John Keane British

Major General John Keane was one of the experienced commanders that made his way to North America after the British war with Napoleon ended in the spring of 1814. Keane was born in 1781 and entered the British army as an ensign at age twelve. Rising through the ranks, Keane served as a brevet colonel under the Duke of Wellington and participated in engagements at Vitoria and Toulouse, among others. After being promoted to major general in June of 1814, Keane accompanied Vice Admiral Alexander Cochrane’s fleet in the campaign against New Orleans later that year. He commanded the advance brigades as the British pushed inland towards New Orleans from Lake Borgne. After Jackson’s attack on the British at the Villere Plantation on the night of December 23, Keane was reluctant to move on the city until Edward Pakenham arrived with reinforcements. Two weeks later, at the Battle of New Orleans, Keane led an advance against Jackson’s line and was severely wounded. John Keane rejoined Wellington when the British occupied Paris in 1815. Keane went on to command many posts throughout the British Empire including Jamaica and India. He was recognized by the British Parliament for his services in 1839 and was awarded a peerage. Keane died in 1844.