Chapter XV: Section 2: And be it further resolved, That the President of (4)

RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS NOVEMBER 3. 1814. A winged Victory, standing on a British shield, holds a palm branch in her left hand, and places with her right a crown of laurel upon the cascabel of a cannon standing upright in the ground, and forming the centre of a trophy of the enemy's arms: on the cannon is the inscription ERIE. Exergue: BATTLE OF ERIE AUG. (_August_) 15. 1814. FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).[103]

[Footnote 103: The resolution of Congress voting
this medal is given under No. 39, page 203.]

EDMUND PENDLETON GAINES was born in Culpepper County, Virginia, March 20, 1777. He entered the army as ensign of infantry, 1799; became first-lieutenant, 1802; captain, 1807; major and lieutenant-colonel, 1812; colonel, 1813, and brigadier-general 1814. He greatly distinguished himself at the battle of Erie, August 15, 1814, and was badly wounded on the 28th of the same month. For his services on this occasion he was breveted major-general, September 14, 1814, and Congress gave him a vote of thanks and a gold medal. He served in Florida (Seminole war) and in Georgia (Creek war); and was commander of the southern and afterward of the western military districts. He died in New Orleans, June 6, 1849.

_____

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS. (p. 227)

_General Gaines to the Secretary of War._

To the Honourable Head-Quarters, Fort Erie, U. C.,[104]
John ARMSTRONG, August 15th, 1814.
Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.

[Footnote 104: U. C., Abbreviation of Upper
Canada.]

Sir: My heart is gladdened with gratitude to Heaven and joy to my
country, to have it in my power to inform you that the gallant
army under my command has this morning beaten the enemy commanded
by Lieutenant-General Drummond, after a severe conflict of nearly
three hours, commencing at 2 o'clock this morning. They attacked
us on each flank, got possession of the salient bastion of the
old Fort Erie, which was regained at the point of the bayonet,
with a dreadful slaughter. The enemy's loss in killed and
prisoners, is about 600; near 300 killed. Our loss is
considerable, but I think not one-tenth as great as that of the
enemy. I will not detain the express to give you the particulars.
I am preparing my force to follow up the blow.

With great respect, etc.,
Edmund P. GAINES,
_Brigadier-General commanding_.

_____

_General Gaines to the Secretary of War._

To the Honourable Head-Quarters, left wing, 2d Division,
John ARMSTRONG, Fort Erie, U. C., August 23d, 1814.
Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.

Sir: I have the honour to communicate, for the information of the
department of war, the particulars of the battle fought at this
place, on the 15th instant, between the left wing of the 2d
division of the northern army, under my command, and the British
forces in the Peninsula of Upper Canada, commanded by
Lieutenant-General Drummond, which terminated in a signal victory
in favour of the united American arms.

Our position on the margin of the lake, at the entrance of the
Niagara river, being nearly a horizontal plain, twelve or fifteen
feet above the surface of the water, possessing few natural
advantages, had been strengthened in front by temporary parapet
breast works, entrenchments and abatis, with two batteries and
six field pieces. The small unfinished fort, Erie, with a 24, 18
and 12 pounder, forms the north-east, and the Douglass battery,
with an 18 and 6 pounder near the edge of the lake, the
south-east angle of our right. The left is defended by a redoubt
battery, with six field pieces just thrown up on a small ridge.
Our rear was left open to the lake, bordered by a rocky shore of
easy ascent. The battery on the left was defended by Captain (p. 228)
Towson; Fort Erie, by Captain Williams, with Major Trimble's
command of the 19th infantry; the batteries on the front, by
Captains Biddle and Fanning; the whole of the artillery commanded
by Major Hindman. Parts of the 11th, 9th and 22d infantry (of the
late veteran brigade of Major-General Scott) were posted on the
right, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Aspinwall. General
Ripley's brigade, consisting of the 21st and 23d, defended on the
left. General Porter's brigade of New York and Pennsylvania
volunteers, with our distinguished riflemen, occupied the centre.

I have heretofore omitted stating to you, that during the 13th
and 14th, the enemy had kept up a brisk cannonade, which was
sharply returned from our batteries, without any considerable
loss on our part. At 6 P.M. one of their shells lodged in a small
magazine in Fort Erie, which was fortunately almost empty. It
blew up with an explosion more awful in appearance than injurious
in its effects, as it did not disable a man or derange a gun. It
occasioned but a momentary cessation of the thunders of the
artillery on both sides; it was followed by a loud and joyous
shout by the British army, which was instantly returned on our
part, and Captain Williams, amidst the smoke of the explosion,
renewed the contest by an animated roar of his heavy cannon.

From the supposed loss of our ammunition, and the consequent
depression such an event was likely to produce upon the minds of
our men, I felt persuaded that this explosion would lead the
enemy to assault, and made my arrangements accordingly.

