Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1847-01-14

lions we're published by Brilishauh GRITTY, designed
TO produce u seryilo war at the South, and calling
upon American citizens even, TO join the British
standard!
| Jackson, penetrated tho plnns Of the enemy and
acted uccordhgy-he pursued him TO his strong
hold and drove him from ii. Pensacola was taken
I and the British driven 10 the sea. The next OBJ,
ject Of tho General, was TO provide for the defence
of New Orleans,
Complicated difficulties, here presented them
selves. a army WIS 20 be collected, organized
armed and disciplined. An important point was
10 be defended, against one of tho lnrgcsl and bes
appointed armies ever landed upon these shores
flushed too, with recent conquesls in Europe, and
having entire command of The sea, and consequent
y lis point Of attack.
All this was TO be done in a community, of diff.
erent nations, recently joined 10 the Union; and
understood, AT least to be somewhat indifferent to
ito essential interests.
But the result proved Tint the resources of the
General, were ahundanIy adequate 10 meet the
eSigeEces of his country, The governor of Louis
ana, too reported that the Legislature then in ses-
sion, were secretly preparing terms of copllulaion
10 the enemy.
Jackson knew the influence these Legislative
traitors would have in The city he was sent 10 de-
end-- their proceedings must be arrested or all
was lost,
Jackson was ready to "lake the responsibility"
lie declared martial law-requircd the services Of
every ciIizcn--beat the enemy and saved tho city.
Peliogglng politicians, more nice than wise or pat
riollc, hare, and yet may cncti--5ut look at
the verdict Of this mighty peopIe-ook at that of
the devoted city Ages yet 10 come, a@thaI day
shall return, will the denzens Of that great city,
hail Jackson as their dciirerer not their tyrani.
The formidable fleet at length arrived, and
made its approach through Lake Borgne, which
communicates within few miles Of New Orleans
After most gallant defence the gun boats placed
as lookout upon the Lake, were cop,ured'by the
advancing enemy, and he succeeded IN unding
some 5000 troops on the 22d ofDec.
I he news Of these two events, reached Jackson
at the same moment. and although he had but
1900 men then under his command, he dCtcrmin-
ed 10 attack the enemy that very night.
Aided by lreaoherv, as it was supposed the
foe had penetrated 10 the left bank of the
Mississippi, his left, resting upon the river
and extending in long and beautiful lines of tents
and camp-iires 10 the right. The armed schooner
Caroline, was ordered 10 drop down the stream
and anchor on The prolongaton Of these liues-
Covered by the darkness, Jackson marched his
little band 10 attack more than three times their
number of veteran troops land the broadsides of
the Caroline ,rakng the B:ilish lines, was to be the
signal for the attack.
The fire of the gallant ship, produced the ut.
most CONSERVATION aud confusion in the ranks
Of the enemy, in this condition they were attacked
by Jackson and his forces, and driven from their
grcuni. The confusion Of night attack must be
apparent to any one. But Jackson pruden;y re-
called his forces and slept upon the battle field.
Early the next morning, he retired about six
miles up the river and commenced the cOnslruc-
ton of those lines which were TO he the palad-
UNI Of future operations.
This well ,med attack, was all essential in the
defence. 1t staggered and delayed the enemy,
and gave Jackson lime to collect his forces and
complete his deltnce-nisht and day, Jackson &
his men. abored for the defence-iu the ditch
in The battery ARTILLERY organizing, and preparing
for the final struggle.
Nor were the British, idle. The remainder of
10000 troops with all their munitions of war, were
landed and canal from the Lake 10 the river
IN days.
On the 2S;h the enemy were ready for the on
set. Early in tho morning their columns were in
motion. a splendid dis play of rockets and war
like music, heIaIded their approach.
OHNhu lHcy CulHC-'glunCCu az NV uHCH-lUe
and the brslling ranks behind and be-
lievng them too formidable to be carried by
coup dc num- Gen. Packingham prudcnty
gave up the assault, ind retired TO change his
mode Of attack.
Fascnes were 10 be prepared TO gil up the ditch
and ladders to scale the breast>works. These be-
ing prepared, the new year was ushered in by n
grand display Of military fire works, and all the
pomp Of war,
The roar Of their artillery, was incessani, and
heir attack spirited, bu, they met snch II recep-
ion that retreat similar to that OF the 2Slh, was
he result, leaving the field with heavy loss
The morning of this day, 1915, dawned upon
hose hostile armies. Jackson had now completed
lis deIences, and collected his volunteers rom
he upper waters Of the Mississippi. Now he eag-
rly watched the movements Of The enemy.
The enemy, TOO was all prepared and ready for
he onset. Anxious 10 regain the laures lost, and
vim Others, which should never fade, "Beanly & |
Booty" were his watch words, the conquest plum
Ter and sack Of the devoted city, was looked up
N as CERTAIN.
In the grey Of the morning, his rockets s'reamcd
long the Southern skies, while his columns
moved to the attack. a tremendous discharge
rom all his Batteries, vas TO shattel Onr breast
works, aud open way for HI! advancing masses.
But his Messengers of death found Il quiet rest
ng place in cotton bales, instead Of the bodies of
wing men; while the relui ing fire from our lines
ismounted his cannon, and sllenced his fire,
till his dark columns moved slowly and steadily
nwurd-'twas splendid, fearful spectacle TO
ook upon. The mighty power Of 10000 men, in I
II the pomp and splendOr Of modern war, were
here confident of victory and stimulated by the as.
u!ance of rong in u the luxuries Of Il conquer
ID city.
But no sooner did they come within range Of
,ur artillery, than well directed fire upon their
lark masses, destroyed whole squadrons at one
discharge; still, on they came, bnt tho rifles of
tennessee md Kentucky were even more fatal,
han grape or canister.
The carnage was horrible-they Gltered, halt |
ID, and relrcated. BY the greatest efforts they
we're rallied ugain, and returned to the contest
over The mangled bodies Of their comrades.
Again, they were swept by our glape and can
lister like grass Lefore The mowers scythe, and
lgain they fled from the deadly onset. No efforts
If their officers could bring them to halt, ill far
beyond the reach Of our cannon shot
Their commander in chief and I'd in command
we're killed, and the newt supposed to he mortal
y wounded, the plain was covered with the dead
md diving. These fearful reverses. induced the
enemy to give up The touffict-he returned no
nore-havng his ranks diminished in all by more
han 5000 men, while son our SIDE, were killed,
md 6 wounded! A result unexamplcd in the ans
mails Of war.
The enemy fed TO his ships, leaving his dead
unburried, and his wounded at our cIemency.
Thus ended one Of the most remarkable battles