USS CAROLINA destroyed

December 27, 1814

Chalmette Plantation – Heated shot from British cannons set USS CAROLINA ablaze and the schooner blows up, but only after the Baratarians aboard remove her cannon. The larger USS LOUISIANA escapes upriver, while American artillery blows up the Chalmette and Bienvenu Plantation Houses to prevent their use by the enemy. Gen. Pakenham plans a Reconnaissance-in-Force tomorrow morning. He will not yet commit his army to a full attack. If a weakness is discovered in the US line, if the American militia run as the did outside Washington City, his Recon will push through all the way to New Orleans.

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