But it was through this rather stark prism that Jackson viewed the world. Dividing the world into military camps, he did not tolerate ambiguity. Thus, though the Treaty of Ghent ordered all lands returned to their pre-war owners, Jackson remained determined to hold every scrap of territory that he and his army won by arms. In fairness, Jackson’s views mirrored those of many hard-scrabble Americans living in the trans-Mississippi West. Throughout his career Jackson infused a genuine patriotism and love for his country with honor and personal authority. According to his world view, challenges to one meant challenges to the other. How could he surrender the lands he and his men had won from the Creeks without suffering an intolerable blow to his own honor and to national glory? National pride would not—should not, he believed—endure such a slight. In his eyes, the Creeks were beaten. Jackson would concede some reward to individual Creek warriors for their service, but he believed that the laurels of war must remain with their conquerors. As president and commander in chief, though, James Madison had a fragile peace to protect, and he would not risk national ruin for one man’s pride.
As 1815 progressed, so did a trend of desertion that had plagued Andrew Jackson’s troops for months. Tired of mindless drill and stifling military discipline, these men saw little point in their continued service and wished to return home. Crushing boredom, coupled with the December treaty officially ending hostilities and the January victory at the gates of the Crescent City, led many men to believe they no longer needed to stay on duty, and as many as several hundred of them left outright. Andrew Jackson pursued courts martial for many such men, allowing some to pay fees or for their offenses but leaving others imprisoned for long stretches and ordering the execution of six militiamen charged with desertion. Jackson was a complex, implacable man. Neither subtle nor supple, he was known by friend and foe alike for his intractable iron will and fiery disposition. Jackson did not tolerate insubordination and was willing to risk deadly duels over perceived and actual slight from political opponents. To drive home how important loyalty was to him, Jackson sent a general letter to his troops—those remaining at their posts, anyway—praising their fidelity and courage. “Among the most prominent of these, gentleman,” the General explained, “[you] are the best I shall ever entertain of the distinguished bravery, the exact discipline, the ardent and important services of your corps.” Jackson expected bravery and discipline from any who would serve him. In this light, his conduct is neither surprising nor unusual.
But it was through this rather stark prism that Jackson viewed the world. Dividing the world into military camps, he did not tolerate ambiguity. Thus, though the Treaty of Ghent ordered all lands returned to their pre-war owners, Jackson remained determined to hold every scrap of territory that he and his army won by arms. In fairness, Jackson’s views mirrored those of many hard-scrabble Americans living in the trans-Mississippi West. Throughout his career Jackson infused a genuine patriotism and love for his country with honor and personal authority. According to his world view, challenges to one meant challenges to the other. How could he surrender the lands he and his men had won from the Creeks without suffering an intolerable blow to his own honor and to national glory? National pride would not—should not, he believed—endure such a slight. In his eyes, the Creeks were beaten. Jackson would concede some reward to individual Creek warriors for their service, but he believed that the laurels of war must remain with their conquerors. As president and commander in chief, though, James Madison had a fragile peace to protect, and he would not risk national ruin for one man’s pride. Comments are closed.
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Becoming Alabama:
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