Battle of New Orleans Interesting Facts-- Part 3: Johnny Horton's Song and Andrew Jackson

**  In 1959, singer Johnny Horton recorded the song "The Battle of New Orleans" written by Johnny Driftwood.   It told the story of the battle from the viewpoint of a regular soldier.

The record went to #1 on the national Billboard charts.

**  Although Andrew Jackson had previously been a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, it was this victory that made him a household name and helped catapult him to the U.S. presidency.

**  In 2015, the U.S. Postal service issued a postage stamp commemorating the battle.

--Brock-Perry

Battle of New Orleans Interesting Facts-- Part 2: Big Annual Celebration and Movies

**  For some 50 years after the battle, the United States celebrated the victory every January 8 with fireworks and parades, much like the 4th of July.

**  In 1938, Cecil B. DeMille directed "The Buccaneer" a heavily fictionalized accounting of the celebrated pirate Jean Lafitte's role in the battle.  In 1958, it was remade with Charlton Heston portraying Andrew Jackson and Yul Brynner as Lafitte.

--Brock-Perry

Battle of New Orleans Interesting Facts-- Part 1: Most Lopsided Victory and Prayers

From the January 8, 2017, New Orleans(Louisiana) Times- Picayune "In the Battle of New Orleans, a city was saved, a hero born and a country validated" by Mike Scott.

On the 202nd Anniversary of the battle.

** It is remembered as the most lop-sided battle in the war.  British casualties came to 2,057 and American just 71.

**  As it began, the Ursuline nuns in New Orleans held a vigil in their chapel praying to Our Lady of Promp Succor for a miracle in the form of an American victory.

They got it and to this day conduct a special mass every January 8.

--Brock-Perry

Thomas Posey-- Part 2: At Valley Forge, Saratoga and Yorktown

Officer in the American Revolution, lieutenant-governor Kentucky, Governor of Indiana Territory, Louisiana U.S. Senator.

Son or not, his friendship with George Washington certainly enhanced his reputation.  Thomas Posey grew up in the home of John Posey, a close friend of Washington's.

During the American Revolution, Posey served at Valley Forge, Saratoga and Yorktown.  After the war, he served under General "Mad" Anthony Wayne in Indian wars in the Northwest territory.

Appointed to governor of Indiana Territory by Madison and served 1805-1808.  He was a U.S. senator from Louisiana 1812-1813

Buried at Westwood Cemetery in Shawneetown, Illinois, which has 2,843 internments.

An Interesting Life.  --Brock-Perry

Thomas Posey (1750-1818)-- Part 1: Illegitimate Son of George Washington?

From Wikipedia.

I came across his name researching Alney McLean.  It is interesting how researching in one area can lead to so many other areas. Again, as with these others, I had never heard of him.

U.S. Congressman, territorial governor and last governor of Indiana Territory before it became a state in 1816.

Rumors persist that he was the illegitimate son of George Washington.  Posey was born on the banks of the Potomac River on a farm adjacent to Mount Vernon.  George Washington, born in 1732,  would have been 18 when Thomas Posey was born.

It Is Possible, But Never Proved.  --Brock-Perry

Battle of Wildcat Creek (Spur's Defeat)-- Part 4: Spurs Away

There was a skirmish between the Americans and Indians on November 21 and the Americans retreated from the field with one killed and left behind.  A return to the battlefield the next day to recover the body found the soldier's head impaled on a pole with an Indian standing by it and taunting.

Thirteen Americans chased the Indian up a narrow canyon where they were ambushed by other Kickapoos, Winnebago and Shawnee warriors.  The Americans fled as fast as they could.  According to the Indians, the Americans really put their spurs to their horses in this rush to get away.

Losses for the U.S. November 21-22:  17 killed and three wounded.

Gen. Hopkins learned that a large force of Indians was massing to attacking him, plus, bitter cold weather set in as well as a snowstorm, which caused him to retreat first to Fort Harrison and then on to Vincennes.

Greatly embarrassed by this, General Samuel Hopkins resigned his commission.  He was later brought before a military Court of Inquiry but cleared of any wrongdoing.

I had some difficulty looking this information up because of the NBA's San Antonio Spurs.

Something Else I Didn't Know About.  --Brock-Perry

Battle of Wildcat Creek (Spur's Defeat)-- Part 3: To Tippecanoe Again

Samuel Hopkins withdrew to Vincennes in Indiana Territory where he angrily discharged his Kentucky militia and raised a new army, consisting of three regiments of Kentucky infantry and one company of the 7th United States Infantry under Major Zachary Taylor and several other groups.

He left Vincennes on November 11, 1812, in search of Indians.  Reaching the site of the Tippecanoe battlefield, he burned an Indian village and a Winnebago village was found at the nearby Wildcat Creek and Hopkins decided to attack it.


