution, to that period, it had, indeed, a small military force! l)ut they were scattered, in small sections, through an immense country, and but little of a systematic organization, or of regular subordination, was to be discerned. The collisions that unhappily subsisted in the army, and between the army and the Wcir Department, in the campaigns of 1812, and 1813, evince the jus- tice of the remark. It required the energy of a Monroe, in the last, and of a Jackson, Brown, Macomb, Gaines, Scott, Ripley, -Sec. in the first, to give efficiency and system to the physical power of the country, when called into action. The pre^ ceding general order of the Commander in Chief of the Division of the South, is inserted, not for the purpose of discussing its merits. It would be arrc- ANDREW JACKSON, 303 gaiice in (he writer to attempt it. That subject more properly belongs to the accomplished officers of the army, than to the unassuming biographer. Gen. Jdclison, with that vigilance which always characterizes a great commander, extended his views through the whole of his immensely extensive division; but he was fully aware from whence the greatest, or rather the most immediate danger was to he apprehended. He was well acquainted with Spanish perfidy, and had once carried the Ameri- can arms to the capital of their North American possessions, and terror into the heart of an efi'emi- nate, though vindictive minister of the imbecile, though tyrannical Ferdinand VII. The sparing mercy of the American government, was extended to him and to his nation, from the most solemn as- surances, that the treaty existing between the Amer- ican and Spanish governments, should be inviolably icept, and faithfully executed. Without alluding to other articles, and other violations, it is sufficient for the present purpose to state, that one article of this treaty provides, that the Spanish government shall wholly restrain the savages within the limits of their possessions in North America, from depre- dations of every kind upon the citizens of the United States. In the preceding parts of this work, the conduct of ManrequeZi the then Spanish gov- ernor, has been unfolded. Conduct equally flagrant Id outrage, was pursued by the Spanish authorities, 304 3JEMOIIIS OF after the conclusion of peace between America and Great Britain, as was pursued during the last war. So far from restraining the hostile savages from committing depredations upon the territory, and murder upon the persons of American citizens, they were encouraged to the perpetration of these deeds, by the officers and emissaries of Spain. No thanks are due from Americans to the Span- ish authorities of Florida, for the peace which has subsisted for a considerable period, between' the government and people of the American Republic, and the Choctaw^ Creek, Cherokee, and Chickasaw tribes of Indians: nor will these brave and infatu- ated sons of the forest, thank them for stimulating them to warfare, against a magnanimous nation, whose prowess, directed by the courage and wisdom of Gen. Jackson, has conquered them into a peace, advctntageous to themselves — advantageous, because the sacred regard to justice, which is the leading characteristic of the American government, will inviolably regard it. These tribes, from the most correct information, could bring into the field, in 1817, 10,000 warriors : but none of them, except the disaffected, who had, by the seduction of for- eign emissaries, joined the SembiolcSf raised the liatchet against Americans. The Seminole Indians are not a " legitimated^ iiiht oi 7iative Americans. They are an association of desperadoes, who have been banished froni other ANDREW JiCKSON, 305 tribes, and who have drawn into their confederacy many runaway negroes, whose African suilenness has been aroused to indiscriminate vefigeance, by the more frantic fuiy of the American natives. It was from this desperate clan of outlaws from civil, and even from savage society, that the Spanish authori- ties expected to see the American settlements, upon the borders of Florida, devastated, and the settlers slain ! The Britisli government, since the treaty of peace negociatcd at Ghent, had been more cautious in arming, disciplining, and driving savages into war with Americans, than it had previously been: but two of its subjects, by the names of Jrbuthnot and Amhristery had long been executing, under the specious pretext of carri/ing on merchandize^ the wishes of the enemies of the American Republic. To conceal their depravity, they may have furnish- ed the Seminole Indians with some few articles of clothing: but the principal articles of their traffic, were knives, hatchets^ muskets, rifles, balls, and powder. From the year 1814 to ISIT, this ferocious clan of American savages and African negroes, commit" ted many depredations and wanton murders, in the American settlements. Gen. Edmund P, Gaines, the next in command to Gen. Jackson in the Divi- sion of the South, was stationed in the vicinity of these outrages. In a communication which would Bb2 306 MEMOIRS or grace this, or any other volume, but which is tt^ Juctantly omitted, he portrayed the open violences of the savages, and the insidious wickedness of Spanish and British emissaries, in a manner not to be disregarded. He was stationed at Fort Scott ; and had with him but part of the 7th regiment of U. S. infantry. He however immediately put his forces in motion against them, although wholly in- competent, from de£ciency in amount, to