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

Camp, Below New Orleans, 29 December 1814

The enemy succeeded on the 27th, in blowing up the CAROLINE, (she being becalmed) by means of hot shot from a land battery which he had erected in the night. Emboldened by this event, he marched his whole force the next day, up the level, in the hope of driving us from our position, and with this view opened upon us, at the distance of about half a mile, his bombs and rockets. He was repulsed, however, with considerable loss-not less, it is believed, than 120 in killed. Ours was inconsiderable, not exceeding half a dozen in killed, and a dozen wounded.

Since then, he has not ventured to repeat his attempt, though lying close together. There has been frequent skirmishing between our pickets.

I lament that I have not the means of carrying on more offensive operations. The Kentucky troops have not arrived, and my effective force at this point, does not exceed 3000. Theirs must be at least double-both prisoners and deserters agreeing in the statement that 7000 landed from their boats.

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), p. 455.