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Show 264 LIFE OF GEN. JACKSON. CHAP. him, at every point he may venture his foot upon the VIII. land." ~ 1814. Increased vigilance, and enlarged exertions, were now required, to guard the different routes, through which they might seek to make good their progress, mid reach the object of their visit. Major Lacoste, commanding the battalion of coloured troops, was or· dered, with two pieces of cannon, and a sufficient force, to take post, and defend the Chef Menteur road, that led from the head of lake Borgne to New Orleans. In fact, wherever an inlet or creek, of the smallest size, putting in, justified the belief, that through it an en. trance might be effected, suitable arrangements were made, to oppose the passage, and prevent approach. Through the Rigolets was presumed the most proba· ble route the enemy would adventure, that, by gain· ing lake Pontchartrain, a lm1ding might be made, above or below, or at bayou St. John, opposite the city ; and, by a division of rtheir forces, make such a diversion, as, with raw troops, could not be met, under any circumstances of advantage. This place had been confided to captain Newman, of the artillery. It was an important point, as well for the purposes already named, as being a position whence any movement on the lakes could be discovered. On the 22d, it was reinforced by several heavy pieces of cannon, and an additional supply of men. He was advised by the general, of its consequence, and that it was not to be inconsiderately yielded; but that, in the event he should be compelled to abandon it, ~very thing being properly secured, he was to make good ; LIFE OF <lEN. JACKSON. !!65 his retreat to Chef Menteur, where he would be co- CHAP. vered by an additional force: "But," added he "you~ are not to retreat, until your judgment is well convinc- 1814. ed that it is absolutely necessary to -the very salva-tion of your command." On the 16th, the militia were reviewed by Jackson. Jackso." He had found, on his first arrival at New Orleans, ~f.:'~~i• such a state of despondency manifested by the people, tia. that to remove it had called forth all his exertions. His active and incessant endeavours to have defended every accessible point, and a confidence, constantly evinced, that his resources were commensurate wit!I all the purposes of successful resistance, had complete• ly undermined those fears, at first so generally indulg-ed. Lest, from what had lately happened, the same s:ate of things might be again produced, was t!Ie prin-c~ pal cause of .appearing before them, to-day, on re- VIew ; to convmce them, by his deportment, that the safety of tl1e city was not to be despaired of. He di-rected an address, previously pre?ared for the pur-pose, ~o be read to them. It was drawn in language breathmg the warmt!I of his own feelings, and well calculated to communicate and inspire t!Ie same glow to others. He told them that they were contending for all that could render life desirable · " For yo . r d . ' ur His ad. P operty an hves ;-for that which is dearer ilian all d•·css \o your wive~ and children ;-for liberty, without which: them. country, hfe, and property, are not worth possessing. Even the embraces of wives and children are a re-proach .to t!Ie wretch, who would deprive them by his ~owardJce, of those inestimable blessings. you are o contend with an enemy who seeks to deprivt'j you I. ] |