History of Louisiana, from Its First Discovery and Settlement to the Present Time; By E. Bunner (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1842. Excerpt: ... WAR WITH ENGLAND. 213 CHAPTER XVII. War with England.--Battle of New-Orleans. 1812.--The first Legislative Assembly was held in June, nine days after the United States had declared war against England. The insulting conduct of that power towards our flag, and the right claimed by her to search our vessels, were the principal causes that led to this contest for the liberty of the seas. Claiborne and General Villere, son of the victim of O'Reilly, were the two canidates nominated by the people for the office of governor; and the choice of the Legislature fell upon Claiborne, whose mild and impartial government heretofore had conciliated even those who did not vote for him. One of the first acts of the Legislature was to appoint three judges of the Supreme Court; and they also authorized the governor to call out the militia to repel invasion or suppress insurrection within the limits of the State; but these were not to be kept in active service longer than three months at a time, except during war, when an extension of sixty days was permitted. When in actual service they were to receive the pay and rations of regular troops, and to be subject to martial law. Harrison had the year before defeated the Indians (who might be considered as the advanced guard of the British) at Tippecanoe, and General Hull was now advancing to Detroit to follow up the blow, when he received information of the declaration of war. After some skirmishes the Indians retreated; but the British general Brock coming up with a strong force, the American commander retired to Detroit, to which place he was followed by the enemy, and there he ingloriously surrendered, without attempting to defend himself. Louisiana, though exempt from the ravages of war, experienced at this time one of the ...