DEFENCE OF THE RIGHT BANK. 371 their soldiers were continually in motion, marching and manœuvring, seemingly for no other purpose than to conceal something behind. To ascertain the cause of this uncommon stir, Commodore Patterson proceeded down the river, on the opposite side, and having gained a favourable position in front of their encampment, discovered them to be engaged in deepening the canal, and widening the passage to the river. It was no difficult matter to divine their purpose. No other conjecture could be entertained, than that an assault was intended to be made on the line of defence, commanded by General Morgan; which, if gained, would expose the troops on the left bank to the fire of the redoubt erected on the right; and in this way compel them to an abandonment of their position. It was important to counteract this scheme; and measures were immediately taken to prevent the execution of a plan which, if successful, would be attended with incalculable dangers. An increased strength was given to the menaced line, the second regiment of Louisiana militia being sent across the river to defend it. Four hundred of the Kentucky militia were also ordered over, but owing to the difficulty of procuring arms for them, only one hundred and eighty crossed, and they did not arrive till the morning of the 8th. A little before daylight on that day they were despatched to aid an advanced party, which, under the command of Major Arnaud, had been sent to watch the movements of the enemy, and oppose their landing. On the left bank, where the general in person commanded, everything was ready for the assault when it should be made. Unmoved by appearances, he anxiously desired a contest, which he believed would give a triumph to his arms, and terminate the hardships of his suffering soldiers. Unremitting in exertion, and constantly vigilant, his precaution kept pace with the zeal and preparation of the enemy. He seldom slept; he was always at his post, performing the duties of both general and soldier. His sentinels were doubled, and extended as far as possible in the direction of the British camp; while a considerable portion of the troops were constantly at the line, with arms in their hands, ready to act on the first alarm. For six days had the two armies lain upon the same field, and in view of each other, without anything decisive being effected on either side. Twice since their landing had the British columns essayed to effect by storm the execution of their plans, and twice had failed-had been compelled to relinquish the attempt, and retire, beaten, from the contest. It was not to be expected that things could long remain in this dubious state. Soldiers, the pride of England, the boasted conquerors of Europe, were there; distinguished generals their leaders, who earnestly desired to announce to their country and to the world their signal achievements. The army was splendid in all its appointments, from the grand park of artillery, down to the general band of musicians. The expectations which had been indulged of the success of this expedition, were to be realized at every peril, or disgrace would follow the failure. The 8th of January at length arrived. The day dawned; and the signals intended to produce concert in the enemy's movements were descried. On the left, near the swamp, a sky-rocket was perceived rising in the air; and presently another ascended from the right, next the river. They were intended to announce that all was prepared and ready, to proceed and carry by storm a defence which had twice foiled their utmost efforts. Instantly the charge was made, and with such rapidity, that the soldiers at the outposts with difficulty fled in. The British batteries which had been demolished on the first of the month, had been re-established during the preceding night, and heavy pieces of cannon mounted, to aid in their intended operations. These now opened, and showers of bombs and balls were poured upon the American line; while the air was lighted with Congreve rockets. The two divisions, commanded by Sir Edward Packenham in person, and supported by Generals Keane and Gibbs, pressed forward; the right against the centre of General Carroll's command, the left against the redoubt on the levee. A thick fog, that obscured the morning, enabled them to approach within a short distance of the intrenchment before they were discovered. "Jackson then beheld the long columns advancing, their scarlet and steel glittering in the morning light, like the scales of two large crested dragons coming up out of the sea to devour him. Now and then a sky-rocket shot into the air made wild music with the elements. The first ball that passed him, Jackson saluted,—'Welcome, thou first visiter from a British mortar, long have I sought to meet you, now is our day of reckoning.' Slowly and steadily the long columns advanced. All was silence behind the parapets; yonder is one waving his port-fire in the air to keep it glowing; yonder is a long line, with hands on the lock, ready for the word; there stands Jackson like Mars's statue, his eyes glaring fire, and his drawn sword ready to wave a deadly salute. Presently the air is rent, and it rains down on the devoted columns hail and fire and brimstone, such as was not known since the days of Sodom-it seemed as if the earth belched forth thunder, and opened her devouring jaws to swallow them. Behold |