UC-NRLF 375 [ CC DQ 3 W GO z K O O O h GO 3O V Co s ca </** MEMOIRS OF ANDREW JACKSON COMPILED BY A CITIZEN OF MASSACHUSETTS. MEMOIRS OF ANDREW JACKSON, MAJOR-GENERAL AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE ^r\ SOUTHERN DIVISION THE ARMY OF THE UiNITED STATES. COMPILED BY A CITIZEN OF MASSACHUSETTS. ie lei BOSTON : PUBLISHED BY CHARLES EWER, No. 141 Washington-Street. 1828. DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS, TO WIT: *j!L// District Clerk s Office. BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the twenty-seventh day of March, A. D. 1828, in the fifty-second year of the Independence of the United States of America, CHARLES EWER, of the said district, has deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as propri etor, in the words following, to wit " Memoirs of Andrew Jackson, late Major-General and Commander in Chief of the Southern Division of the Army of the United States. Compiled by a Citizen of Massachusetts." In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, enti tled, " An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, daring the times therein mentioned ;" and also to an act, entitled, " An Act supplementary to an act, entitled, An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned, and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving and etching historical and other prints." JNO. W. DAVIS, Clerk of the District of Massachusetts PREFACE IT is not the intention of the compiler of the following Memoirs to present his readers with a prolix preface, because it constitutes that portion of a book, which is seldom hon oured with a reading. When high party feelings were fully devel oped, in relation to a presidential candidate, the engines of abuse, brought into operation on the one hand, and, on the other, the fulsome adulation exhibited towards the distinguished patriot, whose life is here delineated, induced the compiler to undertake an investigation of the subject, in order to bring to light a true statement of facts. With this object constantly in view, there has been a careful examination of the official doc- 1 * 6 PREFACE. uments, which relate to his public acts. His talents as a military commander, as a civilian, and, lastly, his moral character, are open to the inspection of all. When the community entertain different views of the conduct or motives of an indi vidual, who has acted in a highly responsible capacity, it is exceedingly difficult to concen trate opinion, by presenting a series of truths. Prejudice operates with peculiar force on the minds of one class, while the other, however well convinced of their error, are unwilling to be thought inconsistent, and, therefore, never acknowledge the falsity of the course of rea soning which they have once adopted. Although this compilation has been attended with considerable anxiety, in reducing the ma terials to an orderly arrangement, a hope is indulged that the reader will admit, from a can did examination of the whole, that the intention has not been to make the work subservient to PREFACE. 7 party purposes : on the contrary, it is intended to be a plain record of events in the life of an illustrious American citizen. The compiler of these Memoirs makes no claim to novelty or originality. He hopes, notwithstanding, that they will not be found uninteresting. It has been his aim to be strictly impartial. The materials that compose his work have accordingly been derived alike from the enemies and friends of the hero, whose public and private character he has endeavoured faithfully to delineate. Unaccustomed to eulogy, and unacquainted with the chicanery of political life, the compiler submits the result of his inquiries to the impar tial tribunal of the public. S. Boston, March 15, 1828. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. His birth, parentage, family, and education. Engages in the American Revolution, and is shortly after, with his brother, made a prisoner. Their treatment and suf ferings. Commences the study of law. His removal to the Western country. Anecdote. Becomes a mem ber of the Tennessee convention, and afterwards a sen ator in the United States congress. Retires, and is ap pointed a judge of the state courts. Declaration of war. Tenders the services of 2500 volunteers to the president.^-Ordered to the lower country. His descent and return, and discharge of the troops. T p. 13. CHAPTER II. Indian preparation for hostilities. Tecumseh arrives amongst the southern tribes ; his intrigues. Civil wars of the Creeks.-f-Destruction of, and butchery at Fort Mimms. Expedition against the Indians. Jackson unites with the army, and enters the enemy s country. Scarcity of supplies in his camp. Learns the savages are imbodied. Seeks to form a junction with the East Tennessee division. Detaches General Coffee across the Coosa. Battle of Tallushatchee p. 30. ) CHAPTER III. General Jackson endeavours to unite with the East Tennessee troops. Establishment of Fort Strother. Learns the enemy are imbodied. Marches to meet them. Battle of Talladega. Is compelled to return to his encampment, for want of supplies. Ajiacdote. Dis contents of his army. Militia and volunteers mutiny. 10 CONTENTS. Address to the officers. Is compelled to abandon Fort Strother. Hillabee clans sue for peace. Letter from the Rev. Mr. Blackburn. Answer. The volunteer; claim to be discharged. Mutiny. Address to them. General Cocke arrives with part of his division. Gene ral Coffee s brigade petitions for a discharge. General Jackson s answer. They abandon the service, and go home. p. 50. CHAPTER IV. Discontents of the militia. Governor Blount recom mends an abandonment of the service. Jackson s reply to his letter. The governor takes measures for bringing out a sufficient force. Conduct of General Roberts. His brigade retires from service. Lieutenant Kearley. Arrival of additional forces. Arrest of officers. Expe dition against the Indians. His motives. Battle ol Emuckfaw. General Coffee proceeds to destroy the enemy s fortifications. Second battle of Emuckfaw. Troops commence their return march. Ambuscade formed by the Indians. Battle of Enotichopc^. . p. 82. CHAPTER V. The volunteers are discharged. New troops arrive. Execution of a soldier, and the effect produced. Want of supplies. Mutiny with the East Tennessee brigade. General Jackson marches against the Indians. Battle of Tohopeka. Returns to Fort Williams. Expedition to Hoithlewalee ; its failure, and the causes. Forms a junction with the Georgia troops, and proceeds to the Hickory Ground. Indians sue for peace. Weatherford surrenders himself. Arrival of General Pinckney at head-quarters. Tennessee,, troops are ordered to be marched home, and discharged from service. . p. 110. * CHAPTER VI. Jackson is appointed a major-general in the service of the United States. Is directed to open a negotiation with the Indians. Speech of the Big Warrior, a chief of the nation. Concludes a treatv with the Creek In- CONTENTS. 11 dians. His views against Pensacola and Florida. Gen eral Armstrong s letter. The Spanish governor is call ed on for an explanation of his conduct. His answer, and General Jackson s reply. The adjutant-general is de spatched to Tennessee to raise volunteers. Jackson sets out for Mobile. Orders the Tennessee troops to ad vance to his assistance p. 141. CHAPTER VII. Colonel Nicholls arrives at Pensacola, and issues a proc lamation to the southern inhabitants. Attack on Fort Bowyer, and loss of the Hermes. Jackson determines to reduce Pensacola. Demands of the governor an explana tion of his conduct; his answer. Enters and takes pos session of Pensacola. Conduct and perfidy of the gov ernor. Destruction, by the British, of Barrancas Fort. Our troops return to Mobile. Expedition against the Indians. General Winchester arrives, and Jackson pro ceeds to take command of New Orleans. ... p. 171. CHAPTER VIII. * Jackson s correspondence with the governor of Louis iana. His address to the citizens. Militia from Ten nessee and Kentucky advance ; and general plans adopt ed for defence. Plan for filling delinquencies in the army. British shipping arrive on the coast. Loss of the Sea Horse. Battle on the lake, and loss of the gun boats. Jackson reviews the militia. His address to them. Detention of his flag. Anecdote. Expresses sent to Generals Coffee and Carroll. Declaration of martial law at New Orleans. The British effect a land ing, and Jackson prepares to meet them. ... p. 197. CHAPTER IX. General Jackson concentra-tes his forces, and marches to fight the enemy. Alarms of the city. Anecdote. Mode of attack, and battle of the 23d of December. British re-enforcements arrive during the action. Ar rival of General Carroll s division. Our army retires from the field. Effects of this battle. Jackson establish 12 CONTENTS. es a line of defence. General Morgan is ordered on the right bank of the Mississippi. Destruction and loss of the Caroline schooner. Battle of the 28th December. Conduct of the legislature of Louisiana ; their deliber i- tions suspended. Scarcity of arms in the Americrn camp. Colonel Hinds p. 232. CHAPTER X. Attack of the 1st of January. General Jackson s line of defence. Kentucky troops arrive at head-quarters. British army re-enforced; their preparations for attack. Battle of the 8th of January, and repulse of the ene my. American redoubt carried, and retaken. Colonel Thornton proceeds against General Morgan s line, and takes possession of it. Letter of Captain Wilkinson. British watchword. Generous conduct of the American soldiers. Morgan s line regained. General Lambert requests a suspension of hostilities. Armistice conclud ed. Execution of an American soldier by the British. p. 270. CHAPTER XI. Bombardment of Fort St. Philip. British army retire to their shipping. General Jackson, with his troops, re turns to New Orleans. Day of thanksgiving. Reduc tion of Fort Bowyer. Legislature of Louisiana re-com mence their session. Discontents fomented among the American troops. Arrest of Louaillier ; of Judge Hall. Peace announced. General Jackson is prosecuted for contempt of court ; his appearance in court. Speech at the coffee-house. His own opinion of martial law. Troops are discharged, and the general returns to Nash ville. Reduction of the army. Jackson s commission as general annulled. Treaty with Spain. He is appointed governor of the Floridas. Transactions there. His re signation. He is appointed minister to Mexico ; declines the mission ; his reasons ; is elected a senator of the United States ; resigns the office. His person and char acter. Anecdotes. Conclusion p. 298. ANDREW JACKSON. CHAPTER I. His birth, parentage, family, and education. Engages in tlie American Revolution, and is shorthj after, with his brotlier, made a prisoner. Their treatment and siifferings. Commences the study of law. His removal to the Western country. Anec dote. Becomes a member of the Tennessee Convention, and afterwards a Senator in the United States Congress. Re tires, and is appointed a Judge of tlie. State Courts. De claration of war. Tenders the services of 2500 volunteers to the President. Ordered to the lower country. His descent and return, and discharge of the troops. ANDREW JACKSON was born on the 15th day of March, 1767. His father, (Andrew,) the young est son of his family, emigrated to America from Ireland during the year 1765, bringing with him two sons, Hugh and Robert, both very young. Landing at Charleston, in South Carolina, he af terwards purchased a tract of land, in what was then called the Waxsaw settlement, about forty-five miles above Camden ; at which place the subject of this history was born. Shortly after his birth, his father died, leaving three sons to be provided for by their mother. She appears to have been an exemplary woman, and to have executed the ar duous duties which had devolved on her, with great 2 14 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. faithfulness and success. To the lessons she in culcated on the youthful minds of her sons, was, no doubt, owing, in a great measure, that fixed op position to British oppression, which afterwards so much distinguished them. Often would she spei d the winter s evenings, in recounting to them the sufferings of their grandfather, at the siege of Car- rickfergus, and the oppression exercised by the n > bility of Ireland over the labouring poor ; impres sing it upon them, as a first duty, to expend the ir lives, if it should become necessary, in defendii g and supporting the rights of man. Inheriting but a small patrimony from their fatji- er, it was impossible that all the sons could receive an expensive education. The two eldest were therefore only taught the rudiments of their mothor tongue, at a common country school. But An drew, being intended by his mother for the minis try, was sent to a flourishing academy at the Wax- saw meeting-house, superintended by Mr. Hum phries. Here he was placed on the study of the dead languages, and continued until the revolu tionary war, extending its ravages into that section of South Carolina, where ho then was, rendered it necessary that every one should betake himself to the American standard, seek protection with the enemy, or flee his country. It was not an alter native that admitted of tedious deliberation. The natural ardour of his temper, deriving encourage ment from the recommendations of his mother, whose feelings were excited by those sentiments in favour of liberty, with which, by her conversation, his mind had been early imbued, quickly deter mined him in the course to be pursued; and, at the tender age of fourteen, accompanied by his brother LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 15 Robert, he hastened to the American camp, and engaged actively in the service of his country. His eldest brother, Ji^o had previously joined the army, had lost his life at the battle of Stono, from the excessive heat of the weather, and the fatigues of the day. Both Andrew and Robert were, at this period, pretty well acquainted with the manual exercise, and had some idea of the different evolutions of the field, having been indulged by their mother in attending the drill and general musters of the neighbourhood. The Americans being unequal, as well from the inferiority of their numbers, as their discipline, to engage the British army in battle, had retired be fore it into the interior of North Carolina ; but, when they learned that Lord Cornwallis had cross ed the Yadkin, they returned in small detach ments to their native state. On their arrival, they found Lord Rawdon in possession of Camden, and the whole country around in a state of desolation. The British commander being advised of the re turn of the settlers of Waxsaw, Major Coffin was immediately despatched thither, with a corps of light dragoons, a company of infantry, and a con siderable number of tories, for their capture and destruction. Hearing of their approach, the set tlers, without delay, appointed the Waxsaw meet ing-house as a place of rendezvous, that they might the better collect their scattered strength, and con cert some system of operations. About forty of them had accordingly assembled at this point, when the enemy approached, keeping the tories, who were dressed in the common garb of the country, in front, whereby this little band of patriots was completely 16 LIFE OF G2NERAL JACKSON. deceived, having taken them for Captain Nis- bet s company, in expectation of which they hai been waiting. Eleven of them were taken prison ers ; the rest with difficulty fled, betaking them selves to the woods for concealment. Of thos3 who thus escaped, though closely pursued, wero Andrew Jackson and his brother, who, entering i secret bend in a creek, that was close at ham", obtained a momentary respite from danger, an 1 avoided, for the night, the pursuit of the enemy. The next day. however, having gone to a neigh bouring house, for the purpose of procuring some thing to eat, they were broken in upon, and mad } prisoners, by Coffin s dragoons, and a party of to- ries who accompanied them. Those young men, with a view to security, had placed their horses in the wood, on the margin of a small creek, and post ed, on the road which led by the house, a senti nel, that they might have information of any ap proach, and in time to be able to elude it. But the tories, who were well acquainted with the coun try and the passes through the forest, had, unfortu nately, passed the creek at the very point where L he horses and baggage of our young soldiers were deposited, and taken possession of them. Having done this, they approached, cautiously, the house, and were almost at the door before they were dis covered. To escape was impossible, and both were made prisoners. Being placed under guard, Andrew was ordered, in a very imperious tone, by a British officer, to clean his boots. This order he positively and peremptorily refused to obey ; alleg ing that he looked for such treatment as a pris oner of war had a right to expect. Incensed at his refusal, the officer aimed a blow at his head LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 17 with a drawn sword, which would, very probably, have terminated his existence, had lie not parried its effects by throwing up his left hand, on which lie received a severe wound, the mark of which he hears to this hour. His brother, at the same time, for a similar offence, received a deep cut on the head, which subsequently occasioned his death. They were both now taken to jail, where, sepa rated and confined, they were treated with marked severity, until a few days after the battle before Camden, when, in consequence of a partial ex change, effected by the intercessions and exer tions of their mother, and Captain Walker, of the militia, they were both released from confinement. Robert, during his confinement in prison, had suf fered greatly ; the wound on his head, all this time, having never been dressed, was followed by an in flammation of the brain, which, in a few days after his liberation, brought him to the grave. To add to the afflictions of Andrew, his mother, worn down by grief, and her incessant exertions to pro vide clothing and other comforts for the suffering prisoners, who had been taken from her neigh bourhood, expired in a few weeks after her son, near the lines of the enemy, in the vicinity of Charleston. Andrew, the last and only surviving child, confined to a bed of sickness, occasioned by the sufferings he had been compelled to undergo whilst a prisoner, and by getting wet, on his return from captivity, was thus left in the wide world, without a human being with whom he could claim a near relationship. The small pox, about the same time, having made its appearance upon him, had well nigh terminated his sorrows and his ex istence. 2* 18 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. Having at length recovered from his compl;- cated afflictions, he entered upon the enjoymer t of his estate, which, although small, would have been sufficient, under prudent management, to have completed his education, on the liberal scale whicli his mother had designed. Unfortunately, howevei , he, like too many young men, sacrificing futur-3 prospects to present gratification, expended it wit i rather too profuse a hand. Foreseeing that h? should be finally obliged to rely on his own ex ertions, for support and success in life, he agam betook himself to his studies with increased in dustry. He recommenced under Mr. M Culloch, in that part of Carolina which was then called the; New Acquisition, near Hill s iron works. Here he revised the languages, devoting a portion of his time to a desultory course of studies. His education being now completed, so far as his wasted patrimony, and the limited opportuni ties then afforded in that section of the country, would permit, at the age of eighteen, he turned his attention to acquiring a profession, and in preparing himself to enter on the busy scenes of life. The pulpit, for which he had been designed by his mother, was now abandoned for the bar ; and, in the winter of 1784, he repaired to Salisbury, in North Carolina, and commenced the study of law under Spruce M Cay, Esq., (afterwards one of the judges of that state,) and subsequently continued it under Colonel John Stokes. Having remained at Salisbury until the winter of 1786, he obtained a license from the judges to practise law, and con tinued in the state until the spring of 1788. The western parts of the state of Tennessee were, about this time, often spoken of, as presenting LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 19 flattering prospects to adventurers. He imme diately determined to accompany Judge M Nairy thither, who had been appointed, and was going out to hold the first supreme court that had ever sat in the state. Having reached the Holston, they ascertained it would be impossible to arrive at the time appointed for the session of the court ; and therefore determined to remain in that section of country until fall. They reached Nashville in Oc tober. It had not been Jackson s intention, certain ly, to make Tennessee the place of his future resi dence ; his visit was merely experimental, and his stay remained to be determined by the advantages that might be disclosed ; but finding, soon after his arrival, that a considerable opening was offered for the success of a young attorney, he determined to remain, though the prospect before him was, cer tainly, not of an encouraging cast. As in all newly settled countries must be the case, society was loosely formed, and united by but few of those ties which have a tendency to enforce the performance of moral duty, and the right execution of justice. The young men of the place, adventurers from dif ferent sections of the country, had become indebted to the merchants ; there was but one lawyer in the country, and they had so contrived, as to retain him in their business ; the consequence was, that the merchants were entirely deprived of the means of enforcing against those gentlemen the execu tion of their contracts. In this state of things Jack son made his appearance at Nashville, and while the creditor class looked to it with great satis faction, the debtors were sorely displeased. Appli cations were immediately made to him for his pro fessional services, and on the morning after his 20 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON- arrival he issued seventy writs. To those proci- gal gentlemen, it was an alarming circumstance ; their former security was impaired ; but, that it might not wholly depart, they determined to force him, in some way or other, to leave the country ; and, to effect this, broils and quarrels with hi n were to be resorted to. This, however, was socn abandoned, satisfied by the first controversy in which they had involved him, that his decision and firmness were such as to leave no hope of effecting a.ny thing through this channel. Disregarding tho opposition raised to him, he continued, with car 1 , and industry, to press forward in his professional course, and his attention soon brought him forward, and introduced him to a profitable practice. Ho was subsequently appointed attorney-general for the district, in which capacity he continued to aci for several years. Indian depredations being then frequent on the Cumberland, every man, of necessity, became a soldier. Unassisted by the government, the set tlers were forced to rely for security on their own bravery and exertions. Although young, no per son was more distinguished than Andrew Jack son, in defending the country against these preda tory incursions of the savages, who continually harassed the frontiers, and not unfrequently ap proached the heart of the settlements, which were thin, but not widely extended. He aided alike in garrisoning the forts, and in pursuing and chastis ing the enemy. In the year 1796, having, by his patriotism, firm ness, and talents, secured to himself a distinguished standing, he was chosen one of the members of the convention for establishing a constitution for the LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 21 state. His good conduct and zeal brought him more prominently to view; and, without proposing or soliciting, he was, in the same year, elected a member of the house of representatives, in con gress, for the state of Tennessee. The following year, his reputation continuing to increase, he was chosen a senator of the United States congress, and took his seat on the 22d day of November, 1797. About the middle of April, business of an important and private nature imposed on him the necessity of asking leave of absence, and return ing home. Leave was granted, and before the next session he resigned his seat. He was but a little more than thirty years of age, and hence, scarcely eligible, by the constitution, at the time he was elected. The sedition law was introduced into the senate, by Mr. Lloyd, of Maryland, in June, and passed that body on the 4th of July fol lowing ; hence the name of Jackson, owing to the leave of absence which had been granted him in April, does not appear on the journals. On the alien law, however, and the effort to repeal the stamp act, he was present, resting in the minority. The state of Tennessee, on its admission into the Union, comprising but one military division, and General Conway, who commanded it, as major- general, dying about this time, Jackson, without being consulted on the subject, was, as the con stitution of the state directs, chosen by the field officers to succeed him ; which appointment he con tinued to hold until May, 1814, when he was con stituted a major-general in the United States ser vice. Becoming tired of political life, for the intrigues of which he declared himself -unqualified, and hav- 22 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. ing for two years voted in the minority in congress, he resigned, after the first session, Jiis seat in the senate. To this measure he was strongly i i- duced, from a desire to make way for General Smith, who, he conjectured, would, in that capaci ty, be able to render more important services to the government than himself. His country, unwillii.g that his talents should remain inactive and uneri- ployed, again demanded his services. Immediate ly after his resignation, he was appointed one of the judges of the supreme court of the state. I e advanced to the office with reluctance, and in a short time resigned, leaving it open for those, who, i e believed, were better qualified than himself, to dis charge its intricate and important duties. Unam bitious of those distinctions and honours which young men are usually proud to possess ; finding, too, that his circumstances and condition in life were not such as to permit his time and attention to be devoted to public matters, he determined to yield them into others hands, and to devote him self to agricultural pursuits ; and accordingly set tled himself on an excellent farm, ten miles from Nashville, on the Cumberland river ; where, for several years, he enjoyed all the comforts of do mestic and social intercourse. Abstracted from the busy scenes of public life, pleased with retire ment, surrounded by friends whom lie loved, and Who entertained for him the highest veneration and respect, and blessed with an amiable and affec tionate consort, nothing seemed wanting to the com pletion of that happiness which he so anxiously desired whilst in office. Great Britain, by multiplied outrages on our rights, as an independent and neutral nation, had LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 23 provoked from our government a declaration of war against her. This measure, though founded in abundant cause, had been long forborne, and ev ery attempt at reconciliation made, without effect ; when, at length, it was resorted to, as the only al ternative that could preserve the honour and dig nity of the nation, General Jackson, ever devoted to the interests of his country, from the moment of the declaration, knew no wish so strong as that of entering into her service, against a power, which, independent of public considerations, he had many private reasons for disliking. In her, he could trace sufferings and injuries received, and the efficient cause, why, in early life, he had been left forlorn and wretched, without a single relation in the world. His proud and inflexible mind, however, could not venture to solicit an ap pointment in the army, which was about to be rais ed. He accordingly remained wholly unknown, until, at the head of the militia, employed against the Creek Indians, his constant vigilance, and the splendour of his victories, apprized the general government of those great military talents which he so eminently possessed, and conspicuously dis played, when opportunities for exerting them were afforded. The acts of congress of the 6th of February, and July, 1812, afforded the means of bringing in to view a display of those powers, which, being unknown, under other circumstances, unfortunate ly, might have slumbered in inaction. Under the authority of these acts, authorizing the president to accept the services of fifty thousand volunteers, he addressed the citizens of his division, and twenty-five hundred flocked to his standard. A 24 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. tender of them having been made, and the offer ac cepted, in November he received orders to place himself at their head and to descend the Missis sippi, for the defence of the lower country, which was then supposed to be in danger. On the 10th of December, those troops rendezvoused at Nash ville, prepared to advance to the place of their des tination; and, although the weather was then ex cessively severe, and the ground covered with snow, no troops could have displayed greater firm ness. The general was every where with them, in spiring them with the ardour that animated -iis own bosom. Having procured supplies, and made the necessa ry arrangements for an active campaign, they pro ceeded, the 7th of January, on their journey ; and, descending the Ohio and Mississippi, through cold and ice, arrived, and halted at Natchez. Ek re Jackson had been instructed to remain, until he should receive further orders. Having chosen a healthy site for the encampment of his troops, about two miles from Washington, he devoted his time, with the utmost industry, to training and pre paring them for active service. The clouds of war, however, in that quarter, having blown over, an order was received from the secretary of war, dated the 5th of January, directing him, on the re ceipt thereof, to dismiss those under his command from service, and to take measures for delivering over every article of public property, in his pos session, to Brigadier-General Wilkinson. When this order reached his camp, there were one hun dred and fifty on the sick report, fifty-six of whom were unable to raise their heads, and almost the whole of them destitute of the means of defray- LIFE 01 GENERAL JACKSON. 25 mg the expenses of their return. The consequence of a strict compliance with the secretary s or der inevitably would have been, that many of the sick must have perished, whilst most of the others, from their destitute condition, would, of necessity, have been compelled to enlist in the regular army, under General Wilkinson. Such alternatives were neither congenial with their general s wishes, nor such as they had expected, on adventuring with him in the service of their country ; he had carried them from home, and, the fate of war and disease apart, it was his duty, he believed, to bring them back. To have abandoned them, therefore, at such a time, and under such circumstances, would have drawn on him the merited censure of the most deserving part of his fellow-citizens, and sen sibly wounded his own generous feelings. Add to this, those young men who were confined by sick ness, learning the nature of the order he had re ceived, implored him, with tears in their eyes, not to abandon them in so great an extremity, remind ing him, at the same time, of his assurances, that he would be to them as a father, and of the im plicit confidence they had placed in his word. This was an appeal, which it would have been difficult for the feelings of Jackson to have resisted, had it been without the support of other weighty consid erations ; but, influenced by them all, he had no hesitation in coming to a determination. Having made known his resolution to the field- officers of his division, it met, apparently, their ap probation ; but, after retiring from his presence, they assembled late at night, in secret caucus, and proceeded to recommend to him an abandonment of his purpose, and an immediate discharge of his 3 26 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. troops. Great as was the astonishment, which this measure excited in the general, it produced a still higher sentiment of indignation. In reply, he ur- ed the duplicity of their conduct, and reminded them, that, although, to those who possessed funds and health, such a course could produce no incoi- venience, yet to the unfortunate soldier, who was alike destitute of both, no measure could be mo/e calamitous. He concluded by telling them, thit his resolution, not having been hastily concluded on, nor bottomed on light considerations, was un alterably fixed ; and that immediate preparations must be made for carrying into execution the do- termination he had formed. He lost no time in making known to the sec retary of war the resolution he had adopted ; to disregard the order he had given, and to return his army to the place where he had received it. He painted in strong terms the evils which the course pursued by the government was calculated to pro duce, and expressed the astonishment he felt, that it should have originated with the famous author of the " Newburg Letters," the once redoubted advocate of soldiers rights. General Wilkinson, to whom the public proper ty was directed to be delivered, learning the de termination which had been taken by Jackson, to march his troops back, and to take with them so much of that property as should be necessary to their return, in a letter of solemn and mysterious import, admonished him of the consequences which were before him, and of the awful and dangerous responsibility he was taking on himself, by so bold a measure. General Jackson replied, that his con duct, and the consequences to which it might lead. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 27 had been well considered, and that he was prepared to abide the result, whatever it might be. Wilkin son had previously given orders to his officers to recruit from Jackson s army ; they were advised, however, on their first appearance, that those troops were already in the service of the United States, and that, thus situated, they should not be enlisted ; and that he would arrest and confine the first offi cer who dared to enter his encampment with any such object in view. The quarter-master, having been ordered to furnish the necessary transportation for the con veyance of the sick and the baggage to Tennes see, immediately set about the performance of the task ; but, as the event proved, with not the least intention of executing it. Still, he continued to keep up the semblance of exertion ; and, the bet ter to deceive, the very day before that which had been appointed for breaking up the encampment, and commencing the return march, eleven wagons arrived there by his order. The next morning, however, when every thing was about to be packed up, acting doubtless from orders, and intending to produce embarrassment, the quarter-master entered the encampment, and discharged the whole. He was grossly mistaken in the man he had to deal with, and had now played his tricks too far to be able to accomplish the object which he had, no doubt, been instructed to effect. Disregarding their dismissal, so evidently designed to prevent his marching back his men, General Jackson seiz ed upon these wagons, yet within his lines, and com pelled them to proceed to the transportation of hia sick. It deserves to be recollected, that this quar ter-master, so soon as he received directions for 28 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. furnishing transportation, had despatched an ox- press to General Wilkinson ; and there can be but little doubt, that the course of duplicity he aft ?r- wards pursued, was a concerted plan between him and that general, to defeat the design of Jacksc n ; compel him to abandon the course he had adopted; and, in this way, draw to the regular army many of the soldiers, who, from necessity, would be driven to enlist. In this attempt they were for tunately disappointed. Adhering to his original purpose, he successfully resisted every stratagem of Wilkinson, and marched the whole of his di vision to the section of country whence they hid been drawn, and dismissed them from service, as le had been instructed. To present an example that might buoy up Lie sinking spirits of his troops in the arduous march, he yielded up his horses to the sick, and, trudging on foot, encountered all the hardships that were met by the soldiers. It was at a time of the year, when the roads were extremely bad, and the swamps, lying in their passage, deep and full ; yet, under these circumstances, he placed before his troops an example of patience and hardship, that lulled to silence all complaints, and won to him, still stronger than before, the esteem and respect of every one. On arriving at Nashville, he com municated to the president of the United States the course he had pursued, and the reasons that had induced it. If it had become necessary, he had sufficient grounds on which he could have jus tified his conduct. Had he suffered General Wil kinson to have accomplished what was clearly his intention, although it was an event which might, at the moment, have benefited the service, by add- LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 29 ing an increased strength to the army, yet the ex ample would have been of so serious and excep tionable a character, that injury would have been the final and unavoidable result. His conduct, ter rible as it first appeared, was in the end approved, and the expenses incurred directed to be paid by the government. 3* 30 LIFE OF URNKRAL JACKSON- CHAPTER II. fndian preparation for hostilities. Tecumse.li arrives amongs; the southern tribes ; his intrigues. Ciril wars of the Creeka. De struction of, and butchery at Fort Minims. Expedition oqr. inst the Indians. Jackson unites with the army, and enters the in>- my s country. Scarcity of supplies in Ids camp. Learns the savages are imbodied. Seeks to form a junction irith the i last Tennessee division. Detaches General CoJ) ee across the ( oo- sa . Battle of Tallushatcliee. THE volunteers, who had descended the rher, having been discharged early in May, there \\ as little expectation that they would again be called for. Tennessee was too remotely situated in the interior of the country to expect their services would he required for her defence, and hitherto the British had discovered no serious intention of waging operations against any part of Louisiana. Their repose, however, was not of long duration. The Creek Indians, inhabiting the country lying between the Chatahochee and Tombigbee, and ex tending from the Tennessee River to the Florida line, had lately manifested strong symptoms of hostility towards the United States, from which they had received yearly pensions, and every as sistance which the most liberal policy could bestow. This disposition was greatly strengthened, through means used by the northern Indians, who were then making preparations for a war against the United States, and who wished to engage tho southern tribes in the same enterprise. An artful impostor had, about this time, sprung up amongst the Shawnees, who, by passing for a LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 31 prophet, commissioned by the "Great Spirit" to communicate his mandates to his red children, had acquired, among his own and the neighbouring 1 tribes, astonishing influence. Clothed, as they be lieved him to be, with such high powers, they lis tened to his extravagant doctrines, and in them fully confided. He succeeded in kindling a rage against the Anglo-Americans, which soon after burst forth in acts of destructive violence. His brother, Te- cumseh, who became so famous during the war, and who was killed subsequently, at the battle of the Thames, was despatched to the southern tribes, to excite in them the same temper. To the Creeks, by far the most numerous and powerful, he directed his principal attention. Having entered their na tion, some time in the spring of 1812, he repaired to Tookaubatcha, where he had repeated confer ences with the chiefs; but, not meeting with the encouragement he expected, returned to the Ala bama, which he had previously visited, and there commenced operations. Finding there several leaders of great influence, who entered into his views, he was enabled to carry on his schemes with greater success. Deriving his powers from his brother, the Prophet, whose extra ordinary commission and endowments were well understood by all the neighbouring tribes in the south, his authority was regarded with the highest veneration. He strongly interdicted all intercourse with the whites, and prevailed on the greater part of the Alabama Indians to throw aside the imple ments and clothing which that intercourse had fur nished, and return again to their savage state, from which he represented them as highly culpable for having suffered themselves to be estranged. In 32 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. a word, no means were left untried to excite them to the most deadly animosity and cruel war. To afford additional weight to his councils, this do- signing missionary gave assurances of aid and sup port from Great Britain; whose power and riches he represented as almost without limits, and qui:e sufficient for the subjugation of the United States. So considerable an influence did his intrigues and discourses obtain over the minds of many, that it was with difficulty the most turbulent of them could be restrained from running immediately to anrs, and committing depredations on the exposed fro i- tiers. This hasty measure, however, he represent ed as calculated to defeat the great plan of opera tions which he was labouring to concert; and en joined the utmost secrecy and quietness, until the moment should arrive, when, all their preparations being ready, they might be able to strike a deci sive blow ; in the mean time, they were to be indus triously employed in collecting arms and ammu nition, and other necessary implements of war. Having ordained a chief prophet, whose word was to be regarded as infallible, and whose direc tions were to be implicitly followed, and established a regular gradation of inferior dependants, to dis seminate his doctrines through the different parts of the nation, Tecumseh set out to his own tribe, accompanied by several of the natives. From this time, a regular communication was kept up between the Creeks and the northern tribes, in relation to the great enterprise which they were concerting together ; whilst the parties carrying it on committed frequent depredations on the frontier settlers. By one of these, in the sum mer of 1812, several families had been murdered LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 33 in a shocking manner, near the mouth of the Ohio ; and, shortly afterwards, another party, entering the limits of Tennessee, under circumstances of still greater barbarity, butchered two families of women and children. Similar outrages Avere committed on the frontiers of Georgia, and were continued, at intervals, on the inhabitants of Tennessee, along her southern boundary. These multiplied outrages, at length, attracted the attention of the general government, and ap plication was made, through their agent, (Colonel Hawkins,) to the principal chiefs of the nation, who, desirous of preserving their friendly relation with the United States, resolved to punish the murderers with death ; and immediately appointed a party of warriors to carry their determination into execution. No sooner was this done, than the spirit of the greater part of the nation, which, from policy, had been kept, in a considerable degree, dormant, suddenly burst into a flame, and kindled into civil war. It was not difficult for the friends cf those mur derers, who had been put to death, to prevail on others, who secretly applauded the acts for which they suffered, to enter warmly into their resent ments against those who had been concerned in bringing them to punishment. An occasion, as they believed, was now presented, which fully au thorized them to throw aside all those injunctions of secrecy imposed on them by Tecumseh and their prophets. They now resolved to lay aside all restraint, and execute at once their insatiate and long-projected vengeance, not only on the white people, but on those of their own nation, who, by 34 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. this last act of retaliatory justice, had unequivocally shown a disposition to preserve their friendship with the former. The war clubs* were immedi ately seen in every section of the nation; but more particularly among the numerous hordes resid ing- near Alabama. Brandishing these in their hands, they rushed, in the first instance, on those of their own countrymen who had shown a disposition to preserve their relations with the United States, ;ind obliged them to retire towards the white settle ments, and place themselves in forts, to escape the first ebullition of their rage. Encouraged by this success, and their numbers, which hourly increas ed, and infatuated to the highest degree by the predictions of their prophets, who assured them that the "Great Spirit" was on their side, and would enable them to triumph over all their enemies, they began to make immediate preparations for extend ing their ravages to the white settlements. Fort Mimms, situated in the Tensaw settlement, in the Mississippi territory, was the first point destined to satiate their vengeance. It contained, at that time, about one hundred and fifty men, under the command of Major Beasley, besides a considerable number of women and children, who had betaken themselves to it for security. Having collected a supply of ammunition from the Spaniards at Pensacola, and assembled their warriors, to the number of six or * Instruments used ny the Indian tribes on commencing" hos tilities ; and which, when painted red, they consider a declaration of war. They are formed of a stick, about eighteen inches in length, with a strong piece of sharp iron affixed at the end, and resemble a hatchet. They use them principally in pursuit, and after they have been able to introduce confusion into the ranks pf an enemy. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 35 seven hundred, the war party, commanded by Weatherford, a distinguished chief of the nation, on the 30th of August, commenced their assault on the fort ; and, having succeeded in carrying it, put to death nearly three hundred persons, including women and children, with the most savage barbari ty. The slaughter was indiscriminate ; mercy was extended to none ; and the tomahawk, at the same stroke, often cleft the mother and the child. But seventeen of the whole number in the fort escaped, to bring intelligence of the dreadful catastrophe. This monstrous and unprovoked outrage was no sooner known in Tennessee, than the whole state was thrown into a ferment. Considerable excite ment had already been produced by brutalities of earlier date, and measures had been adopted by the governor, in conformity with instructions from the secretary of war, for commencing a campaign against them ; but the massacre at Fort Mimms, which threatened to be followed by the entire de struction of the Mobile and Tombigbee settlements, inspired a deep and universal sentiment of solici tude, and an earnest wish for speedy and effectual operations. The anxiety felt on the occasion was greatly increased from an apprehension that Gene ral Jackson would not be able to command. He was the only man, known in the state, who was believed qualified to discharge the arduous duties of the station, and who could carry with him the complete confidence of his soldiers. He was at this tune seriously indisposed, and confined to his room, with a fractured arm ; but, although this ap prehension was seriously indulged, arrangements were in progress, and measures industriously taken, 36 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. to prepare and press the expedition with every pos sible despatch. A numerous collection of respectable citizens, who convened at Nashville on the 18th of Septem ber, for the purpose of devising the most effectual ways and means of affording protection to tl eir brethren in distress, after conferring with the gov ernor and General Jackson, who was still confined to his room, strongly advised the propriety of march ing a sufficient army into the heart of the Creek na tion; and accordingly recommended this measure, with great earnestness, to the legislature, wlrch, in a few days afterwards, commenced its sess on. That body, penetrated with the same sentiments which animated the whole country, immediately enacted a law, authorizing the executive to call into the Held thirty-five hundred of the militia, to be inarched against the Indians; and, to guard against all difficulties, in the event the general govern ment should omit to adopt them into their service, three hundred thousand dollars were voted for their support. The settlers were fleeing to the interior, and every day brought intelligence that the Crooks, collected in considerable force, were bending their course towards the frontiers of Tennessee. The governor now issued an order to General Jackson, who, notwithstanding the state of his health, had determined to assume the command, requiring him to call out, and rendezvous at Fuyctteville, in the shortest possible time, two thousand of the militia and volunteers of his division, to repel any invasion that might be contemplated. Colonel Coffee, in addition to five hundred cavalry, already raised, un der his command, was authorized to organize and LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 37 receive into his regiment any mounted riflemen that might make a tender of their services. Having received these orders, Jackson hastened to give them effect ; and with this object appealed to those volunteers, who, with him, had heretofore descended the Mississippi to Natchez. He urged them to appear at the rendezvous, on the 4th of October, equipped for active service. He pointed out the imperious necessity which demanded their services, and urged them to be punctual ; for their frontiers were threatened by a savage foe. In the mean time, until this force could be collected and organized, Colonel Coffee, with the force then un der his command, and such additional mounted riflemen as could be attached at a short notice, was directed to hasten forward to the neighbourhood of Huntsville, and occupy some eligible position for the defence of the frontier, until the infantry should arrive ; when it was contemplated, by the nearest possible route, to press on to Fort St. Stephen, with a view to the protection and defence of Mississippi. Every exertion was now made to hasten the prep arations for a vigorous campaign. Orders were given to the quarter-master, to furnish the neces sary munitions, with the proper transportation ; and to the contractors, to provide ample supplies of pro visions. The day of their rendezvous being arriv ed, and the general not being sufficiently recovered to attend in person, he forwarded by his aid-de camp, Major Reid, an address, to be read to the troops, accompanied by an order for the establish ment of the police of the camp. For the police of his camp, he announced the following order : 4 38 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. "The chain of sentinels will be marked, and the sentries posted, precisely at ten o clock to-day. "No sutler will be suffered to sell spirituous liquors to any soldier, without permission, in writ ing, from a commissioned officer, under the per al- ties prescribed by the rules and articles of war. "No citizen will be permitted to pass the clnin of sentinels, after retreat beat in the evening, until reveille in the morning. Drunkenness, the bane of all orderly encampments, is positively forbidden, both in officers and privates: officers, under :he penalty of immediate arrest ; and privates, of be ng placed under guard, there to remain until liberated by a court martial. " At reveille beat, all officers and soldiers arc to appear on parade, with their arms and accoutre ments in proper order. "On parade, silence, the duty of a soldier, is positively commanded. "No officer or soldier is to sleep out of camp, but by permission obtained." These rules, to those who had scarcely yet pass ed the line that separates the citizen from the sol dier, and who had not yet laid aside the notions of self-sovereignty, had the appearance of too much rigour ; but the general well knew, that the expe dition in which they were embarked involved much hazard ; and that, although such lively feelings wore manifested now, yet, when hardships pressed, those might cease. Impatient to join his division, although his health was far from being restored, his arm only begin ning to heal, the general, in a few days afterwards, set out for the encampment, and reached it on the LIFE OF GENERAL JACKS03. 39 7th. Finding, on his arrival, that the requisition was not complete, either in the number of men, or the necessary equipments, measures were instantly taken to remedy the deficiency. Orders were di rected to the several brigadiers in his division, to hasten immediately their respective quotas, fully equipped for active operations. Circumstances did not permit him to remain at this place long enough to have the delinquencies complained of remedied, and the ranks of his army filled. Colonel Coffee had proceeded with his mounted volunteers to cover Huntsville, and give security to the frontiers, where alarm greatly pre vailed. On the night of the 8th, a letter was re ceived from him, dated two days before, advising, that two Indians, belonging to the peace party, had just arrived at the Tennessee River, from Chinna- by s Fort, on the Coosa, with information that the war party had despatched eight hundred or a thou sand of their warriors to attack the frontiers of Georgia; and, with the remainder of their forces, were marching against Huntsville, or Fort Hamp ton. In consequence of this intelligence, exertions were made to hasten a movement. Late on the fol lowing night, another express arrived, confirming the former statement, and representing the enemy, in great force, to be rapidly approaching the Ten nessee. Orders were now given for preparing the line of march, and by nine o clock the next day the whole division was in motion. They had not pro ceeded many miles, when they were met with in telligence that Colonel Gibson, who had been sent out by Coffee to reconnoitre the movements of the enemy, had been killed by their advance. A strong desire had been manifested to be led forward ; that 40 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. desire was now strengthened by the information just received ; and it was with difficulty their emotio is could be restrained. They accelerated their pace, and before eight o clock at night arrived at Hunt 3- ville, a distance of thirty- two miles. Learning here, thdt the information was erroneous which had occasioned so hasty a movement, the general e i- camped his troops; having intended to march them that night to the Tennessee River had it been co i- firmed. The next day the line of march was r 3- sumed. The influence of the late excitement was now visible in the lassitude which followed its re moval. Proceeding slowly, they crossed the Ten nessee, at Ditto s Landing, and united in the eve ning with Colonel Coffee s regiment, which had previously occupied a commanding bluff, on the south bank of the river. From this place, in a few days afterwards, Jackson detached Colonel Coffee, with seven hundred men, to scour the Black War rior, a stream running from the north-east, and emptying into the Tombigbee ; on which were sup posed to be settled several populous villages of the enemy. He himself remained at this encampment a week, using the utmost pains in training his troops for service, and labouring incessantly to pro cure the necessary supplies for a campaign, which he had determined to carry directly into the heart of the enemy s country. With General Cocke, who commanded the divis ion of East Tennessee militia, an arrangement had been made the preceding month, in which he had engaged to furnish large quantities of bread stuff , at Ditto s Landing. The facility of procuring it in that quarter, and the convenient transportation af forded by the river, left no doubt on the mind of LIFE OP GENERAL JACKr-OX. 41 Jackson but that the engagement would be punctu ally complied with. To provide, however, against, the bare possibility of a failure, and to be guarded against all contingencies that might happen, he had addressed his applications to various other sources. He had, on the same subject, written in the most pressing manner to the governor of Georgia, with whose forces it was proposed to act in concert; to Colonel Meigs, agent to the Cherokee nation of In dians, and to General White, who commanded the advance of the East Tennessee troops. Previously to his arrival at Huntsville, he had received assur ances from the two latter, that a considerable sup ply of flour, for the use of his army, had been pro cured, and was then at Hiwassee, where boats were ready to transport it. From General Cocke, about the same time, a letter was received ; stating that a hundred and fifty barrels of flour were then on the way to his encampment ; and expressing a be lief, that he should be able to procure, and forward on immediately, a thousand barrels more. With pressing importunity, he had addressed himself to the contractors, and they had given him assurances, that, on his crossing the Tennessee, they would be prepared with twenty days rations for his whole command ; but finding, on his arrival at Ditto s, that their preparations were not in such forwardness as he had been led to expect, he was compelled, for a time, to suspend any active and general operations. Calculating, however, with great confidence on exertions, which, he had been promised, should be unremitting, and on the speedy arrival of those sup plies descending the river, which had been already unaccountably delayed, he hoped, in a few days, to be placed in a situation to act efficiently. Whilst 42 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. he was encouraged by these expectations, and only waiting their fulfilment, that he might advance, Shelocta, the son of Chinnaby, a principal chief among the friendly Creeks, arrived at his carrp, to solicit his speedy movement for the relief of 1 is father s fort, which was then threatened by a con siderable body of the war party, who had advanced to the neighbourhood of the Ten Islands, on the Coosa. Influenced by his representations, and anxious to extend relief, Jackson, on the 18th, gave orders for taking up the line of march on the fol lowing day, and notified the contractors of this ar rangement, that they might be prepared to issue, immediately, such supplies as they had on hand ; but, to his great astonishment, he then, for the first time, was apprized of their entire inability to sup ply him whilst on his march. Having drawn what they had in their power to furnish, amounting to only a few days rations, they were deposed from office, and others appointed, on whose industry and performance, he believed, he might more safely rely. The scarcity of his provisions, however, at a moment like the present, when there was every ap pearance that the enemy might be met, and a blow stricken to advantage, was not sufficient to wave his determinacion. The route he would have to make, to gain the fort, lay, for a considerable dis tance, up the river. He determined to proceed ; and, having passed his army and baggage wagons over several mountains of stupendous size, and such as were thought almost impassable by foot passengers, he arrived, on the 22d of October, at Thompson s Creek, which empties into the Tennes see, twenty-four miles above Ditto s. At this placo he proposed the establishment of a permanent de- LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 4$ pot, for the reception of supplies, to be sent either up or down the river. Disappointed in the hopes with which he had adventured on his march, he re mained here several days, in expectation of the boats that were coming to his relief. Thus harass ed at the first onset, by difficulties wholly unex pected, and which, from the numerous and strong assurances received, he could by no means have calculated on; fearing, too, that the same disregard of duty might induce a continuance, he lost no time in opening every avenue to expedient, that the chances of future failure might be diminished. To General Flournoy, who commanded at Mobile, he applied, urging him to procure bread stuff, and have it forwarded up the Alabama by the time he should arrive on that river. The agent of the Choctaws, Colonel M Kee, who was then on the Tombigbee, was addressed in the same style of entreaty. Ex presses were despatched to General White, who, with the advance of the East Tennessee division, had arrived at the Look-out Mountain, in the Cher okee nation, urging him, by all means, to hasten on the supplies. The assistance of the governor of Tennessee was also earnestly besought. To facili tate exertion, and to assure success, every thing within his reach was attempted: several persons of wealth and patriotism, in Madison county, were so licited to afford the contractors all the aid in their power ; and, to induce them more readily to extend it, their deep interest, immediately at stake, was pointed to, and their deplorable and dangerous situ ation, should necessity compel him to withdraw his army, and leave them exposed to the mercy of the savages. 44 LIFE OF CENKUAI, JA( K.-O\. Whilst these measures were taking, l-.vo ru > ners, from Turkey town, an Indian village, des patched by Path-killer, a chief of the Cherokee s, arrived at the camp. They brought information j that the enemy, from nine of the hostile towns, were assembling in great force near the Ton Islands ; and solicited that immediate assistance should be afforded the friendly Creeks and Cher o- kees, in their neighbourhood, who were exposed :o such imminent danger. His want of provisions was not yet remedied ; but, distributing the partial supply that was on hand, he resolved to proceed, in expectation that the relief he had so earnestly looked for, would, in a little while, arrive, and be forwarded to him. He instructed General White to form a junction with him, and to hasten on all the supplies in his power to command ; with about six days rations of meat, and less than two of meal, he again p;it his army in motion to meet the enemy. Although there was some hazard in advancing into a country where relief was not to be expected with such limited preparation, yet, believing that his contrac tors, lately installed, would exert themselves to the utmost to forward supplies, and that, amidst the va riety of arrangements made, all could not fail, and well aware that his delaying longer might be pro ductive of many disadvantages, his determination was taken to set out immediately in quest of the enemy. He replied to the Path-killer, by his run ners, that he should proceed directly for the Coosa, and solicited him to be diligent in making discove ries of the situation, and collected forces of the savages, and to give him, as early as possible, the result of his inquiries. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 45 " The hostile Creeks," he remarked to him, " will not attack you until they have had a brush with me ; and that, I think, will put them out of the notion of fighting for some time." He requested, if he had, or could any how procure, provisions for his army, that he would send them, or advise where they might be had : " You shall be well paid, and have my thanks into the bargain. I shall stand most in need of corn meal, but shall be thankful for any kind of provisions ; and, indeed, for whatever will support life." The army had advanced but a short distance, when unexpected embarrassments were again pre sented. Information was received, by which it was clearly ascertained, that the present contrac tors, who had been so certainly relied on, could not, with all their exertions, procure the necessary supplies. Major Rose, in the quarter-master s de partment, who had been sent into Madison county, to aid them in their endeavours, having satisfied himself, as w T ell from their own admissions as from evidence, that their want of funds, and consequent want of credit, rendered them a very unsafe de pendence, had returned, and disclosed the facts to the general. He stated, that there were there person s of fortune and industry, who might be confided in, and who would be willing to contract for the army if it were necessary. Jackson lost no time in embracing this plan, and gave the con tract to Mr. Pope, upon whose exertions, he hoped, every reliance might be safely reposed. To the other contractors he wrote, informing them of the change that had been made. " I am advised," said he, " that you have can didly acknowledged you have it not in your power 46 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. to execute the contract in which you have engaged. Do not think I mean to cast any reflection very far from it. I am exceedingly pleased with tie exertions you have made, and feel myself under many obligations of gratitude for them. From t ic admissions you have been candid enough to make, the scarcity which already begins to appear in camp, and the difficulties you are likely to encoun ter, in effecting your engagements, I am apprehen sive I sjiould be doing injustice to the army I com mand, were I to rely for support on your exertions great as I know them to be. Whatever concerns myself, I may manage with any generosity or indulgence I please ; but in acting for my country, I have no such discretion." This arrangement being made, the army con tinued its march, and, having arrived within a few miles of the Ten Islands, was met by old Chmnaby, a leading chief of the Creek nation, and sternly op posed to the war party. He brought with him, and surrendered up, two of the hostile Creeks, who had been lately made prisoners by his party. At this place, it was represented, that they were within sixteen miles of the enemy, who were collected, to the number of a thousand, to oppose their passage. This information was little relied on, and afterwards proved untrue. Jackson continued his route, and in a few days reached the islands of the Coosa ; having been detained a day on the way, for the purpose of obtaining small supplies of corn from the neighbouring Indians. This acquisition to the scanty stock on hand, whilst it afforded subsistence, for the present, encouraged his hopes for the future, as a mean of temporary resort, should his other resources fail. LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSOX. 47 On the 28th of October, Colonel Dyer, who, on the march to the Ten Islands, had been detached from the main body, with two hundred cavalry, to attack Littafutchee town, on the head of Canoe Creek, which empties into the Coosa from the west, returned, bringing with him twenty-nine prisoners, men, women, and children, having destroyed the village. The sanguine expectations indulged, on leaving Thompson s Creek, that the advance of the East Tennessee militia would hasten to unite with him, was not yet realized. The express heretofore di rected to General White had not returned. Jack son, on the 31st, despatched another, again urging him to effect a speedy junction, and to bring with him all the bread stuff in his power to procure ; feelingly suggesting to him, at the same time, the great inconvenience and hazard, to which he had been already exposed, for the want of punctuality in himself and his commanding general. Owing to that cause, and the late failures of his contractors, he represented his army as placed in a very pre carious situation, dependent, in a great measure, for support, on the exertions which they might be pleased to make ; but assured him, he would still, at every risk, endeavour to effect his purpose ; and, at all events, was resolved to hasten to the accom plishment of the object, for which he had set out. Believing the co-operation of the East Tennessee troops essential to this end, they were again in structed to join him without, delay ; for he could not conceive it to be correct policy, that troops from the same state, pursuing the samt object, should constitute separate and distinct armies, and act without concert, and independently of eacli 48 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. other. He entertained no doubt but that his order would be promptly obeyed. The next evening, a detachment, which had be3n sent out the day before, returned to camp, bringing 1 with them, besides some corn and beeves, several negroes and prisoners of the war party. Learning now that a considerable body of the enemy had posted themselves at Tallushatchee, on the south side of the Coosa, about thirteen mi es distant, General Coffee was detached, with nine hundred men, to attack and disperse them. With this force he was enabled, through the direction of an Indian pilot, to ford the Coosa, at the Fish-dans, about four miles above the islands ; and, having en camped beyond it, very early the next morning proceeded to the execution of his order. Having arrived within a mile and a half, he formed his detachment into two divisions, and directed them to march so as to encircle the town, by uniting their fronts beyond it. The enemy, hearing of his p- proach, began to prepare for action, announced by beating of drums, mingled with savage yells and war-whoops. An hour after sun-rise, the action was commenced by Captain Haminon s and Lieu tenant Patterson s companies of spies, who had gone within the circle of alignement, for the pur pose of drawing the Indians from their buildings. No sooner had these companies given a few scat tering shot, than the enemy made a violent charge. Compelled to give way, the advance guards were pursued until they reached the main body of the army, which immediately charged in turn. The Indians retreated, firing and fighting as long as they could stand or sit, without manifesting fear, or soliciting quarter. Their loss was a hundred LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 49 and fcighty-six killed ; among 1 whom were a few 1 women and children. Eighty-four women and children were taken prisoners, towards whom the utmost humanity was shown. Of the Americans, five were killed, and forty-one wounded. Two were killed with arrows, which, on this occasion, -formed a principal part of the arms of the Indians ; each one having a bow and quiver, which he used after the first fire of his gun, until an opportunity occurred for re-loading. Having buried his dead, and provided for his wounded, General Coffee, the evening of the same lay, united with the main army, bringing with him -about forty prisoners. Of the residue, a part were too badly wounded to be removed, and were there fore left, with a sufficient number to take care of ih era. Prom the manner in which the enemy fought, the killing and wounding others than their warriors, was not to be avoided. On their retreat to their village, after the commencement of the battle, &hey resorted to their block houses, and strong log dwellings, whence they kept up resistance, and resolutely maintained the fight. Mingled with their women and children, it was impossible they should not be exposed to the general danger ; and thus many were injured, notwithstanding every possible precaution. Many of the women united with their warriors, and contended in the battle with fearless bravery. 