Howell Tatum (1753-1822) was a veteran of the American Revolution and the War of 1812. During the latter, he served as Andrew Jackson's topographical engineer in 1814. He saw action at the Battle of New Orleans. He kept a journal of the war, which was published. after his death.
On December 23, 1814, when news came to New Orleans that the British were on the march, Andrew Jackson sent Arsène Latour and Howell Tatum to scout the British location as well as a spot to erect a field-works. Both agreed that the Rodriguez Canal was the best choice. During expedition, word came that the plantation of Gabriel Villeré had been taken. Tatum immediately returned to New Orleans to spread word; Latour continued on. He soon discovered that the British were bivoaced, and made notes of their positions. He then returned to New Orleans and met with Jackson.[1]