“Where Has Our Equipment Gone?”

As the assault on the American rampart reached its height, the main British attack force found itself in front of the 44th Regiment, which should have been leading. Colonel Mullens and the 44th Regiment had advanced 500 yards beyond the sugar cane bundles, or fascines, and ladders stored for their use, so Major General Gibbs immediately ordered Mullens to return with his men to the rear and retrieve the equipment. Mullens disappeared, and only some of his regiment returned to the front. When Gibbs' column moved to within 150 yards of the rampart, American infantry fire proved too much for the British, and their ranks broke as they returned fire. The 44th threw down their fascines and began shooting as well, catching a large part of their own troops in the cross fire.

Chalmette, Louisiana · United States