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Show 2Hl LIFE OF GEN. JACKSON. CHAP. that a people from whom they had learned all they ~had ever known or felt of oppression, should come 1814 to make them freer than they were ; or that, groan- . ing themselves under a load of taxes, from which there was scarcely a hope of being ever relieved, they should come, with snch apparent compassion, and great benevolence, to take away the burdens of those whom they despised, and on whom, for forty years, they had heaped nothing but contumely and reproach. Where it was this agent of Britain learned, that the citizens of the United States complained of burdens, heavily and unjustly imposed, we know not; satisfied, however, are we, that it was a murmur never breathed by the people at large. They had encountered pri· vations, and born~ tl1e " brunt of war ; " yet felt no solicitude tlmt it should cease, until the assailed honour and independence of their country were secured on a basis, firmer than before. He had waited about two weeks, that his proclama· s eptcm. tion might take effectual hold, and prepare the inhabitants to open tl1eir bosoms to receive him, when this delivering hero, aided by his Indian and Spanish allies, set out, to ascertain the effect it had wrought. His first visit was to Fort Bowyer, situated on the ex· treme end of a narrow neck of land, about eighteen miles below the head of Mobile bay, and which com· mands the entrance. Witl1 the loss of one of his ships, and an eye, he had the mortification to learn, that he had been addressing an incorrigible race, who could be neither duped, flattered , nor flogged into subrllis,n. I -LIFE OF GEN. JACKSON. !illS Fort Bowyer had been heretofore abandoned; and CHAP. until the arrival of general Jackson in this section of vII. the country, was ill calculated for serious resistance.~ 18 \4 . On perceiving its importance, he immediately directed it to be placed in the best possible state of defence. So effectual was its situation, in a military point of view, as commanding the passes of those rivers which discharge themselves into the bay, that it was with him a matter of surprise it had not been more regarded, and better attended to. Major Lawrence lmd the honour to command this spot, tl1e gallant defence of which has given it cele· brity, and raised him to an elevated stand in the esti· mation of his country. Tlmt in Pensacola plans of operation were digesting, which had for their object an invasion some where, was a fact to which Lawrence was not a stranger. A disposition to have his little fortress in such a state of readiness, as would place it in his power, should it be their object, to make a brave defence, had prompted him to tl1e most vigorous exertions. His whole strength was but one hundrc4 and thirty men. By tins Spartan band was evinced a confidence in each other, and an unshaken resolution which left their brave commander no room to appre~ hend dishon~ur to his flag, even should defeat result. The 12th of September determined all doubt, as to the object the British had in view. The sentinels brought intelligence, that a considerable force, in Indians, marines, and Spaniards, had landed ; and, tJ1e same day, two brigs and sloops hove in sight, and anchored not far disbmt, |
