Action Around Apalachicola Bay-- Part 9: It's a Race to New Orleans Where Jackson Wins That Big Victory

After their defeat at Fort Bowyer, the British retreated to Pensacola, and Jackson determined to push them out of that place, even though it was technically neutral.  His forces reached Pensacola on November 6, 1814.  After the Spanish rejected his flag of truce,  he defeated the small garrison the next day in a brief skirmish.  One thing about Jackson, he never let a little thing like neutrality stop him.

In the meantime, the British pulled out of the city, destroying Forts Michael and Barrancas on the way.

Jackson  went back to Mobile, where he confirmed that the British force was heading for New Orleans.  Now that he was sure that Mobile was not the target, he  rode with his officers to New Orleans in ten days, with his army following later.  Partly because of the warnings of James Inneraritys, he arrived in New Orleans shortly before the British fleet.

He took command of the local militia, prepared the defenses and led his troops to that outstanding victory  at the Battle of New Orleans in January 1815.  (See the header at the top of the blog.)

--Brock-Perry

Trouble On the High Seas-- Part 4: Blockade

THE RIGHTS OF A NEUTRAL NATION

There is a name for this kind of a war plan: blockade.  It was the job of the Royal Navy to blockade the French seaports and keep all ships from passing in or out.

But it was the opinion of the American government that the blockade should stop only French ships.  We said that a neutral country, a country that was not fighting in the war, should be able to trade with anyone.  Our policy was the policy of free trade for neutral nations.Having a policy is easy, but making it work is sometimes hard.

The British had plenty of sea power to stop American ships, and they did.

--Brock-Perry