in winter, the days become warm and pleasant after the morning passes off, and at such times, there may be found many of the idle blacks, lying upon the top, and in comfortable positions between or behind those walls of cotton bales.  On the approach of the recruiting officer, a number of persons were found stretched out upon the bales, lying scattered upon the ground.  On addressing them, they were found to be slaves, which the pride of the recently promoted free colored soldiers, nor the policy of the proclamation, then, justified them in enrolling.  On questioning them respecting their fears of the approaching contest—­they expressed themselves as perfectly satisfied and safe, while permitted to lie behind the bales.  The idea was at once impressed—­Chalmet Plain, the battle field, being entirely barren without trees, brush, or stone, and the ingenuity of the General-in-chief and engineer of the army, having been for several days taxed, without successful device; the officer determined that he would muster courage, and hazard the consequences of an approach to the General, and suggest the idea suggested to him, by the observation of a slave, who was indifferent to the safety of others, so that he was secure—­and perhaps justly so—­whether conscious or not of the importance of its bearing.  General Jackson, whatever may be said to the contrary, though firm and determined, was pleasant, affable, and easily approached, and always set equal estimate upon the manhood of a colored man; believing every thing of him, that he expressed in his proclamation to the colored freemen of Louisiana.  He did not pretend to justify the holding of slaves, especially on the assumed unjust plea of their incapacity for self-government—­he always hooted at the idea; never would become a member of the Colonization Society, always saying “Let the colored people be—­they were quiet now, in comparative satisfaction—­let them be.”  But he held them as a policy, by which to make money—­and would just as readily have held a white man, had it been the policy of the country, as a black one in slavery.  The General was approached—­the suggestion made—­slaves set to work—­the bales conveyed down—­the breast-works raised—­the Americans protected, as the musketry and artillery proved powerless against the elastic cushion-wall of cotton bales; the battle fought—­the British vanquished—­the Americans victorious, and Major General Andrew Jackson “all covered with glory,” as the most distinguished and skillful captain of the age.  It has always been thought by colored men familiar with this circumstance, that the reference of the General is directed to this, when he expresses himself in his last proclamation to them:  “You have done more than I expected.”  Doubtless this was the case.  Whatever valor and capacity to endure hardships, the General knew colored men to possess, it was more than he expected of them, to bring skill to his aid, and assist in counseling plans for the defence of the army.