But the General proved a stumbling block. They were experienced fighters, of which Jackson could not have too many, and they had volunteered their services. What is more, they were equipped, well disciplined and ready for action.Ī problem of immediate importance was the disposition of Laffite and his fellow Baratarians. P354 had completed their long and arduous trip down the Mississippi. But best of all was the arrival of Major General William Carroll with his 2,000 Tennessee militiamen who at last On December 20 Coffee's vanguard, 800 in number, responding to the urgent summons of his chief, arrived from Baton Rouge and encamped several miles to the north of the town. The 7th U. S. Infantry he kept with him in the city. At Fort St. Charles, across the Mississippi, he posted the 44th U. S. Infantry and a detachment of regular artillery, 800 men in all. At the fort itself he stationed a detachment of regulars. The review over, Jackson ordered Major Plauché and his men to the Bayou St. John to watch the northern approach to the city. A general holiday was declared and people of all classes, regardless of race and color, joined forces in strengthening the fortifications. Military bands stirred the emotions of the populace and appealed both to the Americans and the French by playing "Yankee Doodle," "The Marseillaise" and The "Chant du Depart," while the belles of the town displayed their charms on balconies and at windows and waved encouragement to the military with their lace handkerchiefs. The war spirit was now running high in the city. It was Sunday and the historic Place d'Armes was thronged with people who had turned out to view the spectacle and hear an address from Livingston. Their organization was Jackson's own idea and it had not been without opposition from persons disturbed over the arming of former slaves. The free men of color had fought in Haiti and then fled the island and found refuge in Louisiana. Later, during the Civil War, revised versions of the song were sung by Northern and Southern people alike as a way to make fun of the other side.On December 18 the General held a grand review of the battalion of uniformed companies, the pride of New Orleans, under the command of Major Jean Plauché, and D'Aquin's free men of color led by white officers. As the war progressed and the Americans started gaining victories, it was adopted by Americans. Originally it was sung by British soldiers who made fun of American soldiers this way (the term Yankee being considered a pejorative one). Yankee Doodle has much historic significance to the USA. The British army used to dub “Yankees” the New England’s (USA) soldiers, for being so naïve and inexperienced.ĭoodle, a derived from the German dudeltopf, and Low Saxon dudel or dödel, is used to define a fool person or a simpleton one. The origin of Yankee Doodle is related to the Seven Year’s War. “Yankee Doodle” History Terms and origins The song uses the same melody as the “Lucy Locket” rhyme. The first known version of Yankee Doodle is attributed to English doctor Richard Shackburg. One of the most popular and beloved songs, especially in the USA, the “Yankee Doodle” is a patriotic rhyme, first found in written form in 1775.
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