1. Monroe wrote “4 Feby,” canceled it, and interlined “3d.”

2. Monroe evidently enclosed Maj. Gen. Andrew Jackson’s letters to him of 9 Jan. (DNA: RG 107, LRRS, J-214:8) and 13 Jan. 1815 (NjP: Andre De Coppet Collection), both of which reported the Battle of New Orleans (for the battle, see William C. C. Claiborne to JM, 19 Jan. 1815, and nn.). The letters were published in full in the Daily National Intelligencer on 6 Feb. 1815. Probably also enclosed was Jackson’s second letter to Monroe of 13 Jan. 1815, complaining that arms en route to his troops had still not arrived (Harold D. Moser et al., eds., The Papers of Andrew Jackson, 1770–1845: A Microfilm Supplement [Knoxville, Tenn., 1986], reel 4).

On 5 Feb. 1815 Monroe acknowledged receipt of Jackson’s “letters of the 9th and 13th. Ultimo,” stating, “I am instructed by the President to convey to you in strong terms, his approbation of your conduct, and of that of the troops acting under you who have rendered such important services to their country. Your arrangements for the defence of the City, in selecting and fortifying the proper points at which to oppose the enemy, and in the disposition of your force in action; afford proofs of a talent for command, which do you honor. By the example of your personal energy and distinguished gallantry, in the field, the more necessary and commendable with young troops, it is believed that the happiest effect was produced. By these important services you have merited in an eminent degree the approbation of the Government and the gratitude of your fellow citizens.

“The President requests that you will express to the troops who have acted under you the very favourable sentiments which he entertains of their conduct. The alacrity with which they repaired to the standard of their country, exposed in many instances to distressing privations; the patience with which they have borne the fatigues of the campaign and their bravery in action, have been seen by him with great satisfaction. To our newly adopted fellow citizens of Louisiana, you will give assurance, of his great sensibility, to the decided and honourable proofs which they have given of their attachment and devotion to the union, & of their manly support of the rights of their country. Little did the enemy expect in their invasion of New Orleans to meet the forces of such distant states assembled in its defence, or such firm faithful and zealous cooperation on the part of our newly adopted brethren there.

“Every effort which the Government could make to reinforce you by troops, and supply you with arms, and every munition of war has been made, and is still making. I send you a statement of these supplies, and of the times at which they were forwarded. You will investigate the conduct of those to whose charge they were committed, and if guilty of criminal neglect, inflict on them the punishment which their conduct merits and the laws will justify” (DLC: Andrew Jackson Papers).

3. In his 9 Jan. 1815 letter, Jackson wrote that when a British force crossed the Mississippi to attack the U.S. position defended by troops under Louisiana militia Brig. Gen. David Bannister Morgan, “the Kentucky reinforcement in whome so much reliance had been placed, ingloriously fled” despite having gained the advantage in the battle (DNA: RG 107, LRRS, J–214:8).