Jamaica today

November 19, 1814

Negril Bay, Jamaica – The British invasion army begins to assemble in Jamaica – regiments sent from Canada and Portsmouth, England; Genoa, Italy; Capetown at the Cape of Good Hope. Gen. Pakenham, is still at sea, stuck on HMS Statira and impatient with peace talks under way at Ghent, Belgium. His orders are to continue the invasion unless he receives orders otherwise from the Regent.

New Orleans – Harold Lowe’s spying gathers much information for the British, which he sends to the frigates blockading the mouth of the Mississippi River. His notes will be forwarded to the fleet at Jamaica.

from BATTLE KISS, Part 1, “The Redcoats are Coming” www.oneildenoux.net

November 20, 1814

New Orleans – Americans are increasing in numbers and becoming an economic power in the city. Creoles bemoan the inevitable fact that their beloved European city is being transformed into a U.S. town. When the Spanish took over the city from the French, the language and customs remained French. Now English is becoming the dominate language. The brash, crass, Kaintucks are beginning to outnumber Creole gentlemen. And now the Americans bring their war here. Damn.

from BATTLE KISS, Part 1, “The Redcoats are Coming” www.oneildenoux.net