cope with the immense host of savages that surrounded him, and his little gallant force. He demanded a sur- render of the murderers of American citizens. No answer was given but savage defiance. No com- punctions were manifested for the innocent blood that stained them. Gen. Gaines, aware that patient suiTerance of injuries from savages, for ever in- creases their ferocity, proceeded against them — crossed the Flint river — dispersed them — destroyed Fowltoivn^ and returned to Fort Scott. A numerous horde of desperate warriors, red and black sur- rounded the fort, and entirely cut oli' the commu- nication of the American forces. Appearances in- dicated a repetition of the tragical scenes of Fort Mimms, in Mississippi. The signal vengeance in- flicted upon the Creeks, by Gen. Jackson, and his invincible army, probably occasioned the Semi- noles to pause, before they " cast their lives vpon n die,'* General Gaines had called upon the executive of ANDREW JACKSON. 307 Georgia, whose state was more immediately endan- gered than any other, for immediate succour. The miserable system of temporary drafting, had been adopted ; and before the troops could be brought to act efficiently, their term of service expired, and the small regular force was the only reliance the frontier settlers had, as a protection from derasta- tion and massacre. A boat with 40 passengers was taken upon Flint river, and every soul on board slain. Universal consternation prevailed ; and Gen, Gaines once more called upon the Georgia forces, 2000 of whom were detailed, and rendezvoused at Hartford, Geo. Gen. Jackson, as commander in chief, was again called upon, from a sense of duty, to take the field. Again were the *' Tennessee Volunteers," by their beloved and almost adored general, exhorted to resume the armour of war, in the following ad- dress ; " " Volunteers of West Tennessee ! — Once more, af- ter a repose of three years, you are summoned to the field. Your country, having again need for your services, has appealed to your patriotism, 'and you have met it promptly. The cheerfulness with which you have appeared to encounter the hardships and perils of a winter's campaign, affords the highest evidence of what may be expected of you, in the hour of conflict and trial. 308 MEMOIRS OF Tlie savages on your borders, unwilling to be at peace, have once more raised the tomahawk to shed the blood of our citizens, and already they arc assembled in considerable force, to carry their mur- derous schemes into execution. Not contented with the liberal policy that has from time to time been shewn them, but yielding themselves victims to foreign seducers, they vainly think to assail and conquer the country that protects them. Stupid mortals ! They have forgotten too soon the streams ef blood their ill fated policy heretofore cost them. They have forgotten too, that but a short time since, conquered, and almost destroyed, they were only preserved by the mildness and humanity of that country, which they now oppose. They must HOW be taught, that however benevolent and hu- mane that country is, she yet has sacred rights to protect, and with impunity, will not permit the butchery of her peaceable and unollending citizens. Brave Volunteers ! —Tht enemy you are going to contend with, you have heretofore met and fought. You have once done it, and can again conquer them. You go not to fight, but to be victorious; remember then, that the way to prove successful, is not by being inattentive to the first duties of a sol- dier, but by bearing and executing with cheerful- ness, the orders of superiors, and being constantly jniiidful of the obligations you are under to your country and to yourself. Subordination and atten- ANDREW JACKSON. 309 tioli to discipline, are all-important and indispensa- ble ; without them, nothing like system can be pre- served, and this being wanted, nothing favourable can result. But in you, every confidence is repos- ed. Your general will not believe that brave men, who have so promptly come forth at the call of their country, will withhold their assent to regula- tions which can alone assure them safety and suc- cess. Hardships and dangers are incident to war; but brave men will bear them without murmuring or complaining. Knowing you to be such, no fears are entertained but that every duty imposed on you, will be met with promptness and cheerfulness. Your general goes before you to open the way, and prepare for your reception. Confiding in your diligence and exertions, he will expect your arrival at your destined point, without unnecessary delay —led by Col. Arthur P. Haynes, an officer in whom he has every confidence. This being eifected, he will place himself at your head, and with you share the dangers and hardships of the campaign." The proud title and unfading laurels which these gallant sons of the Republic had acquired, would not suffer them to remain unmoved at an address from a chieftain, under whom they had acquired them. With a promptness that had ever signalized them, they repaired to their rendezvous, and, un- der the command of Col, Arthur P. Haynes, so of-- 310 MEMOIRS OF ten mentionecl before, repaired to the point of des- tination, at Fort Scott. Gen. Jackson, in January, 1818, had repaired to Georgia, and had placed himself at the head of the Georgia militia. Situated in a country which af- fords but few materials for the subsistence of an ar- my, he actually commenced a march of ten days through a wilderness, with only a pint of