The night was dark, and the early part of it raining, but the
faithful sentinel slept not; one-third of the troops were up at
their posts. At half-past two o'clock, the right column of the
enemy approached, and though enveloped in darkness black as his
designs and principles, was distinctly heard on our left, and
promptly marked by our musketry under Major Wood, and cannon
under Captain Towson. Being mounted at the moment, I repaired to
the point of attack, where the sheet of fire rolling from
Towson's battery, and the musketry of the left wing of the 21st
infantry under Major Wood, enabled me to see the enemy's column
of about 1,500 men approaching on that point, his advance was not
checked, until it had approached within ten feet of our infantry.
A line of loose brush representing an abatis only intervened; a
column of the enemy attempted to pass round the abatis through
the water, where it was nearly breast deep. Apprehending that
this point would be carried, I ordered a detachment of riflemen
and infantry to its support, but having met with the gallant
commander, Major Wood, was assured by him that he could defend
his position without reinforcements. At this moment the enemy
were repulsed, but instantly renewed the charge and were again
repulsed. My attention was now called to the right, where our
batteries and lines were soon lighted by a most brilliant fire of
cannon and musketry; it announced the approach of the centre and
left columns of the enemy, under Colonels Drummond and Scott; the
latter was received by the veteran 9th, under the command of
Captain Foster, and Captains Broughton and Harding's companies of
New York and Pennsylvania volunteers, aided by a six-pounder
judiciously posted by Major M'Ree, chief engineer, who was most
active and useful at this point; they were repulsed. That of the
centre, led by Colonel Drummond, was not long kept in check; it
approached at once every assailable point of the fort; and (p. 229)
with scaling ladders ascended the parapet, but was repulsed
with fearful carnage. The assault was twice repeated, and as
often checked, but the enemy having moved round the ditch covered
by darkness, added to the heavy cloud of smoke which had rolled
from our cannon and musketry, enveloping surrounding objects,
repeated the charge, re-ascended the ladders; the pikes, bayonets
and spears fell upon our gallant artillerists. The gallant
spirits of our favourite Captain Williams and Lieutenants
M'Donough and Watmough, with their brave men, were overcome. The
two former, and several of their men, received deadly wounds. Our
bastion was lost; Lieutenant M'Donough, being severely wounded,
demanded quarter; it was refused by Colonel Drummond. The
lieutenant then seized a handspike and nobly defended himself
until he was shot down with a pistol by the monster who had
refused him quarter, who often reiterated the order: "_Give the
damned Yankees no quarter._" This officer, whose bravery, if it
had been seasoned with virtue, would have entitled him to the
admiration of every soldier, the hardened murderer soon met his
fate. He was shot through the breast while repeating the order
"_to give no quarter_."

The battle now raged with increased fury on the right, but on the
left the enemy was repulsed and put to flight. Thence and from
the centre I ordered reinforcements. They were promptly sent by
Brigadier-General Ripley and Brigadier-General Porter. Captain
Fanning, of the corps of artillery, kept up a spirited and
destructive fire with his field pieces, on the enemy attempting
to approach the fort. Major Hindman's gallant efforts, aided by
Major Trimble, having failed to drive the enemy from the bastion,
with the remaining artillerists and infantry in the forts,
Captain Birdsall, of the 4th rifle regiment, with a detachment of
riflemen, gallantly rushed in through the gateway to their
assistance, and with some infantry, charged the enemy, but was
repulsed, and the captain severely wounded. A detachment from the
11th, 19th, and 22d infantry, under Captain Foster, of the 11th,
were introduced over the interior bastion, for the purpose of
charging the enemy. Major Hall, assistant inspector general, very
handsomely tendered his services to lead the charge. The charge
was gallantly made by Captain Foster and Major Hall, but owing to
the narrowness of the passage up to the bastion, admitting only
two or three men abreast, it failed. It was often repeated, and
as often checked; the enemy's force on the bastion was, however,
much cut to pieces and diminished by our artillery and small
arms. At this moment every operation was arrested by the
explosion of some cartridges deposited in the end of the stone
building adjoining the contested bastion. The explosion was
tremendous: it was decisive; the bastion was restored. At this
moment Captain Biddle was ordered to cause a field piece to be
posted so as to enfilade the exterior plain and salient glacis.
The captain, though not recovered from a severe contusion in the
shoulder, received from one of the enemy's shells, promptly took
his position, and served his field piece with vivacity and
effect. Captain Farming's battery likewise played upon them at
this time with great effect. The enemy were in a few moments
entirely defeated, taken or put to flight, leaving on the field
222 killed, 174 wounded, and 186 prisoners. A large portion are
so severely wounded that they cannot survive; the slightly
wounded, it is presumed, were carried off.

To Brigadier-General Ripley, much credit is due for the (p. 230)
judicious disposition of the left wing, previous to the action,
and for the steady disciplined courage manifested by him and his
immediate command, and for the promptness with which he complied
with my orders for reinforcement during the action.
Brigadier-General Porter, commanding the New York and
Pennsylvania volunteers, manifested a degree of vigilance and
judgment in his preparatory arrangements, as well as military
skill and courage in the action, which proves him to be worthy
the confidence of his country, and the brave volunteers who
fought under him. Of the volunteers, Captains Broughton and
Harding with their detachments posted on the right, and attached
to the line commanded by Captain E. Foster, of the veteran 9th
infantry, handsomely contributed to the repulse of the left
column of the enemy under Colonel Scott.

The judicious preparations and steady conduct of
Lieutenant-Colonel Aspinwall commanding the first brigade, merit
approbation.

To Major McRee, chief engineer, the greatest credit is due for
the excellent arrangement and skillful execution of his plans for
fortifying and defending the right, and for his correct and
seasonable suggestions to regain the bastion. Major Wood, of the
engineers, also greatly contributed to the previous measures of
defence. He has accepted the command of a regiment of infantry,
(the 21st,) for which he has often proved himself well qualified,
but never so conspicuously as on this occasion.

Towson's battery emitted a constant sheet of fire. Wood's small
arms lighted up the space, and repulsed five terrible charges
made between the battery and the lake. Brigadier-General Ripley
speaks in high terms of the officers and men engaged,
particularly Captains Marston and Ropes, Lieutenants Riddle (of
the 15th, doing duty with the 21st) and Hall; Ensigns Benn,
Jones, Cummings and Thomas of the 21st, and Keally and Green of
the 19th.

Major Hindman, and the whole of the artillery under the command
of that excellent officer, displayed a degree of gallantry and
good conduct not to be surpassed. The particular situation of
Captain Towson, and the much lamented Captain Williams and
Lieutenant M'Donough, and that of Lieutenant Watmough, as already
described, with their respective commands, rendered them most
conspicuous. The courage and good conduct of Lieutenant
Zantzinger and Lieutenant Childs, is spoken of in high terms by
Major Hindman and Captain Towson, as also that of Sergeant-Major
Denhon. Captains Biddle and Fanning, on the centre and right of
their entrenchments, threw their shot to the right, left and
front, and annoyed the Indians and light troops of the enemy
approaching from the woods. Lieutenant Fontaine in his zeal to
meet the enemy, was unfortunately wounded and made prisoner.
Lieutenant Bird was active and useful, and in fact every
individual belonging to the corps did their duty.

