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 A 
 
 HISTORY 
 
 '•■i 
 
 OF 
 
 THE POLITICAL AND MILITARY EVENTS 
 
 OF 
 
 THE LATE WAR 
 
 iBETWEEW TBI, 
 
 UNITED STATES AND GREAT BRITAlf. 
 
 BY SAMUEL PERKINS, ESQ. ' 
 
 • ** 
 
 -- NEW-HAVEN : 
 
 PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY S. CONVERSE. 
 
 1825. 
 
 
 CANADA. 
 
 
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 District of Connecticul, sa. 
 
 BE IT REMK.M R£REU, That on ttie twentv-uinth day of June, iu tbe 
 
 .'nrtv-ninth year of the Indepenileiice of the United States of America, 
 
 AMUEL I'ERKINS, ol the sail District, hath deposited in this Office 
 
 'he title of a Rook, the right wliereof he claims as Author, in the words 
 
 following, to wit — 
 
 ' A History of the Political and Military events of the late War be- 
 tween the United States and Great Britain. By Samuel Perkins. Esq." 
 
 In confornaity to the act of the Congress of the United States, entitled " Ad act for the 
 encouragement of learning, by securing the copie'^ ofMaps, Charts, and Books, to the authors 
 and proprietors of such copies, durinjt the times therein mentioned " 
 
 CHARLES A lKGh'.RSOLL, Clerk of the Dittrict of Connecticut. 
 A true copy of Record, examined by me, 
 
 CHARLES A. IKGERSOLL, Clerk of the Dittrict of Conneetkuf. 
 
 J 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Custom has in some measure rendered a pre- 
 face a necessary part of a book ; it usually contains 
 the author's apology for writing, his exertions, and 
 the difficulties and embarrassments he has encoun- 
 tered in the progress of his work. Waiving these 
 topics, the reader is here presented with a concise 
 view of the subjects of the following pages, that if he 
 feels no interest in them, he may save his time for 
 more valuable purposes. The design of the present 
 volume is, to state in a clear and concise manner — 
 
 The points of controversy between the United 
 States and Great Britain, which induced the late 
 war, and the irguments by which each supported 
 their respective claims ; 
 
 The great constitutional and national questions to 
 which the war gave rise, and which were discussed 
 and settled during its continuance ; 
 
 The debates and proceedings of Congress, on all 
 the important measures connected with the war; 
 
 The circumstances which led to the ne^\otiation 
 for peace, and its progress and result : 
 
 And to give a faithful detail of all the important 
 military and naval operations during the war 
 
 That a well executed work,embrdcing these objects, 
 would be interesting to the public, cannot be doubt- 
 ed. The claims set up by the two great European 
 belligerent powers, to control neutral commerce, 
 
V'i 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 were unprecedented in their nature, alarming in' 
 their extent, and destructive in their operation. 
 The grounds on which these claims were made and 
 enforced, and the manner in which they were 
 resisted, are matters of deep interest to the citizens 
 of the United States. In the progress of the war, 
 several great constitutional (juestions arose, on a 
 correct decision of which the most important inter- 
 ests of the union depended ; these were discussed 
 with much ingenuity and force of argument, and 
 the points adhered to, on both sides, with great 
 tenacity. 
 
 The naval, and most of the military operations, 
 do high honour to American skill and bravery ; and 
 a faithful detail of them ought to be recorded. The 
 writer presents this volume to the public, with great 
 diffidence, and respectfully solicits the patronage of 
 his fellow-citizens : should it prove undeserving 
 their favour, he hopes at least, it will induce some 
 abler hand to do justice to the subject. 
 
 It js a delicate task to relate facts while the 
 principal actors are living ; misrepresentations or 
 partial statements may sometimes intervene to the 
 prejudice of individuals. If there are any such, 
 they are unintentional ; many times they may be 
 apprehended when they do not exist ; in those cases 
 it is the fault of the ajjcnt and not of the writer. 
 
 
 •2. 
 
 ■•.■.* 
 
 I 
 I 
 
i 
 
 conte:,'ts. 
 
 i 
 
 Chai". I. — Cau=e!< of the war, Ag?;tfssions on neutral commerce. Colo- 
 nia: truvie Riilr ol 17)6. Ami' d neutrality Irr aty oi 17!M Impress- 
 ment. Dlorkaite oflHOG. Oriltrs in council ol January 1807, ami Novem- 
 ber 1»07. Berlin and Vliluii decrees. Embargo. Non-intercour>e, and 
 jion importation laws. AltiK.k on the Chesapeake. Erskine's arrange- 
 ment; Disavowed, Monroe's and Pinckney's treaty rejected Decisions 
 of British prize courts. Disputes with Jackon. Champagny's letter to 
 Armstrong;. President's proclamation restoring French intercourse. 
 
 Coaimunications to the British govcrumcuL. 
 
 Page 9 
 
 or 
 
 CuAV. II. — First meeting of twelfth congress. Message. Correspond- 
 ence between Monroe and Foster. Decisions of the admiralty courts in 
 the case of the Fox, ind others. Report of the committee of Ibreign 
 relations. Arguments of the minority against the report. John Henry's 
 papers. His inatructions. His corre.-pondence. Inquiry reelecting him 
 in the house ol n-prescntatives. Message of tlie 1st of June. Report of 
 coaimittee on foreign relations, recommending war. Declaration of war. 
 Address of the minority to their constituents Army in 1 navy bills. 
 Treasury estimates. Plan of fmancc for the war. Loan for 1812. Page 33 
 
 Chap. III.— S.Uiution of \li< United States at the declaration of the war. 
 Population. Viilitary and naval owpr. State of Great Britain. Indian 
 population; Character. Tecumseh. British and Indian alliance. Pro- 
 ceedings of the several tales, in relation to the war. Louisiana. New- 
 York. Ohio. New Jersey. Connecticut. Report of the committee to 
 th legislature of onnecticut. Massachusetts. Governor Strong's rea- 
 sons for not calling out the militia. Opinion of the Judges of the Supreme 
 Court on the subject. Resolutions of Maryland on the subject of the war. 
 Of Pennsylvania. Report of the secretary at war on the powers of Con- 
 gress relative to the militia. Proceedings in Canada on the war. Orders 
 for Governor Prevost. Governor Brock's address to the legislature of 
 Upper Canada. .Address of the legislature of Upper Canada to their con - 
 
 'stitucnts. Prince Regent's .Manifesto. 
 
 Page 55 
 
 '^m. 
 
VI 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Chap. IV. — Plan ot military opiTatimi!) for thu crtinpaign oi 181'.}. (ienoial 
 Hull njipoiDteil to the comniiiml oftho norlliern army. KcikIpzvous at 
 Urbantia. Their march to the rapiJs oftho Miami. A sloop, with Ucu. HuUV 
 baggogc and papcra, ami tho hoitpit.tl stores, taken at MaUien. Arrival of 
 the army at Detroit. Iiiviision of Caiinda. (ieneral lIullN proclamation. 
 Head-quarters at Sandwich. Col, M'Arthur's expedition to the Thames. 
 Col. Cass proceeds to the river Auxlauards. Main body return to Detroit. 
 Copt. Bru»ii 'arrives at the river Raisin with supplies. Major Vanhorn 
 detached to escort him. Surprised hy an ambusradn anil defeated, t'ol. 
 Mill-r detachtd to the same place. Battle of Muguago. Col. Miller 
 returns. Cols. M' Arthur and Cass detached to the same place ; ordered 
 to return. General Brock's address to the Canadians. Arrives with rein- 
 forcements at Maiden. Bombards the fort Irom the opposite bank. 
 Crosses the river and advances to assault the fort. General Hull capitu- 
 lates. American forces and property taken. British forces. Court mar- 
 tial ordered. Charges and specifications against Gen. Hull. His defence. 
 
 Sentence of the Court. 
 
 Page 77 
 
 ChAF. V. — Proceedings of the western states in consequence of Hull's defeat. 
 Army under General llanison. Uefeme effort Harrison General Hop- 
 kins's expedition agai'.ist the Kickapoo town; against the Prophet's town. 
 Progress of the army under Gen. Harrison towards the Miami rapids. 
 Fort Wayne. Fort Defiance. General lupper's expedition to the rapids. 
 Colonel Campbell's expedition against the Messessiwcna towns. Battle at 
 the river Raisin. Defeat and capture of General Winchester's army. 
 Cruelties of the British and Indians. D<;Ecnption of the Niagara frontier. 
 Proceedings of General Van Kensselaer. Battle of Qucenston. Militia 
 refuse to cross the river. The American army captured. General 
 Smyth's proclamations ; attempts to pais into Canada, and fails Duel 
 betwern Generals Smyth and Porter. Proceedings of the army of the 
 north. Causesof the failure of the campaign of 1812. - - Page 93 
 
 Chap. VI. — Plan of defence on the sea-board. American frigates sail. 
 Cruise of Commodore Rodgers's squadron. Cruise of the Constitution. 
 Capture of the Guerriere. Cruise of the Essex Capture of the Alert- 
 Capture of the Frolic: and of the Wasp and Frolic by the Poictiers. 
 Capture of the Macedonian. Arrival ofthe United States and Macedonian. 
 The flag of the Macedonian sent to Washington. Second cruise of the 
 Constitution. Capture of the Java. Rule for distributing prize money. 
 Success of Privateers. Number and value of British vessels captured in 
 1812. East-Florida Frontier. Colonel Newman's expedition. Repeal of 
 the orders in council. First proposition of Mr. Russell fur an armistice. 
 Loid Castlereagh's reply. Second proposition and reply. Admiral War- 
 ren's proposition for an armistice. Mr. Monroe's reply. - Page 110 
 
 ' 
 
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COM'KNTS. 
 
 HI 
 
 Chap. VII. — HccuiiJ sctsion ot tlw twelfth Cungrcss. Report oi the com- 
 mittee of foreign rclaliotifi. I.iiw pi oliiliitiiig the employment of foreign 
 seamen. Report of tlic committee on military a(i'air!<. Dcb.ites on the 
 cxpciliciicy of continuing, atiii muuner of cuniluctiiig the war. Army bills 
 pussc 1. lleport of commiitco on navul ufTnira. Comparisoa between 
 seventy-fourt ami frigates. Dry dock recominenJed. Navy bills paued. 
 Treasury estimate*, tlepoit of committee o! ways and means. Revenue 
 bills [lapsed. <-;emisjion ot penalties on goods imported after the revocation 
 of the orders ia council. Law authorizing retaliation passed. Page 14tj 
 
 Chap. VIII. — Hritish plan of the campaign for 1813. American plan. 
 Diviiiun of the United States into military districts. Arrival o( the British 
 reinforcements at Bermuda. Proclamations of blockade. Arrival and 
 proceedings of the squadron in the Delaware. Arrival of the British 
 squadron at Lyuuhaven bay. Plundering uu the shores of the Chesapeake. 
 Burning of Havre de Grace. Plundering and burning of FredericktowH) 
 and Georgetown. Arrival of Admiral Warren, and Sir Sidney Beckwith, 
 with reinforcements. Norfolk threatened. Attack on Craney Island. 
 Capture of Hampton. Plunder and outrages at Hampton. Correspond- 
 ence betvreen the American and British generals on the aubject of the out- 
 rages. Attempt to destroy the Plantageiict with a torpedo. An attempt 
 on the Ramilies with a torpedo and a .'ire-ship. Squadron proceed up the 
 Potomac and threaten Alexandria and Washington. Proceed up the bay 
 and threaten Annapolis and Baltimore. Admiral Cockburn proceeds to 
 the south. Blockade of Commodore Decatur's squadron at New-London. 
 
 Naval challenofe. Decline. 
 
 Page 167 
 
 Chap. IX. — Naval affairs. Cruise of the President. Of the Congress. Of 
 the Hornet. Capture of the Peacock. Captain Lawrence appointed to 
 the command of the Chesapeuke. Challenge of the Shannon ; accepted. 
 Capture of the Chesapeake. Funeral of Lawrence and Ludlow, at Halifax. 
 Their bodies removed to New- York. Funeral honours at Salem and New- 
 York. Crui&e and capture ot the Argus. Death of Captain Allen. Battle 
 between the Enterprise and Boxer, and capture of the latter. Death 
 and luneral honours of both commanders. Cruise of the Essex in the 
 Atlantic. Her arrival in the Pacific. Capture of a Peruvian conair. 
 Capture vf whale ships. Catablishmeat at Madison Island. Essex juoior. 
 Arrival of British squadron. Blockade of the Essex. Battle between 
 her and the British squadron. Capture of the Essex. Return of Captain 
 Porter and crew to the United States. Number and value of British prizes 
 in 1813. Page 173 
 
 Chap. X. — Mobile occupied ; annexed to the Mississippi Territory. Span- 
 ish authorities removed to Pensacola. Southern Indians. Methods taken 
 by the United States to civilize them. Visited by Tecumseh. Instigated 
 
till 
 
 ( ONTKNTh. 
 
 to war. MiisHcre at Fort Mimms. rnu'coiliiigs in Teiincscc anil (leorgia 
 rcl:ifin;f to {\n' Crrnk wnr. 'I'cnncss'fc forces umlcr (rciicml Jarkton 
 Daltic Hi 'raltiisliatchcs. 'Inlln^cda. iJcstiudioii ol tlio liilhtbtr tuwu^; 
 by (ientral White, rrocttedin^s ol the (ftort»ia tones uruler (leneral 
 rioyil, B^ttU- at the \ut<ii!>e i owns, {{attic at (Jum|) Defiauce. Gen* 
 oral Claiborne'') ex^it'dilio:! agaiust Krcanai-hHCii. n;»tilf. Term ol 
 i^crvicc ol (iim rul J;u;k«on s volunteris «.Xiiir('.«, vios' ol" Ihctn leave him. 
 His army recniiloil. I 'is first exprtlilioii to the (Jrrat fi.inl ot the Tallli- 
 poosa. Hallle. CUtuins to foil Strottier. li.ittle at Kuotuchoiieo Creek. 
 Seroiid uX|iedition to tiic Cireat Uciid Battle. Kud of the Creek war. 
 Treaty. Kapid stltknicnl of liie country by the whites - Tage 193 
 
 f'liAP. XI.— Siege of Fort Meigs>. Arrival of General Clay to its relief. 
 Delcut aud cajilure ol (.'oloriel Dudley's dcia«;hment Siege raised. Gen- 
 eral Han-ikon i measures for the deleme of the Lake Erie frontier. 
 Gallant Ucfenre ol Fort .Stephftson. Address of the laJiei ofChillirothc to 
 Mitjor Crogaii. I ho reply. IVeimralions for building a navy on Lake 
 Er;e. Naval Depot at the town of Krie. Commodore Perry appointed to 
 the command; superintends the building a fliet ; anchors at Fut-in-Bay. 
 Naval Battle. Complete victory of the Americans. Proctor determines to 
 abandon Maiden. Remonstrance of the Indians. Speech of Tecumseh. 
 Harrison prepares to invade (Janada; re-occupies Detroit; pursues Proc- 
 tor up the Thames. Battle of the Vlorav an towns. Defeat and capture 
 of Proctors army. Capture of his baggage and papers. Death of Tecum- 
 seh. Dissolution of the In iian contcderacy. Effects of the victory. 
 