corn to each man per day! He was also conscious, that a supply could not be relied upon at Fort Scott. But he knew the importance of celerity in the movement of an army, and the brilliancy of his achievements had hitherto depended much upon it. At Fort Scott, he formed a juction with the regular for- ces; and upon the arrival of the Tennessee volun- teers, was prepared to make a sudden termination of the Seminole war. This tribe had not a solitary claim to compassion, excepting what arises from the consideration, that they were willing victims to Spanish and British machinations. Even their principal chief, Pepiti- coxify when asked the reason of his hostility against the Ariierican Republic, replied, — " The government were alnat/s ready to do him justice ^ and to make peace nith him ; but that war was a fine manly exer- cise ^ in which he wished to practice his young men ! /*' Their " foreign seducers," were ever ready to make them victims to their own infatuation. The same CqL Nicollf of proclamation memory, and the same ^ ANDREW JACKSON. 311 Capt, Woodbine^ of no memory, but that of infamy, were found to be skulkint,- anions^ the Seminoles, as they sneaked from Pensacola in the Jast war, after having exposed the feeble and impotent Manrequez, to the just vengeance of a magnanimous but insult- ed government. By the first week in March, 1818, the measures of Gen. Jackson were determined upon ; and when fix- ed, Indian hostility, Spanish intrigue, and British perfidy, might as well divorce the sun from the ech'ptic, as to divert him from their accomplish- ment. He had been compelled, in avenging the injuries of his country, to make the brave, infatua- ted, and misguided Creeks bleed at every pore. Al- though the Seminoles had less claim to compassion, yet this great commander was aware that they were also misled ; but upon them, as open aggressors, his power wdLS first to operate, and then^ upon ihe'ir ims- leaders. He was determined to strike at the root of the evil ; and, if possible, to remove it. jMinute details might be entered into, and they might gratify minute curiosity; but it is sufficient to say, that Gen. Jackson marched, with his/orces, through a country, in which the savages had every advantage, from their acquaintance with it, and from its better adaption to savage, than to civilized w arfare. Like the powerful representative of a j^reat people, he determined to punish the guilty, wherev- er found, and to spare the innocent, where innocence 312 MEMOIRS OF was evinced. He passed through that part of the American territory occupied by the Serainoles; and they either fell, or retired before him and his gallant followers. He reached the borders of Florida upon the 10th March. Knowing that geographical boun- daries were not the boundaries of right and wrong, and determining to penetrate the darkest recesses of guilt, and punish its instigators, he entered the Spanish province of Florida with his forces. Many of the countrymen of Gen. Jackson, have bestowed a liberal portion of censure upon him, for entering the territory of a power, with an army, with whom the Republic was at peace. While it is admitted, that Spain was ostensibly at peace with Americans, it must not be denied that the Spanish authorities in FIori 26th April, 1818. ] Head Quarters , Division of tke South. GENERAL ORDER. The following detail will compose a special court, to convene at this post at the hour of 12 o'clock, M. for the purpose of investigating the charges exhibited against A. Arhuthnot, Robf^rt Christy Arnhrister and such others, who are similarly situated, as may be brought before it. The court will record all the documents and testi- mony in the several cases, and their opinion as to the o-uilt or innocence of thp prisoners, and what punish- ment, (if any) should be inflicted. DETIAL. Major Genera] E. P Gaines, President. Col King, 4th infantry, Col. William?, Ten. vol. Col. Dyer, Ten. vol. * The trial of Arbuthnot and Ambrister, is here givei>, as laid before the Congress of the Uniteil States, except a few letters of minor consequence, which wne a'iJuced in evi lence ; aid from these every thing of iaiportaace is extracteJ, so that the spirit of the whole is retained. ANDREW JACKSON. 310 Lt. Col. Lindsay, Cor. Ar, Lt Col. Elliot, Ten vol. Lt. Col Gibson, Ten. vol. Maj. Muhlenberg, 4th inf. 3Iaj MontjijODfiery, 7th inf. Maj. Fanning, Cor. Ar. Maj. iVliuton, Geo. Mili. Capt. Vashon, 7th inf. Capt. Crittenden, K'y vol. Members. Lt J. M. Glassel, 7th infantry, Recorder. An orderly will be detailed from Gen. Gaines' bri- gade, and the court will sit without regard to hours. By order of Major General Jackson, ROBERT BUTLER, Adj. Gen. Fort St Marks, 26ih ^prll, 1818. The court convened pursuant to the foregoing order, wlien, being duly sworn, in the presence of the prisoner, and he being asked if he had any objections to any mem- ber thereof, and replying in the negative, the following charges and specifications were read, viz. Charges vs. A. drhuihnot, now in custody, and who says he is a British subject : Charge 1st — Exciting and stirring up the Creek In- dians to war against t!ie United States, and her citizens, he (A. Arbuthnot) being a subject of Great Britain, with whom the United States are at peace. Specification — That the saitl A. Arbuthnot, between the months of April and July, or someiima in June, 1817, wrote a letter to the Little Prince, exhorting and advising him not to comply with the treaty of fort Jackson, stating that