The detachment of Scott's gallant brigade, consisting of parts of
the 9th, 11th and 22d infantry, did its duty in a manner worthy
the high reputation the brigade had acquired at Chippewa, and at
the Falls of Niagara. The 9th, under the command of Captain
Edmund Foster, was actively engaged against the left of the
enemy, and with the aid of Lieutenant Douglass's corps of
bombardiers, commanding the water battery, and that of the
volunteers, under Captains Broughton and Harding, effected their
repulse. The good conduct of Lieutenants Childs, Cushman and
Foot, and Ensign Blake, deserves commendation.

The officers killed, are Captain Williams and Lieutenant (p. 231)
McDonough of the artillery. Wounded, Lieutenant Watmough of the
artillery; Ensign Cissney 19th; Lieutenant Bushnel 21st;
Lieutenants Brown and Belknap 23d; and Captain Birdsall, 4th
rifle regiment, all severely.

Lieutenant Fontaine of the artillery, who was taken prisoner,
writes from the British camp, that he fortunately fell into the
hands of the Indians, who, after taking his money, treated him
kindly. It would seem, then, that these savages had not joined in
the resolution to give no quarter.

To Major Jones, assistant adjutant-general, and Major Hull,
assistant inspector-general; Captain Harris of the dragoons,
volunteer aid-de-camp; Lieutenant Belton, aid-de-camp, much
credit is due for their constant vigilance and strict attention
to every duty previous to the action, and the steady courage,
zeal, and activity, which they manifested during the action.

The surgeons, doctors Fuller 23d, Trowbridge 21st, with their
mates, doctors Gale of the 23d, and Everett and Allen of the
21st, deserve the warmest approbation, for their indefatigable
exertions and humane attention to the wounded of our army, as
well as to the prisoners who fell into their hands.

I have the honour to be, etc.,
E. P. GAINES,
_Brigadier-General commanding_.

_____

_General Gaines to the Secretary of War._

To the Honourable Headquarters, Fort Erie, Upper Canada,
John ARMSTRONG, August 26th, 1814.
Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.

Sir: In my report of the battle of the 15th instant, I
inadvertently omitted the names of Captain Chunn of the 19th,
Lieutenants Bowman and Larned, of the 21st, and Jewett of the
11th infantry, as also my brigade major, Lieutenant Gleason, each
of whom bore a conspicuous part in the action, and whom I beg
leave to recommend to your notice. Lieutenants Bowman and Larned
commanded companies in the 21st, which so gallantly beat the
enemy's right column. Captain Chunn, with his company was doing
duty with the same regiment. I also omitted mentioning that a
part of this regiment pursued the enemy's right upwards of a
mile, and took 100 prisoners; his left was also pursued, and more
than a hundred prisoners were taken beyond our works. These facts
prove that the affair was not merely a _defence_ of our position,
or a mere _repulse_ of the enemy, as I find it called by some. As
regards myself, I am satisfied with the _result_, and am not
disposed to make any difficulty about the _name_ by which the
affair may be called; but it is due to the brave men I have the
honour to command, that I should say, that the affair was to the
enemy a _sore beating_ and a _defeat_, and it was to us a
_handsome victory_.

Our position is growing stronger every day by the exertions of
Majors M'Ree and Wood, and the officers and men generally. We
keep up a smart cannonade.

One of the enemy's pickets yesterday approached nearer to (p. 232)
ours than usual. Major Brooke, officer of the day, added 100
men to our picket, attacked and drove them in with considerable
loss; the major brought in about 30 muskets. In this affair
however, we have to lament the loss of another gallant officer,
Captain Wattles, of the 23d; our loss was otherwise
inconsiderable.

I have the honour to be, &c.,
E. P. GAINES,
_Brigadier-General commanding_.

No. 45. (p. 233) PLATE XLVI.

_September 11, 1814._

Major General Alexander Macomb. [Rx]. Resolution of Congress
November 3. 1814.

MAJOR-GENERAL ALEXANDER MACOMB.

[_Victory of Plattsburgh._]

MAJOR GENERAL ALEXANDER MACOMB. Bust of General Macomb, in uniform, facing the right FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS NOVEMBER 3. 1814. The American army repulsing the British troops, who are striving to cross the Saranac river. To the left, Plattsburgh in flames; to the right, naval battle on Lake Champlain; in the distance, Cumberland Head. Exergue: BATTLE OF PLATTSBURGH SEPT. (_September_) 11. 1814. FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).[105]

[Footnote 105: The resolution of Congress voting
this medal is given under No. 39, page 203.]

ALEXANDER MACOMB was born in Detroit, April 3, 1782. He entered the army as cornet of cavalry, 1799; was 2d lieutenant, 1801; 1st lieutenant of engineers, 1802; captain, 1805; major, 1808; lieutenant-colonel 1810; colonel 3d Artillery, 1812; and brigadier-general, January, 1814. He gained the victory of Plattsburgh over the British troops, commanded by the governor-general of the Canadas, General Sir George Prevost, September 11, 1814, for which important achievement Congress gave him a vote of thanks and a gold medal, and he was breveted major-general. He was appointed chief of the engineer corps, 1821, and became major-general and commander-in-chief of the army, May 24, 1828. He died at the head-quarters of the army in Washington, June 25, 1841.

_____

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS. (p. 234)

_General Macomb to the Secretary of War._

To the Honourable Head-Quarters, Plattsburgh,
John ARMSTRONG, September 15th, 1814.
Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.

