e, being only seven killed
and six wounded. Such a disproportion in loss, when we consider
the number and kind of troops engaged, must, I know, excite
astonishment, and may not everywhere be fully credited; yet I am
perfectly satisfied that the account is not exaggerated on the
one part, nor underrated on the other.

The enemy, having hastily quitted a post which they had gained
possession of on the other side of the river, and we having
immediately returned to it, both armies at present occupy their
former positions. Whether, after the severe losses he has
sustained, he is preparing to return to his shipping, or to make
still mightier efforts to attain his first object, I do not
pretend to determine. It becomes me to act as though the latter
were his intention. One thing, however, seems certain, that if he
still calculates on effecting what he has hitherto been unable to
accomplish, he must expect considerable reinforcements, as the
force with which he landed must undoubtedly be diminished by at
least 3000. Besides the loss which he sustained on the night of
the 23d ultimo, which is estimated at 400, he cannot have
suffered less between that period and the morning of the 18th
instant than 3000; having, within that time, been repulsed in two
general attempts to drive us from our position, and there having
been continual cannonading and skirmishing during the whole of
it. Yet he is still able to show a very formidable force.

There is little doubt that the commanding general, Sir Edward (p. 241)
Packenham, was killed in the action of the 8th, and that
Major-Generals Keane and Gibbs were badly wounded.

Whenever a more leisure moment shall occur, I will take the
liberty to make and forward you a more circumstantial account of
the several actions, and particularly that of the 8th, in doing
which my chief motive will be to render justice to those brave
men I have the honour to command, and who have so remarkably
distinguished themselves.

I have the honour to be, &c.,
Andrew JACKSON.

_____

_General Jackson to the Secretary of War._

To the Honourable
SECRETARY OF WAR, Camp below New Orleans,
Washington, D. C. January 19th, 181