October 14, 1800, on a plantation near Savannah, Georgia: a boy named Jourdan is born to a slave woman named Judith. His father was a white man, whose identity was not recorded and, in fact, may not ever have been known. By law, this made the boy the slave property of his mother’s owner.
Savannah, GA
At this time Florida was again a territory of the Spanish Empire. As a Catholic nation, Florida was a “mostly” a free land: one of the destinations of the first underground railroads. [1]
Many slaves escaped there and formed their own communities of freemen, some near St Augustine, some 180 miles away from Savannah. Judith and her boy, Jourdan, did not.
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In November 1813, the adolescent Jourdan and his mother were bought by Jean Chaumette, a slave trader. He transported them to New Orleans, Louisiana (a US state only since 1812). In June 1814 they were sold to Lt. John Noble (US Army 7th Regiment).
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Part of French culture and heritage, New Orleans had been part of “slave territory”, and remained that way, as part of the American south, into statehood; although many free people of color dwelt there. [2]
The United States was embroiled in war with Britain: the War of 1812. Recently acquired New Orleans lay in a highly leveraged position: for shipping, controlling the mighty Mississippi, and for defense. Surely a juicy target to national enemies. And it seemed vulnerable.
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Painting of mulatto boy, early 19th century. William Henry Hunt
Perhaps it’s wishful thinking, but I’m imagining this was a per-arranged sale, thus sparing Jourdan and Judith the ignominy of going to the market square where slaves were displayed on pedestals, their health and virtues promoted, and then auctioned to the highest bidder. Either way, the experience must have been terrifying. But perhaps they were inured: just another shame that life had imposed upon them.
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The status of New Orleans — and the entire Louisiana Territory — had recently experienced a series of dramatic geopolitical changes. Initially claimed by France as “New France,” the territory then fell under Spanish control as “New Spain.” Near the end of the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763, known in America as the French and Indian War), France still held significant claims and settlements in the region, evident from place names that survive today, such as Saint Louis, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Louisiana — unmistakably French.
| As it became clear that England would win the war, France secretly transferred the Louisiana territory to Spain, another Catholic nation. Shortly later, in the Treaty of Paris (1763) which ended the war, England permitted Spain to claim this vast landmass as compensation, unaware that Spain had already secured it through the secret transfer.
[Spain had joined late in the war on France’s side, although too late to change the outcome. This alliance cost Spain its claim to Florida.] In another secret treaty (San Ildefonso, 1800), Spain, under pressure from Napoleon, ceded the Louisiana Territory back to France. In return, Spain received lands in Italy that Napoleonic France had conquered and a promise of peace. Napoleon soon abandoned his New World ambitions, and the United States famously purchased the entire Louisiana Territory in 1803, an area spanning over 800,000 square miles (more than 2.1 million square kilometers—larger than two-thirds of all Western European countries combined). The official transfer in the northern Louisiana capital, Saint Louis, occurred in March 1804, while New Orleans, the southern capital, was transferred in December 1803. |
Time line highlights
1673 – Pierre Joliet (Zholee-ay) and Father Jacques Marquette explore much of the Mississippi, canoeing from Montreal, French Canada 1682 – La Salle, traveled down the Mississippi, claiming it for France 1680-1700 France claims the land between the Appalachians and the Mississippi, establishing trading posts throughout the region. 1762 – Louisiana Territory to Spain 1763 – French land between Appalachians and the Mississippi are transferred to Britain – spoils of war. (And French Canada) 1783 – Land from Appalachians to the Mississippi added to US (US war of independence) 1800 – Louisiana transferred back to France 1800 – Jordan Noble Born 1803 – Louisiana sold to the US 1804 – Final transfer of Louisiana, March, in Saint Louis 1812-1815 War of 1812 1815 – Battle of New Orleans 1821 – Jordan Noble freed |
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Louisiana Purchase 1803, “Natural Earth and Portland State University”, 15 states eventually came from the territory. Dot on right is Savannah.
The American War for Independence (1775-1781) did not resolve all tensions with Britain. Suspicion and hostility simmered before erupting into another conflict. The British interfered with trade, forced American sailors into service in the British navy, and allied with Native tribes to thwart U.S. expansion and commerce.
