and my anxiety to engage your invaluable services to our country, I have communicated my wishes to the Governor of Louisiana, who is fully informed as to the manner of enrollments, and will give you every necessary information on the subject of this address.
"Andrew Jackson,
"Major-General Commanding."[1]
December 18th, 1814, General Jackson issued the
following address to the colored members of his
army:—
"Soldiers!—When, on the banks of the Mobile, I
called you to take up arms, inviting you to partake
of the perils and glory of your white fellow-citizens, I
expected much from you; for I was not ignorant that
you possessed qualities most formidable to an invading
enemy. I knew with what fortitude you could
endure hunger and thirst, and all the fatigues of a
campaign. I knew well how you loved your native
country, and that you, as well as ourselves, had to
defend what man holds most dear—his parents, wife,
children, and property. You have done more than I
expected. In addition to the previous qualities I
before knew you to possess, I found among you a
noble enthusiasm, which leads to the performance of
great things.
"Soldiers! the President of the United States shall hear how praiseworthy was your conduct in the hour of danger, and the representatives of the American people will give you the praise your exploits entitle
- ↑ Niles' Register, Vol. VII., p. 205
