PROCLAMATION TO THE FREE PEOPLE OF COLOR.
"Soldiers!—When on the banks of the Mobile, I called you to take up arms, inviting you to partake 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 know well how you loved your native country, and that you had, as well as ourselves, to defend what man holds most dear—his parents, relations, 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, moreover, 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, I doubt not, 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."
In the last war there was no honor due to Gen. Jackson for arranging his army behind cotton bags in such a manner as to save life. [Belfast Rep. Jour.]
The plan of throwing up an entrenchment between the swamp and the river, at the point where the British were obliged to approach, if they came at all, was not first conceived by Gen. Jackson, nor was the use of the cotton bales a scheme of his, but was a plan of a colored
man. He proposed to the General the expediency of defending this strong point, which was so obvious that there could be no hesitation or dispute about it; Jackson therefore ordered it to be built, and thus saved the American army and country