 Page 217 
 
 » 
 
 i 
 
 ^ 
 
 Chap. XII. — IVTontreal. Bank passage from IVIontreal to the upper lakes. 
 British naval force on Lake Ontario. American, under Commodore 
 Chauncey. Military force destined lor a descent on Montreal. Expe- 
 ditions against York. Death of General Pike. Attack on Sackett's Har- 
 bour. Capture of Fort George. British retire to Burlinfton Heights. 
 Battle at Stoney Creek. Capture of Generals Chandler and Winder. 
 Battle at the Beaver Dams, (Japture of Colonel Boerstlcr's detachment. 
 Colonel Scott's expedition to Burlington Heights and York. General 
 Wilkinson appointed ta the command of the northern army. Arrives at 
 Sackett's Harbour. Makes arrangements for a descent on Montreal. 
 War department removed to Sackett's Harbour. Troops embark from 
 Fort George for Grenadier Island. Sailing of the flotilla from French 
 Creek. Descent ou the St. Lawrence. Pursuit of the British. Battle at 
 Williamsburgh. General Covington killed. Flotilla arrives at the foot 
 of the Long Sault. General Hampton refuses to join the expedition. 
 Correspondence between him and General WilkiosoQ Expedition aban> 
 doned. Army go into winter-quarters at French Mills. General Hamp- 
 ton advances ta Chatauguay. Returns to Flattsburgh. Vermont militia 
 
« 
 
 <j()\Tr:NTs. 
 
 4x 
 
 ciiiktl •ml I'V tlio war (lipiirtiiKiil to KUanl I'liiU*l)iiisli. Dnlerrii lo 
 return hy Governor Cliittriulpii. C;iu.<cs of the failurp ol the rxpcditioD. 
 Drfonco o( the Niumirii I'roulicr iiitrustcJ lo (icricnil M'Clure riicI the 
 ;\cw-Y(irk militia. Kvnniatioii of p-ort CJrorgo nnil burning of Newark. 
 Fort .Niagara taken. Manxiure. fJiirning i»f the Nia,:;arn frontier. Militia 
 retire to Hat.'wia. Clovernnr I'revost's proclamation. - - rage243 
 
 .Uhap. XIII.— Prrsidcnlirtl eloetion. IimiiQfnrnl acMresx. Meetin;; .ii the 13th 
 Congress. Message, 'rrcasiiry rpp(»rt. Report of "ommitloo of ways anil 
 means. Hirnct tuxes ami internal duties. Vfr. Webster's resolutions on 
 the :inpprcsjionof the French decree of 2(>th of April, 1811. • Report of the 
 secretary of slate thereon. Report of the committca of foreign relations. 
 Massachusetts' remonstrance against the war. British licenses prohibited. 
 Report of the committee oil British outrages. Retaliation. British claim 
 of natural allegiance. American claim. Proceedings with prisoners. 
 Report of the secretary of s ate on allegiance. Second session of the 13th 
 Congress. Message. Confidential conimonication, recommending an 
 embargo. Report ofrommiltec of foreign relations. Flmbnrgo laid. 
 Message, and report thereon, recommending the repeal of the embargo. 
 Treasury report. Expenditures for 1013. Estimates for 1814. Bounty 
 increased. Stcamfriga to built. Loan bill passed. Close of the session. 
 
 Page 273 
 
 <^^HAP. XIV. — State of Europe al tlio comaioucement of the year 1814. It.s 
 effects on the American war. British plan of the campaign of 1814. 
 American system of defence. Arrival of tlio Bordeaux and Mediterranean 
 squadron and troops in the Ciiosapeakc. handing at Benedict. March to 
 Washington. Rattle of Bladensburgh, Capture and burning of Washing- 
 ton. Retreat of the British forces. Capitulation and plunder of Alexan- 
 dria. Causes of the disasters in the District of Columbia, - Page 301 
 
 Ch Ap. XV. — Admiral Cochrane's letter, threatening to lay Waste the coast 
 The secretary's reply. The President's proclamation. Baltimore threat- 
 ened. Plan of defence. Landing of the British on the Patapsco, Gen- 
 eral Ross slain Battle of the 12th September. British reconnoitre the 
 American lines and retreat. Re-embark. Attack on Fort M'Henry. 
 Brave defence. British repulsed. Proceed down the Bay. Leave the 
 Chesapeake. Burning the shipping at Pettipaug. Attack on Stonington. 
 Gallant defence. Capture of Eastport. Castine, and the eastern coast. 
 Destruction of the frigate Adams. Plunder of the towns on the coast of 
 
 Massachusetts. 
 
 Page 333 
 
 GhAf. XVI. — Naval operations in 1814. Cruise of the Peacock. Adams. 
 Wasp. Privateer Geseral Armstrong. Captureof the President, Cruise 
 of the Hornet; of the Constitution. Number and value of captures from 
 the British in 1814. Number and value of ships taken during the war. 
 
 General result of the naval war. Page 353 
 
 I 
 
CONTENTb. 
 
 ChAF. XVII.— General Wilkinson retires from the French Mills. Attain ol 
 La Cole Mill. State of the British and American navy on Lake Ontario. 
 Attack on Oswego. Burning of Long Point. General Brown takes the 
 command on the Niagara t'rontie' . Fort Erie surrenders. Battle of Chip- 
 pewa. Death of General Swift. Burning of St. Davids. Battle of 
 Niagara. Capture of General Riall. Exchange of General Drummond's 
 Aid for the corpse of General Brown's. General Gaines takes the com- 
 mand. Asjault on Fort Erie. Explosion. Sortie on the But. sh works. 
 The seige raised. General Izard arrives with reinforcements and takes the 
 eommand. Retires from Fort Erie. General result of the campaio;t) on 
 the Niagara. Puge 3G3. 
 
 1* 
 
 ''t 
 
 Ih 
 
 l: I' 
 
 Chap. XVIII.— Colonel Crogan's expedition to Lake Huron. Unsuccessful 
 attempt on Michillimackinats. Destroys the British post at Nautawesago 
 river. Returns to Detroit. Capture of two American schooners on Lake 
 Huron. Arrival of reinforcements at Quebec. General Izard's army 
 leaves Plattsburgh for Niagara. General Prevosl advances in force from 
 Montreal towards Plattsburgh. Enters Plattsburgh, and encamps on the 
 left of the Saranac. Waits the approach of his fleet. Naval battle on 
 the 11th of September, on the bay of Plattsburgh. M'Donough's victory. 
 Simultaneous attaek on the American lines. British attempt to cross the 
 Saranac ; are repulsed. Retreat of the British army from Plattsburgh. 
 Amount of the British and American land and naval forces. Losses in 
 each army and navy. Page 387 
 
 ^hA^. XIX. — New-Orleans. Proceedings at Pensaoola. Arrival of a 
 British naval force at that place. N'choU's address to the Louisianians 
 Negotiations with the Pirates of Barrataria. Commodore Patterson's ex- 
 pedition against them. Unsuccessful expedition against Mobile. General 
 Jackson enters Pensacola with a military force ; expels the British. 
 Armament sails from the West Indies against New-Orleans. NiohoU's em- 
 bassy to theChoctaws. GeneralJackson's arrival; proclaims martial law. 
 Measures of defence. Fort St. Philips garrisoned. Arrival of the British 
 armament at ship Island. Capture of the American flotilla on Lake Bergne, 
 Landing of the British at Bayou Bienvenu. Battle of the 23d of Decem- 
 ber. Of the 1st of January. Deciuve victory of the 8th. Bombardment 
 isf fort St. Philips. Retreat of the British. Capture of Fort Boyer. 
 
 Page 398" 
 
 ^itAt. XX — Treatment of American seamen in British service at the com- 
 mencement of the war. Colonel Beasley's correspondence with the British 
 government on the subject. Those who refuse to serve, treated as prison- 
 ers of war, and confined in Dartmoor prison. Description of that place, 
 j^umber of American prisoners confined there. Escape of Lieutenant R. 
 *1ri AHack upon, %nd daughter of the Prisoners on the 6th of April, 1811. 
 
 'i 
 
CONTENTt? 
 
 lU 
 
 Ueport of joint commissioners appointed to examine the subject. Meeting 
 ol the legislature of vJassachusetLs October 1814. View of the siiuatiou 
 of that state. Governor's me^sa^e an'Klocuments. Report of committee 
 recommending a convention of delcf;ales from the New England States. 
 Protest of the minority against the report . Proocedin^js i those states ou 
 the subject. Meeting of the delogates at Hartford. Their powers ex- 
 amined. Their journal, proceedings, and report. Proceedings of Massa- 
 chusetts and Connecticut on the report of the convention Amendments to 
 the constitution reccmmended. Transmitted to the other state*, and 
 rejected. Page 422 
 
 Chap. XXI.— Third session of the 13th Ccrngrcss. Message. Proposition to 
 remove the -eat of government ; negatived. Vlr. Dallas appointed to the 
 treasury department. His expose. His propositions for the improvement 
 of the finances. His scheme for a nalio lal bank. The bill for the establish- 
 ment of a bank passed both houses. Disapproved by the President. Re- 
 turned and negatived, ^tate of the circulating medium, and of public and 
 private credit. Duties of the secretary at war assigned to Mr. Monroe. 
 His expose of the state of the army, and the recruiting service. His plaa 
 for raising an army for the year 1815. Mr. Giles's bill adopted. Report of 
 the secretary of the navy. --.«•. Page 458 
 
 Chap. XXIl, — Russian mediation pfroposed to Mr, Adams. Communicated 
 to the American government Accepted. Appointment of envoys. Theif 
 instructions. Mediation rejected by the Prince Regent. British proposi- 
 tion for a direct negotiation. Accepted by ihi^ United Statas. Appoint- 
 ment of additional envoys. Their instructions. Meeting of the British and 
 American envoys at Ghent. British propositions, and ultimatum. Ameri- 
 can pro^'ositions. British envoys communicate with their government, and 
 receive different instructions. Their ultimatum waived. The negotia- 
 tions proceed, and terminte in a treaty of peace, Treaty ratified by both 
 governments. Proceedings at New-Orleans immediately after the peace. 
 Rejoicings throughout the United State:.. President's message, communi- 
 cating the subject to Congress. Peace establishment. Effects of the war 
 
 qh the national character. 
 
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 for advance read absenr.e< 
 for companies read commissioner; 
 for gallant read galling. 
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 for 9,320 rea I 9,320,000. 
 for or read a*. 
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 for 6/anA: read^nnifc. 
 for Doiney read Dnhney, 
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 .. 1 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. ♦ 
 
 ■■:,'} ■ 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 
 Caases of the War.— Aggressiens on Neutral Commerce. — Colonial 
 Trade. — ^Rule of 1756. — Armed Neutrality.— -Treaty of 1794. — Im- 
 preasment — Blockade of 1806. — Orders in Council of January 1807( 
 of November 1807. — Berlin and Milan decrees.— Embai^go — Non- 
 Intercourse,and Non-Importation Laws. — Attack on the Chesapeake.— 
 Erskine's Arrangement; Disavowed. — ^Monroe's andPinckney'sTreaty 
 rejected. — ^Decisions of British Prize Courts. — ^Disputes with Jack- 
 son.— Champagny's letter to Armstrong. — ^President's Proclamatioa 
 restoring French Intercourse.— Communications to the British Got- 
 ermnent 
 
 yeutral Rights. For a century past. Great Britain has 
 been the predominant naval power, and during a great por- 
 tion of the time engaged in contests with other nations. 
 Her wars have partaken much of the maritime character. 
 As a belligerent possessing superior naval force, her 
 interest has always led her, and her efforts have uniformly 
 been exerted, to restrict neutral maritime rights. These, as 
 recognised in the code of National Law, are simple and defi- 
 nite ; authorizing the neutral to maintain its accustomed 
 friendly relations with each belligerent ; and to enjoy an 
 unrestrained commerce with both, except in articles contra- 
 band of war, enemy's property, and with ports actually in- 
 vested Mrith a competent stationary force. , ' 
 
 2 
 
10 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR 
 
 Chaip. 1. 
 
 8 i' 
 
 |! '■'', 
 
 s 
 
 I I 
 
 Rule of 1756. In the year 1756, a war commenced 
 
 - between Great Britain and France, relating to their colonial 
 
 ^possessions in America. France being the weaker naval 
 
 power, was unable to maintain her accustomed trade with, her 
 
 West India Islands, and opened it to neutrals. To interrupt 
 
 find destroy this intercourse, so beneficial to France and her 
 
 colonies, and so lucrative to neutrals. Great Britain of her 
 
 own authority introduced this new principle of national law : 
 
 '* That no other trade should be allowed to neutrals, with the 
 
 colonies of a belligerent in time of war, than what is allowed 
 
 by the parent state in time of peace/^ 
 
 European nations possessing colonies abroad, unless on 
 extraordinary occasions, and for very limited periods, restrict 
 their trade entirely to themselves, furnishing the colonies with 
 their manufactures and surplus productions, and in return 
 taking the produce of the colonies to market : and in this way 
 isendering them subservient to the interests of their parent 
 state. This new British principle operated as a prohibition of 
 all neutral trade with the colonies of the belligerent. Vessel^ 
 engaged in the French colonial trade, were declared to be 
 French by adoption, and subject to capture and condemna- 
 tion. Unfortunately for the interests of commerce, there was 
 no nation at this period able and willing to resist this first 
 encroachment upon neutral rights, at the expense of war ; and 
 Great Britain continued the practice until the peace of 1 763 ; 
 and in all her subsequent wars has claimed the same principle 
 under the title of the rule of the war of 1 756 as being part of the 
 code of nations. • '^-i ^' r 
 
 Armid Kmtrality of 1780. In the year 1780 the war of 
 the American revolution had extended to France and Spain, 
 and assumed a maritime character. Infringements on neutral 
 commerce, to an alarming extent, were the immediate conse- 
 fyience. The rule of the war of 1 756 was revived, blockades 
 by proclamation were introduced, and the list of contraband 
 atbitrarily enlarged. To resist these encroachments, and 
 
1812. 
 
 histI^ry of the IaAte war. 
 
 tl 
 
 protect oeutral maritime rights, Russia, Sweden, Denmark, 
 and Holland, formed a treaty of alliance, denominated the 
 armed neutrality of 1 780, by which theyf)ledged themselves 
 to support, at the hazard of war if necessary with either of 
 the belligerents, these principles—- 
 
 ** That it should be lawful for any ships to sail freely 
 from one port to another, or along the coast of the powers at 
 war. 
 
 *^That all mercliandise and effects belonging to the subjects 
 of the belligerent powers, and shipped in neutral bottoms, 
 should be entirely free. 
 
 " That no place should be considered as blockaded, ex- 
 cept the assailing power had taken a station so as to expose 
 to imminent danger any ship attempting to sail in or out of 
 such ports. 
 
 " That no neutral ships should be stopped, without a mate- 
 rial and well-grounded cause : and in such cases justice should 
 be done them without delay."* 
 
 A powerful naval armament was raised by the parties to 
 this treaty, to enforce its principles, by which belligerent en- 
 croachments were checked for a time ; but it resulted in Great 
 Britain^s persevering in her claims, and making Holland a 
 party to the war. 
 
