The peace had already been agreed upon when the Battle of New Orleans was fought. It was a failure for the British, but it was one of many invasions and raids in 1814 (and 1815). The British arrived in large numbers in 1814, but their strategy involved splitting their forces all over North America. They wasted forces on areas which had been amply defended before half the British army arrived.
Overall, their strategy of raiding and attempting to capture outlying areas could have been successful on all fronts. As it was, they succeeded in the Niagara, in occupying Maine, burning the American capital, and in capturing and keeping several forts. They had more setbacks than successes in the invasion of the US, which is why the Americans often claim victory. The Americans main goal however was to capture Canada, and the war ended with many parts of the U.S. occupied. The Americans were successful in defeating the main British invasions and had succeeded in driving settlers out of South Westen Upper Canada.
The Battle of New Orleans undoubtedly had the most interesting mix of units of the war. On the American side were French Pirates, French milita infantry and artillery, free men of colour, plus Kentuckians and Tennesians mixed in with American regulars. Andrew Jackson had recently defeated the Creek Indians in the Creek War. He was probably the best American General of the war.
On the British side were the 93rd Highlanders, the 95th Rifles, lots of rockets, and the smartly uniformed all black West Indies regiments.
In hindsight, the British appear foolish to have attacked a fortified position across a swamp but with better timing and application, they had a plan that could have easily worked. The troops on the West Bank were to attack and take the batteries on that side, then shoot at the American defences with them. The West Bank attack happened too late to work. Also, although not part of the plan, the British almost succeeded in flanking the Americans on their far left, and could have easily rolled up the American line. A cautious commander did not take advantage during the battle. Either of these two differences could have changed the course of the battle. As it was, this was a major victory for the Americans; though not the last battle of the war. The British army at New Orleans captured Fort Bowyer after the battle and a force of Kentuckians defeated some Canadian militia at Malcolm's Mills in the last action of the war.
I just read an American history of the war they often say the battles before this point were inconclusive. This is revisionist and convenient, most campaigns of the war were American offences and ended in complete disaster. In 1814 and early 1815 the Anericans did have a lot of successes, but also setbacks. This portion of the war was a draw in most respects.
1814 and 1815
Far West; Mackinac Island; The British had gained control of the area in 1812. A much smaller British force defeats an American attempt to retake the island. The British also capture Prairie De Chien.
British Success
South Western Ontario; The Americans under General MacArthur and his force of mostly Kentuckians raid and destroy mills aim South Western Ontario. They defeat a militia force sent against them.
American Success
Niagara; The Americans defeat the British at Chippewa then fight to a draw at Lundy's Lane. When the British reconnoiter to renew attacks in the morning the Americans have withdrawn to Fort Erie. The British try to take the Fort but fail. The British cannot take the American position and withdraw to Fort Chippawa. The Americans consolidate both of their divisions but leave the whole of the Niagara in the hands of the British (including their Fort, Niagara)
British Tactical Success
Quebec; In early 1814 the Americans made their third invasion attempt but were defeated by a small group of defenders at Lacolle Mills.
British Success
Kingston / Lake Ontario; Control of the lake was now firmly in the hands of the British with the launch in September of one of the world's largest warships, the 112 gun HMS St. Lawrence. The Americans were in the previous process of building their own "super ship".
British Tactical Success
Northern New York; The British launch a coordinated naval and land campaign against Plattsburgh with the aim of capturing Northern New York and Vermont. It ends in complete disaster when their entire fleet is destroyed on Lake Champlain.
American Success
New England / Maine; The British occupy areas of Maine until the end of the war.
British Success
Open Seas; With the lull in the Napoleonic Wars the British fleet is free to come to America. The Americans are completely blockaded. Over half the American merchant fleet is captured by the British.
British Success
Central United Colonies; The British were to raid targets in the area. They defeat armies at North Point and Bladensburg and burned the American capital. They were unable to take Fort McHenry or get close to Boston.
Draw
Louisiana; The British goal was to capture New Orleans. It ended in disaster at the Battle of New Orleans.
American Success
The last big battle of the war being such a clear American Victory allowed them to end the war in a more balanced position. They did not capture Canada, but they did force the British to treat them with respect. Besides the Fenian Raids after the Civil War, the Americans never again tried to expand Northwards.
The French Uniformed Battalion of Louisiana volunteers is one of the most famous of this campaign. It had 5 companies; Grenadiers including sappers(pictured above), Francs (?), Dragoons on foot (unknown uniforms, possibly French dragoons), Chasseurs (unknown uniforms), and the Irish Louisiana Blues pictured above. They totalled 315 men. Plauche's portrait was painted in the above French uniform. It was apparently a highly professional and disciplined unit.
Free men of colour reenactors. There were two units of freemen st New Orleans; the first was Daquin's with 180 men in 4 companies. It included a grenadier and light company. They had originally been uniformed as Spanish infantry in white uniforms, their uniform at New Orleans is not known for certain. The unit existed during the American Revolution and fought gallantly in both wars. The second battalion was newly formed under Lacoste and was ununiformed.
Two battalions of the 93rd Highlanders came to North America in 1814. The first battalion is shown above. The second batallion had kilts, it was stationed in Halifax and saw no action.
The 1st and 5th West India regiments took part in the battle. These were Caribbean regiments, not Indian. They were well regarded by the British.
Jackson's Line today.
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