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Show 350 LIFE OF GEN. JACKSON. CHAP. The loss of the British, in the main attack, on the ~left bank, has_ been, at different times, variously 1815_ stated. The killed, wounded, and prisoners, ascertain- ed, on the next day after the battle, by colonel Loss of Hayne, the inspector general, places it at twenty-six !~~1~ri· hundred. -General Lambert's report to lord Bathurst makes it but two thousand and seventy. From pri- . soners, however, and information and circumstances derived through other sources, it must have been even much greater than is stated by either. Among them was their commander-in-chief, and major-general Gibbs, who died of his wounds the next day, besides many of their most valuable and distinguished officers; while the loss of the Americans, in killed and wounded, was but thirteen.* It appears to have been made a question by the British officers, if it would not be more advisable to carry general Morgan's line, and refrain from any attempt on tlus side the river. It was believed, that if Captain successful in th~s, they would be able to force general Wi!kin- Jackson from his entrenchment, and pass, with the ~;.' let- main body of the army, in safety to the city. A letter, • Our effective force, at the line, on the left bank, was three thousand seven hundred ; that of the enemy at least nine thousand. The force landed in Louisiana has been variously reported: the best information places it at about fourteen thousand. A part of this acted with colonel Thornton; the climate had rendered many unfit fur the duties of the field; ·while a considerable number had been killed and wounded, jn the different contests since their arrival. Their strength, therefore, may be fairly estimated, on the Bth, at the number WE" have stated; at any rate, not less. LIFE OF GEN. JACKSON. 551 • ik:und in the possession of captain Wilkinson, a Bri- CHAP. tish officer, who fell in the battle, to a friend at home X. in the war department, speaking on this subject, show~~ that a difference of opinion prevailed, and confe)lses 1815• his own as being decidedly in favour of a vigorous at-tack on both sides. It bears date late on the night of the 7th, nor does it appear, although he was a captain and brigade major, that he, at that time, knew whether an assault were seriously intended against Jackson's line, or was designed as a feint, to aid the operations of colonel Thornton. With the true spirit of a British officer, however, he indulges a hope of success, with entire confidence, -entertains no fears for the result nor doubts but that the Americans will at once reti.r~ before their superior skill and bravery. A general order, which must have been received after he had written, disclosing the manner of attack, . on the left, where he acted, was found with the letter. The fusi- Jeers and light troops were there instructed, after reach-ing our line, t? act as a pursuing squadron, and keep up alarm, while the army on the right would press closely in the rear. It breathes an assurance of suc-cess, and shows with what anxiety they looked to the approaching morning, as likely to bring with it a suc-cessful termination of their labours, and a triumph over a foe, whose advantages, more than bravery, they sup-posed, had so long baffied their utmost efforts. That it was considered, however, an undertaking of greater magnitude and hazard than they were disposed to admit, is obvious, from one circumstance. The officer who leads his troops on a forlorn attempt, not unfrequently places before them allurements stronger |
