Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-01-13
The Battle of New Orleans.

Yesterday, the 9th of January, anniversa-
ry ever memorable in the history of the country
being that of Jacksons victory the British at
New Orleans Considering the relative numbers
and state of preparation of the two armies, the de-
fence of New Orleans by General Jackson, ranks a
mong the very greatest and most important events
in the history Of the country. With not more, and
perhaps less, than six thousand troops, chiefly
disciplined militia behind the most hastily construc-
ted and inefficient entertainments, Gen. Jackson
pulsed and defeated fourteen thousand of Yelling
toms peninsular veterans under General Sir Edward
Packenham. The British loss was about two thou
sand killed and wounded, all of whom they left
on the field of battle upon their precptae retreat
to their ships. The American loss very small,
some seven killed and six wounded.
Although q treaty of peace had been signed at
Client, on the Oath of December, 1914, some fifteen
days before the battle still that fact not known
at the time of it's being fought, nor for very con-
siderable time afterwards--a least six weeks. The
repulse of the British saved New Orleans from plum
der by an army whose motto was beauty and boo
ty" as we'll as the whole South est, from the i'm
minent danger of servile Instruction with all its
untold and unimaginabe horrors. And although it
could not have had any effect in modifying the pro-
visions of the treaty already negotiated and in
which the British government made no abandonment
of the right of search, claimed by them, and the in
soIent exercise of which towards American vessels
mainly provoked the war still there be doubt
that the respect it enforced for the proves of the
American arms, has had more effect in restraining
British insolence upon this and other points, where
a different might lead to the renewal of hos
tties that all the parchment and red tape contracts
in the world.
1t turns out, as testified to by General Jackson
HIMSELF that the popular notion about cotton bales
being used as breatwOrks in this instance is mis-
take There was not bale of cotton the ground.
Some bags of sand there were, but very few. The
principal works composed of two parallel fen
ces, the space between them being filled in with
earth and even this not completed-a part be-
ing only single fence, and no filing in; but this
was at the point least likely to be assailed.
We do not remember on what day of the week the
battle was fought, but we question much if there
would have been any postponing until Monday on
account of the sacredness of the Sabbath. The
work of killing is seldom postponed for any consid-
Grafton
The anniversary will be celebrated to-day in a
good many of the larger cities. 1t should not be
forgotten. On the last anniversary, Clark Mills
bronze Equestrian Statue of Jackson, was inaugura
ted in Washington City, and an eloquent Grafton de-
Iyered by Senator Douglas. We have looked at this
statue of Mills frequently, from all points of view
and we cannot reconcile it to ourselves that the best
attitude in which to present the stern collected ole
Roman to posterity, is charging about on cavort
ing horse, rearing up on his hind legs, like turn
out at militia muster Not so did he sit at New
Orleans nor did any such display crush the U. S
Bank. Camness, dignity ard cool decision should
characterize any statue worthy of Jackson all pran
cling or rearing is abominable.
DaiLu Journal, 9th inst