stream by which the boats had passed up to the place of disembarkation, to open into the Mississippi, by which means troops could be got over to the right bank, and the co-operation of armed boats could be secured.

"The disposition for the attack was as follows:-A corps, consisting of the 85th light infantry, 200 seamen, and 400 marines, the 5th West India regiment, and four pieces of artillery, under the command of colonel Thornton, of the 85th, was to pass over during the night, and move along the right bank towards New Orleans, clearing its front until it reached the flanking battery of the enemy on that side, which it had orders to carry. "The assailing of the enemy's line in front of us was to be made by the brigade composed of the 4th, 21st, and 44th regiments, with three companies of the 95th, under major-general Gibbs, and by the 3d brigade, consisting of the 93d, two companies of the 95th, and two companies of the fusileers, and 43d, under major-general Keane; some black troops were destined to skirmish in the wood on the right; the principal attack was to be made by major-general Gibbs; the 1st brigade, consisting of the fusileers and 43d, formed the reserve; the attacking columns were to be provided with fascines, scaling ladders, and rafts, the whole to be at their stations before day-light. An advanced battery in our front, of six 18-pounders, was thrown up during the night, about 800 yards from the enemy's line. The attack was to be made at the earliest hour. Unlooked for difficulties, increased by the falling of the river, occasioned considerable delay in the entrance of the armed boats, and those destined to land colonel Thornton's corps, by which four or five hours were lost, and it was not until past five in the morning, that the 1st division, consisting of 500 men, were over. The ensemble of the general movement was lost, and in a point which was of the last importance to the attack on the left bank of the river, although colonel Thornton, as your lordship will see in his report, which I inclose, ably executed in every particular his instructions, and fully justified the confidence the commander of the forces placed in his abilities. The delay attending that corps occasioned some on the left bank, and the

attack did not take place until the columns were discernible from the enemy's line at more than 200 yards distance; as they advanced, a continued and most galling fire was opened from every part of their line, and from the battery on the right bank.

"The brave commander of the forces, who never in his life could refrain from being at the post of honour, and sharing the danger to which the troops were exposed, as soon as from his station he had made the signal for the troops to advance, galloped on to the front to animate them by his presence, and he was seen, with his hat off, encouraging them on the crest of the glacis; it was there (almost at the same time) he received two wounds, one in his knee, and another, which was almost instantly fatal, in his body; he fell in the arms of major M'Dougall, aide-decamp. The effect of this, in the sight of the troops, together with major-general Gibbs and major-general Keane being both borne off wounded at the same time, with many other commanding officers, and further, the preparations to aid in crossing the ditch not being so forward as they ought to have been, from, perhaps, the men being wounded who were carrying them, caused a wavering in the column, which, in such a situation, became irreparable; and as I advanced with the reserve, at about 250 yards from the line, I had the mortification to observe the whole falling back upon me in the greatest confusion.

"In this situation, finding that no impression had been made, that though many men had reached the ditch, and were either drowned or obliged to surrender, and that it was impossible to restore order in the regiments where they were, I placed the reserve in position, until I could obtain such information as to determine me how to act to the best of my judgment, and whether or not I should resume the attack; and if so, I felt it could be done only by the reserve. The confidence I have in the corps composing it would have encouraged me greatly, though not without loss, which might have made the attempt of serious consequence, as I know it was the opinion of the late distinguished commander of the forces, that the carrying of the first line would not be the least arduous service. After making the best reflections I was

capable of, I kept the ground the troops then held, and went to meet vice-admiral sir Alexander Cochrane, and to tell him that, under all the circumstances, I did not think it prudent to renew the attack that day. At about ten o'clock I learnt of the success of colonel Thornton's corps on the right bank. I sent the commanding officer of the artillery, colonel Dickson, to examine the situation of the battery, and to report if it was tenable; but informing me that he did not think it could be held with security by a smaller corps than two thousand men, I consequently ordered lieutenant-colonel Gubbins, on whom the command had devolved (colonel Thornton being wounded) to retire.

