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The War of 1812
 "Old Hickory" Style — New Orleans Prepares for Battle

"Old Hickory" Style — New Orleans Prepares for Battle
Reading Level
     edHelper's suggested reading level:   grades 6 to 8
     Flesch-Kincaid grade level:   5.42

Vocabulary
     challenging words:    able-bodied, barricade, breastwork, determined, hodgepodge, non-Americans, strong-minded, undermanned, blockade, solidify, unprepared, upstart, poorly, assault, rallied, commander
     content words:    Andrew Jackson, United States, Creek Nation, Admiral Cochrane, New Orleans, West Indies, General Jackson, Creek Wars, John Coffee, Free Men

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"Old Hickory" Style — New Orleans Prepares for Battle
By Toni Lee Robinson 		  
1     Andrew Jackson was a strong-minded man. He had resolved that the area from Florida to Mexico would belong to the United States. The Creek Nation had once held a big part of the territory. Now the tribe was no longer a factor. Jackson had seen to that. Florida, he was sure, could be wrested from the Spanish. Above all, Jackson was determined that the area wouldn't fall into British hands. His hatred of this old enemy fueled his resolve.
 
2     Admiral Cochrane, commander of the British fleet, saw the region as a plum ripe for the picking. This important U.S. port of New Orleans had been bottled up by the British blockade. Its warehouses were stuffed with cotton, tobacco, sugar, and all manner of costly goods. If the city were taken, its booty would bring a large share of profit for the Admiral. In addition, of course, the loss of the city could be the death blow for the upstart American nation.
 
3     In 1814, British pressure in the area increased. England's war with France had ended. The Admiral got his way. At Cochrane's urging, troops and resources were promptly sent to America. Cochrane had used alliances with Spain to make inroads into the southern territory. His actions brought him face to face with "Old Hickory."
 
4     The two powerful men had clashed at Mobile and Pensacola. Jackson's forces had repelled the British thrusts. Now it was rumored that Britain was gathering a huge force in the West Indies. The troops, it was said, were gearing up for a specific mission. They planned an all out assault on the prize of the Gulf, the city of New Orleans.
 
5     General Jackson sent for every able-bodied man in the territory. He called up militia. He rallied the volunteers that had served him well in the Creek Wars. He enlisted the help of his friend John Coffee. Coffee brought his force of 2,800 mounted Tennessee riflemen.

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