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Show 5:28 LIFE OF GEN. JACKSON. CHAP. capacity of becoming, in a short time, well acquainted ~with the art of gunnery, or that it was a science, the 1815• acquiring of which was not attended with incalculable difficulties. An ad-v: mcc made on g~nc r :t l Coflt!e's line. That they would be able to effect an opening, and march tll(Ough the strong defence in their front, was an idea so fondly cherish~d by our assailants, that an apprehension of failure had scarcely ever occurred. So sanguine were they in this belief, that, early in the rooming, tl1eir soldiers were arranged along the ditches, in rear of their batteries, prepared and ready to advance to the charge, tl1e moment a breach could be made. Here, protected by their situation from danger, they remained, waiting the result that should call tl1erri to act. But their efforts not producing the slightest im· pi·ession, and their rockets not having the effect to drive our militia away, they abandoned tl1e contest, and retired to their camp, leaving their batteries almost com· pletely destroyed. Perceiving their attempts must fnil, and that such an effect could not be produced, as would warrant their advance another expedient was resorted to, but with no bett~r success. It occurred to the British commander, an attack might be made to advantage, next the woods, and a force was accordingly ordered to penetrate in this direction, and turn the left of our line, which was supposed not to extend further than the edge of the swamp. In this way, it was expected a diversion could be made, while the reserve columns, in readiness, and waiting, were to pres: forw~rd, the moment it could be efiected. Here dlsappomtment resulted. Coffee's brigade, being already extended LIFE OF GEN. JACKSON. lnto the swamp, as far as it was possible for an advanc- CHAP. ing party to penetrate, brought unexpected dangers X. into view, >mel occasioned an abandonment of the pro-~ 1815. ject. That such a design was practicable, and might be attempted, was the subject of early consideration; and the necessary precaution had been taken to pre-vent · it. Although cutting the levee had raised tl1e water in the swamp, and increased the difficulties of keeping troops there, yet a fear, lest this pass might be sought by tl1e enemy, and the rear of the line there-by gained, had determined the general to extend his defence even here. This had been entrusted to gene-ral Coffee; and surely a more arduous duty can scarce-ly be imagined. To form a breast-work, in such a place, was attended with many difficulties, and considerable exposure. A slight one, however, had been thrown up, and the underwood, for thirty or forty yards, cut down, that the riflemen, stationed for its defence, . might have a complete view of any force, which, through this route, might attempt a passage. When it is recollected that this position was to be maintained night and day, uncertain of the moment af attack ; and that the only opportunity afforded our troops for rest, was on logs and brush, thrown toge-ther, by_ which they were raised above the surrounding water; It may be truly said, that seldom has it fallen to the lot of any to encounter greater hardships: but, acc.ustomed to privation, and alive to those feelings wluch a love of country inspires, they obeyed without complaining, and chcerfullv kept their IJosition unH all . - . , . danger had subs1ded. Sens1ble of the importance ~r the point they defended, and that it was necessary T t |