"The army remained in position until night, in order to gain time to destroy the eighteen-pounder battery we had constructed the preceding night in advance. I then gave orders for the troops resuming the ground they occupied previous to the attack.

"Our loss has been very severe, but I trust it will not be considered, notwithstanding the failure, that this army has suffered the military character to be tarnished. I am satisfied, had I thought it right to renew the attack, that the troops would have advanced with cheerfulness. The services of both army and navy, since their landing on this coast, have been arduous beyond any thing I ever witnessed, and difficulties have been got over with an assiduity and perseverance beyond all example by all ranks, and the most hearty co-operation has existed between the two services.

"It is not necessary for me to expatiate to you upon the loss the army has sustained in major-general the honourable sir E. Pakenham, commander in chief of this force, nor could I in adequate terms. His services and merits are so well known, that I have only, in common with the whole army, to express my sincere regret, and which may be supposed at this moment to come peculiarly home to me.

Major-general Gibbs, who died of his wounds the following day, and major-general Keane, who were both carried off the field within twenty yards of the glacis, at the head of their brigades, sufficiently speak at such a moment how they were conducting

themselves. I am happy to say major-general Keane is doing well.

"Captain Wylly, of the fusileers, military secretary to the late commander of the forces, will have the honour of delivering to your lordship these dispatches. Knowing how much he enjoyed his esteem, and was in his confidence from a long experience of his talents, I feel I cannot do less than pay this tribute to what I conceive would be the wishes of his late general, and to recommend him strongly to your lordship's protection. I have, &c. (Signed) "JOHN LAMBERT, Major-general, commanding."

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Camp on the left bank of the Mississippi, nine miles from New Orleans, Dec. 26, 1814.

"SIR,-I have the honour to inform you, that between the 17th and 22d instant, the troops destined for the attack of New Orleans, were collected at Isle aux Poix, which is at the entrance of the Pearl River.

"Having learnt that it was possible to effect a landing at the head of the Bayone Catalan, which runs into Lake Borgue, I directed major Forrest, assistant quarter-mastergeneral, to have it reconnoitred. Lieutenant Peddie, of that department, accompanied by the hon. captain Spencer, of the navy, ascertained on the night of the 18th, that boats could reach the head of the Bayone, from which a communication might be made to the high road on the left bank of the Mississippi, leading to New Orleans.

"On the morning of the 22d, every ar rangement being made by vice-adıniral the hon. sir Alexander Cochrane, I determined to attempt it. The light brigade, composed of the 85th and 95th regiments, captain Lane's rockateers, 100 sappers and miners, and the 4th regiment as a support, the whole under the command of colonel Thornton, were placed in the boats, and the 21st, 44th, and 93d regiments, under colonel Brooke, and a large proportion of artillery, under major Munro, were embarked in small vessels.

"At ten a. m. on the 22d, we sailed from Pearl River, and reached the head of the Bayone at day-light next morning. Alanding was immediately effected, without any other

opposition than the country presented; captain Blanchard, of the royal engineers, in the course of two hours, opened a communication through several fields of reeds, intersected by deep muddy ditches, bordered by a low swampy wood; colonel Thornton then advanced, and gained the high road, taking up a position with the right resting on the road, and the left on the Mississippi. In this situation I intended to remain until the boats returned for the rest of the troops to the vessels, some of which grounded at a great distance.

"At about 8 o'clock in the evening, when the men, much fatigued by the length of time they had been in the boats, were asleep in their bivouac, a heavy flanking fire of round and grape shot was opened upon them, by a large schooner and two gun-vessels, which had dropped down the river from the town, and anchored abreast of our fires; immediate steps were necessary to cover the men, and colonel Thornton, in the most prompt and judicious manner, placed his brigade under the inward slope of the bank of the river, as did also lieutenant-col. Brooke, of the 4th regiment, behind some buildings, which were near that corps. This movement was so rapid that the troops suffered no more than a single casualty.