the citizens of the United States were infringing on the treaty of Ghent, and, as he be- lieved, without tiie knowledge of the chief magistrate of the United States ; and advising the Upper and Lower Creeks to unite and be friendly, stating that 320 MEMOIRS OF William Hambly was the cause of their disputes ; aUo advising the Little Prince to write to the grorGrnor of New Providence, who would write to his royal highness the prince regent, through whom the United States would be called to a compliance with the treaty of Ghent, and advising them not to give up their lands, under the treaty of fort Jackson, for that the American citizens would be compelled to give up to them all their lands, under the treaty of Ghent. Charge ^d — Acting as a spy, and aiding, abetting and comforting the enemy, supplying them with the means of war. Specification 1st — In writing a letter from the fort of St. Marks, dated 2d April, 1818, to his son John, at Suwany, (marked A.) detailing the advance of the array under Gen. Jackson, stating their force, probable movements, and intentions, to be communicated to Bowlegs, the chief of the JSuwany towns, for iiis gov- ernment. Specification 2d — In writing the letters marked B, without date, and C, with enclosures, 27thJan. 1813, and D, called " a note of Indian talks," and E, with- out date, applying to the British government, through governor Cameron, for munitions of war, and assistance for our enemies ; making false representations ; and also applying to Mr. Bagot, British Ambassador, for his interference, with a statement, on the back of one of the letters of munitions of war for the enemy. Charge 3d — Exciting the Indians to murder and de- stroy William Hambly, and Edmund Doyle, and caus- ing their arrest, with a view to their condemnation to death, and the seizure of their property, on account of their active and zealous exertions to maintain peace between Spain, the United States and the Indians, they being citizens of the Spanish government. Specification ls< — In writing the letters marked F, dated '26th August, 1817, G, dated 13th May, 1817, and H, threatening them with death; alleging against ANDREW JACKSON. 321 them false and infamous charges, and using every means in his power to procure their arrest. All which writings and sayings excited, and had a tendency to excite, the negroes and Indians to acts of hostility against the United States. By order of the court, J. M. GLASSEL, Recorder. To which charges and specifications the prisoner pleaded JS'^ot Guilty. The prisoner having made application for counsel, it was granted him ; when the court proceeded to the ex- amination of the evidence. John Winslett, a witness on the part of the prosecu- tion, being duly sworn, stated, that, some time before last July, the Little Prince received a letter signed by a Mr. Arbuthnot. advising the upper part of the nation to unite with the lower chiefs in amity ; and stating, the best mode for them to repossess themselves of their lands, would be to write to him (Arbuthnot) and he would send their complaints to the governor of Provi- dence, whence it would be for^«rdpd to his Britannic majesty, and he \^ould have the terms Of the treaty of Ghent attended to. He moreover stated his belief, that the encroachments on the Indian lands were un- known to the president of the United States. The wit- ness also identified the signature of the prisoner in a let- ter to his son marked A, and referred to in the first spe- cification, in the second charjfp, and heretofore noted, as the same with that sent to the Little Prince. The witness on being further interrogated, stated the language of the letter alluded to, to be, that the British government on application wouM cause to be re- stored to them their lands they held in 18 II, agreeably to the terms of the treaty of Ghent. Question by the prisoner. — Who is the Little Prince, or is he known by any other name } 322 MEMOIRS OF ^ns. He is known by the name of Tustenukke Hop- in, and is the second chief of the nation. QHestion by the prisoner. — Where is the letter yoo al- lude to, or in whose possession ? Ans. It was left in the possession of the Little Prince when I last saw it. Question by the prisoner. — Has this Little Prince no •ther name than what you state ? *^ns. Not that I know of. Question by the prisoner. — Do you swear that the let- ter alluded to was addressed to the Little Prince ? Ans. I do not. It was presented to me by the Little Prince to read and intprpret for him, which I did. Question by the prisoner — Are you certain that the letter stated that the chief magistrate of the United States could hav^e no knowledge of settlements made on Indian lan^ppc!ing the situation of this country and its in.abi- tants, I can, from time to time, inform your excellency of such facts and circumstances as are stated to me by chiels of known veracity, or which may come under my own observation ; and your excellency's order, addres- sed to me at New Providence, will either find me there ©r bf forwarded me to this country. With great respect, 1 have tlie honour to be your ex- cellency's most obedient servant, A. A. The tollowing memorandum was on the back of the foregoing btter : — King Hahhy 1000, Boleck 1500, Oso Hatjo Chocta- whachy 500, Himashy Miso Chattchichy 600, at pre- sent with Hillisajij. At present under arms, 1000 and muff ; anfl attacking those Americans who have made inroads en their territory. A quantity of gun powder, I^ad, muskets, and flints, sufficient