The Battle of New Orleans: Andrew Jackson and America's First Military VIctory

Excellent and entertaining.  The Battle of New Orleans: Andrew Jackson and America's First Military Victory by Robert V. Remini.  From the blurb:

The Battle of New Orleans was the climactic battle of America's "forgotten war" of 1812. Andrew Jackson led his ragtag corps of soldiers against 8,000 disciplined invading British regulars in a battle that delivered the British a humiliating military defeat. The victory solidified America's independence and marked the beginning of Jackson's rise to national prominence. Hailed as "terrifically readable" by the Chicago Sun Times, The Battle of New Orleans is popular American history at its best, bringing to life a landmark battle that helped define the character of the United States.

Well, yes.  And more.  The Battle of New Orleans is famous on multiple counts.  In an age of slow communications, it was one of those battles fought after a peace treaty had already been signed.

General Andrew Jackson, seventh president of the United States, was one of those historical figures wrapped in interpretive controversy and mystery.  Cruel and compassionate.  Biased and tolerant.  Narrow minded and broad minded.  He was a great talent, maybe genius, of startling contradictions which allow him to be portrayed as demonic or heroic, depending on the historian.

In this account, his military genius comes across.  Focused on tactics, strategy, and logistics simultaneously.  A desperate hunger for complete victory and a demonstrated aggressiveness but also disciplined in defense when that was what was called for.  

An intolerance for fools but a diplomat when that was what was needed.  

The army he led was a most remarkable thing.  Volunteer militia from Louisiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.  French Creoles.  Free blacks.  Enlisted slaves.  Pirates.  Cobbled together facing a seasoned, experienced British army, veterans fresh from Wellington's Peninsula campaign.  

A most remarkable tale well told.