The Battle of New Orleans 245 



woods rose and fired, aiming low and sure. As 

 stubble is withered by flame, so withered the British 

 column under that deadly fire; and, aghast at the 

 slaughter, the reeling files staggered and gave back. 

 Pakenham, fit captain for his valorous host, rode 

 to the front, and the troops, rallying round him, 

 sprang forward with ringing cheers. But once 

 again the pealing rifle-blast beat in their faces ; and 

 the life of their dauntless leader went out before its 

 scorching and fiery breath. With him fell the other 

 general who was with the column, and all of the 

 men who were leading it on ; and, as a last resource, 

 Keane brought up his stalwart Highlanders; but 

 in vain the stubborn mountaineers rushed on, only 

 to die as their comrades had died before them, with 

 unconquerable courage, facing the foe to the last. 

 Keane himself was struck down; and the shattered 

 wrecks of the British column, quailing before cer- 

 tain destruction, turned and sought refuge beyond 

 reach of the leaden death that had overwhelmed 

 their comrades. Nor did it fare better with the 

 weaker force that was to assail the right of the 

 American line. This was led by the dashing Col- 

 onel Rennie, who, when the confusion caused by 

 the main attack was at its height, rushed forward 

 with impetuous bravery along the river bank. With 

 such headlong fury did he make the assault, that 

 the rush of his troops took the outlying redoubt, 



