Harry George Wakelyn Smith, 1815

BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS – SMITH, Harry George Wakelyn (1787-1860). Autograph document "Provisional Articles agreed on between Major Smith authorized by Major General Lambert and Edward Livingston Aide-de-Camp to Major General Jackson…" [Near New Orleans, 17 January 1815].

Two pages, bifolium, 322 x 207mm.

Defeated at the Battle of New Orleans, British forces arrange for a prisoner exchange before breaking camp. A retained copy of an agreement reached between Smith acting on the part of Major General Alexander Lambert and Edward Livingston, representing General Andrew Jackson. The agreement covering prisoners on both sides including Americans confined aboard Royal Navy ships was concluded two days prior to breaking camp following their stunning defeat by American forces at New Orleans on 8 January 1815 suffering casualties in excess of 2,000 dead, wounded or missing. The action catapulted Andrew Jackson to national prominence and ultimately the Presidency.

[With:] Manuscript, [New Orleans, c. 9 January 1812, but written c. 1821]. 2pp. "Extract of a Letter from General Jackson Commanding the Army of the United States of American at new Orleans, dated 9th January, 1815." Two pages, 320 x 199mm. A portion of Jackson's first report on the Battle of New Orleans to President James Monroe discussing the potential of the British control of a position across the Mississippi could have eventually “to defeat in great measure the effects of our success on this side of the River."