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Show Sl!O LIFE OF GEN. JACKSON. CHAP. the legislature desired information on this subject, that ~ if such were his intentions, they might, by offering 1814. terms to the enemy, avert so great a calamity. That such a sentiment should be entertained by this body, was scarcely credible; yet a few days brought the cer. tainty of it more fully to view, and shewed that they were already devising plans to ensure their safety, even at any sacrifice. While the general was hastening along the line, from ordering Coffee, as we have just observed, against a column of the British on the left, he was hailed by Mr. Duncan, one of his volunteer aids, and informed, that already it was agitated, secretly, by the members of the legislature, to offer terms of capitulation to the enemy, and proffer -a surrender. Poised as was the result, the safety or fall of the city resting in uncertainty, although it was plainly to be perceived, that, with a strong army before tl1em, no such resolution could be carried into effect, yet it might be productive of evil, and, in the end, bring about the most fatal consequences. Even the disclosure of such a wish might create parties-excite oppo· sition in the army, and inspire the enemy with renew· cd confidence. The Tennessee forces, and Mississippi volunteers, it was not feared wonld be affected by the measure; but it might detach _the Louisiana militia, and even extend itself to the ranks of the regular troops. Jackson was greatly incensed, that those whose safety he had so mH£h at heart, should be seeking to mar his best exertions. He was, however, too warmly pressed, at the moment, to give it the attention its imnortance merited; but, availing himself of tl1e first re~ pite from the violence of the attack waged against UFE OF GEN. JACKSON. 321 him, he apprized governor Claiborne of what he had CHAP. heard ;-ordered him closely to watch the conduct IX. . ~ of the legislature, and the moment the pr9ject of of- 1814. fering a capitulation to the enemy should be fully dis-closed, to arrest the members, and hold them subject to his further orders. The governor, in his zeal to execute the command, and from a fear of the conse-quences involved in such conduct, construed as imperative, an order which was merely contingent ; and, placing an armed force at the door of the capitol, pre- 1\'ented tl1e members from convening, and their schemes from maturing. We pretend not to ascribe this conduct to disaffection to the government, or treasonable motives. The impulse that produced it was, no doubt, interest,a principle of the human mind which strongly sways, and often destroys, its best conclusions. The disparity. of the two armies, in numbers, preparation, and discipline, had excited apprehension, and destroyed hope. If Jackson were driven back, and little else was looked for, rumour fixed his determination of devoting the city to destruction : but even if such were not his intention, the wrath and vengeance of the enemy would probably be in proportion, to the opposition they received. Although these considerations somewhat palliate, they do not justify. The government was represented, in the person of the commanding general, on whom rested all responsibility, and whose voice, on the subject of resistance or capitulation, should alone have been heard. In the field were persons who were enduring hardships, and straining every nerve, for the general safety. A few of the members of their own s s |