to arm iOOO or 2000 men ; muskets 1000, aums smaller if possible ; 10,000 flints, a proportion for rifl*', put up separate j 50 casks gun powiler, a propor- tion for rifle ; iOOO knives, 6 to 9 inch blade, good qua- S2S ilEMOIRS OF lity ; 1000 tomahawks ; 100 lbs. vermllllon ; 2000 lbs, lead, independent of ball fur muskets. (Signed,) King HAHHY. (Signed,) BOLECK. From General Gaines to the Seminoly Chief. To the Seminoly chief: Your Semlnolys are vt^ry ba'! people: I don't say whom. You have murdered many of my people, and stulen my cattle, and many good horses, that cost me money ; and many good hou- ses, that co*t me money, you have burnt for me ; and now that you see my writing, you'll think I have spoken right. I know it is so ; you know it is so ; for now you may say, I will go upon yi«u ai random ; but just give me the murderers, and I will shew them my law, and when lliat is finished and past, if you will come about any of my people, you will see your friends, and if you see me you will see your friend. But there is som« thing out in the sea ; a bird with a forked tongue : whip. him back before he lamls, for he will be the ruin of you yet. Perhaps you do not know who or wl)at I mean — 1 mean the name of Englishmen. I tell you this, that if you do not give me up the mur- derers who have murdered my people, I say I have got good strorsg warriors, with scalping knives and toma- hawks. You harbour a great many of my black people among you, at Sahwahnee. If you give me l^ave to go by }(iu against them, I shall not hurt any thing belong- ing to you. (Signed,) General GAINES. From King Hatchy to General GaineSj in answer to the foregoing. To General Gaines : You charge me with killing your people, stealing your rattle, and burning your houses. It is I tliat IjHve cause to complain of the Am^^icans. While one American has been justly killed, while in the act of stealing cattle, more than four Indians have been ANDREW JACKSON. 329 murdered while hunting, by these lawless freebooters. 1 harbour no negroes. When the Englishmen were at war with America, some took shelter among them, and it is f T you white people to settle these things among yourselves, and not tiouble us with what we know no- thmjf about. I shall use force to stop any armed Ameri- cans from passing my towns or my lands. (Signed,) King HATCHY. D. '^M)le of Indian Talksy In xAugust, Capp had a letter frona General Gaines, in substance as annexed. No. I, and returneil the an- swer a** by No. 2. Nothing further was said on either side. The end of October a party of Americans, from a fort on Flint river, surrounded Fowl fown during the night, and began burning it. The Indians then in it, fled to the swamps, and in their flight nad three per- sons killed by fire from the Americans : they rallied their people, and forced the Americans to retire some distance, but not bpfore they had two m're persons kdled. The Aniericans buill a block-hous^e or fort, where they had fallen back to, and immediately sent to the fort up the country for assistance, staling the In- dians were the aggressors ; and also settled with Tohe- naock for the loss his people had suffered, at the same time sending a talk to king Hatchy, by a head man, (Aping,) that he would put tilings in sufh a train as to prevent further enrroaclimr-nts, and get those Ameri- cans to leave the fort* But no sooner was the good talk given, and before the hearer of it returned home, than hundreds of Americans came pouring duwn on the Indians ; roused tt.enj to a sense of their own danger : they flew to arms, and have been compelled to support them ev^jr since. It is not alone from the country, but by vessels entering Appaiachicola river in vessels with troops, and settl.rsare pouring into thy Indian territo- Dd2 330 iJt-MOiRs Of ry \ and, if pprmlttpd to continue, will soon overrun llie wIioIp of th«^ loiUan lam!s Fi mh the talk sent Kin^ Hatcl-y, ('V Governor iMitchdl, I am in hopes thut those Hggrt^ssiMns of the Atnenr-ans on the Indian terri- tory aif not cuiintenanrcd by the Arnerican {i'^^^»'nn»f nt, but ()rit;inato with men devoid of prjneiple, who set laws and inslrticiions at defiance, and silii k at no cruelty and oppressions ti) obtain their ends. Ajjainsi such oppres- sions the AQ:icrican {government must use not only all their influence, but, if necessary, force, or their names %vill be handed down to posterity as a cation more cruel anil sava^'e to tne unfortunate Aborij;ines of this coun- try, than ever were the Spaniards, in more dark ages^ to the nations of South-America. The Etjj^lish fjoverninent, as the special protectors of the Indian nations, and <»n wliom alone they rely for as- sistance, oug:ht to step forward and save those unfortu- nate people from r^in ; ami as you, sir, are appointed to watch over their interests, it is my duty, as an Eng- lishman, and fhe only one in this part (f the Indian na- tion, to instruct you of the talks the chiefs bring me for your information ; and I sincerely trust, sir, you wilt use the powers you are vested with, for the seivice and protection of those unf'jrtunale people, who look up to you as their saviour. I have written to Gen. jMitchell, wlio, I hear, is an excellent man; and, as he acts as Indian agent, I hope his influence will stop the torrent of innovations, and give peace and quietness to the Crook nation. I pray your excellency will pardon tbis intrusion, \vhich notiiino b^t the urgency of the case, would have induced me to inake. { have the