Sir: I have the honour to communicate for the information of the
war department, the particulars of the advance of the enemy into
the territory of the United States, the circumstances attending
the siege of Plattsburgh, and the defence of the posts entrusted
to my charge.

The governor-general of the Canadas, Sir George Prevost, having
collected all the disposable force of Lower Canada, with a view
of conquering the country as far as Crown Point and Ticonderoga,
entered the territories of the United States on the first of the
month, and occupied the village of Champlain, there avowed his
intentions, and issued orders and proclamations tending to
dissuade the people from their allegiance, and inviting them to
furnish his army with provisions. He immediately began to press
the wagons and teams in the vicinity, and loaded them with his
heavy baggage and stores. From this I was persuaded he intended
to attack this place. I had but just returned from the lines,
where I had commanded a fine brigade, which was broken to form
the division under Major-General Izard, ordered to the westward.
Being senior officer he left me in command, and except the four
companies of the 6th regiment, I had not an organized battalion
among those remaining. The garrison was composed of convalescents
and recruits of the new regiments, all in the greatest confusion,
as well as the ordnance and stores, and the works in no state of
defence.

To create an emulation and zeal among the officers and men in
completing the works, I divided them into detachments, and placed
them near the several forts; declaring in orders, that each
detachment was the garrison of its own work, and bound to defend
it to the last extremity. The enemy advanced cautiously and by
short marches, and our soldiers worked day and night; so that by
the time he made his appearance before this place we were
prepared to receive him.

General Izard named the principal work _Fort Moreau_, and to
remind the troops of the actions of their brave countrymen, I
called the redoubt on the right _Fort Brown_, and that on the
left _Fort Scott_. Besides these three works, we have two
block-houses strongly fortified.

Finding, on examining the returns of the garrison, that our force
did not exceed fifteen hundred effective men for duty, and well
informed that the enemy had as many thousands, I called on
General Mooers, of the New York militia, and arranged with him
plans for bringing forth the militia _en masse_. The inhabitants
of the village fled with their families and effects, except a few
worthy citizens and some boys, who formed themselves into a
party, received rifles, and were exceedingly useful. By the 4th
of the month, General Mooers collected about 700 militia, and
advanced seven miles on the Beekmantown road, to watch the
motions of the enemy, and to skirmish with him as he advanced;
also to obstruct the roads with fallen trees, and to break up the
bridges.

On the Lake road, at Deer Creek bridge, I posted 200 men (p. 235)
under Captain Sproul, of the 13th regiment, with orders to
_abatis_ the woods, to place obstructions in the road, and to
fortify himself; to this party I added two field pieces. In
advance of that position, was Lieutenant-Colonel Appling, with
110 riflemen, watching the movements of the enemy and procuring
intelligence. It was ascertained that before daylight on the 6th,
the enemy would advance in two columns, on the two roads before
mentioned, dividing at Sampson's, a little below Chazy village.
The column on the Beekmantown road proceeded most rapidly, the
militia skirmished with his advanced parties, and, except a few
brave men, fell back most precipitately in the greatest disorder,
notwithstanding the British troops did not deign to fire on them,
except by their flankers and advanced patrols. The night
previous, I ordered Major Wool to advance with a detachment of
250 men, to support the militia, and set them an example of
firmness. Also Captain Leonard, of the light artillery, was
directed to proceed with two pieces, to be on the ground before
day; yet he did not make his appearance before 8 o'clock, when
the enemy had approached within two miles of the village. With
his conduct, therefore, I am not well pleased. Major Wool, with
his party, disputed the road with great obstinacy, but the
militia could not be prevailed on to stand, notwithstanding the
exertions of their general and staff officers; although the
fields were divided by strong stone walls, and they were told
that the enemy could not possibly cut them off. The State
dragoons of New York wear red coats, and they being on the
heights to watch the enemy, gave constant alarm to the militia,
who mistook them for the enemy, and feared his getting in their
rear. Finding the enemy's columns had penetrated within a mile of
Plattsburgh, I despatched my aid-de-camp, Lieutenant Root, to
bring off the detachment at Dead Creek, and to inform
Lieutenant-Colonel Appling that I wished him to fall on the
enemy's right flank. The colonel fortunately arrived just in time
to save his retreat, and to fall in with the head of a column
_debouching_ from the woods. Here he poured in a destructive fire
from his riflemen at rest, and continued to annoy the column
until he formed a junction with Major Wool. The field pieces did
considerable execution among the enemy's columns. So undaunted,
however, was the enemy, that he never deployed in his whole
march, always pressing on our columns. Finding that every road
was full of troops crowding on us on all sides, I ordered the
field pieces to retire across the bridge and form a battery for
its protection, and to cover the retreat of the infantry, which
was accordingly done, and the parties of Appling and Wool, as
well as that of Sproul, retired alternately, keeping up a brisk
fire until they got under cover of the works. The enemy's light
troops occupied the houses near the bridge, and kept up a
constant firing from the windows and balconies, and annoyed us
much. I ordered them to be driven out with hot shot, which soon
put the houses in flames, and obliged the sharp-shooters to
retire. The whole day, until it was too late to see, the enemy's
light troops endeavoured to drive our guards from the bridge, but
they suffered dearly for their perseverance. An attempt was also
made to cross the upper bridge, where the militia handsomely
drove them back. The column which marched by the Lake road was
much impeded by the obstructions and the removal of the bridge at
Dead Creek, and, as it passed the creek and beach, the gallies
kept up a lively and galling fire. Our troops being now all on
the south side of the Saranac, I directed the planks to be taken
off the bridges and piled up in the form of breastworks, to (p. 236)
cover our parties intended for disputing the passage, which
afterwards enabled us to hold the bridges against very superior
numbers.

