BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
In the latter part of 1814, information being received that the British intended to make a descent on Louisiana, General Jackson hastened to New Orleans, and made preparations for its defence. Every approach to the town was guarded by batteries and gunboats. The British fleet arrived early in December, and on the 14th, an attack was made upon the American gunboats on Lake Borgne. After a desperate contest, they submitted to a much superior force. The British having gained a position on the banks of the Mississippi, General Jackson, with two thousand men, marched down, on the evening of the 23d, and attacked them. After a hot fight, in which the enemy lost over two hundred men, the Americans fell back to their lines. Both armies having received large reinforcements, the British on the 8th of January, moved to the assault. The Americans drove them back in confusion. Sir Edward Packenham was killed. Again the enemy attempted to scale the work, and were again driven back. At length all the chief commanding officers being killed or disabled, the British retreated. Their loss in this battle was two hundred and ninety-three killed, twelve hundred and sixty-seven wounded, and four hundred and eighty-four prisoners. The American loss was only thirteen killed, and thirty-seven wounded.