As with the American Revolution, free blacks and slaves were willing to serve their country in the War of 1812. The blacks who fought for the United States served in both the Navy and Anny. ln fact, it is estimated that 20 percent of the men who served in the Navy during the war were black. Northern states, however, were more willing to use blacks than the South. Many Southern states refused to arm any blacks for fear of slaves and free blacks turning their guns on them. As a result, many blacks joined northern state militias, where they served with distinction. These black sailors and soldiers made significant contributions during the war, two of which are most notable. On September 10, 1813, Captain Oliver H. Perry and the black sailors under his command defeated the British at Put-in ­Bay on Lake Erie.

 They seized control of the lake, forcing the British to abandon their plans to capture Detroit. Black soldiers also distinguished themselves for their efforts in defending the city of New Orleans. Indeed, on January 8, 1815, black troops, under the command of General Andrew Jackson, were instrumental in the defeat of British forces in the Battle of New Orleans. So impressive were their heroics, that they drew strong praise from General Jackson for their valor. When the British withdrew to Halifax, Nova Scotia, they razed southern plantations, taking over 2,000 slaves with them. 

Most of them went willingly in hopes of being freed by the British once out of America. For those free blacks and slaves who helped America defend its independence from Britain, little changed with regard to their condition in America. ln spite of the contributions by black troops in the War of l812, the War Department-some five years after the conflict-is­ sued a general order prohibiting the recruitment of blacks or mulattos into the armed forces. This order would remain in effect until January 1, 1863, when it would be lifted by President Abraham, Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.