As war loomed, the fledgling U.S. began eyeing British-controlled Upper and Lower Canada as potential territory to expand into. (British colonies: there were more than 13). That ambition failed.
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Noble put Jourdan and Judith into service helping 7th Regiment officers in New Orleans with basic duties. By accounts, Noble was kindly, and officers generally regarded them well.
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In 1814, Napoleon was defeated, captured, and exiled for the first time. His disastrous 1812-13 invasion of Russia resulted in near complete annihilation of his Grande Armée. A grand coalition, led by Britain, easily subdued Napoleon. [3] Britain could now turn its full attention to the conflict in North America. They intended to hit the Americans at a critical location where it was weak – a location from where they could control nearly the entire interior of the US, from the Appalachians to the Rockies.
In anticipation, beginning on December 1, 1814, General Andrew Jackson marched his force of 1,500 men, mostly Tennessee Volunteers, to defend New Orleans, arriving in early January 1814. Ironically, the Treaty of Ghent had already been signed on December 24, 1814, effectively ending the war, but the news had yet to reach the U.S. and be ratified by the Senate. That happened in February. [Battle of New Orleans, by Johnny Horton]
Nevertheless, one can be sure Britain would have kept New Orleans, the key to the Mississippi – the entrance to the great fertile American mid-section, if they took it. The treaty had not been formalized yet, and they’d surely have asked for re-negotiations.
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Jackson’s 1,500 troops were not nearly enough. He needed the inhabitants of New Orleans to help defend the city. The British were coming, with reports confirming their forces massing along the coast near the mouth of the Pearl River, some 20 miles away. A skirmish had already occurred on December 23, resulting in casualties on both sides.
With little time and limited manpower, Jackson imposed martial law, requiring able bodied whites, Creoles, enslaved and free Blacks to fight. All firearms must be brought to the defense. Aristocrats, American Indians and even the famous pirate, Jean Lafitte signed on. Many residents didn’t yet truly identify as Americans. Most joined willingly: they recognized the dangers of British monarchical rule and joined the defense. [4] Over 4,000 civilian-soldiers in all.
Jean Lafitte, painting, artist unknown
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Although only fourteen-years-old Jourdan Noble signed on, though not required to do so (my assumption). It is likely that during this enlistment, Jourdan adopted a last name, taking that of his master, Noble, and possibly adjusting the spelling of his first name to “Jordan.”
Jordan was assigned as a drummer for the military forces. It is believed that Louis Roquer, a drum major from a New Orleans garrison, mentored Jordan and taught him the fundamentals of military drumming.
Jordan’s drum marched them all to Chalmette, 7 miles downstream. Jordan beat his drum vigorously throughout the battle, a relatively short battle indeed: about two hours. Shocked by such a vigorous defense presented by the citizens, slaves and military (their intelligence had predicted little or no defense) the Redcoats were thoroughly routed.
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Jordan’s snare drum, from the Battle of New Orleans
Andrew Jackson emerged as a national hero, a major step on his path to the presidency 14 years later. The remarkable speed with which he assembled a coordinated army of volunteer soldiers, rag tag civilians, slaves, American Indians and pirates, along with the thoroughness of the preparations and complete victory, solidified his status. Think about it: So many different types of cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities, and even languages coming together. Coordinating a defense against the world’s most powerful nation, winning a major battle that significantly affected the future – all accomplished in just a few weeks. That’s remarkable. America was filled with pride.
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But young Jordan Noble was a hero too! The brave little drummer boy — a mulatto slave —who beat his drum all the way from New Orleans to the battle ground, and throughout the Queen City’s defense.
As the day of battle approached, Jordan’s drum woke the troops with reveille and signaled the end of each day. His drumming entertained and maintained a steady rhythm as soldiers and civilians built fortifications, prepared gunpowder, and readied their muskets and rifles.
On January 8, 1815, as the opposing armies mustered into formations across the Chalmette fields, his familiar drumbeat provided encouragement. One army in brilliant red matching uniforms, the other in whatever clothing they could find as they thought appropriate. Jordan beat out General Jackson’s orders to troops, his thumping resounding above the great noises of the clash!
Oh God how that boy could beat the drum, hour after hour, day after day, and throughout the decisive victorious battle!
Jordan was returned to duty, still a slave, at the military garrison.