--Brock-Perry

Battle of Wildcat Creek (Spur's Defeat)-- Part 2: A Two-Pronged Attack

Two forces of American troops set out to attack the Indians.  One was led by Major General Samuel Hopkins and the other by Colonel William Russell.

Col. Russel was at the Siege of Fort Harrison and left there with Illinois militia and Indiana Rangers and destroyed hostile Kickapoo villages at Peoria Lake in Illinois.  He withdrew to Cahokia when he couldn't hook up forces with General Hopkins.

In the meantime, Samuel Hopkins had returned to Vincennes, Indiana, when he couldn't get his Kentucky militia to engage the Indians.

--Brock-Perry

Battle of Wildcat Creek (Spur's Defeat)-- Part 1

From Wikipedia.

This small battle took place in Indiana and was the result of an American punitive expedition against Indians as a result of several defeats and massacres, including the Fort Dearborn Massacre and Pigeon Roost Massacre.

It took place on November 22, 1812, and resulted in an Indian victory.

It was nicknamed "Spur's Defeat", reportedly referring to the spurs the soldiers used on their horses to get out of there as fast as possible..

The campaign is also sometimes referred to as the Second Battle of Tippecanoe.

--Brock-Perry

Samuel Hopkins-- Part 2: War of 1812 Service

In 1812, Samuel Hopkins was appointed commander in chief of the Western frontier which consisted of the Illinois and Indiana Territories.  He was in the Peoria War and commanded at Spur's Defeat.  I will have to research Spur's Defeat.

After these losses, he resigned his commission.

He was a member of the 13th U.S. Congress 1813-1815 and was succeeded by Alney McLean, who I have already written about.

He is buried at Spring Garden Cemetery in Henderson, Kentucky,  alongside two of his daughters.

Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and Hopkins County, Kentucky are named after him.

--Brock-Perry

Samuel Hopkins (Congressman)-- Part 1: On Washington's Staff During the American Revolution

From Wikipedia.

April 9, 1753 to September 16, 1819.

U.S. Representative from Kentucky.

Born in Albemarle County, Virginia.  During the American Revolution, he was on the staff of George Washington for awhile and later lieutenant-colonel of the 10th Virginia and an original member of the Virginia Society of Cincinnati.

In 1796, he moved to Kentucky and settled on the Ohio River at Red Banks, now called Henderson.  He served as a state judge as well as the Kentucky House of Representatives.   He was a member of the Kentucky State Senate from 1809 to 1813.

--Brock-Perry

Alney McLean of Kentucky-- Part 2: Battled Indians and At Battle of New Orleans

In the war, Alney McLean organized three companies.

In 1812, he organized a company of volunteers on September 18.  Then, in 1813, another of his companies was eventually commanded by Lewis Kinchebe.  A third company was one he was able to command himself.

These men served with General Samuel Hopkins in campaigns against the Indians.

He also served under Lt.-Col. William Mitchusson at the Battle of New Orleans where he took offense at General Andrew Jackson's statement that the Kentucky troops "ingloriously fled" and remained a political rival of Jackson for the rest of his life.

Alney McLean died of pneumonia in 1841 and was buried at Old Caney Station Cemetery near Greenville, Kentucky.

--Brock-Perry

Alney McLean-- Part 1: Organizer of Troops

Wikipedia.

I came across his name while doing research on John McLean.

June 10, 1979 to December 30, 1841.

U.S. Representative from Kentucky.  McLean County, Kentucky, is named for him.

Born in North Carolina (as was John McLean) and moved to Kentucky at age 20 and later became a lawyer.  Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives 1812-1813.

Organizer of troops during the War of 1812.

--Brock-Perry

John McLean, Illinois Politician

From Wikipedia.

February 4, 1791 to October 14, 1830.

McLean County, Illinois, is named for him.

U.S. Representative and Senator from Illinois.  Born near Guilford Court House, North Carolina, (now Greensboro).  Moved with parents to Logan County, Kentucky and then to Illinois Territory in 1815.

Although definitely old enough to have fought in the War of 1812, I have been unable to find anything about service during that war.

He studied law and was admitted to the bar in Shawneetown.

When Illinois became a state, he was was elected to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy stemming from the resignation on Ninian Edwards.  He failed for reelection and then was reelected and served as a senator from 1829 until his death the following year.

He is interred at Westwood Cemetery near Shawneetown, Illinois.

--Brock-Perry

McLean County, Illinois

From Wikipedia.

McLean County, Illinois, was formed 25 December 1830 and named for John McLean who was a pioneer lawyer, territorial judge, first representative in Congress from Illinois in 1818 and U.S. Senator 1824-1825.

He was alive during the War of 1812, but i wasn't able to find out any information about service.

