is evident our government could not accede, and few were so weak as to believe that the proposition was made with any other view, than to prolong the negotiations, and take advantage of circumstances which might inter

vene.

About this epoch, a convention composed of delegates from several of the New England states met at Hartford, the members of which were opposed to the war. This step occasioned much excitement, and was the subject of many speculations. It was charged with the design of sundering the union of the states; but, after a brief session, terminated in an address, and remonstrnce, or petition to congress, enumerating several objections to the federal constitution. It was presented to several states for approbation, but was uniformly rejected. As to the constitutional right of assembling for the purpose of discussing national subjects, we can have but one voice, unless we abandon republican principles; but whether the motives, the time, and the expected results of this convention were correct and judicious, is problematical. In the legislature of Pennsylvania, in which the memorial was discussed, the conduct of the memorialists was severely censured.

Our finance now appeared to revive, under the indefatigable industry and great abilities of Mr. Dallas, whom the president selected at this critical moment to fill the office of secretary of the treasuay. His plans were characterized by the greatest boldness, but were unfolded in so luminous a manner, as to carry conviction to every mind. He may be said to have plucked up the sinking credit of the nation, by the locks. The duties of the secretary at war were, at the same time, discharged by colonel Monroe, in addition to his other avocations; in which undertaking he exhibited no small courage, for it had become a forlorn hope of popularity; he was happily rewarded by the most fortunate success in all his measures, and by the universal applause of his country.

While the American congress was thus occupied, the public attention was awakened by a most alarming state of affairs to the southward. The Creek war was renewed, and a powerful invasion of Louisiana was threatened.

General Jackson after concluding a treaty with the Creeks, moved his head quarters to Mobile. Here, about the latter end of August, he received certain information, that three British ships of war had arrived at Pensacola, and had landed a large quantity of ammunition and guns, for the purpose of arming the Indians, and had besides marched into the fort with three hundred troops. He was also informed, that the fleet of admiral Cochrane had been reinforced at Bermuda, and that thirteen ships of the line, with transports, were daily expected with ten thousand troops, for the purpose of invading some of the southern states. On the receipt of this information, he immediately wrote to the governor of Tennessee, calling for the whole quota of that state.

On the fifteenth of September, three vessels of war from Pensacola, appeared before fort Boyer, which commands the entrance to Mobile bay. A proclamation was issued by colonel Nichols, commanding his majesty's forces in Florida, addressed to the inhabitants of Louisiana, Kentucky and Tennessee, inviting them to aid the British. He likewise made a proposition to a nest of pirates which infested one of the lakes which communicates with the gulf, to assist in the operations against the Americans in that quarter. This nest of desperadoes amounted to five or six hundred, and their commander, Lafitte, had been out-lawed, by the American govern ment. In the summer the establishment had been broken up by the commodore Patterson, but had again organized, and would be a dangerous force, if employed by our enemies, for which service they had large offers.

But what was most humiliating to those who could stoop so low, this alliance was indignantly rejected. Lafitte at first dissembled, until he had drawn from the colonel important information, when he dismissed him with disdain, and immediately despatched a messenger to governor Claiborne, who had some time before offered five hundred dollars for his apprehension, and laid before him incontestible proofs of the truth of his declaration. The governor was agreeably surprised at this unexpected trait of generosity, but at first hesitated as to the course to be pursued: on the approach of danger, however, he

issued his proclamation, in which he pledged himself, that those engaged in this illicit course of life should be forgiven, provided they would come forward and aid in the defence of the country. This was joyfully accepted by the Barratarians, as they were called, who tendered their services, and were found eminently useful.