5 50 LIVE OF GENERAL JACKSON. CHAPTER III. General Jackson endeavours to unite with the East Tennes.-ee troops. Establishment of Fort Strother. Learns the eneuy are imbodied. Marches to meet them. Battle of Talladega. Is compelled to return to his ejicampment,for want of supplies. Anecdote. Discontents of his army. Militia and volunteers mutiny. Address to the officers. 7s compelled to abandon Fcrt Strotlier. Hillabee clans site, for peace. letter from the R>v. Mr. Blackburn. Answer. The volunteers claim to be d s- cliarged. Mutiny. Address to them. General Cocke arriiei* with, part of Jtis division. General Coffee s brigade p?tuit> ts for a discharge. General Jacksoii s answer. They aband i; t/te service, and go liome. MEASURES were now taken to establish a per manent depot on the north bank of the river, at the Ten Islands, to he protected by strong picked- ting and block houses. It was desirable to unite, as soon as possible, with the troops from the East of Tennessee ; to effect this, Jackson, on the 4th, despatched an express to General White, urging him to unite with him as soon as possible, and again entreating him on the subject of provisions ; to bring with him such as he had on hand, or could procure ; and, if possible, to form some certain arrangement that might ensure a supply in future. Anxious to proceed, and have his army active, he again, on the morning of the 7th, renewed 1m application to General White, who still remained at Turkey town. The army was busily engaged in fortifying 1 the Kite fixed on for a depot, to which the name of Fort Strother had been given. On the evening of the 7th, a runner arrived from Talladega, a fort of i LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 51 the friendly Indians, thirty miles below, with in formation, that the enemy had that morning en camped before it in great numbers, and would certainly destroy it, unless immediate assistance could be afforded. Jackson, confiding in the state ment, determined to lose no time in extending the relief which was solicited. Understanding that General White was on his way to join him, he despatched a messenger, directing him to reach his encampment in the course of the ensuing night, and to protect it in his absence. He now gave orders for taking up the line of march, with twelve hundred infantry, and eight hundred cavalry and mounted gun-men ; leaving behind the sick, the wounded, and all his baggage, with a force which was deemed sufficient for their protection, until the reinforcement from Turkey town should arrive. The friendly Indians, who had taken refuge in this besieged fort, had involved themselves in their present perilous situation, from a disposition to preserve their amicable relations with the United States. To suffer them to fall a sacrifice, from any tardiness of movement, would have been unpar donable ; and, unless relief were immediately ex tended, it might arrive too late. Acting under these impressions, the general concluded to move instantly forward to their assistance. By twelve o clock at night, every thing was in readiness ; and, in an hour afterwards, the army commenced cross ing the river, about a mile above the camp ; each of the mounted men carrying one of the infantry behind him. The river, at this place, was six hun dred yards wide, and, it being necessary to send back the horses for the remainder of the infantry, several hours were consumed before a passage of 52 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. all the troops could be effected. Nevertheless, though greatly fatigued, and deprived of sleep, they continued the march with animation, and by evening had arrived within six miles of the enemy. In this inarch, Jackson used the utmost precaution to prevent surprise ; marching his army, as w?,s his constant custom, in three columns, so that, ly a speedy manoeuvre, they might be thrown inlo such a situation as to be capable of resisting an attack from any quarter. Having judiciously en camped his men on an eligible piece of ground, lie sent forward two of the friendly Indians, and a white man, who had, for many years, been detained a captive in the nation, and was now acting r s interpreter, to reconnoitre the position of the ene my. About eleven o clock at night, they returned with information that the savages were posted within a quarter of a mile of the fort, and appeared to be in great force ; but that they had not been able to approach near enough to ascertain either their numbers or precise situation. Within an hour after this, a runner arrived from Turkey town, with a letter from General White, stating, that, after having taken up the line of march, to unite at Fort Strother, he had received orders from General Cocke to change his course, and proceed to the mouth of Chatauga Creek. It was most distressing 1 intelligence ; the sick and wounded had been left with, no other calculation for their safety, than that this detachment of the army, agreeably to his request, would, by advancing upon Fort Strother, serve the double purpose of protecting his rear, and enable him to advance still further into the enemy s country. The information proved that sll those salutary anticipations wore at an end, and UFi: K ;K.\EUAL JArKSOX. 53 that evils of the worst kind might be the conse quence. Intelligence so disagreeable filled the mind of Jackson with apprehension. Orders were accordingly given to the adjutant-general to pre pare the line, and by four o clock in the morning, the army was again in motion. The infantry pro ceeded in three columns ; the cavalry in the same order, in the rear, with flankers on each wing. The advance, consisting of a company of ar tillerists, with muskets, two companies of riflemen, and one of spies, marched about four hundred yards in front, under the command of Colonel Carroll, inspector-general, with orders, after commencing the action, to fall back on the centre, so as to draw the enemy after them. At seven o clock, having arrived within a mile of the position they occupied, the columns were displayed in order of battle. Two hundred and fifty of the cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Dyer, were placed in the rear of the centre, as a corps de reserve. The remainder of the mounted troops were di rected to advance on the right and left, and, after encircling the enemy, by uniting the fronts of their columns, and keeping their rear rested on the in fantry, to face and press towards the centre, so as to leave them no possibility of escape. The re maining part of the army was ordered to move up by heads of companies ; General Hall s brigade occupying the right, and General Roberts s the left. About eight o clock, the advance having ar rived within eighty yards of the enemy, who were concealed in a thick shrubbery, received a heavy fire, which they instantly returned with much spirit. 5* 54 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. Palling in with the enemy, agreeably to their in structions, they retired towards the centre, but not before they had dislodged them from their position. The Indians, now screaming and yelling hideously, rushed forward in the direction of General Roberts s brigade, a few companies of which, alarmed by their numbers and yells, gave way at the first fire. Jackson, to fill the chasm which was this created, directed the regiment commanded by Colonel Bradley to be moved up, which, from some unaccountable cause, had failed to advance in a line with the others, and now occupied a position in rear of the centre : Bradley, however, to whom this order was given by one of the staff, omitted to execute it in time, alleging, he was determined to remain on the eminence which he then possessed, until he should be approached, and attacked by the enemy. Owing to this failure in the volunteer regiment, it became necessary to dismount the re serve, which, with great firmness, met the approach of the enemy, who were rapidly moving in this direction. The retreating militia, somewhat mor tified at seeing their places so promptly supplied, rallied, and, recovering their former position in the line, aided in checking the advance of the sav ages. The action now became general along the line, and in fifteen minutes the Indians were seen fleeing in every direction. On the left, they were met and repulsed by the mounted riflemen ; but on the right, owing to the halt of Bradley s regiment, which was intended to occupy the extreme right, and to the circumstance of Colonel Allcorn, who commanded one of the wings of the cavalry, hav ing taken too large a circuit, a considerable space LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 55 was left between the infantry and the cavalry, through which numbers escaped. Jackson, in his report of this action, bestows high commendation on the officers and soldiers. In this battle the force of the enemy was one thousand and eighty, of whom two hundred and ninety-nine were left dead on the ground ; and it is believed that many were killed in the flight, who were not found when the estimate was made. Probably few escaped unhurt. Their loss on this occasion, as stated since by themselves, was not less than six hundred ; that of the Americans was fifteen killed, and eighty wounded, several of whom afterwards died. Jackson, after collecting his dead and wounded, advanced his army beyond the fort, and encamped for the night. The Indians, who had been for several days shut up by the be siegers, thus fortunately liberated from the most dreadful apprehensions, and severest privations, having for some time been entirely without water, received the army with all the demonstrations of gratitude that savages could give. Their man ifestations of joy for their deliverance presented an interesting and affecting spectacle. Their fears had been already greatly excited, for it was the very day when they were to have been assaulted, and when every soul within the fort must have perished. All the provisions they could spare from their scanty stock, they sold to the general, who, purchasing with his own money, distributed them amongst the soldiers, who were almost des titute. The condition of his posts in the rear, and the want of provisions, (having left his encampment at 06 LIFE- OF GENERAL JACKSON- For% Strother with little more than one day s rt - tions,) compelled him to return ; thus giving the enemy time to recover. The cause which prevented General White from arriving at the Ten Islands at a moment when it was so important, when it was so confidently ex pected, was as yet unknown. This mystery, hith erto inexplicable, was some time after explained, by a view of the order of General Cocke, undc r which White, being a brigadier in hid division, chose to act, rather than under Jackson s. Gene ral Cocke stated to him, he had understood Jackson had crossed the Coosa, and had an engagemei t with the Indians. "I have formed a council of officers here, and proposed these questions: Sha 1 we follow him, or cross the river, and proceed to the Creek settlements on the Tallapoosa? Both were decided unanimously, that he should not bo followed, but that we should proceed in the way proposed !" He remarked, that the decision had met his entire approbation ; and directed White forthwith to unite with him at his encampment, where he should wait, fortifying it strongly for a depot, until he should arrive. " If," said he, " we follow General Jackson and his army, we must suffer for supplies ; nor can we expect to gain a victory. Let us then take a direction in which we can share some of the dangers and glories of the field. You will employ pilots, and advise me which side of the river you will move up." In this, as in every other measure, it seemed to be the studied aim of Cocke to thwart the views and arrest the successes of Jackson ; and perhaps jealousy, in no inconsiderable degree, was the moving spring to LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 57 his conduct. Both were major-generals, from the state of Tennessee, sent on tihe same important errand, to check an insolent foe. c ; ~^ Having buried his dead, and provided litters for the wounded, Jackson reluctantly commenced his return march on the morning succeeding the battle. He confidently hoped, from the previous assurances of the contractors, that, by the time of his return to Fort Strother, sufficient supplies would have arrived there ; but, to his inexpressible uneasi ness, he found that not a particle had been for warded since his departure, and that what had been left was already consumed. Even his private stores, brought on at his own expense, and upon which he and his staff had hitherto wholly sub sisted, had been, in his absence, distributed amongst the sick by the hospital surgeon, who had been previously instructed to do so, in the event their wants should require it. A few dozen biscuit, which remained on his return, were given to hungry applicants, without being tasted by himself or family, who were probably not less hungry than those who were thus relieved. A scanty supply of indifferent beef, taken from the enemy, or pur chased of the Cherokees, was now the only sup port afforded. Thus left destitute, Jackson, with the utmost cheerfulness of temper, repaired to the bullock pen, and, of the offal there thrown away, provided for himself and staff, what he was pleased to call, a very comfortable repast. Tripes, how ever, hastily provided in a camp, without bread of seasoning, can only be palatable to an appetite very highly whetted ; yet this constituted, for seve ral days, the only diet at head-quarters ; during which time, the general seemed entirely satisfied 58 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. with his fare. Neither this, nor the liberal doni- tions by which he disfurnished himself, to relieve the suffering soldier, deserves to be ascribed to ostentation or design : the one flowed from benevo lence, the other from necessity, and a desire to place before his men an example of patience and suffering, which he felt might be necessary. In this campaign, a soldier one morning, with a wo-begone countenance, approached the genertl, stating that he was nearly starved, that he hud nothing to eat, and could not imagine what he should do. lie was the more encouraged to con- plain, from perceiving that the general, w r ho had seated himself at the root of a tree, waiting the coming up of the rear of the army, was busily en gaged in eating something. The poor fellow was impressed with the belief, from what he saw, that want only attached to the soldiers, and that the officers, particularly the general, were liberally supplied. He accordingly approached him with great confidence of being relieved. Jackson told him, that it had always been a rule with him never to turn away a hungry man when it was in his power to relieve him. I will most cheerfully, said he, divide with you what I have ; and, putting his hand to his pocket, drew forth a few acorns, from which he had been feasting, adding, it was the best and only fare he had. The soldier seemed much surprised, and forthwith circulated amongst his comrades, that their general was actually subsisting upon acorns, and that they ought no more to com plain. From this circumstance was derived the story heretofore published to the world, that Jack son, about the period of his greatest suffering, and with a view to inspirit them, had invited his officers LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 59 to dine with him, and presented, for their repast, water, and a tray of acorns. But discontents, and a desire to return home, arose, and presently spread through the camp ; and these were still further augmented, by the arts of a few designing officers, who, believing that the campaign would now break up, hoped to make themselves popular on the return, by taking part in the complaints of the soldiery. It is a singular fact, that those officers who pretended, on this occasion, to feel most sensibly for the wants of the army, had never themselves been without pro visions. During this period of scarcity and discontent, small quantities of supplies were occasionally for warded by the contractors, but not a sufficiency for present want, and still less to remove the ap prehensions that were entertained for the future. At length revolt began to show itself openly. The officers and soldiers of the militia, collecting in their tents, and talking over their grievances, de termined to yield up their patriotism, and to aban don the camp. To this measure there were good evidences for believing that several of the officers of the old volunteer corps exerted themselves clandestinely, and with great industry, to insti gate them ; looking upon themselves somewhat in the light of veterans, from the discipline they had acquired, they were unwilling to be seen foremost in setting an example of mutiny, and wished to make the defection of others a pretext for their own. Jackson, apprized of their determination to abandon him, resolved to oppose it, and at all hazard. In the morning, when they were to carry 60 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. their indentions into execution, he drew up the volunteers in front of them, with positive com mands to prevent their progress, and compel thorn to return to their former position in the carip. The militia, seeing this, and fearing the conse quences of persisting in their purpose, at 01 ce abandoned it, and returned to their quarters with out further murmuring, extolling, in the highest terms, the unalterable firmness of the general. The next day, however, presented a singular vscene. The volunteers, who the day before 1 ad been the instruments for compelling the militia to return to their duty, seeing the destruction of those hopes on which they had lately built, in turn )e- gan, themselves, to mutiny. Their opposition to the departure of the militia was but a mere pre tence, to escape suspicion, for they silently wished them success. They now determined to move off in a body, believing, from the known disaffection in the camp, that the general could find no means to prevent it. What was their surprise, when, on attempting to effectuate their resolves, they found the same men, whom they had so lately opposed, occupying the very position which they had done the day previous, for a similar purpose, and mani festing a fixed determination to obey the orders of their general ! All they ventured to do was, to take the example through, and, like them, move back in peace and quietness to their quarters. This was a curious change of circumstances, when we consider in how short a time it happened ; but the conduct of the militia, on this occasion, must be ascribed to the management of the general, and to the gratification they felt, in being able to de feat the views of those who had so latelv thwarted LIFE OF UEXKKAL JACKSON. 6l their own. To this may be also added, the con sciousness all must have entertained, that the pri vations of which they complained, were far less grievous than they had represented them ; by no means sufficient to justify revolt, and not greater than patriots might be expected to bear without a murmur, when objects of such high consideration were before them. But, anxious to return to their families, wearied of their sufferings, they seized with eagerness every pretext for exoneration, and listened with too much docility to the representa tions of those, who were influenced by less hon ourable feelings. The militia continued to show a much more patriotic disposition than the volun teers : who, having adopted a course which they discovered must finally involve them in dishonour if it should fail, were exceedingly anxious for its success. On this subject, the pretensions of the cavalry were certainly much better established ; aa they were entirely without forage, and without the prospect of speedily obtaining any. They pe titioned, therefore, to be permitted to return into the settled parts of the country, pledging themselves, by their platoon and field-officers, that, if sufficient time were allowed to recruit the exhausted state of their horses, and to procure their winter clothing, they would return to the performance of their duty whenever called on. The general, unable, from many causes, to prosecute the campaign, and con fiding in the assurance given, granted the prayer of their petition, and they immediately set out on their return. About this time, General Jackson s prospect <?f being able to maintain the conquests he had made, began to bo Cheered by letters juat received from 62 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSOtf. the contractors and principal wagon-master, stat ng that sufficient supplies for the army were then on the road, and would shortly arrive : but discontents to an alarming degree still prevailed in his camp. To allay them, if possible, he hastened to lay be fore the division the information and letters he had received, and, at the same time, invited the field and platoon-officers to his quarters, to consult on the measures proper to be pursued. He addressed them in an animated speech, in which he extolled their patriotism and achievements ; lamented the privations to which they had been exposed, t nd endeavoured to reanimate them by the prospect of speedy relief, which he expected with confidence on the following day. He spoke of the imme ise importance of the conquests they had already made, and of the dreadful consequences that must result, should they be now abandoned. "What," con tinued he, " is the present situation of our camp ? A number of our fellow soldiers are wounded, and unable to help themselves. Shall it be said that we are so lost to humanity as to leave them in this condition ? Can any one, under these circum stances, and under these prospects, consent to an abandonment of the camp? of all that we have acquired in the midst of so many difficulties, priva tions, and dangers ? of what it will cost us so much to regain? of what we never can regain, our brave wounded companions, who will be murdered by our unthinking, unfeeling inhumanity ? Surely there can be none such ! No, we will take with us, when we go, our wounded and sick. They must not shall not perish by our cold-blooded indifference. But why should you despond? I do not, and yet your wants are not greater than LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 63 mine. To be sure we do not live sumptuously; but no one has died of hunger, or is likely to die ; and then, how animating are our prospects ! Large supplies are at Deposit, and already are officers despatched to hasten them on. Wagons are on the way ; a large number of beeves are in the neighbourhood ; and detachments are out to bring them in. All these resources surely cannot fail. I have no wish to starve you none to deceive you. Stay contentedly ; and, if sup plies do not arrive in two days, we will all march back together, and throw the blame of our failure where it should properly lie ; until then, we cer tainly have the means of subsisting ; and if we are compelled to bear privations, let us remember that they are borne for our country, and are not greater than many, perhaps most armies, have been compelled to endure. I have called you together, to tell you my feelings and my wishes ; this evening think on them seriously ; and let me know yours in the morning." Having retired to their tents, the officers of the volunteer brigade came to the conclusion, that " nothing short of marching the army immediately back to the settlements could prevent those difficul ties and that disgrace, which must attend a forcible desertion of the camp by his soldiers." The offi cers of the militia determined differently, and re ported a willingness to maintain the post a few days longer. " If provisions arrive, let us proceed with the campaign ; if not, let us be marched back to where it can be procured." The general, who greatly preferred the latter opinion, to allay excite ment, was disposed to gratify those who appeared unwilling to submit to further hardships ; and with 64 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. this view ordered General Hall to march his brig ade to Fort Deposit, and, after satisfying their wants, to return and act as an escort to the pro visions. The second regiment, however, im willing to be outdone by the militia, consented to rema n ; and the first proceeded alone. On this occasion lie could not forbear to remark, that men for whom he had ever cherished so warm an affection, ;md for whom he would at all times have made any sacrifice, desiring to abandon him at a moment when their presence was so particularly necessary, filled him with emotions which the .strongest 1; n- gtiage was too feeble to express. " I was prepar ed," continued the general, "to endure every evil but disgrace ; and this, as I never can submit to myself, I can give no encouragement to in other,-:." Two days had elapsed since the departure of the volunteers, and supplies had not arrived. The militia, with great earnestness, now demanded a performance of the pledge that had been given that they should be marched back to the settle ments. Jackson, on giving them an assurance that they should return, if relief did not reach them in two days, had indulged a confidence that it would certainly arrive by that time ; and now, from the information he had received, felt more than ever certain that it could not be far distant. Having, however, pledged himself, he could use no arguments or entreaties to detain them any longer, and immediately took measures for complying with their wishes, and the promise he had made them. This was, to him, a moment of the deepest dejec tion. He foresaw how difficult it would be ever to accomplish the object upon which his heart was HO devoutlv fixed, should he lo?e the mon who were LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 65 now with him ; or even to regain the conquests he had made, if his present posts should fall into the hands of the enemy. While thus pondering on the gloomy prospect, he lifted up his hands, and ex claimed, with a look and manner which showed how much he felt, " If only two men will remain with me, I will never abandon this post." Captain Gordon, of the spies, facetiously replied, "you have one, general ; let us look if we can t find an other ;" and immediately, with a zeal suited to the occasion, undertook, with some of the general staff, to raise volunteers ; and in a little while succeeded in procuring one hundred and nine, who declared a determination to remain and protect the post. The general, greatly rejoiced that he would not be com pelled to an entire abandonment of his position, now set out towards Deposit, with the remainder of the army, who were given distinctly to under stand, that on meeting supplies they were to return and prosecute the campaign. This was an event, which, as it had been expected and foretold, soon took place ; they had not proceeded more than ten or twelve miles, when they met a hundred and fifty beeves ; but a sight which gave to Jackson so much satisfaction, was to them the most unwelcome. Their faces being now turned towards home, no spectacle could be more hateful than one which was to change their destination. They were halted, aud, having satisfied their appetites, the troops, with the exception of such as were neces sary to proceed with the sick and wounded, were ordered to return to the encampment ; he himself intending to see the contractors, and establish more effectual arrangements for the future. So great was their aversion to returning, that they preferred G * 66 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. a violation of their duty and their pledged hono ir. Low murmurings ran along the lines, and presently broke out into open mutiny. In spite of the on er they had received, they hegan to revolt, and cne company was already moving off, in a direction towards home. They had proceeded some distance, before information of their departure was had by Jackson. Irritated at their conduct, in attempting to violate the promise they had given, the general pursued, until he came near a part of his staff, and a few soldiers, who, with General Coffee, had baited about a quarter of a mile ahead. He or dered them to form immediately across the road, and to fire on the mutineers if they attempted to proceed. Snatching up their arms, these faithful adherents presented a front which threw the de serters into affright, and caused them to retroat precipitately to the main body. Here, it was hoped, the matter would end, and that no further oppo sition would be made to returning. This expecta tion was not realized ; a mutinous temper began presently to display itself throughout the whole brigade. Jackson, having left his aid-de-camp, Major Reid, engaged in making up some despatch es, had gone out alone amongst his troops, who were at some distance j on his arrival, he found a much more extensive mutiny than that which had just been quelled. Almost the whole brigade had put itself into an attitude for moving forcibly off. A crisis had arrived ; and, feeling its importance, he determined to take no middle ground, but to triumph or perish. He was still without the use of his left arm ; but, seizing a musket, and resting it on the neck of his horse, he threw himself in front of the column, and threatened to shoot the first LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. G~ man who should attempt to advance. In this situa tion he was found by Major Reid and General Coffee, who, fearing , from the length of his ab sence, that some disturbance had arisen, hastened where he was, and, placing themselves by his side, awaited the result in anxious expectation. For many minutes the column preserved a sullen, yet hesitating attitude, fearing to proceed in their pur pose, and disliking to abandon it. In the mean time, those who remained faithful to their duty, amount ing to about two companies, were collected and formed at a short distance in advance of the troops, and in rear of the general, with positive directions to imitate his example in firing, if they attempted to proceed. At length, finding no one bold enough to advance, and overtaken by those fears which in the hour of peril always beset persons engaged in what they know to be a bad cause, they abandoned their purpose, and, turning quietly round, agreed to return to their posts. It is very certain, that, but for the firmness of the general, at this critical mo ment, the campaign would have been broken up, and most probably not commenced again. Shortly after the battle of Talladega, the Hilla- bee tribes applied to General Jackson for peace ; declaring their willingness to receive it on such terms as he might be pleased to dictate. His de cision had been already returned, stating to them that his government had taken up arms, to bring to a proper sense of duty a people to whom she had ever shown the utmost kindness, and who, never theless, had committed against her citizens the most unprovoked depredations ; and that she would lay them down only when certain that this object 68 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. was attained. * " Upon tliosej" continued he, " w 10 are disposed to become friendly, I neither wish nor intend to make war; but they must afford evi- dences of the sincerity of their professions ; tie prisoners and property they have taken from us, and the friendly Creeks, must be restored; the in stigators of the war, and the murderers of oar citizens, must be surrendered ; the latter must and will be made to feel the force of our resentment. Long shall they remember Fort Mimms in bitter ness and tears." Having stated to General Cocke, whose division was acting in this section of the nation, the prop 3- sitions that had been made by the Hillabee clars, with the answer he had returned, he proceeded ;o Deposit and Ditto s Landing, where the most effec tual means in his power were taken with the contrac tors, for obtaining regular supplies in future. Thf y were required to furnish, immediately, thirty days rations at Fort Strother, forty at Talladega, and c.s many at the junction of the Coosa and Tallapoosa ; two hundred pack horses and forty wagons were put in requisition to facilitate their transportation. * This communication did not arrive in time, Genera] White, who had been detached for that purpose, having-, the morning 0!i which it was written, destroyed their town. Killed sixty, and made two hundred and fifty-six prisoners. The event was un fortunate; and in it may perhaps be found the reason why these savages, in thsir after battles, fought with the desperation they did, obstinately refusing to ask for quarter. They believe- 1 themselves attacked by Jackson s army; they knew they had asked peace upon his own terms. When, therefore, under these circumstances, they saw themselves thus assailed, they no longer considered that any pacific disposition they might manifest would afford them protection from danger ; and looked upon it as a war of extermination. In their battles, afterwards, there is no instance of their asking for quarter, or even manifesting a dis position to receive it. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSO.N. 69 Understanding 1 , now, that the whole detachment from Tennessee had, by the president, been re ceived into the service of the United States, he persuaded himself that the difficulties he had heretofore encountered would not recur. The volunteers at Deposit began to manifest the same unwillingness to return to their duty that the militia had done, and were about to break out into the same spirit of mutiny and revolt ; but were restrained by an animated address by the general. He now set out on his return to Fort Strother, and was delighted to find, by the progress of the works, the industry that had been used in his ab sence. But the satisfaction lie felt was of short continuance ; although he had succeeded in stilling the tumult of the volunteers, and in prevailing on them to return to their posts, it was soon discovered he had not eradicated their deep-rooted aversion to a further prosecution of the war. The volunteers who had so lately clamoured about bread, when they were no longer hungry, began to clamour, with equal earnestness, about their term of service. HH ing lately made an effort to forsake the drudg ery of the field, and failed, they were disposed to avail themselves of any pretexts, seemingly plausi ble, to obtain success. They insisted that the period, for which they had undertaken to act, would end on the 10th of December, that being the ter mination of a year from the day they had first entered into service ; and, although they had been a greater part of the time unemployed, that recess was nevertheless to be taken into the computation. Jackson replied, that the law of congress, under which thev had been accepted, requiring one year s 70 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. service out of two, could contemplate nothing less than an actual service of three hundred and sixty- five days ; and, until that were performed, lie could not, unless specially authorized, undertake to d s- charge them. Ordering General Roberts to retui n, and fill up the deficiencies in his brigade, he now despatched Colonel Carroll, and Major Searcy, oie of his aids-de-camp, into Tennessee, to raise vol unteers for six months, or during the campaign ; writing to many respectable characters, he ex horted them to contribute all their assistance to the accomplishment of this object. To a lettor, just received from the Reverend Gideon Black burn, assuring him that volunteers from Tennessee would eagerly hasten to his relief, if they know their services were wanted, he replied, "Reverend Sir, Your letter has been just received : I thank you for it ; I thank you most sincerely. It arrived at a moment when my spirits needed such a sup port. "I left Tennessee with an army, brave, I be lieve, as any general ever commanded. I have seen them in battle, and my opinion of their bravery is not changed. But their fortitude on this too I relied has been too severely tested. Perhaps I was wrong, in believing that nothing but death could conquer the spirits of brave men. I am sure I was ; for my men, I know, are brave ; yet priva tions have rendered them discontented : that is enough. The expedition must, nevertheless, be prosecuted to a successful termination. New vol unteers must be raised, to conclude what has been so auspiciously begun by the old ones. Gladly would I save these men from themselves, and en- LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 71 sure them a harvest which they have sown ; but if they will abandon it to others, it must be so. " You are good enough to say, if I need your assistance, it will be cheerfully aiforded : I do need it greatly. The influence you possess over the minds of men is great and well-founded, and can never be better applied than in summoning volun teers to the defence of their country, their liberty, and their religion. While we fight the savage, who makes war only because he delights in blood, and who has gotten his booty, when he has scalped his victim, we are, through him, contending against an enemy of more inveterate character, and deeper design who would demolish a fabric cemented by the blood of our fathers, and endeared to us by all the happiness we enjoy. So far as my exertions can contribute, the purposes, both of the savage and his instigator, shall be defeated ; and, so far as yours can, I hope I know*, they will be employ ed. I have said enough. I want men, and want them immediately." He wrote to General Cocke, urging him to unite with him immediately, at the Ten Islands, with fifteen hundred men. lie assured him that the mounted men, who had returned to the settlements for subsistence, and to recruit their horses, would arrive by the 12th of the month. He wished to commence his operations directly, "knowing they would be prepared for it, and well knowing they would require it." " I am astonished," he contin ued, "to hear that your supplies continue deficient. In the name of God, what are the contractors doing? and about what are they engaged ? Every letter I receive from Governor Blount assures me I am to receive plentiful supplies from them, and seems to 72 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOltf. take for granted, notwithstanding all I have said to the contrary, that they have been hitherto regularly furnished. / Considering the generous loan the state has made for this purpose, and the facility of procuring bread stuffs in East Tennessee, and of transporting them by water to Fort Deposit, it is to me wholly unaccountable that not a pound has ever arrived at that place. This evil must continue 10 longer it must be remedied. I expect, therefore, and through you must require, that in twenty days they furnish at Deposit every necessary supply." ; Whilst these measures were taking, the volun teers, through several of their officers, were press ing on the consideration of the general, the t x- piration of their term of service, and claiming to be discharged on the 10th of the month. From the colonel, who commanded the second regiment, he received a letter, dated the 4th, in which v, Ub 1 attempted to be detailed their whole ground of complaint. He began by stating, that, painful as it was, he, nevertheless, felt himself bound to dis close an important truth; that, on the 10th, the service would be deprived of the regiment he com manded. He ucemed to deplore, with great sensi bility, the scene that would be exhibited on that day, should opposition be made to their departure ; and still more sensibly, the consequences that would result from a disorderly abandonment of the camp. He stated they had all considered themselves finally discharged on the 20th of April, and never knew to the contrary, until they saw his order of the 2 4th of September, requiring them to rendezvous at * Independent of an advantageous contract made with the government, the state of Tmness had extended to this con tractor a li vra.1 loan, that iinmcdiatr supplier mitjht I" forv. ,ir<l- ed. LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 73 Fayetteville, on the 4th of October ; for the first time, they then learned that they owed further ser vices, their discharge to the contrary notwithstand ing. " Thus situated, there was considerable op position to the order ; on which the officers gener ally, as I am advised, and I know myself in partic ular, gave it as an unequivocal opinion, that their term of service would terminate on the 10th of December. " They therefore look to their general, who holds their confidence, for an honourable discharge on that day ; and that, in every respect, he will see that justice be done them." Although this communication announced the de termination of only a part of the volunteer brig ade, he had already abundant evidence that the defection was but too general. " I know not," he observed, " what scenes will be exhibited on the 10th instant, nor what con sequences are to flow from them here or else where ; but, as I shall have the consciousness that they are not imputable to any misconduct of mine, I trust I shall have the firmness not to shrink from a discharge of my duty. " It will be well, however, for those who intend to become actors in those scenes, and who are about to hazard so much on the correctness of their opinions, to examine beforehand, with great caution and deliberation, the grounds on which their pre tensions rest. Are they founded on any false assurances of mine, or upon any deception that has been practised towards them ? Was not the act of congress, under which they are engaged, directed, by my general order, to be read and ex pounded to them before they enrolled themselves ? 7 74 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. That order will testify, and so will the recollection of every general officer of my division. It is not pretended, that those, who now claim to be dis charged, were not legally and fairly enrolled under the act of congress of the 6th of February, 1812. Have they performed the service required of them by that act, and which they then solemnly unde r- took to perform ? That required one year s ser vice out of two, to be computed from the day of rendezvous, unless they should be sooner discharg ed. Has one year s service been performed ? TLis cannot be seriously pretended. Have they then been discharged? It is said they have, and by me. To account for so extraordinary a belief, it may be necessary to take a review of past circumstances." To the platoon officers, who addressed him on * * * # # # # the same subject, he replied with spirited feeling ; but discontent was too deeply fastened, and by de signing men had been too artfully fomented, to be removed by any thing like argument or entreaty. At length, on the evening of the 9th, General Hall hastened to the tent of Jackson, with informa tion that his whole brigade was in a state of muti ny, and making preparations to move forcibly oif. This was a measure which every consideration 3f policy, duty, and honour, required Jackson to op pose ; and to this purpose he instantly applied all the means he possessed. He immediately issued the following general order : " The commanding general being informed that an actual mutiny exists in his camp, all officers and soldiers are commanded to put it down. " The officers and soldiers of the first brigade will, without delay, parade on the west side of the LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 75 fort, and await farther orders." The artillery com pany, with two small field-pieces, being posted in the front and rear, and the militia, under the com mand of Colonel Wynne, on the eminences in advance, were ordered to prevent any forcible de parture of the volunteers. The general rode along the line, which had been previously formed agreeably to his orders, and addressed them, by companies, in a strain of im passioned eloquence. He feelingly expatiated on their former good conduct, and the esteem and applause it had secured them ; and pointed to the disgrace which they must heap upon themselves, their families, and country, by persisting, even if they could succeed, in their present mutiny. He told them, however, they should not succeed but by passing over his body ; that even in opposing their mutinous spirit, he should perish honourably by perishing at his post, and in the discharge of his duty. " Reenforcements," he continued, " are pre paring to hasten to my assistance : it cannot be long before they will arrive. I am, too, in daily expectation of receiving information whether you may be discharged or not until then, you must not, and shall not retire. I have done with en treaty, it has been used long enough. I will attempt it no more. You must now determine whether you will go or peaceably remain : if you still persist in your determination to move forcibly off, the point between us shall soon be decided." At first they hesitated ; he demanded an explicit and positive answer. They still hesitated, and he commanded the artillerists to prepare the match ; he himself remaining in front of the volunteers, and within the line of fire, \vhich he intended soon 76 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. to order. Alarmed at his apparent determination, and dreading the consequences involved in such a contest ; " Let us return," was presently lisped along the line, and soon after determined upon. The officers now came forward, and pledged them selves for their men, who either nodded assent, cr openly expressed a willingness to retire to the r quarters, and remain without further tumult, until information were had, or the expected aid should arrive. Thus passed away a Moment of the great est peril, and pregnant with important conse quences. Although the immediate execution of their pur pose was thus for the present prevented, it was presently ascertained not to be wholly abandoned, and that nothing could be expected from their future fidelity and services. Jackson, therefore, determined to rid himself, as soon as possible, or* men whose presence answered no other end than to keep alive discontents in his camp. He accord ingly prepared an order to General Hall, to march his brigade to Nashville, and to dispose of them as he should be directed by the governor of Tennes see. Previous to promulgating this, he resolved to make one further effort to retain them, and to make a last appeal to their honour and patriotism. For this purpose, having assembled them before the fort, on the 13th, he directed his aid-de-camp to read an address. Warm and feeling as was the appeal, it failed of the desired effect. Captain Williamson alone agreed to remain. Finding that their determina tion to abandon the service could not be changed, and that every principle of patriotism was forgot ten, the general communicated his order to General V LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 77 Hall, and directed him to march his brigade to Nashville, and await such instructions as he might receive from the president, or the governor of Ten nessee. General Cocke, on the 12th, had arrived at Port Strother with fifteen hundred men ; but it was found from his report, that no part of his troops had been brought into the field under the requisition of the president of the United States ; and that the term of service of the greater portion of them would expire in a few days, and of the whole in a few weeks. In consequence of this, he was ordered into his district, to comply with that requisition, and to carry back with him, and to dis charge near their homes, those of his troops, the period of whose service was within a short time of being ended. Colonel Lilliard s regiment, which consisted of about eight hundred, and whose term "of service would not expire in less than four weeks, was retained, to assist in defending the present post, and in keeping open the communication with Deposit, until the expected reenforcements should arrive from Tennessee. Meantime the cavalry and mounted riflemen, who, under an express stipulation to return and complete the campaign, had been permitted to re tire into the settlements, had, at the time appointed, re-assembled in the neighbourhood of Huntsville. But, catching the infection of discontent from the infantry, on their return march, they began now to clamour with equal earnestness for a discharge. The cavalry insisted that they were as well entitled to it as the infantry ; and the riflemen, that they could not be held in service after the 24th, that being three months from the time they had been 78 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. mustered ; and that, as that day was so near it hand, it was wholly useless to advance any farther. General Coffee, who was confined at Hunts ville by severe indisposition, employed all the means which his debilitated strength would allow, to re move the dangerous impressions they had so readiiy imbibed, and to reclaim them to a sense of honour and of duty ; but all his efforts proved unavailin T. He immediately ordered his brigade to head-quar ters : they had proceeded as far as Ditto s Ferr 7, when the greater part of them, refusing to cro:;s the river, returned in a tumultuous manner, com mitting on the route innumerable irregularities, which there was no force sufficient to restrain, Not more than seven hundred of the brigade could be gotten over ; who, having marched to Deposit, were directed to be halted, until further orders could be obtained from General Jackson. At this place they committed the wildest extravagances ; profusely wasting the public grain, which, with much difficulty and labour, had been collected for the purpose of the campaign; and indulging in every species of excess. Whilst thus rioting-, they continued to clamour vociferously for their discharge. General Coffee, finding his utmost ef forts ineffectual, to restrain or to quiet them, wrote to Jackson, acquainting him with their conduct and demands, and enclosing a petition that had been addressed to him by the rifle regiment. In his letter he says, "I am of opinion, the sooner they can be gotten clear of the better : they are con suming the forage that will be necessary for others, and I am satisfied they will do no more good. 1 have told them, their petition would be submitted to you, who would decide upon it in the shortest LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 79 possible time." This was truly disagreeable news to the general. On the brigade of Coffee, he had placed great reliance, and, from the pledges it had given him, entertained no fears but that it would return and act with him, as soon as he should be ready to proceed. The signers of that address, observes the gene ral, commence by saying, " that jealousy is pre vailing in our camp, with respect to the understand ing between themselves and the government rela tive to the service required of them ; and, believing it to be its policy to act fairly, are of opinion that a full explanation of their case w r ill have a good effect in promoting the cause in which they are engaged." There was but a single course left ; to point them to the pledge they had given, and appeal directly to their honour, believing that, if this were unsuccessful, there was " nothing by which he could hope to hold them." Jackson had just received a letter from the gov ernor of Tennessee, in answer to his frequent and pressing inquiries, as to the disposition which should be made of the volunteers. It recommended what had already, from necessity, been done ; to dis miss not discharge them, because the latter was not in the power of either of them : nor was their dismission to be given because founded in right ; but because, under existing circumstances, their presence could not prove beneficial, but highly injurious. To induce them contentedly to remain, the governor had suggested but one argument, which had not already been unsuccessfully attempt ed ; " that it was very doubtful if the government would pay them for the services they had already 80 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. rendered, if abandoned without her authority." The letter was therefore enclosed for their in spection, accompanied with these remarks : ; < I have just received a letter from Governor Blount, which I hasten to transmit, that you may avail yourselves of whatever benefits and privileges it holds out. You will perceive, that he does not consider he has any power to discharge you : neither have I: but you have my permission to retire from the service, if you are still desirois, and are prepared to risk the consequences." These letters, so far from answering the desired end, had a contrary effect. The governor s u as no sooner read, than they eagerly laid hold of it to support the resolution they had already formed; and, without further ceremony or delay, abandoned the campaign, with their colonel at their head, w r ho, so far from having endeavoured to reconcile them, is believed, by secret artifices, to have fomented their discontents. So genera] was the dissatisfaction of this brig ade, and with such longing anxiety did they indulge the hope of a speedy return to their homes, that their impatience did not permit them to wait the return of the messenger from head-quarters. Be fore an answer could reach General Coffee, they had broken up their encampment at Deposit, ro- crossed the river, and proceeded four miles beyond Huntsville. On receiving it, Coffee had the brig ade drawn up in solid column, and the letters, together with the pledge they had given, read to them ; after which the Reverend Mr. Blackburn endeavoured in an eloquent speech, in which he pointed out the ruinous consequences that were to be apprehended, if they persisted in their present LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 81 purpose, to recall them to a sense of duty, and of honour : but they had formed their resolution too steadfastly, and had gone too extravagant lengths, to be influenced by the letter, the pledge, or the speech. As to the pledge, a few said they had not authorized it to be made ; others, that, as the general had not returned an immediate acceptance, they did not consider themselves bound by it; but the greater part candidly acknowledged, that they stood committed, and were without any justification for their present conduct. Thus, in a tumultuous manner, they abandoned their post and their duty, and, committing innumerable extravagances, re gardless alike of law and decency, continued their route to their respective homes. 82 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. CHAPTER IV. Discontents of tJie militia. Governor Blount recommends an olnn- donment of the service. Jackson s reply to Ids letter. The governor takes measures for bringing out a sufficient forc<>. Conduct of General Roberts. His brigade retires from r- ince. Lieutenant Kearley. Arrival of additional force.-. Arrest of officers. Expedition against the Indians. His motives. Battle of Emuckfinc. General Coffee proceed* to destroy the enemy s fortifications. Second battle of Emnck- fain. Troops commence their return march. Ambusiade formed by tlie Indians. Battle of EnoticJiopco. BUT, whilst these unfortunate events were tran spiring in the rear, matters were far from wear ng an encouraging aspect at head-quarters. The brigade of West Tennessee militia, consisting of only about six hundred, imitating the evil examples of others, began to turn their attention towards home. Believing that three months constituted the tour of duty contemplated in the act under which they engaged, they insisted that it would termin ate on the 4th of the ensuing month. It is true, the act had not defined the term of their engage ment ; but it had specified the object of calling them out, viz. to subdue the Indians ; and, as that object had not yet been attained, it was believed, that, at present, they were not entitled to a dis charge. These troops, although raised by the state authorities, had been, by the particular re commendation of the legislature, received into the service of the general government, under the act of congress authorizing the president to call out a hundred thousand militia, to serve for six months, unless by his own order they shou$ be previously LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 83 dismissed. The militia of East Tennessee, having been specially mustered into service for three months, would, of course, be entitled to claim their dismissal at the expiration of that period ; hence Colonel Lilliard s regiment, which constituted more than one half the present force at head-quarters, would be lost to the service on the 14th of the next month. With the failure of General Cocke, to bring into the field the number and description of troops which he had been ordered to raise under the requisition of the president, as well as with the temper and demands of those who were in service, Jack son kept the governor of Tennessee correctly ad vised, and omitted no opportunity of entreating him, in the most pressing manner, to take the earliest measures for supplying by draft, or volun tary enlistment, the present deficiency, as well as that which, from every appearance, was soon to be expected. To these solicitations, he had now re ceived the governor s answer, who stated, that, having given an order to bring into the field fifteen hundred of the detached militia, as was required by the secretary of war, and a thousand volunteers, under the act of the legislature of Tennessee of the 24th September, he did not feel himself authorized to grant any new mandate, although satisfied that the first had not been complied with ; that he view ed the further prosecution of the campaign, at tended as it was with so many embarrassments, as a fruitless endeavour; and concluded by recom mending, as advisable, to withdraw the troops into the settlements, and suspend all active operations until the general government should provide more effectual means for conducting it to a favourable 84 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. result. Jackson, far from having any intention to yield to this advice, determined to oppose it. Still, however, he was greatly concerned at the view the chief magistrate of his state seemed to take of a question of such vital importance ; and immediately proceeded to unfold himself fully, and to suggest the course, which, he believed, on the present oc casion, it behooved them both to pursue : pointing out the ruinous consequences that might be expected to result from the adoption of the measure he h id undertaken to recommend : he continues : " Had your wish, that I should discharge a pt rt of my force, and retire, with the residue, into tie settlements, assumed the form of a positive order, it might have furnished me some apology for pur suing such a course ; but by no means a full justi fication. As you would have no power to gi,*e such an order, I could not be inculpable in obeying, with my eyes open to the fatal consequences that would attend it. But a bare recommendation, founded, as I am satisfied it must be, on the artful suggestions of those fire-side patriots, who seek, in a failure of the expedition, an excuse for their o\vn supineness, and upon the misrepresentations of the discontented from the army, who wish it to be be lieved, that the difficulties which overcame their pat riotism are wholly insurmountable would afford me but a feeble shield against the reproaches of my country or my conscience. Believe me, my respected friend, the remarks I make proceed from the purest personal regard. If you would preserve your reputation, or that of the state over which you preside, you must take a straight- for ward, determin ed course ; regardless of the applause or censure of the populace, and of the forebodings of that LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 85 dastardly and designing crew, who, at a time like this, may be expected to clamour continually in your ears. The very wretches who now beset you with evil counsel, will be the first, should the measures which they recommend eventuate in dis aster, to call down imprecations on your head, and load you with reproaches. Your country is in dan ger : apply its resources to its defence ! Can any course be more plain ? Do you, my friend, at such a moment as the present, sit with your arms folded, and your heart at ease, waiting a solution of your doubts, and a definition of your powers ? Do you wait for special instructions from the secretary at war, which it is impossible for you to receive in time for the danger that threatens ? How did the venerable Shelby act, under similar circumstances ; or, rather, under circumstances by no means so critical ? Did he wait for orders to do what every man of sense knew what every patriot felt to be right ? He did not ; and yet how highly and justly did the government extol his manly and energetic conduct! and how dear has his name become to every friend of his country ! " You say, that an order to bring the necessary quota of men into the field has been given, and that of course your power ceases ; and, although you are made sensible that the order has been wholly neglected, you can take no measure to remedy the omission. Widely different, indeed, is my opinion. I consider it your imperious duty, when the men, called for by your authority, founded upon that of the government, are known not to be in the field, to see that they be brought there ; and to take im mediate measures with the officer, who, charged with the execution of your order, omits or neglects 8 86 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. to do it. As the executive of the state, it is your duty to see that the full quota of troops be con stantly kept in the field, for the time they ha\e been required. You are responsible to the govern ment ; your officer to you. Of what avail is it, 1o give an order, if it be never executed, and may be disobeyed with impunity ? Is it by empty man dates that we can hope to conquer our enemies, and save our defenceless frontiers from butchery and devastation ? Believe rne, my valued friend, there are times when it is highly criminal to shrink from responsibility, or scruple about the exercise of our powers. There are times when we must disregard punctilious etiquette, and think only of serving our country. What is really our present situation ? The enemy we have been sent to sub due may be said, if we stop at this, to be only ex asperated. The commander in chief, General Pinck- ney, who supposes me by this time prepared for renewed operations, has ordered me to advance and form a junction with the Georgia army ; and, upon the expectation that I will do so, are all his arrangements formed for the prosecution of tho campaign. Will it do to defeat his plans, and jeop ardize the safety of the Georgia army ? The gen eral government, too, believe, and have a right to believe, that we have now not less than five thou sand men in the heart of the enemy s country ; and on this opinion are all their calculations bottomed ; and must they all be frustrated, and I become the instrument by which it is done ? God forbid ! " You advise me to discharge or dismiss from ser vice, until the will of the president can be known, such portion of the militia as have rendered three months service. This advice astonishes me, even LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 87 more than the former. I have no such discretiona ry power ; and if I had, it would be impolitic and ruinous to exercise it. I believed the militia, who were not specially received for a shorter period, were engaged for six months, unless the objects of the expedition should be sooner attained ; and in this opinion I was greatly strengthened by your letter of the loth, in which you say, when answer ing my inquiry upon this subject, the militia are detached for six months service ; nor did I know, or suppose, you had a different opinion, until the arrival of your last letter. This opinion must, I suppose, agreeably to your request, be made known to General Roberts s brigade, and then the conse quences are not difficult to be foreseen. Every man belonging to it will abandon me on the 4th of next month ; nor shall I have the means of pre venting it, but by the application of force, which, under such circumstances, I shall not be at liberty to use. I have laboured hard to reconcile these men to a continuance in service until they could be hon ourably discharged, and had hoped I had, in a great measure, succeeded ; but your opinion, operating with their own prejudices, will give a sanction to their conduct, and render useless any further at tempts. They will go ; but I can neither discharge nor dismiss them. Shall I be told, that, as they will go, it may as well be peaceably permitted ? Can that be any good reason why I should do an unautho rized act? Is it a good reason why I should vio late the order of my superior officer, and evince a willingness to defeat the purposes of my govern ment? And wherein does the sound policy of the measures that have been recommended consist? or in what way are they * likely to promote the 88 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. public good ? Is it sound policy to abandon a con quest thus far made, and deliver up to havoc, or add to the number of our enemies, those friendly Creeks and Cherokees, who, relying on our protection, have espoused our cause, and aided us with their arm? ? Is it good policy to turn loose upon our defenceless frontiers five thousand exasperated savages, to re 3k their hands once more in the blood of our citizens ? What ! retrograde under such circumstances ! I will perish first. No ; I will do my duty : I \\ ill hold the posts I have established, until ordered to abandon them by the commanding general, or die in the struggle ; long since have I determined not to seek the preservation of life at the sacrifice of reputation. "But our frontiers, it seems, are to be defended ; and by whom ? By the very force that is now re commended to be dismissed : for I am first told to retire into the settlements and protect the frontiers ; next, to discharge my troops ; and then, that no measures can be taken for raising others. No, rny friend, if troops be given me, it is not by loitering on the frontiers that I will seek to give protection ; they are to be defended, if defended at all, in a very different manner ; by carrying the war into the heart of the enemy s country. All other hopes of defence are more visionary than dreams. What, then, is to be done ? I ll tell you what. You have only to act with the energy and decision the crisis demands, and all will be well. Send me a force engaged for six months, and I will answer for the result ; but withhold it, and all is lost, the repu tation of the state, and your s, and mine along with it" LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 89 This letter had considerable effect with the gov ernor. On receiving it, he immediately determined on a course of greater efficiency, and ordered from the second division twenty-five hundred of the mi litia, for a tour of three months, to rendezvous at Fayetteville on the 28th of January. The com mand was given to Brigadier-General Johnston, with orders to proceed, without delay, to Fort Strother. He instructed General Cocke to execute the order he had received from Jackson, for raising from his division his required quota of troops, and to bring them to the field as early as possible. General Roberts, who had been ordered back to supply the deficiencies in his brigade, returned on the 27th with one hundred and ninety-one men, mustered for three months. Having halted them a few miles in rear of the camp, he proceeded thither himself, to learn of the commanding general, whether the troops he had brought on would be re ceived for the term they had stipulated, as they were unwilling to advance farther until this point was settled. Jackson answered, that although he greatly preferred they should be engaged for six months, yet he had no wish to alter any engagement made with General Roberts, and would gladly re ceive them for that period. Notwithstanding this assurance, for some unknown cause, they suddenly formed the determination to return home, without gaining even a sight of the camp. To the miscon duct of their general, was it justly to be attributed. The careless indifference with which General Roberts had first treated the affair had subsided ; and his fears took the alarm on receiving from Gen eral Jackson an order to parade immediately before the fort the men he had reported as brought into 8* 90 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. the field. He came forward to excuse what had happened, and to solicit permission to go in pursi it of the refugees. Overtaking them, at the distance of twenty miles, he endeavoured, in a very gentle manner, to soothe their discontents, and prevail on them to return ; but, having been discharged, thoy laughed at the folly of his errand. Unable to effect his object, he remained with them during the night ; and in the morning set out for camp, and his new recruits for home. On arriving at head-quar ters, he ascribed his failure to the practices of cer tain officers, whom he named, and who, he said, had stirred up a spirit of mutiny and desertion among the men to such a degree, that all his efforts to retain them had proved unavailing. Jackson, who could not view this incident with the samo indifference that Roberts did, immediately issued an order, directing him to proceed, forthwith, in pur suit of the deserters, and have them brought back. In the execution of this order, he was commanded to call to his aid any troops in the United States service within the county of Madison, or in the state of Tennessee, and to exert all his power and au thority, as a military officer, within his own brigade ; and, in the event he should not be able to collect a sufficient force to march them safely to head quarters, to confine them in jails, and make a re port thereof without delay. This order was ac companied with an assurance, that all who should return willingly to their duty, except those officers who had been reported as the instigators, would be pardoned. Many of the men, and several of the officers, who had been charged as encouraging the revolt, learning the nature of the proceedings which were about to be enforced against them, returned of LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 91 their own accord to camp ; and concurred in as cribing their late misconduct entirely to their gen eral. He was afterwards arrested, and, upon this and other charges exhibited against him, sentenced by a court-martial to be cashiered. The day arrived, when that portion of the militia, which had continued in service, claimed to be dis charged ; and insisted that, whether this were given to them or not, they would abandon the campaign, and return home. Jackson believed them not en titled to it, and hence, that he had no right to give it ; but, since Governor Blount had said differently, and his opinion had been promulgated, he felt it to be improper that he should attempt the exercise of authority to detain them. Nevertheless, believing it to be his duty to keep them, he issued a general order, commanding all persons in the service of the United States, under his command, not to leave the encampment without his written permission, under the penalties annexed, by the rules and articles of war, to the crime of desertion. This was accom panied by an address, in which they were exhorted, by all those motives which he supposed would be most likely to have any influence, to remain at their posts until they could be legally discharged. Neither the order nor the address availed any thing. On the morning of the 4th of January, the officer of the day reported, that on visiting his guard, half after ten o clock, he found neither the officer, (Lieu tenant Kearley,) nor any of the sentinels at their posts. Upon this information, General Jackson or dered the arrest of Kearley, who refused to sur render his sword, alleging it should protect him to Tennessee ; that he was a free man, and not subject to the orders of General Jackson, or any body else. 92 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON- This being made known to the general, he issued, immediately, this order to the adjutant-genera : " You will forthwith cause the guards to parade, with Captain Gordon s company of spies, and arrest Lieutenant Kearley ; and, in case you shall be ro- sisted in the execution of this order, you are cor i- manded to oppose force to force, and arrest him at all hazards. Spare the effusion of blood, if possi ble ; but mutiny must and shall be put down." Colonel Sitler, with the guards and Gordon s com pany, immediately proceeded in search, and found him at the head of his company, on the lines, which were formed, and about to be marched off. He was ordered to halt, but refused. The adjutai t- general, finding it necessary, directed the guar Is to stop him ; and again demanded his sword, which he again refused to deliver. The guards were com manded to fire on him if he did not immediately de liver it, and had already cocked their guns. At this order, the lieutenant cocked his, and his men followed the example. General Jackson, informed of what was passing, had hastened to the scene, and, arriving at this moment, personally demanded of Kearley his sword, which he still obstinately re fused to deliver. Incensed at his conduct, and viewing the example as too dangerous to be passed in silence, he snatched a pistol from his holster, and was already levelling it at the breast of Kear ley, when the adjutant-general, interposing between them, urged him to surrender his sw r ord. At this moment, a friend of the lieutenant, who was present, drew it from the scabbard, and presented it to Colo nel Sitler, who refused to receive it. It was then returned to Kearley, who now delivered it, and was placed under guard. During this crisis, both pnr- LIFE OF QENERAL JACKSON. 