honour to be your excellency's most obe dieist servant, A. A ANDREW JACKSON, 331 EXTRACT OF LETTER F. From A. Arbuthnot to Col. JVtcholl. Nassau, N P. 2t)th Au?. 1817. Lieut. Col. Edward NiclioU— Sir— Especially au- thorised by the chiefs of the lower Creek nation, whose names I affix to the present, I am desired to address you, that you may lay their complaints before his majes- ty's government. They desire it to be made known, that they have explicitly followed y^ur advice. They complain of the English government neglectinj; them, after having drawn them into a war with America ; that you, sir, have not kept your promise, in sending people among them, and that, if they have not some persons resident in the nation tc watch over their interest, they will soon be driven to the extremity of the peninsula. I am desired to return HiUisajo's warmest acknowledg- ments for the very handsome manner you treated him in England, and he begs his pi aver may be laid at the foot of his Royal Mighness the Prince Regent. I left liirn and all his family well on the ^iOth June Old Cap- pachimicco desires me to send his best respects, and re- quests that you will send out some people to live among them, and all the land they took fromFor6sshall.be theirs. At all events they must have an agent among theii). The power given me, and the instructions were, to memorialize his" Majesty's government, as well as the Governor-General of the Havana ; but if you will be pleased to lay this letter before his Majesty's vSecre- tary of State, it will save the necessity of the first, and I fear that a memorial to the Governor-General would be of no use. Referring you to the answer, I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant, A. ARBUTHNOT. No. 1. Power of attorney from Indian chiefs to Jl. Arbuthnot. Know all men by these presents, that we, chiefs of 332 MEMOIRS Of the Creek nation, whose names are affixeJ to this pow- er. iiKvin^ full faith nnd cuufidence in A. Arbiithnot, of New Providence, who, knowing all our talks, is fully acquainted with our intentions and wishes, do hereby, by these presents, constitute and appoint him, the snid Alexander Arbuthnot, our attorney and agent, with full power and authority to act for us, and in our names, in all affairs relating to our natitm, and also to write such letters and papers as to him may appear necessary and proper, for our benefit, and that of the Creek nation. Given at Ocklocknee sound, in the Creek nation, this 17th day of June, one thousand eight hundred and se- venteen. 1. Cappachimaco, his X mark. 2. Inlemohtio, his X mark. 3. Charles Turkonoky, liis X mark. 4. Otus Mico, his X mark. 5. Oofiaeone Tusk n 'ky, his X mark. 6. Imatchiuf-le, his X mark. 7. InhimHiCchucle, his X mark. 8. Lohoe Itamatchly, hif= X mark. 9. Huwratlile, his X mark. 10. Hillisajo, his X mark. 11. Tausuclies Haho, his X mark. 12. Oparthlumico, his X mark. Certified explanation of names and towns to which the foregoing chiels belong, -agreeably to tfie numbers set opposite thereto. WM. HAx>lBLY. 1. Kinhijijee, chief of Mickasuky. 2. Itihimartiilo, chief of Fowl Town. 3. Charle Tustonoky, second chief of Ockmulgee Town. 4. Chief on the Conholoway, below Fort Gaines. 5. Opony, chief of Oakmnlgee Towns. 6. Chief of llu' Atlapnlj^HS. 7. Chief of Pallatchuculey. ANDREW JACKSON. .133 S. Chief of the Chehaws. 9 Chief of the Red Slicks. 10. Francis, (the Prophet.) 1 1 Pfter M'Queen, chief of the Tallahasses, (an old Red Stick.) 12. A Red Stick, created chief by the lower towns. Question by the court, — Have you at any time within the last twelve months, heard any conversation between the prisoner and the chiff called Bowlegs, relating to the war between the United States and the Seminoles. ^ns I heard the prisoner tell Bowlegs that he had sent letters to the prince regent, and expected soon to have an answer. Sometime afterwards, some of the negroes doubted his carrying those letters, when the prisoner stated that he had, but, the distance being grefit, it would take some time to receive an answer. Bij the court. — State to the court, when and where you first saw the letter signed A. Arbutlmot, dated April 2d, 1818, referred to in the first specification and the^d charge, *^ns. About the 6th of April, a black man who said he had received it from an Indian, gave it to Mr. Am- brinter, whom I saw reading it. Ques by the court — Do you know by what means that letter was conveyed to Suwany ? Alls I understood by an Indian who was sent from fort St. Marks. Q,ues. by the court — Who paid the Indian for carrying the letter referred to in the last interrogatory ? Ans. I do not know. Qmcs. by the co^tr^ — What steps were taken by the negroes and indians on the receipt of the letter } Ahs They first believed the bearer to be an enemy, and ronfined tiim, but, learning the contrary, began to prepare for the enemy, and the removal of their fami- lies and effects across the river ; the Indians lived on tihc opposite side. 334 MEMOIRS OF Ques. by the covrt. — Did tlip Indians and npgrofts act to;ieLherin the pf^rformiincp of ujiliiary dut}' ? Ans. No : But they always said they wouid figlit to- gether. Ques. by the court. — Did not Nero command the blacks, and di istner would have been punished by them, had he not coujplied with tneir wishes ? Jins. I do not know. Q,ues. Do you believe the prisoner was compelled te writf^ the Indian communications ? ^ns. He was not compelled, Ee 338 MEMOIRS OF Continuation of the minutes of the proceedings