 Proclamati<m of Neutrality 1793. At the commence- 
 ment of the European war in 1793, the American government 
 determined upon a strict and impartial neutrality, as their only 
 safe and honourable course : and in April 1 793, the President 
 issued a proclamation, declaring that to be the relation in 
 which the United States stood towards the European bel- 
 ligerents; and enjoining it on all the citizens to refrain from 
 any acts'of hostility towards either of the powers of war.t 
 
 '" Treaty of neutrality, 1T80. 
 tHioclamation of neutrality, 1793. 
 
Id 
 
 HIStOAY OF THE LATE WAlt 
 
 Cni^. f. 
 
 1812 
 
 i 
 
 l! 
 
 I ! 
 
 During the first periods of the French revolution, the feelings 
 of the American people were altogether engaged on the side 
 of what was then considered the cause of liberty, A scnti* 
 went of gratitude towards France for the aid she afforded the 
 United States in the war of the revolution, as well as a recol- 
 lection of the recent sufferings from the English, created and 
 cherished strong predilections in favour of the French. The 
 proclamation of neutrality was well adapted to prevent any ill 
 effects which might arise from the excess of these feelings. In 
 the progress of that war, however, there grew up in France a 
 military despotism, alarming in its appearance, terrible m its 
 progress, and threatening universal dominion : the contest 
 at length became a struggle on the part of France for univer- 
 sal empire ; on the part of the other continental powers, for 
 national existence ; and on the part of England, for the domin- 
 ion of the ocean. Neutral rights, at first partially respected' 
 were in the progress of the contest altogether disregarded. 
 At an early period of this war, the course which Great Britain 
 kad determined to pursue in relation to neutrals began to de- 
 yelope itself. 
 
 British jiggressions. On the 8th of June, 1793, an order 
 in council issued from the British cabinet, by virtue of which 
 all vessels laden wholly or in part with bread-stuffs, bound to 
 any port in France, or places occupied by French armies, 
 were required to be carried into England, and their cargoes 
 either there disposed of, or security given that they should 
 be sold only in the ports of a country in amity with Great 
 Britain.* ■ ■•■■ '■ ■•" ^' f ':';' • 
 
 On the 6th of the following November, claiming to revive 
 the rule of the war of 1 756, another order in council was issued, 
 and silently circulated among the British cruizers, without 
 notice to American merchants, directing " all vessels laden 
 
 * British provision order of June rf93; 
 
 
 
1812. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 13 
 
 I 
 
 with goods, the produce of any colony of France, or carry- 
 ing provisions or supplies for such colony, to be seized and 
 brought in for adjudication."* Some relaxation in the rigour, 
 without any alteration in the principle of this order was intro- 
 duced by a subsequent one of January 8th, 1794, which con- 
 fined its operation to such vessels as were proceeding from, or 
 bound directly to, Europe. 
 
 At the time of issuing the order, France had opened the 
 ports of her West India colonies to neutral trade. American 
 merchants were engaged in it to a great extent ; and their 
 property to the amount of many millions was swept from the 
 ocean, carried into British ports, and condemned. 
 
 This conduct was attempted to be justified on the part of 
 Great Britain, on the ground of expediency ; her arguments 
 were, that if the neutral colonial trade were permitted, she 
 would be deprived of all substantial good derivable from her 
 naval superiority, and the neutral be the only power bene- 
 fited : that she was maintaining immense fleets and armies 
 to no valuable purpose to herself, if her enemy might enjoy 
 his colonial commerce through the medium of neutrals : that 
 the neutral could have no right to claim the enjoyment of this 
 commerce, which was interdicted to him, by the belligerent 
 herself in time of peace. 
 
 American Principles. These principles were resisted on the 
 part of the United States, om the ground that the law of 
 nations warranted no such pretensions ; that France and 
 America were at peace ; that with the exception of contra- 
 band of war, and enemy's property, she had a right to trade 
 with France and her colonies, in such manner, in such articles, 
 and to such an extent, as suited their mutual convenience, 
 without the interference of Great Britain. While the goods 
 were American property, sailing on the ocean under the Amer- 
 
14 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 CuAf, l« 
 
 . 
 
 ifi:; 
 
 Scan flag, they were not liable to capture, because they might 
 be destined to France. All trade, say they, is founded on the 
 mutaal convenience and wants of the parties ; if this spe- 
 cies of trade might be prohibited because France would re- 
 ceive a benefit from it, so indeed might all others ; and the 
 consequence would be a suspension of trade, or a general state 
 of war. That the principles contended for by the United 
 States had been recognised by Great Britain in regulating 
 the trade of her own colonies ; she having frequently relaxed 
 her colonial system in time of war, whenever the good of her 
 colonies or her own convenience required it, never admitting 
 the principle that a neutral, taking advantage of such relaxa- 
 tion, infringed any belligerent rights. Principles so benefi- 
 cial to France in the present state of her contest with Great 
 Britain, did not fail to obtain the full support of the French 
 government. America was required to maintain them at 
 every hazard. 
 
 Jay^s Treaty, The American Congress was in session 
 when the first intelligence of the proceedings of the British 
 cruizers, and prize courts under the orders of the 6th of No- 
 vember, 1 793, reached the United States. A very high degree 
 of excitement was the immediate consequence. Petitions for 
 redress were presented to Congress from all quarters ; and 
 retaliatory measures which must have ended in war, were 
 strenuously urged. At this period the President nominated a 
 special envoy to the court of St. James, to seek redress for 
 these grievances, and negotiate a treaty of amity and com- 
 merce. This mission, if successful, would remove the cause ; 
 if otherwise, every American would unite in defence of their 
 rights : it suspended all legislative proceedings of a hostile 
 character, and resulted in a treaty making provision for the 
 payment of damages for losses sustained under illegal cap- 
 tures and condemnations. From this time until the peace of 
 Amiens in 1803, the American, commerce continued subject t» 
 
 
 I 
 
1812. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 15 
 
 #. 
 
 occasional aggressions from the British marine, though not in 
 the same systematic manner as before the treaty of 1794. 
 
 hnpreasmmt. In the early stages of the European war, 
 Great Britain advanced another claim which threatened de- 
 struction to the commerce of America, and struck at the foun- 
 dation of her independence. The high wages, mild treat- 
 ment, and security from danger, enjoyed by sailors on board 
 American merchant vessels, afforded strong and irresistible 
 inducements for British seamen to seek employment in Amer- 
 ican navigation ; while the extended commerce of the United 
 States made it equally the interest of the merchant to employ 
 them. The British government viewed this desertion of their 
 seamen as a fatal blow to power, and as depriving them of 
 the means of defence and conquest. 
 
 In time of war. Great Britain claimed a right to the services 
 of all her subjects, and insisted that a person bom within the 
 realm owed to the government a natural and unalienable alle- 
 giance, which no length of time, absence from home, or resi- 
 dence and naturalization in foreign states, could cancel. That 
 at the command of their sovereign, every natural born subject, 
 wherever he might be, or whatever engagements he might have 
 contracted with other powers was bound to return, and fight 
 the battles of his country. 
 
 In accordance with these principles, the Prince Regent issued 
 a proclamation forbidding the employment of British sea- 
 men in foreign service, and ordering such as were absent, or 
 thus employed, to return. Thecommanding officers of Brit- 
 ish armed vessels, were authorized and directed to board 
 neutral merchantmen, and compel all British seamen found on 
 board to enter their service. The execution of this order, 
 intrusted to men always interested, many times incompetent, 
 and often unprincipled, without appeal, or any mode of redress, 
 was a continued source of vexation, hazard, and oppression 
 to neutral commerce. The sameness of language, and simi- 
 larity of manners in British and American seamen, ren* 
 
 ^ 
 
i 
 
 i 
 
 ,!i 
 
 1j6 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. Chat. 4. 
 
 dered it imposiible for the British commander, if disposed, to 
 distinguish with accuracy between them ; and always afforded 
 an excuse to the unprincipled, to rob the American merchant- 
 vessel of such numbers and description of seamen as suited 
 his convenience* a?/: . -t".' ; ,,'>•:»,.".' wii r> 
 • The manner in which these orders were executed was such 
 as to excite the greatest animosity. The vessel was stopped 
 in her course on the high seas, boarded by an inferior officer 
 with a competent number of attendants ; the crew mustered 
 and compared with the roll, and such numbers taken, and de- 
 clared to be British seamen, as the boarding officer thought 
 proper to select ; these were impressed into the British ser- 
 vice without a hearing, or any possibility of redress. Any 
 protections or other evidence of American citizenship were 
 disregarded. The vessel was then dismissed, often in an in- 
 sulting manner, and left to pursue her course, without a com- 
 plement of hands, to the hazard, and often to the utter loss, of 
 the voyage. By these practices some thousands of native 
 born American citizens were forced into the British navy. >;,> 
 '- American Principles. Principles so contrary to neutral 
 rights, followed by practices so injurious to American com- 
 merce, and so humiliating to the country, were not to be en- 
 dured. The United States maintained that the flag bf a 
 nation protected all that sailed under it ; that seamen, from 
 whatever country they came, who had placed themselves 
 under the protection of the American government, and had 
 become naturalized agreeably to the provisions of law, and 
 were in the lawful pursuit of their business on board American 
 ships, which were considered a part of the national domain, 
 were entitled to the same protection with their native bom 
 citizens. Having left their country with the consent of its 
 government, and connected themselves with a foreign state, 
 they became a part of the nation they had adopted, and could 
 not be forcibly taken, either on land or on the ocean, the 
 common highway of nations, and compelled into the British 
 
1814. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 If 
 
 service. Great Britain herself had fully recognised this prin- 
 ciple, by providing in her laws for the naturalization of for- 
 eigners, and enacting that foreign seamen serving a short 
 period on board her vessels, or marrying in England, become 
 naturalized and entitled to the same privileges and protection 
 as her natural born subjects. 
 
 But waiving the question of unalienable natural allegiance 
 every government is bound so to use and enjoy its own rights 
 as not to injure and destroy the rights of others. That for 
 one government to seek and forcibly seize its subjects while 
 under the special protection, or within the dominions of an- 
 other, was a prostration of the sovereignty of the latter. No 
 process of national law could be found which would authorize 
 the crews of British ships to invade the territory, or board 
 the ships of another sovereign in search of their subjects, 
 whom they had voluntarily suffered to leave them. Every 
 circumstance attending the arrest, search, and impressment, 
 wag degrading ; it could not be carried into effect without in- 
 volving thousands of American citizens, to whom the British 
 government could have no pretensions, in undistinguished ruin. 
 
 lo all their remonstrances to the British government, the 
 United States offered to exclude British seamen firom their 
 service, which would remove any pretence of necessity for 
 the practice. At an early period of the negotiations upon 
 this subject. Great Britain indeed consented to relinquish the 
 practice on what she termed the high seas. But the waters 
 surrounding the British Islands, and separating them from tjbe 
 Continent, from Cape Finisterre on the south, to the north-^ 
 ernmost islands of Scotland, they denominated the narrow 
 seas, and claimed to exercise territorial jurisdiction on them ; 
 whenever, therefore, American vessels came within those seas, 
 as they necessarily must, when bound to the Baltic, to Ham- 
 burgh, Holland, or the nothern parts of France, they were 
 on this principle within the territorial jurisdiotion of the 
 
 3 . '-.:,■ .:. . 
 
 4 
 
 I. 
 p.. 
 
 
18 
 
 lUhTORY OF TilE LATK WAH. 
 
 Cha^ U 
 
 British government, and subjnct to search and impressment.* 
 A doctrine so subversive of national rights, and at the same 
 lime 80 destitute of principle, could not be submitted to by 
 any independent power. The peace of Amiens afforded n 
 short suspension of aggressions upon neutral rights, but with 
 the renewal of the war those aggressions were renewed with 
 increased violence. By a British order in council of June 
 1603, the principle was claimed, that a neutral vessel on her 
 return was liable to capture and condemnation, from the 
 ' circumstance that in her outward voyage she had conveyed 
 contraband goods to an enemy's port.t 
 
 Blockade of 1806. By a British ploclamation of the lOlh 
 of May, 1806, the whole sea-coast bordering on the English 
 Channel, from the port of Brest to the mouth of the Elbe, both 
 inclusive, embracing a distance of six hundred miles, was 
 declared to be in a state of blockade, and neutral vessels pro- 
 hibited entering any of the ports on that coast. It was not 
 pretended that there was a sufficient naval force before each 
 ©f these ports to invest it, but it was claimed that such was 
 the number and situation of the British ships of war in and 
 near the channel, that no vessel could enter those ports with 
 safety, and on that ground they might lawfully be prohibited. 
 A proclamation of blockade notified to the ministers of neutral 
 powers was deemed sufficient notice to their vessels, of the 
 existence of such blockade : and ships cleared out for ports 
 prohibited under the proclamation were deemed lawful prize, 
 en any part of the ocear\. ' The principle of public law by 
 ,whieh neutrals are excluded from belligerent ports, originally 
 extended only to places actually besieged, where their admis- 
 sion would prolong the siege or prevent a capture ; and it 
 was not until after England had gained a naval ascendancy, 
 that it was ever ad^iittedjo extend to places where the object 
 
 ♦ Mr. King's Letter to the Secretary of State, July tStW-. 
 •\ Ordei» in Coimcil of the 24tb June 1803: 
 
i'ui-l. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 it 
 
 ( 
 
 of the blockade was not their reduction. But in all cases the 
 neutral attempting to enter is to be first warned to depart, and 
 liable to capture and condemnation only on a second attempt.* 
 
 Orders in Council. By an order of council of the 7th of Janu- 
 ary, 1807, no neutral vessel was allowed to trade from one 
 port to another of France or her allies, or which was in pos- 
 session of her armies, or of any countries from which British 
 vc§i^ls were excluded. This order was not claimed to be 
 founded upon any principles of national law, but in retaliation 
 for French decrees, which the same order declares to be mere 
 empty threats witiiout the possibility of bnog executed. 
 
 The orders in council of the 11th of NovemfMr, super- 
 seded all former ones, and put an end to neutral trade." 
 They declared all the ports and places of France, her allies, or 
 any other country at war with England, or from which the 
 British flag was excluded, and all their colonies to be in a 
 state of blockade, and all commerce, in articles the produce 
 or manufacture of such countries, to be unlawful. As a mat- 
 ter of professed favour to neutrals, they were allowed to bring 
 their cargoes to England, pay the British duties, and proceed 
 to the Continent, where, for this very reason, they would be 
 subject to condemnation.! 
 
 Milan Decree. This was followed by the French Milan 
 decree, of the 1 7th of December, which decl|ired all vessels 
 bound to or sailing from England, or which had submitted to 
 English search, to be subject to capture and condemnation. 
 
 Both nations, in their treatment of neutrals, equally disre- 
 garded their rights ; and adopted principles unknown to the*, 
 law of nations, and subversive of the plainest maxims of 
 justice. Each claimed the right of destroying the commerce 
 of the other, by prohibiting the trade of neutrals with their 
 opponent. The doctrine of retaliation, which in certain cases 
 
 * Vattel 508. 
 
 f Fritish order in council, November 1807. 
 