From the 7th to the 11th, the enemy was employed in getting on
his battering train, and erecting his batteries and approaches,
and constantly skirmishing at the bridges and fords. By this
time, the militia of New York, and the volunteers of Vermont,
were pouring in from all quarters: I advised General Mooers to
keep his force along the Saranac, to prevent the enemy's crossing
the river, and to send a strong body in his rear to harass him
day and night, and keep him in continual alarm. The militia
behaved with great spirit after the first day, and the volunteers
of Vermont were exceedingly serviceable. Our regular troops,
notwithstanding the constant skirmishing and repeated endeavours
of the enemy to cross the river, kept at their work day and night
strengthening the defences, and evinced a determination to hold
out to the last extremity.

It was reported that the enemy had only waited the arrival of his
flotilla, to make a general attack. About eight in the morning of
the 11th, as was expected, the flotilla appeared in sight round
Cumberland Head, and at nine, bore down and engaged our flotilla
at anchor in the bay off the town. At the same instant, the
batteries were opened on us, and continued throwing bomb shells,
shrapnels, balls, and congreve rockets until sunset, when the
bombardment ceased, every battery of the enemy being silenced by
the superiority of our fire. The naval engagement lasted but two
hours, in full view of both armies. Three efforts were made by
the enemy to pass the river, at the commencement of the cannonade
and bombardment, with a view of assaulting the works, and he had
prepared for that purpose an immense number of scaling ladders.
One attempt to cross was made at the village bridge, another at
the upper bridge, and a third at a ford about three miles from
the works. At the two first he was repulsed by the regulars; at
the ford, by the brave volunteers and militia, where he suffered
severely in killed, wounded, and prisoners; a considerable body
having crossed the stream, but were either killed, taken, or
driven back. The woods at this place were very favourable to the
operations of the militia. A whole company of the 76th regiment
was here destroyed, the three lieutenants and 27 men prisoners,
the captain and the rest killed.

I cannot forego the pleasure of here stating the gallant conduct
of Captain M'Glassin, of the 15th regiment, who was ordered to
ford the river, and attack a party constructing a battery on the
right of the enemy's line, within five hundred yards of Fort
Brown, which he handsomely executed at midnight with fifty men;
drove off the working party, consisting of one hundred and fifty,
and defeated a covering party of the same number, killing one
officer and six men in the charge, and wounding many. At dusk the
enemy withdrew his artillery from the batteries, and raised the
siege; at nine, under cover of the night, he sent off in a great
hurry all the baggage he could find transport for, and also his
artillery. At two next morning the whole army precipitately
retreated, leaving the sick and wounded to our generosity, and
the governor left a note with a surgeon requesting the humane
attention of the commanding general.

Vast quantities of provisions were left behind and destroyed,
also an immense quantity of bombshells, cannon balls, grape shot,
ammunition, flints, &c., &c.; intrenching tools of all (p. 237)
sorts, also tents and marquees. A great deal has been found
concealed in the ponds and creeks, and buried in the ground, and
a vast quantity carried off by the inhabitants. Such was the
precipitancy of his retreat, that he arrived at Chazy, a distance
of eight miles, before we had discovered he had gone. The light
troops, volunteers, and militia pursued immediately on learning
of his flight; and some of the mounted men made prisoners five
dragoons of the 19th regiment, and several others of the rear
guard. A continued fall of rain and a violent storm prevented
further pursuit. Upwards of 300 deserters have come in, and many
are hourly arriving. We have buried the British officers of the
army and navy with the honours of war, and shown every attention
and kindness to those who have fallen into our hands.

The conduct of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and
soldiers of my command, during this trying occasion, cannot be
represented in too high terms, and I feel it my duty to recommend
to the particular notice of government, Lieutenant-Colonel
Appling of the 1st rifle corps, Major Wool of the 29th, Major
Totten of the corps of engineers, Captain Brooks of the
artillery, Captain M'Glassin of the 15th, Lieutenants De Russy
and Trescott of the corps of engineers, Lieutenants Smyth,
Mountford, and Cromwell of the artillery, also my aid-de-camp
Lieutenant Root, who have all distinguished themselves by their
uncommon zeal and activity, and have been greatly instrumental in
producing the happy and glorious result of the siege.

I have the honour to be, &c.,
Alexander MACOMB.

The loss of the enemy in killed, wounded, prisoners, and
deserters, since his first appearance, cannot fall short of
2,500, including many officers, among whom is Colonel Wellington,
of the Buffs.

_____

_Resolution of Congress Voting Rifles to Martin F. Aitkin and others._

_Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled_: That the
President of the United States be, and he is hereby authorized to
cause to be delivered to Martin J. Aitkin, Azariah C. Flagg, Ira
A. Wood, Gustavus A. Bird, James Trowbridge, Hazen Mooers, Henry
K. Averill, St. John B. L. Skinner, Frederick P. Allen, Hiram
Walworth, Ethan Everist, Amos Soper, James Patten, Bartemus
Brooks, Smith Bateman, Melancthon W. Travis and Flavel Williams,
each, one rifle, promised them by General Macomb, while
commanding the Champlain department, for their gallantry and
patriotic services as a volunteer corps, during the siege of
Plattsburgh in September, one thousand eight hundred and
fourteen, on each of which said rifles there shall be a plate
containing an appropriate inscription.

Approved May 20, 1826.

No. 46. (p. 238) PLATE XLVII.

_January 8, 1815._

Major General Andrew Jackson. [Rx]. Resolution of Congress
February 27. 1815.

MAJOR-GENERAL ANDREW JACKSON.

