Patriotic Fire: Andrew Jackson and Jean Laffite at the Battle of New Orleans Patriotic Fire: Andrew Jackson and Jean Laffite at the Battle of New Orleans

In December 1814, a young America, its economy in tatters and its capital city of Washington, D.C. burnt to the ground, found itself again at war with the militarily superior English crown. With an enormous enemy armada approaching New Orleans, two unlikely allies teamed up to repel the British in one of the greatest battles ever fought in North America.

The defense of New Orleans fell to the backwoods general Andrew Jackson, who joined the raffish French pirate Jean Laffite to command a ramshackle army made of free blacks, Creole aristocrats, Choctaw Indians, gunboat sailors, and militiamen. Together, these leaders and their scruffy crew turned back a British force more than twice their number.

Offering an enthralling narrative and outsized characters, "Patriotic Fire" is a vibrant recounting of the plots and strategies that made Andrew Jackson a national hero and gave the nascent republic a much-needed victory, resulting in a surge of pride and patriotism.

The battle for New Orleans was a crucial moment in American history, as the young nation fought to assert its independence and secure its future. With the British forces vastly outnumbering the American and allied defenders, the outcome of the battle hung in the balance. But through a combination of strategic brilliance, tactical acumen, and sheer determination, the ragtag army led by Jackson and Laffite managed to repel the invaders.

The story of the Battle of New Orleans is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the American people. Despite the significant challenges facing the young nation, the victory served as a rallying cry, igniting a renewed sense of patriotism and national pride. The heroes of the battle, from the backwoods general to the French pirate, became legendary figures, their exploits inspiring future generations of Americans.

Patriotic Fire captures the drama and excitement of this pivotal moment in American history. Through its vivid portrayal of the characters and events, the book immerses the reader in the sights, sounds, and emotions of the battle, transporting them back to a time when the fate of a nation hung in the balance. The book's enthralling narrative and outsized characters make it a must-read for anyone interested in the early history of the United States and the enduring legacy of its fight for independence.

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