The War of 1812, in particular the Battle of New Orleans, was vital to the national and international identity of the fledgling United States of America. It proved to the American people that the United States was a truly independent military power. However, the victory at New Orleans could have gone to the British under Gen. Edward Pakenham. This fascinating examination of the long campaign up the Mississippi River and the final battle details the high stakes of the battle and the true British motivation: to void the Louisiana Purchase and strip the United States of its most valuable port.
With engaging detail, this volume documents how Pakenham, despite numerous setbacks, devised a bold pincer maneuver that would have decimated American Maj. Gen. Andrew Jackson’s line. Under Pakenham’s command, Vice Admiral Alexander Cochrane set to transporting troops to join the battle across the mighty flow of the Mississippi River. Cochrane, in his haste, underestimated the current, and his troops were delayed. The British troops didn’t arrive, and Jackson’s forces were victorious. This highly readable book proves that if Cochrane had only tested the river current with a piece of wood, he would not have made this fatal error.
About the Author
Ron Chapman is a history professor at Nunez Community College and recipient of the Spirit of 1812 Award from the National Society United States Daughters of 1812. A popular speaker on Louisiana history, he has published articles in outlets including Louisiana Life and New Orleans Magazine. Chapman also writes a weekly column for the St. Bernard (LA) Voice that has been honored with eight Louisiana Press Association Best Regular Column Awards. Chapman, an accomplished boat builder, lives with his wife in Chalmette, Louisiana.
THE BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS
“But for a Piece of Wood”
By Ron Chapman
HISTORY / Military / United States
HISTORY / United States / State & Local / South
HISTORY / United States / 19th Century
336 pp. 6 x 9
16 photos 31 illus. 26 maps
Appendixes Notes Biblio.
1st Pelican ed.
ISBN: 9781455620272