It is the largest county in the state at 1184 square miles.

This is where Scogin Cemetery is located.

--Brock-Perry

War of 1812 Veterans Buried in McLean County, Illinois-- Part 2

There was some confusion about two cemeteries in McLean County with very similar names:  Scrogin Hill and Scogin Hill.

A Colonel John Flesher is buried at Scrogin Hill Cemetery as is an Edward Jones.  Both are War of 1812 veterans.

Buried at Scogin Hill cemetery in Bloomington are John O. Nelson and David Withrow (1796-1868) which may also be spelled Witherow.  These two are also War of 1812 veterans.

Scogin Hill Cemetery is located in two townships:  Bloomington and Dale.

--Brock-Perry

War of 1812 Veterans Buried in McLean County, Illinois-- Part 1: Also, Confederate Civil War Veterans

From the McLean County, Illinois History and Genealogy sire, War of 1812 Soldiers Burial Information.

They have 56 War of 1812 veterans as having been buried in McLean County, including John Funk, who is buried at Funk's Grove.  Route 66 folks would be very familiar with that name.

In addition, and the reason I'm doing this, is that I have been writing about Civil War Confederate veteran William B. Stode of Morgan's Raid in 1863, being buried at Scogin Hill Cemetery.

--Brock-Perry

New Orleans' Jordan Noble-- Part 6: Other Items for Auction

Other items up for bid at the auction:  weapons, swords, a rare New Orleans and Louisiana map, paintings and manuscripts signed by Napoleon Bonaparte, James Madison and Governor C.C. Claiborne.

The collection was on loan for many years to the Louisiana State Museum, but has since returned to private hands.

Neal Auctions hope that an institution will get it, but can't say for sure because of bids.

I am hoping that an institution will get the drum and flag and other items so that the general public can still view them.  I hate to think of them being in somebody's private collection.

But, Money Talks, As We So Well Know.  --Brock-Perry

New Orleans' Jordan Noble-- Part 5: About the Drum and Flag

This drum at auction is believed to have been displayed at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.  After that, it was at the Louisiana State Museum since 1909.  Neal Auction Company acquired the drum more than a year ago and puts an estimated $200,000 to $250,000 estimated price on it.

Also up for bid is a blue silk flag presented to General Andrew Jackson to celebrate his victory at the Battle of New Orleans.  It is mounted and has a description of Jordan Noble's military service.  At some point in the past it was given to Noble by Jackson.  Cusahs acquired it from Noble's wife.  It is also valued at between $200,000 and $250,000.

--Brock-Perry

New Orleans' Jordan B. Noble-- Part 4: The Drum Is One of the Most Impiortant Historical Artifacts of New Orleans.

Jordan Noble was sold back into slavery four times, but died a free man.

Historian Shelene Roumillat said:  "In my opinion, the drum is one of the most important historical artifacts that we have here in New Orleans.

I certainly agree and not just because of its connection to the battle, but also his service in four wars as well as his impact on New Orleans music, traditions and the movement for equality.  I certainly hope someone or some group buys it and puts it on display for all to see.

--Brock-Perry

New Orleans' Jordan Noble-- Part 3: "Broke Down Race and Class Barriers"

Jerry Brock continued on about Jordan Noble:  "He broke down race and class barriers as a soldier (veteran of four wars), musician and statesman.  He pioneered New Orleans marching music and parade traditions and demonstrated bravery, free spirit and dignity in his personal quest for liberty and will to survive and prosper.

"Through his music and community involvement Jordan Noble nurtured a joy of life and love of humanity in a city that underwent massive expansion and sociocultural upheaval during his time."

--Brock-Perry

Jordan Noble's Life Would Make a Great Movie

Before the auction, I had never heard of this man before, but he was certainly something.

I think this would make a great big-screen movie, perhaps with Morgan Freeman playing the older Jordan Noble.

--Brock-Perry

New Orleans' Jordan B. Noble-- Part 2: "Advanced the Cause of Black Freedom and Human Rights"

One music historian, Jerry Brock, said that Jordan Noble "was arguably the most celebrated black musician in 19th century New Orleans and in a life that bridged nine decades, Noble advanced the cause of black freedom and human rights."

On his death in 1890, the Daily Picayune headlines:  "Answered the Last Roll:  Death of the Drumer Boy of Chalmette," and noted "many will remember the white-headed old man and his well-worn drum."

--Brock-Perry

New Orleans' Jordan B. Noble-- Part 1: Expecting $250,000 for His Drum

From WWL 4 CBS.

Neal Auction Company expects to get as much as $250,000 for Jordan Noble's War of 1812 drum.  They have it listed as "The Exceptionally Important Jordan B. Noble Infantry Snare Drum."

