The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-01-13
1.-THE BATTLE OF CHALMETrE."
TYRONE POWER ON THE BATTLE FIELD-INTER-
EsrING "REMINISCENCES

TYRONE POWER ON THE BATTLE FIELD-INTER-
EsrING "REMINISCENCES.
To EDITOR HERALD
The frequent contradictions of history. particu-
ary when written by authors who derive their infor-
nation from sources embodying the views and
prejudices OF commanders liable to exaggerate or
paae the actions of their immediate corps, lead too
frequently to confused accounts and to denials Of
their truthfulness by those who participated IN the
operations. Take. for instance. the battle of New
Orleans described by General Jackson Judge Martin.
Major Lacarrere Latour Commodore Patterson, and,
finally, by the historian Gayarre, who drew from
those narrators and from the public documents the
materials for his Battle of Chalmette. Jackson is
accused of errors Of time, position the number of
troops engaged and the manner Of attack and de-
fence nevertheless these American narrators agree
that General Kean of the royal army, was guilty of
lack of veracty.
As a boy, Interested in the State Of my birth and
particularly in the gallant deeds of Major Panche's
New Orleans battalion, composed of the best blood of
Louisiana, l seized every occasion to read the
ports of the battle, and to let pass oppor-
tunity OF referring to the subject of questioning
those who had participated in tn fight in regard to
its history and incidents. Mr.. Sylvan Peyroux-
nephew of the French military commandant OF
quarters at New Madrid, subsequently at st. Louis
OF the Orleans battalion and proprietor OF beauti
full estate situated the plains of operation, be-
tween Darcantel and Where plantations entertained
in princey style. His mansion at all times open to
social gatherings especially so on Sundays. when
his friends assembled there TO enjoy themselves and
to partake of the bountiful supplies Of hospitable
host. At Mr. Peyrouxs table, while nbibing the rich
wines. anecdotes flowed; and it was there that
his companions in arms referred to the parts they
had taken the defence of New Orleans and to their
unpublished observations in regard to it, 1t is true
a.. sv.,I
history. such would have produced evil effect
or giver poor opinion OF Louisanas muse--viz.,
LA Garde Du - composed for and dedicated to
Major Twggs. late a major general in the United
States Army, who had ordered sentnels DO posted.
near his tent q sanitary measure.
On the Sunday before Tyrone Powers departure
from New Orleans for Europe, via New York. on his
il-fated voyage the celebrated Irish comedian spent
had done several other occasions, vise: to the
.'battle ground" He was accompanied by the host,
Mr.. peyroux, and Messrs. Saint Ogre, blanche and
other veterans. |. boy, mounted my
horse and followed. being anxious to have correct
knowledge of the positions of the troops and OF their
movements the memorable sth of January, that
might, at future day, act as guide to the sight
seers and travellers who would claim the hospitality
of the planters OF ST. Bernard parish. We visited the
situation of the settlement of the traitorous Italian
and Spanish fishermen. on the banks OF Bayou Viii
lere now known as Bayou Bienvenue. 1t those
fishermen who supplied New Orleans with fish, who
piloted the English to Where's plantation. which
The British and American forces camped ON
Where. Lacoste, Laronde. Chalmette, Jumonville.
DarsnIte Is nneM wv rode hr over the
hunted them and the swamps General
Jacksons earthworks were thrown up between the
Mississippi lcvecs and the swamp. canal
his front General Morgan's and Patterson's forces
utrenched on the left or southern bank of the
river, nearly opposite to Chalmette. Pattersons
battery the levee. situated to enfilade
Packing ham forces when they advanced TO attack.
II was this battery which did such execution in the
British ranks, and which would have proved trouble
some ii not disastrous, to forces, had Col
onel Thornton reached the opposite bank in time to
rt,rts or I'M N md
the British retreat for the inglorious flight of the
half horse half alligator Kentuckians had
PEELED Commodore Patterson to spike and abandon
his battery.
The battle ground having been thoroughly surveyed
and discussed the company assembled and repaired
to the dining room. Tyrone Powers numerous
questions resulted in anecdotes and "reminiscences.
Among the gentlemen present was Nicholas Sinuott,
an Irishman of hcrculcan strength, who had dstin-
guished himself by lodging sabre cut-whch
spoiled his hatbu he foored his adversary and cap
tured him. Another gentleman had found General
Kean sword and handed 1t to General Jackson. Ma
jor Where's escape and conceament in royal oak
troe alluded TO. Tho Veterans unani-
nous in the opinion that the battle Of
the sd of December. fought on Laronds
the part of the British advance corps, composed of
5000 men, would have been destroyed aud captured
had Planches New Orleans battalion been permitted
to charge bayonets; they clarnored for 1t. but
were checked by Major Ross. United States Army.
who commanded two battalions. The Bare.
tarans were conspicuous their battery
admirably handled. Dominique lSuc) Bluchi
and the brothers LATTE. Pierre and Jean.
expert seamcn; they blacksmi who had
worked at their trade in Now Orleans before
ing com nand of the buccaneers.
staple had been used In the embrasures of our bat
tories but had been removed previous to the British at
tack because OF the hot shot which had gnited the
cotton appropriated by General Jackson belonged to
the Chovalier Juinovllo de Where. of Captain
DE Where TO whom General then Colonel Wash
ington surrendered Fort Necessity. This seizure
nearly resulted in duel. Bernard de Marigny in
PRODUCED n the Legislature bill for the relief of NJ.
stood 10 say that France and the French the
FIRST to make Washington hero"
mot a word truth in it, Numbered old Larry
Moore. then a Senator. God Almighty made George
Washington n hero.
AIarigny glowed with the blood of chivarous race;
Moore was the type. of the frontier American. The
affair settled. Marigny language had been mis-
construed. Larry meant not a personal but politi-
cal lie.
shaded the large mansion of SYLVAN Pcyroux that
Jackson issued one OF the first orders given the
Tyrone Power handled the British shot and shell
which were gathered there
From battle "reminiscences the conversation had
turned to the proposed race course ut Mgers, oppo
site New Orleans. Look out" remarked Tyrone
Power he winkcd 20 the creolcs and eyed the Ken
tuckians present; don't let the half horse get the
best of you in your selection OF new course. You
know they have tested the ground and made the best
time known, leaving the British stceds far in the
rear. Keep AN eye on them" The Kentuckians
Joined In the laugh, as the half batalions under
Jackson's immediate command had by their bravery
mityatcd the ingorous flight OF Davis Kcntuck-
ians. The creocs shrugged their shoulders re-
marking who could have fought under such in
efce,nt and incompetent officer as brave General
Morgan proved TO be-
TO the uncrrng rifles of the Tcnncssceans the vet
Grams attributed our success and the English loss.
The dirty shirts as the British named them. never
missed their mark. As proof OF their experness
they sent to General Jackson his daily ration OF head
less snipe.
Several of the charming ladies' present on the occa
sion alluded to had piled their needles, making over
coats of blankets for the Tennossceans aud Ken.
tuckians. The dinner ended by the reading OF
Thomas Dunn English's ballad. the only obiection