of a special court, whereof major-general Gaines is jjrtsidentj con- vened by order of the '26lh of Jipril^ 1818. Fort St. iMarks, 27lh April, 1818. The court proceeded to the trial of Robert C. Am- brister, a British subject, who, bein^ asked if he had any objections to any one of the ruenribers of the court, and replying in the negative, was arraigned on the fol- lowing ciiarges and specifications, viz. Charges against Robert C. Ambrister^ now in custody, who says he in a British subject. Charge Is/. Aiding, abetting, and comforting the enemy , supplying them with the means of war, he being a subject of Great-Britain, at peace with the United States, and lately an tfficer in the British colonial ma- rines. Specification 1st. That the said Robert C. Ambrister did jrive intelligence of the movements and operations of the Anserican army between the 1st and iiOth of March, 1818, and did excite them (the negroes and In- dians) to warag^ainst the army of the United States, by sending their warriors to meet and fight the American army — whose government was at peace and friendship with the United States and all her citizens. Charge 2c?. Leading and commanding the Lower Creeks in carrying on a war against tiie United States. Specification 1st. That the said Robert C Ambris- ter, a subject of Great-Britain, which government was in peace and amity with the United States and all her citizens, did, between the first of February and twenti- eth of March, 1818, levy war against the United States, by as8un)ing command of the Indians in hostility and oppii war with the United States, and ordering a party of them to meet the army of the United States and give them battle, as will appear by his letters to governor ANDREW JACKSON. 339 Cameron of New-Providence, dated 20th March, 1818, which are marked A, B, C, and D, and the testimony of Mr. Peter B. Cook and capt. Lewis, of the schooner Chance. Bv order of the court. J. M. GLASSELL, Recorder. To which charges and specifications, pleaded as fol- lows, viz. : To the first charge and specification— -JVo/ gMi%. To the second charge and specification — Guilty and justification. The court adjourned to meet to-morrow morning at 7 o'clock. Fort St Marks, ^Qih April, 1813. The court met pursuant to adjournment. Present, Major-General Gaines, President. Members. Colonel King, Colonel Dyer, Colonel Williams, Lt. Col. Lindsey, Lt. Col. Gibson, Lt. Col. Elliott, Major Muhlenberg, Major Fanning, Mijor Montgomery, Major Mi d ton, Captain Vashon, Captain Crittenden, Lieut. J. M. Glassell, Recorder. The recorder then read to the court the following or- der, viz. : Head Q^uarterSj Division of the South, Adj. Gen^s. Office^ St. Marks, 2Qtk April, 1818. GENERAL ORDER. Capt. Allison, of the 7th infantry, is detailed to form a supernumerary member of the special court now sit- ting at fort St. Marks. By order. ROBERT BUTLER, Adj. Gen. 340 MEMOIRS O? Pursuant to the above order, the supernumerary member took his seat. Jo!in Lew's Piienix, a witness on the part of the pro- secution, being duly sworn, stated, that, about the 5th or6lhof \pril, 1818, his vessel and himself having been captured by the prisoner, and he brought to Suwany as a prisoner, th» re was an alarm among the negroes and Indians, created by learning some news from Mick- asuky, at which time the prisoner appeared active in seridinjr orders, and sending a detachment to meet the American army. The witness also stated, that the pris- oner appeared to be a person vested with authority among the negro leaders, and gave orders for their pre- paration for war, providing ammunition, &.c. And that the leaders came to him (or or dt7\s. The prisoner fur- nislied them with powder and lead, and recommended to them the making of ball, &c. very quickly. The Witness also stated that the prisoner occasionally dres- sed in uniform, with his sword ; and <.hat, on the first alarm, which he understood was from Mickasuky, by a negro woman, he put on the uniform. The witness further staled, that some time about the 20th March, 1818, the prisoner, with an armed body of^ negroes, {M in number,) came on board his vessel, and ordered him to pilot them to fort St. Marks, which, he stated, he intended to capture before the Americans could get there — threatening to hang the witness if he did not obey. Q?; the paint, &to. among the n ; an I I u-ul»TstooH a piuty was goinsj to march. (Incs. Di'l I not give up the scijooner to you in char^f', as captain ? his. After our return from Suwany town, you dl- rected me to take charge of her to go to Tamper. John I. Arbuthnot, a witness on the part of the prosecution, being; duly sworn, stated that some time about ti)e 23d of March, the prisoner came with a b.>dy of negroes, partly armed, to his fatlier's store on Su- wiuiy. nVei', and told the witness fie iiad come to do justice to the couotry, by taking t!ie goods and distri- buting them among the negroes and Indians — whicii the witness saw the prisoner do : and that the prisoner stated to him, tiiat he had come to the country on Wuodbine's business, to s^^e the nejrroes rijjhted. Tiie witness has furtlier known the prisoner to give ordf-ra to the negroes, and that, at his suggestion, a party wa^^ Rent (vom Suwany to meet the Americans, to give theui battle — which parly returned on meeting the Mickasuky ln<]ians in their flight. The witness also testified to tiie following letter, marked A, and referred to in the specification of the second charge, as the wr; ling of the prisoner, A. Molert 0. A^nhrisUv to Governo^r Cameron. Sahwahnee near St. Marks Fort, Tflarch 20th, 1818. Sir — I am requested particularly by nil our Indian chiefs, to acquaint your- excellency, that the Americans have commenced hostilities with them two years ago, and have advanced some considerable distance in this country, and are now making: daily progress. They 5ay they sent a number of letters to your excellency ANDREW JACKSON. 