[_Victory of New Orleans._]

MAJOR GENERAL ANDREW JACKSON. Bust of General Jackson, in uniform, facing the right. FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS FEBRUARY 27. 1815. A winged Victory, holding in her left hand a crown of laurel, and a tablet upon which she has written, at the dictation of Peace, the word ORLEANS. Exergue: BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS JANUARY 8. 1815. FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

ANDREW JACKSON was born in the Waxhaw Settlement, North Carolina, March 15, 1767. His parents had recently emigrated from Ireland, and he lost them both early in life. In 1781 he joined the Continental Army and served in North Carolina. Having studied law, he removed, in 1788, to Nashville. He was the first member of Congress from Tennessee, in 1796; was United States senator, 1797-1798; judge of the Supreme Court of Tennessee, 1799; resigned in 1804, and retired to his farm, called "The Hermitage," near Nashville. As major-general of the Tennessee Volunteers, he gained victories over the Creek Indians at Talladega, November 9, 1813, at Emuckfaw and Enotochopco, January 22 and 24, and at Tohopeka, March 27, 1814. He was appointed brigadier-general in the United States Army on April 19, (p. 239) major-general on May 1, 1814, and commander-in-chief for the defence of Louisiana against the British troops under General Packenham, whom he completely defeated at the battle of New Orleans, January 8, 1815. For this great victory Congress gave him a vote of thanks and a gold medal. He retired from the army, 1819, was governor of Florida territory, 1821, United States senator from Tennessee, 1823-1824, unsuccessful presidential candidate in 1824, and President of the United States (first term), 1829-1833; (second term), 1833-1837. He retired to the Hermitage in 1837, and died there June 8, 1845. He was known by the sobriquet of "Old Hickory."

_____

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

_Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to General Jackson._

_Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled_: That the
thanks of Congress be, and they are hereby, given to
Major-General Jackson, and, through him, to the officers and
soldiers of the regular army, of the militia and of the
volunteers, under his immediate command, and to the officers and
soldiers charged with the defence of Fort St. Philip, for their
uniform gallantry and good conduct, conspicuously displayed
against the enemy, from the time of his landing before New
Orleans until his final expulsion from the State of Louisiana,
and particularly for the valour, skill, and good conduct on the
eighth of January last, in repulsing, with great slaughter, a
numerous British army of chosen veteran troops, when attempting
by a bold and daring attack to carry by storm the works hastily
thrown up for the protection of New Orleans, and thereby
obtaining a most signal victory over the enemy with a disparity
of loss, on his part, unexampled in military annals.

_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be requested
to cause to be struck a gold medal, with devices emblematical of
this splendid achievement, and presented to Major-General
Jackson, as a testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress
of his judicious and distinguished conduct on that memorable
occasion.

_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be requested
to cause the foregoing resolution to be communicated to
Major-General Jackson in such terms as he may deem best
calculated to give effect to the objects thereof.

Approved February 27, 1815.

_____

_General Jackson to the Secretary of War._ (p. 240)

To the Honourable Head Quarters,
SECRETARY OF WAR, Camp 4 miles below New Orleans,
Washington, D. C. January 13th, 1815.

Sir: At such a crisis, I conceive it my duty to keep you
constantly advised of my situation.

On the 10th instant I forwarded you an account of the bold
attempt made by the enemy on the morning of the 8th to take
possession of my works by storm, and of the severe repulse he met
with. That report having been sent by the mail which crosses the
lake, may possibly have miscarried; for which reason I think it
the more necessary briefly to repeat the substance of it.

Early on the morning of the 8th, the enemy having been actively
employed the two preceding days in making preparations for a
storm, advanced in two strong columns on my right and left. They
were received, however, with a firmness which it seems they
little expected, and which defeated all their hopes. My men,
undisturbed by their approach, which indeed they long anxiously
wished for, opened upon them a fire so deliberate and certain as
rendered their scaling ladders and fascines, as well as their
more direct implements of war, perfectly useless. For upwards of
an hour it was continued with a briskness of which there have
been but few instances, perhaps in any country. In justice to the
enemy, it must be said, they withstood it as long as could be
expected from the most determined bravery. At length, however,
when all prospect of success became hopeless, they fled in
confusion from the field, leaving it covered with their dead and
wounded. Their loss was immense. I had at first computed it at
1500, but it is since ascertained to have been much greater. Upon
information which is believed to be correct, Colonel Hayne, the
inspector-general, reports it to be in total 2600. His report I
enclose you. My loss was inconsiderable, being only seven killed
and six wounded. Such a disproportion in loss, when we consider
the number and kind of troops engaged, must, I know, excite
astonishment, and may not everywhere be fully credited; yet I am
perfectly satisfied that the account is not exaggerated on the
one part, nor underrated on the other.

The enemy, having hastily quitted a post which they had gained
possession of on the other side of the river, and we having
immediately returned to it, both armies at present occupy their
former positions. Whether, after the severe losses he has
sustained, he is preparing to return to his shipping, or to make
still mightier efforts to attain his first object, I do not
pretend to determine. It becomes me to act as though the latter
were his intention. One thing, however, seems certain, that if he
still calculates on effecting what he has hitherto been unable to
accomplish, he must expect considerable reinforcements, as the
force with which he landed must undoubtedly be diminished by at
least 3000. Besides the loss which he sustained on the night of
the 23d ultimo, which is estimated at 400, he cannot have
suffered less between that period and the morning of the 18th
instant than 3000; having, within that time, been repulsed in two
general attempts to drive us from our position, and there having
been continual cannonading and skirmishing during the whole of
it. Yet he is still able to show a very formidable force.

There is little doubt that the commanding general, Sir Edward (p. 241)
Packenham, was killed in the action of the 8th, and that
Major-Generals Keane and Gibbs were badly wounded.

Whenever a more leisure moment shall occur, I will take the
liberty to make and forward you a more circumstantial account of
the several actions, and particularly that of the 8th, in doing
which my chief motive will be to render justice to those brave
men I have the honour to command, and who have so remarkably
distinguished themselves.

I have the honour to be, &c.,
Andrew JACKSON.

_____

_General Jackson to the Secretary of War._

To the Honourable
SECRETARY OF WAR, Camp below New Orleans,
Washington, D. C. January 19th, 1815.