It is part of a collection of some 200 items of the Gaspar Cusachs collection who assembled a massive array of New Orleans local history objects before his death in 1929.

Noble's name is signed inside the drum.  It is believed he was born a slave in Georgia around 1800.

The National Parks Service says he joined the 7th U.S. regiment in 1913 as a free man and became a drummer.  At the Battle of New Orleans, he was one of nearly 900 free men of color who defended his adopted city.

--Brock-Perry

Daughters of 1812 Chapter Chartered in Indiana

From the November 9, 2016,  Goshen (Indiana) News "Daughters of 1812 charter local chapter."

A charter ceremony for the Captain John Jackson Chapter of the National Society of the United States Daughters of 1812 took place November 5, 2016.

It was organized March 24 by Jo Ann Cummins with 17 charter members and 6 prospectives.

A descendant of Captain John Jackson, Hugh Shanahan spoke.    Col. Jackson is his 3rd great grandfather and a member of the Society of the War of 1812 and he spoke on Jackson's history.

--Brock-Perry

"Old Jordan" The Drummer of Chalmette-- Part 1

From 2009 New Orleans Nostalgia by Ned Hemard.

This is more information on the man whose drum from the Battle of New Orleans was recently auctioned off.

In New Orleans, Jordan Noble was generally called "Old Jordan" and "The Drummer of Chalmette."

Chalmette is another name for the battlefield where the Battle of New Orleans was fought.

He was 14-years-old at the Battle of New Orleans and had enlisted in the 7th U.S. Infantry.

During the Civil War he participated in the organizing of the Native Guards, General Benjamin Butler's 1st Regiment of Louisiana Native Guard.  He was sworn into service on September 27, 1862, the first black soldiers officially mustered into the Union Army.  The 2nd and 3rd Regiments of the group were organized in the next two months.

--Brock-Perry

"Old Jordan" The Drummer of Chalmette-- Part 2

During the course of his life, Jordan Noble served a total of 9 years and 9 months in the U.S. Army in four wars: War of 1812, 2nd Seminole War, Mexican War and Civil War.

Jordan Noble marched proudly in the 1851 annual parade on January 8, marking the anniversary of the battle and carried his old drum.  He led other men of color who had fought in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815.

It was he who started the tradition of playing the same reveille by his fife and drum corps as were played that day.

In the 1884 at the World's International and Cotton Centennial Exposition in New Orleans, he drum and fife corps again entertained visitors from all over the world.

His drums are on exhibit at the Louisiana State Museum at the Cabildo.  Onw was made in Philadelphia c. 1860.

--Brock-Perry

Jordan Noble's Battle of New Orleans Drum At Auction-- Part 3:

Jordan Bankston Noble was a leader in the movement for racial equality in New Orleans.

In 1854, he was a Louisiana delegate for the National Emigration of Colored People held in Cleveland, Ohio.  In 1965, he was on the Committee for the Convention of Colored Men of Louisiana held in New Orleans.

--Brock-Perry

Jordan Noble's Battle of New Orleans Drum At Auction-- Part 2: In Four Wars

Jordan Bankston Noble lived from 1800 to 1890 and he beat the roll to arms for Andrew Jackson's troops at the Battle of New Orleans in January 1815.

He was one of the most revered figures in New Orleans for that.

After the battle, he continued his military service.  He was again with Andrew Jackson in 1836, at the Second Seminole War as a member of te Louisiana Volunteers.  During the Mexican War he was with the Washington Artillery and in the Civil War he was on the Union side as the captain of Company C, 7th Louisiana Volunteer Infantry.

--Brock-Perry

Drum of Jordan Noble Used at Battle of New Orleans At Auction-- Part 1

From the November 21, 2016, WGNO ABC News "Drum used in War of 1812 up for auction."

Jordan Bankston Noble was a slave who became a free man and then became Andrew Jackson's official drummer.  Neal Auction Co. has his original drum used at the Battle of New Orleans and will auction it off December 2nd.

(I have been unable to find out how much it went for, but sure hope a public institution was able to come up with the funds to buy it so it can remain something the public can see.)

I also did more research on Jordan Noble and am surprised I had not heard of him before.  I will be writing more about him.

--Brock-Perry

As This Blog Enters Its Sixth Year

Today I begin the sixth year of this blog with my 2128th post.

This blog began out of my Cooter's History Thing blog and began to mark the bicentennial of the war.

I even occasionally taught about this war in my classes at John T. Magee Middle School in Round Lake, Illinois, but usually didn't get that far in my U.S. History to the Civil War 7th grade classes.

I realized I didn't know all that much about the War of 1812 and this was a good way to solve that problem.

At first, i was just going to keep this going through to the end of the 200th anniversary of the war, but, that didn't happen.

--Brock-Perry  (For Isaac Brock and Oliver Hazard Perry)