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Show 254 LIFE OF GEN. JACKSON. CHAP. The plans of operation and defence were projecting ~on an extensive scale. The only objects of fear were 1814• the traitors who infested the city ; and to these, after the most incessant exertions, he had well nigh fallen a victim. The legislature had met his views with becoming zeal ; and the necessary measures had been taken, to have the selected points for defence completed in the shortest possible time ; which would present, on the Mississippi, barriers, that it was not feared the enemy would be able to pass. Upon lakes Borgne and Pontchartrain, an equally strong conftdence was had, that all would be safe from invasion. Commodore Patterson, who commanded the naval forces, had executed every order with prompt· ness and activity. Agreeably to instructions received from the commanding general, to extend to all the Gun boats passes on the lakes every protection in his power, he ace sent had already sent out the gun boats, under lieutenant ~:;;~~- Jones. From their vigilance and capability to defend, great ad vantages were calculated to arise ; added to which, the Rigolets, the communication between the two lakes, was defended by Petit Coquille fort, a strong work, under the command of captain Newman, which, when acting in conjunction with the gun boats, it was supposed would be competent to repel any assault that might here be waged. The prospects of defence had been improved, by detachments sent out to fell timber across every small bayou and creek, leading out of the lakes, and through which a pas::~~ge for boats and barges co~ld. be affor~s&,j. and_ to in~rease the obsn:tc· tion, by smkmg larg~mes m the1r beds, and fillmg ) LIFE OF GEN. JACKSON. 255 them with earth. Guards and videttes were out, to CHAP. . th )" VIII. watch every thing that passed, and giVe e ear 1est...,....,._, information. In despite of these precautionary mea- 1814• sures, treachery opened a way, and pointed the entrance of the enemy to a narrow pass, through which they ef-fected a landing, and reached, previously to being discovered, the banks of the Mississippi. Such were the measures adopted for the protection of Louisiana, against an attack, which, although hither-to resting on conjecture, was supported by too many strong circumstances to admit of doubt. Information of a large force having left England, filled with high hopes and expectations-the attack on Fort Bowyer, and the inflammatory proclamations, already published, wid1 anonymous letters, received from persons in the West Indies and Pensacola, known, and to be relied on, all tended strongly to unfold their views, and to dissipate every thing like doubt.* But the time was at hand when conjecture was giving place to certainty; ~vhe~ the intentions of the enemy were fully develop-mg d1emselves ; and tl1e fact fairly presented, that Louisiana would fall, and her principal city be sacked, unless the brave men, associated to defend her, should stand, firmly resolved to justify dte high expectations formed of their valour. Certain information was at ur;t;sh hand, of an English fleet being now off Cat and Ship sh;pping island, within a short distance of the American lines ~~.~·~~.~7. ~vhere the;ir strength and numbers were daily increas: mg. Lieutenant Jones, in command of the gun boats, on Lake Borgne, was directed to reconnoitre, and ascer• See note H. |