Major General Andrew Jackson

December 15, 1814

New Orleans – Before dawn, journalist Matthew is reunited with his friends as Gérard receives a visitor, an elegantly dressed man. Jean Lafitte announces Gérard will take him to Gen. Jackson. The meeting of the two men is electric as Lafitte’s offer to Jackson is simple – “The finest artillerymen in North America are yours, as well as many of the finest seamen, a horde of flints, bullets, cannon balls, cannons and a vast quantity of clean-burning gunpowder.” In exchange, Lafitte seeks a pardon for himself and all his men. Jackson is leery to bargain with ‘hellish banditi’. The general tells Lafitte he does not trust him and the privateer responds, “We Baratarians will earn your trust.”

As panic grips the city after the British victory on Lake Borgne, General Andrew Jackson declares Martial Law.

from BATTLE KISS, Part 2, “The British Invade” www.oneildenoux.net