Alas, we find ourselves in the doldrums of winter while still battling the pandemic. In the spirit of “misery loves company,” I would like to share a little-known time in American history when times were even more bleak.
During the ferocious winter of 1814-15, things were BAD! Amidst the coldest and snowiest weather anyone could remember, the British were trouncing us in the War of 1812. (And that’s putting it mildly.) In fact, they humiliated us on the world stage. Just months before, they marched unopposed in Washington City and burned our unfinished Capitol, newly decorated President’s House, Supreme Court, and State Department.
Thank God the brave Baltimoreans rebuffed their next assault, defeating the celebrated army that brought down Emporer Napoleon. The Brits were undeterred and set sail for New Orleans. If they succeeded in seizing it, they would gain control of the precious Mississippi River and divide our country in two.
In addition, a severe flu epidemic raged. “Putrid Sore Throat” struck with little warning, often ending in death soon thereafter. It was incredibly contagious, causing the largest number of deaths of the war and affecting the general population as well, including children.
Amidst all this, America waited for news from General Andrew Jackson regarding the Battle of New Orleans. Unfortunately, the new French-speaking state of Louisiana was over a thousand miles away and lacked decent roads. Plus, a huge wilderness with hostile Native Americans surrounded it. Even the sea was full of pirates.
To make matters even worse, torrential rains and flooding near New Orleans hampered travel as well.
America held its breath until word finally arrived. Jackson’s rag tag army of militiamen, Creoles, Cajuns, free blacks, aristocrats, pirate and profiteers walloped the British, killing or wounding 2,500 of their 3,000 soldiers in 30 minutes.
Learn more in “Dolley Madison & the War of 1812: America’s First Lady.” Publication day is now August 24, 2021, on the 207th anniversary of the burning of Washington City.
