Battle of New Orleans Timeline-- Part 6: Jan. 8, 1815, the Battle

THE BATTLE, JANUARY 8, 1815 (200 years ago)

The British launched an early morning main attack, hoping to start in the darkness, but delays and confusion prevented it until early dawn.  The attack on the East Bank started late, but was able to defeat the Americans.

The main British attack on the West Bank (of the Mississippi River) consisted of 8,000 men and was repulsed with heavy losses.  Nearly 300 British were killed, including General Pakenham.  The Americans lost 13 killed.

General Lambert takes command of the British.

The British ships HMS Herald and Sophia and others begin a bombardment of Fort St. Philip, protecting the southern river approach to New Orleans.  The attack there continued for ten days, hoping to reduce the fort so the main British fleet could advance, but it also failed.  (Some 47 years later, Union Admiral Farragut simply ran past Fort St. Philip and Fort Jackson across the river and captured New Orleans.)

General Lambert begins plans to withdraw.

January 8th was a day of celebration in New Orleans every year thereafter until the Civil War.

--Brock-Perry