The American victory at the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812 was an amazing miracle! When looking at the facts, there was no possible reason for the American success except the hand of God working on their behalf.

The battle was actually fought after the war was over. The peace treaty had been signed on December 24, 1814, in Ghent, Netherlands, but the Battle of New Orleans took place on January 8, 1815. At that time in history the world lacked the means to communicate important information quickly, and neither side in America knew that the war was supposed to be over.

If the British had arrived in New Orleans when they had planned, it would have been an easy triumph, but there was a Providential delay. God also provided an unusual ally for the Americans, Jean Lafitte, a notorious pirate. Completely outnumbered, the Americans, under General Jackson should have been beaten, but God, who controls everything, fought for the Americans and they won.

God graciously allowed the mistakes of one man to delay the entire British fleet that was gathering at Jamaica with the intent of sailing for New Orleans. Three British man-of-war ships under the command of Captain Lloyd saw an American privateer, the General Armstrong, anchored at a port in the Azores Islands. According to the rules of war the English could not attack the American ship since it was docked in a neutral port, but the zealous Captain attacked the ship anyway. A desperate fight began. The Americans fought valiantly! Vastly outnumbered, the Americans sank their own ship and fled to land. The victory had been costly for the British with 300 casualties. Meanwhile, the British fleet at Jamaica had postponed their intended departure for ten days waiting for Captain Lloyd. This delay allowed the Americans time to prepare for the battle. God was in control!

America found a friend in one of the most unlikely places, in the pirate Jean Lafitte. Jean Lafitte and his brother, Pierre, arrived in New Orleans years before in 1809 and began a blacksmith shop that was really a cover up for their profitable business of selling contraband goods. Although Jean said he and the 1,000 fighting men under his command were privateers, they were in truth pirates. The base of his operation was an island named Barataria, which was called the back door to New Orleans because the island controlled the bayous and swamps between New Orleans and the Gulf. For many years the clever, creative, cunning Jean Lafitte was very successful. The American government had tried to rid New Orleans of the outlaw, but all of their efforts failed. Before the Battle of New Orleans, Governor Claiborne offered $500 for the capture of Jean Lafitte. The next day, Claiborne's wanted poster was gone and another hung in its place which offered $1500 for the capture of Governor Claiborne, and it was signed by Jean Lafitte. The pirate had a sense of humor! Seeing the strategic position of Barataria, the British attempted to obtain the pirate's aid in capturing New Orleans. They offered him a commission in the Royal Navy, land, and 30,000 pounds, but to their request and gift he gave evasive answers saying he needed time to think about it. Strangely, Jean then took the letters he had received from the English to New Orleans and warned them of the British attack and offered his services. Lafitte also provided musket flints and powder, which the Americans desperately needed. During the Battle of New Orleans Lafitte and his men fought courageously. Later they were given a pardon by President Madison but not long afterward Jean returned to his piracy. What made Lafitte side with the Americans? As a pirate he had no loyalty except to himself. If Lafitte had helped the English it is possible the Battle of New Orleans would have turned out differently. God can use anyone, even a godless pirate!