In the latter part of 1814, information being received that the British
intended to make a descent on Louisiana, General Jackson hastened to
New Orleans, and made preparations for its defence. Every approach
to the town was guarded by batteries and gunboats. The British fleet
arrived early in December, and on the 14th, an attack was made upon
the American gunboats on Lake Borgne. After a desperate contest,
they submitted to a much superior force. The British having gained a
position on the banks of the Mississippi, General Jackson, with two
thousand men, marched down, on the evening of the 23d, and attacked
them. After a hot fight, in which the enemy lost over two hundred men,
the Americans fell back to their lines. Both armies having received
large reinforcements, the British on the 8th of January, moved to
the assault. The Americans drove them back in confusion. Sir Edward
Packenham was killed. Again the enemy attempted to scale the work, and
were again driven back. At length all the chief commanding officers
being killed or disabled, the British retreated. Their loss in this
battle was two hundred and ninety-three killed, twelve hundred and
sixty-seven wounded, and four hundred and eighty-four prisoners. The
American loss was only thirteen killed, and thirty-seven wounded.