M 
 
 IJ 
 
 i^ii ;i 
 
 > VI 
 
 20 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR 
 
 Chap. 1. 
 
 and to a limited extent, admits one belligerent, who has re« 
 ceived an injury from his antagonist, to inflict the same on 
 him in return, was drawn into view to justify the practice of 
 inflicting on an innocent neutral, an injury of the same char- 
 acter which the neutral had received from the opposing belli* 
 gerent. These principles,carried into operation with the most 
 rigorous energy, swept from the ocean the commerce of the 
 United States ; and nothing but an utter inability to resist them 
 with effect could justify even a temporary forbearance. 
 
 Berlin Decree. The French government, after the de- 
 struction of their marine, and the absolute naval ascendancy of 
 Great Britain, became the champions of the freedom of the 
 seas* Dependent on neutrals for the little commerce they 
 enjoyed, they were desirous of extending the immunities of 
 the neutral flag, and proclaimed the principles of national law 
 to be, that maritime war could not be lawfully extended to 
 any private property, nor to persons who are not military : — 
 that the right of blockade should be restrained to fortified 
 places actually invested by a competent military force : that 
 free ships should make free goods, and the flag protect the 
 merchandise conveyed under it ; and that a ship was a part of 
 the domain of the nation whose flag she bore, and could 
 not be approached by a belligerent but for ihe purpose of 
 taking enemy-soldiers in arms, and goods contraWndofwar. 
 The adoption of these principles, it was obvious, would render 
 the British marine in a great measure useless ; and would 
 be the last point that Great Britain would be expected to 
 Igive up; neutrals, however, were required to resist any 
 encroachments upon them at all hazards; otherwise they 
 would consider the neutral as forfeiting his character, his ships 
 as denationalized, and liable to capture and condemnation. 
 The promulgation of this doctrine was followed by a series 
 of disastrous pillage on American commerce, for which the 
 only reason assigned was that the United States did not resist 
 Britrsl^ aggressions by immediate war, Th£ French consid- 
 
 1812 
 
1812. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 n 
 
 ered American property on the ocean as free plunder, and 
 captured, burnt, and destroyed it at their pleasure. The 
 first public edict upon the subject, was the Berlin decree of 
 November 1806, which, after recounting the various aggres- 
 sions of the British upon neutral commercial rights, declares 
 the British Islands to be in a state of blockade, and prohibits 
 all commerce and correspondence with them ; and further 
 declares all merchandise coming from English manufactories 
 or from English colonies t(» be lawful prize ; and that no 
 vessel coming from England, or her colonies, or having been 
 there since the publication of the decrees, should be received 
 into French ports. 
 
 Conduct of British Ships in American Waters, To give 
 efficacy to their orders in council, the British kept constantly 
 hovering on the coast, and in the American waters, a 
 large naval force. This was a constant source of vexation : 
 scarcely a vessel could go in or out of a port without being 
 arrested and searched by a British cruiser, and often on the 
 most frivolous pretexts sent to England for condemnation. 
 
 Conduct of the British Prize Courts. The British prize 
 courts, though under the Presidency of Sir William Scott, a 
 very able jurist, had moulded their doctrines and decisions in 
 conformity to the views of government ; had given to the pro- 
 clamations of the Prince Regent, and the orders in council, the 
 power of abrogating the law of nations; and under the head of 
 supporting what were claimed to be British maritime rights, 
 had extinguished the just rights and privileges of all other 
 nations. 
 
 On the 25th of April, 1 806, the British ship Leander, Cap- 
 tain Whitby, in company with two other ships of war, off San- 
 dy-Hook, fired upon the sloop Richard, a coasting vessel 
 from Brandywine, coming into New- York, and killed John 
 Pierce, the man at the helm. The sloop then pursued her 
 course to the city, where the body was landed; a jury of 
 inquest held, and a verdict of wilful murder returned against 
 
I 
 
 ii ' 
 
 i!i:i 
 
 mn 
 
 22 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAP. 
 
 ClTAP. 1» 
 
 Captain Whitby. The corpse was interred under direction of 
 the city authorities with every mark of respect. The excite- 
 ment which this outrage occasioned throughout the country was 
 extreme. The President issued a proclamation ordering 
 Whitby to be arrested for trial if ever found in any part of the 
 United States, and prohibiting all intercourse with the Lean- 
 der, and the ships in company with her. 
 
 Capture of the Chesapeake. On the 22d of June, 1807, the 
 American frigate Chesapeake, Commodore Barron, of thirty- 
 six guns, sailed from Hampton Roads, on a cruise to the Med- 
 iterranean. In proceeding to sea, she passed a British squadron 
 at anchor in Lynnhaven bay ; soon after, the British ship of 
 war Leopard, of fifty guns, followed her ; at three leagues dis- 
 tance from Cape Henry, the Leopard came up with the Ches- 
 apeake, sent an officer on board, and demanded the surrender 
 of a number of her crew, whom he claimed to be deserters 
 from the British squadron, and showed an order from Admiral 
 Berkeley, directing them to be taken by force in case of refu- 
 sal. Commodore Barron replied that he had given his re- 
 cruiting officers orders to enlist no British deserters; that he 
 knew of no such on board ; and that he should not suffer his 
 crew to be mustered by any but his own officers. On re- 
 ceiving this reply, the Leopard commenced a heavy fire on 
 the Chesapeake ; Commodore Barron being wholly unpre- 
 pared for action, sustained the fire about thirty minutes, and 
 surrendered his ship. The Captain of the Leopard sent an 
 officer on board, mustered the crew, took from them four 
 persons whom he claimed to be British deserters, and returned 
 to Lynnhaven bay. Three of them were afterwards proved 
 to be impressed native American seamen ; the fourth was 
 tried and executed as a British deserter. The Chesapeake 
 had three men killed and eighteen wounded, and was so dam- 
 aged in her hull and rigging as to be wholly unable to proceed 
 on her voyage. The conduct of Commodore Barron was 
 investigated by a naval tribunal, who censured him for not 
 
 •^ 
 
 ,11 
 
^;J12. 
 
 ttlSTOkY OF THE LATE WAIT. 
 
 ^3 
 
 preparing his ship for action and returning the Leopaixl's fire, 
 and ordered him suspended for a year. In consequence of 
 this outrage, which appeared to be the consummation of acts 
 of violence committed by the British on American ships, the 
 President issued a proclamation forbidding all British armed 
 vessels from- entering the waters of the United States, and 
 prohibiting all intercourse with them. The attack on the 
 Chesapeake was afterwards disavowed by the British gov- 
 ernment, the two surviving men restored, and provision made 
 for the families of the slain ; this satisfaction was accepted by 
 the American government. 
 
 Monroe and Pinckney'^s Treatj/, In March 1 806, Mr. Wil- 
 Iram Pinckney, of Maryland, was appointed envoy extraordi- 
 nary to the British court, and in conjunction with Mr. Mon- 
 roe, the resident minister, directed to seek redress for past 
 injuries, and obtain stipulations against the violation of neu- 
 tral rights in future. On the subject of impressment, they were 
 instructed to make it a preliminary, and without a satisfactory 
 afrangement of that point, to conclude no treaty.* Mr. 
 Pinckney left the United States in May, and immediately on 
 his arrival, entered with Mr. Monroe on the business of his 
 mission. On the subject of impressment, they found the Brit- 
 ish government entirely inexorable. The American ministers 
 then informed the British that their instructions forbade their 
 concluding any treaty in which that subject was not arranged, 
 and of course their acts would not be obligatory upon their 
 government. They proceeded however to the discussion of 
 the other topics with the British ministry, and on the 31st of 
 December concluded a treaty which contained no stipulation 
 on the subject of impressment, no agreement for satisfaction 
 for past injuries, and which impliedly, recognised the right 
 of the British to interdict the neutral direct colonial trade, t 
 
 '" Instructions of May 17th, 1806. 
 
 tMbnrGe and Finckney's treaty^ December Sisf, 1805^ 
 
64 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 1. 
 
 J 
 
 3 'I' 
 
 iSi 
 
 m \ 
 
 IFI! 
 
 
 ,w 
 
 Ih 
 
 illj;! 
 
 Accompanying the treaty, was a note from the British commis- 
 siooers, declaring, that unless France repealed her edicts 
 against neutral commerce with Great Britain, or America 
 efiectually resisted them, the treaty should not be obligatory 
 upon the British government.* On receiving this treaty 
 under these circumstances, the President rejected it without 
 submitting it to the Senate. The envoys were instructed to 
 renew the negotiations, and endeavour to obtain better terms. 
 In attempting to do this, they were informed by the British 
 ministry that further negotiations would be useless. 
 
 Embargo, At this crisis the President convened Congress 
 on the 26th of October, 1 807. It had become a subject deep- 
 ly interesting to every portion of the community, what course 
 the United States ought to pursue. That both belligerents 
 had violated the most essential and important neutral rights 
 of the United States, admitted of no doubt. These rights 
 were essential to the prosperity of the nation, and as much 
 the duty of the government to protect as their territory. 
 The American government had been suing at the courts of 
 the belligerents, for more than twelve years, for liberty of 
 enjoying some of the privileges accorded to neutrals by the 
 laws of nations, and had sued in vain, and were at length told 
 that further suits would be useless. The principle assumed 
 by both belligerents was the same, viz. to violate any neu- 
 tral right, when they could prejudice their enemy thereby. 
 There was this practical difference between them. The Brit- 
 ish were able to carry their edicts into execution with a most 
 destructive energy ; the French decrees, from the weakness of 
 their marine, were in a great measure empty threats. 
 
 A large portion of the commercial part of the community, 
 were in favour of permitting American vessels to arm in their 
 own defence, and to leave it to the discretion of the merchant 
 to pursue such commercial adventures as his judgment should 
 
 * 33rififth note acGompanyiog treaty, 3Tst of December. 
 
 \u-\ 
 
 ■mr 
 
 ,»t- 
 
itfis. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WJUL 
 
 35 
 
 direct. This was considered by the govemmeift tis com- 
 promitting their honour, and aflfording fresh opportunities fofr 
 fontinucd insults. On the l^th of December the President 
 recommended, and Congress afterwards adopted, an einbargo, 
 universal in extent, and unlimited in duration. Twb objects 
 were proposed by this measure: one, toinduce the belligerents^ 
 iirom the inconveniences resulting to them from the depHva- 
 tton of the American trade, to relax their hostility to neutral 
 commerce j the other to predervt^ the resources of the coun- 
 try within itself. To give cOriiplete effect to the measure, it 
 became necessary to lay the coasting tirade under the moit 
 intdnvenient and burthensome ri^strictions, and to prohibit i^ 
 land intercourse between the United States, ^nd the neigh- 
 louring British colonies. 
 
 The experiment of compelling ohe nation to acbede tb 
 the claims bf another, by withholding " intercourse from all, 
 had never before been made. The object was important, 
 the attempt new," and could it have been successful, would 
 have introduced a new and an important era in political sciehce. 
 It must have taken the place of wars in a great measure, as 
 being a much more safe, easy, and cheap mode of enforcing fl 
 demand. The progress of improvement in interriational poli- 
 tics, had not hitherto kept pace with that of the arts, but tMl 
 would have plactd it in advance ; and it was considered well 
 Worth almost any sacrifice to establish the principle, thut thtt 
 United States, by withholding their intercourse, could i6 
 operate upbn this wants of other nations, as to induce theiki 
 to accede to ^i^ claims. But Unfortunately fdr the succesi 
 of this etperitileht, the French government, viewing it as a 
 V^ry tihiely aid to their continental syst^iii, and as much tcidik 
 injurious to th^ir enemy than M themselvies, highly applauded 
 themedsut«. Thedritish,at thistinie trading With all the W6i4d 
 e^tcept France ahd its dependencies, found themselves in a 
 situation to endure a deprivation of American commerce 
 much longer than, in iheir opinioRi ^« Anicarieains wqlu14- be 
 
 4 
 
 n 
 
36 
 
 HlflTORT or niK LATE WAR. 
 
 C«AP. 1. 
 
 ^;!l|!!lili 
 
 able to endure a universal suspension of theirs. The British 
 national character, and honour too in their apprehension, was 
 at stake, and forbade their yielding the point. To an offer 
 made the British government to repeal the embargo as to 
 them, and continue it as to France, in case she would revoke 
 her orders iii council, they gave a decided negative, remark- 
 ing that " his majesty would not hesitate to contribute in 
 any manner in his power to restore to the couimerce of the 
 United States its wonted activity; and if it were possible t» 
 make any sacrifice for the repeal of the embargo, -without 
 appearing to deprecate it as a measure of hostility, he would 
 gladly have facilitated its removal, as a measure of inconve- 
 nient restriction upon the American people."* . ^ 
 
 By the suspension of foreign commerce, a large portion of 
 the community, whose employment and subsistence depended 
 upon business connected with navigation, were instantly thrown 
 out of employment and reduced to distress. The productions 
 of agriculture were perishing on the hands of the planters ; 
 the ships of the merchant rotting at the wharves, and the sea- 
 men dispersing themselves through the country seeking em- 
 ployment and subsistence. These inconveniencies, how- 
 ever, were in seme measurec ounterbalanced by the establish- 
 ment of various important branches of manufactures. 
 
 Erskine's Arrangement, In January 1 809, the British cabi- 
 net transmitted instructions to their minister at Washington, 
 Mr. Erskinc, to offer the American government, that, in case 
 they would repeal all their restrictive acts against Great Bri- 
 tain, and leave them in force against France, renounce all 
 claim to the colonial trade, submit to the rule of the war of 
 1756, and agree that the j^itish cruisers might capture all 
 American' vessels att€tnpting to trade with France contrary 
 to the provisions of those Isiws, the British government would 
 consent to withdraw their orders in council, so far as it re* 
 
 -?%J UtJvt 
 
 'Caiini!«r*4 Letter to Pincknty, Sept. 23,1808. 
 
 >-n 
 
 fii i 
 
 !!:i 
 
1812. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 spected America. On these propositions being made to the 
 American government, they were at once rejected. The 
 British minister, misapprehending his instructions, then pro- 
 ceeded to agree to the terms proposed by the Secretary of 
 State: That upon the orders in council being removed, the 
 President would issue a proclamation restoring intercourse 
 with Great Britain, and leaving the restrictive laws in force 
 against France. This arrangement being made, the orders 
 in council were declared to be revoked after the 10th June, 
 1 809,* and the President, by proclamation, declared the ac 
 customed intercourse between the United States and Great 
 Britain to be renewed after that period. 
 
 The British government disavowed this arrangement, and 
 declared that their minister had exceeded his instructions, 
 and that their orders in council were still in force. Mr. ErS* 
 kine was immediately recalled, and his place supplied by Mr. 
 Jaclcson, late minister at Copenhagen. 
 
 Jackson's Mission, This minister seems to have entered 
 on his mission deeply impressed with ideas of the importance 
 of the power that sent him, and of the inferiority of the power 
 to which he was sent, and disposed to treat the government of 
 the United States with the same insolence that had been 
 practised towards the Danish government and other minor 
 European powers. To an intimation from the Secretary of 
 State, that upon the important topics which were the subject 
 of discussion between them, it was desirable that their com- 
 munications should be in writing, as less liable to error and 
 misapprehension, he replied, that he believed that there does 
 not exist in the annals of diplomacy, a precedent for such a 
 determination, and after entering his protest, complied with the 
 intimation. On being called upon to explain the reasons why 
 his government disavowed the proceedings of his predeces- 
 spr, he stated that the American government knew that he ex- 
 
 * Erskiiie's Arrangement of 19(h April, 1809. <^ 
 
lii'i 
 
 u 
 
 n 
 
 mnoKf or the late war. 
 
