country’s rights sustained—­and their liberty, the liberty of their wives and children defended and protected; then, with a cool deliberation, unknown to any uncivilized people on the face of the earth, deny them a right—­withhold their consent to their having equal enjoyment of human rights with other citizens, with those who have never contributed aid to our country—­but we give the proclamation and let it speak for itself.  Of it Mr. Nell says:—­

“The second proclamation is one of the highest compliments ever paid by a military chief to his soldiers.”

“SOLDIERS!  When on the banks of the Mobile, I called you to take up arms, inviting you to partake the perils and glory of your white fellow-citizens, I expected much from you; for I was not ignorant that you possessed qualities most formidable to an invading enemy.  I knew with what fortitude you could endure hunger and thirst, and all the fatigues of a campaign. I knew well how you love your native country, and that you, as well as ourselves, had to defend what man holds most dear—­his parents, wife, children, and property. You have done more than I expected. In addition to the previous qualities I before knew you to possess, I found among you noble enthusiasm, which leads to the performance of great things.

“Soldiers!  The President of the United States shall hear how praise-worthy was your conduct in the hour of danger; and the representatives of the American people will give you the praise your exploits entitle you to.  The General anticipates them in applauding your noble ardor.

“The enemy approaches; his vessels cover our lakes; our brave citizens are united, and all contentions have ceased among them.  Their only dispute is, who shall win the prize of valor, or who the most glory, its noblest reward.

                               “By order,
                    “THOMAS BUTLER, Aid-de-camp.”

A circumstance that reflects as well upon the devisor, as upon the commander, or the engineer of the army, is not generally known to the American people.  The redoubt of cotton bales, has ever been attributed to the judgment, skill, quick perception, and superior tact of Major General Andrew Jackson; than whom, a braver heart, never beat in the breast of man.  But this is a mistake.  The suggestion of the cotton bales was made by a colored man, at the instant, when the city of New Orleans was put under martial law.  The colored troops were gathering, and their recruiting officers (being colored,) were scouring the city in every direction, and particularly on the Levee, where the people throng for news—­to hear, see, and be seen.  At such times in particular, the blacks are found in great numbers.  The cotton shipped down the Mississippi in large quantities to the city, is landed and piled in regular terrace walls, several thousand feet long, sometimes double rows—­and fifteen or twenty feet high.  When the sun shines