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It was 1817. Lieutenant John Noble lay near death. He transferred ownership of Jordan and Judith to his friend and cohort, Major Alexander White, of Jackson’s 7th Regiment. Both had been severely wounded in the initial skirmish on December 23, 1814, and from there they had formed an enduring friendship.
White eventually fell into financial ruin, and in 1821, his estate was liquidated. Judith and Jordan were sold to John Reed, another local military figure. Reed was an intriguing man who faced his own trials, including 50 lashes and imprisonment for desertion. A staunch abolitionist from Rhode Island, his beliefs and experiences fostered a compassionate empathy for enslaved people.
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Reed provided Jordan with significant freedoms and opportunities. Jordan studied music, of course drumming, gained an education, started a military career, married, and began a family. Extant records suggest that Reed retained legal ownership of Jordan to protect him. Reed gave Noble freedoms — freedom to pursue a full life, and soon freed him from slavery.
A 1880s postcard photo depicts an elderly Jordan Noble. Courtesy: Historic New Orleans Collections, 58-101-l.3
This all gave Jordan purpose. He continued drumming throughout his life, serving in the Seminole War, the Mexican War, and even during the Civil War (on both sides!) He drummed for the people of New Orleans, led parades, and became a beloved cultural figure. Every year, on the anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans, he and his drum led Black veterans through the streets of The Crescent City.
Jordan Noble became both a war hero and a cultural icon in New Orleans. The tradition of people of color, Creoles, and Cajuns marching through the city to the lively beat of music can be traced back to him.
Noble passed away on June 20, 1890. He is buried in New Orleans, at Saint Louis Cemetery #2.
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Every time a child beats something with a stick, plunks a keyboard, hums a tune, or plucks a string … magic can happen.
Joe Girard © 2024
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Great sources!
https: 64parishes.org/jordan-noble
https://www.thenmusa.org/biographies/jordan-b-noble/
Note: I have to say that the presence of Native American Indians has been largely overlooked in history, and, here, by your humble author. All of land mentioned was already settled by many Indian Nations. It’s an oft overlooked black mark.
[1] Originally Spanish (not counting native Americans) Florida fell under British rule from 1763-1784 as a consequence of the Seven Years War. It was later returned to Spain in exchange for the Bahamas.
[2] Louisiana territory had been a Spanish possession from 1763 to 1800. Slavery was allowed here, but I’m not sure how extensive it was. Many blacks settled in New Orleans and were regarded as Free Men of Color.
[3] A large coalition indeed, including: Austria, Prussia, Russia, Sweden, and several German states (Germany was not a country until 1871)
[4] They’d been under French and Spanish rule for a long time, and had yet to adapt to being part of the US.
New Orleans is just a very feet above sea level. Thus, graves are above ground (to keep caskets from floating to the surface). Here is an image of the plaque that is mounted before Noble’s grave. And a photo of the wall that contains his grave.
It reads
“On the memorable plains of Chalmette the rattle of his drum was heard amidst the din of battle”
Daily Picayune, June 21, 1890.
Jordan Noble was born in Georgia, October 14, 1800. an emancipated slave, he served a combined 9 years and 9 months in service to the country. At age 14, he served in the Battle of New Orleans (1815) under General Andrew Jackson as Drummer Boy – the only person of color in the United States 7th Regiment. His drumming was described as a “guidepost for the Americans in the hell of fire” and he received a personal compliment from General Jackson. He later served in the Everglades of Florida (1817) and in the Mexican-American War as musician of the First Regiment of Louisiana Volunteers (1847).
He was frequently called on to recreate his drum roll at events around the city. In 1854, he drummed the reveille at a commemoration of the Battle of New Orleans held at the St Charles Theater. In 1863, during the Civil War, he organized a Black command under General Benjamin Butler. In 1864, he was a platform guest in Congo Square during the city’s Emancipation Celebration. In 186, he was the Fourth District Representative for the Abraham Lincoln memorial service in Congo Square. In 1876, he was presented the national badge of the Veterans of the Mexican-American War and granted full membership in the Society. In 1884, he beat his drums at the Worlds Fair in New Orleans. He died on June 20, 1890, at home on Dryades St. between Seventh and Eighth Streets and was survived by three children.
Plaque before Noble’s grave
Wall with Noble’s grave
