It was 200 years today that the last British shells were lobbed at Fort St Philip. While most think that the Battle of New Orleans was a quick affair on January 8th, fighting began on December 14th of 1814 and ended when the British packed their gear after the 17th of January. Most also think the battle didn't matter since the treaty was signed in December 1814, but the treaty did not take place until BOTH countries ratified it, which didn't happen until February 1815. What's more, the Brits thought the Americans might not ratify and New Orleans would certainly increase their motivation.
To make a long story short Jackson led very well and was also lucky. Before too long, he became our first Democrat President. Less uplifting is that to this day, some Indians will not carry $20 bills. BTW, I'll have observations on NOLA cycling after I get back.
3 comments:
I can't wait to hear about your NOLA cycling experiences.
The more I learn about history on my own, the more I see how sanitized--or merely over-simplified--the version of it we get in school actually is. Also, it's easy to forget that in the days before the Internet(!), things like ratifying treaties took weeks or even months rather than days or minutes.
I found it interesting that Pakenham had secret orders to keep fighting no matter what he heard, unless it came directly from the Prince Regent. It was rumored that the Brits might claim Louisiana as spoils from Napoleon. I do know that they asked the Duke of Wellington to fight the Americans, but he told them to take the deal - it was a war Britain could not win. Regardless, the Louisiana campaign and Napoleon's escape from Elba settled the matter.
Steve,
I look forward to your cycling stories from NOLA.
Happy MLK Day!
Peace :)
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