Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-02-10


destined for the defence of New-Orleans and
the lower country, in l8l4-l5. The manner
in which he performed that service, IN mill
tary point Of view, and so far as regards the
discontinue and final expulsion of the enemy,
is well known, and has met the appreciation OIL
every American citizen. But the fact must
not be lost sight of, nor forgotten for mo-
ment. that the talent necessary for military
command in the presence of an enemy, and that
which is requisite to qualify for presiding over
the diversified interests of combination OF
Republics in one general government, are very
dissimilar in their character. In accomplish
ed military commanders the world has oeen We
nv fruitful; every age and nation has abounded
with them: but philosophic statesmen, devoted
to the security of popular rights, have been
extremely rare in every age. Had military
proves and skill been the true or only means
by which public liberty was to have been estab-
lished, it would not have been left to the I'M
mortal sages of l77e to be the first to promul-
gate genuine political truth to an astonlshed
world, and solemnly pledge themselves Tor Its
sunnort. General Jackson arrived at NewOr-
leans about the Cd December, 1914, and took
the command there; on the 5th OF the same
month he proclaimed martial law. This was
the first, and | believe the only instance, in
which an officer of the army of the United
States has dared to assume that authority with
in the limits Of the Union About the same
time that the General declared martial law, he
determined upon dissolution of the Louisiana
Legislature, and accordingly military corps
took possession of the Legislative halls, and
dissolution actually was effected.
Martial law, in its operation upon all other
subjects than those which are exclusively mill
tary, appears to have deGed the legal acquire
ments of the ablest and most accomplished lu-
rists, to produce satisfactory definition of it.
Hale, in the Hist. c. L. c. ., says, that "mar-
tial law is really no law, but something indulg-
ed rather than allowed as law" 1t seems to be
requisition to submit Internationally to the
will of the commanding general, in all respects
whatsoever General Jackson's conduct is full
proof that he so considered it, and that he was
determined in all respects to act up to his un-
Outstanding of the subject. In examining the
different acts of General Jackson to which
take exceptions, do not pretend to be perfect
ly accurate and correct, as to the precise day
on which they were se'erally performed
conceiving that TO be of no material conse-
quence, have not taken ths pains 10 search the
public documents, for the purpose Of showing
sne eAaefHay -'Ss'..s'.->~0r' roon pracr. all
aimed at was to he substantially correct-con.
ceiving, that the intrinsic merit or de merit of
any act, cannot be materially affected by the
omission to state the precise day on which il
was done. have already stated, that or the
18th Of December, 1914, Gen Jackson issued
at New-Orlrans an order, declaring Martial
Law: that order it is not in my power to give an
exact copy Of; but il will be understood by The
character which the general has himself given
oft, and which, in the sequel, will particular
ly notice. This general order was succeeded
by another, dated on the 2Sth of January fol-
lowing, which was in these words.-"All French
subjects, having the certificate Of the French
Consul, oountersigned by the order Of the Com
manding General, will repair to the interior,
not short of Baton Rouge, until the enemy have
left our waters, or the restoration Of peace.-
This measure has become necessary from the
numerous applications Of the kind, and will he
carried into immediate effect. Notice will ne
taken of such persons as may remain after the
Sd Of mex; month, and all officers are orderrd to
give information Of every such person remain.
ing after that period, as may come within their
knowledge" About the 18th oil February news
arrived in the British feet. that treaty of peace
had been signed between the United States and
Great Britain, and was Immediately brought
by an American flag of truce 10 Gen Jackson's
Head Quarters, and was published by general
order on the 10Th This information was puo-
lished in the Louisiana Gazette of The 2lsl Of
February, and on the same dav, Capt. Reed,
the Generals Aid-de-camp, by order, adore ssed
j letter 10 the Editor, repcmaad.ng him for