The Battle of New Orleans The Battle of New Orleans Further Reading The South in 1814: Background to the Battle of New Orleans Andrew Jackson's Southern Defense The December Defense: Andrew Jackson Arrives at New Orleans The British Arrive at New Orleans Night Before the Battle Massacre at New Orleans Eyewitness Accounts

Cochrane's Campaign: The British Approach New Orleans In early summer of 1814, the British decided that they would strike New Orleans, but not until December when cooler weather replaced the stifling heat. Major General Robert Ross would lead the combined land and naval force after he and Vice Admiral Cochrane warmed up the troops with assaults along America’s east coast in August. The first part of the British New Orleans offensive was straightforward enough. Some of Ross’ troops would proceed down to the Gulf of Mexico in the summer to assess the American defenses, secure support from disaffected portions of the population and generally stir up as much trouble as possible while keeping the Americans guessing at British intentions. If possible, they were to retake the Spanish West Florida fort of Mobile which had fallen into American hands the previous spring. Meanwhile, Cochrane would proceed with a portion of the naval force to Jamaica in order to prepare the men for the December campaign. He would rendez-vous there with Major General John Keane who was busy supplementing his 93rd Highlanders from the Cape of Good Hope with newly formed West Indian regiments from Jamaica and Guadaloupe. An additional 2200 regulars under Major General John Lambert would sail from England to meet them in time for November 20, the scheduled start date for the operation. In mid-August, the British made their presence known in the Gulf of Mexico when a small force of Royal Marines landed at the capital of Spanish Florida, Pensacola. Tucked away in a secure bay, the spot was perhaps the best natural port in the Gulf, and would would be an ideal launching pad from which to seize Mobile and then New Orleans. The British occupied the village declaring it a safe haven for all those who were at odds with the United States - Red Sticks, fugitive slaves, pirates. The Spanish, who had tried to remain neutral in this war, were not at all comfortable with this development. But since they had no way to outfit the Red Stick Creeks, who became very helpful in protecting Spanish territory, they were dependent on Britain to provide them with the necessary supplies. The British soon began arming and training these Natives at this new operations base on the south coast. Unfortunately, this British force of regulars, Natives and naval destroyers failed in their attempt to take Fort Bowyer at Mobile in mid-September. Jackson made the securing of that fort a priority when he wrapped up his Red Stick campaign, outfitting it with new batteries and more guns. This small British force was proving to be inadequate at making inroads into the American south. Always eager to drive further into Spanish territory, the British presence at Pensacola provided Andrew Jackson with a legitimate reason to attack and capture that long-coveted village. A large American force approached Pensacola unnoticed in early November catching the 200 British and 500 Spanish soldiers off guard. After only a brief resistance, the British escaped to their ships leaving the Spanish to deal with the wrath of Jackson. Their destroyers managed to blow up a few important defensive buildings before they shipped out, but they had lost their key position. They could only wait for Cochrane to appear on the horizon with more reinforcements and a better plan.