David Morgan (1772-1848) was a soldier in the United States Army, serving during the War of 1812. He participated in the Battle of New Orleans, where he commanded the Kentucky and Louisiana militias, and was tasked with holding the west bank of the river. The only success the British had during the battle was in overwhelming Morgan's line. Even there, Morgan's men were able to delay the British enough that the Americans were able to meet the British offensive and halt it.
Brigadier General David Morgan had acquitted himself so poorly on December 23, 1814 during Andrew Jackson's night-raid on the British that Jackson decided to place him on the west bank of the Mississippi River. However, intelligence obtained on January 1, 1815 led Jackson to believe that the British would, against all logic, attack the west bank. Jackson ordered units under the command of Sam Houston and Patrick Driscol to prepare to aid Morgan if such an attack took place.[1]
Literary Comment[]
While Morgan is referred to by his correct name in the "Dramatis Personae", in the text of the story, Morgan is called Daniel Morgan.