Sir: Last night at 12 o'clock, the enemy precipitately decamped,
and returned to their boats, leaving behind them, under medical
attendance, eighty of his wounded, including two officers, 14
pieces of his heavy artillery, and a quantity of shot, having
destroyed much of his powder. Such was the situation of the
ground he abandoned, and of that through which he retired,
protected by canals, redoubts, entrenchments and swamps on his
right, and the river on his left, that I could not, without
encountering a risk which true policy did not seem to require, or
to authorize, attempt to annoy him much on his retreat. We took
only eight prisoners.

Whether it is the purpose of the enemy to abandon the expedition
altogether, or renew his efforts at some other point, I do not
pretend to determine with positiveness. In my own mind, however,
there is but little doubt that his last exertions have been made
in this quarter, at any rate for the present season, and by the
next I hope we shall be fully prepared for him. In this belief I
am strengthened not only by the prodigious loss he has sustained
at the position he has just quitted, but by the failure of his
fleet to pass Fort St. Philip.

His loss on this ground, since the debarkation of his troops, as
stated by the last prisoners and deserters, and as confirmed by
many additional circumstances, must have exceeded four thousand;
and was greater in the action of the 8th than was estimated, from
the most correct data then in his possession, by the
inspector-general, whose report has been forwarded to you. We
succeeded, on the 8th, in getting from the enemy about 1000 stand
of arms of various descriptions.

Since the action of the 8th, the enemy has been allowed very
little respite; my artillery from both sides of the river being
constantly employed, till the night, and indeed until the hour of
their retreat, in annoying them. No doubt they thought it quite
time to quit a position in which so little rest could be found.

I am advised by Major Overton, who commanded at Fort St. Philip,
in a letter of the 18th, that the enemy having bombarded his fort
for 8 or 9 days from 13-inch mortars without effect, had, on the
morning of that day, retired. I have little doubt that he would
have been able to have sunk their vessels had they attempted to
run by.

Giving the proper weight to all these considerations, I (p. 242)
believe you will not think me too sanguine in the belief that
Louisiana is now clear of its enemy. I hope, however, I need not
assure you, that wherever I command, such a belief shall never
occasion any relaxation in the measures for resistance. I am but
too sensible that the moment when the enemy is opposing us, is
not the most proper to provide for them.

I have the honour to be, etc.,
Andrew JACKSON.

_____

_General Jackson's Farewell Address to his Army._

New Orleans, March, 1815.

The major-general is at length enabled to perform the pleasing
task of restoring to Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana, and the
territory of the Mississippi, the brave troops who have acted
such a distinguished part in the war which has just terminated.
In restoring these brave men to their homes, much exertion is
expected of, and great responsibility imposed on, the commanding
officers of the different corps. It is required of Major-Generals
Carroll and Thomas, and Brigadier-General Coffee, to march their
commands, without unnecessary delay, to their respective states.
The troops from the Mississippi territory and state of Louisiana,
both militia and volunteers, will be immediately mustered out of
service, paid, and discharged.

The major-general has the satisfaction of announcing the
approbation of the President of the United States to the conduct
of the troops under his command, expressed, in flattering terms,
through the honourable Secretary of War.

In parting with those brave men, whose destinies have been so
long united with his own, and in whose labours and glories it is
his happiness and his boast to have participated, the commanding
general can neither suppress his feelings, nor give utterance to
them as he ought. In what terms can he bestow suitable praise on
merit so extraordinary, so unparalleled? Let him, in one burst of
joy, gratitude, and exultation, exclaim, "These are the saviours
of their country; these the patriot soldiers, who triumphed over
the invincibles of Wellington, and conquered the conquerors of
Europe!" With what patience did you submit to privations; with
what fortitude did you endure fatigue; what valour did you
display in the day of battle! You have secured to America a proud
name among the nations of the earth; a glory which will never
perish.

Possessing those dispositions which equally adorn the citizen and
the soldier, the expectations of your country will be met in
peace, as her wishes have been gratified in war. Go, then, my
brave companions, to your homes; to those tender connections and
blissful scenes which render life so dear; full of honour, and
crowned with laurels that will never fade. When participating in
the bosoms of your families, the enjoyment of peaceful life, with
what happiness will you not look back to the toils you have
borne, to the dangers you have encountered? How will all your
past exposures be converted into sources of inexpressible
delight? Who, that never experienced your sufferings, will (p. 243)
be able to appreciate your joys? The man who slumbered
ingloriously at home, during your painful marches, your nights of
watchfulness, and your days of toil, will envy you the happiness
which these recollections will afford; still more will he envy
the gratitude of that country which you have so eminently
contributed to save.

Continue, fellow-soldiers, on your passage to your several
destinations, to preserve that subordination, that dignified and
manly deportment, which have so ennobled your character.

While the commanding general is thus giving indulgence to his
feelings, towards those brave companions, who accompanied him
through difficulties and danger, he cannot permit the names of
Blount, and Shelby, and Holmes, to pass unnoticed. With what
generous ardour and patriotism have these distinguished governors
contributed all their exertions to provide the means of victory!
The recollection of their exertions, and of the success which has
resulted, will be to them a reward more grateful than any which
the pomp of title, or the splendour of wealth, can bestow.

What happiness it is to the commanding general, that, while
danger was before him, he was, on no occasion, compelled to use,
towards his companions in arms, either severity or rebuke. If,
after the enemy had retired, improper passions began their empire
in a few unworthy bosoms, and rendered a resort to energetic
measures necessary for their suppression, he has not confounded
the innocent with the guilty, the seduced with the seducers.
Towards you, fellow-soldiers, the most cheering recollections
exist, blended, alas! with regret, that disease and war should
have ravished from us so many worthy companions. But the memory
of the cause in which they perished, and of the virtues which
animated them while living, must occupy the place where sorrow
would claim to dwell.