93 ties remained with their arms ready, and prepared for firing ; and a scene of bloodshed was narrowly escaped. Kearley, confined, and placed under guard, be came exceedingly penitent, and supplicated the general for a pardon. He stated that the absence of the sentinels from their post had been owing to the advice of the brigade-major ; that not delivering his sword, when first demanded, was attributable to the influence of others, who had persuaded him it was not his duty to do so ; that he had afterwards come to the determination to surrender himself, but was dissuaded by those who assured him it would be a sacrifice of character, and that they would share, and protect him, in the hour of danger ; why he still resisted, in the presence of the general, was, that, being at the head of his company, and having undertaken to carry them home, he was re strained, at the moment, by a false idea of honour. This application was aided by certificates of several of the most respectable officers then in camp, at testing his previously uniform good behaviour, and expressing a belief that his late misconduct was wholly to be attributed to the interference of others. Influenced by these reasons, the general thought proper to order his liberation, and his sword to be restored. Never was a man more sensible of the favour he had received, or more devoted to his benefactor, than he afterwards became. While these proceedings were taking place, the rest of the brigade, with the exception of Captain Willis s company, and twenty-nine of his men, con tinued their march towards home, leaving behind, for the further prosecution of the campaign, and the defence of Fort Strother, a single regiment of 94 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. militia, whose term of service was within a few weeks of expiring; two small companies of spies, and one of artillery. Difficulties were constantly pressing ; and whilst one moment gave birth to expectation, the next served but to destroy it. Jackson had been a.l- vised, and was buoyed by the hope, that adequate numbers would shortly come to his relief; arid, un til this could be accomplished, it was desirable to retain those who then were with him, to give to his posts increased protection. Whilst measur3s were adopting in Tennessee to effect this fully, about a thousand volunteers were moving out, to preserve an appearance of opposition, and keep se cure what had been already gained. With tl is force, added to what he already had, if in his power to keep them, he believed lie would be able to ad vance on the enemy, make a diversion in favour of the Georgia army, and obtain other important advan tages. With this view, he had addressed this regi ment, and brought before them such considerations as might be supposed calculated to excite a soldier s ardour. But they almost unanimously refused to re main beyond the period of their engagement. As nothing but an unnecessary consumption of supplies was now to be expected from detaining troops so spiritless, orders were given for taking up the line of march to Fort Armstrong, on the 10th ; whence they were directed to proceed to Knox- ville, and receive orders for their discharge. Meantime, the volunteers, lately raised, had ar rived at Huntsville, where they had been directed to remain until sufficient supplies could be had at head-quarters. Could they have proceeded direct- Jy on, they would have reached the general sufli- LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 95 ciently early to have enabled him to proceed against the enemy before the period at which the remnant of his troops would have been entitled to a dis charge. His exertions to have in readiness the arrangements necessary to the accomplishment of this end, had been indefatigable. General Cocke had been directed to give instructions to his quar ter-master, to forward to Fort Strother such pro visions as should arrive at Fort Armstrong ; to pro ceed thence to Ross s, and make arrangements for the speedy transportation, from that place to De posit, of all the bread stuff which the contractor had been required to collect at that depot ; and to have procured a competent supply of that article, as well for the troops then in the field, as for those which had been ordered to be raised. The more certainly to effect this object, he had, on the 20th of December, despatched his own quarter-master and adjutant-general to Deposit and Huntsville, to push on what should be collected at those places ; and had, at the same time, despatched one of the sub-contractors from camp, \vith directions to examine the situation of the different depots ; and, if found insufficient to meet the requisition he had made, to proceed immediately to the settlements in Tennessee, and procure the necessary supplies. To the contractors themselves he had addressed orders and exhortations almost without number ; and, indeed, from every source, and through every channel that the hope of relief could be discerned, had he directed his exertions to obtain it. On the second of January, Colonel Carroll arid Mr. Blackburn arrived at head-quarters, to receive instructions how the volunteers should be organized and brought up. Having reported their strength to 96 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. be eight hundred and fifty, they were directed to have them formed, as had been desired, into two regiments, under officers of their own choice ; and an order was put into their hands, requiring Gene ral Coffee, who was then at Huntsville, to march them to Fort Strother, by the 10th instant. Th;,t officer, whose feelings had been sufficiently har rowed by the late conduct, and defection of h..s brigade, learning that those troops were unwilling for him to have command of them, had expressed a wish to General Jackson that it might not be as signed him ; in consequence of which, and their own request, the latter had determined, after their arri val at his camp, that there should be no intermediate commander over them, between their colonels and himself. With this proposed arrangement, thot-e gentlemen had been instructed to make the troops acquainted ; and were particularly requested to use their best endeavours to remove any erroneous im pressions that might have been made upon their minds. General Coffee, having received the instructions of General Jackson, immediately gave orders to Colonels Perkins and Higgins, who had been chosen to the command of the two regiments, to inarch di rectly for head-quarters. To his entire astonish ment, both these officers refused to obey ; alleg ing, in a written statement they made, that General Coffee had no right to exercise command over them, and that they would disregard any he might at tempt to claim. One of them not only refused obe dience to the order, but even went so far as to re fuse to return it, or permit the brigade-inspector to take a copy ; thereby placing it out of his power to make it known to the rest of the brigade. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 97 Unwilling as Coffee was to create any additional perplexities to the commanding general, he felt himself constrained to demand the arrest of those officers. Notwithstanding the weighty considerations which had been urged to produce an expeditious movement, it was not until the 13th that those offi cers, with their regiments, reached head-quarters Finding they were likely to be noticed, on charges which their better-informed friends advised would not ogly deprive them of command, but involve them in disgrace, they immediately made an hon ourable concession, in which they pleaded igno rance of military duty, as an excuse for their mis conduct. The whole effective force consisted, at this time, by the reports, of little more than nine hundred men. Being addressed by the general, on the 15th, the mounted troops commenced their march to We- liogee Creek, three miles from the fort. Jackson, with his staff, and the artillery company, joined them next morning, and continued the line of marcli to Talladega, where about two hundred friendly Indians, Cherokees and Creeks, badly armed, and much discouraged at the weakness of his force, were added to his numbers, without increasing much his strength. Seldom, perhaps, has there been an expedition undertaken, fraught with great er peril. Nine hundred new recruits, entirely un acquainted with the duties of the field, were to be inarched into the heart of an enemy s country, without a single hope of escape, but from victory, and that victory not to be expected, but from the wisest precaution, and most determined bravery. 9 98 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. Although so obviously pregnant with danger, to march was the only alternative that could be adopt ed. No other could afford a diversion favourable to General Floyd, who was advancing with the ar my from Georgia, or give favourable results to the campaign, without which it must soon have been abandoned, for want of men to prosecute it. An other reason rendered such a movement indispen sable. The officer commanding at Fort Armstrong had received intelligence, that the warriors from fourteen or fifteen towns on the Taliapoosa*wero about to unite their forces, and attack that place ; which, for the want of a sufficient garrison, was in a defenceless situation. Of this General Jackson had been advised. The present movement, hazard ous as it was, was indispensable, and could alone prevent the execution of such a purpose. On reach ing Talladega, he received a letter from the com mandant at Fort Armstrong, confirmatory of tho first information. One also from General Pinckney, by express, arrived, advising him that Floyd, on the 10th instant, would move from Coweta, and, in ten days thereafter, establish a position at Tuckabat- chee; and recommended, if his force would allow him to do no more, that he should advance against such of the enemy s towns as might be within con venient distance ; that, by having his troops em ployed, he might keep disaffection from his ranks, and be, at the same time, serviceably engaged in harassing the enemy. If, therefore, he could have hesitated before, there was now no longer any room to do so. By an expeditious movement, he might save Fort Armstrong, and render an essential ser vice to General Floyd, by detaching a part of the clans destined to proceed against him. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 99 As he progressed on the march, a want of the necessary knowledge in his pilots, of subordination in his troops, and skill in the officers who com manded them, became more and more apparent ; but still their ardour to meet the enemy was not abated. On the evening of the 21st, sensible, from the trails he had fallen in upon, fresh, and converging to a point, that he must be in the neighbourhood of the ejj^emy, Jackson encamped his little army in a hollow square, on an eligible site, upon the eminen ces of Emuckfaw, sent out his spies, posted his pickets, doubled his sentinels, and made the neces sary arrangements to guard against attack. About midnight the spies came in and reported they had discovered a large encampment of Indians, at about three miles distance, who, from their whooping and dancing, were no doubt apprized of his arrival. Every thing was ready for their reception, if they meditated an attack, or to pursue in the morning, if they did not. At the dawn of day, the alarm- guns of our sentinels, succeeded by shrieks and savage yells, announced their presence. They commenced a furious assault on the left flank, com manded by Colonel Higgins, which was met with great firmness. General Coffee, and Colonels Car roll and Sitler, instantly repaired to the point of attack, and, by example and exhortation, encouraged the men to a performance of their duty. The ac tion raged for half an hour ; the brunt of which being against the left wing, it had become consid erably weakened. It being now sufficiently light to ascertain the position of the enemy, and Cap tain Ferril s company having reenforced the left wing, the whole charged, under General Coffee, 100 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. and a route immediately ensued. The friendh Indians joining in the pursuit, they were chasec about two miles, with considerable loss. We haa five killed, and twenty wounded. Until it became light enough to discern objects, our troops derivet considerable advantage from their camp fires ; these having been placed at some distance without tho encampment, afforded a decided superiority in i. night attack, by enabling those within to fire with great accuracy on an approaching enemy, ^vhikr, they themselves remained invisible. The pursuit being over, Jackson detached Cof fee, with the Indians, and four hundred men, to destroy the enemy s encampment, unless he shouk find it too strongly fortified ; in which event, he was to give information immediately, and wait the arrival of the artillery. Coffee, having recon noitred this position, and found it too strong to be assailed with the force he commanded, returned to ramp. He had not returned more than half an hour, when a severe fire was made upon the pickets, posted on the right, accompanied with prodigious yelling. General Coffee proceeded to turn the left flank of the assailants. This detachment being taken from different corps, he placed himself at their head, and moved briskly forward. Those in the rear, availing themselves of this circumstance, continued to drop off, one by one, without his knowledge, until the whole number left with him did not exceed fifty. It was fortunate that the force of the enemy he had first to. attack was not greater. He found them occupying a ridge of open pine timber, covered with low underwood, which afforded them many opportunities for con cealment, To deprive them of this advantage LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 101 Coffee ordered his men to dismount and charge them. This order was promptly obeyed, and some loss sustained in its execution ; the general himself was wounded through the body, and his aid, Major Donelson, killed by a ball through the head ; three of his men also fell. The enemy, driven back by the charge, took refuge on the margin of a creek, covered with reeds, where they lay concealed. The savages, having intended the attack on the right as a feint, now, with their main force, which had been concealed, made a violent onset on our left line, which they hoped to find in disorder. General Jackson, however, who had apprehended their design, was prepared to meet it: this line had been ordered to remain firm in its position ; and, when the first gun was heard in that quarter, he repaired thither in person, and strengthened it by additional force?. The first advance of the enemy was sustained with firmness, and opposed with great gallantry. The battle was now main tained on the part of the assailants, by quick and irregular firing, from behind logs, trees, shrubbery, and whatever could afford concealment : behind these, prostrating themselves after firing, and re loading, they would rise and again discharge their guns. After sustaining their fire in this way for some time, a charge, to dislodge them from their position, was ordered : and the whole line under Colonel Carroll, by a most brilliant and steady movement, threw them into confusion, and they fled precipitately away. In the mean time, General Coffee had been en deavouring to drive the savages on the right from the fastnesses into which they had retired : but, find ing that this could not be done without hazard and Q * 102 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. loss, he began to retire towards the place whers he had first dismounted. This expedient, designed for stratagem, produced the desired effect. The enemy, inspirited by the movement, presuming ;t a retreat, forsook their hiding-places, and rapidly- advanced upon him. That officer immediately availed himself of the opportunity thus afforded of contending with them again on equal terms ; and a severe conflict commenced, and continued about an hour, in which the loss on both sides was nearly equal. At this critical juncture, when sevc - ral of the detachment had been killed, many- wounded, and the whole greatly exhausted wit .i fatigue ; the dispersion of the enemy being effect ed on the left, a reenforcement was despatched by General Jackson, which, making its appearance 0:1 the enemy s left flank, put an end to the contest;. General Coffee, although severely wounded, still continued the fight, and, availing himself of the ar rival of this additional strength, instantly ordered a charge ; when the enemy, foreseeing their doom, fled in consternation, and were pursued with dread ful slaughter. It is believed that at this place none escaped. Thus drew to a close a day of almost continual fighting.* Having buried the dead, and dressed the wound ed, preparations were made to guard against an at- * The Indians had designed their plan of operations well, though the execution did not succeed. It was intended to bring- on the attack at three different points, at the same time ; but u party of the Chealegrans, one of the tribes which compose the Creek confederacy, who had been ordered to assail the right ex tremity of our front line, instead of doing so, thought it more pru dent to proceed to their villages, happy to have passed, undis covered, the point they had been ordered to attack. But for this, the contest might have terminated less advantageously, per haps disastrously. LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 103 tack by night, by erecting a breast-work of timber around the encampment; a measure the more necessary, as the spirits of our troops, most of whom had never before been in collision with an enemy, were observed visibly to flag, towards the evening. Indeed, during the night, it was with the utmost difficulty the sentinels could be main tained at their posts, who, expecting every minute the appearance of the enemy, would, at the least noise, fire and run in. The enemy, however, whose spies were around our encampment all night, did not think proper to attack us in this position, and the morning broke without disturb ance. The next day, General Jackson began to think of returning to the Ten Islands. Many rea sons concurred to render such a measure proper. Jackson ordered litters to be formed for the transportation of the sick and wounded, and other necessary preparations to be made for a return march. Every thing being ready, it was com menced at ten o clock the next morning, and con tinued without interruption until nearly night; when the army was encamped a quarter of a mile on the south side of Enotichopco Creek, in the direction to the ford. As it was evident the enemy had been in pur suit during the day, a breast-work was thrown up, with the utmost expedition, and arrangements made to repel their attempts, should they meditate an at tack, in the course of the night, or on the succeed ing morning. From a knowledge that they had been hanging on his rear, during the march of the preceding day, the general was led to conjecture that an ambuscade had been prepared, and that an attack would be made on him whilst crossing the 104 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. creek in his front. Near the crossing place was a deep ravine, formed by the projection of two hills, overgrown with thick shrubbery and brow a sedge, which afforded every convenience for con cealment. Along this route, the army, in going ou^;, had passed ; Jackson determined to take a differert route ; he secretJy despatched, early next morning, a few pioneers, to designate another crossing placo below. A suitable one was discovered, about six hundred yards from the old one ; and thither tho general now led his army; having, previously to commencing the march, formed his columns, and the front and rear guards, that he might be in an attitude for defence. A beautiful slope of open woodland led down to the newly discovered ford, where, except im mediately on the margin of the creek, which was covered with a few reeds, there was nothing to ob struct the view. The front guards, and part of the columns, had passed ; the wounded were also over, and the artillery just entering the creek, when an alarm-gun was heard in the rear. Tho Indians, unexpectedly finding the route was chang ed, quitted the defile, where they had expected to commence the assault, and advanced upon a com pany, under the command of Captain Russell, which marched in the rear. Though assailed by supe rior numbers, it returned the fire, and gradually retired, until it reached the rear guard, who, ac cording to express instructions given, were, in the event of an attack, to face about, and act as tho advance ; whilst the right and left columns should be turned on their pivots, so as completely to loop the enemy, and render his destruction sure. The right column of the rear guard was commanded by LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 105 Colonel Perkins, the left by Lieutenant-Colonel Stump, and the centre column by Colonel Carroll. Jackson was just passing- the stream when the firing and yelling commenced. Having instructed his aid-de-camp to form a line for the protection of the wounded, who were but a short distance in ad vance, and afterwards to turn the left column, he himself proceeded to the right, for a similar pur pose. What was his astonishment, when, resting in the hope of certain victory, he beheld the right and left columns of the rear guard, after a feeble resistance, precipitately give way, bringing with them confusion and dismay, and entirely obstruct ing the passage, over which the principal strength of the army was to be re-crossed ! This shameful flight was well nigh being attended with the most fatal consequences ; which were alone averted by the determined bravery of a few. Nearly the whole of the centre column had followed the ex ample of the other two, and precipitated themselves into the creek ; not more than twenty remained to oppose the violence of the first assault. The ar tillery company, commanded by Lieutenant Arm strong, composed of young men of the first families, who had volunteered their services at the com mencement of the campaign, formed with their muskets before the piece of ordnance they had, and hastily dragged it from the creek to an eminence, from which they could play to advantage. Here an obstinate conflict ensued; the enemy endeav ouring to charge and take it, whilst this company formed with their muskets, and resolutely defended it. These young men, the few who remained with Colonel Carroll, and the gallant Captain Quarles, who fell at their head, with Russell s spies, not ex- 106 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. ceeding in the whole cue hundred, maintained, with the utmost firmness, a contest, for many minutos, against a force five times greater than their own, > and checked the advance of the foe. The brave Lieutenant Armstrong fell at the side of his piece, by a wound in the groin, and exclaimed, as he lay, " Some of you must perish ; but don t lose 1 he gun." By his side fell, mortally wounded, his as sociate and friend, Bird Evans, and the galk nt Captain Hamilton ; who, having been abandoned by his men, at Fort Strother, with his two brothers and his aged father, had attached himself to the artillery company, as a private, and, in that capacity, showed how well he deserved to command by the fidel ty with which he obeyed. Perilous as the hour was, this little heroic band evinced themselves cool and collected as they were brave in battle. In the confusion of the moment, the rammer and pricker of the cannon could not be disengaged from the carriage ; in this situation, and at such a time, the invention of most young soldiers might have failed , but, nothing fearing, Craven Jackson and Constan- tine Perkins drove home the cartridges with a musket, and with the ramrod prepared them for the match. In the mean time, while the conflict was thus unequally sustained, General Jackson and his staff had been enabled, by great exertions, to restore something like order, from confusion. The columft^ were again formed, and put in motion; and shiall detachments had been sent across the creek to support the little band that there main tained their ground. The enemy, perceiving a strong force advancing, and being warmly assailed !on their left flank by Captain Gordon, at the head of his company of spies, were stricken with alarm, LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 107 and fled away, leaving behind their blankets, and whatever was likely to retard their flight. De tachments were ordered on the pursuit, who, in a chase of two miles, destroyed many, and wholly dispersed them. In despite of the active exertions made by Gene ral Jackson to restore order, they were, for some time, unavailing. In addition to the assistance re ceived from his staff, he derived much from the aid of General Coffee. That officer, in consequence of the wound w r hich he had received at Emuckfaw, had, the day before, been carried in a litter. From the apprehensions indulged, that an attack would probably be made upon them that morning, he had proceeded from the encampment on horseback, and aided, during the action, with his usual deliberate firmness. Indeed, all the officers of his brigade rendered manifest, now, the value of experience. This was not a moment for rules of fancied eti quette. The very men, who, a little time before, would have disdained advice, and spurned an order from any but their own commanders, did not scru ple, amidst the peril that surrounded them, to be regulated by those who seemed to be so much bet ter qualified for extricating them from their present danger. The hospital surgeon, Dr. Shelby, ap peared in the fight, and rendered important military services. The adjutant-general, Sitler, hastened across the creek in the early part of the action, to the artillery company, for which he felt all the esprit de coi-ps, having been once attached to it ; and there remained, supporting them in their duties, and participating in their dangers. Captain Gor don, too, contributed greatly to dispel the peril of the moment, by his active sally on the left flank of 108 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. the savages. Of the general himself, it is scarcely necessary to remark, that but for him every thing must have gone to ruin. On him all hopes were x rested. In that moment of confusion, he was the rallying point, even for the spirits of the bn.ve. Firm and energetic, and at the same time perfectly self-possessed, his example and authority alike con tributed to arrest the flying, and give confide ace to those who maintained their ground. Cowords forgot their panic, and fronted danger, when t icy heard his voice and beheld his manner ; and the brave would have formed round his body a rim- part with their own. In the midst of showert of balls, of which he seemed unmindful, he was SDCII performing the duties of the subordinate officers, rallying the alarmed, halting them in their flight, forming his columns, and inspiriting them by his example. An army suddenly dismayed, and thrown into confusion, was thus happily rescued from a de struction which lately appeared inevitable. Our total loss, in the several engagements, on the 22d, and this day, was only twenty killed, and seventy- five wounded, some of whom, however, afterwards died. The loss of the enemy cannot be accurately stated. The bodies of one hundred and eighty- nine of their warriors were found ; this, however, may be considered as greatly below the real num ber ; nor can their wounded be even conjectured. The greatest slaughter was in the pursuit. Scat tered througli the heights and hollows, many of the wounded escaped, and many of the killed were not ascertained. It is certain, however, as was after wards disclosed by prisoners, that considerably more than two hundred of those who, on this oc casion, went out to battle, never returned ; but LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 109 those who did return, unwilling it should be known that so many were killed, feeling it might dispirit the nation, endeavoured to have it believed, and so represented it, that they had proceeded on some distant expedition, and would be for some time ab sent. The army encamped, on the night of the 26th, within three miles of Fort Strother. Thus termi nated an expedition replete with peril, but attended with effects highly beneficial. Fort Armstrong was relieved ; General Floyd enabled to gain a victory at Autossee, where he would most probably have met defeat ; a considerable portion of the enemy s best forces had been destroyed ; and an end put to the hopes they had founded on previous delays. Discontent had been kept from the ranks ; the troops had been beneficially employed ; and inactivity, the bane of every army, had been avoid ed. 10 110 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON- CHAPTER V. The volunteers are discharged. New troops arrive. Execu tion of a soldier, and the Affect produced. Want of supplies. Mutiny with the East Tennessee brigade. Gemral Jackso i marches against tiie Indians. Battle of Tohopeka. Returns ti Fort Williams. Expedition to Hoithlewalee ; its failure, an I the causes. Forms a -junction with the Georgia troops, andprc- ceedstothe Hickory Ground. Indians sue for peace. Weathei - ford surrenders himself. Arrival of General Pinckney it liead-quarters. Tennessee troops are ordered to be marchei home, and discharged from service. THE troops having reached the post whenco they had set out, the general determined to dis charge them. The information from Tennessee was, that there would soon be in the field a consid erable force, enlisted for a period sufficient to effect a termination of the Indian war. He was desirous of having every thing in readiness by the time of their arrival, that they might be carried without delay into active service. Detaining his late vol unteers, therefore, a short time, to complete boats for the transportation of his camp equipage and provisions down the Coosa, he directed them to bo marched home, and there to be honourably dis missed. The further service of his artillery com pany was also dispensed with. His parting inter view with them was interesting and affecting. A letter from Jackson to Governor Blount, added to his own sense of the importance of the crisis, had induced him to issue an order on the 3d, direct ing twenty-five hundred of the militia of the second division to be detached, organized, ind equipped, in conformity to tin act of congress of the Cth of LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. Ill April, 1812. These were to perform a tour of three months, to be computed from the time of rendezvous, appointed to be on the 28th instant. He had also required General Cocke to bring into the field, under the requisition of the secretary of war, the quota he had been instructed to raise. This officer, who had hitherto created so many obstacles, still appeared to desire nothing more ardently than a failure of the campaign. Although many difficulties had been feigned in the execution of the order directed to him, he was enabled to muster into service, from his division, about two thousand men. These, however, as well as those called out from West Tennessee, were but indif ferently armed. The thirty-ninth regiment, under Colonel Wil liams, had also received orders to proceed to Jack son s head-quarters, and act under his command in the prosecution of the war. It arrived on the oth or 6th of the month, about six hundred strong. Most of the men were badly armed: this evil, however, was shortly afterwards remedied. The quarter-masters and contractors were already actively engaged, and endeavouring to procure provi sions and the transportations for the army. The fail ures, in regard to former enterprises, are to be ascrib ed to these two departments ; to the constant endeav our of the contractors to procure provisions at a re duced price, in order to enhance their profits ; and to fears entertained, lest, if they should lay in any large supply, it might spoil or waste on their hands. The inconveniences in the quarter-master s department, were, indeed, less chargeable to the incumbents than to the causes which they could not control ; for, to the extreme ruggedness of the way over 112 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON- which wagons had to pass, was to be added the real difficulty of obtaining a sufficient number on the frontiers. About the middle of the month, Jackson ordered the troops to advance, and form a union at head quarters, then at Fort Strother. Greatly to hi? surprise, he soon after learned that the contractor from East Tennessee had again failed to comply with his engagement, notwithstanding the ample means which he possessed, and the full time allowed him for that purpose. The troops, however, agree ably to the order received, proceeded on their march. Those from the second division, under Brigadier-General Johnston, arrived on the 14 Ji which, added to the force under General Doherty. from East Tennessee, constituted about five thou sand effectives. Composed, as this army was, of troops entirely raw, it was not to be expected thai any thing short of the greatest firmness in its officers could restrain that course of conduct and disorder, which had hitherto so unhappily prevailed. The execution of a private, (John Woods,) who had been sentenced by a court-martial, on a charge of mutiny, produced, at this time, great excitement, and the most salutary effects. That mutinous spirit, which had so frequently broken into the camp, and for a while suspended all active opera tions, remained to be checked. A fit occasion was now at hand to evince, that although militia, when at their fire-sides at home, might boast an exemp tion from control, yet in the field those high no tions were to be abandoned, and subordination ob served. Painful as it was to the feelings of the general, he viewed it as a sacrifice essential to the preservation of good order, and left the sentence of LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 113 the court to be inflicted. The execution was pro ductive of the happiest effects ; order was pro duced, and that opinion which had so long prevailed, that a militia-man was privileged, and for no offence liable to suffer death, was, from that moment, abandoned, and a stricter obedience than had been practised afterwards characterized the army. Nothing was wanting now to put the troops in motion, and actively to prosecute the war, but the arrival of necessary supplies. Remonstrance, en treaty, and threats, had long since been used and exhausted. Every mean had been resorted to, to impress on the minds of the contractors the ne cessity of urging forward in faithful discharge of their duty ; but the same indifference and neglect were still persisted in. To ward off the effects of such great evils evils which he foresaw must again eventuate in discontent and revolt Jack son resolved to pursue a different course, and no longer depend on persons who had so frequently disappointed him, and whose only object was the acquirement of wealth. He accordingly despatched messengers to the nearest settlements, with direc tions to purchase provisions, at whatever price they could be procured. This course, to these incum bents on the nation, afforded an argument infinitely stronger than any to which he had before resorted. Unexpectedly assailed in a way they had not pre viously thought of, by being held and made liable for the amount of the purchases, which by their neglect was rendered necessary, they exerted themselves in discharge of a duty they had hith erto too shamefully neglected. Every expedient had been practised to urge them to a compliance with the obligations they were under to their govern- 114 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON ment ; until the present, none had proved effectual. In one of his letters, about this time, the general remarks, " I have no doubt but a combination has been formed to defeat the objects of the campaign ; but the contractor ought to have recollected, that he had disappointed and starved my army once ; and now, in return, it shall be amply provided for at his expense. At this point he was to have de livered the rations and, whatever they may cost, at this pla.ce he will be required to pay : any price that will ensure their delivery, I have directed to be given." The supplying an army by contractors, he had often objected to as highly exceptionable and dangerous. His monitor, on this subject, was his own experience. Disappointment, mutiny, and abandonment by his troops, when in the full career of success, and an unnecessarily protracted cam paign, were among the evils already experienced, and which he desired, if possible, might be in future avoided. The difficulties, the perplexities, he had met, and the constant dissatisfaction which had rendered his troops inefficient, were wholly to be attributed to those, who, in disregard of the public good, had looked alone to their own immediate benefit. It was high time that the feelings and interest of such men should be disregarded, and a sense of duty enforced, by that sort of appeal which sordid minds best can understand an ap peal to profit and the purse. Under these and other circumstances, which seemed to involve the most serious consequences, the general had but little time for either repose or quietness. -Every thing was moving in opposition to his wishes. The East Tennessee brigade, under the command of Doherty, having been instructed LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON 115 to halt, until adequate supplies should be received at head-quarters, had already manifested many symptoms of revolt, and was with difficulty re strained from abandoning the field, and returning immediately home. Added to their own discon tents, pains had been taken by a personage high in authority to scatter dissension, and to persuade them that they had been improperly called out, and without sufficient authority ; that the draft was illegal, and that they were under no necessity of remaining. On the morning that General Doherty was about to proceed to head-quarters, he was astonished to hear the drums beating up for volun teers to abandon his camp and return home. Not withstanding all his efforts to prevent this injurious measure, one hundred and eighty deserted. His surprise was still greater, on receiving information in which he confided, that instructions by Major- General Cocke had been given, that, in the event any number of the troops should be marched back, he would take upon himself to discharge them from all responsibility on their return to Knoxville. The general had previously appeared at the camp of Doherty, and, by different means, attempted to excite mutiny and disaffection among the troops. As a reason for being unwilling to assume the com mand, and go with them to the field, he stated, that they would be placed in a situation which he dis liked to think of, and one which his feelings would not enable him to witness ; that they were about to be placed under the command of General Jackson, who would impose on them the severest trials, and where they would have to encounter every imagina ble privation and suffering. He represented, that at head-quarters there was not a sufficiency of pro- 116 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. visions on hand to last five days ; nor was there a probability that there would happen any change of circumstances for the better; that, should they once be placed in the power of Jackson, such wr s his nature and disposition, that, with the reguk r force under his command, he would compel them lo serve whatever length of time he pleased. Dohertv, who was a brigadier in the first division, was at a loss to know how he should proceed with his own majo:- general, who, having thus obtruded himself into his camp, was endeavouring to excite mutiny and ro- volt: he accordingly despatched an express ,o head-quarters to give information to General Jack son of what was passing in his camp. The mes senger arrived, and, in return, received an order :o Doherty, commanding him, peremptorily, to seize, and send under guard to Fort Strother, every officer, without regard to his rank, who should be found, in any manner, attempting to incite his army to mutiny. General Cocke, apprehending what was going on, or obtaining intelligence, re tired before the order arrived, and thus escapee 1 the punishment due to so aggravated an offence. About this time, Colonel Dyer was despatched with six hundred men, with orders to proceed to the head of the Black Warrior, and ascertain if any force of the Indians was imbodied in that quarter, and disperse them. This detachment, having pro ceeded eight days through the heights along the Cahawba, had fallen in with a trail the enemy had passed, stretching eastwardly, and followed it for some distance. Apprehending that the army might be on the eve of departing from Fort Strother, and being unable to obtain any certain information of LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 117 the savages, he desisted from the pursuit, and returned to camp. That there might be no troops in the field in a situation not to be serviceable, and as supplies were an important, consideration, orders were given the brigadiers to dismiss from the ranks every invalid, and all who were not well armed. General Jackson, at length, by constant and un- remitted exertions, obtained such supplies as he believed would be necessary to enable him to proceed. On the 14th he commenced his march, and, crossing the river, arrived on the 21st at the mouth of Cedar Creek, which had been previously selected for the establishment of a fort.* At this place it became necessary to delay a day or two, and await the coming of the provision boats, which were descending the Coosa. On the 22d of January, the day of the battle of Ernuckfaw, General Coffee, as has been already stated, had been detached to destroy the Indian encampment on the Tallapoosa : having recon noitred their position, and believing them too strongly posted to be advantageously assailed by the force which he then commanded, he had re tired without making the attempt. The position they had chosen was at a bend of the Tallapoosa, called by the Indians Tohopeka, which, interpreted into our language, means Horse-Shoe, not far from New Youcka, and near the Oakfusky villages. Fortified by nature and the skill of the savages, no other conjecture was entertained, than that at this place was intended a defence of the most deter mined kind. Learning that the Indians were still imbodied here, Jackson resolved to make a descent * Fort WilKams. 118 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. on it, and destroy the confederacy ; thence, return ing to Fort Williams for provisions, to urge forward to the Hickory Ground, where he hoped he should be able finally to terminate the war. On the 24th, leaving a sufficient force unde:: Brigadier-General Johnston for the protection of the post, with eight days provisions he left For: Williams for the Tallapoosa, by the way of Emuck - faw. The whole force now with him amounted to less than three thousand effective men ; beinr considerably reduced by the necessity of leaving behind him detachments for garrisons at the differ ent forts. At ten o clock on the morning of the 27th, after a march of fifty-two miles, he reachec the village Tohopeka. The enemy, having gainec intelligence of his approach, had collected in con siderable numbers, with a view to give him battle. The warriors from the adjacent towns, Oakfusky. Hillabee, Eufalee, and New Youcka, amounting to a thousand or twelve hundred, were here collected, and waiting his approach. They could have select ed no place better calculated for defence ; for, in dependent of the advantages bestowed on it by nature, their own exertions had greatly contributed to its strength. Surrounded almost entirely by the river, it was accessible only by a narrow neck of land, of three hundred and fifty yards width, which they had taken much pains to secure, by placing large timbers and trunks of trees horizontally on each other, leaving but a single place of entrance. From a double row of port-holes formed in it, they were enabled to give complete direction to their fire, whilst they lay in perfect security behind. General Coffee, at the head of the mounted in fantry and friendly Indians, had been despatched LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 119 early in the morning from camp, with orders to gain the southern bank of the river, encircle the bend, and make some feint, or manoeuvring, to divert the enemy from the point where the attack was intended principally to be waged. He was particularly instructed so to arrange the force under his command, that the savages might not escape by passing to the opposite side in their canoes, with which, it was represented, the whole shore was lined. Jackson, with the rest of the army, pro ceeded to take a position in front of the breast work. Having planted his cannon on an eminence, about two hundred yards from the front of the enemy s line, with a view to break down his defence, a brisk fire commenced. The musketry and rifles, which occupied a nearer position, were used as the Indians occasionally showed themselves from behind their works. The artillery was well served by Major Bradford, and the fire kept up for some minutes without making any impression ; time, however, was gained for complete readiness. The signals having now announced that General Coffee had reached in safety his point of destination, on the opposite side of the river, had formed his line, and was ready to act, the order was given to charge. " Never were troops more eager to be led on than were both regulars and militia. They had been waiting with impatience for the order, and hailed it with acclamations. The spirit that animated them was a sure augury of the success that was to follow." Between them there was no difference ; both advanced with the intrepidity and firmness of veteran soldiers. The thirty-ninth regiment, led on by their commander, Colonel Wil liams, and the brave but ill- fated Major Montgomery, 120 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. and the militia under the command of Colon ,4 Buiach, moved forward amidst a destructive fire that continually poured upon them, and were pre i- ently at the rampart. Here an obstinate ai d destructive conflict ensued, each contending for the port-holes, on different sides. Many of tl.e enemy s balls were welded between the muskete and bayonets of our soldiers. At this inomei t, Major Montgomery, leaping on the wall, called ,o his men to mount and follow him ; he had scarce y spoken, when, shot through the head, he fell lifele sg to the ground. Our troops eagerly folio v. r od t].e example he had set, and scaled their ramparts. Finding it no longer tenable, the savages aban doned their position, and, retiring- from their worlds, concealed themselves amidst the brusli and timbor that lay thickly scattered over the peninsula; whence they kept up a galling fire, until they were again forced back. Driven to despair, not knowing whither to flee, and resolving not to surrender, they saw no other alternative, than an effort o effect their escape, by passing in their canoes ;.; the opposite bank of the river; from this they wero, however, prevented, by perceiving that a part of the army already lined the opposite shore. Under these circumstances, the remaining warriors, who yet survived the severity of the conflict, betaking themselves to flight, leaped down the banks, and concealed themselves along the cliffs and steeps which were covered by the trees. Many had betaken themselves to the west angle of their line of do- fence, where, under protection of heaps of brusli, a spirited fire was kept up upon those of our troops Avho had gained their line, and those who were advancing on the outer side. From these secreted LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 121 places they would fire and disappear. General Jackson, perceiving that further resistance must involve them in utter destruction, and entertaining a desire that they should yield "a contest which now evidently was a hopeless one, ordered the interpre ter to advance with a flag, under cover of some trees which stood in front, until he should reach a position sufficiently near to be heard. He did so, and, having arrived within forty yards of the spot where the Indians were concealed, in an audible voice, and in their own language, addressed them ; told them of the folly of further resistance, and that he was commanded by General Jackson to say, that, if disposed to surrender, they should be re ceived and treated as prisoners. They waited patiently until he had finished, and heard what he had to say ; a pause ensued ; and, at the moment when he was expecting to receive an answer, and to learn that a surrender would be at once made, a fire was opened upon the flag, and the interpreter severely wounded in the breast. Finding they would not yield, orders were given to dislodge them. To accomplish this, the artillery was first turned against them ; but, being from its size incapable of producing any effect, a charge was made, in which several valuable lives were lost ; it however suc ceeded, and the enemy were dislodged from their covert place on the right angle of their line of defence. Lighted torches were ROW thrown down the steeps, which, communicating with the brush and trees, and setting them on fire, drove them from their hiding-places. Still did they refuse to surrender, and still maintained the conflict. Thus the carnage continued until night separated the combatants, when the few misguided savages, who 11 122 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. had avoided the havoc and slaughter of the day, were enabled, through the darkness of the night, to make their escape. Whilst the attack was thus waged in front of the line, the friendly Indians in General Coffee ;; detachment, under the command of Colonel Mor gan, with Captain Russell s company of spies, wen; effecting much; and, no doubt, to the course pur sued by them, on the opposite side, was greatly owing the facility with which the breast-work was scaled, and its possession obtained. The village stood on the margin of the river, and on that part of the peninsula most remote from the fortificatioi -., At the line were all their warriors collected. Seve ral of the Cherokees and Russell s spies having swum across, unobserved, and procured their ca noes, a considerable number passed over, entered the town, and fired it. No sooner was this dis covered, than their attention was divided, and drawn to the protection of a point where they had not ap prehended an attack. Thus assailed from an un expected quarter -a force in their rear, and another, still stronger, advancing on their front the invading army was afforded a much easier and less hazardous opportunity of succeeding in the assault and secur ing the victory. This battle gave a death-blow to their hopes ; nor did they venture, afterwards, to make a stand. From their fastness in the woods they had tried their strength, agreeably to their accustomed mode of warfare ; in ambuscade, had brought on the at tack ; and, in all, failure and disaster had been met. None of the advantages incident on surprise, and for which the red men of our forests have been always so characterized, had they been able to ob- LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 123 tain. The continual defeats they had received were, doubtless, the reason of their having so strongly fortified this place, where they had deter mined to perish or to be victorious. Few escaped the carnage. Of the killed, many by their friends were thrown into the river, whilst the battle raged: many, in endeavouring to pass it, were sunk by the steady fire of Coffee s brigade ; and five hun dred and fifty-seven were left dead on the ground. Among the number of the slain were three of their prophets. Decorated in a most fantastic man ner the plumage of various birds about their heads and shoulders with savage grimaces, and horrid contortions of the body, they danced and howled their cantations to the sun. Their dependants al ready believed a communion with Heaven sure, which, moved by entreaty, and their offered homage, would aid them in the conflict, and give a triumph to their arms. Fear had no influence ; and when they beheld our army approaching, and already scaling their line of defence, even then, far from being dispirited, hope survived, and victory was still anticipated. Monohoe, one of the most considerable of their inspired ones, and who had cheered and kept alive the broken spirit of the na tion by his pretended divinations, fell, mortally wounded, by a cannon shot in the mouth, while ear nestly engaged in his incantations. Three hundred prisoners were taken, most of whom were women and children. That so few warriors should have sought and obtained safety, by appealing to the clemency of the victors, to persons acquainted with the mode of Indian warfare, will not appear a matter of surprise. It seldom happens that they extend or solicit quarter : faithless them- 124 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. selves, they place no reliance on the faith of others ; and, when overcome in battle, seek no other pio- tection than retreat affords. Another cause for it may be found in a reason already given ; the attack, by a detachment of General Cocke s division, m the Hillabee clans, who were assailed and put to t le sword, at a moment when, having asked peace at discretion, they were expecting it to be given. This misfortune had alone been occasioned by a want of concert in the divisions of our army ; tut it was past, and with it was gone, on the part of the savages, all confidence in our integrity and humani ty ; and they looked and trusted for safety now to nothing but their own bravery. In this contest they maintained resistance, fighting and firing from their covert places, long after the hope either of success or escape was at an end, and after the pro posal had been submitted to spare the farther use less waste of blood. A few, who had lain quiot, and concealed under the cliffs, survived the severity of the conflict, and effected their retreat under cover of the night. Our loss was small, when compared with that of the enemy ; the whole estimate, including the friendly and Cherokee Indians, was but fifty-five killed, and one hundred and forty-six wounded. Of the former was Major Montgomery, a brave and en terprising young officer, of the thirty-ninth regi ment, and Lieutenants Moulton and Somerville, who fell early in the action. The object of the present visit being answered, the general concluded to return to Fort Williams. Having sunk his dead in the river, to prevent their being scalped by the savages, and made the neces sary arrangements for carrying off his wounded, he LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 125 commenced his return march for the fort, and in a few days reached it in safety.* Understanding that the enemy was imbodied, in considerable numbers, at Hoithlewalee, a town situ ated not far from the Hickory Ground, he was anx ious to re-commence his operations as early as possible, that the advantages he had gained, and the impression he had made, might not be lost. The forces under his command, from sickness, the loss which had been sustained in the late battle, and numerous discharges given, had been too much re duced in strength, to permit him to act as efficiently as the importance of the crisis required. It was desirable, therefore, to effect a junction with the southern army as speedily as possible, that, from an increase and concentration of his numbers, great er efficiency might be had. The North Carolina troops, under the command of General Graham, an experienced officer of the revolutionary war, and those of Georgia, under Colonel Milton, were as certained to be somewhere south of the Tallapoosa, and could be at no great distance. To unite with them was an event greatly desired. He had re ceived from General Pinckney strong assurances that all complaints would be at an end, as soon as his and the southern division could unite. No time was to be lost in effecting a purpose so essential. Gene ral Jackson accordingly determined to leave his sick and wounded, and the fort, to the care and com mand of Brigadier Johnston, and to set out again * Sinking them in the river, in preference to burying them, adopted from the consideration, that those of our troops, who was ."ho had previously fallen, had been raised, stripped, and scalped. Many of the Indians at Tohopeka were found in the clothes of those \vho had been killed and buried at Emuckfaw, 11 * 126 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. for the Tallapoosa. On the 7th, with all his dispo sable force, he commenced his march, with the double view of effecting a union with the army be low, and of attacking on his route the enemy s force which were collected at Hoithlewalee. Hig greatest difficulty was in conveying to Colonel Mil ton intelligence of his intended operations. The friendly Indians, who, from their knowledge of the country, had been always selected as expresses, were with difficulty to be prevailed on now for any such undertaking. Believing their nation to be imbodied in larger numbers than any which ht.d been yet encountered, and that, confiding in their strength, they would be better enabled to go fort i, searching and spying through the surroundirg country, they at once concluded that any enterprise of this kind would be attended with too great peril and danger, and the difficulty of eluding observa tion too much increased, for them to adventure. This circumstance prevented the arrangement of such measures as were best calculated to bring the different divisions to act in general concert. The necessity, however, of such co-operation, was too important, at this moment, not to be effected, if it were possible. Having at length succeeded in procuring confi dential messengers, Jackson addressed Colonel Mil ton, and advised him of his intended movement. To guard against any accident or failure that might happen, different expresses were despatched, by different routes. He informed him, that, with eight days provisions, and a force of about two thousand men, he should, on the 7th, take up the line of inarch, and proceed directly for Hoithlewalee ; which he ex pected certainly to reach and attack on the llth. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 127 The point of destination, owing to the rain, he was not able to reach until the 13th. This delay, unavoidable, gave the Indians an opportunity of fleeing from the threatened danger. On arriving at an inconsiderable stream which skirted the town, it was so swollen as to be rendered impassable. The savages, gaining intelligence of an approach that was thus unavoidably retarded, were enabled to effect an escape by passing the river in their canoes, and gaining the opposite shore. Had Col onel Milton fortunately made a different disposition of the troops under his command, and, by guarding the southern bank of the river, co-operated with the Tennessee division, their escape would have been prevented, and the whole force, collected, would either have been destroyed or made prison ers. Although Jackson, in his letter of the 5th, had given intelligence that he would reach the enemy on the llth; and, when prevented by high waters and rotten roads, had again notified him that he would certainly arrive and commence the attack by the morning of the 13th, and urged him to guard the south bank of the Tallapoosa, still was the request disregarded, and the savages per mitted to escape. Learning they were abandoning their position, and seeking safety in flight, Jackson filed to the right, and, overtaking the rear of the fugitives, succeeded in making twenty-five prison ers. At this time, nothing was heard of Colonel Milton ; but on the same day, having marched about five miles from his encampment at Fort Decatur, and approached within four of Hoithlewalee, he, the next morning, gave notice of an intention to attack the village that day ; at this moment the in habitants and warriors had fled, and the town was 128 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. occupied and partly destroyed by a detachment from Jackson s army, that had succeeded in passing the creek. The Georgia army being so near at hand, was i source of some satisfaction, although the escape o" the enemy had rendered their presence of less im portance than it otherwise would have been. Tho stock of provisions, with which the march had been commenced from Fort Williams, was now nearly exhausted. Assurances, however, having been so repeatedly given, that abundant supplies would be had on uniting with the southern army, all uneas - ness upon the subject was at once dispelled. Col onel Milton was immediately applied to, the situf - tion of the army disclosed, and such aid as he could extend solicited. He returned an answer to the general s demand, observing, he had sent provisions for the friendly Indians, and would, the next day, lend some for the remainder of the troops ; but felt himself under no obligation to furnish any. Jack son, satisfied of its being in his power to relieve him, and that this apparent unwillingness did not, and could not, proceed from any scarcity in his camp, assumed a higher ground, and, instead of ask ing assistance, now demanded it. He stated, that his men were destitute of supplies, and that he had been apprized of it ; and concluded by ordering, not requesting, him to send five thousand rations immediately, for present relief; and for himself and the forces under his command to join him at Hoith- lewalee by ten o clock the next day. This order," he remarked, " must be obeyed without hesitation." It was obeyed. The next day, a junction having been effected, the necessary steps were taken to LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 129 bring down the provisions deposited at Fort Deca- tur, and, for the first time since the commence ment of the Creek war, inconveniences for the want of supplies, and an apprehension of suffering, were removed. Appearances seemed now to warrant the belief, that the war would not be of much longer continu ance ; the principal chiefs of the Hickory Ground tribes were coming in, making professions of friend ship, and giving assurances of their being no longer disposed to continue hostilities. The general had been met, on his late march, by a flag from these clans, giving information of their disposition to be at peace. In return they received this answer : that those of the war party, who were desirous of putting an end to the contest, and of becoming friendly, should evince their intention by retiring in the rear of the army, and settling themselves to the north of Fort Williams ; that no other proof than this, of their pacific dispositions, would be re ceived. Fourteen chiefs of these tribes had arrived, to furnish still further evidence of their desire for peace. They assured the general that their old king, Fous-hatchee, was anxious to be permitted to visit him in person, and was then on his way, with his followers, to settle above Fort Williams, agree ably to the information he had received by the flag which had lately returned to him. Detachments were scouring the country to the south, with orders to break up any collection of the enemy that might be heard of in convenient dis tance. The main body was prepared to advance to the junction of the two rivers, where, until now, it had been expected the Indians would make a last 130 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. and desperate stand.* Every thing was in readi ness to proceed on the march, when it was an nounced to the general, that Colonel Milton s brig ade, which had lately united with him, was not in a situation to move. During the previous night some of his wagon horses having strayed off, pe r- sons had heen sent in pursuit, and were expected shortly to return with them ; when, it was reportc d, he would be ready to take up the line of march. To Jackson, this was a reason for delaying the ope rations of an army, which as yet he had never learned, and by which he had never been influence d. He had, indeed, been frequently made to halt, though from very different causes ; from murmu *s, discontents and starvation in his camp. He repli )d to the colonel s want of preparation, by telling hi n, that, in the progress of his own difficulties, he had discovered a very excellent mode of expediting wagons, even without horses ; and that, if he would detail him twenty men from his brigade, for every wagon deficient in horses, he would guaranty their safe arrival at their place of destination. Rather than subject his men to such drudgery, he preferred to dismount some of his dragoons, and thus avoided the necessity of halting the army until his lost teams should arrive. The army continued its march without gaining * The Hickory Ground, or that part of the Creek nation lying in the forks, near where the Coosa and Tallapoosa unite, Vas called by the Indians Hohj Ground, from a tradition and belief prevailing among them, that it never had been pressed by the foot of a white man. Acting under the influence of their pro phets, and a religious fanaticism, it was supposed they would make greater exertions to defend this than anv other portion of their country. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 131 intelligence of any imbodied forces of the enemy ; and, without the happening of any thing of im portance, reached old Toulossee Fort, on the Coosa river, not far from the confluence, at which another was determined to be erected, to be called Fort Jackson, after the commanding general. Here the rivers approach within one hundred poles of each other, and, again diverging, unite six miles below. At this place, the chiefs of the different tribes were daily arriving, and offering to submit on any terms. They all concurred in their statements, that those of the hostile party, who were still opposed to ask ing for peace, had fled from the nation, and sought refuge along the coast of Florida, and in Pensacola. General Jackson renewed the declaration, that they could find safety in no other way, than by re pairing to the section of the country pointed out to them, where they might be quiet and free of any sort of molestation. To put their friendly professions, which he dis trusted, at once to the test, he directed them to bring Weatherford to his camp, confined, that he might be dealt with as he deserved. He was one of the first chiefs of the nation, and had been a principal actor in the butchery at Fort Minims. Justice well demanded retaliation against him. Learning from the chiefs what had been required of them by. Jackson, he was prevailed upon, as, per haps the safer course, to proceed to his camp, and make a voluntary surrender of himself. Having reached it without being known, and obtained ad mission to the general s quarters, he fearlessly stood in his presence, and told him he was Weatherford,^ the chief who had commanded at Fort Mimms, and that, desiring peace for himself and for his people, 132 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. he had come to ask it. Somewhat surprised that ore who so richly merited punishment should so sternly demand the protection which had been extended t3 others, Jackson replied to him, that he was astonisl - ed he should venture to appear in his presence ; th; t he was not ignorant of his having- been at Fort Minims, nor of his inhuman conduct there, for which he well deserved to die. " I had directed," cor - tinued he, " that you should be brought to me cor - fined ; and had you appeared in this way, I should have known how to have treated you." Weathei- ford replied, " I am in your power do with me as you please. I am a soldier ; I have done the whit 3 people all the harm I could ; I have fought then:, and fought them bravely ; if I had an army, I woul 1 yet fight, and contend to the last : but I have none ; my people are all gone. I can now do no more than weep over the misfortunes of my nation. * Pleased at the firm and high-toned manner of thin child of the forest, Jackson informed him, that he did not solicit him to lay down his arms, or to be come peaceable : " The terms on which your nation can be saved, and peace restored, have already been disclosed : in this way, and none other, can you obtain safety." If, however, he desired still to continue the war, and felt himself prepared to meet the consequences, although he was then completely in his power, no advantage should be taken of that circumstance ; that he was at perfect liberty to re tire, and unite himself with the war party, if he pleased ; but, when taken, he should know how to treat him, for then his life should pay the forfeit of his crimes ; if this were not desired, he might re main where he was, and should be protected. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 133 Nothing dismayed, Weatherford answered, that he desired peace, that his nation might, in some measure, be relieved from their sufferings ; that, independent of other misfortunes, growing out of a state of war, their cattle and grain were all wasted and destroyed, and their women and children left destitute of provisions. " But," continued he, " I may be well addressed in such language now. There was a time when I had a choice, and could have answered you : I have none now even hope has ended. Once I could animate my warriors to battle ; but I cannot animate the dead. My war riors can no longer hear my voice : their bones are at Talladega, Taliushatchee, Emuckfaw, and To- hopeka. I have not surrendered myself thought lessly. Whilst there were chances of success, I never left my post, nor supplicated peace. But my people are gone, and I now ask it for my nation, and for myself. On the miseries and misfortunes brought upon my country, I look back with deepest sorrow, and wish to avert still greater calamities. If I had been left to contend with the Georgia army, I would have raised my corn on one bank of the river, and fought them on the other ; but your people have destroyed my nation. You are a brave man: I rely upon your generosity. You will ex act no terms of a conquered people but such as they should accede to : whatever they may be, it would now be madness and folly to oppose. If they are opposed, you shall find me amongst the sternest enforcers of obedience. Those who would still hold out can be influenced only by a mean spirit of revenge ; and to this they must not, and shall not, sacrifice the last remnant of their country. You have told our nation where we might go, and 12 134 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. be safe. This is good talk, and they ought to liste i to it. They shall listen to it." The bold independence of his conduct left no ^ doubt of the sincerity of his professions, and fuJl confidence was reposed in his declarations. Tli3 peace party became reconciled to him, and consent ed to bury all previous animosities. In a few days afterwards, having obtained permission, he set out from camp, accompanied by a small party, to searc:i through the forest for his followers and friends, and persuade them to give up a contest in which hop 3 seemed to be at an end, that, by timely submissior , they might save their nation from further disaster . The present was a favourable moment for pre venting all further opposition. The enemy, alarm ed, were dispersed, and fleeing in different direc tions. To keep alive their apprehensions, and pre vent their recovering from the fears with which they were now agitated, was of the utmost impor tance. If time were given them to form further resolutions, some plan of operation might be con certed ; and, although it might not be productive of any alarming consequences, yet it might have a tendency to lengthen out the war, and involve those deluded people in still greater wretchedness. De tachments, sufficiently strong, were accordingly or dered out, to range through the country, prevent their collecting at any point, and to scatter and destroy any who might be found concerting offen sive operations. Wherever they directed their course, submission, and an anxious desire for peace, were manifested by the natives. Those who were still resolved upon a continuance of the war, and trusted for relief to the aid which by their British allies was promised, and which they had been for LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 135 some time expecting, had retired out of the country, towards the sea coast, not doubting but the assist ance looked for would shortly arrive, enable them to re-commence hostilities with better hopes of suc cess, and regain their country, which they now considered as lost. Many of the chiefs and war riors, looking to the defeats they had continually met with in all their battles, viewing it as imprac ticable, with any expectation of better fortune, to resist the numerous forces that were collecting, and anxious to have spared to them a portion of their country, determined to discard all ideas of further resistance, and to throw themselves for safety on the mercy of their conquerors. To this end, the chief men, from the different tribes, were daily arriving, and asking for peace, on condition only that their lives might be spared. General Jackson was not ignorant of the faith lessness of these people, and how little confidence was to be reposed in the professions of an enemy, who, prompted by fear, could be controlled only by its influence. He well knew they had been too se verely chastised for their promises to be relied on, and too much injured not to feel a disposition to renew the conflict with the first flattering hope that dawned. Too many difficulties had been en countered, and too many dangers past, in bringing those savages to a sense of duty, to leave them now with no better security than mere professions. Some arrangement was necessary to be made that should ensure certainty. None seemed better cal culated for these ends, than what had been already announced ; that those disposed to throw aw T ay the war club, and renew their friendly relations with the United States, should retire in the rear of the 136 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. advance of the army, and occupy the country about the fort he had established, and to the east of the Coosa. The effect of such an arrangement he cal culated would be this : that, by the line of posts already established, he would be able to cut them off from any communication with Florida ; while, by being placed in that part of the nation inhabited by the friendly Indians, whose fidelity was not doubted, the earliest intelligence would be had of their hostile intentions, should any be manifested, The conditions proposed were most cheerfully ac cepted ; and the different tribes forthwith sat out tc occupy a portion of their country, which alone seemed to promise them protection and safety Proctor, the chief of the Owewoha war towns, to whom this promised security from danger had firs*, been made, was reported to be still at home, and to have abandoned all intention of removing, in con sequence of permission extended by the United States agent to the Creeks, for him and his war riors to remain where they then were residing. On receiving this information, the general despatched a messenger with information to him, that whether he or the agent were to be obeyed, was for him to decide ; but that he should treat as enemies all who did not immediately retire to the section of country which he had pointed out. The chief *of Owewoha found no difficulty in deciding the ques tion, and without delay prepared to retire where he had been previously ordered. Lieutenant-Colonel Gibson, who had been sent out with a detachment of seven hundred and fifty men, returned, and reported, that he had proceeded a considerable distance down the Alabama River, and had destroyed several towns of the war party, LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 137 but could gain no intelligence of a force being any where collected. By the establishment of Fort Jackson, a line of posts was now formed from Tennessee and from Georgia to the Alabama River. The subdued spirit of the Indians clearly manifesting that they were sincere in their desire for peace, nothing remained to be done but to organize the different garrisons in such a manner, that, should any hostile intention be hereafter discovered, it might be sup pressed. What final steps should be taken, and what plans adopted, for permanent security, were to be deferred for the arrival of Major-General Pinckney, who, being in the neighbourhood, would, it was expected, on the next day reach Fort Jack son. On the 20th General Pinckney arrived, and as sumed the command of the army. The course pursued by Jackson, towards satisfying the Indians, that to be peaceable was all that was required, meeting his approbation, and understanding that the chiefs and warriors of the nation were retiring, with their families, whither they had been directed, he was satisfied hostilities must cease. Indepen dent of their professions, heretofore, much of the property plundered at Fort Mimms, and along the frontiers, having been brought in, no doubt was en tertained but all further national opposition would be withdrawn. There being no necessity, there fore, for maintaining an army longer in the field, orders were issued, on the 21st, for the troops from Tennessee to be marched home and discharged ; taking care, on the route, to leave a sufficient force for garrisoning the posts already established. To troops who had been engaged in such fa- 12* 138 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. tiguing marches, who had been so often exposed to hardships, and who had, by their exertions in the cause of their country, brought the war to a suc cessful termination, and severely chastised the sav ages, it was a pleasure to retire to their homes from the scenes of wretchedness they had witnessed, and from a contest where nothing remained to be done. Whilst these arrangements were progressing. the friendly Creeks were engaged in destroying their fugitive countrymen, with the most unrelent ing rigour. To have been at the destruction ot Fort Mimms, was a ground of accusation againsi a warrior, which at once placed him without the pale of mercy. They affected to view this un provoked offence with sentiments of deeper invete racy than did even our own troops. Meeting a small party who were on their way to camp, to submit themselves on the terms that had been pre viously offered, and understanding they had ac companied Weatherford in his attack on this fort, they arrested their progress, and immediately put them to death. In two hours after receiving General Pinckney s order, the western troops commenced their return march, and reached Fort Williams on the evening of the 24th. Immediate measures were adopted for carrying into effect what had been ordered ; to send out detachments to disperse any collections of the war party that might be found on the route, and within striking distance. The East Tennessee troops, having a longer pe riod to serve, were, on that account, selected to garrison the different posts. General Doherty was directed to detail from his brigade seven him- LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 139 dred and twenty-five men, for the defence of those points, with a view to an open communication being preserved with Fort Jackson, and to secure more effectually a peace, which was, perhaps, not so se curely established as that any precautionary meas ure should be omitted. General Jackson, being about to separate from his army, did not omit to disclose to them the high sense he entertained of their conduct, and how well they had deserved of their country. " Within a few days," said he, "you have annihilated the power of a nation that for twenty years has been the dis turber of your peace." The army proceeded on its march, and, crossing Tennessee River, in safety reached Camp Blount, near Fayetteville, where they were discharged from further service. Johnston, who had previously fallen in, had destroyed some of the enemy s towns ; but had learned nothing of a force being any where imbodied along the route he had taken. On parting from his troops, the general again brought before them the recollection he retained of their faithful and gallant conduct, and the patience with which they had borne the privations and hard ships of war. On his return, wherever he passed, the plaudits of the people were liberally bestowed. The ardent and extraordinary zeal he had mani fested in the service of his country, the difficulties lie had surmounted, with the favourable termination which, by his exertions, had been given to a contest that had kept alive the anxieties and fears of the frontier settlers, excited a general feeling of grati tude and admiration: all were ready to evince the high sense they entertained of the success with which every effort had been crowned, and with one 140 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. accord united in manifesting their confidence and respect fer him, who, by his zealous exertions, ab]e management, and fidelity to the cause in which Le had embarked, had so greatly contributed to the safety, the happiness, and quiet of the country. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 141 CHAPTER VI. Jackson is appointed a major-general in tlie service of the United States. Is directed to open a negotiation with the Indians. Speech of the Big Warrior, a chief of the nation. Concludes a treaty icith the Creek Indians. His views against Pensacola and Florida. General Armstrong s letter. The Spanish governor is called on for an explanation of his conduct. Ifis answer, and General Jackson s reply. The adjutant-general is ih spatched to Tennessee to raise volunteers. Jackson sets out for Mobile. Orders the Tennessee troops to advance to Ids as- THE celerity with which an army was raised, and pushed into the heart of the enemy s country, saved the frontiers. The misfortunes of the mis guided Indians may be regretted, hut cannot be considered as unmerited. Great forbearance had been exercised towards them, as many a parent can testify, whose heart bleeds at the remembrance of a child that fell a victim to their sanguinary cruelty. Cold Water, on the Tennessee, was long a den for these savages, whence they made inroads, and, by their inhuman butcheries, kept the frontier inhabit ants in perpetual alarm. A descent was made on this settlement, as early as 1787. which resulted in its destruction. For causes already detailed, their towns were once more, in the winter of 1813, as sailed, and destroyed. The war in which the United States were en gaged with Great Britain, afforded the Indians, as they believed, a safe opportunity again to satiate their angry passions. In addition to former ani mosities, British emissaries had been among them, to excite them to opposition. Arms and ammunition from Peneacola having been liberally furnished, and a belief strongly inspired, that the Americans 142 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. could be driven off, and the lands possessed by then regained by the Indians, they at once resolve 1 upon the course they would pursue. The dreadfi 1 and cruel assault made on the settlement of Tensav was the first intelligence afforded of the lengths t ) whick^they had determined to proceed. The in security of the frontiers requiring that efficient measures should be taken to defend them, it \va * high time for the government to abandon the coursi; of moderation they had hitherto practised towards those tribes. The legislature of Tennessee, at the period of this murderous assault, being in session, with a promptitude highly honourable, called out the forces of the state, without giving to the genera, government information of the threatened danger. To protect an extensive country, by erecting garri sons, and relying on them for defence, did not ap pear to Jackson a course at all likely to assure its object. Placed in command, and called on to act, he determined, with the troops he could collect on so sudden an emergency, to carry the war to their very doors ; and, by giving them employment at home, to divert them from their plans, and force them at once into measures of defence. Urging the contractors, therefore, to be diligent in the dis charge of their duties, and to forward supplies with all possible haste, he took his position at Fort Stro- tlier, directly in the enemy s country. The battle of Talladega, which shortly afterwards followed, gave a severe check to those sanguine hopes they had indulged, induced them to believe they were contending with a different kind of people from what they had expected, and should have convinced them, too, that the promised safety, offered by their prophets, through their spells and incantations, was mere nonsense ; yet so deluded were they, and so LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON . 143 confidently confiding in the supernatural powers of their inspired men, that they were ready to attribute a want of success to circumstances over which their prophets could, in future, claim control : when it was discovered that the prophets themselves did not escape that fatality which attended their warriors in battle, they began to think, either that they had never been commissioned, or that the Great Spirit, for some unknown cause, had with drawn his confidence. The death of Monohoe, at the battle of Tohope- ka, is strongly illustrative of the infatuations under which these deluded and ignorant people laboured. They did not at all doubt, but, as their prophet^ had told them, that, having been spoiled of their hunting-grounds, they were again to re-occupy them through the aid of a new people, who from beyond the great waters were coming to assist in their recovery. A confidence in what those sooth sayers disclosed would, also, they believed, produce the effect of protecting and guarding them from wounds and injury when engaged in battle. All those marvellous stories were confided in ; but when, at this battle, one of their principal prophets fell, and by a cannon shot received in the mouth, they adopted the opinion, that the character of the wound was a judgment on his false pretensions, and forthwith departed from those visions of faith which previously they had entertained. The uniform and uninterrupted successes obtain ed over them, in all our battles, may impress the minds, not only of these, but of the Indians gene rally within our limits, with a higher reverence for the character of our nation than they have hitherto been disposed to entertain ; give protection to our 144 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. citizens, and ensure that security to the govern ment, which the mildness it has practised, and -,he tribute it has constantly given them for their pecce, has, heretofore, never been able to effect; t\ ey will tend to destroy the influence held over them by other nations, and bring them to a conviction, that the United States is the only power whose hostility they should fear, or whose friendship they should prize. It was now eight months since General Jacknon had left home, to arrest the progress of the Indian war ; during most of which time he had been i i a situation of bodily infirmity that would have direct ed a prudent man to his bed, instead of advanc ng to the field. During this period, he had never seen his family, or been absent from the army, excepl to visit the posts in his rear, and arrange with his con tractors some certain plan to guard against a future failure of supplies. His health was still delicate, and rendered retirement essential to its restoration ; but his uniformly successful conduct, and the es sential advantages he had produced, had brought him too conspicuously before the public for any other sentiment to be indulged than that he should be placed, with an important command, in the ser vice of the United States. The resignation of General Hampton enabled the government, in a short time, to afford him an evi dence of the respect it entertained for his servi ces and character. A notice of his appointment as brigadier and brevet major-general, was forwarded, on the 22d of May, from the war department. General Harrison having, about this time, for some cause, become dissatisfied with the conduct of the government towards him, refused to be long- LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 145 er considered one of her military actors ; to supply this vacancy, a commission of major-general was forwarded to Jackson, which reached him the day after the notification of his first appointment, and before he had been enabled to return an answer whether or not it would be accepted. The impor tant services which he had rendered, added to the rank which, under the authority of his state, he had held, might well induce a doubt whether the appointment first conferred was at all complimen tary, or one which, in justice to his own character, lie could have accepted. Whatever of objection there might or could have arisen, on this subject, was removed by the subsequent appointment of major-general, made on the resignation of Harrison, and which was accepted. The contest with the Indians being ended, the first object of the government was, to enter into some definitive arrangement, which should deprive of success any effort that might hereafter be made, by other powers, to enlist those savages in their wars. None was so well calculated to answer this end, as that of restricting their limits, so as to cut off their communication with British and Spanish agents in East and West Florida. No treaty of friendship or of boundary had yet been entered into by the government with the In dians: they remained a conquered people, and within the limits, and subject to the regulations and restrictions, which had been prescribed in March, by General Jackson, when he retired from their country. He was now called upon to act in a dif ferent character, and to negotiate the terms upon which an amicable understanding should be restored Vptween the United State? and these conquered !3 146 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. Indians. But for the government to proceed on the principles of reciprocal treaty stipulations, was. in reference to the expensive war imposed on them, and the unprovoked manner in which it had been begun, not to be expected. Those Indians had broken without cause the treaty they had made, outraged humanity, and murdered our unoffending citizens. Under such circumstances, by the peace now to be concluded, to negotiate with, and, as here tofore, recognise them as an independent and sove reign people, comported not with propriety, nor was demanded by any of the ties of moral duty. General Jackson, therefore, was directed to treat with them as a conquered people, and to prescribe, not negotiate, the conditions of a peace. Colonel Hawkins, who, for a considerable time past, had been the agent to this nation, was also associated in the mission. With the western people the ap pointment was not acceptable, and much solicitude was felt from an apprehension of his influence and weight of character amongst the Indians ; and a fear that his partialities and sympathies might in cline him too much to their interest. On the 10th of July, the general, with a small retinue, reached the Alabama; and on the 10th of August, after some difficulty, succeeded in procur ing the execution of a treaty, in which the Indians pledged themselves no more to listen to foreign emissaries, to hold no communication with British or Spanish garrisons ; guarantied to the United States the right of erecting military posts in their country, and a free navigation of all their waters. They stipulated also, that they would suffer no agent or trader to pass among them, or hold any kind of commerce or intercourse with their nation, unless LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON- 147 specially deriving his authority from the president of the United States. The stipulations and exactions of this treaty were in conformity with instructions issued from the de partment of war, and differs in expression from what has been usually contained in instruments of a similar kind. It breathes the language of de mand, not of contract and agreement; and hence has General Jackson been censured for the manner after which the negotiation was concluded. The course, however, which was pursued, is readily jus tified by the expressions of the order under which he acted, and which prevented the exercise of dis cretion. General Armstrong, who at that time was in the cabinet, and spoke the sentiments of the president, in a letter addressed to Jackson on the 24th of March, uses the following remarks: "It has occurred to me, that the proposed treaty with the Creeks should take a form altogether military, and be in the nature of a capitulation ; in which case the whole authority of making and conclud ing the terms will be in you exclusively, as com manding general." Accompanying this were in structions formally drawn up, and which were to constitute the basis on which the negotiation was to rest* * In the instructions which issued from the department of war, as the basis on which this treaty was to be concluded, it is en joined by the secretary to exact, " 1st. An indemnification for expenses incurred by the United States in prosecuting the war, by such cession of land as may be deemed an equivalent for said expenses. 2d. A stipulation on their part, that they will cease all inter course with any Spanish port, garrison or town ; and that they will not admit amongst them any agent or trader who does not derive his authority or license from the United States. " 3d. An acknowledgment of the right of the United States ta 148 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. To settle the boundary, defining the extent or" territory to be secured to the Creeks, and that which they would be required to surrender, was attende-1 with difficulty, from the intrigues of the Cherokee nation, who sought to obtain such an acknowledg ment of their lines as would give them a consider able portion of country never attached to their claim. The Creeks had heretofore permitted this tribe to extend its settlements as low down tho Coosa as the mouth of Wills Creek. It was insist ed now, in private council, that, as they were about to surrender their country lying on the Tennesseo River, they should, previously to signing the treaty, acknowledge the extension of the Cherokee boun dary, which would secure their claim against that of the United States. The only reply obtained from the Creeks was in truly Indian spirit, that they could not lie, by admitting what did not in reality exist. Sufficient territory was acquired on the south to give security to the Mobile settlements, and to the western borders of Georgia, which had often felt, the stroke of Indian vengeance and cruelty ; while at the same time was effected the important purpose of separating them from the Seminole tribes and our unfriendly neighbours in Florida. To the frontiers of Tennessee an assurance of safety was given by the settlements, which would be afforded on the open roads through their territory, and also to establish such military posts and trading houses as may be deemed necessary and proper 5 and " ith. A surrender of the prophets, and other instigators of tho war, to be held subject to the order of the president. " You are authorized, in conjunction with Colonel Hawkins, to open and conclude a treaty of peace with the hostile Creeks, as soon as (hey shall express a desire lo put an end to the war. J, ARMSTRONG. LIKE 01 GKXLRA1. JACKSON. 145 lands stretching- along the Tennessee River ; whilst the extent of the cession, west of the Coosa, would effectually cut off all communication with the Chick- asaws and Choctaws, and prevent, in future, the passage of those emissaries from the north-western tribes, who, during the present war, had so indus triously fomented the discontents of the Creeks, and excited them to hostility. Before being finally acted upon, the treaty had been fully debated in council, and the voice of the nation pronounced against it. Jackson had already submitted the views of his government, and now met them in council, to learn their determination. He was answered by the Big Warrior, a friendly chief, and one of the first orators of the nation, who declared the reluctance that was felt, in yield ing to the demand, from a conviction of the conse quences involved, and the distresses it must inevita bly bring upon them. The firm and dignified elo quence of this untutored orator evinced a nerve and force of expression, that might not have passed unnoticed, had it been exhibited before a more highly polished assembly : the conclusion of his speech is given, for the satisfaction of such as can mark the bold display of savage genius, and admire it when discovered. Having unfolded the causes that produced the war, told of their sufferings, and admitted that they had been preserved alone by the nrmy which had hastened to their assistance, he urged, that, although in justice it might be required of them to defray, by a transfer of a portion of their country, the expenses incurred, yet was the demand premature, because the war was not ended, nor the war party conquered ; they had only fled away, and might yet return. He portrayed the 13 * 150 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. habits of the Indians, and how seriously they wouM be affected by the surrender required of them, and thus concluded : "The president, our father, advises us to honesty and fairness, and promises that justice shall bo done : I hope and trust it will be ! I made this war, which has proved so fatal to my country, that tho treaty entered into a long time ago, with father Washington, might not be broken. To his friendly arm I hold fast. I will never break that bright chain of friendship we made together, and which bound us to stand to the United States. He was a father to the Muscoga people ; and not only to them, but to all the people beneath the sun. His talk [ now hold in my hand. There sits the agent ho sent among us. Never has he broken the treaty. He has lived with us a long time. He has seen our children born, who now have children. By his direction cloth was wove, and clothes were made, and spread through our country ; but the Red Sticks came, and destroyed all, we have none now. Hard is our situation, and you ought to consider it. I state what all the nation knows : nothing will I keep secret. " There stands the Little Warrior. While we were seeking to give satisfaction for the murders that had been committed, he proved a mischief- maker ; he went to the British on the lakes ; he came back, and brought a package to the frontiers, which increased the murders here. This conduct has already made the war party to suffer greatly: but, although almost destroyed, they will not yet open their eyes, but are still led away by the British at Pensacola. Not so with us: we were rational, and had our senses we yet are so. In LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 151 the war of the revolution, our father beyond the waters encouraged us to join him, and \ve did so. We had no sense then. The promises he made were never kept. We were yo^ng and foolish, and fought with him. The British can no more persuade us to do wrong: they have deceived us once, and can deceive us no more. You are two great people. If you go to war, we will have no concern in it; for we are not able to fight. We wish to be at peace with every nation. If they offer me arms, I will say to them, You put me in danger, to war against a people born in our own land. They shall never force us into danger. You shall never see that our chiefs are boys in council, who will be forced to do any thing. I talk thus, knowing that father Washington advised us never to interfere in wars. He told us that those in peace were the happiest people. He told us that, if an enemy attacked him, he had warriors enough, and did not wish his red children to help him. If the British advise us to any thing, I will tell you not hide it from you. If they say we must fight, I will tell them, No !" The war party being not entirely subdued, was but a pretext to avoid the demands which were made ; presuming that, if the council could break up, without any thing being definitely done, they might, in part, or perhaps altogether, avoid what was now required of them ; but, the inflexibility of the person with whom they were treating evinced to them, that, however just and well founded might be their objections, the policy under which he acted was too clearly defined, for any abandonment of his demands to be at all calculated upon. Shelocta, one of their chiefs, who had united with our troops 152 LIFE OF GENERAL J at the commencement of the war; who had marca- ed and fought with them in all their battles; aid had attached to himself strongly the confidence of the commanding general, now addressed him. Ke told him of the regard he had ever felt for his white brothers, and with what zeal he had exerted himself to preserve peace, and keep in friendship with them; when his efforts had failed, he had taken up arms against his own country, and fougl t against Ids own people ; that he was not opposed to yielding the lands lying on the Alabama, which would answer the purpose of cutting off any intei - course with the Spaniards; but the country wot of the Coosa he wished to be preserved to the na tion.* To effect this, he appealed to the feelings of Jackson; told him of the dangers they had pass ed together ; and of his faithfulness to him in th<^ trying scenes through which they had gone. There were, indeed, none whose voice ought sooner to have been heard than Shclocta s. None 3i ad rendered greater services, and none had been more faithful. He had claims, growing out of his fidelity, that few others had : but his wishes were so much at variance with what Jackson considered the interest of his country required, that he was answered without hesitation. " You know," said he, " that the portion of country, which you desire to retain, is that through which the intruders and mischief-makers from the la.kes reached you, and urged your nation to those acts of violence, that have involved your people in wretchedness, and your country in ruin. Through it leads the path Tecumseh trod, when he came to visit you : that * This country west of the Coosa now forms the respectable state of Alabama, admitted into the Union in the vpar 1819. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON . 153 path must be stopped. Until this he done, your nation cannot expect happiness, nor mine security. I have already told you the reasons for demanding it: they are such as ought not cannot be departed from. This evening must determine whether or not you are disposed to become friendly. By re jecting the treaty you will show that you are the enemies of the United States enemies even to yourselves." He admitted it to be true, that the war was not ended, yet that this was an additional reason why the cession should be made ; that then a line would be drawn, by which his soldiers would be enabled to know their friends. "When our armies," continued he, "came here, the hostile party had even stripped you of your country : we retook it, and now offer to restore it; theirs we propose to retain. Those who are disposed to give effect to the treaty will sign it. They will be within our territory ; will be protected and fed ; and no enemy of theirs, or ours, shall molest them. Those who are opposed to it shall have permission to retire to Pensacola. Here is the paper : take it, and show the president who are his friends. Con sult, and this evening let me know who will assent to it, and who will not. I do not wish, nor will I attempt, to force any of you act as you think proper." They proceeded to deliberate and re-examine the course they should pursue, which terminated in their assent to the treaty, and the extension of those advantages that had been insisted on.* * It was agreed that the line should begin where the Cherokee southern boundary crossed the Coosa, to run down that river to Woelum-ka, or the Big Falls, and thence eastwardiy to Georgia. East and north of this line, containing; upwards of one hundred and fifty thousand square miles, remained 10 the Indians. 154 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. In the progress of this business another difficul ty arose : the council insisted that there should be inserted in the treaty a reservation of certain tracts of land ; one for Colonel Hawkins, in consideration of his fidelity to them as an agent ; and another to Jackson, because of the gratitude felt towards 1 im for his exertions in their favour against the hostile Creeks. To this the general objected. It v as personal as it regarded himself, and he was umvil- ling to appear in any point of view, where suspic on could attach, that he had availed himself of l iis official situation to obtain personal benefits ; fully aware that, however the facts might be, selfish con siderations would be imputed as an inducement to wiiat was done. He refused, therefore, to have it inserted; and for the further reason, that the in structions, under which he was acting, required it to be a capitulation, not a treaty. The next morn ing, however, when they met in council to sign the instrument, the chiefs delivered to the general a paper, expressing a wish, and disclosing their rea sons, that a reservation to himself, Colonel Haw kins, and Mayfield, who, being made a prisoner in his youth, had always resided in the nation, might be assented to ; and requested it to be forwarded on and made known to the government. Jackson consented to do so, and to recommend its adoption ; but that the reservation they had thought proper to request, if assented to, he would accept of on no other terms than that their father the president should dispose of it, and apply the proceeds to those of the nation on whom distress and poverty had been brought by the war. Mr. Madison subso- quently brought this matter to the consideration of the senate of the United States, and, in recorn- LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 15> mending its adoption, highly complimented the del icacy with which the proposition had been met by General Jackson : it was, however, never acted on and assented to by the senate. Every attention had been given, during the ne gotiation, to impress on the minds of the savages the necessity of remaining at peace and in friendship with the United States ; for, although all apprehen sions of their acting in concert as a nation had sub sided, yet it was important to leave their minds favourably impressed, lest the wandering fugitives, scattered in considerable numbers towards the E.s- cambia and Pensacola, might, by continuing hostile, associate with them others of their countrymen, at tach themselves to the British, should they appear in the south, aid them by their numbers, and pilot them through the country. This retreat of the savages in East Floridn h;u! been always looked upon as a place whence the United States might apprehend serious difficulties. There w r as no doubt but that the British, through this channel, with the aid of the governor, had pro tected the Indians, and supplied them with arms and ammunition ; nor was it less certain but that, through the art and address practised on them, they had been excited to the outrages which had been heretofore committed. It was an idea entertained by Jackson, at the commencement of the Creek v> a r, that the proper mode of procedure would be t-> push his army through the nation ; gain this den, where vegetated so many evils ; and, by holding it, effectually cut off their intercourse, and means of encouraging the war : but the unexpected difficul ties, which we have before noticed, had repressed the execution of his well-digested plans, and lert 156 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. him to pursue his course as circumstances, and tie obstacles met with, would permit. The assistance which, during the war, had been continually afford ed these people from Pensacola, induced him once more to turn his attention there ; and he now strongly urged on government the propriety of breaking down this strong hold, whence so ma ly evils had flowed, and whence greater ones were to be expected. His mind, actively engaged, wh.lc employed in settling all differences at Fort Jackso n, had sought, through every channel that could afford it, information as to the designs of the British against the southern parts of the Union. The id ja had been prevalent, and generally indulged, that, as soon as the severity of approaching winter should put a stop to active operations on the Canada fron tier, with all their disposable force, they would turn their attention against the southern states, and there attempt to gain some decisive advantage. New Orleans, with one consent, was fixed upon as the point that most probably would be assailed. Thu circumstance of there being so many persons there, who have never been supposed to entertain any well-founded regard for the country in which they lived, together with a large black population, which, it was feared, might be excited to insurrection and massacre, through the persuasions of an enemy who seemed to disregard all the laws of humanity, were reasons which strongly led to this conclusion. General Jackson, having understood that that comfort and aid, which heretofore had been so lib erally extended, was still afforded by the Spanish governor to the hostile Indians, who had fled from the ravages of the Creek war, cherished the belief that his conduct was such as deservedly to exclude LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 157 him from that protection to which, under other cir cumstances, he would be entitled, from the profess ed neutrality of Spain. At all events, if the im proper acts of the Spanish agents would not author ize the American government openly to redress herself for the unprovoked injuries she had received, they were such, he believed, as would justify any course which had for its object to arrest their con tinuance, and give safety to the country. In this point of view he had already considered it, when, on his way to the treaty at Fort Jackson, he received certain information, that about three hundred English troops had landed ; were fortifying themselves at the mouth of the Apalachicola ; and were endeavouring to excite the Indians to war. No time was lost in giving the government notice of what was passing, and of the course most advisable to be pursued. The advantages to be secured from the possession of Pensacola he had frequently urged. On the 17th of January, 1815, after the British army had been repulsed at New Orleans, and the de scent on Florida almost forgotten, through the post office department, dated at Washington city, the 18th of July, 1814, he received the following letter from General Armstrong, then secretary at war : " The case you put is a very strong one : and, if all the circumstances stated by you unite, the con clusion is irresistible. It becomes our duty to carry our arms where we find our enemies. It is believed, and I am so directed by the president to say, that there is a disposition, on the part of the Spanish gov ernment, not to break with the United States, nor to encourage any conduct, on the part of her subordi nate agents, having a tendency to such rupture. We must, therefore, in this case, be careful to ascertain 14 158 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON* facts, and even to distinguish what, on the part of tho Spanish authorities, may be the effect of menaco and compulsion, or of their choice and policy. Tho result of this inquiry must govern. If they ad mit, feed, arm, and co-operate with the British and hostile Indians, we must strike on the broad princi ple of self-preservation : under other and differen", circumstances, we must forbear." That the state of things, here suggested by the secretary, did actually exist ; that the British were favourably received, and every assistance necessary to a continuance of hostilities extended to the Indi ans, the government had been already apprized, by the frequent communications made to them on the subject. On arriving at Fort Jackson, his first attention had been directed to a subject which he believed to be of greater importance than making Indian trea ties to establish a plan by which to be constantly advised, during his stay, of those schemes that were in agitation in the south: believing that every passing event might be readily obtained through the Indians, who could go among the British with out in the least exciting suspicion, he had required Colonel Hawkins to procure some, who were confi dential, and might be certainly relied on, to proceed to the Apalachicola, and towards the coast, and to return as early as they could obtain correct infor mation of the strength, views, and situation of the enemy. In about fifteen days they came back, con firming the statement previously received, that a considerable English force had arrived, and was then in the Bay of St. Rose ; that muskets and am munition had been given to the Indians, and runners LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 159 despatched to the different tribes to invite them TO the coast. Satisfied that such permissions, by a neutral power, were too grievous to be borne, he immedi ately addressed a letter to the governor of Pensa- cola, apprizing him of the information received ; and inquiring why and wherefore it happened that every protection and assistance was furnished the enemies of the United States, within his territory : requesting him to state whether or not the facts were as they had been represented ; and demanding to have surrendered to him such of the chiefs of the hostile Indians as were with him. " I rely," continued he, " on the existing friendship of Spain, her treaties, and that neutrality which she should observe, as authority for the demand I make." The governor s answer, which shortly afterwards was received, evinced nothing of a conciliatory temper, and left no hope of procuring any other redress than that which might be obtained through some different channel. It was a subject, however, which required to be managed with considerable caution. Spain and the United States were at peace. To reduce any portion of her territory, and take possession of it, in exclusion of her authority, might be construed such an aggression as to induce her into the war. On the other hand, for her, with open arms, to receive our enemies, and permit them to make every preparation, within her ports, for in vading our country, were outrages too monstrous to be borne, and, in the opinion of Jackson, required to be remedied, let the consequences in prospective be what they might. Although these things had been earnestly pressed upon the consideration of the war department, no answer to his repeated so- 160 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. Hesitations on the subject had been received. Oi his own responsibility, to advance to the execution of a measure, which involved so much, when his government was, and had for some time been, i;i possession of all the circumstances, was risking too much. Yet, were it delayed longer, every day might give to Pensacola additional strength, and Increase the danger attendant on its reduction. Undetermined, under considerations like these, ho resolved upon another expedient to despatch a messenger, to lay open to the governor the ground of his complaint obtain from him a declaration of his intention, as regarded the course he meant to adopt, and pursue and ascertain whether he de signed to make subsisting treaties, between the two nations, the basis of his conduct, or to pursue a con cealed course, which, under the garb of pretended friendship, cloaked all the realities of war. The propriety of delivering up the hostile Indians, who were with him, to atone for the violation of existing treaties, and the rights of humanity, and the mur ders they had committed, was again solicited. A reply was not concluded on by the governor for some time, owing to a very considerable doubt that harassed his mind, whether it would not be more proper to return it without an answer, " in im itation of the conduct of General Flournoy, who, acting in conformity to the orders of Mr. Madison, heretofore had omitted to answer a despatch of his." But, having considered the matter quite deliberate ly, lie at length came to the conclusion, to wave the example set him by the president, and, in replying, to act in obedience to those " high and generous feelings peculiar to the Spanish character." To the demand made upon him, that the hostile LIFE OF GL:M:UA!. JACKSON. l> Indians should be delivered up, lie denied that they were with him, ; < at that time," or that lie could, op the ground of hospitality, refuse them assistance, at a moment when their distresses were so great ; nor could he surrender them, without acting in open violation of the laws of nations, laws, to which his sovereign had ever strictly adhered, and of which he had already afforded the United States abundant evidence, in omitting to demand of them " the trai tors, insurgents, incendiaries, and assassins of his chiefs, namely, Guiterres, Toledo, and many others, whom the American government protected and maintained in committing hostilities, in fomenting the revolution, and in lighting up the flames of dis cord in the internal provinces of the kingdom of Mexico." To the inquiry, why the English had been suffered to land in his province arms and ammunition, with a view to encouraging the Indians in their acts of hos tility, he proceeded with his same " national charac teristic," and demanded to be informed if the United States were ignorant, that, at the conquest of Flor ida, there was a treaty between Great Britain and the Creek Indians, and whether they did not know, that it still existed between Spain and those tribes. " But," continued he, " turn your eyes to the island of Barrataria, and you will there perceive that, within the very territory of the United States, pi rates are sheltered, with the manifest design of committing hostilities by sea upon the merchant vessels of Spain ; and with such scandalous notori ety, that the cargoes of our vessels, taken by them, have been publicly sold in Louisiana." It is difficult to discover how, or by what system of logic, it was, that Governor Manrequez was ena- 162 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON 4 . bled to trace any kind of analogy between tho United States affording to a few of the patriots o South America an asylum from the persecutions that were threatened to be imposed on them b ir Spanish tyranny, and his permitting, within the lim its of Florida, comfort, aid, and assistance to bo given the savages, that they might be enabled to indulge in cruelty towards us. Nor can it be per ceived how it was, that the piracies of Lafite and his party, at Barrataria, and the successful smug gling which brought their plundered wealth into port, in open defiance of our laws, could operate as a sufficient pretext for giving protection to an ene my entering the territory of Spain, and continuing there, with the avowed intention of waging war against a power, with which she not only professed to be in friendship, but was bound by treaty to be so, and at the very time, too, when she claimed to be neutral. Nor can we see the force of the argu ment, because England had a treaty with the Creek Indians, which afterwards devolved on Spain, that the agents of his Catholic majesty were, in conse quence, justified in protecting the savages in their murders, or assisting covertly, as they did, in the war against us : how the conclusions were arrived at, the governor can decide at some moment, when, relieved from those high and honourable feelings " peculiar to the Spanish character," Reason may re-assert her empire over him, and point out the manner in which he was enabled to produce his strange results. The governor, however, had evinced rather too high a state of feeling, and taken his ground with out suffering his reflections to go to their full ex tent. He had placed arms in the hands of the eav- LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 163 ages " for the purposes of self-defence ;" many of them were hastening to him ; more were yet ex pected. The British had already landed a partial force, and a greater one was shortly looked for. Against this expected strength, added to what his own resources could supply, he believed an Ameri can general would not venture to advance. These considerations had led him to assume a lofty tone ; to arraign the conduct of the United States, in ex tinguishing the Indian title on the Alabama ; to ac cuse them of violating their treaties, and to point out the danger to which the restoration of peace in Europe might expose them. As yet he was ignorant of the energy of the man already near his borders, and who, to march against and break down his fan cied security, did not desire to be ordered, but only to be apprized by his country that it might be done. Jackson, in no wise pleased with the boldness of his remarks, proceeded again to address him, and exhib ited fully the grounds of complaint in behalf of his country, and in a style at least as courtly as his own. " Were I clothed," he remarks, " with diplomatic powers, for the purpose of discussing the topics em braced in the wide range of injuries, of which you complain, and which have long since been adjusted, I could easily demonstrate that the United States have been always faithful to their treaties, steadfast in their friendships, nor have ever claimed any thing that was not warranted by justice. They have en dured many insults from the governors and other officers of Spain, which, if sanctioned by their sove reign, would have amounted to acts of hostility, without any previous declaration on the subject. They have excited the savages to war, and afford ed them the means of waging it : the property of 164 UFK OF UE.NERAL JACKSON. our citizens lias been captured at sea, and, if com pensation lias not been refused, it has at least been withheld. But, as no such powers have been dele gated to me, I shall not assume them, but leave them to the representatives of our respective gov ernments. " I have the honour of being intrusted with the command of this district. Charged with its protec tion, and the safety of its citizens, I feel my ability to discharge the task, and trust your excellency will always find me ready and willing to go for ward, in the performance of that duty, whenever circumstances shall render it necessary. I agree with you, perfectly, that candour and polite lan guage should, at all times, characterize the commu nications between the officers of friendly sovereign ties ; and I assert, without the fear of contradiction, that my former letters were couched in terms the most respectful and unexceptionable. I only re quested, and did not demand, as you have assert ed, that the ringleaders of the Creek confederacy might be delivered to me, who had taken refuge in your town, and who had violated all laws, moral, civil and divine. This I had a right to do, from the treaty which I sent you, and which I now again en close, with a request that you will change your translation; believing, as I do, that your former one was wrong, and has deceived you. What kind of an answer you returned, a reference to your letter will explain. The whole of it breath ed nothing but hostility, grounded upon assumed facts, and false charges, and entirely evading the inquiries that had been made. " I can but express my astonishment at your pro test against the cession on the Alabama, lying LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 165 within the acknowledged limits and jurisdiction of the United States, and which has been ratified, in due form, by the principal chiefs and warriors of the nation. But my astonishment subsides, when, on comparison, I find it upon a par with the rest of your letter and conduct ; taken together, they af ford a sufficient justification for any course on my part, or consequences that may ensue to yourself. My government will protect every inch of her terri tory, her citizens, and their property, from insult and depredation, regardless of the political revolu tions of Europe ; and, although she has been at all times sedulous to preserve a good understanding with all the world, yet she has sacred rights, that cannot be trampled upon with impunity. Spain had better look to her own intestine commotions, before she walks forth in that majesty of strength and power, which you threaten to draw down upon the United States. " Your excellency has been candid enough to ad mit your having supplied the Indians with arms. In addition to this, I have learned that a British flag has been seen flying on one of your forts. All this is done whilst you are pretending to Be neu tral. You cannot be surprised, then, but on the contrary will provide a fort in your town for my soldiers and Indians, should I take it in my head to pay you a visit. " In future I beg you to withhold your insulting charges against my government for one more in clined to listen to slander than I am ; nor consider me any more as a diplomatic character, unless so proclaimed to you from the mouths of my cannon." Captain Gordon, who had been despatched to Pensacola, had been enabled, during the time he 166 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. remained there, to obtain much more satisfactory information than it had pleased the governor to v communicate. Appearances completely developed the schemes which were in agitation, and convinc ed him that active operations were intended to be commenced somewhere in the lower country. On his return, he reported to the general, that he had seen from one hundred and fifty to two hundred officers and soldiers, a park of artillery, and about five hundred Indians, under the drill of British olfi- cers, armed with new muskets, and dressed in tie English uniform. Jackson directly brought to the view of the gov ernment the information he had received, and again urged his favourite scheme, the reduction of Pe i- sacola. "How long," he observed, "will the Unit ed States pocket the reproach and open insults of Spain ? It is alone by a manly and dignified course, that we can secure respect from other nations, and peace to our own. Temporizing policy is not only a disgrace, but a curse to any nation. It is a fact that a British captain of marines is, and has for some time past been, engaged in drilling and or ganizing* the fugitive Creeks, under the eye of the governor ; endeavouring, by his influence and pres ents, to draw to his standard as well the peaceable as the hostile Indians. If permission had been given me to march against this place twenty days ago, I would, ere this, have planted there the Amer ican Eagle ; now, we must trust alone to our val our, and to the justice of our cause. But my pres ent resources are so limited a sickly climate, as well as an enemy, to contend with, and without the means of transportation to change the position of LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOX. 167 my army, that, resting on the bravery of my little phalanx, I can only hope for success." Many difficulties were presented ; and, although anxious to carry into execution a purpose which seemed so strongly warranted by necessity, he saw that he was wholly without the power of moving, even should he be directed to do so. Acting in a remote corner of the Union, which was thinly inhab ited, the credit of his government was inadequate to procure those things essential to his operations ; while the poverty of his quarter-master s depart ment presented but a dreary prospect for reliance. .But, to have all things in a state of readiness for ac tion, when the time should arrive to authorize it, he was directing his attention in the way most likely to eifect it. The warriors of the different tribes of Indians were ordered to be marshalled, and taken into the pay of the government. lie addressed himself to the governors of Tennessee, Louisiana, and the Mississippi territory, and pressed them to be vigilant in the discharge of their duties. Infor mation, he said, had reached him, which rendered it necessary that all the forces allotted for the de fence of the seventh military district, should be held in a state of perfect readiness, to march at any notice, and to any point they might be required. "Dark and heavy clouds hover around us. The energy and patriotism of the citizens of your states must dispel them. Our rights, our liberties, and free constitution, are threatened. This noble pat rimony of our fathers must be defended with the best blood of our country : to do this, you must hasten to carry into effect the requisition of the secretary of war, and call forth your troops without delay." 168 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. On the day after completing his business at Fcrt Jackson, he had departed for Mobile, to place the country in a proper state of defence. The third regiment, a part of the forty-fourth and thirty-ninlh, constituted, entirely, the regular forces he could at this time command. Many reasons concurred to render it necessary that a sufficient force should be brought into the field as early as possible. His ap peals to the people of Tennessee had been generally crowned with success ; and he had no doubt but that he might yet obtain from them such assistance as would enable him, should any unexpected emergen cy arise, to act at least defensively, until the states already applied to should have their quotas ready for the field. On the citizens of Louisiana and Missis sippi he believed he might securely rely, and that their ardour would readily excite them to contend with an enemy at their very doors. Well knowing the delay incident to bringing militia requisitions expeditiously forth, and fearing that some circum stance might arise to jeopardize the safety of the country, before the constituted authorities could act, lie had already despatched his adjutant-general, Colonel Butler, to Tennessee, with orders to raise volunteers, and have them in readiness to advance to his relief, whenever it should be required. Every day s intelligence tended to confirm the belief that a descent would be made, most proba bly on New Orleans. Anonymous letters, secretly forwarded from Pensacola, and which found their way into the American camp, suggested this as the point of assault ; and many of the settlers were ap prized by their friends of the fears entertained for their safety, and entreated to retire from the gath ering storm, which, it was feared, would eoon burst, Lll E OF GENERAL JACKSON. 169 and entirely involve the lower country in ruin- Where certainly to expect attack, was as yet un known. The part of the country bordering on Mo bile might be assailed ; yet, taking into considera tion that no very decided advantages could be ob tained there, it was an event not much to be appre hended. The necessity, however, of being prepar ed at all points, so far as the means of defence could be procured, was at once obvious ; for, as the general, in one of his letters, remarked, " there was no telling where or when the spoiler might come." There were now too many reasons to expect an i-arly visit, and too many causes to apprehend dan ger, not to desire that an efficient force might be within convenient distance. Colonel Butler was accordingly written to, and ordered to hasten for ward, with the volunteers he could procure, and to join him without delay. The order reached him at Nashville, on the 9th of September, and he forth with engaged actively in its execution. He directly applied to General Coffee, to advance with the mounted troops he could collect. A general order was at the same time issued, bringing to view the dangers that threatened, and soliciting those who were disposed to aid in protecting their country from invasion, to unite with him at Fayetteville, by the 28th instant. The appeal was not ineffectual : although the scene of operation was at least four hundred miles from the point of rendezvous, the call was promptly obeyed ; and two thousand able- bodied men, well supplied with rifles and muskets* appeared at the appointed time to march with tho brave General Coffee, who had so often led hrs troops to victory and honour. Colonel Butler, with 15 170 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. his usual industry, hastened to press forward the militia, under the command of Colonel Lowery, which had been heretofore required for garrisoning the posts in the Indian country; whilst Captairs, Baker and Butler, with the regular forces lately er.- listed, advanced from Nashville to Mobile, where they arrived in fourteen days. By proper exertior s every thing was presently in complete readiness : and the troops collected for the campaign, in high spirits, set out for the point to which danger, duty, and their country called them. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 171 CHAPTER VII. Colonel Nicliolls arrives at Pensacola, and issues a proclamation to the southern inhabitants. Attack on Fort Boivyer, and loss of the Hermes. Jackson determines to reduce Pensacola. Demands of the governor an explanation of his conduct ; his answer. Enters and takes possession of Pensacola. Conduct and perfidy of Hie governor. Destruction, by the British, of Barrancas Fort. Our troops return to Mobile. Expedition against the. Indians. General Wincliester arrives, and Jackson proceeds to take command of New Orleans. WHETHER a force were thus concentrating to act defensively against an invading enemy, or were in tended to reduce the rallying point of the Indians and British in the Spanish territory, whence they had it in their power to make sudden inroads on any part of our coast, as yet all was conjecture. It was a trait in Jackson s character to lock closely in his bosom all his determinations : it was only to a few, on whom he reposed with unlimited confi dence, that the least intimation was at any time giv en of his intentions. The idea could scarcely be entertained, that, at this time, any hostility was meditated against Pensacola. It was impossible he should remain long in doubt, as to the course best calculated to assure defence, or to the ulterior objects of the enemy. Colonel Nicholls, with a small squadron of his Britannic majesty s ships, had arrived the latter part of Au gust, and taken up his head-quarters with Governor Manrequez. He was an Irishman, sent in advance by his royal master to sow dissensions among our people, and to draw around his standard the male- 172 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. contents and traitors of the country. His proclama tion, issued to the western and southern inhabitant, full of well-turned periods, false statements and high-sounding promises, it was hoped, would leud them to a belief, that the government under which they lived was forging for them chains ; that it had declared war against a power, the freest, the hap piest, the most moral and religious on earth, tie stated, that he was at the head of a force amply suf ficient to reinstate them in those liberties and e i- joyments, of which they had been bereaved, by the designs of " a contemptible few." That such us were disposed to imbrue their hands in the blood of their countrymen, might not quietly rest, doubt ing of the assurances proffered them, he concluded by tendering, as security for all he had said ar.d promised, " the sacred honour of a British officer " Perhaps he could have vouchsafed nothing that the American people would not have sooner relied on : it was a pledge, in which past experience told them they could not in safety confide. To them it was a matter of surprise, that a country, from which they had learned all they had ever known or felt of oppression, should come to make them freer than they were ; or that, groaning themselves under a load of taxes, from which there was scarcely a hope of being ever relieved, they should come, with sucli apparent compassion, and great benevolence, to take away the burdens of those whom they despis ed, and on whom, for forty years, they had heaped nothing but reproach. He had waited about two weeks, that his proc lamation might take effectual hold, and prepare the inhabitants to open their bosoms to receive him, when this delivering horn, aidfd by his Indian and LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 173 Spanish allies, set out to ascertain the effect it had wrought. His first visit was to Fort Bowyer, sit uated on the extreme end of a narrow neck of land, about eighteen miles below the head of Mobile Bay, the entrance of which it commanded. With the loss of one of his ships and an eye, he had the mortification to learn, that he had been addressing an incorrigi ble race, who could be neither duped, flattered, nor forced into submission. Fort Bowyer had been heretofore abandoned ; and, until the arrival of General Jackson in this sec tion of the country, was indeed ill calculated for serious resistance. On perceiving its importance, he immediately caused it to be placed in the best possible state of defence. So effectual was its sit uation in a military point of view, commanding the passes of those rivers which discharged themselves into the bay, that it was with him a matter of sur prise it had not been more regarded by the United States, and even better attended to by our enemies. Major Lawrence had the honour to command this spot, the gallant defence of which has given it ce lebrity, and raised him to an elevated stand in the estimation of his country. That at Pensacola plans of operation were digesting, which had for their object an invasion of our coast somewhere, was a fact to which Lawrence was not a stranger. A dispo sition to have his little fortress in such a state of readiness, as would place it in his power, should that be their object, to make a brave defence, had prompted him to the most vigorous exertions. His whole strength was but one hundred and thirty men. By this Spartan band was evinced a confi dence in each other, and an unshaken resolution, which left their bravo commander no room to ap- 174 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. prehend dishonour to his flag, even should defeat result. The 12th of September determined all doubt of the object which the British had in view. The se n- tinels brought intelligence that a considerable force, consisting of Indians, marines, and Spaniards, had landed ; and the same day two brigs and sloops hove in sight of the fort, and anchored. The next day a demonstration was made, by those who had been landed, to bring on the attack ; but a fire from the fort forced them from their position, and compelled them to retire about two miles ; whence, attempting to throw up fortifications, they were again made to retreat. Early on the morning of the 15th, the signals, passing from the ships to the shore, led Lawrem e to believe an assault was intended, arid would short ly be made. At half after four o clock in the even ing, every thing being arranged, the Hermes, in the van, commanded by Sir W. II. Percy, and the other vessels close in the rear, anchored within musket-shot fire of the fort. From her near posi tion, supported by the Carron, and brigs Sophia and Anaconda, mounting in all ninety guns, she open ed a broadside. Colonel Nicholls and Captain Woodbine, at the head of their detachment, com menced a simultaneous attack by land, with a twelve pound howitzer, at point blank distance ; but from their sand bank fortifications they were so quickly driven as to be unable to produce the slight est injury. The action raged with considerable violence. From the fort and ships was pouring a continual fire. The Hermes, having, at length, received a shot through her cable,was driven from her anchorage, and LIFK 01 GENLHAL JACKSON. 175 floated with the stream. In this situation she was thrown into a position, where, for twenty minutes, she received a severely raking- fire, which did her considerable damage. In her disabled condition, it was no longer possible to control her, whence, drifting ivith the current, she ran upon a sand bank about seven hundred yards distant, where, until late at night, she remained exposed to the guns of the fort. Her commander, finding it impracticable to be relieved, set her on fire, and abandoned her. She continued burning until eleven o clock, when she blew up. The Carbon, next in advance to the Hermes, was considerably injured, and with diffi culty went out to sea. It may be worth while, to show the difference in battle between the two combatants, to mark the conduct of British and American officers, under cir cumstances precisely similar. Whilst the battle raged, the flag of the van ship was carried away, and at this moment she had ceased to fire. What had caused its disappearance none could tell : no other opinion was, or could with propriety be en tertained, than that it had been hauled down, with a view to yield the contest, and surrender. Influ enced by this belief, Lawrence, witii a generosity characteristic of our officers, immediately desisted from further firing. The appearance of a new flag, and a broadside from the ship next the Hermes, was the first intelligence received that such was not the fact ; and the contest again raged with renewed violence. It was but a few minutes, however, before the flag-staff of the fort was also carried away ; but, so far from pursuing the same generous course that had just been witnessed, the zeal of the enemy was increased, and the assault more furiously urged. 176 LIFE 01 GENERAL JACKSON. At this moment, Nicholls and Woodbine, at the hoad of their embattled train, perceiving what had hip- . pened, that our " star-spangled banner" had su ik, at once presuming all danger to have subsided, made a most courageous sally from their strong hold; and, pushing towards their vanquished fees, were already calculating on a rich harvest of plun der: but a well-directed fire checked their pro gress, dissipated their expectations, and drove th 3m back, with a rapidity even surpassing the celerity of their advance. From the bay, the attack was waged with a force of six hundred men, and ninety guns, of larger cal iber than any opposed to them ; whilst upwards of four hundred Indians and other troops were on the shore, in rear of the fort. Lawrence s strength was scarcely a tenth of the enemy s. His fort, hastily prepared for defence, with not more than twei ty guns, was ill calculated for stubborn resistance : most of these were of small caliber, whilst many, from being badly mounted, were capable of render ing no essential service in the action : yet, with this great inequality, he well maintained the honour of his flag, and compelled the enemy, resting in full confidence of success, to retire, with the loss of their best ship, and two hundred and thirty men killed and wounded ; whilst the loss sustained by the Americans did not exceed ten. Very different were the feelings of the leaders of this expedition, from what had been entertained on setting out from Pensacola, where every thing had been prepared for giving success to their plans, and where scarcely a doubt was entertained of the result. Numerous benefits were expected to arise from a victory, not in expectancy, but already looked LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 177 to &s certain as an event that could not fail. From it, greater facility would be given to their opera tions ; while Mobile, it was expected, would fall, of course. This being effected, independent of the strong hold already possessed in Florida, an addi tional advantage would be acquired, calculated to prevent all intercourse with New Orleans from thi.s section of the country, enable them more easily to procure supplies, and, having obtained their expect ed re-enforcenients, piloted and aided by the Indians, to proceed across to the Mississippi, and cut off all communication with the western states. To render the blow effectual was important ; that, by impress ing at once the inhabitants with an idea of their prowess, the proclamations already disseminated might claim a stronger influence on doubting minds. The force employed was calculated to at tain these wished-for results. While the attack should be furiously waged by the ships from the bay, and the forces on the shore, the yells of three or four hundred savages in the rear, it was calculated, would strike the defenders of this fort with such panic, as to make them, at the first onset, throw down their arms, and clamour for mercy. This be lief was so sanguinely indulged, that obstinate re sistance had never been thought of. Different was the reality instead of triumph, they had met de feat. The only badges of victory they could pre sent their friends, with whom, but a few days before, with flattering promises they had parted, were shat tered hulks, that could scarcely keep above the water, and decks covered with the dead and wounded. The three vessels that retired from the contest were considerably injured, and with difficulty pro- 178 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. ceeded to sea, leaving Nicholls and Woodbire, with their friends and allies, on the shore, to make ^ good their retreat, as discretion should permit. On the morning of the 14th, Jackson, fearing, from every thing he had learned, that an attack would be made, had set out in a boat from Mobi e, to visit Fort Bowyer, examine its situation, a: id have such arrangements made as would add to ts strength, arid obtain that security which its re-estab lishment had been designed to effect. He had pro ceeded down the bay, and arrived within a few miles of the place, when he met an express frcm Lawrence, bringing intelligence of the enemy s ar rival, and requesting that assistance might be im mediately sent to his relief. The general, hastening back, late at night, despatched a brig, with eighty men, under the command of Captain Laval. Not being able to reach his point of destination until the next day, and finding every place of entrance block ed up by the besiegers, he ran his brig to the land, determined to remain there until night, when, under cover of its darkness, he hoped to succeed in throw ing into the fort himself and the re-enforcement un der his command. The battle, however, having in the mean time commenced, presented new difficul ties, and restrained the execution of his purpose, unless he should venture to encounter greater haz- ; ard than prudence seemed to sanction. The Her mes, on being driven from her anchorage, had, at the time of her explosion, floated and grounded in a direction, which, from the position she occupied, placed her immediately in the rear of the fort. This circumstance well accounted for the mistake with which he was impressed, and led Captain La val to suppose that his bravo countrymen had all LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 179 perished. Believing they would now attempt to carry his vessel, he set sail for Mobile, and report ed to the commanding general the loss. Jackson declared it was impossible ; that he had heard the explosion, and was convinced it was on the water, and not on the shore. Perhaps his great anxiety, more than any reality, had constituted this refined difference in sound. If, however, the disasters were as it was reported, his own situation being* thereby rendered precarious, something was necessary to be done to repair the loss, and regain a place for many reasons too important to be yielded. His principal fears were, lest the strength of the enemy should be greatly increased, before his expected re-enforcements could arrive, who would be enabled to extend his inroads, and paralyze the zeal of the country. It was not a time for much deliberation as to the course most advisable to be pursued. He determined, at all hazard, to retake the fort ; and to that end a general order was issued for the de parture of the troops. Every thing was nearly in readiness, when a despatch arrived from Lawrence, proclaiming the pleasing intelligence, that all was safe, and that the enemy, vanquished, had retired. The conduct displayed by the officers and soldiers of this garrison is worthy to be remembered. With troops wholly undisciplined, and against an enemy ten times more numerous than themselves, so fear lessly contending, is a circumstance so flattering, that we cannot wish our country better, than that the future defenders of her honour, and violated rights, may be as sensibly alive to their duty. The British had now retired to Pensacola, to dis pose of their wounded, refit their vessels, and be ready, as soon as circumstances would permit, to 180 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. make, perhaps, another descent, on some less guari- ed point. So long as this, their only place of refuse ^ on the southern coast, was left in their possession, it was impossible to calculate on the consequences that might arise. The commanding general enter tained a suspicion that this was merely a feint, and that the object of their wishes, so soon as a sufi- cient force should arrive, would be New Orlear s. At this place he believed his presence most mate rial, to guard the important passes to the city, and to concept some plan of general defence. Jackson and his government had ever viewed this subject in very different lights : they were not willing to risk any act which might involve the pos sibility of a contest with Spain, for the sake of r ?- moving what they considered an unimportant grie /- ance : he thought it of more serious import, and did not believe it could afford even a pretext for rupture between the two nations. If Spain, through her agents, gave assistance to our enemy, or en couraged a power with whom she was at peace to be thus annoyed, she deserved to be placed herself on the list of enemies, and treated accordingly. If, however, Great Britain, taking advantage of tin; defenceless state of her province, claimed to have free egress, in exclusion of her authority, she could have no well-founded cause of complaint against the injured power, which should claim to hold it, until biich time as, by bringing a sufficient force, she might be in a situation to support her neutral ity, and enforce obedience. Upon either ground, he believed it might be sufficiently justified. Thero was one, however, on which it could be placed, where he well knew nothing could result, beyond his own injury : and on this is sue he was willing to LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 181 trust it. If any complaint should be made, his gov ernment, having never extended to him any author ity, might, with propriety, disavow the act ; and, by exposing him to punishment, would offer an atonement for the outrage ; and Spain, in justice, could demand no more. The attack on Mobile Point was a confirmation of his previous conjectures, as to the views of the enemy ; and from that mo ment he determined to advance and reduce Pensa- cola, throw a sufficient force into the Barrancas, hold them until the principles of right and neutral ity were better respected, and rest the measure on his own responsibility. Believing this the only course calculated to assure ultimate security, he decided with firmness, and resolved to execute his intentions so soon as General Coffee should arrive, with the volunteers, from Tennessee. It was now generally accredited, that a very considerable force would shortly sail from England, destined to act against some part of the United States ; where, none could tell ; rumour fixed its destination for New Orleans. The importance of this place was well known to our enemy ; it was the key to the entire commerce of the western country. Had a descent been made a few months before, it might have been taken with all imagina ble ease ; but the British had indulged the belief, that they could possess it at any time, without dif ficulty. England and France having ended their long-pending controversy, it was presumed that the French people of Louisiana, alive to the great benefits the English had conferred upon their na tive country, benefits that prostrated her liberty, and which have sunk her, perhaps, in eternal sla very, would, on their iirst appearance, hail their de- 16 182 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. liverers, and become their vassals. Independent c f this, they imagined the black population would af ford them the means of exciting insurrection, ar d deluging the country in blood. Whether a resort to this kind of warfare, which involves the deepe >t wretchedness, and equally exposes to ruin the in nocent as the guilty, the female as the soldier, should be sanctioned by a nation professing a hig h sense of moral feeling ; or whether a nation th it adopts such a system merits countenance from the civilized world, are questions on which we shou.d not fear the decision even of an Englishman, cou.d he but divest himself of that animosity which, fro n infancy, he learns to entertain for the Americans The expected re-enforcements were announced. General Coftee with his brigade had arrived at the Cut-off, not far from Fort St. Stephens, on the Mo bile river. In addition to the force with which he commenced his march, he had been strengthened by the arrival of others, who had overtaken him at this place ; so that his whole number was now about twenty-eight hundred. To make the necessary ar rangements for an immediate march, General Jack son, on the 26th day of October, repaired to Coffee s camp. A dependence on himself to further the objects of the government, and the cause of the country, had been his constant lot from the com mencement of his military career; and a similar resort, or failure to the enterprise, was now to be assayed. Money was wanted the quarter-masters were destitute of funds, and the government credit was insufficient to procure the necessary means to change the position of an army: thus situated, with his own limited funds, and loans effected on his responsibility, he .succeeded in carrying his LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 188 plans into effect, and in hastening his army to the place of its destination. The difficulty of subsisting cavalry on the route rendered it necessary that part of the brigade should proceed on foot. Although they had volun teered in the service as mounted men, and expected that no different disposition would be made of them, yet they cheerfully acquiesced in the order ; and one thousand, abandoning their horses to subsist as they could on the reeds that grew along the river bottoms, prepared to commence the march. Being supplied with rations for the trip, on the 2d day of November the line of march was taken up, and Pensacola was reached on the 6th. The British and Spaniards had obtained intelligence of their approach and intended attack ; and every thing was in readiness to dispute their passage to the town. The forts wero garrisoned, and prepared for resistance ; batteries formed in the principal streets ; and the British vessels moored within the bay, and so disposed as to command the main en trances which led into Pensacola. The American army, consisting of the greater part of Coffee s brigade, the regulars, and a few Indians, in all about three thousand men, had ar rived within a mile and a half of this rallying point for our enemies, and formed their encampment. Before any final step was taken, the general con cluded to make a further application to the gov ernor, and to learn of him what course at the present moment he would make it necessary for him to pursue. To take possession of Pensacola, and dislodge the British, was indispensable : to do it under such circumstances, however, as should impress the minds of the Spaniards with a convic- 184 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. tion, that the invasion of their territory was a measure resorted to from, necessity, not choice, and from no disposition to violate their neutral rights, was believed to be essential. It was ren dered the more so, on the part of Jackson, because a measure of his own, and not directed by his gov ernment. Previously, he determined once more to try the effect of negotiation, that he might ascerta n correctly how far the governor felt disposed to preserve a good understanding between the tvo governments. Major Piere, of the forty-fourth regiment, w;is accordingly despatched with a flag, to disclose tl e objects intended to be attained by the visit, and o require that the different forts, Barrancas, St. Ros 3, and St. Michael, should be immediately surren dered, to be garrisoned by the United States, until Spain, by furnishing a sufficient force, might be able to protect the province, and preserve unim paired her neutral character. He was charged by the general with a candid statement of his viewn y and instructed to require of the governor a deci sive declaration of the course intended. This mission experienced no very favourable re sult. Major Piere, on approaching St. Michael s, was fired on, and compelled to return. Whether this were done by the Spaniards themselves, or bv their allies and friends, was not a material inquiry. The Spanish flag was displayed on the fort, and under it the outrage was committed ; though it was a fact well ascertained, that, until the day before, the British flag had been also associated : this, on the arrival of Jackson, had been removed, and the colours of Spain left, which were designed to afford protection to our enemies, and a pretext for every LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 185 injury. This conduct, so unprovoked, and so di rectly in opposition to the principles of civilized warfare, might have well determined the general to abstain from further forbearance, and to proceed immediately to the accomplishment of his views ; but a consciousness, that although the reduction of this place was required by circumstances of the highest necessity, yet, fearing it might be blazoned to his prejudice, and particularly that it might be come a cause or* national difficulty, he was prompted to act with every possible caution. Determining, therefore, to understand the governor fully, previous ly to proceeding to extremities, he again despatched a letter to him, not by any of his officers, for, after such perfidy, he was unwilling, and felt it unsafe, to risk them, but by a Spanish corporal, who had been taken on the route the day before. By him it was required to be known, why the former application which had been made, instead of being met with a becoming spirit of conciliation, had been insulted. In answer, he received from the governor a confir mation of the opinion he had previously entertained, that what had been done was not properly chargea ble on him, but the English ; that he had no agency in the transaction of which he complained, and assured him of his perfect willingness to receive any overtures he might be pleased to make. Thi? was joyful tidings ; and no time was to be lost ip meeting the offer. If negotiation should place ip his hands the different fortresses, before informa tion of it could be had by the British shipping lying in the bay, the outward channel would be effectually stopped, and the means of their escape entirely cut off. Major Piere was sent off, at a late hour of the night, to detail to the governor the 16* 186 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. reasons which had rendered the present descent proper; and to insist on the conditions already noticed, as alone calculated to assure safety to the United States, and give protection to the provinces of Florida. He was particularly instructed to in - press on his consideration the most friendly sent - ments, and to assure him that a re-surrender would be made so soon as Spain, by the arrival of a su - ficient force, could protect her territory from the inroads of a power at war with the United States ; and which, through an opening thus afforded to a violation of the neutrality of Spain, was enabled, and had already done her considerable injury. In his communication to the governor, he remarks, " I come not as the enemy of Spain ; not to make war, but to ask for peace ; to demand security for my country, and that respect to which she is entitled, and must receive. My force is sufficient, and my determination taken, to prevent a future repetition of the injuries she has received. I demand, there fore, the possession of the Barrancas, and other for tifications, with all your munitions of war. If de livered peaceably, the whole will be receipted for, and become the subject of future arrangement by our respective governments ; while the property, laws, a*hd religion of your citizens shall be respect ed. But if taken by an appeal to arms, let the blood of your subjects be upon your own head. I will not hold myself responsible for the conduct of my en raged soldiers. One hour is given you for delib eration, when your determination must be had." The council was called, and the propositions made considered, when the conclusion was taken that they could not be acceded to. As soon as the an- ver was received, showing that nothing peaceably LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 187 could be effected, Jackson resolved to urge his army forward ; and, immediately commencing his march, proceeded to the accomplishment of his object, de termined to effect it, in despite of consequences. Early on the morning of the 7th, the army was in motion. To foster the idea, that he would march and reach the town along the road on which he was encamped, a detachment of five hundred men \vas sent forward, with orders to show themselves in this direction, that they might deceive the enemy ; while, urging rapidly on, with the strength of his army, lie was gaining Pensacola at a different point. This stratagem succeeded : the British, looking for his appearance where the detachment was seen, had formed their vessels across the bay, and were wait ing his approach, with their guns properly bearing : nor had they an intimation to the contrary, until our troops were descried upon the beach, on the east side, where they were at too great a distance to be annoyed from the flotilla ; and whence, pushing for ward, they were presently in the streets, and under cover of the houses. One company, from the third regiment of infan try, with two field pieces, formed the advance, led by Captain Laval, who fell, severely wounded, while, at the head of his command, he was charging a Spanish battery, formed in the street. The left col umn, composed of the regular troops, the third, thirty-ninth, and forty-fourth regiments, headed by Majors Woodruff and Piere, formed the left, next the bay. The dismounted volunteers proceeded down the street, next the regulars : Coffee s brig ade next, on their right : the Mississippi dragoons, commanded by Colonel Hinds, and the Choctaw In diana by Major Blue, of the thirty-ninth, advanced 188 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOX. on the extreme right of all. Captain Laval s party, although deprived of their leader, moved forwar 1, and, at the point of the bayonet, took possession of the battery in their front. So quickly was this ef fected, that the Spaniards had it in their power ,o make but three fires, before they were forced .o abandon it. From behind the houses and garde n fences were constant volleys of musketry discharg ed, until the regulars, arriving, met the Spaniards, and drove them from their positions. The gover nor, trembling for the safety of his city, and remem bering the declaration of the general, that, if driven to extremes, he should not hold himself responsi ble for his enraged soldiers, hastened, bearing a fleg in his hand, to find the commander, to stay the car nage. He was met by Colonels Williamson aiid Smith, at the head of the dismounted troops, when, with faltering speech, he entreated that mercy might be extended, and promised to consent to whatever terms might be demanded of him. - General Jackson had stopped for a moment at the place where Laval had fallen, and was at this time in the rear. Receiving information that an offer had been made by the governor to comply with every demand heretofore made on him, he has tened to the intendant house, and obtained a confir mation of what had previously been communicated to him, that the town arsenals, and munitions of war, and in fact whatever was required, should im mediately be surrendered. The British vessels remained in the bay : with the aid of their boats, by which a nearer situation was obtained, they continued to fire upon our troops, as, passing along the principal streets, they could get them in the range of their guns. Lieutenant LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 189 Call, perceiving some of their boats attempting to occupy a more advantageous position, advanced to the beach with a single piece of artillery, where, suddenly unmasking himself from a hill, uncovered, he commenced a brisk and well-aimed fire, which drove them back to a respectful distance. No time was lost by General Jackson in procur ing 1 what was considered by him of vital impor tance the surrender of the forts. Although great er benefits would have been derived, had the suc cess of negotiation placed them privately in his hands, without its being previously known to his enemies, yet even now their possession was not to be neglected. Their occupancy was necessary still to his own security to check any design that might be in agitation. What was the force oppos ed to him, at what moment re-enforcements might appear off Pensacola, and thereby give an entire change to things, as they at present existed, were matters of which no certain idea could be formed. To possess the Barrancas was a consideration of the first importance ; still, until the town and its fortresses were secured, it was improper to with draw the army. Notwithstanding the assurances given by the gov ernor, that all differences would be accommodated, and every thing insisted on agreed to, Fort St. Mi chael was still withheld. Captain Dinkins was or dered to take post on Mount St. Bernard, form his batteries, and reduce it. He was in a situation to act, when the commandant, Colonel Sotto, ordered his flag taken down, and the fort to be surrendered. It is curious to observe the treachery of the Spaniards, and the unpardonable method they took to indulge their spleen. Previously to striking his 190 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON*. colours, the commandant at St. Michael had asked i permission to discharge his guns ; to this tl ere * could be no objection, and the indulgence was re idi- ly extended ; but, faithless and cowardly, he level led and fired his pieces, charged with grape, it a party of dragoons and Choctaw Indians, who v> ere at a small distance, which killed three horses and wounded two men. Such unpardonable conduct, independent of other injuries already noticed, m ght have justified any treatment ; the destruction of the garrison would not have been an unmerited chas tisement. The general was on his way to Mount St. Bernard, where his artillery was planted, when he received intelligence of what had been clone. He determined no longer to confide in persons so faithless, and whose only object seemed to deceive, but at once to make the sword the arbiter between them. His cannon were already turned towards the fort, the resolution taken to batter it down, when it was announced, by the officer he had left in command at Pensacola, that the capitulation had been agreed on, and a surrender would be made in half an hour. Sensible of the delicate situation in which he was placed, he forbore to obey that im pulse their unwarrantable conduct had so justly ex cited, and forthwith despatched Captain Dinkins to insist on an immediate delivery ; at the same time giving him directions to carry it by storm if the de mand was not instantly complied with. Difficulties promised thus peaceably to terminate. The day was far spent, and the general greatly in disposed ; until the next morning, no step could be taken to obtain possession of the Barrancas. On the credit of the governor s promises, made first on their entrance into the town, the principal part of LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 191 the army had been ordered a short distance out. Understanding, at St. Bernard, that what had been required would be done, and that no further delay would be met, the general had set out to the en campment, leaving Major Piere behind, with a suf ficient force to preserve every thing in safety and quietness. He was astonished, early in the morn ing, to learn, that the officer despatched to St. Mi- chael, the preceding evening, had, on his arrival, been threatened to be fired on by Colonel Sotto ; who, however, yielded possession, on being made to understand, that, if the fort were not delivered in stantly, it would be carried forcibly, and the garri son put to the sword. A capitulation was now, agreed on : Pensacola and the different fortresses were to be retained, until Spain could better main tain her authority ; while the rights and privileges of her citizens were to be respected. Every thing was in readiness, on the following day, to take possession of Barrancas Fort. The faithless conduct of yesterday had determined Jack son on the execution of his plans ; nor longer to confide in Spaniards promises, but, on reaching the place, to carry it by force, if it were not immediate ly surrendered. Major Piere was ordered to give the command of the city to Colonel Hayne, and re port himself at camp, to accompany him on the march ; previously, however, to retiring, to require of the governor to execute an authority to the com mandant of the fort, to deliver it ; and, in the event he would not comply immediately, to arrest him, and every public officer, and hold them as prisoners. The order for its delivery had been signed, and the line of march ready to be taken up, to receive it, peaceably, if the order would effect it, forcibly, if 192 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. riot, when a tremendous explosion in that direction, followed by two others, in quick succession, exci.ed tlie apprehension that all was destroyed. To as certain, certainly, whence the noise had proceedod, Major Gales, a volunteer aid, was despatched, with two hundred men, to obtain intelligence. He pres ently returned, and confirmed what had been pre viously apprehended, that the fort was blown up, and that the British shipping had retired from ;he bay. Although repairing this place might be prod ic- tive of numerous advantages, yet, as the act vas unauthorized by his government, Jackson felt h in- self restrained from incurring any expense for he re-establishment of what had been thus treacher ously destroyed. Though disappointed in the ob ject he had in view, he believed that some of ihe benefits expected would result. This strong hold, which had so long given protection to the southern hostile savages, and where they had been excited to acts of cruelty, was assailed, and the Indians taught that even here safety was not to be found. The valour of his troops had impressed on the minds of the Spaniards a respect for the character of his j country, which, hitherto, they had not entertained ; and the British, by being dislodged, were prevent ed from maturing those plans, which were to give] efficacy to their future operations against the south- ] ern section of the Union : but, as the means of maintaining and defending it were destroyed, it \vas . unnecessary to think of attempting to hold it. It was accordingly concluded to re-deliver all that had been surrendered, and retire to Fort Montgomery. Jackson was the more disposed to adopt this course from a belief that the British, who had sailed oat of s" LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON- 193 the bay, would probably make their way to Fort Bowyer, and, with a knowledge of the principal strength of the army being away, seek to aim a blow somewhere on the Mobile. An express was immediately hastened to Colonel Sparks, who had been left in command at this place, announcing what had transpired, suggesting apprehensions for his safety, and notifying him, in the event of an attack, to endeavour to parry the danger until the regular troops should arrive to support him. Two days after entering the town, he abandoned it. Previously to retiring, he wrote to Governor Manrequez ; and, after stating to him the causes which had induced him, justifiably, as he believed, to enter his territory, he thus concluded : " As the Barrancas and the adjacent fortresses have been surrendered to and blown up by the British, con trary to the good faith I had reposed in your prom ises, it is out of my power to guard your neutrali ty, as otherwise I should have done. The enemy has retreated ; the hostile Creeks have fled for safe ty to the forest ; and I now retire from your town, leaving you to re-occupy your forts, and protect the rights of your citizens." Our loss in this expedition was quite inconsider able. The left column alone met resistance, and had fifteen or twenty wounded none killed. It appears strange, that three heavy pieces of artille ry, charged with grape and canister, and three times fired against a column advancing through a nar row street, should not have effected greater in jury. Of the number wounded was Lieutenant Flournoy, a promising young man, who, having gone out as a volunteer, was, on account of his merit, promoted to a lieutenancy in the forty-fourth United 17 194 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. States regiment. By a cannon shot he lost his leg . Captain Laval, being too dangerously injured to b<3 removed, was confided by the general to the clem ency of the governor of Pensacola, who humanely gave him that attention his situation required. The Indian warriors, who had taken refuge i i Pensacola, finding themselves abandoned by th-3 British, fled across the country, and sought safet/ on the Appalachicola : many were afforded shelter onboard the shipping, from which they were short ly afterwards landed, to prosecute the war in their own way. Jackson determined they should havo no respite from danger, so long as a warlike atti tude was preserved. Recent events had shown them, that neither the valour of their allies, nor their own exertions, could afford them protection. He believed it an auspicious moment to pursue them in their retreat; increase still further their appre hensions ; and effectually cut up that misplaced con fidence, which had already well nigh proved their ruin. Understanding that those who had been car ried off from Pensacola had been landed on the Ap palachicola, and a depot of all necessary supplies there established, Major Blue, of the thirty-ninth regiment, was sent off, on the 16th, at the head of a thousand mounted men, with orders to follow, and destroy any of their villages he might find on his route. General M Intosh, of the Georgia militia, then in the Creek country, was apprized of the des tination, and directed to co-operate, that the sav ages might be dispersed, before they should have it in their power to attempt hostilities against the frontiers. Having effected this object, they were ordered to repair to Mobile, to aid in its defence. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 195 Shortly after the American army had retired, the Spaniards commenced rebuilding Forts Barrancas and St. Rose. Anxious to regain that confidence they had justly forfeited, the British offered their services to assist in the re -establishment. This of fer was refused, and an answer returned by the governor, that, when assistance was in fact needed, he would make application to his friend General Jackson. There was nothing now so much desired by the general, as to be able to depart for New Orleans, where he apprehended the greatest danger. He had already effected a partial security for Mobile, and the inhabitants on its borders ; and such as he believed might be preserved, by proper vigilance in those who were left in command. He determined to set out on the 22d for the Mississippi ; and, by his exertions, seek to place the country in such a situation for defence as the means within his reach would permit. His health was still delicate, which almost wholly unfitted him for the duties he had to encounter ; but his constant expectation of a large force appearing soon on the coast impelled him to action. Added to the fatigues incident to his station, he as yet had no brigadier-general in his district to relieve him of many of those duties which lie had neither time nor bodily strength to meet. General Winchester had been ordered to join him. He had not yet arrived, but was daily look ed for. In expectation of his approach, Jackson \vas making every necessary arrangement for in vesting him with the command of Mobile, and for his own departure. Colonel Hayne, the inspector- general, was despatched to the mouth of the Missis sippi, to examine whether in that direction there 196 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. were any eligible site, where, by erecting batter ies, the river might be commanded, and an ascent prevented, if through this route attempted. Gene ral Coffee and Colonel Hinds, with the dragoons from the territory, were ordered to march with their commands, and take a position as convenient to New Orleans as they could obtain a sufficiency of forage to recruit their horses. Every thing being arranged, and intelligence received that General Winchester had reached the Alabama river, Jack son, on the 22d day of November, left Mobile for the city of New Orleans, where he arrived on tie 1st of December; and where his head-quarters were, for the present, established. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. CHAPTER VIII. Jackson s correspondence with tJie governor of Louisiana. His address to the citizens. Militia from Tennessee and Kentucky advance ; and general plans adopted for defence. Plan for Jill- ing delinquencies in the army. British shipping- arrive on the coast. Loss of the Sea Horse. Battle on the lake, and loss of the gun-boats. Jackson revieivs the militia. His address to them. Detention of his flag. Anecdote. Expresses sent to Generals Coffee and Carroll. Declaration of martial law at New Orleans. The British effect a landing, and Jackson pre pares to meet tliem. GENERAL JACKSON was now on a new theatre : the time had arrived to call forth all his energies. His military career, from its commencement, had been obstructed, but far greater difficulties were now ris ing. His body worn down by exhaustion, with a mind alive to the apprehension, that the means given him would not satisfy his own wishes and the expecta tions of his country, were circumstances calculated to depress him. He was without sufficient strength or preparation to attempt successful opposition against well-trained troops, which were expected at some unprepared point. Louisiana, he well knew, was ill supplied with arms, and contained a mixed population, of different tongues, who, perhaps, felt not a sufficient attach ment for the soil or government, to be induced to defend them. No troops, arms or ammunition had yet descended from the states of Kentucky and Tennessee. His only reliance for defence, if sud denly assailed, was on a few regulars, the volun teers of General Coffee, and such troops as the state could furnish. What might be the final re- 17* 198 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. ult of things was not a matter difficult to conjec ture. His principal fears at present were, that ^ Mobile might fall, the left bank of the Mississippi be gained, all communication with the western stages cut off, and New Orleans be thus unavoidably De duced. Although agitated by such forebodings, he breathed his fears to none. Closely locking all apprehensions in his own breast, he appeared con stantly serene, and as constantly endeavoured to impress a general belief, that the country could and would be defended. While engaged in his operations on the Mobile, and even while at Fort Jackson, lie had kept up a correspondence with the governor of Louisiana, urging him to the adoption of such measures as might give security to the state. From his informa tion, he felt assured, that little reliance was to be placed on the great body of the citizens ; and that, to gain any decisive advantages from their services, it would be necessary to abandon temporizing pol icy, and pursue a course steady and unwavering. Many of the inhabitants indulging a belief that Florida would be restored to Spain, had led well designing men astray ; while Englishmen, Span iards, and other foreigners, feeling no attachment to the government under which they lived, were ready to surrender it to any power. The requisition made had been badly filled ; many had refused, af ter being drafted, to enter the ranks. At so event ful a crisis, it was painful to discover so great a want of union, and disregard of duty. Governor Claiborne had been addressed on this subject: "I regret," said Jackson, "to hear of the discontents of your people: they must not exist. Whoever is not for us, is against us. Those who are LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON- 199 drafted must be compelled to the ranks, or punish ed : it is no time to balance : the country must be defended ; and he who refuses to aid, when called on, must be treated with severity. To repel the danger with which we are assailed, requires all our energies, and all our exertions. With union on our side, we shall be able to drive our invaders back to the ocean. Summon all your energy, and guard every avenue with confidential patroles, for spies and traitors are swarming around. Numbers will be flocking to your city, to gain information, and corrupt your citizens. Every aid in your power must be given to prevent vessels sailing with pro visions. By us the enemy must not be fed. Let none pass ; for on this will depend our safety, until we can get a competent force in the field, to oppose attack, or to become the assailants. We have more to dread from intestine, than open and avowed ene mies: but vigilance on our side, and all will be safe. Remember, our watch word is victory or death. Our country must and shall be defended. We will enjoy our liberty, or perish in the last ditch." He forwarded an address to the people of Louisi ana, to excite them to a defence of their rights and liberties, and to raise in their minds an abhorrence of an enemy. He pointed out the course the pres ent crisis required them to adopt, and entreated them not to be lured from their fidelity. " Your government, Louisianians, is engaged in a just and honourable contest, for the security of your individual, and her national rights. The only country on earth, where man enjoys freedom, where its blessings are alike extended to the poor and 200 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. rich, calls on you to protect her from the grasping usurpation of Britain: she will not call in vain. I know that every man, whose bosom beats high at the proud title of freeman, will promptly obey her voice, and rally round the eagles of his countiy, resolved to rescue her from impending danger, or nobly to die in her defence. He who refuses to defend his rights, when called on by his govern ment, deserves to be a slave deserves to be punished as an enemy to his country a friend to her foes." The people of Louisiana were gradually turnod to consider the contest, in which it was expected they were to be engaged, that they might be pre pared to meet it, when necessary. Preparations for collecting, in sufficient strength, to repel an in vasion, when it should be attempted, had been car ried actively forward. The fiat of the secretary of war had been issued to the governors of the ad joining states ; and Jackson had long since anx iously pressed them to hasten the execution of the order, and push their forces to the place of danger. The ardour felt by the governor of Tennessee rendered any incentive unnecessary. He was well aware of the importance of activity, and had used all the authority of his office to call the requisition forth, and have it in readiness. Governor Shelby, of Kentucky, had been no less vigilant. The necessity of despatch in military matters, and the advantages resulting from it, in his youth and more advanced age, he had learned in the field of battle. The troops from his state were immediately organized, placed under the com mand of Major-General Thomas, and directed to LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 201 proceed down the Ohio.* It may be esteemed a circumstance of good fortune, that Shelby should have been the chief magistrate of Kentucky ; a state possessing ample resources, and which might have slumbered in inaction, but for the energy of him. He did not remain contented with a dis charge merely of those duties which were imposed on him by his office ; but, feeling the ardour of his youth revived, excited his citizens, and inspirited them by his own example. The promptitude with which they crowded to the American standard, at the first danger, enduring cold, hunger, and priva tion, should be remembered, and entitle her citizens to the gratitude of the country. William Carroll, who, on the promotion of Jack son in the army of the United States, had been ap pointed a major-general of Tennessee militia, was to command the requisition intended to be marched from the state. He had issued orders to his divi sion, and, on the 19th of November, twenty-five hundred of the yeomanry of the state appeared at Nashville, and, in eight days, embarked on board their boats for New Orleans. To the industry of General Carroll every respect is due ; for, to his fortunate arrival, as will be seen hereafter, is to be attributed the reason that success did not result to the enemy, in his first assault, or that Louisiana escaped the impending danger. The militia, now organized, from two states, were respectable for their numbers, and were com- * When this requisition was ready to proceed, the state of the quarter-master s department was discovered to be wholly inade quate to those outfits and supplies necessary to its departure. Thus situated, individuals of the state came forward, pledged their funds, and enabled it to advance. 202 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. manded by officers who carried with them entire confidence. In bravery, they were not surpassed ; yet they were without experience or discipline, and indifferently armed. Many had procured muskets and bayonets ; though the greater part of them had arms capable of rendering little or no service; while some had none at all. To remedy their want of discipline was attended with some difficulty, on account of the slender means afforded for instruc tion, while, in boats, they were descending the ri v r er. Carroll s anxiety, however, for the respectable ap pearance of his troops, and a still stronger de-dre entertained, that they might be in a situation for immediate action, if necessity, on his arrival, should require it, led him to seize even on the limted opportunities for improvement. Although General Jackson had obtained his suc cesses heretofore with troops of this description, yet he was far from entertaining a belief they could be relied on for manoeuvring in an open field, against troops inured to war. None knew better the point of exertion to which militia could be strained. In a letter to the secretary of war, of the 20th of Novem ber, 1814, he observes, "Permit me to suggest a plan, which, on a fair experiment, will do away or lessen the expenses, under the existing mode of call ing militia forces into the field. Whenever there happens to be a deficiency in the regular force, in any particular quarter, let the government determine on the necessary number : this should be apportioned among the different states, agreeably to their respec tive representations, and called into service for, and during the war. The quota wanted will, in my opinion, be soon raised from premiums offered by those who are subject to militia duty, rather than be LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOX. 203 harassed by repeated drafts. In the mean time, let the present bounty, given by the government, be also continued. If this be done, I will ensure that an effective force shall soon appear in every quarter, amply sufficient for the reduction of Canada, and to drive all our enemies from our shores." Such were the course of things, and such the plans in progress for the safety of the country, when the general reached New Orleans. The legislature of Louisiana had for some weeks been in session ; and, through the governors com munication, informed of the situation, condition and strength of the country, and of the necessity of calling all its resources into operation ; but, balanc ing in their decisions, and uncertain of the best course to be pursued, they, as yet, had resolved upon nothing. The arrival of Jackson, however, produced a new aspect in affairs. His activity in preparation, and his reputation as a brave and skil ful commander, had turned all eyes towards him, and inspired even the desponding with confidence. The volunteer corps of the city were reviewed, and a visit, in person, made to the different forts, to ascertain their capacity for defence, and the re liance that might be had on them to repel the ene my s advance. Through the lakes large vessels could not pass : should an approach be attempted through this route, in their barges, it might be opposed by the gun-boats which guarded this pas sage ; but if, unequal to the contest, they should be captured, it would give timely information of a descent, which might be resisted at their landing, and before any opportunity could be had of execut ing fully their designs. Up the Mississippi,, how ever, was looked upon as the most probable pass, 204 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. through which might be made an attempt to reach the city ; and here were in progress suitable prep arations for defence. We have already noticed, that Colonel Hayne had been despatched from Mobile with directions to view the Mississippi near its mouth, and report if any advantageous position could be found for the erection of batteries; and whether the re-establish ment of the old fort at the Balize would command the river, in a way to prevent its being ascended. That it could not be relied on for this purpose, 1he opinions of military men had already declared. General Jackson was disposed to respect the de cisions of those who were entitled to confi dene e ; yet, in matters of great importance, it formed no part of his creed to attach his faith to the state ments of any, where, the object being within his reach, it was in his power to look to the fact, and satisfy himself. Trusting implicitly in Colonel Hayne as a military man, he had despatched him thither to examine how far it was practicable to obstruct and secure this channel. His report was confirmatory of the previous information received, that it was incapable, from its situation, of effecting any such object. Fort St. Philip was now resorted to as the lowest point on the river where the erection of a fortifica tion could be at all serviceable. The general had returned to New Orleans on the 9th, from a visit to this place, which he had ordered to be repaired. The commanding officer was directed to remove every combustible material without the fort; to have two additional platforms immediately raised; and the embrasures so enlarged that the ordnance might have the greatest possible sweep upon their LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 205 circles, and be brought to bear on any object within their range, that might approach either up or down the river. At a small distance below, the Mississip pi, changing its course, left a neck of land, in the bend, covered with timber, which obstructed the view. From this point down to where old Fort Bourbon stood, on the west side, the growth along the bank was ordered to be cut away, that the shot from St. Philip, ranging across this point of land, might reach an approaching vessel before she should be unmasked from behind it. On the site of Bour bon was to be thrown up a strong work, defended by five twenty-four pounders, which, with the fort above, would be calculated to expose an enemy to a cross fire, for half a mile. A mile above St. Philip was to be established a work, which, in con junction with the others, would effectually command the river for two miles. At Terre au Boeuf, and at the English Turn, twelve miles below the city, were also to be token measures for defence ; where it was expected by Jackson, with his flying artillery and fire ships, he would be able certainly to arrest the enemy s advance. This system of defence, properly established, he believed, would ensure se curity from any attack in this direction. Fort St. Philip, with the auxiliary batteries above and below it, would so concentrate their fires, that an enemy could never pass without suffering greatly, and, per haps, being so shattered that they would fall an easy prey to those defences which were still higher up the river. The essential difficulty was to have them speedily finished. On returning, he hastened to apprize the governor of his views, and of his arrangements, and entreated him to aid in their furtherance. It was proposed to submit it to the 18 206 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. consideration of the legislature, and to prevail, if possible, with the planters to furnish their slaves, by whom, alone, such work could, in so insalubrious a climate, be safely executed. "If what is pro posed be performed," said he, "I will stand pledge d that the invaders of your state shall never, through this route, reach your city." He desired to be in formed, early, of the success of the application, and to know how far the legislature would be dis posed to extend their fostering care to the objects suggested ; that, in the event of failure, he might have recourse to such resources as were within his reach. " But," added he, " not a moment is to I e lost. With energy and expedition, all is safe : delay, and all is lost." The plans of operation and defence were pro jecting on an extensive scale. The only objects of fear were the disaffected who infested the city ; and to these, after the most incessant exertions, he had well nigh fallen a victim. On Lakes Borgne and Pontchartrain an equally strong confidence was had that all would be safe from invasion. Commodore Patterson, who com manded the naval forces, had executed every order with promptness. Agreeably to instructions from the general, to extend to all the passes on the lakes every protection in his power, lie had sent out the gun-boats, under Lieutenant Jones. From their capability to defend, great advantages were calcu lated to arise ; added to which, the Rigolets, the communication between the two lakes, was defend ed by Petit Coquille Fort, a strong work, under the command of Captain Newman, which, when acting in conjunction with the gun-boats, it was supposed, would be competent to repel any assault. Guards LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 207 and videttes were also posted in different directions to give the earliest information of every thing that passed. In despite, however, of these precaution ary measures, treachery opened a way, and pointed the entrance of the enemy to a narrow pass, through which they effected a landing, and reached, previously to being discovered, the banks of the Mississippi. Such were the measures adopted for the protec tion of Louisiana against an attack. Information of a considerable force having left England filled with high expectations, the attack on Fort Bow- yer, and the inflammatory proclamations already published, with anonymous letters received from persons in the West Indies and Pensacola, tended to unfold the views of the enemy, and to dissipate every thing of doubt as to their designs. But the time was at hand when conjecture was giving place to certainty; when the intentions of the in vaders were fully developing themselves, and the fact fairly presented, that Louisiana must fall, and her principal city be sacked, unless the brave men associated to defend her should stand firmly in her defence. Certain information was at hand of an English fleet being off Cat and Ship Islands, and within a short distance of the American lines, where their numbers were daily increasing. Lieutenant Jones, in command of the gun-boats on Lake Borgne, was directed to reconnoitre, and ascertain their disposition and force ; and, in the event they should attempt, through this route, to effect a disembarkation, to retire to the Rigolets, and there, with his flotilla, contend to the last. He remained off Ship Island until the 12th of De cember, when, understanding the enemy s forces 208 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. were much increased, he thought it advisable to ^ change his anchorage to a position near Malheur- eux Island. This was rendered necessary, because it was a safer position, in the event of being attac k- s ed. Whoever looks upon a map of the country will discover the importance of this place if driven into action with a greatly superior force. This, and Chef Menteur, which unite at the entrance to the lake, and form a narrow channel, constitutes the only pass into Pontchartrain. By reaching it, the gun-boats would be enabled to present a formi dable opposition. On the 13th, Jones discovered the enemy rncv- ing off in his barges towards Pass Christian. 1 is orders left him no discretion as to the place Jie should fight them. Indeed, his flotilla, although quite inconsiderable, was of too much consequence to the nation, at this juncture, to be risked at all, unless under circumstances giving a decided supe riority. In no other way was this to be obtained, than by reaching the point to which he had been ordered : this he endeavoured to effect, as he bo- came satisfied of what was intended by their movo- rncnt. Weighing his anchors, with the design of reaching the position referred to in his orders, he discovered it to be wholly impracticable. A strong wind having blown for some days to the east, from the lake to the gulf, had so reduced the depth of water, that the deepest channels were insufficient to float his little squadron. The oars were resort ed to, but without rendering the least assistance : it was immoveable. Every thing was thrown over board that could be spared, to lighten them ; all, however, was ineffectual. At this moment of ex treme peril, the tide, coming suddenly in, relieved LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 20fr them from the shoaJ, and they came to anchor at one o clock the next morning on the west passage of Malheureux Isle ; where, at day, they discovered the pursuit had been abandoned. At the bay of St. Louis was a small depot of public stores, which had, that morning, been direct ed, by Jones, to be brought off. Mr. Johnston, on board the Sea Horse, proceeded in the execution of this order. The enemy, on the retreat of Jones, despatched three of their barges to capture him ; but, unable to effect it, they were driven back. An additional force now proceeded against him ; when a smart action commenced, and the assailants were again compelled to retire with some loss. John ston, satisfied that it was out of his power to defend himself, and considering it hopeless to attempt unit ing, in face of so large a force, with the gun boats off Malheureux Island, blew up his vessel, burnt the stores, and effected his retreat by land, in conformity to the instructions he had received. A prodigious explosion assured Jones of the proba ble step that had been taken, and of the execution of the order. Early on the morning of the 14th, the enemy s barges, about nine miles to the east, suddenly weighed their anchors ; and, getting under way, proceeded westwardly to the pass, where our gun boats still lay. The same difficulty experienced yesterday was now encountered. Perceiving the approach of the enemy s flotilla, an attempt was made to retreat ; but in vain. The wind was en tirely lulled, and a perfect calm prevailed ; while a strong current, setting to the gulf, rendered every effort to retire unavailing. No alternative was at hand ; but a single course was left, to meet and 18* J2IO LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON* fight them. At once the resolution was adopted, to avail themselves of the best position they could obtain, wait their approach, and defend themselves, whilst there was a hope of success. The line was formed, with springs on the cables, and all were waiting the arrival of a foe, who imagined himself advancing to an easy conquest. The contest, in so open a situation, and against such superior fore e, promised to be very unequal ; yet the bravery, which -had always characterized our fearless tars in battle, was, on this occasion, not to be tarnished. Forty-three boats, mounting as many cannon, with twelve hundred chosen men, well armed, con stituted the strength of the assailants. Advancing in extended line, they were presently in reach ; and, at half after eleven o clock, commencing a fire, the action soon became general. Owing to a stroi. g current, setting out to the east, two of the boats, numbers 156 and 163, were unable to keep their anchorage, and floated about a hundred yards in advance of the line. This circumstance was un fortunate ; for, although it was by no means to be calculated, that victory could be attendant on a con flict where strength and numbers were so dispro portionate, yet, could the line have been preserved, the chances for defence would have been increased, the opportunity more favourable for inflicting injury and crippling the foe, while the period of the con test would have been protracted. Every moment this could have been prolonged would have proved advantageous ; for, soon as the wind should spring up, which yet continued lulled, the boats would be more manageable, and an opportunity afforded of retiring from the battle whenever the result became disastrous. LIFE OF (iKNERAL JACKSON. 211 The enemy, relying on their numbers, advanced in three divisions. Our gun-boats, formed in a line, were under command of Lieutenant Jones, who, on board No. 156, occupied the centre. No. 162 and 163 rested on his left, under the direction of Lieutenant Spedden and Sailing-master Ulrich ; on his right were No. 5 and 23, commanded by Sailing- master Ferris and Lieutenant M -Iver. The centre division of the enemy, led by the senior officer of the expedition, Captain Lockyer, bore down on No. 156, the centre of our line, and, twice attempting to board, was twice repulsed with an immense de struction of both officers and crew, and loss of two of their boats, which were sunk : one, a seventy- four s launch, crowded with men, went down "im mediately along-side of the gun-boat. Jones, being too severely wounded longer to maintain the deck, retired, leaving the command with George Parker, who no less valiantly defended his flag-, until, badly wounded, he was also compelled to leave his post ; and soon after the boat was carried. No. 163, though ably defended, was also taken; and the guns of both turned on No. 162 and 5, which also surrendered ; and, last of all, No. 23, commanded by Lieutenant M lver. Thus in detail was our little squadron, after a conflict of nearly an hour, lost ; a conflict in which every thing w r as done that gal lantry could do, and nothing unperformed that duty required ; but it was a disaster which, under all the circumstances, could not be avoided. The calm which prevailed, and the unwieldy condition of the boats, prevented any management by the oars. The commandant was ably supported by the offi cers associated with him. Lieutenants Spedden and 212 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. M lver were wounded ; the former in both an is, and in one so severely as to be compelled to have it amputated ; yet this valiant officer to the last continued his orders : nor did the latter quit for a moment his post. Midshipmen Cauley and Rey nolds, young 1 men of promise, fell victims to the wounds received in this contest. It is unnecessary to take up the time of the reader in commendation of this Spartan band: their bravery will be long remembered, and excite emotions stronger than language can paint. The great disparity of force between the combatants presents a curious result: that, while the American loss was but ten killed, and thirty-five wounded, that of their assailants \\ as not less than three hundred. The British have never presented any report upon this subject: bit, from every information, and from all the attendant circumstances of the battle, it was even believed to have exceeded this number : of which a lar^e proportion was officers.* The British returned to their shipping, at Cat Island, with their prisoners, with a convincing argu ment, to do away the belief which they enter tained, that, in this section of country, the in habitants were waiting, with open arms, to receive them. This disaster was announced to General Jackson, while on a visit to the lakes, whither he had gone to examine the situation of the different works Boats. Men. Guns. * The British had 43 1200 43 The Americans 5 182 23 Difference 38 1018 20 So that the disparity in force of boats, men, and guns, was as right seven and nearly two to one. