Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/New Orleans, Battle of

NEW ORLEANS, BATTLE OF, an engagement fought on Jan. 8, 1815, between a force of 12,000 British under Sir Edward Pakenham, and one of 6,000 Americans under Gen. Andrew Jackson. The latter were in a strongly intrenched position and awaited Pakenham's assault on their lines. The battle lasted only 25 minutes, when the British fled, leaving behind them 2,600 killed and wounded. Pakenham was among the slain. The Americans' loss was only 8 killed and 13 wounded. It was the last battle of the War of 1812.