Farewell, fellow-soldiers. The expression of your general's
thanks is feeble; but the gratitude of a country of freemen is
yours, yours the applause of an admiring world.

Andrew JACKSON,
_Major-General commanding_.

_____

_Resolutions of Congress complimentary to Commodore D. T. Patterson and others._

_Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled_: That the
Congress entertain a high sense of the valour and good conduct of
Commodore D. T. Patterson, of the officers, petty officers, and
seamen attached to his command for their prompt and efficient
co-operation with General Jackson in the late gallant and
successful defence of the city of New Orleans when assailed by a
powerful British force.

_Resolved_, That Congress entertain a high sense of the valour
and good conduct of Major Daniel Carmick, of the officers,
non-commissioned officers, and marines under his command, in the
defence of the said city, on the late memorable occasion.

Approved February 15, 1815.

_____

_Resolutions of Congress complimentary to the People of the State (p. 244) of Louisiana, etc._

_Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled_: That
Congress entertain a high sense of the patriotism, fidelity,
zeal, and courage with which the people of the State of Louisiana
promptly and unanimously stepped forth, under circumstances of
imminent danger from a powerful invading army, in defence of all
the individual, social and political rights held dear to man.
Congress declare and proclaim, that the brave Louisianians
deserve well of the whole people of the United States.

_Resolved_, That Congress entertain a high sense of the
generosity, benevolence, and humanity displayed by the people of
New Orleans in voluntarily affording the best accommodations in
their power, and giving the kindest attention to the wounded, not
only of our own army, but also to the wounded prisoners of a
vanquished foe.

_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be requested
to cause the foregoing resolutions to be communicated to His
Excellency the Governor of Louisiana, accompanied with the
request that he cause the greatest possible publicity to be given
to them for the information of the whole people of Louisiana.

Approved February 15, 1815.

No. 47. (p. 245) PLATE XLVIII.

_February 20, 1815._

Carolus Stewart navis Amer. Constitution dux. [Rx]. Una
victoriam eripuit ratibus binis.

CAPTAIN CHARLES STEWART.

[_Capture of the Cyane and of the Levant._]

CAROLUS STEWART NAVIS AMER. (_Americanæ_) CONSTITUTION DUX. (_Charles Stewart, captain of the American vessel Constitution._) Bust of Captain Stewart, in uniform, facing the right. FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

UNA VICTORIAM ERIPUIT RATIBUS BINIS. (_He snatched victory from two vessels with one._) Naval action between the United States frigate Constitution, of fifty-two guns, Captain Stewart, and the British frigate Cyane, of thirty-four guns, Captain Falcon, and the sloop-of-war Levant, of twenty-one guns, Captain the Honorable George Douglas. The Constitution, to windward, is opening with her port battery on the Levant; both British vessels are returning the fire from their starboard batteries. Exergue: INTER CONSTITU. NAV. AMERI. ET LEVANT ET CYANE NAV. ANG. DIE XX. FEBR. MDCCCXV. (_Inter Constitution navem Americanam et Levant et Cyane naves Anglicanas, die 20 Februarii, 1815: Between the American vessel Constitution and the English vessels Levant and Cyane, on the 20th of February, 1815._) On the platform, FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

CHARLES STEWART was born in Philadelphia, July 18, 1778. He began life in the merchant service, but entered the navy as lieutenant, March 13, 1798. He served in the West Indies, and afterward in the Tripolitan campaign, commanding the Siren. He escorted the Intrepid to (p. 246) Tripoli when Decatur blew up the Philadelphia, and was promoted to the rank of master-commandant, May 19, 1804, and of captain, April 22, 1806. While in command of the frigate Constitution he fought and captured, February 20, 1815, the two British ships-of-war, Cyane, Captain Gordon Falcon, and Levant, Captain the Honorable George Douglas, for which brilliant action he received the thanks of Congress and a gold medal. He commanded in the Mediterranean from 1816 to 1820; in the Pacific from 1821 to 1823; was member of the Naval Board from 1830 to 1833; commanded the navy yard at Philadelphia, 1837; and was put on the retired list in 1857; but was replaced on the active list as senior flag officer, 1859, and was appointed rear-admiral on the retired list, 1862. He died at Bordentown, New Jersey, November 7, 1869.

_____

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

_Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to Captain Stewart, etc._

_Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled_: That the
President of the United States be, and he is hereby requested, to
present to Captain Charles Stewart, of the frigate Constitution,
a gold medal, with suitable emblems and devices, and a silver
medal,[106] with suitable emblems and devices, to each
commissioned officer of the said frigate, in testimony of the
high sense entertained by Congress of the gallantry, good conduct
and services of Captain Stewart, his officers and crew, in the
capture of the British vessels of war, the Cyane and Levant,
after a brave and skilful combat.

[Footnote 106: The silver medals are copies of the
gold medal given to Captain Stewart.]

Approved February 22, 1816.

_____

_Captain Stewart to the Secretary of the Navy._

To the Honourable United States Frigate Constitution,
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, May, 1815.
Washington, D. C.

Sir: On the 20th of February last, the island of Madeira bearing
about west southwest, distant 60 leagues, we fell in with His
Britannic Majesty's two ships-of-war, the Cyane and Levant, (p. 247)
and brought them to action about 6 o'clock in the evening, both
of which, after a spirited engagement of 40 minutes, surrendered
to the ship under my command.

Considering the advantages derived by the enemy from a divided
and more active force, as also their superiority in the weight
and number of guns, I deem the speedy and decisive result of this
action the strongest assurance which can be given to the
government that all under my command did their duty, and
gallantly supported the reputation of American seamen.

Enclosed you will receive the minutes of the action, and a list
of the killed and wounded on board this ship; also enclosed you
will receive for your information a statement of the actual force
of the enemy, and the number killed and wounded on board their
ships, as near as could be ascertained.

I have the honour to be, &c.,
Charles STEWART.