New Orleans

New York Evening Post, 7 February 1815

We have today the official account of General Jackson, which makes the loss of the enemy much greater than it was reported to be, and on our side still less.

On the subject of this gallant, this extraordinary defence, it is due to truth and justice to observe that on no pretence whatever, are the Administration entitled to the least share of the honor attending this very brilliant affair, or to partake in the smallest of the glory acquired. After being three years at war with a powerful enemy, who had the means of transporting his forces to any part of our sea-coast, the Administration has been so utterly neglectful of this important place, the depot of immense property belonging to the trading part of the community, that it was not until his forces were actually on the point of landing, that any measures of defence were taken. New Orleans was left to itself. And when at last the militia of the neighboring states voluntarily turned out to defend it, the Administration had not even provided arms, for their use, nor clothing to protect them from the cold. Whatever, therefore, of honor or glory the militia have acquired in this achievement, they alone are exclusively entitled to it; it would be the highest injustice to attempt to divide it with the President or with the Secretary of War. Had New Orelans fallen, I have no doubt that Mr. Madison would have been impeached by his own party. Report is very erroneous if he would not, and surely a different result, not owing to any measure of his, cannot materially alter the complexion of his conduct.

We cannot omit this opportunity to express how much we are pleased, at the unstudied simplicity and modesty of General Jackson's official letter; and we recommend it to American officers as a model for imitation.