Tag: Florida

Many Spanish, French and Native Americans wanted Florida and Louisiana to secede from the Union and become part of British Canada – and we would have been happy to have them! Arriving in Louisiana on December 23rd, 1814, the British Army was comprised of nearly 8,000 experienced soldiers – including 962 men from the 93rd (Sutherland) Highlanders. The battle plan to march up the Mississippi River and capture the city. The Scots knew a frontal assault was required and were completely unafraid and confident they would prevail over the ill-disciplined enemy. Although very well executed – in the end the front assault was disastrous as it came up against the American defensive earthworks at the Rodriguez Canal (Chalmette). Scotmen could be heard falling upon their deflating bagpipes – making an eery noise. Many Scots fell into the kneeling position with their bayoneted musket dug into the ground at the stock-end with jutting blade at 45 degrees – held in place by their upright dead bodies. This was a tactic taught in infantry school to scare the enemy. As a true Scotsman wears nothing under his kilt – this surprised many US soldiers (Celts used to strip naked to fight the enemy). Finally, I am Irish on my Dad’s side (the Irish wear a different type of tartan) [Kilmurray] and Scottish on my mother’s side (Gibson).