Combat· War of 1812
Chalmette Plantation
After his night attack stalled the British advance, Andrew Jackson pulled his army back behind the Rodriguez Canal and began turning the line into a fortified position.
On 28 December, Sir Edward Pakenham pushed forward in a reconnaissance in force to test it, advancing against the half-finished American works on the Chalmette plain. The Marines under Major Daniel Carmick held their place in Jackson's line as the British came on, supported by artillery and the guns of the American vessels on the river. The probe was thrown back, and the day cost the Marines dearly in leadership: Carmick was struck by a Congreve rocket while delivering an order on horseback, his mount blown from under him, and was carried off badly wounded, a hurt that would eventually kill him. The repulse confirmed to Pakenham that Jackson's line would not be carried cheaply.
Podcast episodes on War of 1812
Record no. 242