Here are Five Facts about the Battle of New Orleans and the events leading up to it. New Orleans during this difficult time in history is the setting of my Regency Era novel, The Creole Duchess – Duchess Series Book Three.
1. One of the motivating factors for the US in both the battle to keep New Orleans and for the treaty to end the War of 1812 as that the British and their allies wished to claim the territories of the Louisiana Purchase because they did not recognize any land deals made by Napoleon. Had the British won the battle, US Geography might be very different.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_New_Orleans
2. Yes, fighting occurred after the Treaty of Ghent was signed on December 24, 1914 declaring peace between The United States and Britain. However, due to communication delays, General Jackson in New Orleans and the British forces were not aware of the treaty. Also, Congress did not ratify the treaty until February 16, 1815. Our countries were technically still at war.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_New_Orleans
3. General Andrew Jackson is the first person in US history to declare Martial Law. The law went into effect in mid-December of 1814. The citizens of New Orleans, for the most part, obeyed the law. However, the US government did not employ martial law as a legal emergency power until the mid-19th century. Prior to that time, such a law was regarded as illegal and immoral. The citizens of New Orleans were outraged, but Jackson confiscated all firearms. He censored the press, enforced curfew and detained civilians without charge. This military rule continued for more than two months after his victory over the British.
https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/martial-law-united-states-its-meaning-its-history-and-why-president-cant
4. Yes, Jean LaFitte, pirate or privateer depending on what source you are reading did fight with his sailors on the side of the US during the Battle of New Orleans. However, LaFitte always looked to better his advantage. He knew a fight would happen in New Orleans due to its strategic position on the Mississippi.
In September 1814 the British offered him $30,000 and other incentives if he would aid them in attacking New Orleans. LaFitte stalled, asking for time to consider. He used that time to negotiate a pardon for his smuggling crimes with Governor Claiborne of Louisiana. The promise of the pardon was eventually obtained and the rest is history.
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/jean-lafitte
5. The British forces out numbered Jackson’s Army by about 4 to 1. The British had better equipment, and greater experience, so how is it that Jackson’s forces won the battle? In two words, mistakes and weather. This source explains much better than I can ever summarize.
https://www.mywarof1812.com/battles/150108.html
“The British were decimated at the Battle of New Orleans because of a lack of preparation. It had been planned to bring ladders to mount the American rampart, which was an excellent plan. Unfortunately, in the actual battle itself, the British made a tactical mistake of great cost: they did not bring their ladders. It is believed that they were simply forgotten, or that nobody was put in charge of ladder distribution.
Contributing to the defeat was a lack of communication. Had the British troops been able to notify the entire attacking group that they did not have the ladders, the battle may have been salvageable, or, at the very least, a less costly retreat. However, the troops in the rear of the formation were waiting for the Americans to be chased off their rampart, at which point they would engage them. However, each small group of soldiers fought on its own. It was reported (though disputed) that a group was actually seen which had forgotten its weapons.
The last factor was weather, or rather a misjudgment of the weather. The British were stationed not only near a large swamp, but also at a much lower position. In the swamp, dense fog had made visibility low, and the British planned to use this to their advantage. They would be concealed in fog, while the Americans on the rampart above were exposed. On the day of the battle, Pakenham and his men stormed out of the swamp and up to the American rampart, only to discover that there was no fog where they were. Pakenham also waited too late in the day to attack, and any of the fog there may have been was gone.
This defeat for the British was, historically, quite embarrassing. Pakenham, normally an excellent military strategist and tactician, simply made too many mistakes. Even one of Britain's top officers fell to poor planning.”
Blurb:
A duke in disguise, a creole miss determined to get her own way, a curse, and two nations at war, is love even possible?
New Orleans Creole, Miss Celestine St. Cyr-Duval refuses to live under the thumb of some man chosen by her parents. Celie will do everything to keep freedom of choice for herself and others. But fate interferes in the form of a duke disguised as British businessman, Caleb Elmond.
A relationship with Caleb would find approval with her mother, but both Celie and Caleb have secrets that put them on opposite sides of a great conflict and could destroy them both.
With the Battle of New Orleans looming, can these two strangers from warring countries compromise and protect each other, or will fear and betrayal end both their lives?
The Creole Duchess, Duchess Series Book Three is expected to launch in late 2023. The pre-
order price of $0.99 for this long-awaited conclusion to the Duchess Series ends on release day, Oct. 30, 2023
About Rue Allyn:
Author of historical and contemporary romances, Rue Allyn fell in love with happily ever after
the day she heard her first story. (She claims she was a precocious little brat who read at the age of two but could hear much earlier than that.)
She studied literature for far too many years before discovering that writing stories was much more fun than writing about them. One of her greatest pleasures as an author is being able to read the story before anyone else.
Rue is happily married to her sweetheart of many, many years. Insatiably curious, an avid reader and traveler, she loves to hear from readers about their favorite books and real-life adventures.
Crazy Cat stories are especially welcome. You can contact her at
Rue@RueAllyn.com.
She can't wait to hear from you.
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