first encampment. The canal which covered the front of the American line was widened and deepened, and a strong mud wall formed of the earth that was thrown out. To prevent the approach of the enemy until his system of defence should be in a state of greater forwardness, Jackson ordered the levee to be cut, about a hundred yards below his position. The river being very high, a broad stream of water passed rapidly through the plain, of the depth of thirty or forty inches, which prevented any approach of troops on foot. Embrasures were formed, and two pieces of artillery under the command of Lieutenant Spotts, early on the morning of the 24th, were placed in a position to rake the road leading up the levee.

Aware of the importance of the fort at Chef-Menteur, and of the necessity of its defence to prevent the enemy from debarking a detachment at the head of Lake Borgne, and capturing the city in his rear, while he was engaged with the main army in front, Jackson renewed his cautions to Governor Claiborne, who,

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with his militia, was still stationed on the Gentilly road, and to Major Lacoste, who commanded the post at Chef-Menteur. To the latter he wrote: "The battery I have placed under your command must be defended at all hazards. In you and the valour of your troops I repose every confidence; let me not be deceived. With us everything goes on well; the enemy has not yet advanced. Our troops have covered themselves with glory: it is a noble example, and worthy to be followed by all. Maintain your post; nor ever think of retreating." Colonel Dyer, with two hundred men, was ordered to reinforce Lacoste.

The British encampment lying between the American lines and the position of General Morgan, at the English turn of the river, he was ordered to destroy the levee between him and the enemy, and interpose the waters of the Mississippi between them. On the 26th he was ordered to abandon his encampment, cross the Mississippi, and assume a position on the right bank, nearly opposite to Jackson's line, and to have it fortified as speedily as possible.

From every intelligence obtained through deserters and prisoners, it was evident that the British fleet would make an effort to ascend the river, or by some other means arrive on the scene of action, and co-operate with the troops already landed. Lest this, or a diversion in a different quarter might be attempted, exertions were made to be able to resist at all points. The forts on the river, well supported with brave men, and supplied with heavy pieces of artillery, were strong enough in the opinion of the commanding general to

prevent the arrival of the hostile fleet in that direction. But they might enter through the pass Barataria, land their forces, and gain a position on the west bank of the river, whence, co-operating with the forces on the east side, they might drive the Americans from the line they had formed, and attack Jackson's line on the flank and rear. Major Reynolds and Captain Lafitte were accordingly ordered thither, with instructions to place the bayous emptying through this pass in the best possible state of defence. Lafitte was selected for this service on account of the knowledge of the topography and precise situation of this part of the state, which he had acquired while acting as the leader of a small body of privateers, who made the island of Barataria their principal rendezvous.

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Of these celebrated and daring men a brief notice here will not be considered as misplaced. When Guadaloupe was captured by the British, many privateers were at sea, commissioned by the government of that island. Prevented from returning into the ports whence they sailed, and not being permitted to dispose of their prizes in any of the harbours of the United States, then at peace with Great Britain, many of them sailed for Carthagena, which had but recently declared its independence from Spain. From the government of Carthagena they received commissions to cruise against the Spaniards. In this new character, under the Carthaginian flag, they committed great havoc among the Spanish merchantmen trading in the Gulf of Mexico. Their prizes being too numerous and valuable to be trusted in any of the ports which were open to them, they took possession of the islands of Barataria and Grande Terre, lying west of the river Mississippi. The latter island possessed an excellent harbour, and afforded sufficient anchorageground for all the privateers and their prizes. Here they established a regular depot; and from this place immense quantities of goods were smuggled into New Orleans, in direct violation of the revenue laws of the United States. Their lodgment upon these islands was in itself illegal, as the ground belonged to the United States, who were bound to preserve the neutrality of their territory.

No effective measures were taken, however, to expel them; and the Baratarians continued their depredations upon the Spanish commerce, and sometimes ventured to attack vessels of other nations. They

were generally regarded as pirates; but it is probable that most, if not all of them, were commissioned by the Carthaginian government. The leaders of the Baratarians were two brothers named Lafitte. One of these was apprehended by the American authorities, and thrown into prison at New Orleans, before the arrival of the British at Pensacola. The co-operation of these men, the British officers believed, would be of great importance in the projected invasion, more particularly as they were intimately acquainted with the navigation of the coast and river. Captain Percy, commander of the naval forces of the British, and Colonel Nicholls, accordingly determined to secure it, if possible. Captain Lockyer, of the sloop Sophia, was despatched to Barataria, bearing offers of liberal remuneration to the Lafittes and their followers, if they would assist the British. Captain Percy informed the Baratarians, that having understood that several British vessels had been taken by their cruisers, he should require instant restitution, and in case of refusal destroy their vessels and property. At the same time, he assured them that "should they be inclined to assist Great Britain in her just war against the United States, the security of their property and the blessings of the British constitution are offered to them-and should they be inclined to settle on this continent, lands would at the conclusion of the war be assigned to them in his majesty's colonies in America.

In return for all these concessions on the part of Great Britain, they were to abandon their predatory warfare against Spain, and to place their vessels under the control of the British government, which would