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any of his exertions, to render the country safe

Wich the assistance of Generals Coffee, Carrol, and Adair, and the troops under their command, he continued to augment the strength of his lines on each bank of the Missis sippi. From his uniform language and conduct at this period, it would appear that he supposed the negotiations at Ghent would not terminate amicably. In one of his letters to Mr. Monroe, the secretary of war, he says, "In my own mind, there is but little doubt, that his (the British commander's) last exertions have been made in this quarter, at any rate for the present season; and by the next, I hope we shall be fully prepared for him." In another one he says " "Wherever I command, such a belief (that the enemy would retire) shall never occasion any relaxation in the measures of resistance. I am but too sensible that the moment when the enemy is opposing us, is not the most proper to provide for him.”

By the 24th of January, every hostile foot was driven from the soil of Louisiana, and General Lambert and his army were compelled to seek for safety in the fleet of Admiral Cochrane, and even that was compelled to keep at a respectful distance from the shores of the Republic.

Before the 8th February, the British forces had positive and certain intelligence, that a treaty of peace between America and Great Britain, had been signed by the commissioners of the two governments at Ghent. They were aware, however, that it was not binding until ratifications were exchanged.

General Jackson, on the 13th of February, was advised of the ratification of the treaty of peace, by an express from the war department. The following is his farewell address to his troops, on their departure from New Orleans to their respective homes :

"The major general is at length enabled to perform the pleasing task, of restoring to Tennessee, Kentucky,

Louisiana, and the territory of the Mississippi, the brave troops who have acted such a distinguished part, in the war which has just terminated. In restoring these brave men to their homes, much exertion is expected of, and great responsibility imposed on, the commanding officers of the different corps. It is required of Maj. Gens. Carroll and Thomas, and Brig. Gen. Coffee, to march their commands, without unnecessary delay, to their respective states. The troops from the Mississippi territory and state of Louisiana, both militia and volunteers, will be immediately mustered out of service, paid, and discharged.

"The major general has the satisfaction of announcing the approbation of the President of the United States, to the conduct of the troops under his command, expressed in flattering terms, through the honorable the secretary of war. In parting with these brave men, whose destinies have been so long united with his own, and in whose labors and glories it is his happiness and his boast to have participated, the commanding general can neither suppress his feelings, nor give utterance to them as he ought. In what terms can he bestow suitable praise on merit so extraordinary, so unparalleled? Let him, in one burst of joy, gratitude, and exultation, exclaim, These are the saviors of their country-these the patriot soldiers who triumphed over the invincibles of Wellington, and conquered the conquerors of Europe!

"With what patience did you submit to privations with what fortitude did you endure fatigue-what valor did you display in the day of battle! you have secured to America a proud name among the nations of the eartha glory which will never perish. Possessing those dispositions, which equally adorn the citizen and the soldier, the expectations of your country will be met in peace, as her wishes have been gratified in war. Go then, my brave companions, to your homes; to those-ten

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der connexions, and blissful scenes, which render life so dear-full of honor, and crowned with laurels which will never fade. When participating, in the bosoms of your families, the enjoyment of peaceful life, with what happiness will you not look back to the toils you have borne— to the dangers you have encountered? How will all your past exposures be converted into sources of inexpressible delight? Who, that never experienced your sufferings, will be able to appreciate your joys? The man who slumbered ingloriously at home, during your painful marches, your nights of watchfulness, and your days of toil, will envy you the happiness which these recollec. tions will afford-still more will he envy the gratitude of that country, which you have so eminently contributed to save. Continue, fellow-soldiers, on your passage to your several destinations, to preserve that subordination, that dignified and manly deportment, which have so ennobled your character.

"While the commanding general is thus giving indulgence to his feelings, towards those brave companions who accompanied him through difficulties and danger, he cannot permit the names of Blount, and Shelby, and Holmes, to pass unnoticed. With what generous ardor and patriotism, have these distinguished governors contributed all their exertions; and the success which has resulted, will be to them a reward more grateful than any which the pomp of title, or the splendor of wealth, can bestow.

"What happiness it is to the commanding general, that while danger was before him, he was, on no occasion, compelled to use towards his companions in arms, either severity or rcbuke. If after the enemy had retired, improper passions began their empire in a few unworthy bosoms, and rendered a resort to energetic measures ne cessary for their suppression, he has not confounded the

innocent with the guilty-the seduced with the seducers. Towards you, fellow-soldiers, the most cheering recollec tions exist, blended, alas! with regret, that disease and war should have ravished from us so many worthy companions. But the memory of the cause in which they perished, and of the virtues which animated them, while living, must occupy the place where sorrow would claim to dwell.

"Farewell, fellow-soldiers. The expression of your general's thanks is feeble, but the gratitude of a country of freemen is yours-yours the applause of an admiring world."

15*

CHAPTER XI.

Recapitulation-Facts relative to the proclamation of martial law-Habeas Corpus-Louallier-Judge Hall -Defence of General Jackson's suspension of the writ of habeas corpus-He is arrested-His reasons showing cause why an attachment for contempt should not be heard against him-Consequences that would result from a strict adherence to the civil code in seasons of peril.

We must now refer our readers to the transactions previous to the period of those related in the preceding chapter. The declaration of martial law, of which we have before remarked, was generally acquiesced in by most of the citizens of New Orleans, while the danger lasted. When it ceased to press them, the darker passions began to work; and those who had ever been unfriendly to the adoption of effective measures for the preservation of the city, evinced their hostility and contempt for the commanding general's regulations and rules for the preservation of the country.

On the 18th of February, Admiral Cochrane had written to General Jackson, that he had received from Jamaica unofficial intelligence of peace. The general received his letter on the 21st, and immediately addressed to him this inquiry, "whether he considered the intelligence as authorizing a cessation of hostilities?" which inquiry was answered in the negative. But with the retreat of the enemy to their ships, the danger appeared to many to be over; and the impatience of military duty which this impression created, was the motive upon which the dis

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