December 23, 1814
12:22 a.m., Royal Marines capture most of the US detachment
at Fisherman’s Village where Admiral Cochrane raises his flag on American soil.
Exhausted seamen continue rowing as the army begins moving along bayous and canals through the swamp.
7:12 a.m., green clad British riflemen and Royal Marines
arrive at the Villére plantation where the first shot is fired by Louisiana
militaman Lt. Bachot before the lone company of Louisiana militia is
overwhelmed by the British. Maj. Villére manages to escape.
A furious General Andrew Jackson gathers his available
troops. The goddamn British have come through the back door. The damn canals
were NOT blocked. Jackson is surprised to learn the British have stopped and
set up camp. After freezing days and nights on Pea Island and after a sixty
mile trek in row boats over open water, the British troops are too exhausted to
continue. The men collapse on dry ground, some starting fires, others scavenging
for food. Jackson will attack immediately with USS CAROLINA and every available
man.
In darkness, at 7:30 p.m. USS CAROLINA opens up on the
British camp as a three prong attack by the Americans sends the British
reeling. However, these are Wellington’s Heroes and the British rally as more
troops arrive through the swamp and the bloody fight is a stalemate. The
Americans fall back but have bloodied the British.
from BATTLE KISS,
Part 2, “The British Invade” www.oneildenoux.net
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