Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Andrew Jackson and the Miracle of New Orleans

By; Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger (The Battle That Shaped America’s Destiny) I have read a number of books about Andrew Jackson out of respect for this great man and the many contributions he made for our country. This one concentrates on the events leading up to the New Orleans battle and the battle itself. I am writing this at a time in our history when great men like Jackson are being reviled rather than praised for the fact that there were slaves in those times and the Indians were forced to leave their native lands as more and more immigrants from Europe came to America and moved steadily westward until finally we encompassed all of the continent from ocean to ocean. Just in today’s Star was an editorial about Roy Moore. The writer included a sentence about Jackson. He referred to him as “the slave holder known as Indian Killer who was responsible for the forced removal of Native Americans from Southwestern states to what is now Oklahoma.” There is an active effort to remove his likeness from the $20 bill. Step by step this current generation is reviling all of the great men of our country including Washington and Jefferson. I find that tragic. Now I will write my report of the book. After a brief review of his life there is a massacre of 300 men, women and children at Fort Mills by the Red Stick Creeks led by William Weatherford , the son of a Native American mother and a Scot trader. This was in 1803. Jackson was recovering from a gunshot to his chest from a duel. Regardless he rose from his bed to lead the militia to avenge this tragedy and to assure it wouldn’t occur again. After defeating the Indians he discovered an orphan Indian boy and brought him home to Hermitage and raised him as a son. His national fame increased for his success. When war with England was commenced in 1812 he was given the responsibility to Keep New Orleans out of the possession of England. This was very important as the British negotiators attempted to add a proviso that at the signing of a peace treaty that whoever held land would keep it. This would have cut America off from expansion west of the Mississippi River. The British fleet after burning Washington headed for New Orleans. This was an overwhelming force of ships and soldiers. Jackson’s ability as a bold leader prevented them from succeeding. After the battle and as the ships were returning to England they discovered that the battle occurred after the treaty of Ghent was signed. There were about 2,000 British soldiers dead and 12 Americans. It was an overwhelming victory over the best trained infantry in the world vs a collection of militia including blacks, pirates and men from different States. There was even a language problem to overcome. Shortly after the British retired it was learned the treaty had been signed. The British returned to England. As a final comment, when he ran for President in 1824 the House selected John Quincy Adams. In 1828 he became President. This was the first election when all male Americans could vote. Prior to this property holdings was a requirement. This is an easy book to read. I highly recommend you do so. I found this at the Public Library. Jack B. Walters December 5, 2017

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