"The three-pounders being the only guns up, the success of a few twelve-pound rockets, directed by captain Lane, was tried against these vessels; but the ground on which it was necessary to lay them not being even, they were found not to answer, and their firing was ceased.

"A most vigorous attack was then made on the advanced front and right flank piquets, the former of the 95th, under captain Hallan, the latter the 85th, under captain Schaw; these officers, and their respective piquets, conducted themselves with firmness, and checked the enemy for a consider able time; but renewing their attack with a large force, and pressing at these points, colonel Thornton judged it necessary to move up the remainder of both corps. The 85th regiment was commanded by brevet-major Gubbins, whose conduct cannot be too much commended; on the approach of his regiment to the point of attack, the enemy, favoured

by the darkness of the night, concealed themselves under a high fence which separated the fields, and calling to the men as friends, under pretence of being part of our own force, offered to assist them in getting over, which was no sooner accomplished than the 85th found itself in the midst of very superior numbers, who, discovering themselves, called on the regiment immediately to surrenderthe answer was an instantaneous attack; a more extraordinary conflict has perhaps never occurred, absolutely hand to hand both officers and men. It terminated in the repulse of the enemy, with the capture of 30 prisoners. A similar finesse was attempted with the 95th regiment, which met the same treatment.

"The enemy finding his reiterated attacks were repulsed by colonel Thornton, at half past ten o'clock advanced a large column against our centre; perceiving his intention, I directed colonel Stovin to order lieutenantcolonel Dale, with one hundred and thirty men of the 93d regiment, who had just reached the camp, to move forward and use the bayonet, holding the 4th regiment in hand, formed in line, as my last reserve.Colonel Dale endeavoured to execute his orders, but the crafty enemy would not meet him, seeing the steadiness of his small body, gave it a heavy fire, and quickly retired. Colonel Brooke, with four companies of the 21st regiment, fortunately appeared at that moment on our right flank, and sufficiently secured it from farther attack.

"The enemy now determined on making a last effort, and, collecting the whole of his force, formed an extensive line, and moved directly against the light brigade. At first this line drove in all the advanced posts, but colonel Thornton, whose noble exertions had guaranteed all former success, was at hand; he rallied his brave comrades round him, and moving forwards with a firm determination. of charging, appalled the enemy, who, from the lesson he had received on the same ground in the early part of the evening, thought it prudent to retire, and did not again dare to advance.

"It was now twelve o'clock, and the firing ceased on both sides.

"From the best information I can obtain,

I

the enemy's force amounted to five thousand men, and was commanded by major-general Jackson: judging from the number left on the field, his loss must have been severe. now beg leave to inclose a list of our casualties on that night, and have only to hope it will appear to you, that every officer and soldier on shore did his duty.

"To sir Alexander Cochrane I feel particularly obliged, for his very friendly counsel, and ready compliance with every wish I expressed, respecting the service or welfare of the troops.

"To rear-admiral Malcolm, and the several captains employed in the landing, &c. I confess the greatest obligation. I must leave it to the vice-admiral to do them the justice they so much deserve, for I cannot find words to express the exertions made by every branch of the navy, since the period of our arrival on this coast.

"In the attack made on the centre, lieute nant-colonel Stovin, assistant-adjutant-general, received a severe wound, which deprived me of his able services; to him and major Forrest, assistant-quarter-master-general, I feel greatly indebted; they are both officers of great merit; colonel Brooke is entitled to every praise for securing our right flank.

"To colonel Thornton I feel particularly grateful; his conduct on the night of the 23d I shall ever admire and honour. He headed his brigade in the most spirited manner, and afforded a brilliant example of active courage and cool determination.

"I have every reason to be satisfied with lieutenant-colonel Brooke, commanding the 4th regiment; as also with major Mitchell, of the 95th, who was unfortunately taken prisoner at the close of the affair.

"The exertions of major Monro, of the royal artillery, were unremitting; to him, and the officers under his command, I feel every obligation. The assistance given by captain Blanchard, and the officers of the royal engineers, was most conspicuous, and entitle them to my best thanks.

