The Battle of New Orleans
Major-General Andrew Jackson to the Secretary of War

Camp, Below New Orleans, 27 December 1814

The loss of our gun-boats near the pass of the Rigolets, having given the enemy command of lake Borgne, he was enabled to choose his point of attack. It became, therefore, an object of importance to obstruct the numerous bayous and canals leading from that lake to the highland on the Missisippi. This important service was committed, in the first instance, to a detachment of the 7th regiment, afterwards to colonel De Laronde, of the Louisiana militia, and lastly, to make all sure, to major general Villere, commanding the district between the river and the lakes, and who, being a native of the country, was presumed to be best acquainted with all those passes. Unfortunately, however, a picket which the general had established at the mouth of the bayou Bienvenu, and which, notwithstanding my orders, had been left unobstructed, was completely surprised, and the enemy penetrated through a canal leading to his farm, about two leagues below the city, and succeeded in cutting off a company of militia stationed there. This intelligence was communicated to me about 12 o'clock of the 23d. My force at this time consisted of parts of the 7th and 44th regiments, not exceeding six hundred together, the city militia, a part of general Coffee's brigade of mounted gun men, and the detached militia from the western division of Tennessee, under the command of major general Carroll. These two last corps were stationed four miles above the city. Apprehending a double attack by the way of Chief-Menteur, I left general Carroll's force and the militia of the city posted on the Gentilly road; and at 5 o'clock P. M. marched to meet the enemy, whom I was resolved to attack in his first position, with major Hind's dragoons, general Coffee's brigade, parts of the 7th and 44th regiments, the uniformed companies of militia, under the command of major Planche, 200 men of colour, chiefly from St. Domingo, raised by colonel Savary and acting under the command of major Dagwing, and a detachment of artillery under the direction of colonel M'Rea, with two six pounders, under the command of lieutenant Spots; not exceeding in all 1500. I arrived near the enemy's encampment about 7, and immediately made my dispositions for the attack. His forces amounting, at that time, on land to about 3000, extended half a mile on that river, and in the rear nearly to the wood. General Coffee was ordered to turn their right, while with the residue of the force I attacked his strongest position on the left near the river. Commodore Patterson having dropped down the river in the schooner CAROLINE, was directed to open a fire upon their camp, which he executed at about half past seven. This being a signal of attack, general Coffee's men, with their usual impetuosity, rushed on the enemy's right and entered their camp, while our right advanced with equal ardour. There can be but little doubt, that we should have succeeded on that occasion with our inferior force, in destroying or capturing the enemy, had not a thick fog which arose about 8 o'clock, occasioned some confusion among the different corps. Fearing the consequence, under this circumstance, of the further prosecution of a night attack with troops, then acting together for the first time, I contented myself with lying on the field that night; and at four in the morning, assumed a stronger position, about two miles nearer the city. At this position I remained encamped, waiting the arrival of the Kentucky militia, and other reinforcements. As the safety of the city will depend on the fate of this army, it must not be incautiously exposed.

In this affair the whole corps under my command, deserve the greatest credit. The best compliment I can pay to general Coffee and his brigade, is to say, they have behaved as they have always done while under my command. The 7th, led by major Pierre, and 44th, commanded by colonel Ross, distinguished themselves. The battalion of city militia, commanded by major Planche, realized my anticipations, and behaved like veterans. Savary's volunteers manifested great bravery: and the company of city riflemen having penetrated into the midst of the enemy's camp, were surrounded, and fought their way out with the greatest heroism bringing with them a number of prisoners. The two field pieces were well served by the officers commanding them.

All my officers in the line did their duty, and I have every reason to be satisfied with the whole of my field and staff. Colonels Butler and Platt and major Chotard, by their intrepidity, saved the artillery. Colonel Haynes was every where that duty or danger called. I was deprived of the services of one of my aids, captain Butler, whom I was obliged to station, to his great regret, in town. Captain Reid, my other aid, and Messrs. Livingston, Duplis and Davizac, who had volunteered their services, faced danger wherever it was to be met, and carried my orders with the utmost promptitude.

We made one major, two subalterns and sixty-three privates prisoners; and the enemy's loss in killed and wounded must have been at least ______. My own loss, I have not as yet been able to ascertain with exactness, but suppose it to amount to 100 in killed, wounded, and missing. Among the former, I have to lament the loss of colonel Lauderdale, of general Coffee's brigade, who fell while bravely fighting. Colonels Dyer and Gibson, of the same corps, were wounded, and major Kavenaugh taken prisoner.

Colonel De Laronde, major Villere, of the Louisiana militia, major Latour, of engineers, having no command, volunteered their services, as did doctors Kerr and Hood, and were of great assistance to me.

John Brannan, ed. Official Letters of the Military and Naval Officers of the United States During the War with Great Britain in the Years 1812, 13, 14, & 15 With Some Additional Letters and Documents Elucidating the History of that Period. (Washington: 1823), pp. 453-455.