 CVAT. i- 
 
 ceeded hit instructions, and of cour&c had no reason to eipect 
 the arrangen^nt would be approved. On being told that the 
 Aoif rican government had no such knowledge, he repeated 
 the assertion. He was informed that it was highly indecorous 
 directly to contradict the solemn declarations of the govern- 
 ment. He afterwards repeatcfd the assertion, and was then 
 informed, that for the purpose of avoiding future insults, no 
 further communication would be received from him.* On the 
 disavowal of Mr. Erskine^s arrangement by the British gov* 
 ernment, the President's proclamation was revoked, and 
 the relation between the two countries restored to its former 
 footing. On a representation by Mr. Pinckney to the British 
 government, of the conduct of Mr. Jackson, he was recalled ; 
 9nd after a delay of a year and a half, his place supplied by 
 Mr. Foster. ''•':. r'';!^ iw.'it',-»j» I;:*; .r;»'.ii e'v>ii.; -..biii ,.::'< :;. !v 
 
 After an experiment of fifteen months, the government and 
 people of the United States became fully satisfied that an 
 American embargo was a very feeble and inefficient weapon 
 against foreign aggression. It was therefore determined to 
 4lbandon it, and substitute a system of non-intercourse apd non* 
 importation against both belligerents. • v - v -.^ f »;,v^' o: 
 ' Xort'hnportationand Non-Intercourse Laws. In March 1 809^ 
 Congress raised the embargo as to all other nations, except 
 Great Britain^ France, and their dependencies, and substituted 
 i system of non-intercourse and non-importation as to them, 
 iihich prohibited all voyages to the British or French domin- 
 ions, and all trade in articles of British or French product or 
 manufacture; at the same time authorizing the President, in 
 ease either power should so revoke or nnjdify their edicts, as 
 that they should cease to violate the neutral commerce of the 
 United States, to declare the same by proclamation, after 
 which trade might be renewed with the nation so doing. On 
 the 1st of May, 1810, the non-intercourse and non-importation 
 
 *» Seeiwtaijr of State 16 Mr. Jtekson, Nov. 8th, 1809. 
 
 !!;iiir 
 
 J . ivi 
 
}pm' 
 
 HISTORY OF THE I^TE WAR. 
 
 39 
 
 laws were repealed, and an act passed excluding both British 
 and French armed vessels from the waters of the United 
 States ; and further providing, that, in case either Great Bri- 
 tain or Prance should so revoke or modify their edicts before 
 the^ad of March, 1811, as that they should cease to violate the 
 neutral commerce of the United States, and if the other na- 
 tion should not within three months thereafter* in Uke manner 
 revoke Of modify their edicts, the provisions of the non-inter- 
 course and nou'importation laws should, at the expiration of 
 the said three months, be revived against the nation neglecting 
 or refusing so to modify their edicts.* 
 
 Champagny^s letter to 4rm$trwg announcing the Repeal of 
 |Ae Drench Jhcrees, On the communication of this act tb the 
 French government, their Secretary of foreign affairs, ob the 
 |th of August 1810, addressed a note to Mr. Armstrong, the 
 American minister, declaring ** that .the decrees of Berlm and 
 Milan are revoked, and that after the first day of the following 
 (November, they will cease to have effect ; it being understood, 
 that in consequence of this declaration, the English shall re- 
 Voke their orders in council, and renounce the new principles 
 of blockade which they have wished to establish, or that the 
 United States, conformably to their law, will cause their rights 
 to be respected by the English."! 
 
 The President considered this as a compliance on the par? 
 of France, with the provisions of the act of the 1st of May, 
 and on the 2d of November, issued a proclamation, declaring 
 thai the edicts of France, violating the neutral commerce of 
 the United States, were so revoked, as to cease to have effect 
 on the 1st of November, and that from that period, all re- 
 strictions should be discontinued in relation to France and 
 her dependencies. J 
 
 ' ■w .ji i ■ 
 
 * Actof May 1st, 18ia 
 :m i Champagny's Letter of the 6th of August 1810. /^rriOJi?; ■ 
 $ Prendent's Proclamation of the Sd of November. 
 
 *?4 
 
HISTORY OF THE LATG WAR. 
 
 €aiir. 1. 
 
 On the same day, a circular was addressed from the treas- 
 ury department, to the collectors of the customs, directing 
 them to admit French armed vessels into the ports and waters 
 of the United States ; and to apply, after the 3d of February, 
 1811, to English vessels of every description, and to the 
 productions and manufactures of England, the provisions of 
 the non-intercourse and non-importation laws, unless prior to 
 that period the revocation of the orders in council should be 
 announced by the President. .. nj-H^f- wwp 
 
 On the 35th of December, the French minister of justice 
 gave directions to the council of prizes, that all proceed- 
 ings against American vessels, captured after the 1st of No- 
 vember, should be suspended until the 3d of February, and 
 in case the restrictive system was then revived, and carried 
 into effect by the United States, against Great Britain; that 
 the captures should be declared null, and the vessels and car- 
 goes restored. p.J ;*^Jf *^'^- r* '*''^'- 
 
 On the same day, the minister of finance gave orders to 
 the director general of the customs, that the Berlin and Milan 
 decrees were not to be applied to American vessels entering 
 the ports of France, after the 1st of the preceding Novem- 
 ber. 71 "v 
 
 These proceedings were pressed upon the British govern- 
 fine2U, as evidence of the repeal of the French decrees, and a 
 revocation of their orders in council was claimed, they having 
 been always professed to be founded upon those decrees^ 
 and assurances having been given, that they should be of no 
 longer duration. These applications, reiterated and enforced 
 with great zeal and ability by Mr. Pinckney, were unavail- 
 ing, notwithstanding the French minister of foreign relations 
 had declared to the American ambassador, that the obnox- 
 ious decrees were repealed; and orders had been given in 
 pursuance thereof to the prize courts, and directors of the 
 cifstoms, to govern themselves accordingly in their treatment 
 
I8lt. 
 
 mflTORT OF THE LATI WA%. 
 
 M 
 
 of American n< ig^%/«i. T^ ^ British ministry aHi^ ed^ onsid- 
 ep these proce* iln^« of « French governmeni ie jCtCcia 
 and deceptive. Their on «Tt lA 001 ^ftiJl remainea , (rm^r and 
 the restrictive system was revives -^uitt ,jm in I bruar/^ 
 1811, according to the proviiion ^f (he f ^f May 1810. 
 
 iife'if 
 
 4 
 
 i 
 
 •' * 
 
 •V. ;i,' 
 
 
 '*', . f. is eft -' 
 
 ;■*» 
 
 ,,;:j,; ,v^' .|;S34f- 
 
 • I 
 
'H ■' ^'^'A I .V' • '•• ' 7n'»'r' 
 
 .V '^' 
 
 (• I't 
 
 ♦ ♦. . 
 
 >iij 
 
 .'.} .-• 
 
 ..(»!> , 
 
 •»t (1 
 
 >f I 
 
 c.^.; 
 
 -h- 
 
 • »'t 
 
 
 ,•_••..., 
 
 ■f'^t 
 
 Firet 
 
 V 
 
1(1' 
 
 CHAPTER H. ^ • 
 
 Vint Meetiog of Twelfth Congfresa. — Message. — Correapondonce Irn- 
 Cween MuDroe and Foster.— Decisions of the Admiralty Courts in the 
 CoM) uf the Fox, and others.— Report of tlio Committee of Foreign 
 RolationR. — Ar|fiim«ntii of the Minority againfit the Report.^-John 
 Henry's Papers. — His Instructions. — His Correspondence. — Inquiry 
 respecting Him in the House of Representatives. — Message of the 
 Ist of June.— Report of Committee of Foreign Relations, recommend- 
 ing War.^Declaration of War. — Address of the Minority to their 
 Constituents.- Army and Navy Bills. — Treasury Estimates.— Plan 
 of Finance for the War. — Loan for 1812. 
 
 Meeting of Congress, The 1st session of the 12th Con- 
 gress commenced, by a special call from the President, on 
 the 4th of November, 1811. Having been recently elected, 
 the members assembled, possessed of a full knowledge of (hp 
 feelings and views of their constituents. 
 
 Message, In his message, at the opening of the session., 
 the President informed them, that the successive confirmations 
 of the repeal of the French decrees, so far as they violated 
 the neutral commerce of the United States, had not induced 
 the government of Great Britain to revoke her orders in 
 council ; that they continued to be executed with increased 
 rigour ; that Great Britain now further claimed, as an indis- 
 pensable condition of the repeal of those orders, that com- 
 merce should be restored to a footing that would admit 
 British manufactures, when carried by neutrals into markets 
 shut against them by their enemy ; that the British ministry 
 claimed the repeal of the non-intercourse-laws, and had 
 declared that their continuance against Great Britain, after 
 they were repealed as to France, would lead to measures of 
 retaliation; that all indemnity for past injuries had been 
 
54 
 
 tilSTORY OF Ti!15 LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. ^ 
 
 "withheld; thai the coasts and harbours of the United States 
 had witnessed scenes derogatory to national rights, and vex- 
 atious to the regular course of trade ; and that France had 
 indeed repealed her obnoxious decrees, but had refused to 
 redress the other wrongs done to the United States, and to 
 restore a great amount of American property, taken and con- 
 demned under the most unjustifiable edicts. 
 
 Under these circumstances, the President stated, that the 
 executive had exerted the means with which it was intrusted, 
 foB the general safety. The works of defence, on the mari- 
 time frontier, had been prosecuted with activity, and the most 
 important ones nearly completed. The ships of war had been 
 employed as a cruising guard on the coast, and such a dispo- 
 sition of the land forces made, as would render their services 
 the most important : that a considerable body of regulars and 
 militia had been assembled in the Indiana Territory, and 
 marched toward the north-western frontier. 
 
 The President recommended to Congress, to make pro- 
 vision for prolonging the enlistments, and filling the ranks of 
 the regular army; to raise an auxiliary force for a limited 
 time, and to accept the services of volunieer corps: and that 
 sueh provision be made on the subject of the naval force as 
 should be necessary to prepare it for active service. That it 
 be prohibited to accept licenses from foreign governments, 
 for a trade unlawfully interdicted by them to other American 
 citizens ; or to trade under false colours, or papers of any 
 description : that vessels from foreign countries be prohibited 
 from admission into particular ports, which were authorized 
 to trade with those ports only. » i tf^.n;-! •. i ta, 
 
 In making the estimates for the ensuing year. Congress 
 were reminded that the probable decrease of revenue arising 
 from the suspension of commerce, and the extraordinary 
 expenses which had already and might in future become 
 necessary, must be taken into view; and that a sufficiency of 
 revpniie should be provided, to defray the ordinary expenses 
 
 m 
 
mi^. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 35 
 
 •I.KiU 
 
 
 the pubiic iehty 
 
 of goveroment, and pay the interest ( 
 including the new loans that may be authorized. * 
 
 Correspondence between the Auprican and British Minister.'j, 
 Accompanying the message was a voluminous correspond- 
 ence between the American secretary of state, and the British 
 minister. The correspondeiice opened by a letter from the 
 latter to the former, of the 3d of July, 1811, claiming that the 
 blockade of May 1806 was warranted by the established 
 law of nations, because it was intended to be, and in fact 
 was, supported by an adequate naval force, appointed to 
 guard the whole coast described in the notification. That 
 the Berlin decree was not justified by any of the pretexts set 
 up by France, that it was an outrage upon all neutral rights, 
 and if submitted to by America, would justify Great Britain 
 in adopting retaliatory measures in her own defence. That 
 her orders in council were predicated upon the principle of 
 defensive retaliation. ' - Jh ^iu j r^ i*, . L>k, ■ 
 
 That the blockade of 1806 was included in the more 
 extensive orders in council; and that these would not be con- 
 tinued beyond the effectual repeal of the French decrees. 
 That the communication of the French minister to General 
 Armstrong, of the 3th of August, 1810, was not such a repeal: 
 that the Emperor, in a speech to the deputies, from the free 
 cities of Bremen, Hamburgh, and Lubeck, of the 17th of 
 June, had declared that the decrees of Berlin and Milan should 
 be the public code of France, as long as England should 
 maintain her illegal blockades : that captures and condemna- 
 tions of American vessels had taken place under the opera- 
 tion of those decrees, since they were said to have been 
 repealed. He complained that America had suffered her 
 trade to be moulded into the means of annoyance to Great 
 Britain, under the provisions of the French decrees; that she 
 had construed those decrees to have becomf extinct upon a 
 
 * President's inesaag'o, November 5th, 1HU. 
 
 .% 
 
36 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 2^. 
 
 
 deceitful declaration of the French cabinet, and had unjustly, 
 and contrary to her duties as a neutral, enforced her restric- 
 tive measures against Great Britain alone. . 'i 
 
 The department of stale was at this time confided to Mr. 
 Monroe, a statesman of distinguished practical talents, per- 
 fectly versed in the relations of the United States with for- 
 eign powers, and able to defend the system which had been 
 adopted towards them. On the 23d of July, he replied " that 
 it was not necessary for the United States to determine the 
 priority of aggression in order to show that Great Britain 
 was in the wrong. That in regard to the blockades, by the 
 known and acknowledged law of nations, ports not actu- 
 ally invest«d, by a present, adequate, stationary, naval force, 
 employed by the power which attacks them, should not be 
 considered as shut to neutral trade in articles not contraband 
 of war. Though it is usual for a belligerent to give notice to 
 neutrals, when he intends to institute a blockade, yet he may 
 not aet upon his intention at all, or he may discontinue the 
 blockade, of which'it is not usual to give notice ; consequently 
 the actual presence of the blockading force is the only cri- 
 terion by which the neutral is enabled to ascertain the exis- 
 tence of the blockade at any given period. A mere notifica- 
 tion therefore to a neutral minister, cannot be considered as 
 affecting with knowledge of the actual existence of a block- 
 ade, cither his government, or its citizens. That a vessel 
 cleared or bound to a blockaded port should not be consid- 
 ered as violating the blockade, unless on her approach to such 
 port, she should have been previously warned to depart. 
 That this view of the law is peculiarly important to nations 
 situated at a great distance from the belligerent parties, and 
 incapable at any given period of obtaining actual informa- 
 tion of the then existing state of their ports. That whole 
 coasts and countries should not be declared in a state of 
 blockade, and thus neutral trade extinguished, and this prac- 
 
 i 
 
 "i 
 
1812. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 37 
 
 ticc made an instrument of unjust monopoly, instead of a 
 measure of honourable war." 
 
