In 1814-1815, two generals fought over the fate of New Orleans. Frontiersman Andrew Jackson led a motley crew of volunteer militiamen, free Blacks, pirates, and Native Americans. Sir Edward Pakenham led an elite force of seasoned soldiers. We know now that Jackson and his scruffy soldiers won, but Patterson (journalism emeritus, U. of Florida) describes in detail how, including why the characters of these two very different men, and their very different soldiers, were so instrumental in the struggle over the city that controlled the Mississippi and thereby the fate of the new republic. Patterson includes very helpful maps and period illustrations. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
More Reviews and RecommendationsBenton Rain Patterson is a former staff writer and editor for the Saturday Evening Post and The New York Times. He is emeritus associate professor of journalism at the University of Florida and author of Harold and William: The Battle for England, A.D. 10641066 and Washington and Cornwallis: The Battle for America, 17751783. He lives in Gainesville, FL.