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Show 244 LIFE m· GEN. JACKSON. CHAP. government, under which they lived, were, at any vm. time, ready to surrender it to any power that might ~invade. The requisition made, had been badly filled; 1814. many had absolutely refused, even afte r b e.m g drafted, to enter tl1e ranks. At so eventful a crisis as that which was fast approaching, it was painful to discover so great a want of union and regard for their duty, in tl1ose very persons on whom he would have to rely, for any sudden emergency. This reluctance to en· tering the field, there was a propriety in putting down, that the good might not be led astray, from privileges usurped by the designing ; and to convince tl1em, that those who shared tl1e care and protection of the govern· ment, were. llnder obligations to defend it, whenever required. Governor Claiborne had been addressed on this subject ; and, while the necessity of discouraging such a temper of mind among his citizens was insisted on, he was exhorted to use his exertions, in guarding every pass from the city, that the enemy, hovering in the gulf, might not obtain supplies from the shore. " I regret," . said he " to hear of the discontents of your people : they must not exist. Whoever is not for us, is against us. Those who are drafted must be com· pelled to the ranks, or punished : it is no time to ba· lance : the country must be defended ; and he who re· fuses to aid, when called on, must be treated with se· verity. To repel the danger with which we are as· sailed, requires all our energies, and all otJr exertions. With union on our side, we shall be able to drive our invaders back to the ocean. Summon all your energy, and guard every avenue with confidential pll• LIFE OF GEN. JACKSON. 247 troles, for spies and traitors are swarming around. CHAP: Numbers w.i ll be floc k"m g to your C.i ty, to ga.m .m "to r-~VUJ. mation, and corrupt your citizens. Every aid in your 1814. power must be given, to prevent any vessels sailing with provisions. By us, the enemy must not be fed. Let none pass ; for on this will depend our safety, un • til we can get a competent force in the field, to op-pose attack, or become the assailants. We have more to dread from intestine, than open and avow-ed enemies : but, vigilance on our side, and all will be safe. Remember, our watch word is victory or death. Our country must and shall be defended. We will enjoy our liberty, or die in the last ditch." He forwarded, at the same time, an address to the people of Louisiana, and endeavoured to excite tl1em to a defence of their rights and liberties, and to raise in their minds an abhorrence of an enemy, who, by proclamation, and dishonourable stratagem, was seeking to promote disunion, and draw the disaffected to his standard. He pointed out the course the present crisis required them to adopt, and entreated them not to be lured from their fidelity to a country, of all others the freest and happiest, by uniting with a foe, who sought a furtherance of his views, by the most disre1~utable pretei~ces,-by courting the friendship and md of even traitors, pirates, and robbers. . " Your government, Louisimtians, is engaged in a Address ~us: ~nd honour.tble contest, for the security of your ~Y,;'!':ns IndlVldual, and her national rights. The only country of Lou;,;_ ?n earth, where man enjoys freedom, where its bless- ana. mgs are alike extended to the poor and rich, calls on you to protect her from the grasping usurpation of |