General Jackson having in vain remonstrated with the governor of Pensacola for his unprecedented conduct, determined to march against that place. Having received a reinforcement of two thousand Tennessee militia, which had marched through the Indian country, he advanced to Pensacola, to demand redress. On the sixth of November he reached the neighborhood of that post, and immediately sent major Peire with a flag, to communicate the object of his visit to the governor; but he was forced to return, being fired on from the batteries.Jackson then reconnoitred the fort, and finding it defended both by British and Indians, he made arrangements for storming it the next day. The troops were put in motion at day light, and being encamped to the west of the town, the attack would be expected from that quarter; to keep up this idea, part of the mounted men were sent to show themselves on the west, whilst the remainder of the troops passed to the rear of the fort, undiscovered, to the east of the town. His whole force, consisting of a few regulars, a body of militia, and some Choctaw Indians, appeared in view when within a mile of the fort, and advanced firmly to the enemy's works, although there were seven British vessels on their left, and strong batteries of cannon in front. On entering the town, a battery of two cannons, loaded with ball and grape, was opened on the centre column, composed of regulars, and a shower of musketry was poured from the houses and gardens. The battery was soon carried and the musketry silenced. The governor now made his appearance with a flag, begged for mercy, and offered to surrender the town immediately. This was granted, and every protection afforded to the persons and property of the inhabitants. The commandant of the fort refused to surrender until midnight, when he evacuated it with his troops, just as the Americans were preparing to make a

furious assault. The British withdrew their shipping, and Jackson, having accomplished his purpose, returned to Mobile.

Notwithstanding the negotiations for peace, preparations were made for a formidable invasion of Louisiana, and governor Claiborne ordered the two divisions of militia to hold themselves in readiness to repel an attack. He also called on the inhabitants to turn out en masse, for the defence of their liberties and their homes.

In New Orleans, the citizens, from the commencement of the war, as if sensible of the feeble help which they could expect from the general government, manifested the greatest alacrity in qualifying themselves for taking the field against an invader. Every man capable of bearing arms, had become a soldier, and perhaps in none was there such frequent and elegant displays of well disciplined volunteer companies dressed in uniform. The wonderful aptitude of the French for the profession of arms, was never more fully exhibited. There were intermingled with them, a number of men who had served in the French armies.

The free people of colour, a numerous class, were permitted, as a privilege of which they were proud, to form volunteer companies, and wear their uniform; some of these were natives, but the greater part had been refugees from St. Domingo. The American and French inhabitants, although sometimes at variance with each other, on this occasion united heartily in dislike to the English, and in a disposition to frustrate their designs.

Hearing of the danger of New Orleans, general Jackson repaired thither for its defence, and arrived there on the second of December. He put in requisition all the powers of his mind, and took the most active measures to prevent the effects of an expected invasion.

He

Batteries were constructed in important situations, and every obstruction put in the way of the invaders. called on the Legislature for resources, which were promptly supplied. Colonel Monroe, acting secretary of war, had already forwarded military supplies, and called on the neighboring governors for a considerable force.

About the fifth of December, certain intelligence was

received, that the British fleet, consisting of at least sixty sail, was off the coast to the east of the Mississippi.Commodore Patterson immediately despatched five gunboats, under the command of Lieutenant Catesby Jones, to watch the motions of the enemy. They were discovered in such force off Cat Island, as to induce the lieutenant to make sail for the passes into lake Ponchartrain, in order to oppose the entrance of the British. The Sea Horse, sailing master Johnson, after a gallant resistance, was captured in the bay of St. Louis.

On the fourteenth, the gunboats, while becalmed, were attacked by nearly forty barges snd twelve hundred men, and after a contest of an hour, with this overwhelming force, the flotilla surrendered. The loss of the Americans was forty killed and wounded; among the latter, lieutenant Spidden, who lost an arm: lieutenant Jones and M'Keever were also wounded. The loss of the enemy was estimated at three hundred men.

This loss was severely felt, as the enemy was thereby enabled to choose his point of attack, and we were in a great measure prevented from watching his motions. But the exertions for defence were neither paralyzed nor abated. The legislature appropriated money, and offered bounties which induced numbers to serve on board the schooner Caroline, and the brig Louisiana. An embargo was laid for three days, and martial law was declared.

Lafitte and his Barratarians about this time joined the American forces. The city now exhibited an interesting spectacle; all classes cheerfully preparing for the reception of the invader, and reposing the utmost confidence in Jackson. All was life and bustle, and the female part of the society seemed emulous to share in this affecting

scene.

All the principal bayous which communicate with the lake, and the narrow strip of land on the borders of the Mississippi, through the swamps, had been obstructed. There was, however, a communication with lake Borgne, but little known, called the bayou Bienvenu, used by fishermen; its head near the plantation of general Villere, seven miles below the city. Major Villere had received orders from his father to guard this bayou, and he`