As before, the Negro was not universally welcomed to the ranks of the
American army; but later continued reverses and a lack of enthusiasm in
enlistments made it necessary to seek his aid, and from Mobile, Ala., on
September 21, 1814, General Jackson issued a stirring call to the free
colored people of Louisiana for aid. It began thus:
“Through a mistaken policy you have heretofore been deprived of a
participation in the glorious struggle for national rights in which our
country is engaged. This no longer shall exist.”
In a remarkably short period, two battalions were raised, under Majors
LaCaste and Savary, which did splendid service in the battle of New
Orleans. New York enrolled two battalions, and sent them to Sacketts
Harbor. Pennsylvania enrolled twenty-four hundred, and sent them to
Gray’s Ferry at the capture of Washington, to prepare for the invading
column. Another battalion also was raised, armed, equipped and ready to
start to the front, when peace was declared.
Let us hear the testimony of that original democrat, General Jackson.
Under the date of Dec. 18, 1814, he writes as follows:
“To the men of color, soldiers: From the shores of Mobile I called you
to arms. I invited you to share in the perils and to divide the glory of
your white countrymen. I expected much from you; for I was not
uninformed of those qualities which must render you so formidable to an
invading foe. I knew you could endure hunger and thirst, and all the
hardships of war. I knew that you loved the land of your nativity, and
that, like ourselves, you had to defend all that is most dear to man.
But you surpass my hopes. I have found in you, united to those
qualities, that noble enthusiasm that impels to great deeds.
“Soldiers: The President of the United States shall be informed of your
conduct on the present occasion, and the voice of the representatives of
the American nation shall applaud your valor, as your general now
praises your ardor. The enemy is near. His sails cover the lakes, but
the brave are united, and if he finds us contending among ourselves, it
will be for the prize of valor, and fame its noblest reward.”
In one of the actions of this war, a charging column of the American
army was repulsed and thrown into great disorder. A Negro private,
seeing the disaster, sprang upon a horse, and by heroic effort rallied
the troops, led them back upon a second charge, and completely routed
the enemy. He was rewarded by General Jackson with the honorary title of
Major. Under the laws he could not commission him.
When the war was over, this gallant man returned to his home in
Nashville, Tenn., where he lived for years afterward, highly respected
by its citizens of all races.
At the age of seventy years, this black hero was obliged, _in
self-defense_, to strike a white ruffian, who had assaulted him. Under
the laws of the State he was arrested and given nine and thirty lashes
on his bare back. It broke his heart, and Major Jeffreys died.