 In relation to the orders in council, the secretary observed, 
 " that if the right of retaliation was admitted, it should be 
 carried no further against an unotfending neutral, than the 
 actual operation of the French decrees, which in the present 
 case, were admitted to be little more than empty threats: 
 while on the other hand, the orders in council gave a deadly 
 blow to American commerce, and extended their operations 
 against the trade of the United States with nations, which, 
 like Russia, had not adopted the French decrees. That the 
 modification contained in the first orders, which allowed 
 neutrals to prosecute their trade through Great Britain, con- 
 tained a pretension utterly inconipatible with the sovereignty 
 of other states, and in a commercial point of view, altogether 
 nugatory. As France did not permit a neutral to come into 
 her ports from her enemy, this attempt of Great Britain to 
 force the trade of the United States through her ports, would 
 have the effect of depriving them of the markets of France, 
 and at the same time destroying their value in the British 
 market by a surcharge of it. Against the system adopted by 
 both belligerents, the United Slates had at an early period 
 made a solemn protest. It had been their uniform object 
 lo avoid becoming a party to the war. They had ob- 
 served a strict impartiality towards both belligerents, having 
 in no instance giveu a preference to one at the expense of the 
 other. The alternative presented by the act of May 1810, 
 was offered equally to both, and could operate upon neither 
 any longer than it should persevere in its aggressions. That 
 if it makes a distinction at this time in its opd^tion between 
 the belligerents, it necessarily results from the compliance of 
 one, with the offer made to both, and which is still open to the 
 compliance of the other. The violations alluded to in the 
 act, arc those only which are committed on the high seas. It 
 was the revocation of these edicts alone, that the United 
 
38 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 3« 
 
 1812 
 
 States could claim : that these were in reality and in practice 
 revoked, was proved not only from the declarations of the 
 French minister of the 5th of August, 1810, but from the fact 
 that no American vessel had been condemned under them 
 since the 1st of November, when the revocation was to take 
 effect ; and from the directions given to the tribunal of prizes, to 
 make no decision on causes depending on those edicts, untilafter 
 the 2d of February, and on the United States enforcing the 
 non-importation law .»gainst Great Britiain at that period, the 
 property was restored to the owners." This discussion, and 
 a similar one conducted at the British court between Mr. 
 Pinckney, and the Marquis of Wcllesley, ended in both par- 
 ties' maintaining the ground they had taken, without any con- 
 cessions by either.* i. 1 ; ' . ' '. .; 
 
 Condemnation of American Vessels. Further documents 
 were communicated to Congress, showing that in June 1811, 
 Sir Wiliam Scott, judge of the vice admiralty court, had pro- 
 ceeded to render judgment in the cases of the American ves- 
 sels brought into England, and hbelled under the orders in 
 council, since the French decrees were said to be repealed. 
 The judge admits the principle that the law of nations is the 
 rule of decision in that court. Having granted this point, to 
 give the opinion which he was about to declare the appear- 
 ance of consistency, he had to establish two positions: one, 
 that the orders in council are consistent with the law of 
 nations ; the other, that the French decrees are not repealed 
 as to the United States. In this effort, he exhibits the un- 
 pleasant spectacle of a great man, for political purposes, 
 arguing against the convictions of his own understanding. 
 He labours to Ihow, that the law of nations justifies a retalia- 
 tion upon neutrals, of the aggressions inflicted upon such 
 neutrals by the opposing belligerent. That the orders in 
 
 '*' Correspondence between Monroe and Foster, communicated to Con- 
 gress, November 1811. ' • • 
 
1812. 
 
 mSTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 3t» 
 
 council are no more than a just measure of retaliation for 
 the French decrees, and are therefore justifiable. 
 
 That the only proper evidence of the revocation of the 
 orders in council is some act of the government imposing 
 them. 
 
 That if a repeal of the French decrees would, without any 
 act of the British government, operate as a revocation of the 
 orders, yet that no such repeal had ever taken place; the 
 pretended repeal being prospective, conditional, and never 
 having been carried into effect. The judge then proceeded 
 to render judgment against twenty-eight American vessels, of 
 the value of ^832,500, captured and libelled since the 1st of 
 the preceding November.* 
 
 Report of Committee of Foreign Relations, The message 
 and documents were referred to the committee of foreign 
 relations,! who reported agreeably to the recommendation of 
 the President, a system of measures, for the increase of the 
 military and naval forces, preparatory to a declaration of war. 
 The object of the military force was declared to be the con*? 
 quest of the Canadas. 
 
 In introducing their report to the consideration of the 
 house, the committee declare that open avowed war with 
 Great Britain is the object, and those who are not prepared 
 for such an event will of course be opposed to the principles 
 of the report. That in their opinion, the rights which Great 
 Britain had forcibly wrested from the United States, were 
 worth the hazard of war. That both the interest and honour 
 of the nation called for the measure. That even without a 
 navy, serious impressions might be made on Great Britain at 
 sea. That immediately after a declaration of war, numerous 
 
 *8ir William Scott's decision in the case of the Fox and others, Jime 
 1811. 
 
 t Porter, Calhoun, Grundy, Smilie, Randolfdi, Hafper, Key, DeahS) 
 fleaver. ;'•'•,!,' ,- , •. - • ? ■•(' . ,• 
 
40 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 2. 
 
 Miii:|i 
 
 American privateers would appear in every part of the ocean, 
 and annoy her commerce. That they would harrass, if not 
 destroy the vast and profitable commerce which she is carry- 
 ing on to every part of the American continent. We could 
 destroy, say the committee, her fisheries in the north, depre- 
 date on her commerce to the West-India Islands, which is 
 constantly passing by our doors, annoy her trade along the 
 coast of South America, and even carry the war on her com- 
 merce to her own shores in Europe. But, said the committee, 
 there is another point where we can attack her, and where 
 she would feel our power most sensibly. We could deprive 
 her of her extensive provinces lying along our borders on the 
 north. These provinces were not only immensely valuable 
 in themselves, but almost indispensable to Great Britain, cut 
 off as she now is in a great measure, from the north of Europe. 
 The exports from Quebec alone for the last year, are said to 
 amount to nearly six millions; and most of them in articles of 
 the first necessity, in ship-timber, and in provisions for the 
 support of her fleets and armies. By carrying on such a 
 war, at the public expense on land, and by individual enter- 
 prise at sea, we should be able to remunerate ourselves in a 
 short time, ten-fold for all the spoliations she had committed 
 on our commerce. On this occasion, the committee trusted 
 that party reflections and recriminations would cease, and 
 that the whole House of Representatives, and the great body 
 of the people, would form but one party, and the enemy the 
 other. ' - . ■ . ^- ' T ^ , ■, -. ■ ■■:■..:-' n - 
 
 Arguments against the war, A respectable minority in 
 both Houses of Congress, a large portion of the community, 
 including a majority of the commercial interests, were op- 
 posed to a war. The genius of the American government, 
 they contended, calculated for all the beneficial purposes of 
 peace, is not adapted to war. After hostiliti«:s are decided on 
 in the cabinet, ^ey are to be submitted to Congress, there to 
 undergo & discussion of six or eight months, under the view 
 
1812. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 4T 
 
 1 
 
 'W. 
 
 of the minister of the nation against whom they are directed, 
 who will be careful to record and transmit to his government 
 every occurrence. In this manner, by the time war is de- 
 clared, the enemy will become fully possessed of the views, 
 objects, and plans of his opponent. After war is decided 
 on in Congress, an army is to be raised by voluntary enlist- 
 ment; a process always slow and uncertain, and often una- 
 vailable. This completed, the army is to be equipped, disci- 
 plined, and marched to its object, where doubtless the enemy 
 will be found ready to receive them. No poHce to banish 
 suspected persons, and to detect and punish spies and traitors. 
 By the time an American army would reach the borders of 
 Canada, they would be met, it was predicted, by a British force 
 of European veterans, provincial militia, and Indian warriors, 
 sufficient to withstand them. Canada is not so eassy a con- 
 quest. Bonaparte might, indeed, have declared war, con- 
 quered the country, and made peace before an American 
 army could have commenced its operations. Canada 
 conquered, it adds but an immense wilderness to the American 
 territory, and incorporates into its society, a people of discor- 
 dant habits and principles, and instead of strengthening, 
 weakens the Union. 
 
 The texture of the American government, composed of 
 powerful and independent sovereignties, associated in rela- 
 tions some of which are critical as well as novel, is such that 
 war might put its existence at hazard. War is most likely to 
 call into activity the passions which are hostile to such a form 
 of government. Time and further experience is yet impor- 
 tant to mature its recent institutions. If warais now entered 
 into, it must be by a divided people, as well from a conviction 
 of the inadequacy of the means of success, as from moral and 
 political considerations. 
 
 "How," said the gentlemen in opposition to the war, in 
 powerful strains of eloquence, " shall a nation like the United 
 States, happy in its great local relations, removed from the 
 bloody theatre of Europe, with a maritime border opening 
 
 G 
 
4fi 
 
 MlSTORy OiF THE LAT£ WAH. 
 
 Chap. ft. 
 
 vast fields for enterprise, with territorial possessions exceed- 
 ing every real want, its fire-sides safr, its altars undofiled ; 
 from invasion nothing to fear, from acquisition nothing to 
 hope; how shall such a nation look to heaven for its smiles, 
 while throwing away, as though they were worthless, all the 
 blessings and joys which peace and such a distinguished lot 
 secure? With what prayers can it address the Most High, 
 when it prepares to pour forth its youthful rage upon a neigh- 
 bouring people, from whose strength it has nothing to dread, 
 from whose destruction it has nothing to gain ? What balm 
 has Canada for wounded honour? How are our mariners to 
 be benefited by a war, which exposes those who are free with- 
 out releasing those who have been impressed ? But this war, 
 it is said, is demanded by honour. Is national honour then 
 a principle that thirsts after vengeance, and is appeased only 
 by blood; which trampling on the hopes of man, and spurn- 
 ing the laws of God, untaught by what is past, and careless of 
 what is to come, precipitates itself into any folly or madness 
 to gratify its vanity, or satiate some unhallowed rage ? 
 
 K honour demands a war with England, what opiate lulls 
 iliat honour to sleep over the wrongs done by France ? On 
 land, robberies, seizures, and imprisonments ; at sea, pillage, 
 sinkings, and burnings* These are notorious. Are they 
 tinfelt because they are French? To supply the waste of 
 such a war, and to meet the appropriations of millions, extra- 
 ordinary for the war expenditures, our citizens must be 
 doomed, throughout the Union, to sustain the burthen of war- 
 taxes, in various forms of direct and indirect imposition. 
 
 *^ U would b^ome relief, if amends were likely to be made 
 lor the weakness and wildness of the project, by the prudence 
 of the preparation. But in no respect can we trace any 
 great and distinctive properties of wisdom. With a navy com- 
 paratively nominal, we are about to encounter the greatest 
 marine on the globe. With a commerce unprotected and 
 spread over every ocean, we propose to make profit by 
 privateering, and for this endanger the wealth of which we are 
 
1812. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 43 
 
 the honest proprietors. An invasion is threatened of the 
 colonies of a power, which, without putting a single new ship 
 in commission, or taking another soldier into pay, can spread 
 alarm and desolation along the extensive range of our sea- 
 board. Before adequate fortifications are prepared for do- 
 mestic defence, before men or money are provided for an 
 attack, why hasten into that awful contest which desolates 
 Europe ? It is not to be concealed, that to engage in Ui6 
 present war against England, is to place ourselves on the side 
 of France, and expose ourselves to the vassalage of slates 
 serving under the banners of the French emperor." On the 
 sea-board is an extent of more than two thousand miles, 
 bordered with flourishing cities wholly unguarded; not a sin- 
 gle port able to protect itself against a British fleet. An infant 
 navy, unable to defend itself, or to guard a city, or scarcely 
 to contend with a single ship of the line. This navy would 
 probably fall into the hands of the enemy, and be the means 
 of their further aggrandizement. Should, however, the Ameri- 
 can anns, united with France, conquer Great Britain, America 
 must herself expect to fall the next victim to French des- 
 potism. The causes of war exist equally against France, and 
 her means of annoyance are much less ; while the British are 
 masters of the ocean, the United States arc safe from her 
 attacks. 
 
 The true interest, honour, and sound policy of the United 
 States, it was contended, require them to stand aloof from the 
 present contest, leave the merchant to improve the remnant 
 of commerce at his own discretion, abolish the restrictive 
 system, and wait until a change of circumstances in Europe 
 should restore the former state of things. A considerable 
 portion of commerce is still open to American enterprise. 
 The French decrees could interrupt only in a small degree 
 the American trade, the risks of which would soon be rneas-* 
 ured by the_insurance offices, so that the ship owners might 
 trade with safety. That the trade with France, whose go- 
 vernment obliges the American merchant to take Fn pay- 
 
44 
 
 HISTORY ()[' THE LATR WAK. 
 
 CbaPi 2> 
 
 lilfl 
 
 Dicnt for his valuable commodities a return cargo of silks and 
 brandies, was not worth contending for, and putting at hazard 
 the dearest interests of the Onion.* 
 
 John Henry's Disclosure, As further evidence of the hos- 
 tile views of Great Britain towards the United States, and of 
 a disposition to cherish and to profit by any internal dissen- 
 tions which might be supposed to exist, the President, on the 
 9th of March, communicated to Congress the documents and 
 disclosures received at the department of state, from John 
 Henry; from which it appeared, that Sir James Craig, Govern- 
 or General of the Canadas, in February 1809, employed this 
 man, an Irish emigrant, and formerly a captain in the United 
 Stales service, now a desperate and unprmcipled adventurer, 
 in a mission of intrigue, and directed him to proceed from 
 Montreal to Boston, with instructions to obtain the most accurate 
 information of the true state of affairs in that part of the Union, 
 which, as he states, from its wealth, number of inhabitants, 
 and the known intelligence and ability of several of its lead- 
 ing men, must naturally possess a very considerable influence 
 over, and would probably lead, the other Eastern States at 
 this important crisis. To observe the state of public opinion, 
 both with regard to their internal politics, and to a probability 
 of a war with England; the comparative strength of the 
 Iwo great parties into which the country is divided, and the 
 views and designs of that which may ultimately prevail. The 
 instructions " proceed to remark, that it has been supposed 
 that if the fedcrahsts are successful in obtaining that decided 
 influence which may enable them to direct public opinon, that 
 rather than submit to the continuance of the difficulties and 
 distress to which they are now subject, they will exert that 
 influence to bring about a separation from the general Union. 
 The earliest information on this subject may be of great con- 
 sequence to our government; as also to be informed how far, 
 in such an event, they would look to England for assistance, 
 OP be disposed to enter into a connexion with us. . 
 
 * Debates in Congress^ December 181 J. 
 
 I 
 
 f 
 1 
 
 .,t 
 
1612. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 ■\if 
 
 m 
 
 " Although it is inexpedient that you should appear as an 
 avowed agent, yet it may not be improper that you should 
 insinuate, that if they should wish to enter into any communica- 
 tion with our government through me, you are authorized to 
 receive any such, and will safely transmit it to me. As they 
 may require some document by which they may be assured 
 that you are really in a situation in which you represent your- 
 self, I enclose a credential to be produced in that view ; but 
 you are not to make use of it, unless you see good ground for 
 expecting that it may lead to a more confidential communica- 
 tion. In passing through Vermont you will of course exert 
 your endeavours to procure all the information in your 
 
 ?i* 
 
 power. 
 
