Breadfruit tree on Jamaica

November 22, 1814

Jamaica – Admiral Cochrane arrives at this British island and Major General John Keane, who has been assembling portions of the invading army from North America and the Caribbean, awaits the admiral. Keane is a veteran of Britain’s bloody Peninsula War against Napoleon’s armies. A young man at 33, Keane is not anxious to deal with bombastic, megalomaniacal Cochrane. Keane bemoans the fact Gen. Pakenham has yet to arrive.

Mobile – After his victory at Pensacola, Gen. Andrew Jackson stops in Mobile to shore up his defenses. This morning he starts his army marching overland to New Orleans.

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

Spying continues

 November 17, 1814

Gentilly east of New Orleans – This is British spy Harold Lowe’s choice for the best invasion route into the city. Avoiding American Fort Petite Coquilles at the Rigolets may pose a problem but a large invasion force should be able to overwhelm the small fort. There is plenty of high, open ground all the way to the city. No way an American army of primarily militia can stand up to British regulars on open ground. The troops coming to New Orleans are mostly Wellington’s Heroes, veterans of the Peninsula War against the French.

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