BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS :: essays research papers

The battle of New siege of Orleans was a significant battle in the state of war of 1812. It was a crushing stamp out for the British, increased patriotism, and Andrew Jackson emerged an American hero. The United States acquired the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803, thereby gaining control of the Mississippi River, and its watershed at the golf of Mexico. The U.S. presidency realized how important this was and its potential of be attack a great occupation post. By 1812 this area called New Orleans grew as expected in size and importance. In peace it was a commercial outlet and work center of the western United States.The British chose to attack the Americans from the north by way of Isle aux Pois in the mouth of the Pearl River because this was the totally only stable water they had found that ships could ride and anchor. When hearing that the british where coming this way, Lieutenant Thomas Ap Catesby J aces and his five gunboats went to try and Barackade the Rigolets t rying to make sealed they wouldnt enter. His 185 men and 23 guns awaited the British. At 1030 on December 14th 1814 three columns of British ships, 42 to 45, gird with 43 guns and 1,200 under the command of Captain Lockyer met the American blockade. Fierce conflict began and the British had finally captured the five American boats. Losses were 17 British and 6 Americans killed, 77 British and 35 Americans wounded. This gave Gerneral Andrew Jackson six long time more to improve his defenses. The British at the very beginning of the war had demolished almost all of Jacksons sea power. Jackson only had the Carolina, Louisiana, and one gunboat left.When Jackson heard of the attack on Jones ships on December 15 he issued crises orders to forces nearby. One general by the name of Coffee accepted orders from Jackson stating You must not sleep until you reach me or start withink striking distance. The next day Jackson placed New Orleans under Martial Law. When General Coffee received his orders he at a time gathered his 1250 men and where off to help Jackson. Each man brought with him a hunting knife and long rifle. The Tenessee brigade commanded by Major General William Caroll arrived on 21st December. Only one in ten of them had a firearm.