British
Further Reading
More eyewitness accounts of the Battle of New Orleans
The Americans Devastate the British Army The Battle of New Orleans |
George Gleig recounts his feelings on
the loss of a close friend
British captain George Gleig
was part of Thomas Keane’s advance force that moved up the Bayou
Bienvenu to the Villere Plantation. Here, he recounts his feelings on
the loss of his best friend during the American advance of December 23.
He also mentions the confusion between opposing troops that occurred so
often in night battles throughout the War of 1812.
"Attacked unexpectedly, and in the dark,--surrounded, too, by a numerous enemy, and one who spoke the same language with ourselves,--it is not to be wondered at if the order and routine of civilized warfare were everywhere set at nought. Each man who felt disposed to command, was obeyed by those who stood near him, without any question being asked as to his authority; and more feats of individual gallantry were performed in this single night than many regular campaigns might furnish an opportunity to perform...
"To me, however, the announcement of the victory brought no rejoicing, for it was accompanied with the intelligence that my friend was among the killed. I well recollect the circumstances under which these sad news reached me. I was standing with a sword in each hand -- my own and that of the officer who had surrendered to me, and, as the reader may imagine, in no bad humour with myself or with the brave fellows about me, when a brother officer stepping forward abruptly told the tale. It came upon me like a thunderbolt; and casting aside my trophy, I thought only of the loss which I had sustained.
"Regardless of every other matter, I ran to the rear, and found Grey lying behind the dung-heap, motionless and cold. A little pool of blood which had coagulated under his head, pointed out the spot where the ball had entered, and the position of his limbs gave proof that he must have died without a struggle. I cannot pretend to describe what were then my sensations, but of whatever nature they might be, little time was given for their indulgence; for the bugle sounding the alarm, I was compelled to leave him as he lay, and to join my corps..." 
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