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Brevet-major Hooper, acting deputy-assistant-adjutant-general, was attached to the light brigade. Colonel Thornton states, that he derived the greatest benefit from his activity, zeal, and judgment. I regret to have

The unavoidable delay between the actual conclusion of the treaty with America, and the circulation of that important intelligence, enabled the British navy to retrieve, for the second time, the honours they had lost. The President was one of the largest frigates yet sent to sea by the United States, and was commanded by captain Decatur, the ablest officer in that service. The President, accompanied by the Macedonian, armed brig of 420 tons, laden with provisions, sailed from New York, during one of those gales in which the blockading squadron, under captain Hayes, was driven out to sea.

From

the orders which had been issued the track of the two vessels was instantly known, and the next day the English squadron, consisting of the Majestic, captain Hayes; Tenedos, captain Hyde Parker; Endymion, captain Hope; and Pomona, captain Lumley, made all sail in chase. The President made every effort to escape, by cutting away the anchors, and throwing overboard every moveable article. The British squadron made equally strenuous exertions to come up with her, but only the Endymion, of 40 guns, captain Henry Hope, could overtake her about five in the evening. The Endymion, about half past five, commenced close action, yard arm and yard arm. The conflict was continued with great gallantry and spirit on both sides for two hours and a half, when the Endymion's sails being cut from the yards the enemy was enabled to move a-head; and captain Hope seized the opportunity to bend new sails, to enable him to get his ship alongside again. The action ceased till the Pomona bearing up, at half past eleven, and firing a few shots, Captain Decatur, with a generosity and sense of justice highly honourable to his character, hailed, to say that he had already surrendered. The Endymion was inferior in number of men, tonnage, guns, and weight of metal. After the action the President had six feet water in her hold. The Endymion had ten men killed and fourteen wounded. When the President struck thirteen British renegadoes, who had joined her crew, jumped overboard, to escape the ignominious death which awaited their desertion, and perished in the waves. The force of the Endymion was 48 guns of all sizes, men 340, tonnage 1377. The force of the President was 59 guns, crew 490 men, tonnage 1600; her killed and wounded at least 100. It ought not, however, to be forgotten, that the presence of the auxiliary vessels of the British squadron must have perplexed the movements of the American commander, and intimidated the exertions of his crew.

The policy recommended by the vicissitudes of the campaign, by the general conduct of Great Britain to the United States, and the domestic situation of the latter power, were developed in the following able and in structive document.

"Whereas the enemy, by a sudden incursion, have succeeded in invading the capital of the nation, defended at the moment by troops less numerous than their own, and almost entirely of the militia; during their possession of which, though for a single day only, they wantonly destroyed the public edifices, having no relation in their structure to operations of war, nor used at the time for military annoyance; some of these edifices being also costly monuments of taste and of the arts, and others repositories of the public archives, not only precious to the nation as the memorials of its origin and its early transactions, but interesting to all nations, as contributions to the general stock of historical instruction and political science. And whereas, advantage has been taken of the loss of a fort, more immediately guarding the neighbouring town of Alexandria, to place the town within the range of a naval force, too long and too much in the habit of abusing its superiority wherever it can be applied, to require, as the alternative of a general conflagration, an undisturbed plunder of private property, which has been executed in a manner peculiarly distressing to the inhabitants, who had inconsiderately cast themselves upon the justice and generosity of the victor. And whereas it now appears, by a direct communication from the British commander on the American station, to be his avowed purpose to employ the force under his direction," in destroying and laying waste such towns and districts upon the coast as may be found assailable;" adding to this declaration the insulting pretext that it is in retaliation for a wanton destruction committed by the army of the United States in Upper Canada, when it is notorious that no destruction has been committed, which, notwithstanding the mul tiplied outrages previously committed by the enemy, was not unauthorised and promptly shown to be so; and that the United States have been as constant in their endeavours to reclaim the enemy from such outrages, by the contrast of their own example, as they have been ready to terminate, on reasonable conditions, the way itself And whereas