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 213 in progress. He heard it with much concern ; for on it important consequences depended. His fears for the safety of Mobile were much increased. Although he had every confidence in the gallant officer who commanded at Fort Bowyer, lie well knew how inefficient were the exertions of a brave man, when assailed by superior strength. The security of this place was of great importance. His own apprehensions of an invasion here, as af fecting the interest of the lower country, was to him a cause of constant uneasiness. He felt con fident, while this point remained safe, so might the country adjacent ; but, if it fell, the Indians would again be excited, the settlements on the Mobile and Alabama rivers become tributary, and New Orleans be involved in the general ruin. Deeply impressed with the importance of defending this place, he had brought to the view of the secretary of war the necessity of adopting such a course as should place it entirely out of the reach of danger. To effect this, he proposed that a large frigate, mounting forty-four guns, which, for some cause, had been left on the stocks, at Tchifonte, in an un finished state, should be completed. " Let her," he remarked, " be placed in the Navy Cove, which will protect the rear of the fort, and, my life upon it, ten thousand troops, and all the British fleet, cannot take the place, nor enter the bay. This will be their point of attack ; if carried, they will penetrate the Indian nation, there make a stand, and incite the savages to war, and the slaves to in surrection and massacre ; penetrate, if they can, to the left bank of the Mississippi, and arrest all communication. If they succeed in this, the lower country falls of course." No notice, however, was 214 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. ever taken of his admonition, and nothing done to effect the object proposed. His entire defence and safety rested on the means which he could reach. An express was despatched to General Winches ter, apprizing him of what had happened ; that, all ; communication being cut off, he must look to the p:-o- curing supplies for his army from Tennessee Riv^r, through the posts established in the Creek country. " The enemy," he continues, " will attempt, throu ;h Pass Huron, to reach you: watch, nor suffer your self to be surprised ; haste, and throw sufficient sup plies into Fort Bowyer, and guard vigilantly the communication from Fort Jackson, lest it be de stroyed. Mobile Point must be supported and de fended at every hazard. The enemy has given us a large coast to guard ; but I trust, with the smiles of Heaven, to be able to meet and defeat him at every point he may venture his foot upon the land." Increased vigilance was now required to guard the different routes through which they might make their progress, and reach the object of their visit. Major Lacoste, commanding the battalion of colour ed troops, was ordered, with two pieces of cannon and a sufficient force, to defend the Chef Menteur road, that led from the head of Lake Borgne to New Orleans. In fact, wherever an inlet or creek, of the smallest size, justified the belief, that through it an entrance might be effected, arrangements were made to prevent approach. Through the Rigo- lets was presumed the most probable route the enemy would adventure, that, by gaining Lake Pont- chartrain, a landing might be made above or below the city, or at Bayou St. John, directly opposite. This place had been confided to Captain New man, of the artillery. It was an important point, LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 215 as well for the purposes already named, as being a position whence any movement on the lakes could be discovered. On the 22d, it was re-enforced by several heavy pieces of cannon, and an additional supply of men. He was advised by the general of the consequence attached to it, and that it was not to be inconsiderately yielded ; but that, in the event of his being compelled to abandon it, every thing being properly secured, he was to make good his retreat to Chef Menteur, where he would be covered by an additional force : " But," added he, " you are not to retreat until your judgment is well convinced that it is absolutely necessary to the very salvation of your command." On the 16th the militia were reviewed by Jack son. He had perceived, on his arrival at New Orleans, such despondency manifested by the peo ple, that to remove it had called forth all his exer-. tions. His incessant endeavours to have defended every accessible point, and a confidence, constantly evinced, that his resources were commensurate with all the purposes of successful resistance, had com pletely undermined those fears, at first so generally indulged. Lest, from the loss which had lately hap pened on the lakes, a similar state of doubt might be again produced, was the principal cause of ap pearing before them to-day on review ; to convince them, by his deportment, that the safety of the city was not to be despaired of. He directed an ad dress to be read to them. It w&s drawn in lan guage breathing the warmth of his own feelings, and well calculated to inspire the same glow to others. He told them they were contending for all that could render life desirable " for your property and lives ; for those who are dearer than all, your 216 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. wives and children ; for liberty, without which, country, life and property are not worth possessing, i E^en the embraces of wives and children are a reproach to the wretch who \vould deprive them, by his cowardice, of those inestimable blessings. You are to contend with an enemy, who seeks to ! deprive you of the least of these who avows a war of desolation, marked by cruelties, lusts, and horrors, unknown to civilized nations." That the hour of attack was not distant was con firmed by a circumstance which reflects no consid erable honour cu the officer in command of the fleet. The day subsequent to the contest on the lakes, Mr. Shields, purser in the navy, had been despatched with a flag to Cat Island, accompanied by Dr. Murrell, for the purpose of alleviating- the situation of our wounded, and to effect a negotia tion, by which they should be liberated on parole. We are not aware that such an application militat ed against the usages of war : if not, the flag of truce should have been respected ; nor ought its bearer to have been detained as a prisoner. Ad miral Cochrane s pretended fear that it was a wile, designed to ascertain his strength and situation, is far from presenting any sufficient excuse for so wanton an outrage on the rules of war. If this were apprehended, could not the messengers have been met at a distance from the fleet, and ordered back without a near approach ? Had this been done, no information could have been gained, and the object designed to be secured by the detention would have been answered, without infringing that amicable intercourse between contending armies, which, when disregarded, opens a door to brutal LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 217 and savage warfare. Finding they did not return, the cause of it was at once correctly divined. The British admiral resorted to various means to obtain from these gentlemen information of the strength and disposition of our army ; but so cau tious a reserve was maintained, that nothing could be elicited. Shields was perceived to be quite deaf, and, calculating on some advantage to be derived from this circumstance, he and the doctor were placed at night in the green room, where any conver sation which occurred between them could readily be heard. Suspecting something of the kind, after hav ing retired, and every thing was seemingly still, they began to speak of their situation the circumstance of their being detained, and of the prudent caution with which they had guarded themselves against communicating any information to the British admi ral. " But," continued Shields, " how greatly these gentlemen will be disappointed in their expecta tions ! for Jackson, with the twenty thousand troops he now has, and the re-enforcements from Kentucky, which must speedily reach him, will be able to de stroy any force that can be landed from these ships." Every word was heard, and treasured ; and, not sup posing there was any design, or that he presumed himself overheard, they were beguiled by it, and at once concluded our force to be as great as it was represented. Early on the 15th, the morning after the battle on the lake, expresses were sent up the coast, in quest of General Coffee, to procure information of the Kentucky and Tennessee divisions, which, it was hoped, were not far distant. In his communi cation to Coffee, the general observes, " You must not sleep until you reach me, or arrive within strik- 10 218 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. ing distance. Your accustomed activity is looked for. Innumerable defiles present themselves, whc re vour services and riflemen will be all-important. An opportunity is at hand, to reap for yourself and brigade the approbation of your country." In obedience to the order he had received at Mo bile to occupy some central position, where his hon- es could be subsisted, Coffee had proceeded as far aa Sandy Creek, a small distance above Baton Hour e, where he had halted. His brigade on its march had been greatly exposed, and many hardships encoun tered. The cold season had set in ; and, for twer.ty days, it had rained incessantly. The waters were raised to uncommon heights, and every creek a id bayou was to be bridged or swam. Added to this, their march was through an uncultivated country, but thinly settled, where little subsistence was to be had, and that procured with much difficulty. He had been at this place eight or ten days, when, late on the evening of the 17th, the express from head quarters reached him. He lost no time in execut ing the order ; and, directing one of his regiments, which, for the greater convenience of foraging, had encamped about six miles off", to unite with him, he proceeded on his march the instant it arrived. In consequence of innumerable exposures, there were, at this time, three hundred on the sick lift. These being left, he commenced his advance with twelve hundred and fifty men. The weather con tinued extremely cold and rainy, which prevented their proceeding with the celerity the exigency of the moment required. Coffee, perceiving that the movement of his whole force, in a body, would oc casion delays, ruinous to the object, ordered all, who were able to proceed, to advance with him ; while LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 219 the rest of his brigade, under suitable officers, were left to follow as fast as the weak and exhausted condition of their horses would permit. His force, by this arrangement, was reduced to eight hundred men, with whom he moved with the utmost indus try. Having marched seventy miles the last day, he encamped, on the night of the 19th, within fifteen miles of New Orleans, making in two days a dis tance of one hundred and twenty miles. Continu ing his advance, early next morning he halted within four miles of the city, to examine the condi tion of his arms, and to learn, in the event the enemy had landed, the relative position of the two armies. On inspecting their arms, which consisted princi pally of rifles, two hundred were discovered to be so materially injured by the weather, as to be unfit for service. The advance of Colonel Hinds, from Woodville, with the Mississippi dragoons, was no less expedi tious ; an active officer, he was, on this, as on all other occasions, at his post, ready to act as circum stances should require. Having received his or ders, he effected, in four days, a march of two hun dred and thirty miles. On the 16th, Colonel Hynes, aid-de-camp to Gen eral Carroll, reached head-quarters, with informa tion from the general, that he would be present as early as possible ; but that the state of the weather, and high and contrary winds, greatly retarded his progress. To remedy this, a steam-boat was im mediately put in requisition, and ordered to proceed up the river to aid him in reaching his destination, without loss of time. He was advised of the neces sity of hastening rapidly forward ; that the lakes were in possession of the enemy, and their arrival 220 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. daily looked for; "But," continued Jackson, "I aaj resolved, feeble as my force is, to assail him, on his first landing, and perish sooner than he shall reac h the city." Independent of the large force which was do se ending with General Carroll, his approach w;is looked to with additional pleasure, from the circui \- stance of his having with him a boat laden wi h arms, destined for the defence of the country, and which he had overtaken on his passage down the Mississippi. His falling in with them was fortu nate ; for, had their arrival depended on those ,o whom they had been incautiously confided, they might have come too late, and after all danger had subsided; as was indeed the case with others for warded from Pittsburg, which, through the unpar donable conduct of those who had been intrusted with their transportation, did not reach New Or leans until all difficulties had terminated. Great in convenience was sustained, during the siege, for want of arms to place in the hands of the militia. Great as it was, it would have been increased, even to an alarming extent, but for the accidental circumstance of this boat having fallen into the hands of the Ten nessee division, which impelled it on, and thereby produced incalculable advantage. This division left Nashville on the 19th of No vember. Their exertions entitle them and their commander to every gratitude. But above all is our gratitude due to that benign Providence, who, hav ing aided in the establishment of our glorious inde pendence, again manifested his goodness and power in guarding the rights of a country rendered sacred by the blood of the virtuous, heretofore shed in its defence. It rarely, if ever, happens, that the Cum.- LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 221 berland river admits a passage for boats so early in the season ; but torrents of rain descending swelled the stream, and wafted our troops safely to the Mississippi, where all obstructions were at an end. While these preparations were progressing, to concentrate the forces within his reach, the gene ral was turning his attention to ward off any blow that might be aimed before his expected re-enforce ments should arrive. Every point, capable of being successfully assailed, was receiving such additional security as could be given. Patrols and videttes were ranged through the country, that the earliest intelligence might be had of any intended move ment. The militia of the state were called out en masse; and, through the interference of the legis lature, an embargo on vessels at the port of New Orleans was declared, to afford an opportunity of procuring additional recruits for the navy. Gene ral Villery, because an inhabitant of the country, and best understanding the several points on the lakes requiring defence, was ordered, with the Louisiana militia, to search out, and give protection to the dif ferent passes, where a landing might be effected. To hinder the enemy from obtaining supplies on shore, a detachment was sent to Pearl River to prevent any parties from landing until the stock could be driven from the neighbourhood. The precaution, for some time used, of restricting the departure of any vessel with provisions, under the operation of the embargo imposed by the legis lature, had greatly disappointed the expectations of the British, and even introduced distress into Pen- sacola, whence the Spaniards had been in the habit of procuring their supplies. The governor had so licited the opening a communication, for the relief 19 * 222 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. of the suffering inhabitants of his province. Jack son was aware that this appeal to his humanity might be a stratagem, having for its object to aid the enemy. Although the governor, hitherto, hud given no flattering evidence, either of his frienl- ship or sincerity, still the statement offered by him might be correct ; and, if so, the neutrality of his country established a well-founded claim to the be nevolence of the Americans. Balancing between a desire that these people should not be serious y injured, and a fear that the application was intended for a very different purpose, he determined to err on the side of mercy, and, as far as possible, relieve their wants. This he directed General Winches ter, at Mobile, to effect, provided his stock of pre visions would permit it. It was particularly enjoin ed on him that the quantity of provisions sent should be small, and be conveyed by water : " For if," said he, " the Spaniards are really in distress, and the supply sent shall be taken by the British, it will ex cite their just indignation towards them, and erase all friendship, while they will be afforded an addi tional proof of ours : the supply, too, being incon siderable, even if captured, will prove of no great benefit to our enemy." Jackson s arrangements were well conceived, and rapidly progressing ; but they were still insufficient ; and his own forebodings assured him, that, to ob tain security, something stronger required to be adopted. That there was an enemy in the midst of his camp, more to be feared than those who were men acing from abroad, was, indeed, probable. A stran ger himself, his conjectures might not have led to the conclusion ; but information received, before and soon after his arrival, through different chan- LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 223 nels, and particularly from the governor of the state, had awakened a belief, that the country \vas filled with disaffected persons. Although he had been in possession of data, sufficiently strong to confirm him in the opinion, no urgent necessity had arisen, ren dering a resort to rigid measures essential to the general safety. Abundant evidence of prevailing disaffection had been obtained, through Governor Claiborne. In a letter to General Jackson, after his return from Pensacola, he observed, " Enemies to the country may blame your prompt and ener getic measures ; but in the person of every patriot you will find a supporter. I am well aware of the lax police of this city, and indeed of the whole state, with respect to strangers. I think, with you. that our country is filled with traitors and spies. On this subject, I have written pressingly to the city authorities and parish judges. Some regulations, I hope, will be adopted by the first, and greater vigilance be exercised, in future, by the latter." Never, perhaps, all the circumstances considered, did any general advance to the defence and pro tection of a people, situated in his own country, where greater room was had to distrust the success of the event, and believe all efforts hopeless. When General Jackson was informed by the governor, that the legislature, instead of discharging with alacrity, diligence, and good faith, the duties which had been confided to them by their constituents, had, under the garb of privilege, endeavoured to mar the execution of measures the most salutary, he might well conclude the country in danger, and suspect a want of fidelity in her citizens. Upon the yeomanry alone must every country depend for its liberty : they are its sinews and its strength. Let 224 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. them continue virtuous, and they will cheerfu.ly, nay, fearlessly, maintain themselves against aggres sion ; but if they become corrupted, or, through ;he intrigue or misconduct of their rulers, lose confi dence in their government, their importance will be impaired. While the people of Rome felt the m- selves freemen, and proud of the name of citizens, Rome was invincible ; and, to descend to times more modern, the strength of France was an over match for combined Europe only while Frenchmen had confidence and regard for their government. Constitutional resources were attempted, and an effort made to draw out the militia : they resis ed the requisition ; and that resistance, so far from !>e- ing discountenanced by the legislature then in ces sion, was encouraged by their assuming to them selves the right of declaring the demand to be illegal, unnecessary, and oppressive. Thus supported, the militia, as might have been expected, stood their ground, and resolutely resisted the call to defend their country. The example thus established had already induced the conviction that they w r ere privi leged persons, and had reserved to them, on all oc casions, when called for, the right of determining if the call were regular, why and wherefore made, where they would prefer to act, and be governed accordingly. When, therefore, the first requisition made by Jackson was attempted to be filled, a number maJe a tender of their services as volun teers ; but on this condition, that they were not to be marched from the state. The reply made show ed they were to act with a general who knew noth ing of temporizing policy, and who would go the entire length that safety and necessity required. They were assured his object was to defend the LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 225 country, and that he should do it at every hazard ; that soldiers who entered the ranks with him, to fight the battles of their country, must forget the habits of social life, and be willing and prepared to go wherever duty and danger called ; such were the kind of troops he wanted, and none others would he have. Influenced by these and other considerations, which were daily disclosed ; sensible of the danger that surrounded him ; and from a conviction which he felt was founded not upon light considerations, that the country, without a most decisive course, could not be saved, he brought to the view of the legislature the necessity of suspending the writ of habeas corpus. To attempt himself so new and bold a course, he was satisfied, would draw to him the reproofs and censures of the orthodox politicians of the day, and involve him in various reproaches. The legislature had already interrupted the com merce by declaring and enforcing an embargo ; and the exercise of this subsequent authority, equally necessary with the first, could involve, he supposed, no higher exercise of power than the enactment of an embargo law. He was solicitous, therefore, to relieve himself of the responsibility, by prevailing on the legislature to do that which necessity and the security of the country seemed imperiously to require. They proceeded slowly to the investiga tion, and w r ere deliberating, with great caution, upon their right, authority, and constitutional power to adopt such a measure, when the general, sensible that procrastination was dangerous, and might de feat the objects intended to be answered, assumed all responsibility, and superseded their deliberations 226 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. by declaring the city and environs of New Orle ins under martial law. All persons entering the city were required, m- mediately, to report themselves to the adjutant- gen eral ; and, on failing to do so, were to be arrested and detained for examination. None were to le- part from it, or be suffered to pass beyond the chain of sentinels, but by permission from the comma id- ing general, or one of the staff: nor was any vessel or craft to be permitted to sail on the river, or Jie lakes, but by the same authority, or a passport sign ed by the commander of the naval forces. The lamps were to be extinguished at n.ne o clock at night ; after which time, all persons found in the streets, or from their respective homes, without permission in writing, signed as above, were to be arrested as spies, and detained for exami nation. At a crisis so important, and from a persuasion that the country, in its menaced situation, could not be preserved by the exercise of any ordinary powers, he believed it best to adopt a course that should be efficient, even if it partially endangered the rights and privileges of the citizen. He pro claimed martial law, believing necessity and policy required it ; " under a solemn conviction that the country, committed to his care, could by such a measure alone be saved from utter ruin ; and from a religious belief, that he was performing the most important duty. By it he intended to supersede such civil powers, as, in their operation, interfered with those he was obliged to exercise. He thought that, at such a moment, constitutional forms should he suspended, for the preservation of constitutional LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 227 rights ; and that there could be no question, whether it were better to depart, for a moment, from the enjoyment of our dearest privileges, or to have them wrested from us for ever." This rigid course, however, was by no means well received. Whether it had for its object good or evil ; whether springing from necessity, or from a spirit of oppression in its author, with many, was not a material question : it was sufficient for them to consider it an infraction of the law, to excite their warmest opposition ; whilst the long-approved doctrine of necessitas rei afforded no substantial argument to induce a conviction of its propriety. Whether the civil should yield to military law, or which should have control, with those whose anx ious wishes were for the safety of the state, was not a matter of deep or serious concern ; but to busy pol iticians it opened a field for investigation : and many a fire-side patriot had arguments at command, to prove it an usurpation of power, an outrage upon government, and a violation of the constitution. During the invasion, and while affairs of major im portance impended, no occasion was presented of testing its correctness ; but, soon as the enemy had retired, and before it was ascertained whether, at some more fortunate and less guarded point, they might not return, to renew those efforts which had so lately failed, Dominic k A. Hall, judge of the United States court for this district, determined to wage a war of authority, and to have it decided, if, in any event, the civil power could be deprived of su premacy. Jackson presumed his time of too much importance, at so momentous a period, to be wasted in the discussion of civil matters. He gave to it, therefore, the only attention which he believed its 228 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. officiousness merited, and, instead of obeying the 1 command, ordered the judge to leave the cry. Peace being restored, and danger over, the jud *e renewed the contest ; and, causing the general to appear before him, on a process of contempt, lor detaining and refusing to obey a writ of habeas corpus, which had been directed to him, amerced him in a fine of a thousand dollars. How far he was actuated by correct motives, in exclusion of those feelings which sometimes estrange the judg ment, his own conscience can determine : and how far his proceedings were fair and liberal, will appear hereafter, when, in proper order, we exam ine this prosecution. For the present, we are con fident, that, if ever there was a case that could jus tify or excuse a departure from the law, its features were not stronger than those which influenced Gen eral Jackson, on the present occasion, in suspend ing the rights of the citizens. If Judge Hall were impelled to the course he took, in defence of the violated dignity of the constitution, and to protect the rights of a government, whose judicial powers he represented, whether right or wrong, he de serves not censure ; although it might be well re plied, that a fairer opportunity of showing his devot- edness to his country had just passed, when he might truly have aided in defence of her honour, nor left even room for his motives to have been unfairly appreciated. Learning the rumours that had been propagated, and fearing lest they might have an injurious ten dency, Jackson immediately circulated an address to his troops, in which he sought to counteract the effect, and preserve their ardour and devotion to their country. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 229 " Believe not," he observed, " that the threaten ed invasion is with a view to restore the country to Spain. It is founded in design, and a supposition that you would be willing to return to your ancient government. Listen not to such incredible tales : your government is at peace with Spain. It is your vital enemy, the common enemy of mankind, the highway robber of the world, that has sent his hire lings among you, to put you from your guard, that you may fall an easier prey. Then look to your liberty, your property, the chastity of your wives and daughters. Take a retrospect of the conduct of the British army at Hampton, and at other places, where it has entered our country and every bosom, which glows with patriotism and virtue, will be in spired with indignation, and pant for the arrival of the hour when we shall meet and revenge those outrages against the laws of civilization and hu manity." With the exception of the Kentucky troops, all the forces expected had arrived. General Carroll had reachtd Coffee s encampment, four miles above the city, on the 21st, and had immediately reported to the commanding general. The officers were busily engaged in drilling, manoeuvring, and or ganizing the troops, and in having every thing ready for action. No doubt was entertained, but the British would be able to effect a landing at some point: the principal thing to be guarded against was not to prevent it ; fcr, since the loss of the gun-boats, any attempt of this kind could only be regarded as hopeless : but, by preserving a con stant vigilance, they might be met at the very threshold. Small guard-boats were constantly ply ing on the lakes, to give information of every move- 20 30 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. ment. Some of these had come in, late on the evening of the 22d, and reported that all was quiet, and that no unfavourable appearance portended in that direction. With such vigilance, constantly Exercised, it is astonishing that the enemy should have effected an invasion, and succeeded in disem barking so large a force, without the slightest inti mation being had, until they were accidentally dis covered emerging from the swamp, about seven miles below the city. The general impression is, that it was through information given by a small party of Spanish fishermen, that so secret a disem barkation was effected. Several of them had set tled at the mouth of this bayou, and supported them selves by fish which they caught, and vended in the market at New Orleans. Obstructions had been ordered to be made on every inlet, and the Louis iana militia were despatched for that purpose. This place had not received the attention its importance merited ; nor was it until the 22d, that General Vil- lery, charged with the execution of this order, had placed here a small detachment of men. Towards day, the enemy, silently proceeding up the bayou, landed, and succeeded in capturing the whole of this party, but two, who, fleeing to the swamp, en deavoured to reach the city ; but, owing to the thick undergrowth and briers, they did not arrive until after the enemy had reached the banks of the Mississippi, and been discovered. Bayou Bienvenu, through which the British ef fected a landing, is an arm of considerable width, stretching towards the Mississippi from Lake Borgne, and about fifteen miles south-east of New Orleans. It had been reported to General Jackson on the 23d, that, on the day before, several strange LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 231 sail had been descried off Terre au Boeuf. To as certain correctly the truth of the statement, Majors Tatum and Latour, topographical engineers, were sent, with orders to proceed in that direction, and learn if any thing were attempting there. It was towards noon of the 23d, when they started. Ap proaching General Villery s plantation, and perceiv ing at a distance soldiers and persons fleeing away, they at once supposed the enemy had arrived. What, however, was but surmise, was presently rendered certain ; and it was now no longer a doubt, but the British had landed, in considerable force, and had actually gained, unobserved, the house of General Villery, on the bank of the Mississippi, where they had surprised, and made prisoners, a company of militia, there posted. Major Tatum, hastening back, announced his discovery. Preparations to act were immediately made by General Jackson. Believing that to act speedily was of the highest importance, the signal guns were fired, and expresses sent forward, to concentrate his forces; resolving that night to meet the invaders, and try his own and their firm ness. 232 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. CHAPTER IX. General Jackson concentrates his forces, and marches to Jight th enemy. Alarms of the city. Anecdote. Mode of attack, am battle of the 23rf of December. British re-enforcements arriv during the action. Arrival of General Carroll s division^ On,- army retires from the field. Effects of this battle. Jackson cs tablishes a line of defence.. General Morgan is ordered on tfi : right bank of the Mississippi. Destruction and loss of the Car oline schooner. Battle of the 28</i December. Conduct of th > legislature of Louisiana ; their deliberations suspended. Scar city of arms in tlie American camp. Colonel Hinds. THE hour to test the bravery of his troops ar rived. The approach of the enemy, flushed with the hope of easy victory, was announced to Jackson a little after one o clock in the afternoon. He well knew the greater part of his troops were inured to fatigue, while those opposed to him had just been landed from a long voyage, and were without ac tivity, and unfitted for bodily exertion. Moreover, a part only might have arrived from the shipping, while the remainder would be certainly disembark ed as early as possible. These circumstances seemed to augment, in his behalf, the chances of victory. He resolved, at all events, to march, and that night give them battle. Generals Coffee and Carrol] were ordered to proceed immediately from their encampment, and join him. Although four miles above, they arrived in the city in less than two hours after the order had been issued. These forces, with the seventh and forty-fourth regiments, the Louisiana troops, and "Colonel Hinds dragoons, from Mississippi, constituted the strength of his army, which could be carried into action against an LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 233 enemy whose numbers, at this time, could only be conjectured. It was thought advisable that Gen eral Carroll and his division should be disposed in the rear, for the reason that there was no correct information of the force landed through Villery s Canal, and because Jackson feared that this proba bly might be merely a feint, intended to divert his attention, while a more numerous division, having already gained some point higher on the lake, might, by advancing in his absence, gain his rear, and suc ceed in their designs. Uncertain of their move ments, it was essential he should be prepared for the worst, and, by different dispositions of his troops, be ready to resist, in whatever quarter he might be assailed. Carroll, therefore, at the head of his division, and Governor Claiborne, with the state militia, were directed to take post on the Gentilly road, which leads from Chef Menteur to New Orleans, and to defend it to the last extremity. Alarm pervaded the city. The marching and countermarching of the troops, the proximity of the enemy, with the approaching contest, and un certainty of the issue, had excited a general fear. Colonel Hayne, with two companies of riflemen, and the Mississippi dragoons, was sent forward to recon noitre their camp, learn their position and numbers ; and, in the event they should be found advancing, to harass and oppose them at every step, until the main body should arrive. Every thing being ready, General Jackson com menced his march to meet the veteran troops of England. An inconsiderable circumstance, at this moment, evinced what unlimited confidence was re posed in his bravery. As his troops were marching through the city, his ears were assailed with the 20* 234 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. screams and cries of innumerable females, who had collected on the way, and seemed to apprehend tin; worst of consequences. Feeling for their distress es, and anxious to quiet them, he directed Mr. Liv ingston, one of his aids-de-camp, to address them in the French language. "Say to them," said he, " not to be alarmed : the enemy shall never reach the city." It operated like an electric shock. To know that he himself was not apprehensive of a fatal result, inspired them with altered feelings ; sorrov/ was ended, and their grief converted into confidence . The general arrived in view of the enemy a lit tle before dark. Having ascertained from Colonel Hay ne their position, and that their strength was about two thousand men,* he immediately concert ed the mode of attack, and hastened to execute il. Commodore Patterson, who commanded the naval forces on this station, with Captain Henly, on board the Caroline, had been directed to drop down, an chor in front of their line, and open upon them from the guns of the schooner : this being the appointed signal, when given, the attack was to be waged simultaneously on all sides. The fires from their camp disclosed their position, and showed their en campment, formed with the left resting on the riv er, and extending at right angles into the open field. General Coffee, with -"his brigade, Colonel Hinds dragoons, and Captain Seal s company of riflemen, were ordered to oblique to the left, and, by a circuitous route, avoid their pickets, and en deavour to turn their right wing ; having succeed- * This opinion, as it afterwards appeared, was incorrect. Th<? number of the enemy, at the commencement of the action, was three thousand, and was shortly afterwards increased by addition al forces : our strength did not exceed two thousand. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 235 ed in this, to form his line, and press the enemy to wards the river, where they would be exposed more completely to the fire of the Caroline. The rest of the troops, consisting of the regulars, Ploache s city volunteers, Daquin s coloured troops, the artil lery under Lieutenant Spotts, supported by a compa ny of marines commanded by Colonel M Kee, ad vanced on the road along the bank of the Missis sippi, and were commanded by Jackson in person. General Coffee with caution had advanced be yond their pickets, next the swamp, and nearly reached the point to which he was ordered, when a broadside from the Caroline announced the battle begun. Patterson had proceeded slowly, giving time, as he believed, for the execution of those ar rangements contemplated on the shore. So san guine had the British been in the belief that they would be kindly received, and little opposition at tempted, that the Caroline floated by the sentinels, and anchored before their camp, without any kind of molestation. On passing the front picket, she was hailed in a low tone of voice, but, not returning an answer, no further question was made. This, added to some other circumstances, confirmed the opinion that they believed her a vessel laden with provisions, which had been sent out from New Or leans, and was intended for them. Having reach ed what, from their fires, appeared to be the centre of their encampment, her anchors were cast, and her character and business disclosed from her guns. So unexpected an attack produced a momentary confusion ; but, recovering, she was answered by a discharge of musketry, and flight of congreve rock ets, which passed without injury, while the grape and canister from her guns were pouring destruc- 236 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. lively on them. To take away the certainty of aim afforded by the light from their firea, these were immediately extinguished, and they retired two or three hundred yards into the open field, if not out of the reach of the cannon, at least to a distance where, by the darkness of the night, they would be protected. Coffee had dismounted his men, and turned his horses loose, at a large ditch, next the swamp, in the rear of Larond s plantation, and gained, as he be lieved, the centre of the enemy s line, when the sig nal from the Caroline reached him. He directly wheeled his columns in, and, extending his line par allel with the river, moved towards their camp. He had advanced scarcely more than a hundred yards, when he received a heavy fire from a line formed in his front ; this, to him, was unexpected, as he supposed the enemy lying principally at a distance, and that the only opposition he should meet, until he approached towards the levee,* would be from their advanced pickets. The circumstance of his coming in contact with them so soon was owing to the severe attack of the schooner, which had compelled the enemy to abandon their camp, and form without the reach of her guns. The moon shone, but reflected her light too feebly to discover objects at a distance. The only means, therefore, of producing certain effect, with the kind of force engaged, which consisted chiefly of rifle- * Banks thrown up on the margin of the river to confine the stream to its bed ; and which are extended along the Mississippi on both sides, from the termination of the highlands, near Baton Rouge. Frequently the river, in its vernal floods, rises above the elevation of the plains, and then the security of the country depends on the strength of those levees : they not unfrequent- ly break, when incalculable injury is the consequence. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 237 men, was not to venture at random, but to discharge their pieces only when there should be a certainty of felling the object. This order being given, the line pressed on, and, having gained a position near enough to distinguish, a general fire was given : it was well directed, and too destructive to be with stood : the enemy gave way, and retreated, ral lied, formed, were charged, and again retreated. Our gallant yeomanry, led by their brave command er, urged fearlessly on, and drove their invaders from every position they attempted to maintain. The enemy, driven back by the resolute firmness of the assailants, had now reached a grove of orange trees, with a ditch running past it, protected by a fence on the margin. Here they halted, and form ed for battle. It was a position promising securi ty, and was occupied with confidence. Coffee s dauntless yeomanry, strengthened in their hopes of success, moved on, nor discovered the advantages against them, until a fire from the entire British line showed their position. A sudden check was given ; but it was only momentary ; for, gathering fresh ardour, they charged across the ditch, gave a deadly fire, and forced them to retire. The retreat continued, until, gaming a similar position, the ene my made another stand, and were again driven from it with considerable loss. Thus the battle raged on the left wing, until the British reached the bank of the river ; here a de termined stand was made, and further encroach ments resisted ; for half an hour the conflict was extremely violent on both sides. The American troops could not be driven from their purpose, nor the British made to yield their ground : but at length, having suffered greatly, the latter were un- 238 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. der the necessity of taking refuge behind the levee, which afforded a breast-work, and protected them from the fatal fire of our riflemen. Coffee, unac quainted with their position, for the darkness had greatly increased, already contemplated again to charge them ; but one of his officers, who had dis covered the advantage their situation gave them, assured him it was too hazardous ; that they could be driven no farther, and would, from the point thoy occupied, resist with the bayonet, and repel, with considerable loss, any attempt that might be made to dislodge them. The place of their retireme it was covered in front by a strong bank, which had been extended into the field, to keep out the river, in consequence of the first being encroached upon, and undermined in several places : the former, how ever, was still entire in many parts, which, inter posing between them and the Mississippi, afforded se curity from the broadsides of the schooner, which lay off at some distance. A further apprehension, lest, by moving still nearer to the river, he might greatly expose himself to the fire of the Caroline, which was yet spiritedly maintaining the conflict, induced Coffee to retire until he could hear from the commanding general, and receive his orders. During this time, the right wing, under Jackson, had been no less active. A detachment of artille ry, under Lieutenant Spotts, supported by sixty ma rines, constituting the advance, had moved down the road next the levee. On their left was the seventh regiment of infantry, led by Major Piere. The forty-fourth, commanded by Major Baker, was formed on the extreme left ; while Plauche s arid Daquin s battalions of city guards were directed to be posted in the centre, between the seventh and LIFE Or GENERAL JACKSON. 239 forty-fourth. The general had ordered Colonel Ross, who, during the night, acted in the capacity of brigadier-general, for he was without a briga dier, on hearing the signal from the Caroline, to move off by heads of companies, and, on reaching the enemy s line, to deploy, and unite the left wing of his command with the right of General Coffee s. This order was omitted to be executed ; and the consequence was confusion in the ranks. Instead of moving in column from the first posi tion, the troops, with the exception of the seventh regiment, next the person of the general, which advanced agreeably to the instructions that had been given, were formed and marched in extended line. Having sufficient ground to form on at first, no inconvenience was at the moment sustained ; but, this advantage presently failing, the centre became compressed, and was forced in the rear. The river, from where they were formed, gradually inclined to the left, and diminished the space originally pos sessed : farther in stood Larond s house, surround ed by a grove of clustered orange trees ; this press ing the left, and the river the right wing to the cen tre, formed a curve, which presently threw the prin cipal partofPlauche sand Daquin s battalions with out the line. This inconvenience might have been remedied, but for the briskness of the advance, and for the darkness of the night. A heavy fire from behind a fence, immediately before them, had brought the enemy to view. Acting in obedience to their orders not to waste their ammunition at random, our troops had pressed forward against the opposition in their front, and thereby threw those battalions in the rear. 240 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. A fog rising from the river, which, added to the smoke from the guns, was covering the plain grad ually, diminished the little light shed by the moon, and greatly increased the darkness of the night: no clue was left to ascertain how the enemy were situated. There was no alternative but to move on in the direction of their fire, which subjected the assailants to material disadvantages. The British, driven from their first position, had retired bac k, and occupied another, behind a deep ditch, that r in out of the Mississippi towards the swamp, on t le margin of which was a wood railed fence. Heie, strengthened by increased numbers, they again op posed the advance of our troops. Having waited until they had approached sufficiently near to be discovered, they discharged a fire upon the advanc ing army. Instantly our battery was formed, and poured destructively upon them ; while the infan try, pressing forward, aided in the conflict, which at this point was for some time spiritedly maintained. At this moment, a brisk sally was made upon our advance, when the marines, unequal to the assault, were already giving way. The adjutant-general, and Colonels Piatt and Chotard, with a part of the seventh, hastening to their support, drove the ene my, and saved the artillery from capture. General Jackson, perceiving the decided advantages which were derived from the position they occupied, or dered their line to be charged. It was obeyed and executed with promptness. Pressing on, our troops gained the ditch, and, pouring across it a well-aim ed fire, compelled them to retreat, and abandon their entrenchment. The plain, on which they were contending, was cut to pieces, by races from the river, to convey the water to the swamp. The LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 241 enemy were, therefore, very soon enabled to occu py another position, equally favourable with the one whence they had been just driven, where they form ed for battle, and, for some time, gallantly main tained themselves ; but which, after stubborn resist ance, they were forced to yield. The enemy, discovering the obstinate advance made by the right wing of the American army, and pre suming perhaps that its principal strength was post ed on the road, formed the intention of attacking violently the left. Obliquing for this purpose, an attempt was made to turn it. At this moment, Da- quin s and the battalion of city guards, being march ed up, and formed on the left of the forty-fourth regiment, repulsed them. The particular moment of the contest prevented many of those benefits, which might have been de rived from the artillery. The darkness of the night was such, that the blaze of the enemy s musketry was the only light afforded, by which to determine their position, or be capable of taking our own to advantage ; yet, notwithstanding, it greatly annoy ed them, whenever it could be brought to bear. Directed by Lieutenant Spotts, a vigilant and skil ful officer, with men to aid him who looked to noth ing but a zealous discharge of their duty, the most important services were rendered. The enemy had been thrice beaten, and for near ly a mile compelled to yield their ground. They had now retired, and, if found, were to be sought for amidst the darkness of the night. The gene ral determined to halt, and ascertain Coffee s posi tion and success, previously to waging the battle further ; for as yet no communication had passed between them. The Caroline had almost ceased 21 242 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. her operations ; it being only occasionally, that fie noise of her guns disclosed the little opportunity she possessed of acting efficiently. The express despatched to General Jackson from the left wing having reached him, he determined to prosecute the successes he had gained no fur ther. The darkness of the night, the confusion into which his own division had been thrown, and a similar disaster produced on the part of Coffee, all pointed to the necessity of retiring from the field. The bravery displayed by his troops had induced a belief, that, by pressing forward, he might capture the whole British army : at any rate, he considered it but a game of hazard, which, if unsuccessful, could not occasion his own defeat. If incompetent to its execution, and superior numbers, or superior disci pline, should compel him to recede from the effort, he well knew the enemy would not have temerity enough to attempt pursuit. The extreme darkness, their entire ignorance of the situation of the coun try, and an apprehension lest their forces might be greatly outnumbered, afforded sufficient reasons on which to ground a belief, that, although beaten from his purpose, he would yet have it in his power to retire in safety ; but, on the arrival of the ex press from General Coffee, learning the strong po sition to which the enemy had retired, and that a part of the left wing had been detached, and were in all probability captured, he determined to retire from the contest, nor attempt a further prosecution of his successes. General Coffee was accordingly directed to withdraw, and take a position at Larond s plantation, where the line had been first formed : and thither the troops on the right were also order ed to be marched. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 243 The last charge made by the left wing had sep arated from the main body Colonels Dyer and Gib son, with two hundred men, and Captain Seal s com pany of riflemen. What might be their fate ; whether they were captured, or had effected their retreat, was, at this time, altogether uncertain ; be that as it might, Coffee s command was considera bly weakened. Colonel Dyer, who commanded the extreme left, on clearing the grove, after the enemy had retired, was marching in a direction where he expected to find General Coffee : he very soon discovered a force in front, and, halting his men, hastened towards it : arriving within a short distance, he was hailed, ordered to stop, and report to whom he belonged : Dyer, and Gibson, his lieutenant-colonel, who ac companied him, advanced, and stated they were of Coffee s brigade : by this time they had arrived within a short distance of the line, and, perceiving that the name of the brigade they had stated was not understood, their apprehensions were awaken ed, lest it might be a detachment of the enemy ; in this opinion they were immediately confirmed, and, wheeling to return, were fired on and pursued. Gibson had scarcely started when he fell : before he could recover, a soldier, quicker than the rest, had reached him, and pinned him to the ground with his bayonet ; fortunately the stab had but slightly wounded him, and he was only held by his clothes ; thus pinioned, and perceiving others to be briskly advancing, but a moment was left for delib eration ; making a violent exertion, and springing to his feet, he threw his assailant to the ground, and made good his retreat. Colonel Dyer had retreat ed about fifty yards, when his horse dropped dead ; 244 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. entangled in the fall, and slightly wounded in the thigh, there was little prospect of relief, for the c n- emy were briskly advancing ; his men being nt ar at hand, he ordered them to advance and fire, which checked their approach, and enabled him to escape. Being now at the head of his command, perce v- ing an enemy in a direction he had not expected, and uncertain how or where he might find Gene -al Coffee, he determined to seek him to the right, and, moving on with his little band, forced his way throu h the enemy s lines, with the loss of sixty-three of his men, who were killed and taken. Captain Beal, with equal bravery, charged through the enemy, car rying off some prisoners, and losing several of his own company. This re-enforcement of the British had arrived from Bayou Bicnvenu, after night. The boats that landed the first detachment, proceeded back to the shipping, and, having returned, were on their way up the bayou, when they heard the guns of the Caroline ; moving hastily on to the assistance of those who had debarked before, they reached the shore, and, knowing nothing of the situation of the two armies, during the engagement advanced in the rear of General Coffee s brigade. Coming in con tact with Colonel Dyer and Captain Beal, they filed off to the left, and reached the British linos. This detached part of Coffee s brigade, unable to unite with, or find him, retired to the place where they had first formed, and joined Colonel Hinds dragoons, which had remained on the ground where the troops had first dismounted, that they might cov er their retreat, in the event it became necessary. Jackson had gone into this battle confident of success; and his arrangements were such as would LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 245 have ensured it, even to a much greater extent, but for the intervention of circumstances that were not, and could riot be foreseen. The Caroline had giv en her signals, and commenced the battle, a little too early, before Coffee had reached his position, and before every thing was fully in readiness to at tain the objects designed : but it was chiefly owing to the confusion introduced at first into the ranks, which checked the rapidity of his advance, gave the enemy time for preparation, and prevented his division from uniting with the right wing of Gener al Coffee s brigade. Colonel Hinds, with one hundred and eighty dra goons, was not brought into action during the night. Interspersed as the plain was with innumerable ditches, diverging in different directions, it was im possible that cavalry could act to any kind of ad vantage : they were now formed in advance, to watch, until morning, the movements of the enemy. From the experiment just made, Jackson believ ed it would be in his power, on renewing the attack, to capture the British army : lie concluded, there fore, to order down to his assistance General Car roll with his division, and to assail them again at the dawn of day. Directing Governor Claiborne to remain at his post, with the Louisiana militia, for the defence of an important pass to the city, the Gentilly road, he despatched an express to Carroll, stating to him, that, in the event there had been no appearance of a force during the night, in the di rection of Chef Menteur, to join him with the troops under his command : this order was executed by one o clock in the morning. Previously, however, to his arrival, a different determination was made. From prisoners who had been brought in, and through 21* 246 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. deserters, it was ascertained that the strength of the enemy, during the battle, was four thousand, and, with the re-enforcements which had reached them, after its commencement, and during the ac tion, their force could not be less than six: at any rate, it would greatly exceed his own, even af ,er the Tennessee division should be added. Although very decided advantages had been obtained, vet they had been procured under circumstances that might be wholly lost in a contest waged, in oj en day, between forces so disproportionate, and by un disciplined troops, against veteran soldiers. Jack son well knew it was incumbent upon him to act a part entirely defensive : should the attempt to de stroy the city succeed, numerous difficulties would present themselves, which might be avoided, so long as he could hold the enemy in check. Prompt ed by these considerations, and believing it attainable in no "way so effectually as in occupying some point, and, by the strength he might give it, compensate for the inferiority of his numbers, and their want of discipline, he determined to forbear all further offensive efforts until he could more certainly dis cover the views of the enemy, and until the Ken tucky troops should reach him. Pursuing this idea, at four o clock in the morning, having ordered Co lonel Hinds to occupy the ground he was then aban doning, and to observe the enemy closely, he fell back, and formed his line behind a deep ditch that stretched to the swamp at right angles from the river. There were two circumstances recommend ing the importance of this place : the swamp, which, from the high lands, at Baton Rouge, skirts the riv er at irregular distances, and in many places is al most impervious, had here approached within four LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 247 hundred yards of the Mississippi, and hence, from the narrowness of the pass, was more easily to be defended ; added to which, there was a deep canal, whence the dirt, being thrown on the upper side, al ready formed a tolerable work of defence. Behind this his troops were formed, and proper measures adopted for increasing its strength, with a deter mination never to abandon it. , Promptitude in decision, and activity in execu tion, constituted the leading traits of Jackson s char acter. No sooner had he resolved on the course which he thought necessary to be pursued, than with every possible despatch he hastened to its comple tion. Before him was an army proud of its name, and distinguished for its deeds of valour ; oppos ed to which was his own unbending spirit, and an inferior, undisciplined and unarmed force. He con ceived, therefore, that his was a defensive policy ; that, by prudence, he should be able to preserve what offensive operation might have a tendency to endanger. Hence, with activity and industry, bas ed on a hope of ultimate success, he commenced his plan of defence, determining to fortify himself effect ually, as the peril and pressure of the moment would permit. When to expect attack he could not tell , readiness to meet it was for him to determine on ; all else was for the enemy. Promptly, therefore, he pro ceeded with his system of defence : and with such anxiety, that, until the night of the 27th, when his line was completed, he never slept, or for a moment closed his eyes. Resting his hope of safety here, he was every where, through the night, present, en couraging his troops, and hastening a completion of the work. The excitement produced by the mighty object before him was such as overcame the demand 248 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON- of nature, and for five days and four nights he was without sleep, and constantly employed. His line of defence being completed on the night of tiie 27th, he, for the first time since the arrival of tic enemy, retired to rest and repose. The soldier who has stood the shock of battle, and knows what slight circumstances oftentimes produce decided advantages, will be able to appie- ciate the events of this night. Although the dread ful carnage of the 8th of January, hereafter to be told, was in fact the finishing blow, that struck down the towering hopes of those invaders, yet in t \c battle of the 23d is there to be found abundant cause why success resulted to our arms. The Br t- ish had reached the Mississippi without the fire of a gun, and encamped upon its banks as compose 1- ly as if they had been seated on their own soil. These were circumstances which awakened a b > lief that they expected little opposition, were cer tain of success, and that the troops with whom they were to contend would scarcely venture to re sist them : resting thus confidently in the expecta tion of success, they would the next day have mov ed forward, and succeeded in the accomplishment of their designs. Jackson, convinced that an ear ly impression was essential to ultimate success, had resolved to assail them at the moment of their land ing, and " attack them in their first position :" we have, therefore, seen him, with a force inferior, by one half, to that of the enemy, at an unexpected moment, break into their camp, and, with his undis ciplined yeomanry, drive before him the pride of England, and the conquerors of Europe. It was I an event that could not fail to destroy all previous theories, and establish a conclusion, which our en- LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 249 emy had not before formed, that they were con tending against valour inferior to none they had seen ; before which their own bravery had not stood, nor their skill availed them : it had the ef fect of satisfying them, that the quantity and kind of troops it was in our power to wield, must be dif ferent from any thing that had been represented to them ; for, much as they had heard of the courage of the man with whom they were contending, they could not suppose, that a general, having a country to defend, and a reputation to preserve, would ven ture to attack, on their own chosen ground, a great ly superior army, and one, which, by the numerous victories it had achieved, had already acquired a fame in arms ; they were convinced that his force must greatly surpass what they had expected, and be composed of materials different from what they had imagined. The American troops, which were actually en gaged, did not amount to two thousand men : they consisted of part of Coffee s brigade and Captain Beal s company, 648 The 7th and 44th regiments, - 763 Company of marines and artillery, - - 82 Plauche s and Daquin s battalions, 488 And the Mississippi dragoons under Colonel ) Hinds, not in the action, - j 2167* which, for more than an hour, maintained a severe conflict with a force of four or five thousand, and retired in safety from the ground, with the loss of * This statement may be relied on ; it was furnished to the au thor by Colonel Robert Butler, adjutant-general of the southeru division, who assured him it was correct. 