Chapter XXXIV: Blacks in the War of 1812

In the war of 1812, colored men again did themselves honor by volunteering their services in aid of American freedom, both at the North and at the South. In the latter section, even the slaves were invited, and entered the army, where their bravery was highly appreciated. The following document speaks for itself.

“HEAD QUARTERS, SEVENTH MILITARY DISTRICT, }
MOBILE, September 21, 1814. }

“_To the Free Colored Inhabitants of Louisiana_:

“Through a mistaken policy, you have heretofore been deprived of
a participation in the glorious struggle for national rights, in
which our country is engaged. This no longer shall exist.

“As sons of freedom, you are now called upon to defend our most
inestimable blessings. As Americans, your country looks with
confidence to her adopted children for a valorous support, as a
faithful return for the advantages enjoyed under her mild and
equitable government. As fathers, husbands, and brothers, you are
summoned to rally around the standard of the Eagle, to defend all
which is dear in existence.

“Your country, although calling for your exertions, does not
wish you to engage in her cause without remunerating you for the
services rendered. Your intelligent minds are not to be led away
by false representations--your love of honor would cause you
to despise the man who should attempt to deceive you. With the
sincerity of a soldier, and in the language of truth, I address
you.

“To every noble-hearted free man of color, volunteering to serve
during the present contest with Great Britain, and no longer,
there will be paid the same bounty, in money and lands, now
received by the white soldiers of the United States, namely--one
hundred and twenty-four dollars in money, and one hundred and
sixty acres of land. The non-commissioned officers and privates
will also be entitled to the same monthly pay, daily rations, and
clothes, furnished to any American soldier.

“On enrolling yourselves in companies, the Major-General
commanding will select officers for your government, from your
white fellow-citizens. Your non-commissioned officers will be
appointed from among yourselves.

“Due regard will be paid to the feelings of freemen and soldiers.
You will not, by being associated with white men, in the same
corps, be exposed to improper comparisons, or unjust sarcasm. As a
distinct independent battalion or regiment, pursuing the path of
glory, you will, undivided, receive the applause and gratitude of
your countrymen.

“To assure you of the sincerity of my intentions, and my anxiety
to engage your invaluable services to our country, I have
communicated my wishes to the Governor of Louisiana, who is fully
informed as to the manner of enrollments, and will give you every
necessary information on the subject of this address.

“ANDREW JACKSON,

“Major-General Commanding.”[50]

December 18th, 1814, General Jackson issued the following address to the colored members of his army:--

“SOLDIERS!--When, on the banks of the Mobile, I called you to
take up arms, inviting you to partake of the perils and glory of
your white fellow-citizens, I expected much from you; for I was
not ignorant that you possessed qualities most formidable to an
invading enemy. I knew with what fortitude you could endure hunger
and thirst, and all the fatigues of a campaign. I knew well how
you loved your native country, and that you, as well as ourselves,
had to defend what man holds most dear--his parents, wife,
children, and property. You have done more than I expected. In
addition to the previous qualities I before knew you to possess, I
found among you a noble enthusiasm, which leads to the performance
of great things.

“Soldiers! the President of the United States shall hear how
praiseworthy was your conduct in the hour of danger, and the
representatives of the American people will give you the praise
your exploits entitle you to. Your general anticipates them in
applauding your noble ardor.

“The enemy approaches; his vessels cover our lakes; our brave
citizens are united, and all contention has ceased among them.
Their only dispute is, who shall win the prize of valor, or who
the most glory, its noblest reward.

“By order,

“THOMAS BUTLER, Aid-de-camp.”

The “New Orleans Picayune,” in an account of the celebration of the Battle of New Orleans, in that city, in 1851, says:--

“Not the least interesting, although the most novel feature of the procession yesterday, was the presence of ninety of the colored veterans who bore a conspicuous part in the dangers of the day they were now for the first time called to assist in celebrating, and who, by their good conduct in presence of the enemy, deserved and received the approbation of their illustrious commander-in-chief. During the thirty-six years that have passed away since they assisted to repel the invaders from our shores, these faithful men have never before participated in the annual rejoicings for the victory which their valor contributed to gain.

“Their good deeds have been consecrated only in their memories, or lived but to claim a passing notice on the page of the historian. Yet, who more than they deserve the thanks of the country, and the gratitude of succeeding generations? Who rallied with more alacrity in response to the summons of danger? Who endured more cheerfully the hardships of the camp, or faced with greater courage the perils of the fight? If, in that hazardous hour, when our homes were menaced with the horrors of war, we did not disdain to call upon the colored population to assist in repelling the invading horde, we should not, when the danger is past, refuse to permit them to unite with us in celebrating the glorious event which they helped to make so memorable an epoch in our history. We were not too exalted to mingle with them in the affray; they were not too humble to join in our rejoicings.

“Such, we think, is the universal opinion of our citizens. We conversed with many yesterday, and without exception, they expressed approval of the invitation which had been extended to the colored veterans to take part in the ceremonies of the day, and gratification at seeing them in a conspicuous place in the procession.

“The respectability of their appearance, and the modesty of their demeanor, made an impression on every observer and elicited unqualified approbation. Indeed, though in saying so we do not mean disrespect to any one else, we think that they constituted decidedly the most interesting portion of the pageant, as they certainly attracted the most attention.”

On Lakes Erie and Champlain, colored men were also engaged in these battles which have become historical, exhibiting the same heroism that characterized them in all their previous efforts in defence of their country’s rights.

FOOTNOTE:

[50] Niles’ Register, Vol. VII., p. 205.