Lethal Exposure

The January 8 British plan proved easier to conceive than to execute, and numerous delays kept the attack from starting on time. About dawn, a rocket rose above the British lines near the woods on the right, followed by another from their position near the river, signaling the attack. The American artillery answered almost instantly with a shot. Major General Gibbs' column gave three cheers, and the advance guard on both flanks moved in close order toward the rampart. When the British attacked, fog covered the field, and Major General Pakenham probably hoped it would restore some of the advantage lost to delays. Instead, a breeze broke the fog and exposed the British six hundred fifty yards from the American line.

Chalmette, Louisiana · United States