250 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. but twenty-four killed, one hundred and fifteen - wounded, and seventy-four made prisoners ; while the killed, wounded, and prisoners, of the enemy, were not less than four hundred. Our officers and soldiers executed every order with promptitude, and nobly sustained their coun try s character. Lieutenant-Colonel Lauderdsle, of Coffee s brigade, an officer of great promise, and on whom every reliance was placed, fell at his post, and at his duty: he had entered the service, end descended the river with the volunteers under Gen eral Jackson, in the winter of 1812, passed through all the hardships of the Creek war, and had ever manifested a readiness to act when his country needed his services. Young, brave, and skilful, he had already afforded evidences of a capacity, which might, in future, have become useful ; his exemplary conduct, both in civil and military life, had acquired for him a respect, that rendered his fall a subject of general regret. Lieutenant M Lelland, a valua ble young officer of the 7th, was also among the number of the slain. Coffee s brigade, during the action, bravely sup ported the character they had established. The unequal contest in which they were engaged never occurred, nor, for a moment, checked the rapidity of their advance. Had the British known they were riflemen, without bayonets, a firm stand would have arrested their progress, and destruction or capture would have been the inevitable conse quence ; but this being unknown, every charge they made was crowned with success. Officers, from the highest to inferior grades, discharged what had been expected of them. Ensign Leach, of the 7th regiment, being wounded through the LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 251 body, still remained at his post, and in the per formance of his duty. Colonel Reuben Kemper, amidst the confusion introduced on the left wing, found himself at the head of a handful of men, de tached from the main body, and in the midst of a party of the enemy : to attempt resistance was idle : he sought safety through stratagem. Calling to a group of soldiers w r ho were near, in a positive tone, he demanded of them where their regiment was : lost themselves, they were unable to answer ; but, supposing him one of their own officers, they assent ed to his orders, and followed him to his own line, where they were made prisoners. The 7th regiment, commanded by Major Piere, and the 44th, under Major Baker, aided by Major Butler, gallantly maintained the conflict, forced the enemy from every secure position he attempted to occupy, and drove him a mile from the first point of attack. Confiding in themselves, and their gene ral, who was constantly with them, exposed to dan ger, and in the midst of the fight, inspiring by his ardour, and encouraging by his example, they ad vanced to the conflict, nor evinced a disposition to leave it until the prudence of their commander di rected them to retire. From the violence of the assault, the fears of the British had been greatly excited : to keep their ap prehensions alive was considered important, with a view to destroy the overweening confidence with which they had arrived on our shores, and to com pel them to act, for a time, upon the defensive. To effect this, General Coffee, with his brigade, was ordered down, on the morning of the 24th, to unite with Colonel Hinds, and make a show in the rear of Lacoste s plantation. The enemy, not yet re- 252 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. covered of the panic of the preceding evening, b > lieved it was in contemplation to urge another at tack, and immediately formed themselves to repel it; but Coffee, having succeeded in recovering some < of his horses, which were wandering along the mar gin of the swamp, and in regaining part of the clot-i- ing which his troops had lost the night before, re turned to the line, leaving them to conjecture tiie objects of his movement. The scanty supply of clothes and blankets that remained to the soldiers, from their long and expc s- ed marches, had been left where they dismount id to meet the enemy. Their numbers were too lim ited, and the strength of their opponents too woll ascertained, for any part of their force to remain and take care of what was left behind : it was so essential to hasten on, reach their destination, and be ready to act when the signal from the Caroline should announce their co-operation necessary, that no time was afforded them to secure their horses ; they were turned loose, and their recovery trust ed to chance. Although many were regained, many were lost ; while most of the men remained with a single suit, to encounter, in the open field, and in swamps covered with water, the hardships of camp, and the severity of winter. It is a circum stance which entitles them to much credit, that, under privations so oppressive, complaints were never heard. This state of things was not of long continuance. The story of their sufferings was no sooner known, than the legislature appropriated a sum of money for their relief, which was greatly increased by subscriptions in the city and neigh bourhood. Materials being purchased, the ladies, with that warmth of heart characteristic of tht-ir LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 253 sex, at once exerted themselves in removing- their distresses : all their industry was called into action, and, in a little time, the suffering soldier was re lieved. Such generous conduct, in extending as sistance at a moment when it was so much needed, while it conferred on those females the highest hon our, could not fail to nerve the arm of the brave with new zeal for the defence of their benefactress es. This distinguished mark of their benevolence is still remembered ; and often as these valiant men are heard to recount the dangers they have passed, they breathe a sentiment of gratitude to those who conferred upon them such distinguished marks of their kindness. To keep up a show of resistance, detachments of light troops were occasionally kept in front of the line, harassing the enemy s advanced posts whenever an opportunity was offered. Every moment that could be gained, and every delay that could be extended to the enemy s attempts to reach the city, was of the utmost importance. The works were rapidly progressing, and hourly increasing in strength. The militia of the state were every day arriving, and every day the prospect of successful opposition was brightening. The enemy still remained at his first encamp ment. To be in readiness to repel an assault when attempted, the most active exertions were made on the 24th and 25th. The canal, covering the front of our line, was deepened and widened, and a strong mud wall formed of the earth thrown out, To prevent any approach until his system of defence should be in greater forwardness, Jackson ordered the levee to be cut, about a hundred yards below the point he had occupied. The river being- very 254 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. high, a broad stream of water passed rapidly throng i the plain, of the depth of thirty or forty inche;;, which prevented any approach of troops on foo:. Embrasures were formed, and two pieces of arti - lery, under the command of Lieutenant Spotts, early on the morning of the 24th, were placed in a pos - tion to rake the road leading up the levee. He was under constant apprehensions, lest, in spite of his exertions below, the city might, through some other route, be reached ; and those fears were increased to-day, by a report that a strong force lifd arrived, and debarked at the head of Lake Borgii3. This, however, proved to be unfounded : the enen.y had not appeared in that direction, nor had the ofii- cer, to whom was intrusted the command of this fort, so much relied on, forgotten his duty, or for saken his post. Acting upon the statement that Major Lacoste had retired from the fort, and fallen back on Bayou St. John, and incensed that orders, which, from their importance, should have been faithfully executed, had been thus lightly regarded, he hastened to inform him what he had understood, and to forbid his leaving his position. " The bat tery I have placed under your command must be defended at all hazards. In you, and the valour of your troops, I repose every confidence ; let me not be deceived. With us every thing goes on well : the enemy has not yet advanced. Our troops have covered themselves with glory : it is a noble ex ample, and worthy to be followed by all. Maintain your post, nor ever think of retreating." To give additional strength to a place deemed so important, to inspire confidence, and ensure safety, Colonel Dyer and two hundred men were ordered to assist LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 255 in its defence, and act as videttes, in advance of the occupied points. General Morgan, who, at the English Turn, com manded the fort on the east bank of the river, was instructed to proceed as near the enemy s camp as prudence would permit, and, by destroying the levee, to let in the waters of the Mississippi between them. The execution of this order, and a similar one, pre viously made, below the line of defence, had entire ly insulated the enemy, and prevented his march against either place. On the 26th, however, the commanding general, fearing for the situation of Morgan, who, from the British occupying the inter mediate ground, was entirely detached from his camp, directed him to abandon his encampment, carry off such of the cannon as might be wanted, and throw the remainder into the river, where they could be again recovered when the waters reced ed ; to retire to the other side of the river, and as sume a position on the right bank, nearly opposite to his line, and have it fortified. This movement was imposed by the relative disposition of the two armies. Necessity, not choice, made it essential that St. Leon should be abandoned. From every intelligence, obtained through de serters and prisoners, it was evident that the British fleet would make an effort to ascend the river, and co-operate with the troops already landed. Lest this, or a diversion in a different quarter, might be attempted, exertions were made to interpose such defences on the Mississippi as might assure protec tion. The forts on the river, well supported with brave men, and heavy pieces of artillery, might, perhaps, have the effect to deter their shipping from venturing in that direction, and dispose them to seek 256 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. some safer route, if any could be discovered. Pass Barrataria was best calculated for this purpose. The difficulty of ascending the Mississippi, from tie rapidity of the current, its winding course, and t le ample protection given at Forts St. Philip and Boi r- bon, were circumstances to which, it was not to be inferred, the British were strangers. It was a more rational conjecture that they would seek a passage through Barrataria, proceed up on the ri^ht bank of the river, and gain a position whence, co-operating with the forces on the east side, they might drive our troops from the line they had form ed. Major Reynolds was acccordingly ordeied thither, with instructions to place the bayous, emp tying through this pass, in the best possible stite of defence to occupy the island to mount suffi cient ordnance, and draw a chain, within cannon- shot, across, and protect it from approach. Lafite, who had been heretofore promised pardon for the outrages he had committed against the laws of the United States, was also despatched with Rey nolds. He was selected, because his knowledge of the topography and precise situation of this section of the state was remarkably correct: it was the point where he had constantly rendezvoused, dur ing the time of cruising against the merchant ves sels of Spain, under a commission obtained at Car- thagena, and where he had become perfectly ac quainted with every inlet and entrance to the gulf through which a passage could be effected. With these arrangements treason apart all anxiously alive to the interest of the country, and disposed to protect it, there was little room to ap prehend disaster. To use the general s own expres sion, on another occasion, " the surest defence, and LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 257 one which seldom failed of success, was a rampart of high-minded and brave men." There were some of this description witli him, on whom he could safely rely, in moments of extreme peril. As yet the enemy were uninformed of the posi tion of Jackson. They had been constantly engag ed, since their landing, in procuring from their ship ping every thing necessary to ulterior operations. A complete command on the lakes, and possession of a point on the margin, presented an uninterrupt ed ingress and egress, and afforded the opportunity of conveying whatever was wanted, in perfect safe ty, to their camp. The height of the Mississippi, and the discharge of water through the openings made in the levee, Lad given an increased depth to the canal, from which they had first debarked, en abled them to advance their boats much farther, in the direction of their encampment, and to bring up their artillery, bombs, and munitions. Thus engag ed, during the first three days after their arrival, early on the morning of the 27th, a battery was discovered on the bank of the river, erected during the preceding night, and on which were mounted several pieces of heavy ordnance ; from this position a fire was opened on the Caroline schooner, lying under the opposite shore. After the battle of the 23d, in which this vessel had so effectually aided, she had passed to the op posite side of the river, where she had since lain. Her services were too highly appreciated not to be again desired, in the event the enemy should en deavour to advance. Her present situation was considered unsafe, but it had been essayed in vain to advance her higher up the stream. No favoura ble breeze had yet arisen to aid her in stemming 22* 258 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON- the current ; and towing, and other remedies, h id been resorted to without success. Her safety might have been ensured by floating her down the rivor, and placing her under cover of the guns of the fort, though it was preferred, as a matter of policy, to risk her where she was, hourly calculating thai a favourable wind might relieve her, rather than, by dropping her with the current, lose those benefits which, against an advance of the enemy, it might be in her power to extend. Commodore Patterson had left her on the 26th, by the orders of the general, when Captain Henly made a further, but ineffectual effort to force her up the current, near the line, :br the double purpose of its defence and for her own safety. These attempts to remove her being discovered, at daylight, on the morning of the 27th, a battery, mounting five guns, opened upon her, discharging bombs and red-hot shot : it was spiritedly answered, but without affecting the battery ; there being but a long twelve pounder that could reach. The sec ond fire had lodged a hot shot in the hold, directly under her cables, whence it could not be removed, and where it immediately communicated fire to the schooner. The shot from the battery were con stantly taking effect, firing her in different places ; while the blaze, already kindled under her cables, was rapidly extending. A well-grounded appre hension of her commander, that she could be no longer defended, induced a fear lest the magazine should be reached, and every thing destroyed. One of his crew being killed, and six wounded, and not a glimmering of hope entertained that she could be preserved, orders were given to abandon her. The LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 259 crew in safety reached the shore, and in a short time she blew up. Although unexpectedly deprived of so material a dependence, an opportunity was soon presented of using her brave crew to advantage. Gathering confidence from what had been just effected, the enemy left their encampment, and moved in the di rection of our line. Their numbers had been in creased, and Major-General Sir Edward Packenham now commanded in person. Early on the 28th, his columns commenced their advance to storm our works. At the distance of half a mile, their heavy artillery opened, and quantities of bombs, balls, and congreve rockets, were discharged. It was a scene of terror, which they had probably calculat ed would excite a panic in the minds of the raw troops of our army, and compel them to surrender at discretion. Their congreve rockets, though a kind of instrument of destruction to which our troops, unskilled in the science of warfare, had been hitherto strangers, excited no other feeling than that which novelty inspires. At the moment, there fore, that the British, in different columns, were moving up, in all the pomp of battle, preceded by these insignia of terror, more than danger, and were expecting to behold their " Yankee foes" flee be fore them, our batteries halted their advance. In addition to the two pieces of cannon, mounted on our works on the 24th, three others, of heavy caliber, obtained from the navy department, had been formed along the line ; these, opening on the enemy, checked their progress, and disclosed to them the hazard of the project they were on. Lieu tenants Crawley and Norris volunteered, and, with the crew of the Caroline, maintained, at the 260 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. guns they commanded, that firmness and decision for which they had been so highly distinguished. They had been selected by the general, because of their superior knowledge in gunnery, and, on tl is occasion, gave a further evidence of their skill, and of a disposition to act in any situation where thoy could be serviceable. The line, which, from tie labours bestowed on it, was daily strengthening, was not yet in a situation effectually to resist; this deficiency, however, was well remedied by tie brave men who were formed in its rear. From the river the greatest injury was effect* d. Lieutenant Thompson, who commanded the Lou s- iana sloop, opposite the line of defence, no sooner discovered the columns approaching, than, warpi ig her around, he brought her starboard guns to bear, and forced them to retreat: but, from their heavy artillery, the enemy maintained the conflict with great spirit, constantly discharging their bombs and rockets for seven hours, when, unable to make a breach, or silence the fire from the sloop, they abandoned a contest where few advantages seemed to be presented. The crew of this vessel was com posed of new recruits, and of discordant materials, of soldiers, citizens, and seamen ; yet, by the ac tivity of their commander, were they so well per fected in duty, that they already managed their guns with the greatest certainty of effect ; and, by three o clock in the evening, with the aid of the land batteries, had completely driven back the en emy. Imboldened by the effect produced the day before on the Caroline, the furnaces of the enemy were put in operation, and numbers of hot shot thrown from a heavy piece, which was protected by the levee. An attempt was made to carry it off. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 261 In their endeavours to remove it, " I saw," says Commodore Patterson, " distinctly, with the aid of a glass, several balls strike in the midst of the men who were employed in dragging it away." In this engagement, waged for seven hours, we received little or no injury. The Louisiana sloop, against which the most violent exertions were made, had but a single man wounded, by the fragments of a shell, which burst over her deck. Our entire loss did not exceed nine killed, and eight or ten wound ed. The enemy, being more exposed, acting in the open field, and in range of our guns, suffered considerable injury ; at least one hundred and twenty were killed and wounded. Among the killed, on our side, was Colonel James Henderson, of the Tennessee militia. An advance party of the British had, during the action, taken post behind a fence that ran obliquely to our line. Henderson, with a detachment of two hundred men, was sent out by General Carroll to drive them from a position whence they were greatly annoying our troops. Had he advanced in the manner directed, he would have been less exposed, and more effect ually secured the object intended ; but, misunder standing the order, he proceeded in a different route, and fell a victim to his error. Instead of marching in the direction of the wood, and turning the enemy, which might have cut off their retreat, he proceeded in front, towards the river, leaving them in rear of the fence, and himself and his detach ment exposed. His mistake being perceived from the line, he was called by the adjutant-general, and directed to return ; but the noise of the waters, through which they were wading, prevented any communication. Having reached a knoll of dry 262 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. ground, he attempted the execution of his order ; lut soon fell, by a wound in the head. Deprived of their commander, and perceiving their situation hazardous, the detachment retreated to the line, with the loss of their colonel and five men. While this advance was made, a column of tiie enemy was threatening our extreme left ; to frus trate the attempt, Coffee was ordered with his rif e- -men to hasten through the woods, and check th-3ir approach. The enemy, greatly superior to him in numbers, no sooner discovered his movement than they retired, and abandoned the attack they had meditated. A supposed disaffection in New Orleans, and an enemy in front, were circumstances well calculated to excite unpleasant forebodings. General Jackson believed it necessary to his security, while contend ing with avowed foes, not to be wholly inattentive to dangers at home ; but, by guarding vigilantly, to be able to suppress any treasonable purpose the moment it should be developed. Previously to de parting from the city, on the evening of the 23d, he ordered Major Butler, his aid, to remain with the guards, and be vigilant that nothing transpired in his absence calculated to operate injuriously. His fears that there were many of the inhabitants, who felt no attachment to the government, and would not scruple to surrender, whenever, prompted by their interest, it should become necessary, have been no ticed. In this belief, subsequent circumstances evinc ed there was no mistake, and showed that to his energy is to be ascribed the cause the country was saved. It is a fact, which was disclosed on making an exchange of prisoners,, that, in despite of all our efforts, the enemy were daily apprized of every LIFE OF GKXEIIAL JACKSON. 263- thing that transpired in our camp. Every arrange ment, and every change of position, was immediate ly communicated. " Nothing," remarked a British officer, at the close of .the invasion, " was kept a secret from us, except your numbers ; this, al though diligently sought, could never be procured." Between the 23d and the attack, on the 28th, to carry our line, Major Butler, who still remained in the city, was applied to by Fulwar Skipvvith, speak er of the senate, to ascertain the commanding gen eral s views, provided he should be driven from his- line of encampment, and compelled to retreat through the city ; would he, in that event, destroy it ? It was, indeed, a curious inquiry from one who, having spent his life in serving his country, might better have understood the duty of a subordinate officer ; and that, even if, from his situation, Major Butler had so far acquired the confidence of lii.-s general as to have become acquainted with his de signs, he was not at liberty to divulge them, with out destroying confidence, and acting criminally. On asking the cause of the inquiry, Mr. Skipwith replied, it was understood that, if driven from his position, and made to retreat upon the city, General Jackson had it in contemplation to lay it in ruins : the legislature, he said, desired information on this subject, that, if such were his intentions, they might, by offering terms of capitulation, avert so serious a calamity. That a sentiment, having for its object a surrender of the city, should be entertained by this body, was scarcely credible ; yet a few days brought the certainty of it more fully to view, and showed that they were already devising plans to ensure the safety of themselves and property at any sacrifice. While the general was hastening along 264 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. the line, from ordering Coffee against a column of the British on the extreme left, he was hailed by Mr. Duncan, one of his volunteer aids, and informed that it was agitated, secretly, by the members 3f the legislature, to offer terms of capitulation to tie enemy, and proffer a surrender; and that Governor Claiborne awaited his orders on the subject. Pois?d as was the result, the safety or fall of the city re st ing in uncertainty, although it was plainly to be perceived, that, with a strong army before them, no such resolution could be carried into effect, yet it might be productive of evil, and, in the end, bring about the most fatal consequences. Even the dis closure of such a wish, on the part of the legisla ture, might create parties, excite opposition in the army, and inspire the enemy with renewed confi dence. The Tennessee forces, and Mississippi vol unteers, it was not feared, would be affected by the measure ; but it might detach the Louisiana miliiia, and even extend itself to the ranks of the regular troops. Jackson was greatly incensed, that those, whose safety he had so much at heart, should be seeking, under the authority of office, to mar his best exertions. He was, however, too warmly press ed at the moment, for the battle was raging, to give it the attention its importance merited ; but, availing himself of the first respite from the vio lence of the attack waged against him, he apprized Governor Claiborne of what he had heard ; ordered him closely to watch the conduct of the legislature, and, the moment the project of offering a capitula tion to the enemy should be fully disclosed, to place a guard at the door, and confine them to their cham ber. The governor, in his zeal to execute the com mand, and from a fear of the consequences involved LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 265 in such conduct, construed as imperative an order which was merely contingent; and, placing an armed force at the door of the capitol, prevented the members from convening, and their schemes from maturing. The purport of this order was misconceived by the governor ; or, perhaps, with a view to avoid sub sequent inconveniences, was designedly mistaken. Jackson s object was not to restrain the legislature in the discharge of their official duties ; for, al though he thought that such a moment, when the sound of the cannon was constantly pealing in their ears, was inauspicious to wholesome legislation, and that it would have better comported with the state of the times for them to abandon their civil duties, and appear in the field, yet w^s it a matter indeli cate to be proposed : and it was hence preferred, that they should adopt whatever course might be suggested by their own notions of propriety. This sentiment would have been still adhered to ; but when, through the communication of Mr. Duncan, they were represented as entertaining schemes ad verse to the general interest of the country, the ne cessity of a different course of conduct was obvious. But he did not order Governor Claiborne to interfere with their duties ; on the contrary, he was instruct ed, so soon as any thing hostile to the general cause should be ascertained, to place a guard at the door, and keep the members to their duty. " My object in this," remarked the general, " was, that then they would be able to proceed with their business without producing the slightest injury: whatever schemes they might entertain would have remained with themselves, without the power of circulating them to the prejudice of any other interest than 23 266 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. their own. Claiborne mistook my order, and, insteac. of shutting them in doors, contrary to my wishes, turned them out." Before this he had been called on by a special committee of the legislature to know what his courso would be, should necessity drive him from his posi tion. "If," replied the general, " I thought the hair of my head could divine what I should do, I would cut it off: go back with this answer; say to your honourable body, that, if disaster does overtake me, and the fate of war drives me from my line to th ) city, they may expect to have a very warm session. " And what did you design to do," one inquired, " pro vided you had been forced to retreat?" " I should, he replied, " have retreated to the city, fired it, and fought the enemy amidst the surrounding flames. There were with me men of wealth, owners oi* considerable property, who, in such an event, would have been amongst the foremost to have applied the torch to their own buildings ; and what they had left undone, I should have completed. Nothing for the comfortable maintenance of the enemy would have been left in the rear. I would have destroyed New Orleans, occupied a position above on tho river, cut off all supplies, and in this way compel led them to depart from the country." We shall not pretend to ascribe this conduct to disaffection to the government, or to treasonable motives. The impulse that produced it was, no doubt, interest a principle of the human mind which strongly sways, and often destroys, its best conclusions. The disparity of the two armies, in numbers, preparation, and discipline, had excited apprehension, and destroyed hope. If Jackson were driven back, and little else was looked for, LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 267 rumour fixed his determination of devoting the city to destruction ; but, even if such were not his in tention, the vengeance of the enemy might be fairly calculated to be in proportion to the opposition they should receive. The government was represented in the person of the commanding general, on whom rested all responsibility, and whose voice, on the subject of resistance or capitulation, should alone have been heard. In the field were persons, en during hardships, and straining every nerve, for the general safety. A few of the members of their own body, too, were there, who did not despond.* Additional guards were posted along the swamp, on both sides of the Mississippi, to arrest all inter course ; while on the river, the common highway, watch-boats were constantly plying, during the night, in different directions, so that a log could scarcely float down the stream unperceived. Two flat-bottomed boats, on a dark night, were turned adrift above, to ascertain if vigilance were preserv ed, and whether there would be any possibility of escaping the guards, and passing in safety to the British lines. The light boats discovered them ori their passage, and, on the alarm being given, they were opened upon by the Louisiana sloop, the bat teries on the shore, and in a few minutes were sunk. In spite, however, of every precaution, Trea son discovered avenues, through which to project and execute her nefarious plans, and through them * Only four members of the legislature appeared in the field to defend their country. We regret not knowing the name of one of these persons : those we have ascertained are, General Gar- rigue Flpjack, Major Eziel, and Mr. Bufort, who, abandoning their civil duties for the field, afforded examples worthy of imita tion. 268 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. was constantly afforded information to the enemy ; carried to them, no doubt, by adventurous friends, who effected their nightly passage through tho deepest parts of the swamp, where it was impossi ble for sentinels to be stationed. Great inconvenience was sustained for the want of arms, and much anxiety felt, lest the enemy, through their faithful adherents, might, on this sub - ject also, obtain information ; to prevent it, as fat- as possible, General Jackson endeavoured to con ceal the strength of his army, by suffering his re ports to be seen by none but himself and the adju tant-general. Many of the troops in the field wen; supplied with common guns, which were of littlo service. The Kentucky troops, daily expected, were also understood to be badly provided with arms. Uncertain but that the city might yet con tain many articles that would be serviceable, orders were issued to the mayor of New Orleans, direct ing him to inquire through every store and house, and take possession of all the muskets, bayonets, spades and axes he could find. Understanding too, there were many young men, who, from differ ent pretexts, had not appeared in the field, he was instructed to obtain a register of every man in the city, under the age of fifty, that measures might be concerted for drawing forth those who had hitherto appeared backward in the pending contest. Frequent light skirmishes, by advanced parties, without material effect on either side, were the only incidents that took place for several days. Colonel Hinds, at the head of the Mississippi dragoons, on the 30th, was ordered to dislodge a party of the enemy, who, under cover of a ditch that ran across die plain, were annoying our fatigue parties. In LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 269 his advance, he was unexpectedly thrown into an ambuscade, and became exposed to the fire of a line, which had hitherto been unobserved. His collected conduct, and gallant deportment, gained him and his corps the approbation of the command ing general, and extricated him from the danger in which he was placed. The enemy, forced from their position, retired, and he returned to the line, with the loss of five men. 23* 170 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. CHAPTER X. Attack of the 1st of January. General Jackson s line of defence . Kentucky troops arrive at head-quarters. British army n enforced ; their preparations for attack. Battle, of the 8th o f January, and repulse of the enemy. American redoubt cctrriec . and retaken. Colonel Thornton proceeds against Genen.1 Morgan s line, and takes possession of it. Letter of Captai Wilkinson. British icatclt word. Generous conduct of tie American soldiers. Morgan s line regained. General Lambe,t requests a suspension of hostilities. Armistice concluded. j - ecution of an American soldier by the British. THE British were encamped two miles below th 3 American army, on a perfect plain, in full view. Although foiled in their attempt to carry (fur works by their batteries on the 28th, they resolved upon another attack, which they believed would be moro successful. Presuming their failure to have arisen from not having sufficiently strong batteries and heavy ordnance, a more enlarged arrangement was resorted to, with a confidence of silencing opposi tion. The interim between the 28th of December and 1st of January was spent in preparing to exe cute their designs. Their boats had been de spatched to the shipping, and an additional supply of heavy cannon landed through Bayou Bienvenu, whence they had first debarked. During the night of the 31st, they were busily engaged. An impenetrable fog, next morning, not dispelled until nine o clock, by concealing their* purpose, aided them in the plans they were project ing, and gave time for the completion of their works. This having disappeared, several heavy batteries, at the distance of six hundred yards, mounting 1 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 271 eighteen and twenty-four pound carronades, were presented to view. No sooner was it sufficiently clear to distinguish objects at a distance, than these were opened, and a tremendous burst of artillery commenced, accompanied with congreve rockets, that filled the air in all directions. Our troops, pro tected by a defence, which, from their constant la bours, they believed to be impregnable, undisturbed, maintained their ground, and, by their skilful management, succeeded in dismounting the guns of the enemy. The British, through the friendly in terference of some disaffected citizens, having been apprized of the situation of the general s quarters, that he dwelt in a house at a small distance in the rear of his line of defence, against it directed their first and principal efforts, with a view to destroy the commander. So great was the number of balls thrown, that, in a little while, its porticos were beat en down, and the building made a complete wreck. In this design they were disappointed ; for with Jackson it was a constant practice, on the first ap pearance of danger, not to wait in his quarters, watching events, but instantly to proceed to the line, to form arrangements as circumstances might require. Constantly in expectation of a charge, he was never absent from the post of danger ; and thither he had this morning repaired, at the first sound of the cannon, to aid in defence, and inspire his troops with firmness. Our guns, along the line, now opened, to repel the assault, and a con stant roar of cannon, on both sides, continued until nearly noon ; when, by the superior skill of our engineers, the two batteries formed on the right, next the woods, were nearly beaten down, and many of the guns dismounted, broken, and render- 272 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. ed useless. That next the river still continued its fire, until three o clock; when, perceiving all at tempts to force a breach ineffectual, the enemy gave up the contest, and retired. Every act of theirs discovers a strange delusion, and unfolds on what wild and fanciful grounds all their expectations were founded. That they could effect an opening, and mar oh through the strong defence in their front, was in idea so fondly cherished, that an apprehension of failure had scarcely occurred. So sanguine were they in this belief, that, early in the morning, their soldiers were arranged along the ditches, in rear of their batteries, ready to advance to the charge, the moment a breach could be made. Here, by thoir situation, protected from danger, they remained, waiting the result. But, their efforts not having produced the slightest impression, nor their rockets the effect of driving our militia away, they aban doned the contest, and retired to their camp, leav ing their batteries materially injured. It occurred to the British commander, an attack might be made to advantage next the woods, and a force was accordingly ordered to penetrate in this direction, and turn the left of our line, which was supposed not to extend farther than to the margin of the swamp. In this way, it was expected a diver sion could be made, while the reserve columns, being in waiting, w-ere to press forward the moment this object could be effected. Here, too, disap pointment resulted. Coffee s brigade, being extend ed into the swamp as far as it was possible for an advancing party to penetrate, brought unexpected dangers into view, and occasioned an abandonment of the project. That to turn the extreme left of LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 273 the line was practicable, and might be attempted, was the subject of early consideration ; and neces sary precaution had been taken to prevent it. Although cutting the levee had raised the water in the swamp, and increased the difficulties of keep ing troops there, yet a fear lest this pass might be sought by the enemy, and the rear of the line gain ed, had determined the general to extend his de fence even here. This had been intrusted to General Coffee; and surely a more arduous duty can scarcely be imagined. To form a breastwork. in such a place, was attended with many difficul ties, and considerable exposure. A slight defence, however, had been thrown up, and the underwood, for thirty or forty yards in front, cut down, that the riflemen, stationed for its protection, might have a complete view of any force, which might attempt a passage. When it is recollected this position was to be maintained night and day, uncertain of the moment of attack, and that the only opportunity afforded our troops for rest was on logs and brush, by which they were raised above the surrounding water, it may be truly said, that seldom has it fall en to the lot of any to encounter greater hardships : but, accustomed to privation, and alive to those feel ings which a love of country inspires, they obeyed, and cheerfully kept their position until danger had subsided. Sensible of the importance of the point they defended, that it was necessary to be main tained, be the sacrifice what it might, they looked to nothing but a faithful discharge of the trust con fided to them. Our loss, in this affair, was eleven killed, and twenty-three wounded: that of the enemy was never correctly known. The only certain informa- 274 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. tion is contained in a communication of the 28 ,h instant from General Lambert to Earl Bathurst, in which the loss, from the 1st to the 5th, is stated at seventy-eight. Many allowances, however, a*e to be made for this report. From the great pr3- cision of our fire, their loss was, no doubt, consider able. The enemy s heavy shot having penetrated our intrenchment, in many places, it was dis covered not to be as strong as iiad been imagined. Fatigue parties were again employed, and its strength daily increased : an additional number of bales of cotton were taken to be applied to defend ing the embrasures. A Frenchman, whose property had been thus, without his consent, seized, fearful of the injury it might sustain, proceeded in person to General Jackson, to reclaim it, and to demand jts delivery. The general, having heard his complaint, and ascertained from him that he was unemployed in any military service, directed a musket to be brought to him, and, placing it in his hand, ordered him on the line, remarking, at the same time, that, as he seemed to be a man possessed of property, he knew of none who had a better right to fight, to defend it. It was understood by Jackson, that the enemy were in daily expectation of re-enforcements ; though he rested with confidence in the belief, that a few more days would also bring to his assistance the troops from Kentucky. Each party, therefore, was constantly engaged in preparation, the one to wage a vigorous attack, the other to oppose it. The position of the American army was in the rear of an intrenchment formed of earth, which extended in a straight line from the river to a con siderable distance in the swamp. In front was a LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 275 deep ditch, which had heen formerly used as a mill- race. The Mississippi had receded, and left this dry, next the river, though in many places the water still remained. Along the line, at unequal distances, to the centre of General Carroll s com mand, were guns mounted, of different caliber, from six to thirty-two pounders. Near the river, in ad vance of the intrenchment, was a redoubt, witli embrasures, commanding the road along the levee, calculated to rake the ditch in front. General Morgan was ordered, on the 24th of December, to cross to the west bank of the Missis sippi. From apprehension that an attempt might be made through Barrataria, and the city reached from the right bank, the general had extended his defence there : in fact, unacquainted with the ene my s views, not knowing the number of their troops, he had carefully divided out his forces, that he might be able to protect, in whatever direction an assault should be waged. His greatest fears, and hence his strongest defence, next to the one occu pied by himself, was on the Chef Menteur road, where Governor Claiborne, at the head of the Louisiana militia, was posted. The position on the right was formed on the same plan with the line on the left, lower down than that on the left, extend ing to the swamp at right angles with the river. Here General Morgan commanded. To be prepared against every possible contin gency, Jackson had established another line of de fence, about two miles in the rear of the one at present occupied, which was intended as a rallying point, if driven from his first position. With the aid of his cavalry, to give a momentary check to the advance of the enemy, he expected to be en- 276 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. abled, with inconsiderable injury, to reach it; where he would again have advantages on his side, be in a situation to dispute a farther passage to the ci;y, and arrest their progress. To inspirit his own soldiers, and to exhibit to the enemy as great a show as possible of strength and intended resist ance, his unarmed troops, which constituted no very inconsiderable number, were here stationed. All intercourse between the lines, but by confiden tial officers, was prohibited, and every vigilanc.6 em ployed, not only to keep this want of preparation concealed from the enemy, but even from bei ig known on his own lines. Occasional firing at a distance, which produced nothing of consequence, was all that marked the interim from the 1st to the 8th. On the 4th of this month, the long-expected re- enforcement from Kentucky, amounting to twenty- two hundred and fifty, under Major-General Thomas, arrived at head-quarters ; but so ill provided with arms, as to be incapable of rendering any consider able service. The alacrity with which the citizens of this state had proceeded to the frontiers, and aided in the north-western campaigns, added to the disasters which ill-timed policy or misfortune had produced, had created such a drain, that arms were not to be procured. They had advanced, however, to their point of destination,., with an expectation of being supplied on their arrival. About five hun dred of them had muskets ; the rest were provided with guns, from which little or no advantage could be expected. The mayor of New Orleans, at the request of General Jackson, had drawn from the city every weapon that could be found ; while the arrival of the Louisiana militia, in an equally un- LIFE OF UENUKAL JACKSON. 277 prepared situation, rendered it impossible for the evil to be effectually remedied. A boat, laden with arms, was somewhere on the river, intended for the use of the lower country ; but where it was, or when it might arrive, rested alone on conjecture. Expresses had been despatched up the river, for three hundred miles, to hasten it on ; still there were no tidings of an approach. That so many brave men should be compelled to stand with fold ed arms, unable to render the least possible service to their country, was an event, which did not fail to excite the sensibility of the general. His mind, prepared for any thing but despondency, sought re lief in vain. No alternative was presented, but to place them at his intreiichment in the rear, conceal their actual condition, and, by the show they might make, add to his appearance, without at all increas ing his strength. Information was received, that Major-General Lambert had joined the British commander-in-chief, with a considerable re-enforcement. It had been announced in the American camp, that additional forces were expected, and something decisive might be looked for, so soon as they should arrive. This circumstance, with others, had led to the conclusion that a few days more would, in all probability, de cide the fate of the city. It was more than ever necessary to keep concealed the situation of his army ; and, above all, to preserve as secret as pos sible its unarmed condition. To restrict all com munication, even with his own lines, was now, as danger increased, rendered more important. None were permitted to leave the line, and none from without to pass into camp, but such as were to be implicitly confided in. The line of sentinels was 24 278 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. strengthened in front, that none might pass to tl e enemy, should desertion be attempted: yet, not withstanding this precaution, his plans were dis closed. On the night of the 6th, a soldier froai the line, by some means, succeeded in eluding the vigilance of our sentinels. Early next mornii g his departure was discovered : it was at once cor rectly conjectured he had gone to the enemy, and would, no doubt, afford them all the information in his power. He unfolded to the British the situa tion of the American line ; the late re-enforcemei ts we had received, and the unarmed condition of many of the troops ; and, pointing to the centre -~>f General Carroll s division as a place occupied >y militia alone, recommended it as the point where an attack might be most safely made. Other intelligence received was confirmatory of the belief of an impending attack. From some prisoners, taken on the lake, it was ascertained the enemy were busily engaged in deepening Villery s Canal, with a view of passing their boats and ord nance to the Mississippi. During the 7th, a con stant bustle was perceived in the British camp. Along the borders of the canal, their soldiers were continually in motion, marching and manoeuvring, for no other purpose than to conceal those who were busily engaged at work in the rear. To ascertain the cause of this uncommon stir, and learn their de signs, as far as was practicable, Commodore Patter son had proceeded down the river, on the opposite side, and, having gained a favourable position, in front of their encampment, discovered them to be actually engaged in deepening the passage to the river. It was no difficult matter to divine their pur pose. No other conjecture could be entertained, LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 279 than that an assault was intended to be made on the line of defence commanded by General Mor gan ; which, if gained, would expose our troops on the left bank to the fire of the redoubt erected on the right; and in this way compel them to an abandonment of their position. To counteract this scheme was important ; and measures were imme diately taken to prevent the execution of a plan, which, if successful, would be attended with incal culable dangers. An increased strength was given to this line. The second regiment of Louisiana militia, and four hundred Kentucky troops, were directed to be crossed over, to protect it. Owing to some delay in arming them, the latter, amount ing, instead of four hundred, to but one hundred and eighty, did not arrive until the morning of the 8th. A little before day, they were despatched to aid an advanced party, who, under the command of Major Arnaut, had been sent to watch the move ments of the enemy, and oppose their landing. The hopes indulged from their opposition were not realized ; and the enemy reached the shore. Morgan s position, besides being strengthened by several brass twelves, was defended by a strong battery, mounting twenty-four pounders, directed by Commodore Patterson, w r hich afforded additional security. The line itself was not strong, yet, if properly maintained by the troops selected to de fend it, was believed fully adequate to the purposes of successful resistance. Late at night, Patterson ascertained the enemy had succeeded in passing their boats through the canal, and immediately communicated his information to the general. The commodore had formed the idea of dropping the Louisiana schooner down, to attack and sink them. 280 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. This thought, though well conceived, was abandoi - ed, from the danger involved, and from an appre hension lest the batteries erected on the river, with which she would come in collision, might, by the aid of hot shot, succeed in blowing her up. It wt.s preferred to await their arrival, believing it woird be practicable, with the bravery of more than fiftem hundred men, and the slender advantages possess? d from their line of defence, to maintain their positio i. On the left bank, where the general in person commanded, every thing was in readiness to me ;t the assault when it should be made. The redou \\. on the levee was defended by a company of the seventh regiment, under the command of Lieute i- ant Ross. The regular troops occupied that port of the intrenchment next the river. General Car roll s division was in the centre, supported by the Kentucky troops, under General John Adair ; while the extreme left, extending for a considerable dis tance into the swamp, was protected by the brigade of General Coffee. How soon the attack would be waged was uncertain. General Jackson, iri- moved by appearances, anxiously desired a con test, which he believed would give a triumph to his arms, and terminate the hardships of his soldiers. Unremitting in exertion, and constantly vigilant, his precaution kept pace with the zeal and preparation of the enemy. He seldom slept : lie was always at his post, performing the duties of both general and soldier. His sentinels were doubled, and extended as far as possible in the di rection of the British camp ; while a considerable portion of the troops were constantly at the line, with arms in their hands, ready to act, when the first alarm should be given. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 281 For eight days had the two armies lain upon the same field, and in view of each other, without any thing decisive on either side. Twice, since their landing, had the British columns essayed to effect by storm the execution of their plans, and twice had failed, and been compelled to relinquish the attempt. It was not to be expected that things could long remain in this dubious state. The 8th of January at length arrived. The day dawned ; and the signals, intended to produce con cert in the enemy s movements, were descried. On the left, near the swamp, a sky-rocket was per ceived rising in the air ; and presently another as cended from the right, next the river. They were intended to announce that all was ready, to carry by storm a defence which had twice foiled their ut most efforts. Instantly the charge was made, and with such rapidity, that our soldiers, at the out posts, with difficulty fled in. The British batteries, which had been demolished on the 1st of the month, had been re-established during the preceding night, and heavy pieces of camion mounted, to aid in their intended operations. These now opened, and showers of bombs and balls were poured upon our line ; while the air was light ed with their congreve rockets. The two divisions, commanded by Sir Edward Packenham in person, and supported by Generals Keane and Gibbs, press ed forward ; the right against the centre of Gene ral Carroll s command, the left against our redoubt, on the levee. A thick fog, that obscured the morn- ing, enabled them to approach within a short dis tance of our intrenchment, before they were dis covered. They were now perceived advancing, with firm, quick, and steady pace, in column, with 24* 282 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. a front of sixty or seventy deep. Our troops, who had for some time been in readiness, gave three cheers, and instantly the whole line was lighted with the blaze of their fire. A burst of artillery and small arms, pouring with destructive aim upcn them, mowed down their front, and arrested their advance. In our musketry there was not a mo ment s intermission ; as one party discharged their pieces, another succeeded ; alternately loading and appearing, no pause could be perceived, it was one continued volley. The columns already per ceived their dangerous situation. Battery No. 7, on the left, was ably served by Lieutenant Spotts, and galled them with an incessant fire. Batteries No. 6 and 8 were no less actively employed, and 310 less successful in felling them to the ground. Net- withstanding the severity of our fire, which few troops could for a moment have withstood, some of those brave men pressed on, and succeeded in gaining the ditch, in front of our works, where they remained during the action, and were afterwards made prisoners. The horror before them was too great to be withstood ; and already were the British troops seen wavering in their determination, and receding from the conflict. At this 1 moment, Sir Edward Packenham, hastening to the front, en deavoured to inspire them with renewed zeal. His example was of short continuance ; he soon fell, mortally wounded, in the arms of his aid-de-camp, not far from our line. Generals Gibbs and Keane also fell, and were borne from the field, dangerous ly wounded. At this moment, General Lambert, who was advancing at a small distance in the rear, with the reserve, met the columns precipitately re- -troating, and in great confusion. His efforts to LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 283 stop them were unavailing 1 , they continued re treating, until they readied a ditch, at the distance of four hundred yards, where, a momentary safety being found, they were rallied, and halted. The field before them, over which they had ad vanced, was strewed with the dead and dying. Danger hovered still around ; yet, urged and en couraged by their officers, who feared their own disgrace involved in the failure, they again moved to the charge. They*were already near enough to deploy, and were endeavouring to do so ; but the same constant and unremitted resistance that caused their first retreat continued yet unabated. Our batteries had never ceased their fire ; their constant discharges of grape and canister, and the fatal aim of our musketry, mowed down the front of the columns as fast as they could be formed. Satisfied nothing could be done, and that certain destruction awaited all further attempts, they forsook the field in disorder, leaving it almost entirely covered with the dead and wounded. It was in vain their offi cers endeavoured to animate them to further resist ance, and equally vain to attempt coercion. The panic produced from the dreadful repulse they had experienced ; the plain, on which they had acted, being covered with innumerable bodies of their countrymen ; while, with their most zealous exer tions, they had been unable to obtain the slightest advantage, were circumstances well calculated to make even the most submissive soldier oppose the authority that would have controlled him. The light companies of fusileers, the forty-third and ninety-third regiments, and one hundred men from the West India regiment, led on by Colonel Rennie, were ordered to proceed under cover of 284 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. some chimneys, standing in the field, until havi ig cleared them, to oblique to tile river, and advance, protected by the levee, against our redoubt on t!ie right. This work, having been but lately com menced, was in an unfinished state. It was not until the 4th, that General Jackson, much against his own opinion, had yielded to the suggestions of others, and permitted its projection; and, consider ing the plan on which it had been sketched, it had not yet received that strength necessary to its siie defence. The detachment ordered against this place formed the left of General Keane s command. Rennie executed his orders with great braveiy ; and, urging forward, arrived at the ditch. His t d- vance was greatly annoyed by Commodore Patter son s battery on the left bank, and the cannon mounted on the redoubt ; but, reaching our works, and passing the ditch, Rennie, sword in hand, leaped on the wall, and, calling to his troops, bade them follow ; he had scarcely spoken, when he fell by the fatal aim of our riflemen. Pressed by the impetuosity of superior numbers, who were mount ing the wall, and entering at the embrasures, our troops had retired to the line, in rear of the redoubt. A momentary pause ensued, but only to be inter rupted with increased horrors. Captain Beal, with the city riflemen, cool and self-possessed, perceiv ing the enemy in his front, opened upon them, and at every discharge brought the object to the ground. To advance, or maintain the point gained, was equally impracticable for the enemy : to retreat or surrender was the only alternative ; for they already perceived the division on the right thrown into con fusion, and hastily leaving the field. LTFK 01 (iKXKKAI- JACKSON. 285 General Jackson, being 1 informed of the success of the enemy on the right, and of their being in possession of the redoubt, pressed forward a re- en forcement to regain it. Previously to its arrival they had abandoned the attempt, and were retiring. They were severely galled by such of our guns as could be brought to bear. The levee afforded them considerable protection ; yet, by Commodore Patter son s redoubt, on the right bank, they suffered greatly. Enfiladed by this, on their advance, they had been greatly annoyed, and now, in their re treat, were no less severely assailed. Numbers found a grave in the ditch, before our line ; and of those who gained the redoubt, not one, it is believ ed, escaped ; they were shot down as fast as they entered. The route, along which they had advanc ed and retired, was strewed with bodies. Affright ed at the carnage, they moved from the scene in confusion. Our batteries were still continuing the slaughter, and cutting them down at every step : safety seemed only to be attainable when they should have retired without the range of our shot, \vhich, to troops galled as severely as they were, was too remote a relief. Pressed by this considera tion, they fled to the ditch, whither the right divis ion had retreated, and there remained until night permitted them to retire. A considerable portion of our troops were inactive for the want of arms to place in their hands. If this had not been the case had they been in a situation to have acted efficiently, the whole British army must have submitted. Colonel Hinds was very solicitous, and in person applied to the commanding general for leave to pursue, at the head of his dragoons, the fleeing 286 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. columns of the enemy : Jackson, however, wou d not permit it. " My reason for refusing," he re marked, " was, that it might become necessary :o sustain him, and thus a contest in the open field be brought on : the lives of my men were of value to their country, and much too dear to their families to be hazarded where necessity did not require it ; but, above all, from the numerous dead and wounded stretched out on the field before me, I felt a con fidence that the safety of the city was most proba bly attained, and hence, that nothing calculated to reverse the good fortune we had met should )e attempted." The eiforts of the enemy to carry our line of de fence on the left were seconded by an attack on the right bank, with eight hundred chosen troops, under the command of Colonel Thornton. Owing to the difficulty of passing the boats from the canal to the river, and the strong current of the Missis sippi, the troops destined for this service were not crossed, nor the opposite shore reached, for some hours after the expected moment of attack. By the time he had effected a landing, the day had dawned, and the flashes of the guns announced the battle. Supported by three gun-boats, he hastened forward, with his command, in the direction of Mor gan s intrenchment. Some time during the night of the 7th, two hun dred Louisiana militia had been sent off, to watch the movements of the enemy, and oppose him in his landing : this detachment, under the command of Major Arnaud, had advanced a mile down the river, and halted ; either supposing the general in correct, in apprehending an attack, or that his men, if refreshed, would be more competent to exertion, LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 287 he directed them to lie down and sleep : one man only was ordered to be upon the watch, lest the enemy should approach them undiscovered. Just at day, he called upon his sleeping companions, and bade them rise, for he had heard a considerable bustle a little below. No sooner risen, than con firmed in the truth of what had been stated, they moved off in the direction they had come, without even attempting an execution of their orders. The Kentucky troops, having reached Morgan at five o clock in the morning, were immediately sent to co-operate with the Louisianians. Major Davis, who commanded, had proceeded about three quar ters of a mile, and met those troops hastily retreat ing up the road ; he ascertained from them that the enemy had made the shore ; had debarked, and were moving rapidly up the levee. He informed them for what purpose he had been despatched, to oppose an approach as long as practicable, and, with their assistance, he would endeavour to exe cute his orders. The two detachments, now acting together, form ed behind a saw-mill-race, skirted with a quantity of plank and scantling, which afforded a tolerable shelter. Davis, with his two hundred Kentuckians, formed on the road next the river, supported by the Louisiana militia on the right. The enemy appear ing, their approach was resisted, and a spirited opposition for some time maintained. The Briti.sh again advanced, and again received a heavy fire. At this moment, General Morgan s aid-de-camp, who was present, perceiving the steady advance of the enemy, and fearing for the safety of the troops, ordered a retreat. Confusion was the consequence order could not be maintained, and the whole 288 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. fled, in haste, to Morgan s line. Arriving in safety, though much exhausted, they were immediately directed to form, and extend themselves to the swamp ; that the right of the intrenchment might not be turned. Colonel Thornton, having reached an orange grove, about seven hundred yards distant, halted ; and, examining Morgan s line, found it to "consist of a formidable redoubt on the river," with its weakest and most vulnerable point towards the swamp. He directly advanced to the attack, in two divisions, against the extreme right and cenlre of the line ; and, having deployed, charged the n- trenchment, defended by about fifteen hundred m*>n. A severe discharge, from the field-pieces mounted along our works, caused the right division to ob lique, which, uniting with the left, pressed forward to the point occupied by the Kentucky troops. Perceiving themselves thus exposed, and having not yet recovered from the emotions produced by their first retreat, they began to give way, and very soon abandoned their position. The Louisiana militia gave a few fires, and followed the example. Through the exertions of the officers, a momentary halt was effected ; but a burst of congreve rockets falling thickly, and setting fire to the sugar-cane, and other combustibles around, again excited tlrnr fears, and they moved hastily away ; nor could they be rallied, until, at the distance of two miles, having reached a saw-mill-race, they were formed, and placed in an attitude of defence. Commodore Patterson, perceiving the right flank about to be turned, had ceased his destructive tire against the retreating columns on the opposite shore, and turned his guns to enfilade the enemy LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 269 next the swamp ; but, at the moment when he ex pected to witness a firm resistance, and was in a situation to co-operate, he beheld those, without whose aid all his efforts were unavailing, suddenly thrown into confusion, and forsaking their posts. Discovering- he could no longer maintain his ground, he spiked his guns, destroyed his ammunition, and retired from a post where he had rendered the most important services. In the panic that produced this disorderly retreat, at a moment when resistance was expected, are to be found circumstances of justification, which might have occasioned similar conduct even in disciplined troops. The weakest part of the line was assail ed by the greatest strength of the enemy : this was defended by one hundred and eighty Kentuckians, who were stretched out to an extent of three hun dred yards, and unsupported by any pieces of artil lery. Thus openly exposed to the attack of a greatly superior force, and weakened by the ex tent of ground they covered, it is not to be won dered at, or deserving of reproach, that they should have considered resistance ineffectual, and forsaken a post, which they had strong reasons for believing they could not maintain. General Morgan report ed to General Jackson the defeat, and attributed it to the flight of those troops, who had also drawn along with them the rest of his forces. It is true, they were the first to flee ; and equally true, that their example may have had the effect of producing general alarm ; but in point of advantageous situa tion, the troops materially differed : the one party were exposed, and enfeebled by the manner of their arrangement ; the other, though superior in numbers, covered no greater extent of ground, and were de- 25 290 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON 7 . fended by an excellent breastwork, and several pieces of cannon : with this difference, the loss of confidence of the former was not without sufficient cause. Of these facts Commodore Patterson was not apprized ; General Morgan was : both, however, attributed the disaster to the flight of the Kentucky militia. Upon their information General Jackson founded his report to the secretary of war, by which those troops were exposed to censures they did not merit. Had all the circumstances, as they existed, been disclosed, reproach would have been prevented. At the mill-race, no troops cculd have behaved better: they were well posted, md bravely resisted the advance of the enemy, nor, un til an order to that effect was given, had entertain ed a thought of retreating. The heart-felt joy at the glorious victory achiev ed on one side of the river was clouded by the dis aster witnessed on the other. A position was gain ed which secured to the enemy advantages the most important ; and whence our whole line, on the left bank, could be severely annoyed. But for the precaution of Commodore Patterson, in spiking his guns, and destroying the ammunition, it would have been in the power of Colonel Thornton to have com pletely enfiladed our line of defence, and rendered it untenable. Fearful lest the guns might be un- spiked, and brought to operate against him, General Jackson hastened to throw detachments across, with orders to regain the position at every hazard. To the troops on the right bank, he forwarded an ad dress, with a view to excite them to deeds of val our, and inspirit them to exertions that should wipe off the reproach they had drawn upon themselves. Previously, however, to their being in readiness to LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 291 act, he succeeded by stratagem in re-obtaining hia lost position, and thus spared the effusion of blood. The loss of the British, in the main attack on the left bank, has been variously stated. The killed, wounded, and prisoners, ascertained, on the next day after the battle, by Colonel Hayne, the inspec-"* tor-general, places it at twenty-six hundred. Gen eral Lambert s report to Lord Bathurst makes it but two thousand and seventy. From prisoners, however, and information derived through other sources, it must have been even greater than is stated by either. Among them was the command- er-in-chief, and Major-General Gibbs, who died of his wounds the next day, besides many of their most distinguished officers ; while the loss of the Americans, in killed and wounded, was but thir teen.* It appears to have been made a question by the British officers, if it would not be more advisable to carry General Morgan s line, and refrain from any attempt on this side the river. It was believed, that, if successful in this attack, they would be able to force General Jackson from his intrenchment, and pass with the main body of the army to the city. A letter found in the possession of Captain Wilkin son, a British officer, who fell in the battle, to a friend at home, in the war department, speaking on this subject, shows that a difference of opinion pre- * Our effective force, at the line on the left bank, was three thousand seven hundred ; that of the enemy at least nine thousand. The force landed in Louisiana fias been variously reported 5 the best information places it at about fourteen thousand. A part of this acted with Colonel Thornton ; the climate had rendered many unfit for the duties of the field ; while a considerable number had been killed and wounded in the different contests since their arri val. Their strength, therefore, may be fairly estimated, on the 8th . at the number we have stated ; at any rate, not less, 292 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. vailed, and confesses his own as being decidedly in favour of a vigorous attack on both sides. It bet.rs date late on the night of the 7th, nor does it appe ir, although he was a captain and brigade-major, that he, at that time, knew whether an assault was se riously intended against Jackson s line, or was re signed as a feint, to aid the operations of Colonel Thornton. With the true spirit of a British officer, however, he indulged a hope of success, enter tained no fears for the result, nor doubted but that the Americans would at once retire before thair superior skill and bravery. A general order, which must have been communicated after he had written, disclosing the manner of attack, on the left, where he acted, was also found with the letter. In that the fusileers and light troops were instructed, af;er reaching our line, to act as a pursuing squadron, and keep up alarm, while the army on the ri^ht should press closely in the rear and support them. It breathes an assurance of success, and shows with what anxiety they looked to the approaching morn ing, as likely to bring with it a successful termina tion of their labours, arid a triumph over a foe, whose advantages, more than bravery, they suppos ed, had so long baffled their efforts. Let it be remembered of that gallant but mis guided general, who has been so much deplored by the British nation, that, to the cupidity of his sol diers, he promised the wealth of the city, as a rec ompense for their gallantry ; while, with brutal licentiousness, they were to revel in lawless indul gence, uncontrolled, over female innocence. Scenes like these, our nation, insulted, had already witness ed ; she had witnessed them at Hampton and Havre- cle-Grace : but it was reserved for her vet to learn LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON- 293 that an officer of the standing of Sir Edward Pack- enham, polished, generous, and brave, should, to induce his soldiers to acts of daring valour, permit them, as a reward, to insult and injure those whom all mankind, even savages, respect. The facts which were presented at the time of this transac tion left no doubt on the minds of our officers, but that " Beauty and Booty" was the watch-word of the day. The information was obtained from pris oners, and confirmed by the books of two of their orderly-sergeants taken in battle, which contained record proof of the fact. A communication, shortly after, from Major-Gen- eral Lambert, on whom, in consequence of the fall of Generals Packenham, Gibbs, and Keane, the com mand had devolved, acknowledges that he had wit nessed the kindness of our troops to his wounded. He solicited of General Jackson permission to send an unarmed party to bury the dead, lying before his lines, and to bring off such of the wounded as were dangerous. The request to bury the dead was granted. General Jackson refused to permit a near approach to his line, but consented that the wound ed, who were at a greater distance than three hun dred yards from the intrenchment, should be re lieved, and the dead buried : those nearer were, by his own men, to be delivered over, to be interred by their countrymen. This precaution was taken, that the enemy might not have an opportunity to inspect, or know any thing of his situation. General Lambert, desirous of administering to the wants of the wounded, and that he might be reliev ed from his apprehensions of attack, proposed, about noon, that hostilities should cease until the same hour the next day. General Jackson, cherishing 2.5 *" 294 LIFE OF CIENERAL JACKSON. the hope of being able to secure an important ad vantage, by his apparent willingness to accede \o the proposal, drew up an armistice, and forward ed it to General Lambert, with directions for it <o be immediately returned if approved. It contai i- ed a stipulation to this effect that hostilities, on the left bank of the river, should be discontinued from its ratification, but on the right bank they should not cease; and that, in the interim, untbr no circumstances were re-enforcements to be seat across by either party. This was a bold stroke at stratagem ; and, although it succeeded, even to the extent desired, was attended with considerable haz ard. Re-enforcements had been ordered over to retake the position lost by Morgan in the morning, and the general presumed they had arrived at their point of destination ; but, at this time, they had not passed the river, nor could it be expected to be re taken with the same troops who had yielded it the day before, when possessed of advantages which gave them a decided superiority : this the com manding general well knew ; yet, to spare the sac rifice of his men, which, in regaining it, he foresaw must be considerable, he was disposed to venture upon a course, which, he felt assured, could not fail to succeed. It was impossible his object could be discovered ; while he confidently believed the Brit ish commander would infer, from the prompt man ner in which his proposal had been met, that such additional troops were already thrown over, as would be fully adequate to the purposes of attack, and greatly to endanger, if not wholly to cut off, Colonel Thornton s retreat. General Lambert s construction was such as had been anticipated. Al though the armistice contained a request that it. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 295 should be immediately signed and returned, it was neglected to be acted upon until the next day ; and Thornton and his command were, in the interim, under cover of the night, re-crossed, and the ground they occupied left to be peaceably possessed by the original holders. The opportunity thus afforded of regaining a position on which, in a great degree, depended the safety of those on the opposite shore, was accepted with an avidity its importance merit ed, and immediate measures taken to increase its strength, and prepare it against any future attack that might be made. This delay of the British com mander was evidently designed, that, pending the negotiation, and before it was concluded, an oppor tunity might be had, either of throwing over re-en forcements, or removing Colonel Thornton and his troops from a situation so extremely perilous. Early next morning, General Lambert returned his ac ceptance of what had been proposed, with an apol ogy for having failed to reply sooner : he excused the omission, by pleading a press of business, which had occasioned the communication to be overlooked. Jackson was at no loss to attribute the delay to the correct motive : the apology, however, was as per fectly satisfactory to him as any thing that could have been offered ; beyond the object intended to be effect ed, he felt unconcerned, and, having secured this, rested perfectly satisfied. It cannot, however, ap pear otherwise than extraordinary, that this neglect should have been ascribed by the British general to accident, or a press of business, when it must have been, no doubt, of greater importance, at that mo ment, than any thing which he could possibly have had before him. 206 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. The armistice was this morning (9th of January) concluded, and agreed to continue until two o clock in the evening. The dead and wounded were new removed from the field, which, for three hundred yards in front of our line of defence, they almost literally covered. For the reason already suggest ed, our soldiers, within the line of demarcation be tween the two camps, delivered over to the British, who were not permitted to cross it, the dead for burial, and the wounded on parole, for which it w is stipulated, an equal number of American prisoners should be restored. It has seldom happened that officers were more deceived in their expectations than they were Ji the result of this battle, or atoned more severely for their error : their reasoning had never led them to conclude, that militia would maintain their ground when warmly assailed : a firm belief was enter tained, that, alarmed at the appearance and orderly approach of veteran troops, they would at once for sake the contest, and in flight seek for safety. At what part of our line they were stationed, was as certained by a deserter, on the 6th ; and, influenced by a belief of their want of nerve, and deficiency in bravery, on this point the main assault was urged. They were indeed militia ; but the enemy could have assailed no part of our intrenchment where they would have met a warmer reception, or where they would have found greater strength: it was indeed the best defended part of the line. The Kentucky and Tennessee troops, under Generals Carroll, Thomas and Adair, were here, who had already won a reputation that was too dear to be sacrificed. These divisions, alternately charging LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 297 their pieces, and mounting the platform, poured forth a constant fire, that was impossible to be withstood, repelled the advancing columns, and drove them from the field with prodigious slaugh ter. There is one fact told, to which general credit seems to be attached, and which clearly shows the opinion had by the British of our militia, and the little fear which was entertained of any determined opposition from them. When repulsed from our line, the British officers were fully persuaded that the information given them by the deserter, on the night of the 6th, was false, and that, instead of pointing out the ground defended by the militia, he had referred them to the place occupied by our best troops. Enraged at what they believed an inten tional deception, they called their informant before them, to account for the mischief. It was in vain he urged his innocence, and, with the most solemn protestations, declared he had stated the fact truly. They could not be convinced, it was impossible that they had contended against any but the best disciplined troops ; and, without further ceremony, the poor fellow, suspended in view of the camp, ex piated, on a tree, not his crime, for what he had stated was true, but their error, in underrating an enemy who had already afforded abundant evidences of valour. In all their future trials with our coun trymen may they be no less deceived ! 298 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. CHAPTER XL Bombardment of Fort St. Philip. British army retire to tJ eir shipping. General Jackson, with his troops, returns to New Orleans. Day of thanksgiving. Rediiction of Fort Bouner. legislature of Louisiana re-commence their session. D/w w- tents fomented among the American troops. Arrest of Lounil- lier ; of Judge Hall. Peace announced. General Jackson is prosecuted for contempt of court ; his apvearance in conn . Speech at the coffee-house. I Us own opinion of martial fair. Troops are discharged, and the general returns to Nashi ilb. . Reduction oftfie army. Jackson s commission as general an? ul- led. Treaty with Spain. He is appointed governor of the Fior- idas. Transactions there. His resignation. He is appob ted minister to Mexico ; declines the mission ; his reasons ; is ei -ct- ed a senator of the United States ; resigns the office. ffis person and character. Anecdotes. Conclusion. THE conflict had ended, and each army occupied its former position. The enemy were visibly alter ed : menace was sunk into dejection, and offensive measures yielded to those which promised safety. They were perceived to be erecting partial defences, to guard against expected attack. It had been an nounced, that a considerable force had succeeded in passing the Balize made prisoners of a detach ment, and was proceeding up the Mississippi, to co operate with the land forces : it was intended to aid in the battle of the 8th. The enemy, it seem ed probable, might again renew the attack, on the arrival of this force, and every preparation was in progress to be again in readiness. Of this formidable advance no certain intelli gence was received until the night of the llth, when a heavy cannonading, supposed to be on Fort St. Philip, was distinctly heard. Jackson entertain ed no fears for the rosult. The advantages in de- LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 299 fence, which his precaution had early extended to this passage to the city, added to an entire confi dence in the skill of the officer to whom it had been confided, led him to believe there was nothing to be apprehended. The enemy s squadron, con sisting of two bomb vessels, a brig, sloop, and schooner, were discovered by the videttes, from Fort Bourbon, on the morning of the 9th, directing their course up the river ; signals were made, in formation communicated, and every thing was in readiness to receive them. About ten o clock, hav ing approached within striking distance, an assault was commenced on the fort, and an immense quan tity of bombs and balls was discharged against it. A severe and well-directed fire from our water bat tery soon compelled them to retire about two miles. At this distance, the enemy was possessed of de cided advantages, having it in their power to reach the fort with the shot from their large mortars, while they were entirely without the range of ours. The assault continued without much intermission. from the 9th until the night of the 17th. They had hitherto lain beyond the effective rangre of our shot, and although, from their large mortars, the fort had been constantly reached, and pierced in innumera ble places, still, such an effect had not been pro duced, as to justify a belief, that they could now, more than at the moment of their arrival, venture to pass. A heavy mortar having been turned against them on the 17th, the security they had hitherto enjoyed was taken away : their vessels could now be reached with considerable effect. This circumstance, and an ineffectual bombardment, which, though continued for eight days, had secur ed no decided advantage, induced them to suspend 300 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. all further efforts ; and, on the morning of the 16th, they retired. Major Overton, who commanded at this place, his officers and soldiers, distinguished themselves. To arrest the enemy s passage up the river, t.nd prevent them from uniting with the forces below Jie city, was of great importance ; and to succeed in this was as much as could be expected. So lo ig, therefore, as they kept at a distance, nor attempted a final accomplishment of their object, no other c m- cern was felt than to watch their manoeuvres, j.nd adopt such a course as should afford safety to ;he troops in the garrison : for this purpose, pieces of timber and scantling were used, which forme 1 a cover, and gave protection from their bombs. The store of ammunition was also divided, and buried in different places in the earth, that, in the event of accident, the whole might not be lost. During the period of the bombardment, which lasted with little intermission for nine days, sleep was almost a stran ger in the fort. The night was the time when most of all it was feared the enemy, aided by the dark ness, and some fortunate breeze, would have it in their power to ascend the river, in despite of every opposition : the constant activity, which was neces sary, prevented all opportunities for repose. On a tempestuous night, the wind setting fair to aid thorn, an attempt was made to pass : to divert the atten tion of the fort, and favour the chances for ascent, their boats were sent forward to commence an at- tack. In this they were disappointed, and compel led to abandon the undertaking. At length, after many fruitless efforts, and an immense waste of la bour and ammunition, they retired without effecting LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON. 301 their purpose, or producing, to us, a greater injury than the loss of nine of the garrison, who were kill ed and wounded. The failure of this squadron to ascend the river, perhaps, determined General Lambert in the course which he immediately adopted. His situation be fore our line was truly an unpleasant one. Our batteries, after the 8th, were continually throwing balls and bombs into his camp ; and wherever a party of troops appeared in the field, they were greatly annoyed. Thus harassed, perceiving all assistance through this channel had failed, and constantly in apprehension lest an attack should be made upon him, he resolved on availing himself of the first favourable opportunity to depart, and forsake a contest where every effort had met dis appointment, and where an immense number of his troops had found their graves. The more certainly to effect a retreat in safety, detachments had been sent out to remove every obstruction that could re tard their progress through the swamp. To give greater facility to his departure, strong redoubts were erected on the way, and bridges thrown across every creek and bayou that obstructed the passage. Every thing being thus prepared, on the night of the 18th, General Lambert silently decamped, and, proceeding towards the lake, embarked for his ship ping, leaving, and recommending to the clemency of the American general, eighty of his soldiers, who were too severely wounded to be removed. With such silence was this decampment managed, that not the slightest intelligence was communicated, even to our sentinels occupying the out-posts. Early on the next morning, the enemy s camp was perceiv ed to be evacuated ; but what had become of them, 26 302 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. and whither they had gone, could only be conjec tured : no information on the subject was possesset . To ascertain the cause of this new appearance of things, detachments were in readiness to reconnoi tre their camp, when Surgeon Wadsdale, of thg staff, arrived at our line, with a letter to General Jackson, from the British commander, announcing his determination to suspend, " for the present, a 1 further operations against New Orleans," and re questing his humanity towards the wounded he had left, whom necessity had compelled him to abandon. Detachments were sent out to ascertain the causa of this unexpected state of things ; with orders ta harass their rear, if a retreat were really intended. But the precaution taken by the enemy, and the ground over which they were retreating, prevented pursuit in sufficient numbers to secure any valua ble result. Thus, in total disappointment, terminated an in vasion from which much had been expected. Twen ty-six days before, flushed with the hope of certain victory, had this army erected its standard on the banks of the Mississippi. At that moment, they would have treated with contempt an assertion, that in ten days they would not enter the city of New Orleans. How changed the portrait from the ex pected reality ! But a few days since, and they were confident of a triumph, and a termination of their labours : now, vanquished and cut to pieces, at midnight, under the cover of its darkness, they are found silently abandoning their camp, breaking to pieces their artillery, fleeing from an enemy, whom, but a little while before, they had held in ut ter contempt, and submitting their wounded to his clemency. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 303 The enemy had indeed retired, and, " for the present, relinquished all further operations against New Orleans ;" but of what continuance their for bearance would be, whether they might not avail themselves of the first flattering opportunity to re new the struggle, and wipe oif the stain of a defeat so wholly unexpected, could not be known. The hopes g^ expectations indulged in England, of the success of this expedition, had inspirited the whole army ; and failure had never been anticipated. Thev had now retired ; yet, from their convenient situation, and having command of the surrounding waters, it was in their power, at a short notice, to re-appear, at the same, or some more favourable point, cause a repetition of the hardships already encountered, and, perhaps, succeed in the accom plishment of their views. These considerations led General Jackson to conclude, that, although, for the present, there was an abandonment of the enter prise, still it behooved him not to relax in his sys tem of defence ; but be in constant readiness to maintain the advantages he had gained ; and not to risk a loss of the country by a careless indiffer ence, growing out of the belief that danger had subsided. The enemy being again at their shipping, with an entire control of the lakes and gulf, it could not be known at what point they might venture on a second attack. General Jackson determined to withdraw his troops from the position they had so long 1 occupied, and place them about the city, whence, to repel any further attempt that might be made, they could be advanced wherever it should become necessary. The seventh regiment of in fantry remained to protect the point ho was leaving- ; 304 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. while, farther in advance, on Villery s Canal, whe-e a landing had been first effected, were posted a da- tachment of Kentucky and Louisiana militia. To secure this point more effectually, orders were giv en, on the 22d, to throw up a strong fortification at the junction of Manzant and Bayou Bienvenu ; whi oh order was again attempted to be executed on fie 2oth. On both occasions failure vTS? the result, from the circumstance of the enemy having, ?I! their retreat, left a strong guard at this place, which, from its situation, defied approach by a force competent to its reduction. Their occupying this position was looked to as a circumstance which af forded strong evidence that further hostilities were not wholly abandoned. To counteract, however, any advantages which might thence be derived, dif ferent points along the swamp, and in the direction of Terre an Boeuf, were occupied, and strong works erected. These arrangements being made, calculated, if not to prevent, to give intelligence of an approach in time to be resisted, on the 20th of January, Gene ral Jackson, with his remaining forces, commenced his march to New Orleans. The general glow ex cited at beholding his entrance into the city, at the head of a victorious army, was manifested by all those feelings which patriotism inspires. The win dows and streets were crowded, to view the man who had preserved the country. It was a scene well calculated to excite the tenderest emotions. Fathers, sons, and husbands, urged by the necessity of the times, were toiling in defence of their wives and children. A ferocious soldiery, skilled in the art of war, and to whom every indulgence had been promised, were straining to effect their object. The LIFE OF GENERAL JACKStfN. 305 tender female, relieved from the anguish of sus pense, no longer trembled for her safety and her honour : a new order of things had arisen : joy sparkled in every countenance ; while scarcely a widow or an orphan was seen, to cloud the general transport. The general, under whose banners ev ery thing had been achieved, deliberate, and spar ing of the lives of the brave, had dispelled the storm which had so long threatened the ruin of thousands ; and was now restoring, unhurt, those who had with him maintained the contest. His approach was hailed with acclamations. All greeted his return, and hailed him as their deliverer. The 23d having been appointed a day of prayer and thanksgiving for the happy deliverance effect ed by our arms, Jackson repaired to the cathedral. The church and altar were splendidly decorated, and more than could obtain admission had crowded to witness the ceremony. A grateful recollection of his exertions to save the country was cherished by all ; nor did the solemnity of the occasion, even here, restrain a manifestation of their regard, or in duce them to withhold the honour he had so nobly earned. Children, robed in white, and represent ing the different states, were employed in strew ing the way with flowers ; while, as he passed, a flattering ode, produced for the occasion, saluted his ears : Hail to the chief! who hied at war s alarms To save our threatened land from hostile arms j Preserved, protected by his gallant care, Be his the grateful tribute of each fair : With joyful triumph swell the choral lay Strew, strew with flow rs the hero s welcome way. Jackson, all hail .our country s pride and boast,- Whose mind s a council, and his arm a host; 306 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. Welcome, blest chief! accept our grateful lays, Unbidden homage, and spontaneous praise ; Remembrance long shall keep alive thy fame, And future infants learn to lisp thy name. When the general reached the church, Dubour^;, the reverend administrator of the diocess, met him at the door. Addressing him in a strain of pious eloquence, he entreated him to remember, that his splendid achievements, which were echoed from every tongue, were to be ascribed to Him to whom all praise was due. " Let the votary of blind chance," continued he, " deride our credulous simplicity. Lc t the cold-hearted atheist look for an explanation of important events to the mere concatenation of hu man causes : to us, the whole world is loud in pro claiming a Supreme Ruler, who, as he holds the destiny of man in his hands, holds also the thread of all contingent occurrences : from his lofty throne, he moves every scene below, infuses his wisdom in to the rulers of nations, and executes his uncontrolla ble judgments on the sons of men, according to the dictates of his own unerring justice." He conclud ed his impressive address, by presenting the gene ral with a wreath of laurel, woven for the occasion, and which he desired him to accept as " a prize of victory." General Jackson accepted the pledge, presented as a mark of distinguished favour by the reverend prelate, and returned him a reply no less impressive than the address he had received. He was now conducted in, and seated near the altar, when the church ceremonies were commenced, and inspired every mind with a solemn reverence for the occa sion. These being ended, he retired to his quar ters, to renew a system of defence, which should LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 307 ensure entire safety, and ward off any future dan ger that might arise. The right bank of the Mis sissippi was now strengthened by additional re-en forcements, and a strong position taken on La Fourche, to prevent any passage in that direction. Suitable arrangements for security having been al ready made below the city, Generals Coffee and Carroll were instructed to resume their former en campment, four miles above. The rest of the troops were arranged at different points, where necessity seemed most to require it. Previously to General Lambert s departure, arti cles of agreement had been entered into by the commanders of the two armies, for an exchange of prisoners ; in pursuance of which, sixty-three Americans, taken on the night of the 23d, had been delivered up : the remainder, principally taken at the capture of our gun-boats, were afterwards surrendered by Admiral Cochrane, and an equal number of British prisoners sent off to be delivered at the Balize. The enemy had now withdrawn from the shore the troops which had been landed, and occupied their former position at Cat and Ship Islands. Mor tified at their unexpected disaster, they were pro jecting a plan, by which it was expected a partial advantage might, perhaps, be secured, and the stig ma of defeat be somewhat obliterated. Fort Bowyer had been once assailed, with a con siderable force, by land and water, and failure had resulted. This post, the key to Mobile, of infinite consequence, had been retained under the com mand of him, who, heretofore, had defended it so valiantly. The British commander, turning from those scenes of disappointment, and anxious to re- 308 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. trieve his fortunes, before, with his shattered an 1 diminished forces, he should retire, perceived n} place against which he might proceed with better founded hopes of success. On the 6th of February, the British shipping aj - peared off Dauphin Island, fronting the point on which stood the fort, garrisoned with three hundred and sixty men. Having made the necessary ar rangements, on the 8th an attack was commenced, both from the land and water. The fleet was form ed in two divisions, and approached within one and two miles, bearing south and south-west from it. But the principal attack, and that which compelled a surrender, was from the shore, where Colonol Nicholls and Woodbine had carried on their opera tions in September. Five thousand troops, aided by pieces of heavy ordnance, secured from the fire of our guns by large embankments, urged the assault. Under cover of the two succeeding nights, redoubts had been thrown up, and trenches cut through the sand, which enabled them to approach gradually, without being exposed to the fire of our guns. Twice, on the 8th, were detachments sent out, to effect by storm the accomplishment of their pur pose ; but the fire from the fort compelled an aban donment of their course, and drove them to the ne cessity of approaching by trenches, protected by strong redoubts. To demolish these from the fort was impracticable from their strength ; and to at tempt to prevent their erection by any sortie, with so weak a force, would have been imprudent. Thus situated, and every thing being ready to attack the fort, if opposition wer-e still intended, about ten o clock on the llth the enemy hoisted a flag: Major Lawrence raised another. Hostilities ceased, and LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSOX. 309 General Lambert required a surrender. The offi cers, being convoked, with one consent agreed that further resistance would be ineffectual, and could only lead to the unnecessary loss of many valuable lives. A capitulation was agreed on, and the fort forthwith yielded to the enemy. General Winchester, who commanded at Mobile, having received intelligence of what was passing at the point, ordered a detachment of a thousand men, undsr Major Blue, to proceed down the bay, and aid in its defence. This auxiliary force was too late : having surprised and captured one of the en emy s out pickets, consisting of seventeen men, and ascertained that a surrender had already taken place, they returned. Had this detachment reach ed its destination, our loss would have been more severe. The enemy s forces were too numerous, and their means of attack too effectual, for any different result to have taken place, even had the detachment arrived in time. It had early been the wish of General Jackson, for the large frigate, lying at Tchifonte, to be com pleted, and placed in defence of Fort Bowyer. We have before remarked the confidence entertained by him, that, with the aid of this vessel, no force brought against the place would be competent to its reduction. Near it is the only channel a vessel of any size can pass. This frigate, occupying the passage, would have presented as strong a battery as could be brought against her, and. with the aid of the fort, defied any assault from the water ; while her position would have enabled her to have thrown her bombs and shot across the narrow neck of land, in the rear of the point, and arrested the ad vance of any number of troops, which, in this direc- 810 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. tion, might have attempted an approach. Yet mo e money had been disbursed by the government in erecting shelters, to protect the frigate from the weather, than would have been sufficient for h3r completion. The legislature of Louisiana had re-cominencod their session. Some of the members, during the past struggle, had forsaken their official duties, and repaired to the field, whore more important service were to be rendered, and where they hr,u manifest ed a devotion to the country worthy of imitation. A much greater part, however, had pursued a very opposite course, and stood aloof from the impending danger. The disposition they had shown, on the 28th of December, to propose a capitulation, has been adverted to : how far it was calculated to es trange the public sentiment from that conviction, which the commanding general had endeavoured to impress, " that the country could and would be successfully defended," can be easily imagined. But with them he had sinned beyond forgiveness. The course he had adopted his arresting their proceedings, and suspending their deliberations, by placing an armed force at the door of the capitol, were viewed as intolerable infringements upon le gislative prerogative, denounced as an abuse of power, and hence the first opportunity was seized to exhibit their resentment. No sooner had the members resumed the exer cise of their legislative duties, than their first con cern was to pass in review the incidents of the last month. To those who had acted vigilantly in the defence of the state, and who, by their toils and ex ertions, had contributed to its safety, they officially tendered their thanks. In pursuance of their reso- LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 311 lutions, the governor addressed the principal offi cers ; but of Jackson nothing was said. We are not disposed to censure, or even call in question, the conduct of this body, though the circumstances pre sent no very favourable appearance. When dan ger threatened, they were disposed to make terms with the enemy, by a surrender of the city : from this they were prevented by a decision of charac ter that compelled legislative to yield to military authority. Greatly incensed at being thus unex pectedly restrained in the execution of their de signs, no sooner did they resume the duties of their station, than they became lavish in the praise of those who pursued a course directly contrary to their own j whilo in that commendation they inten tionally neglected the very man, to whom their sec tion of the country was indebted for its salvation. Appearances in the American camp were about this time assuming an unfavourable aspect : present danger being removed, confusion was arising, and disaffection spreading through the ranks. Pretexts were sought after to escape the drudgery of the field. Many naturalized citizens, who had been brought into the service, to aid in the general de fence, were seeking exemption from further control, and claiming to be subjects of the king of France. Some were indeed foreigners ; but most of them had, by naturalization, become citizens of the Unit ed States. Notwithstanding this, as French sub jects, they were actually procuring exonerations through Monsieur Toussard, the consul resident at New Orleans. No applicant ever went away un- supplied, and hundreds, for the price of a consular certificate, obtained protections which were to re lieve them from the drudgery of the field, and the 312 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. ties due to their adopted country. A flag was dis played from the consul s residence, and rumour cir culated, that under it every Frenchman would find protection. Five dollars, the price of the certificate, was all that was required of any applicant to assuro, through the consul, the protection of the French government. Harassed by such evils, every day increasing, and having satisfactory reasons to be lieve the enemy, then within a few hours sail of the shore, were constantly advised of his situation, Jack son determined to adopt such measures as would ?i,t once put down the machinations of the designing, Toussard, thus manifesting what could be consid ered in no other light a warmth of attachment 1o the English, and a desire to aid them, for the ser vices, perhaps, which they had given in the restora tion of his monarch, was ordered to leave the city, retire to the interior of the country, nor venture to return, until peace was restored. His countrymen, also, who were disposed to claim his protection, and abandon the service, were ordered to fol low him, and, at their peril, not to appear again about New Orleans. The general did this with a view to his own security, from a conviction that those who could thus shamefully seek to avoid a contest, threatened against a country which they had adopted, would not scruple, if an occasion of fered, to inflict any injury in their power. Our own citizens, too, were giving rise to diffi culties, and increasing the danger of the moment. Mr. Livingston had arrived, on the 10th, from the British fleet, whither he had gone to effect a gen eral cartel : through him, Admiral Cochrane had an nounced the arrival of a vessel from Jamaica, with news, that a treaty of peace had been agreed on, LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 313 and signed by the two countries. This information was immediately caught at by the news-mongers, and, either from intention or want of correct intel ligence, it suddenly appeared in the Louisiana Ga zette, in an entirely different shape : it stated the arrival of a flag at head-quarters, which announced the conclusion of a peace, and requested a suspen sion of hostilities. It was evident, the effect of such a declaration would be, to introduce lassitude, or perhaps disaffection, among the troops, and induce a belief that their accustomed vigilance was no long er necessary. Sensible of this, General Jackson sent for the editor, and instructed him to alter what he had stated, and exhibit the facts, which he now com municated to him, truly as they were. He adopted this course, from fear of the consequences to be produced to himself. One thing he well knew, that the enemy had retired, under circumstances of mor tification at their complete discomfiture ; nor was it an improbable conjecture, that they might yet seek an accomplishment of their views, through any channel a hope of success could be discerned. Might not this annunciation of peace, and request for the suspension of hostilities, introduced through the public journals, be a device of he enemy to in duce a relaxation in his system of operation ; to di vert his officers and soldiers from that activity so essential to security ; to excite discontents, and a desire to be discharged from the further drudg ery of a camp ? All these dangers he saw lurking beneath it, if false ; and, whether true or false, it was foreign to his duty to be influenced by any thing, until it should be officially communicated by his government. Fearful of the effect it might produce, he lost no tinr in addressing his army : 27 314 UFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. " How disgraceful," he remarked, " as well as disas trous, would it be, if, by surrendering ourselves credulously to newspaper publications, often pro ceeding from ignorance, but more frequently from dishonest design, we should permit an enemy, whom we have so lately and so gloriously beaten, to re gain the advantages he has lost, and triumph ove : us in turn !" A general order, at the same time, an nounced that no publication relating to, or affect ing the army, was to be published in any newspa per, without permission first obtained. Notwithstanding this prohibition, shortly after wards an anonymous publication appeared in th3 Courier, calculated by its inflammatory character to excite mutiny among the troops, and afford th-3 enemy intelligence of the disposition of the army. It was high time, the general believed, to act with decision, and prove, by the rigid exercise of author ity, that sucli conduct militated against the police and safety of his camp, and required not to be pass ed with impunity. The enemy had heretofore ef fected a landing without opposition ; and, although beaten, might again return. If spies were to be nestled in his camp, and permitted to go forth to the world with the .gleanings of their industry, it was folly to believe the enemy would not profit by the information. Martial law still prevailed in New Orleans, and he resolved to put it in execution against those who manifested such an evident dis regard of the public good. The editor was imme diately sent for to the general s quarters ; he stat ed the author of the piece to be Louaillier, a member of the legislature, and lie was thereupon discharged. LIFE Or GENERAL JACKSON. 315 Louaillier was arrested, and detained for trial. This circumstance afforded civilians a fair opportu nity of testing if it were in the power of a com manding general to raise the military above the civ il authority, and render it superior by any declara tion of his. Application was made to Judge Hall for a writ of habeas corpus, which was immediate ly issued. The general, to render the example as efficacious as possible, and from information that the judge had been much more officious than his duty required, and believing, in fact, that it was a measure of concert to test his power, determined to arrest him also, and thereby at once to settle the question of authority. Instead of surrendering Mr. Louaillier, and act ing in obedience to the writ which had issued for his relief, he seized the person of the judge, and, on the llth of the month, sent him from the city, with these instructions " I have thought proper to send you beyond the limits of my encampment, to prevent a repetition of the improper conduct with which you have been charged. You will remain without the line of my sentinels until the ratifica tion of peace is regularly announced, or until the British shall have left the southern coast." The spirit of discontent had become extensively diffused. The different posts, which had been es tablished, could with difficulty be maintained. The Kentucky troops, a,nd t\vo hundred of the Louisia na militia, stationed in defence of Villery s Canal, had abandoned their post. Chef Menteur, too, a point no less important, had been forsaken by one hundred and fifty of the Louisianians, in despite of the exertions of their officers to detain them. Gov ernor Claiborne had been heard to declare, in words 316 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. of mysterious import, that serious difficulties woul 1 be shortly witnessed in New Orleans. For the commanding general, at a time like this, when dis affection was spreading like contagion through his camp, patiently to have stood and witnessed muti ny fomented and encouraged by persons, who, froi i their standing in society, were calculated to pos sess a dangerous influence, would have beenacrim? for which he never could have atoned. He thought it time enough to relax in his operations, and groun 1 his arms, when the conclusion of peace should b 3 announced through the proper authorities. Untjl then, believing that imperious duty required it, ho resolved to maintain his advantages, and check op position, at every hazard. To have obeyed the writ would have been idle, lie had declared the exist ence of military authority, and thereby intended to supersede all judicial power. If he had obeyed the mandate, it would have been an acknowledgment of civil supremacy, and a virtual abandonment of the course he had adopted. It was not an improbable event, that the petitioner would be discharged, on a hearing, because guilty of no offence cognizable by the civil courts. On the 13th of the month, two days after the departure of Judge Hall from the city, an express reached head-quarters, with despatches from the war department, at Washington, announcing the conclusion of a peace between Great Britain and the United States, and directing a cessation of hostili ties. A similar communication from his govern ment was received by General Lambert shortly af terwards, and on the 19th military operations, by the two armies, entirely ceased. The aspect of af fairs was now changing : the militia were discharg- LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 317 ed from service ; bustle was subsiding ; and joy and tranquillity every where appearing. A procla mation, by the direction of the president of the United States, was issued, extending pardon and forgiveness for past offences. Judge Hall, being restored to the exercise of those functions, of which he had been lately be reaved by military arrest, proceeded, without loss of time, to an examination of what had passed, and to become the arbiter of his own injuries. Accord ingly, on the 21st, he granted a rule of court for General Jackson to appear, and show ca.use why an attachment for contempt should not be awarded, on the ground that he had refused to obey a writ issu ed to him, detained an original paper belonging to the court, and imprisoned the judge. On the 24th, his appearance being entered, he stood represented at the bar by John Reid, his aid- de-camp, and Messrs. Livingston and Duncan. Ma jor Reid, addressing himself to the court, remarked, that he appeared with the general s answer, supported by an affidavit, which went to show, that the rule should be discharged, and no further proceeding had against him. A curious course of judicial proceed ing was now witnessed. Cause why the rule should not be made absolute was to be shown, and yet the judge would determine whether the reasons were exceptionable or not, previously to their being heard or seen. The counsel urged in vain the propriety of his hearing first, before he decided, if the an swer were consonant with propriety. This was over- ruled. He would first determine what it should be. If within any of the rules laid down, it should be heard. not else. 318 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. "If," remarked the judge, "the party object to the jurisdiction, he shall he heard. " If it be a denial of facts, or that the facts charg ed do not amount to a contempt, he shall be heard. "If it be an apology to the court, or an inter - tion to show, that by the constitution and laws of the United States, or in virtue of his military con - mission, he had a right to act as charged, the court will hear him." "Hear what it does contain, and you can then decide if it come under any of the general rules laid down," was replied and argued at length by his counsel, as the correct and proper course. After a debate of considerable length, Major Reid was permitted to read the answer. He hal gotten through the exceptions reserved as to tho jurisdiction, and was proceeding with the respond ent s reasons, manifesting the necessity, and tho consequent propriety, of declaring martial law, when he was again interrupted by the judge, because coming within none of the rules which he had laid down. The ears of the court were closed against every thing of argument or reason, and, without hearing the defence, the rule against him was ren dered absolute, and the attachment sued out This process was made returnable the 31st; antl on that day the general appeared. Public feeling- was excited, and the crowd, on the tiptoe of expecta tion, were anxiously waiting to know what punish ment the judge would think due to acts, which all agreed had contributed to the success of our cause. Jackson, apprized of the popular fervour towards him, and solicitous that nothing on his part should be done calculated to give it impulse, practised more than usual caution; and now, when it had be- LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON- 319 come necessary to appear in public, to ward himself from crimes imputed, he threw off his military cos tume, and, assuming the garb of a citizen, the bet ter to disguise himself, entered alone the hall, where the court was sitting. Undiscovered amidst the concourse which was present, he had nearly reach ed the bar, when, being perceived, the room in stantly rung with the shouts of a thousand voices. Raising himself on a bench, and moving his hand to procure silence, a pause ensued. He tlien ad dressed himself to the crowd ; told them of the duty due to the public authorities ; for that any impro priety of theirs would be imputed to him ; and urged, if they had any regard for him, that they would, on the present occasion, forbear those expressions of opinion. Silence being restored, the judge rose from his seat, and, remarking- that it was impossible to transact business under such threatening circum stances, directed the marshal to adjourn the court. The general immediately interfered, and requested that it might not be done. " There is no danger here ; there shall be none ; the same arm, that pro tected from outrage this city, will shield and pro tect this court, or perish in the effort." This dec laration had the effect to tranquillize the feelings of the judge ; and the business of the court was pro ceeded with. It was now demanded of him to an swer nineteen interrogatories, drawn up with much labour, and in studied form, which were to deter mine as to his guilt or innocence. He informed the court he should not be interrogated ; that, on a former occasion, he had presented the reasons which had influenced his conduct, without their producing an effect, or being even listened to. "You would not hear my defence, although you 320 I.IKK OK UKNKUAL JACKSON. were advised it contained nothing improper, and ample ivasons wJiy no attachment should be avvar 1- ed. Under these circumstances, I appear he-five you, to receive the sentence of (lie court, having nothing further in my defence to offer. " Your honour will not understand me as intcn 1- ing any disrespect to the court ; hut as no opportu nity has been afforded me of explaining the rea sons and motives by which I was influenced, so is it expected, that censure or reproof will constitute no part of that sentence which you may imagine it your duty to pronounce." The judge proceeded to a final discharge of what he conceived was due to the offended majesty of the laws, and lined the general a thousand dollars. The hall in which this business was transacted was greatly crowded, and excitement every where prevailed. No sooner was the judgment of the court pronounced, than again were sent forth shoiKs of the people. lie was forcibly hurried from the hall to the streets, amidst reiterated cries of " Huzza for Jackson !" from the immense concourse that sur rounded him. They presently met a carriage in which a lady was riding, when, politely taking her from it, the general was made, spite of entreaty, lo occupy her place : the horses being removed, the carriage was drawn on, and halted at the coffee house, into which he was carried, and thither the crowd followed, hir/zaing for Jackson, and menac ing violently the judge. Having prevailed on them to hear him, he addressed them with great earnest ness ; implored them to run into no excesses ; that, if they had the least gratitude for his services, or regard for him personally, they could evince it in no way so satisfactorily, as by assenting, as he most MFE OF GKNERAL JACKSON. 321 freely did, to the decision which had been pro nounced against him ; " that the civil was the para mount and supreme authority of the land. He had never pretended to any thing else, nor advocated a different doctrine, lie had departed from its rules, because that they were too feeble for the state of the times. By a resort to martial law, lie had suc ceeded in defending and protecting a country, which, without it, must have been lost; yet under its provi sions he had oppressed no one, nor extended them to any other purpose than defence and safety : objects which its declaration was intended alone to effect." " I feel," continued he, u sensible for those marks of personal regard, which you have evinced towards me ; and with pleasure remember those high efforts of valour and patriotism, which so essentially con tributed to the defence of the country. If recent events have shown you what fearless valour can ef fect, it is a no less important truth to learn, that submission to the civil authority is the first duty of a citizen." Being at length relieved from this warm display of regard manifested towards him for the exertions he had made in their defence, Jackson retired to his quarters, and, giving a check to his aid-de-camp, sent him to discharge the fine imposed, and to ter minate his contest with the civil authority. He was greatly consoled at learning, through various re spectable channels, that all was tranquil, and that against the judge nothing of indignity or unkind- ness was longer meditated. So riveted was the impression, that the course pursued by the general was correct, and the con duct of Judge Hall more the result of spice?, than anything else, that the citi/ens of Now (; 322 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. determined to ward off tlio effect of his intended injury, by discharging themselves the fine imposed. It was only necessary to be thought of, and it v/as done. So numerous were the persons entertain ing the same feelings on the subject, that in a short time the entire sum was raised by voluntary c m- : tribution. The general, understanding what was in I agitation, to spare his own and their feelings, had 1 despatched his aid-de-camp to seek the marshal, | and thereby avoided the necessity of refusing a favour intended to be offered, and which he cojld not have accepted. Without, however, any kno .vl- edge of his wishes, or consulting at all his feelings on the subject, they proceeded in the arrangement, and, by subscription, the entire amount was in a short time raised, and deposited to his use in the bank, and notice thereof given. But it was not accept ed ; though refused in a manner the most delicate. In reply, he declared the obligations felt for this re newed evidence of regard ; and, although he could not accept of it, yet, as it was the result of the most generous feeling, he solicited that the amount might be applied to the relief of those whose relatives had fallen in battle. The proposition was acceded to, and the amount subscribed expressly for his re lief was disposed of for the benefit of the widow and the fatherless. Jackson once, concerning the declaration of mar tial law, expressed himself after the following man ner : " I very well knew the extent of my powers, and that it was far short of that which necessity and my situation required. I determined, therefore, to venture boldly forth, and pursue a course corre spondent to the difficulties that pressed upon me. I had an anxious solicitude to wipe off the stigma LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 323 cast upon my country by the destruction of the cap ital. If New Orleans were taken, I well knew that new difficulties would arise, and every effort be made to retain it ; and that, if regained, blood and treas ure would be the sacrifice. My determination, therefore, was formed, not to halt at trifles, but to lose the city only at the boldest sacrifice, and to omit nothing that could assure success. I was well aware that calculating politicians, ignorant of the difficulties that surrounded me, would condemn my course ; but this was not material. What became of me was of no consequence. If disaster did come, I expected not to survive it ; but, if a successful defence could be made, I felt assured that my coun try, in the objects attained, would lose sight of, and forget the means that had been employed." The war being now ended, it was necessary to relieve from the toils of the field those brave men, who had so long been struggling in their country s defence. The necessary measures to effect this were adopted. The Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi troops had taken their departure. Gen eral Gaines being invested with the command, in a few days General Jackson left New Orleans for Nashville. The good wishes and friendship of the people followed him : there were a few, however, who rejoiced at his departure ; but they were those who, in moments of peril, had stood aloof from danger, or sought to increase it, and who, in the re proaches to be cast upon him, expected to palliate their own misdeeds. Previously to breaking up his encampment, he addressed his army, and de clared the high sense he entertained of those valiant men, who, with him, had toiled in the field, and, by perseverance and fidelity, had obtained safety 324 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. for their country, and distinguished honour for the n- selves. On his return, the respect of all was manifested in his behalf: all evinced a partiality for the mun, whose signal achievements had raised his country to a high and dignified standing, and whose unre mitting exertions had closed the war with a lustre that enlightened even the blots of its commencement. The annunciation of the triumphant defence of New Orleans was, in every section of the count y, hailed with acclamation ; illuminations and fetes followed it into all our cities and principal towns ; and in all was it agreed, that none other than the decided course adopted by Jackson could have at tained so auspicious a result. The legislatures of many of the states voted to him their thanks for what he had done. The congress of the United States did the same, and directed a gold medal to be presented to him, commemorative of the event. Ad dresses from numerous societies and meetings of the people were forwarded, expressive of their great regard, and proclaiming him the deliverer and sec ond saviour of his country. A tedious journey of eight hundred miles brought him to Nashville, where he was gratified with a mani festation of the regard of his fellow townsmen. An immense concourse was collected, to welcome his arrival. They had long known him as among the number of their best and most respectable citizen.- but curiosity had a new incentive : until now, thoy had not beheld him as one, who, to protect his coun try, knew no difficulty too great to be encountered who, by his firmness and unconquerable perseve rance, amidst surrounding dangers, had saved her from foreign and intestine foes. An address, deliv- LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 325 ered at the court-room, in behalf of the citizens, welcomed his return. Relieved from this farther display of public confidence, the more grateful, be cause from those who were his acquaintances, neigh bours, and friends, he retired home, to repair a bro ken constitution, and to enjoy that repose, to which, for eighteen months, he had been a stranger. Early in the congressional session of 1820, sev eral propositions were made for the reduction of the army, which, however, were not decided upon. On the 9th of January, 1821, the subject was again revived ; and on the 5th of March, following, by an act of congress, approved by the president, the reduction was effected. By this law, only one ma jor-general was retained, and, as General Jackson was not the senior commissioned general, his com mission was annulled, and by courtesy his senior was retained. All commissioned officers were al lowed three months pay, after their commissions were returned. Previous to this, as early as the preceding January, the news of the ratification of the Florida treaty, by the Spanish cortes, had been received. On the 3d of January, Mr. Stanbury, the diplomatic agent, arrived at Philadelphia, in the Pleiades, with an authenticated copy of the treaty, for the re-ratification of the senate, which had become necessary, as the time allowed to Spain to signify her acceptance of the instrument had expired be fore this acceptance was declared. The senate, on the 9th of February, 1821, considered the subject, and gave their sanction anew to the instrument, which was finally confirmed on the 22d. By this advan tageous treaty, East and West Florida were ceded to the United States, and provision made for indem nifying American citizens for Spanish spoliations, 28 326 LIFE Or GENERAL JACKSON. by paying five millions of dollars, the amount agreod upon as the purchase money, directly to the clah i- ants. On the 1st of March, 1821, a bill passed, autho rizing the president to take possession of the newly- acquired territory. Three days after this, March 5th, Mr. Monroe was sworn to his second term of office, and one of the earliest and most important du ties that devolved upon him was the appointment of a person suitably qualified to take possession of the Floridas. Various conjectures were abroad, in re lation to the individual upon whom this hono ir would be conferred. Mr. Monroe very judiciously fixed his eye on the man whose patriotic exertions had been so instrumental in bringing the war in that very region to a successful termination. On the 15th of March, therefore, General Jackson s appointment, as governor of the Floridas, with a salary of five thousand dollars a year, was official ly announced. Soon after being notified of his appointment, he commenced his journey towards his place of desti nation. On the 23d of April, he left New Orleans for Pensacola, having received the greatest attention from the municipal authorities in the very theatre of his former warlike exploits. The hospitality of individuals, and the general expression of the peo ple of New Orleans, were calculated to call forth the liveliest feelings of gratitude. There was considerable delay, on the part of the Spanish authorities, in delivering up the territories. This resulted from their prejudices against the United States, and their disapprobation of the trea ty requiring the transfer. LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 32? On the 7th of July, 1821, Governor Croppinger, by proclamation, formally delivered East Florida to Colonel Robert Butler, the properly authorized com missioner. General Jackson, though not present, was in the vicinity, making the necessary arrange ments for the government of both. Ten days af ter this, July 17th, West Florida was delivered to Governor Jackson in due form. Thus the whole of the newly-acquired territory was placed under his control as governor-general. When the proper course had been adopted for the happiness of all class es, he issued a proclamation of a paternal character, defining the policy of the government, and pointing out the duties of the people in their new relation. After the satisfactory termination of the great business of receiving the Floridas, he made an ex cursion to New Orleans, and, on the llth of Au gust, delivered a valedictory address to the re mainder of the conquering army, then on the point of being disbanded. In this speech, which breath ed the sentiments of affectionate regard towards those brave men, who had aided him in the accom plishment of so many perilous undertakings, for the glory and honour of their country, he made known that his career, as commander in chief of the southern division of the American army, was then terminated. Again we find him, at the close of August, at St. Augustine. On the 1st day of September, Governor Jackson promulgated the names of those whom he had appointed for the civil government of East Florida. There was much contention, about this time, relative to the Spanish archives, which resulted in some unpleasant personal feelings between the governor and Judge Fromentin. Urgent measures, on the part of Governor Jackson, 328 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. were highly necessary, and hence he issued a proc lamation, which obliged the Spanish officers to leave the territories at a specified period. Against this Governor Croppinger, together with the offende d officers, made a remonstrance. Croppinger, partic ularly, protested against the seizure of the publ c papers, &c. The details of this occurrence our limits will not permit us to narrate. It is certai i, however, that there were intriguers in the territo ries, and various misrepresentations, touching tl e administration of the newly-formed government, which, probably, induced Governor Jackson to ro- sign a power, which could not contribute to his own happiness, or increase his sphere of useful ness. On the 8th of September, Governor Jackson, then at Pensacola, made known his intention of vis iting Tennessee with his family. This was no sooner understood, than he was invited to a pub lic dinner by the inhabitants. On that occasion, every demonstration of respect was shown to the distinguished and successful warrior. To the sur prise and regret of an increasing circle of friends, who knew how to appreciate his talents, he made a farewell address to the people of the Floridas. In the course of his speech, he remarked that he should not return again, unless some unexpected event should render it necessary. Soon after the meeting of the seventeenth con gress, on the 29th of the following December,Gover- nor Jackson, having discharged with fidelity and suc cess the duties of his appointment, tendered to the president his resignation. Scarcely thirty days had elapsed from the time of his resignation of the government of the Floridas, LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 329 before he was honoured by Mr. Monroe with an other appointment of higher political consequence. January 23d, 1823, General Jackson was appointed envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to the government of Mexico. As an evidence that he had no knowledge of the intentions of the ex ecutive, we find, on the 1st of the following March, in a respectful manner, he declined the offered mission. It has been generally understood that this \vas in consequence of the unsettled and dis tracted state of Mexico, then under the control of Iturbide, who had declared himself emperor. The true motive, however, for declining the proffered honour, is to be found in the general s own words : " From the present revolutionary state of Mexico, the appearance of an American envoy, with cre dentials to the tyrant Iturbide, might add to his strength, and thereby aid him in riveting the chains of despotism upon that country, which of right ought to be free. To be the instrument of tyranny, however innocent on my part, I could not recon cile to my feelings. With these views, and other rea sons, which I have communicated to Mr. Monroe, I have declined accepting the mission to Mexico." But a short time after, May 13th, the Mexican em peror abdicated his throne, and made the best of his way from a country, which he had brought to the verge of ruin. General Jackson now retired to the quietude of private life, and, in the circle of his own family, sought that rest from the fatigues and countless anxieties of a military life, which his exhausted frame and spirits so obviously required. The con fidence, however, which the citizens of Tennessee had in his talents and wisdom, was again manifest- 28* 330 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON- ed in electing him a senator to the eighteenth con gress, which assembled in December, 1823 ; ai d once more he resigned the endearments of home "X) mingle in the councils of the nation. On his rou ;e from Nashville to Washington, he was greeted by the most enthusiastic applause. The citizens of Knoxville, in a special manner, honoured their cel ebrated guest with a public dinner, and exhibited, in the strongest language, and in the most unequi/- ocal hospitaiity,that they considered him a man of e .>:- traordinary talents, whose past services entitled him to the admiration and confidence of his country. During the session of congress, he entered wi ,h spirited interest into the general business of the nation, and was frequently on some of the most im portant committees. As indefatigable in the sen ate as in military command, he found that such un- remitted attention to public affairs, as his duty re quired, to sustain the dignity of the station, was al together too severe for the delicate state of his health. The political horizon, also, now began to present a different aspect, and the circumstance of his being a candidate for the presidential chair, without doubt, influenced him, to a considerable ex tent, in resigning his seat in the senate. Soon af ter the close of the session, he made known to his constituents the determination, and, in a few weeks, it was announced, to the sincere regret of all who knew the integrity of his character. In the person of General Jackson is perceived nothing of the robust or elegant. He is six feet and an inch high, remarkably straight and spare, and weighs not more than a hundred and forty-five pounds. His conformation appears to disqualify him for hardship ; yet, accustomed to it from early LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 331 life, few are capaKe of enduring fatigue to the same extent, or with less injury. His dark blue eyes, with hrows arched and slightly projecting, possess a marked expression ; but when, from any cause, excited, they sparkle with peculiar lustre and penetration. In his manners he is pleasing in his address commanding : while his countenance, mark ed with firmness and decision, beams with a strength and intelligence that strikes at first sight. In his deportment there is nothing repulsive. Easy, af fable, and familiar, he is accessible to all. Influ enced by the belief, that merit should constitute the only difference in men, his attention is equally be stowed on honest poverty as on titled consequence. No man, however inconsiderable his standing, ever approached him on business, that he did not patient ly listen to his story, and afford him all the informa tion in his power. His moral character is without reproach, and by those who know him most inti mately he is most esteemed. Benevolence in him is a prominent virtue. He was never known to pass distress without seeking to assist and to relieve it. It is imputed to him, that he derives from his birth a temper irritable and hasty, which has had the effect to create enemies, and involve him in dis putes. In Jackson, however, these defects of char acter exist to an extent as limited as with most men ; and the world is in error in presuming him un der a too high control of feeling and passion. A fix ed devotion to those principles which honour sanc tions, renders him scrupulously attentive to his promises and engagements of every description. Preserving system in his moneyed transactions, his fiscal arrangements are made to correspond with his resources, and hence his every engagement in 332 LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. relation to sucli subjects is met with marked pur c- tuality, not for the reason that he is a man of ex traordinary wealth, but rather because he has me ,h- od, and with a view to his resources, regula .es properly his balance of trade. No man has been more misconceived in charac ter. Many, on becoming acquainted with him, have been heard to admit the previous opinions which they had entertained, and how great had been th 3ir mistake. Rough in appearance, positive and over bearing in his manner, are what all, upon a first n- troduction, expect to find ; and yet none are pos sessed of milder manners, or of more conciliating address. The public situations in which he has been placed, and the circumstances which surround ed him, are doubtless the cause that those opinions have become so prevalent ; but they are opinions which an acquaintance with him tends to remove. The difficulties under which he laboured at New Or leans were such as might well have perplexed, and thrown the mind aside from every thing of mildness. Light and trifling pleasantries often mark char acter as distinctly as things of consequence. Gen eral Jackson, one day during the siege of New Or leans, was approached by an officer of the militia, who stated his desire to leave the service, and re turn home ; for that he was made game of, and called by the company Pewter Foot. He manifest ed great concern, and an anxious desire to be re lieved from his unpleasant situation. The general, with much apparent sympathy for him, replied, that he had ascertained there was a practice in the camp of giving nick-names ; and had understood, too, that very many had dared to call him Old Hickory: " Now," said he, " if you prefer mine, I am willing LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON. 333 to exchange ; if not, remain contented, and perform your duty faithfully, and, as soon as we can get clear of those troublesome British, our wrongs shall be inquired into by a court-martial, and the authors punished ; for then, and not till then, shall we have an end of those insults." The effect was happy, and induced the complaining officer to retire, per fectly satisfied to learn, that his grievance would be united with the general s, and both ere long be effectually redressed. General Jackson possesses ambition, but it rests on virtue ; an ambition, which, regulated by a high sense of honourable feeling, leads him to desire " that applause which follows good actions not that which is run after." No man is more ready to hear and to respect the opinions of others, and none, where much is at stake, and at conflict with his own, less disposed to be under their influence. He has never been known to call a council of war, whose decisions, when made, were to shield him from responsibility or censure. His council of war, if doubting himself, was a few officers, in whom he fully confided, whose advice was regarded, if their reasons were conclusive ; but, these not being satis factory, he at once adopted and pursued the course suggested by his own mind. At the battle of Tohopeka, an infant was found pressed to the bosom of its lifeless mother. This circumstance being made known to General Jack son, he became interested for the child, directed it to be brought to him, and sought to prevail on some of the Indian women to take care of and rear it. They signified their unwillingness to do so, stating that, inasmuch as all its relations had fallen in bat tle, they thought it best it should be killed. The 334 LIFE OP GENERAL JACKSON, general, after this disclosure, determined he woild. not intrust it with them, but became himself the protector of the child. Bestowing on the infant the name of Lincoier, he adopted it into his fam;ly, and has ever since manifested the liveliest zeal to wards it, prompted by benevolence, and because, perhaps, its fate bore a strong resemblance to his own, who, in early life, and from the ravages of war, was left in the world forlorn and wretched, without friends to assist, or near relations to diroct him on his course. Thus we have traced the private and public life of the man, who is rightly denominated the Hero of New Orleans. General Jackson continues to reside on his os- tate in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by an agree able circle of intellectual friends, in the possession of no office, but in the enjoyment of the richest bless ings of Divine Providence, a moderate fortune, sound health, and a good conscience. The author has not adverted to the many popu lar efforts in the United States to raise General Jackson to the first office in the nation, nor related the flattering reception of the conqueror, on the 8th of January, 1828, on the battle-ground of New Or leans, the scene of those great achievements, which furnish a brilliant page to the history of his country. Time will develope his future destiny, whether lie will yet be the chief magistrate of a great repub lic, or whether his name will go down to posteri ty, simply as one of the most distinguished warriors andr disinterested patriots of the age. FINIS. 14 DAY USE RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED __LOAN DEPT. This book is due on the last date stamped below, or on the date to which renewed. Renewed books are subject to immediate recall. LIBRARY USE JIM rHfflJJ. NOV 101959 RECEIVED J W9 *$f-$kft RECD LD LOAN QEPT. NOV 10 1959 r rfl> 59 BJ 00 REC D LD CD CD CT> DEC 3 - iqw U u. v u Mr , DEC 2^ ^ V A 05726 ,