 Furnished with these instructions, and with a cypher, for 
 the purpose of carrying on a secret correspondence with his 
 principal, this political spy set out on his mission on the Uth 
 of February. At Burlington, Vermont, he fancied he had 
 found considerable materials for sedition, and a very favoura- 
 ble disposition towards his majesty's government and Sir 
 James's administration in Canadgi, so that in case of a war 
 with Great Britain, Vermont would remain neutral. At Wind- 
 sor, his faith appeared very much shaken ; and at Amherst, 
 New-Hampshire, he found himself unable to form any opin- 
 ion upon the subject. He arrived at Boston on the 5th of 
 March, and remained there until the first of June, during 
 which time he amused his employers with ten letters, address- 
 ed to Sir James, informing him of the disposition he had 
 discovered in the leading men, without naming any, to oppose 
 the embargo laws, and in case of a war with Great Britain, 
 to oppose the general government, and separate from the 
 Union. This disposition was to be cherished and cultivated 
 with the greatest caution and prudence. He was himself, he 
 states, very instrumental in bringing it about, and the result 
 would be highly beneficial to the safety and prosperity of his 
 
 * Sir J. Craig's instructioDs to J. Henry, Feb. 6th, 1809. 
 
r 
 
 46 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. ^. 
 
 II 
 
 M 
 
 majesty^s colonics. While things were progressing in his 
 apprehension in a most prosperous way, the President's 
 prompt acceptance of the friendly proposi|ions made by Great 
 Britain, through Mr. Erskinc, produc^d'a sudden change, and 
 a temporary suspension of the conflict of parties. Accor- 
 ding to Henry's views, both parties regarded that event 
 with equal wonder and distrust. They ascribe the President's 
 conduct to various motives, but none believe him to be sin- 
 cere. * This event put an end to Mr. Henry's mission. His 
 papers were all transcribed, and sent to the British ministry, 
 and Lord Liverpool speaks in terms of commendation of the 
 zeal and ability with which he executed his trust. Henry 
 returned to Montreal, and from thence to London, and pre- 
 sented his claims for compensation to Lord Liverpool, who 
 referred him back to Sir George Prevost, the successor of Sir 
 James. But his demands were of such a nature and magni- 
 tude, as to meet a denial. The spy now became traitor, and 
 came to Washington full of zeal and affection for the United 
 States, and desirous of making a disclosure which should be 
 all important to their interests, t The whole of his papers, 
 the most secret and confidential between him and his govern- 
 ment, were disclosed to the department of state, for the pur- 
 pose of being made public. He received fifty thousand dol- 
 lars for his treachery, and retired to France to enjoy the fruits 
 of his speculation. 
 
 This disclosure proved that its author was a villain ; that 
 bis employers were desirous of obtaining accurate informa- 
 tion of the state of political parties in America, and of profit- 
 ing by their dissensions ; and that they were in the habit of 
 employing secret agents for this purpose. The conduct of 
 the administration in obtaining these documents, was severely 
 censured by the opposition. They considered the conduct 
 of Henry in betraying the secrets of his government, as highly 
 
 * Heniy^s Letters to Craig, from No. 3 to 14. 
 
 i Henry'8 Letters to the Secretary of State, February 20, 181S. 
 
 4 
 
'* 
 
 ^ 
 
 ltil2t 
 
 H1»T0RY OF THE L.\TE WAR. 
 
 47 
 
 I in his 
 tsident's 
 
 y Great 
 nge, and 
 
 Accor- 
 t event 
 sident^s 
 ) be sin- 
 n. His 
 linistry, 
 I of the 
 
 Henry 
 nd pre- 
 ol, who 
 •r of Sir 
 magni- 
 or, and 
 United 
 )uld be 
 papers, 
 ;overn- 
 le pur- 
 id dol- 
 e fruits 
 
 ; that 
 forma- 
 profit- 
 abit of 
 uct of 
 verely 
 >nduct 
 [lighly 
 
 criminal, and endeavoured to implicate the American cabinet 
 upon the generally received principle, that he who procures a 
 crime to be committed is equally guilty with the perpetratcH* ; 
 without admitting, as a justification, the maxim in political 
 morality often practised upon, that where an important object 
 is to be obtained, the means are not to be scrupulously ques- 
 tioned. They also claimed that the information, purchased 
 ut so dear a rate, was of no importance : no facts were dis- 
 closed, other than what might naturally be supposed to exist ; 
 and none from which any practical consequences resulted. 
 
 In the House of Representatives five thousand copies of 
 Hcnry^s documents were ordered to be printed, and the sub- 
 ject referred to the committee of foreign relations, with power 
 to send for persons, papers, and effects, but no further dis- 
 coveries were obtained. In the senate a resolution was passed, 
 requesting the President to furnish the names of any persons 
 anywise implicated in Henry^s disclosures. To this appli- 
 cation the secretary of state reported, thut no persons had 
 been named by Henry as having any concern in his views 
 and projects. * 
 
 Further Correspondence between the American and British 
 Ministers* On the 1st of June the President transmitted to 
 Congress a correspondence between Mr. Russell, the Ameri- 
 can charge des affaires at London, and the British ministry, 
 on the subject of the orders in council, by which it appeared, 
 that they inflexibly adhered to their system, and that all hopes 
 of accommodation were at an end. At the same time a fur- 
 ther correspondence was communicated between Mr. Foster 
 and the secretary of state on the same subject. As evidence 
 that the French decrees were not repealed, Mr. Foster 
 adduced a report of the French minister of foreign relations 
 to the emperor of the tenth of March, which was communi- 
 cated to the conservative senate, in which it is stated that 
 
 * Journals of the Senate and House of Representatives in Congmiji 
 March 1813. 
 
48 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. &. 
 
 these decrees are to be the bases of a system to exclude 
 British merchandise from the continent of Europe. That 
 the armies of the emperor are to occupy the countries under 
 his control, for the purpose of carrying into effect these 
 objects. That neutral vessels that had submitted to English 
 legislation by touching at an English port, or paid tribute to 
 England, had thereby renounced the rights of their flag, and 
 become denationalized. The British minister, therefore, 
 claimed that the non-importation law ought to be repealed as 
 to Great Britain, aricPcommerce with her placed on the same 
 footing as with France. 
 
 To this claim Mr. Monroe replied, that the American govern- 
 ment had no concern with the edicts of the French emperor, 
 operative only on the continent of Europe, or with his conduct 
 towards any other nation that the United States. That the 
 document in question furnished no evidence of a renewal of 
 those decrees, so far as they affected American commerce on 
 the ocean, and of course afforded no claim on the part of 
 Great Britain for the repeal of the non-importation law, or 
 any justification for a continuance of the orders in council. 
 
 In communicating these documents to Congress, the Presi- 
 dent stated that further negotiations would be useless. That 
 it had now become a solemn question for the national legisla- 
 ture to decide, whether they should abandon their rights, or 
 appeal to arms for their support. * 
 
 Declaration of War, The committee of foreign relations, 
 to whom^the message and documents were referred, reported, 
 " that the period had now arrived, when the United States 
 must support their character and station among the nations of 
 the earth, or submit to the most shameful degradation. For- 
 bearance had ceased to be a virtue. War on one side, and 
 peace on the other, is a situation as ruinous as it is disgrace- 
 ful. The mad ambition and commercial avarice of Great 
 Britain arrogated to herself the complete dominion of the 
 
 "'.President's Message, June 1, 1813, and Documents. 
 
 
 ■'■& 
 
1812. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 4d 
 
 » exclude 
 e. That 
 'ies under 
 ect these 
 
 English 
 tribute to 
 
 flag, and 
 
 therefore, 
 
 pealed as 
 
 the same 
 
 n govern- 
 emperor, 
 5 conduct 
 That the 
 jnewal of 
 merce on 
 ! part of 
 law, or 
 uncil. 
 le Presi- 
 That 
 
 1 legisla- 
 ights, or 
 
 elations, 
 eported, 
 States 
 itions of 
 For- 
 ide, and 
 isgrace- 
 f Great 
 of the 
 
 ocean, and left to neutral nations an alternative only between 
 a base surrender of their rights and a manly vindication of 
 them. That the United States, under the aid of Heaven, held 
 their destinies in their own hands.'* 
 
 The committee then proceed to enumerate the British 
 aggressions upon the neutral rights of the United States, from 
 the commencement of the European war, to the period of 
 their report. " More recently," they remark, " the true policy 
 of the British government has been completely unfolded." It 
 has been publicly declared that the o||||[^s in council should 
 not be repealed, until France had revoked all her internal 
 restraints on British commerce. That the American trade 
 with France, and her allies should be prohibited until Great 
 Britain was also allowed to trade with France. By this de- 
 claration, it appears, that nothing short of the United States 
 joining in the war against France would satisfy the claims of 
 the British government. They consider the United States as 
 their great commercial rival, and their prosperity and growth 
 as incompatible with the welfare of Great Britain. Under 
 all these circumstances, the committee remark, " it is impossi- 
 ble to doubt the motives which have governed the British 
 ministry in all its measures towards the United States; equally 
 impossible is it to doubt the course which America ought to 
 pursue. The contest which is now forced upon her, is radi- 
 call y a contest for her sovereignty and independence. The 
 free-born sons of America are worthy to enjoy the liberty 
 which their fathers purchased at the price of much blood and 
 treasure ; and the committee seeing in the measures adopted 
 by Great Britain, a course commenced and persisted in, which 
 if submitted to, might lead to a loss of national character and 
 independence, feel no hesitation in advising to a resistance by 
 force, in which the Americans of the present day, will prove 
 to the enemy and to the world, that they not only have inher- 
 ited that liberty which their fathers gave them, but also the 
 will and the power to maintain it. Relying on the patriotism 
 of the nation, and confidendy trusting that the Lord of hosts 
 
 7 
 
60 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chaf. 2. 
 
 will go with us to battle in a righteous cause, and crown our 
 efforts with success, the committee recommend an immediate 
 appeal to arms."* 
 
 On the 18th of June, an act passed both houses of Con- 
 grees, and was approved by the President, declaring " war to 
 exist between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ire- 
 land, and the dependencies thereof, and the United States of 
 America, and their territories; and that the President be 
 authorized to use the whole land and naval force of the Uni- 
 ted States to carry tflftame into effect, and to issue to private 
 armed vessels of the United states, commissions, or letters of 
 marque and general reprisals, in such form as he shall think 
 proper, under the seal of the United States, against the ves- 
 sels, goods, and effects of the government of Great Britain, 
 and her subjects." This act passed the Senate, yeas 19; 
 Nays 13. 
 
 In the House of Representatives — 
 
 
 Yeas. 
 
 Ifayt. 
 
 New-Hampshire, - - 
 
 - 3 - - - 
 
 - . - 2 
 
 Massachusetts,- - - 
 
 - 6 - - 
 
 - - - 8 
 
 Rhode-Island, - - - 
 
 - - 
 
 - 2 
 
 Vermont, 
 
 - 3 - - 
 
 . - 1 
 
 Connecticut, - - - - 
 
 - - - - 
 
 - - - 7 
 
 New- York, - - - - 
 
 - 3 - - - 
 
 - - - 11 
 
 New-Jersey, - - - . 
 
 - 2 - - - 
 
 - - . 4 
 
 Pennsylvania, - - - 
 
 - 16 - - - 
 
 - - - 2 
 
 Delaware, 
 
 . - - - 
 
 - - - 1 
 
 Maryland, 
 
 - 6 - - - 
 
 - - - 3 
 
 Virginia, 
 
 - 14 - - - 
 
 - - - 5 
 
 North-Carolina, - - 
 
 - 6 - - - 
 
 - - - 3 
 
 South-Carolina, - - 
 
 - 8 - - - 
 
 - - - 
 
 Georgia,- - - - , . 
 
 - 3 - - - 
 
 - . . 
 
 Kentucky, - - - . - 
 
 - 5 - - - 
 
 - - - 
 
 Tennessee, - - - - 
 
 - 3 - - - 
 
 - - - 
 
 Ohio, 
 
 . 1 . . . 
 
 - - - ; , 
 
 Majority, 30. 
 
 79 
 
 4a 
 
 I 
 i 
 
 ' Report of conmuttee of foreign relations. 
 
1«1A. 
 
 HISTORY or THE LATE WAR. 
 
 M 
 
 In selecting Great Britain as an enemy, when equal cause 
 of war existed against her and France, it was considered that 
 the latter had no assailable points, no colonies on the conti- 
 nent of America, no Islands in the West Indies unoccupied by 
 the British, no commerce on the ocean to invite, and r(pward 
 the enterprise of American private; ts. A declaration of 
 war against her would in effect be a mere empty threat, hav- 
 ing no other practical result than to force the country into an 
 unequal and dangerous alliance with Great Britain. 
 
 Protest of the Minority, Immediatllj^ on the passage of 
 the bill, the minority in Congress published an address to their 
 constituents, assigning their reasons against the measure. 
 In their view, a war with England would necessarily lead to a 
 connexion with France, hazardous to the liberties of the 
 United States. If war at all was necessary, it ought to be 
 with France, as being the first and greatest in her aggres- 
 sions. The commerce of France and her dependencies, 
 embarrassed as it was with her internal restrictions, was not 
 worth contending for. A profitable trade with England, they 
 «aid, might be still carried on, notwithstanding the French 
 edicts, as they were unable to enforce them to any extent. 
 A considerable portion of the world, to which American com- 
 merce might extend, was not embraced in the prohibitions of 
 cither belligerent. They would therefore suffer the Ameri- 
 can merchants to arm in their own defence, and pursue such 
 eourse of trade as their judgment should direct. They con- 
 sidered the attempt to conquer Canada as unjust and impo- 
 litic in itself, very uncertain in the issue, and promising no good 
 in any result. The unprepared state of the country, in their 
 view, altogether forbade a declaration of war at present. With- 
 out an army, or navy, or funds to create and support either} 
 we were about to enter the lists with a power, who would at 
 once desolate our frontier and seaboard with impunity. 
 What, they ask, " are the United States to gain by this war? 
 Will the gratification of some privateersmen compensate the 
 nation for that sweep of our legitimate commerce, by the 
 
 ■!*^:!. 
 
 ^' 
 
 :«• 
 
m 
 
 HfSTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 9 
 
 ••cy 
 
 ■■■■] 
 
 '} 
 
 extended marine of our enemy, which this desperate act in- 
 vites ? will Canada compensate the Middle States for New- 
 York, or the Western for New- Orleans ? Let us not be de- 
 ceived, A war of invasion may invite a retort of invasion. 
 When we visit the peaceable, and as to us innocent colo- 
 nies of Great Britain with the horrors of war, can we be as- 
 sured that our own coast will not be visited with like horror ? 
 At a crisis of the world such as the present, and under im- 
 pressions such as these, the undersigned cannot consider the 
 war into which the oWled States have in secret been precipi- 
 tated as necessary, or required by any moral duty or politi- 
 cal expediency."* 
 
 War Measures* The measures adopted this session prepa- 
 ratory to, or in consequence of the declaration of war, were, 
 an act prohibiting the exportation of specie, a general embargo 
 for ninety days from the 24th of April ; an act authorizing the 
 enhstment of twenty-five thousand men, and filling up the 
 peace establishment of six thousand; several acts authorizing 
 the President to accept the services of fifty thousand volun- 
 teers; to call upon the executives of the several states for a 
 detachment of one hundred thousand militia, to be apportion- 
 ed to each slate according to the militia returns; to raise seven 
 companies of rangers of seventy-two men each for the pro- 
 tection of the frontiers from Indian depredations ; several acts 
 establishing the staff department, providing for the purchase 
 of ordnance, camp equipage, military stores, and arms, and 
 providing for the equipment and manning the navy. 
 
