Battle of New Orleans

 A British fleet of gunboats was met in Lake Borgne, east of New Orleans, by a small flotilla of American gunboats. Unable to maneuver freely due to light winds, the outnumbered Americans were defeated. This delayed the British invasion fleet. The delay gave General Andrew Jackson more time to prepare defenses in New Orleans. The British crossed the lake and proceeded up Bayou Bienvenue. They searched and made camp on higher ground close to the Mississippi River.

Jackson sent two ships downriver to bombard the British encampment. The ships, named the Louisiana and Carolina, were followed by a force on land. The British were caught by surprise with the attack. They believed the American forces may be stronger than they had anticipated. The attack caused more delay, allowing Jackson to continue to reinforce the defenses.

The British began an artillery barrage. The main target was the plantation house that served as Jackson's headquarters. The result was few casualties and little damage. The Americans responded with artillery that damaged some British guns.

The climactic battle began in the morning. The British advanced in formation across the sugarcane fields of Chalmette Plantation. The Americans held a fortified position behind a canal and an earthen rampart. Their artillery devastated the advancing British, killing senior officers. Even the commanding general, Sir Edward Packenham, was killed. With no senior officer to lead them, the British retired from the field.

Meanwhile, another British force had crossed the Mississippi River. Their intent was taking American guns on the opposite bank. They succeeded in overrunning the American defenders on the west side of the river. From there, they were to recross the river and attack the Americans from the rear. That plan was thwarted as the British forces on the east side at Chalmette had been defeated. A few skirmishes took place in the days following, but the victory was complete. The invaders had been defeated, and New Orleans was saved.