STATE OF LOUISIANA.

MILITIA GENERAL ORDERS.

Head quarters. january 26, 1815.

The governor and commander in chief congratulates the mili ia of the state, on the expulsion of he enemy who had so daringly invaded our soil, and threatened our capital.

With gratitude and devotion we acknowledge the special protect on of od, and are fully sensible of the distinguished valour of the army and navy of the United States;--nor can time itself erase from our grateful recollection the services of those heroes of the states of Tennessee, Kentucky and the Mississippi territory, who afforded us their timely and effectual support.

We now see the blessings of that union which makes us one people. It is our strength, our shield, the rock of our safety. It had the wariest affections of our fathers: it will be fondly cherished by their sons.

Greatly as we feel indebted for the succour afforded to Louisiana by her sister states, it is nevertheless a sourc of peculiar pleasure to know that she has been faithful to the union--faithful to herself. All the energies of the stat have been put forth in her defence. There has been a happy accordance in opinion and action between the government and the people. But one sentiment prevailed, and while every heart boat for the safety of the state from within and from without every hand was raised to insure it. The governor and commander in chief has already borne testimony to the facility with which the late requisition of the President of the United States on the militia of Louisiana was carried into effect, and to the zeal with which the brave volunteers of Feliciana, Attakapas and Rapides, pressed forward in their country's service. He recollects with pleasure and pride, the promptitude with which the subsequent orders calling the whole militia into service were obeyed, and the great solicitude expressed by many and manifested by all to be led against the enemy. Were he to distinguish any particular corps, as pre-eminent in patriotism, he would remind the youths of Louisiana of the glorious example set them by their sires, He shall ever bear in mind that at his call, the fathers of families within this city and throughout the state, whose age and infirmities exempted them from militia duty, formed military associations and arraying themselves in armour, became responsible for the internal tranquility of the state, whilst their sons went forth to meet the foe. That such of the militia of Louisiana who fought in the memorable battles of the 23d of December and 8th of January, deserved and received the highest approbation of the commanding general, affords to the governor the highest satisfaction. He is persuaded that had it fallen to the lot of other corps of the militia of the state to have shared in those glorious conflicts, they also would have deserved well of their country.

When on the 23d of December the drum beat to arms, the governor and commander in chief had personal knowledge of the alacrity with which the first, second and fourth regiments of New-Orleans militia, and captain Chauveau's patriotick troop of city cavalry, all headed by brigadier general Dabatut, hastened to the point of rendezvous; of the enthusiasm with which they received the order to advance against the enemy, and the steady firmness which beamed in every countenance. He has participated in the regre and chagrin which pervaded the whole detachment, when their route was changed and they were ordered to take post on the Gentilly road. In defending a state, every exposed part must be guarded: too much would have been hazarded in drawing the whole disposable force to the same point. It is indeed, on the field of battle that the soldier can the more clearly prove his readiness to die for his country; but a previous uniform and cheerful discharge of duty affords a precious pledge that in the "hour of peril" he would not be found wanting. When coops are obedient to the commands of their superiour; when with alacrity they repair to the post assigned and there await with firmness all the dangers which may threaten, nothing more can be expected of them;-- they have acted well their part;-- they have deserved the approbation of their country. A deportment like this, has been exhibited by all the detachments of the militia of this state, whether stationed on the Gentilly road at the point of Chef Menteu, Fort St. Jean, the Petites Coquilles, Chifouré, La Fourche, the Teche, Baton Rouge, or at the several forts on the Mississippi, and to the officers, non-commissioned officers, and private of such detachments, the governor and commander in chief feels great obligations and returns his warmest thanks.

The volunteers who were specially invited on the 17th day of December last to join the standard of the United States, have fulfilled their duties;--to their skill and valour, the commanding general has borne testimony, and the governor, faithful to his promise, has not failed to report their good conduct in the field to the President.

This occasion is eagerly seized upon by the commander in chief earnestly to recommend to the militia of this state, not to relax in their efforts to improve and perfect themselves in the knowledge of military tactics, to cultivate harmony among themselves, and to promote the most friendly understanding with their western brothers, who have submitted to so great privations and incurred so many dangers in the defence of this section of the Union.

The enemy yet hovers on our coast, and his rulers still foster the most deadly feelings of revenge against our beloved country. Another attempt may be mad to overrun Louisiana;-- to sever her from the great American family; but her brave defenders will ever prove equal to the conflict. Louisiana will never fall from the high character she now enjoys.--There is a spirit prevailing which will long direct her sons in the paths of patriotism, valor and virtue.

Mention has a ready been made of the honorable conduct of the fathers of families; nor shall we ever forget the interesting and amiable deportment of that tender sex, whose smiles soften the misfortunes of life, and whose charms heighten the enjoyments of freedom. The soldiered carried with him to the field their kindest wishes, their most friendly remembrance. hey have cloathed him whilst watching on a winter's night and they have soothed the anguish of his bleeding wounds.

Thanks to God! the struggle has for the present ceased Thousands of the foe have bit the dust, while a few--very few of our brave deliverers, but are restored to their families and friends.

It has pleased the Almighty to look propitiously on our cause; it is one which He delights to prosper;--the cause of justice.

The governor and Commander in chief lays claim to no other merit, but that of sharing with his fellow-citizens, in the sentiments of honest patriotism, and to the sincerest disposition to do all which his powers of mind and body enabled him, for the public safety.

When and where he has been called upon to act, the most zealous support was afforded him by every member of his staff, and each and every one of them are assured of his increased and continued confidence and esteem--The conduct of General lose Alvarez de Toledo merits particular notice. This deserving stranger, in the characters of a volunteer aid and engineer, has rendered services which are highly and justly appreciated.

W M. C. C. CLAIBORNE,
Governor and Commander
in Chief.

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