343 but have never received one answer, which makes then: believe that lie never delivered them ; and will oblige them much if you will let me know whether he did or not. The purport of the letters were, begging your excellency to be kind enough to send them down some gun powder, musket balls, lead, cannon, Slc. as they are now completely out of those articles. The Ameri- cans may march through the whole territory in one month, and without arms, Sec. they must surrender. Hiilis Hiijo, or Francis, the Itidian chief, the one that was in England, tells me to \^.t your excellency know, that the piince regent told him that, whenever he want- ed ammunition, your excellency would supply him with as much as he wanted. They beg me to press upo.n your excellency's mind to send the above mentioned ar- tides down by the vessel that brings this to you, as she will sail for this place immediately — and let the prince regent know of their situation. Any letters tliat your excellency may send down, be good enough to direct to me, as they have great dependence in my writing. Any news that your excellency may have respecting them, and America, will be duing a great favor to let me know, tlmt I may send among them, Tiiere is now a very large body of Americans and Indians, who I expect will attack us every day, and God only knows how it will be decided. But 1 must only say, this will be the last effort with us. There has been a body of Indians gone to meet them, and I have sent another party. I hope your excellency will be pleased to grant the favor tiiey request. I have nothing further to add, but am, sir, with due .\<}?pect, your obedient humble servant, ROBERT C. AMBRISTER. Q^uesiion hij the Prisoner. Did you hear me say tba-: i cauje on Woodbine's business ?; Sns. I did 344 MEMOIRS OF Q,ii€S. by the P. Were not the negroes alluded to at Arbutlinut'b store before I arrived ? Jins. No, you caaie vvitli them. Peter B. Cook, a witness on the part of the prosecu- tion, being duly sworn, stated, that he never heard the prisoner give any orders to negroes or Indians ; that the prisoner distributed Arbuthnot's goods, and also, paint to the negroes and Indians. Also, that some powder was brought from the ves- sel to Suw^ny by the prisoner, and distributed among the negroes by Nero. Some time in March, the pris- oner took Arbuthnot's schooner, and with an armed party of negroes, 24 in number, set out fiT fort St. Marks, for the purpose of taking Arbuthnot's goods at that place, and stated that he would compel the com- mandant to deliver them up. On hearing of the ap- proach of the American army, the prisoner told the negroes it was useless to run ; for if they ran any far- ther, they would be driven into the sea The prisoner told tlie witness that he had been a lieutenant in the British army, under Col. Nicholls. The prisoner was sent by Woodbine to Tamper, to see about those nt'groes lie liad left there. The prisoner told the witness that he had written a letter to gover- nor Cameron, for ammunition for the Indians some time in March, and also told the witness that he had a com- mission in tlie patriot army, under M'Gregor, and that he had expect<:;d a captaincy. The witness testified that the letters marked A, B, C, and D, and referred to in the specification to the second charge, were in the iiand writing of the prisoner, and one marked E. D From Robert C. Jimbrister to Governor Cameron, Sfc. ■ Suhwahnee, 20th March, 1818, Near Fort St. Marks. Sir, — I am requested by Francis and all the Indian ANDREW JACKSON. S45 chiefs, to acquaint your excellency, that they are at war with the Americans, and have been some time back. That they are in great tiistress for want of am- munition, bails, arms, &.c and nave wrote by Mr. Ar- buthnot sf^veral times, but they suppose he never de- livers them to your excellency. You will oblige them much to let them know whether he did or not. I pxpect the Americans and Indians will attack us daily. I have sent a party of men to oppose them. They beg on me to press on your excellency's min I to lay the situaticm of the country before the Prince He- gent, and ask for assistance. All new.'* respecting them, your excellency will do Br favor to lot us know by the first opportunity, that I may make them acquainted I have given directions to the captain to let your excellency know when the yessel will sail for this place. 1 hope your excellency will be pleased to send them the ammunition. 1 ex- pect, if they do not procure some very shortly, that the Americans will march through the country. I have nothing furtiier to add. I amj dear sir, your most obedient humble servant, aOBEilT C. AMBillSTEa. E. From Robert C. .^brister to Peter B. Cook. Mouth of the River. Dr. Cook, — The boat arrived hs^re about 3 o'clock on Thursday : the wmd has been a-head ever since : I have been down. The rudn the mercy of the honour- able court. ROBEKT C. AMBRISTER. Head-Quarters, Division of the South. Adjutant' GeneraVs Office^ Camp 4 miles north of St. Marks, April 29tli, 1818. GENERAL ORDER. At a special c;• mmmmmm»mm'