Did you know that January 8th is the anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans?The Battle of New Orleans of the War of 1812 was fought on January 8, 1815, between about 6500 American troops, and a British force of about 8700, commanded by the British general Sir Edward Pakenham. The British planned to attack New Orleans and then gain access to the entire Mississippi Valley. The entrance of British troops into the Gulf of Mexico in 1814 prompted Jackson's arrival at New Orleans on December 1, 1814. Later that month a fleet of 50 British vessels made a surprise landing at Lake Borgne, east of New Orleans, after which some 2000 British troops walked across the swamps to the banks of the Mississippi just below New Orleans. Jackson hastily fortified the area. After a number of skirmishes during late December and early January, Jackson, with the valuable aid of the French pirate Jean Lafitte, won the decisive battle in less than a half hour on January 8. Jackson's improvised fortifications proved highly effective, and the American force suffered only 71 casualties while inflicting more than 2000; Pakenham was one of the 289 British dead. The overwhelming defeat caused the British to abandon further combat projects, and they soon embarked for England. On the night of January 18 the British force withdrew. The war ended soon after that.
Cool huh?
Finally, Tyler's 2nd birthday is Jan. 27th.....only 20 days away. :)
