DEFENCE OF FORT M’HENRY.
DEFENCE OF FORT M’HENRY.
The success of the attack on Washington encouraged the British general, Ross, to undertake an expedition against another city. Baltimore was the object of attack. The approach to that city by water was defended by Fort M’Henry, garrisoned by one thousand men, under Major Armistead; and by other temporary works. On the 11th of September, Admiral Cochrane appeared at the mouth of the Patapsco, with a squadron of fifty sail, and a strong body of British troops was landed at North Point, about fourteen miles below Baltimore. At sunrise, on the 13th, the bombardment of the fort commenced. The bomb vessels of the enemy were stationed about two miles from the fort, and were consequently beyond the reach of its guns. Though compelled to remain inactive, the troops in the fort were steadfast to their posts. The bursting of a shell within the southwest bastion creating some confusion, the ships of the enemy attempted to profit by it, but they were soon compelled to retreat to their former stations, where they continued a tremendous bombardment until the morning of the 14th. During the night, some barges and rocket vessels succeeded in passing the fort, but they were driven back with severe loss, by the fire from the smaller works.
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.