 Treasury Estimates, The estimates to meet 
 these expenses, and for which Congress made 
 appropriations, were for the army and fortifica- 
 tions $11,466,562 
 For the navy 3,404,669 
 These, together with the sum of 11,745,388 
 
 
 * Address of the minority in Congresg to their constitaents, June 
 1813. 
 
 iiii' 
 
1813. 
 
 HI8TORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 53 
 
 'it 
 
 i 
 
 for the support of government, reimbursing the j 
 
 public debt, and other purposes, made an ag- 
 gregate to be provided for the year 1 8 1 2 of 26,6 1 6,6 1 9 
 
 In his annual report, the secretary of the 
 treasury stated that the amount of public debt 
 due on the 1st of April, 1801, amounted to 79,926,999 
 
 That of this debt there had been extinguished 
 in eleven years 46,022,810 
 
 leaving of the old debt due on the 1st of "January, 
 
 1(812, 33,904,189 
 
 to which is to be added the debt contracted for 
 
 the purchase of Louisiana, amounting to 1 1 ,250,000 
 
 making the whole debt of the United States on 
 
 •the 1st of Jan. 1812, 45,154,189 
 
 System of Finance for the War, On the 17 th of February 
 the committee of ways and means reported a system of fi- 
 nance adapted to a state of war for three years, the outlines 
 of which were to support the war altogether by loans, to es- 
 tablish a revenue which should be sufficient to meet the ordi- 
 nary expenses of government, and pay the interest on the war 
 loans. The extraordinary expenses for which it was neces- 
 sary to obtain loans for the present year were estimated at 
 eleven miUions. A state of war, the committee remark, will 
 necessarily very much diminish importations, and the revenue 
 derived from them ; to meet this event, as well as to provide 
 for the interest on the war loans, they recommend, that the 
 impost duties be doubled, foreign tonnage raised to one dollar 
 and fifty cents, a direct tax of three millions, and an extensive 
 system of internal duties and excise. 
 
 The general principles embraced in the report were adopted. 
 The direct tax and internal duties were postponed until the 
 next session, a loan of eleven millions was authorized at an 
 interest not exceeding six per cent, and reimbursable in twelve 
 years. In execution of this authority, the secretary of th& 
 
 ii 
 
 
■"^ 
 
 it 
 
 j4 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Crap. S. 
 
 treasury directed subscriptions to be opened at llic principal 
 banks in the United States on the 1st and 2d days of May. 
 To encourage banks to subscribe, it was provided, that the 
 money subscribed by any bank, should remain a deposit there- 
 in, until called for by the secretary for the use of the United 
 States ; and the cashier's certificate that a sum was passed to 
 the credit of the United States on his books, entitled the bank 
 to that amount in United States stock bearing an interest of 
 six per centum. 
 On the returns of the subscriptions, it appeared 
 
 that there had been subscribed by banks i^4,l 90,000 
 
 and by individuals 1 ,928,000 
 
 4,882,009 
 
 Leaving a balance of 
 
 of the eleven millions not taken up. 
 
 To supply this deficiency, the President was authorized t» 
 issue treasury notes, payable in one year, and bearing an in- 
 terest of five and two-fiiihs per cent. These notes were 
 receivable in all payments at the treasury, and calculated to 
 pass as a currency, and supersede to a certain extent, the 
 circulation of bank bills. Congress rose on the 6th of July, 
 after a session of eight months. 
 
 !.(■ 
 
 . » t 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 Situation of the United States at the Declaration of the War.—Popu. 
 lation.— Military and Naval Power. — State of Great Britain — Indian 
 population ; Character. — Tecumseh. — British and Indian Alliance. — 
 Proceedings of the Several Statea in relation to the War. — Louisi* 
 ana.— New- York. — Ohio. — New-Jersey. — Connecticut— Report of 
 the Committee to the Let;i8lature of Connecticut — Massachusetts — 
 Governor Strong's Reasons for not calling out the Militia. — Opinion of 
 the Judges of the Supreme Court on the subject — Resolutions of 
 Maryland on the subject of the War.— Of Pennsylvania.— Report 
 of the Secretary at War on the Powers of Congress relative to the 
 Militia. — Proceedings in Canada on the War. — Orders for Governor 
 Prevost.- Governor Brock^s Address to the Legislature of Upper 
 Canada. — Address of the Legislature of Upper Canada to their Con- 
 stituents.— Prince Regent's Manifesto. , , 
 
 Situation of the United States, At the period of the de- 
 claration of war, the United States had a population of eight 
 millions. Their navy consisted of three frigates of forty-four 
 guns, four of thirty-six, three of thirty-two, ten small vessels 
 of war, and one hundred and sixty-f.vc gun-boats. Their 
 regular army amounted to three thousand effective men, and 
 their militia to eight hundred thousand. 
 
 Of Great Britian. The population of the British North 
 American colonics bordering on the Uiiited States, was esti- 
 matqd.at four hundred thousand, their militia at forty thousand, 
 and a regular military force of six thousand, stationed at 
 Quebec, and other posts in the colonies. The British naval 
 establishment at the same period, consisted of two hundred 
 and fifty-four ships of the line of seventy-four guns and 
 upwards, thirty -five fifties a nd forty-fours, two hundred and 
 forty-seven frigates, and five hundred and six small vessels of 
 war.* Great Britain was engaged at the same time in an 
 
 * Steele's list. 
 
«6 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chaps. 
 
 '1 
 
 expensive and hazardous war with France in the Spanish 
 peninsula; and also in assisting Russia in defending herself 
 against Bonaparte's invasion. 
 
 Of the Indian Tribes. In the unsettled territory of the 
 United States, east of the Mississippi, was an Indian popula- 
 tion estimated at one hundred thousand souls,* and capab'e oi" 
 furnishing ten thousand warriors. Most of the tribes receive 
 annual stipends from the American government, in clothing and 
 articles of husbandry, in consideration of portions of their land 
 which they have ceded to the United States. Trading houses 
 imd small military posts are established in various parts of 
 their territory, for the purpose of preserving them in order, 
 and accommodating them with necessaries. Great pains 
 have been taken by the government, and private charitable 
 societies, to instruct and bring them to some degree of civili- 
 zation. Still this population remain poor, improvident, and 
 with little tilh\ge, seeking a precarious subsistence from the 
 woods and waters. They are naturally indolent, but when 
 roused to action, vindictive, exterminating, and capable of 
 enduring the greatest fatigue and deprivations. Their prin- 
 ciples of war are to make no prisoners, but to massacre all 
 that fall into their power, defenceless women and children, 
 the aged and infirm, as well as the soldier in arms. Unable 
 lo meet an enemy in the open field, their war consists of 
 ambuscade and surprise. They will traverse the wilderness 
 for hundreds of miles, for the sake of plundering, burning, 
 and destroying defenceless villages and their inhabitants. 
 By their swiftness in returning, they elude pursuit : and are 
 always a terror to the frontier inhabitants. 
 
 Within the British territories bordering on the United States, 
 and subject to British influence, was a similar population of 
 about one third of the amount. It would have been happy 
 and honourable for both nations, if these children of the 
 
 "' Morse's Gazetteer. 
 
1112. 
 
 J1I3T0RY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 57 
 
 forest could have been suffered to remain at peace during the 
 contest. But such was not the lot of thi* people. 
 
 Tecumseh, Tccumseh a celebrated chief of the Shawanee 
 tribe, in the centre of the Indian population, an inveterate 
 enemy to the Americans, had formed the plan of uniting the 
 Indians of the west, north-west, and south, to expel the whites 
 from the lands north-westward of the Ohio •, for this pur- 
 pose, he had visited the various tribes, held war-councils, and 
 inspired them in a high degree with his own feelings. Though 
 at this time but about forty-four years old, he had been in 
 almost every battle since Hanner's defeat. He bore a con- 
 spicuous part in the celebrated battle of Tippecanoe. His 
 eloquence was nervous, concise, and impressive ; his words 
 few, but always to the purpose. From his talents and exer- 
 tions, he had acquired an extensive influence over the sav- 
 ages ; and by his attendance at their councils, and persuasive 
 eloquence, had brought them into his views.* In this he 
 was very much aided by a religious fanaticism, which at 
 this time prevailed among them. A set of prophets had risen 
 up, who persuaded the Indians that they were sent immedi- 
 ately from the Great Spirit to direct them. Tecumseh en- 
 listed these impostors into his service, and induced them to 
 proclaim to the Indians, that it was the will of the Great Spirit, 
 that they should unite in extirpating the whites, that they would 
 certainly be successful, and reposses their country ; and {that 
 those who were slain in the attempt, would go to the land of their 
 fathers, to a land abounding with fish and game. The character 
 and schemes of this savage were exactly suited to the views of 
 the British. At the commencement of the war, they took 
 him into their service, with the rank and pay of a brigadier 
 general ; and formed an alliance with him and his associates, 
 the object of which was to extirpate the frontier settlements ; 
 and one condition of which was, that no peace should be 
 
 * BrowB's views ofthe north-western campaign. 
 8 
 
6C 
 
 lIISTOnV or THK l.ATE WAfC. 
 
 Chip. 'S. 
 
 made with the Americans, which did not embrace a restoration 
 of the lands purchased of the Indians since 1795.* 
 
 Viiui of the State Governments in relation to the War, 
 Although Congress have the power of declaring war, and the 
 accessary powers incident thereto ; yet, as the United States 
 at this period, consisted of eighteen distinct sovereignties, 
 independent in every thing, excepting where their rights 
 were ceded to the general government by the constitution, 
 their co-operation in the war measures was necessary to a 
 successful issue of the contest. The authorities of each 
 state took the earliest opportunities after the declaration of 
 war, to express their sentiments on the measure. 
 
 Louisiana, On the 30th of July, 1812, for the first time 
 since the organization of the state government, Governor 
 Clairborne met the legislature of Louisiana. In his address, 
 on the subject of the war, he remarks, " the United States 
 are engaged in a war, to the calamities of which, this section 
 of the union is greatly exposed. We know not the moment 
 when the enemy may enter the sanctuary of our dwellings, 
 and convert to his use the fruits of our industry. A sense of 
 common danger should unite every heart, and strengthen 
 every arm. If ever war" was justifiable, the one which our 
 country has declared is that war. If ever a people had cause 
 to repose in the confidence of their government, we are that 
 people. Union is in itself a host ; it is numbers, strength, 
 and security. Let every man put himself in armour. When 
 justice is the standard. Heaven is the warrior's shield." Sim- 
 ilar sentiments were addressed by the governors of Vermont 
 and Delaware to their legislatures. 
 
 J^eto-York. On the 3d of November, Governor Tomp- 
 kins, in his address to the legislature of New- York, omits any 
 remarks on the justice or expediency of the war ; but observes, 
 ** that notwithstanding differences of opinion may exist, upon 
 
 * Propositions of the British commissioners a.f Ghent. 
 

 toration J 
 
 1 
 
 IVar, 
 
 and the 
 
 1 Statcb 1 
 
 Jignties, 
 
 r rights 
 
 titution, 
 
 ry to a 
 
 )f each 
 
 »tion of j 
 
 1 
 rst time 
 
 7' 
 
 overnor j 
 
 iddress, 
 
 States /■ 
 
 section « 
 
 /"Hi 
 
 noment | 
 ellings, 1 
 
 sense of j| 
 
 sngthcn m 
 
 ich our ^ 
 
 d cause M 
 
 ire that m 
 
 rength, | 
 
 When 1 
 
 Sim- ■ 
 
 ermont B 
 
 Fomp- 9| 
 
 its any 9 
 
 serves, ^ 
 
 , upon 1 
 
 ini2. 
 
 HFSTORY or THE LATE WAR. 
 
 ■>s 
 
 a variety of local and other subjects, yet in the propriety of 
 respecting and yielding our exertions to support the national 
 will, constitutionally expressed, and to preserve the rights, 
 character, and honour of the American nation unimpaired, 
 we must all heartily concur." 
 
 Ohio* To the legislature of the state of Ohio, Governor 
 Meigs remarks, " that the people of the United States have 
 been driven into a necessary war, to preserve their undenia- 
 ble rights. Situate as is the state of Ohio, bordered by hos- 
 tile tribes and British possessions, new and weighty duties 
 are required. The man who would desert a just cause is 
 unworthy to defend it. Let no man shrink from his duty. 
 From new emergencies new warriors will arise to defend the 
 heritage of their ancestors. To our exertions, let us add a 
 reliance on the protecting arm of the God of justice." 
 
 The executives of the states of New-Hampshire, V^irginia, 
 North and South-Carolina, Georgia, Kentuky, and Tennessee, 
 at the first meetings of their legislatures after the declaration 
 of war, expressed the same sentiments in the same ener- 
 getic language. They spoke the sentiments of a !arg<* 
 majority of their constituents, and the legislatures reciproca- 
 ted them by acts adapted to support the operations of the 
 general government. 
 
 New-Jersey, In November 1812, the legislature of New- 
 Jersey resolved, "that the war with Great Britain into whieh 
 the present administration have plunged the United States, 
 was inexpedient, ill-timed, and most dangerously impolitic, 
 sacrificing at once countless blessings, and incurring all the 
 hazards, and losses of men and treasure, necessarily resulting 
 from a contest with a nation possessing so many means t» 
 annoy and distress us : 
 
 " That as the war was improvidcnlly commenced, so has 
 the conduct of it proved wasteful and disastrous. The 
 administration being evidently chargeable with the multiplieel 
 disasters which have attended our arms, and consFgne^ t» 
 
History op the late war. 
 
 CVAP. X 
 
 ^lll^ 
 
 ,1 
 
 :l 
 
 captivity or death so many thousands of brave men without 
 the attainment of a single important object : 
 
 ** That we view with inexpressible concern, the course of 
 that djestructive policy which leads to a connexion with the 
 military despotism of France ; and if it should so happen, as 
 our fears suggest, that a convention or confederacy with that 
 power : either exists, or is intended, we do not hesitate to 
 declare, that such an event will be considered by us more 
 dangerous than the war itself, and as tending in its conse- 
 quences to the dissolution of the United States : 
 
 *^That so long as it shall be the unhappy fate of our coun- 
 try to be involved in war, the people and legislature of New- 
 Jersey will perform all their constitutional duties, embracing 
 all the just means in their power, to preserve the union, 
 defend the state, and the honour of their country: 
 
 ** That it is requisite, inquiry should be speedily made into 
 the causes of the calamitous events of the war, and that the 
 representatives of this State in Congress, be requested by all 
 constitutional means in their power to effect this important 
 investigation: And, 
 
 " That a war, at the expense of American blood and treasure, 
 to protect British subjects on the high seas from their due 
 allegiance to their country, would be unjust, and that the abuse 
 of this practice in regard to American seamen may be guarded 
 against by an arrangement between the two governments, 
 and therefore that a negotiation for a treaty of peace should 
 be immediately opened." 
 
 Connecticut. In Connecticut the quota of militia required 
 by the act of Congress, of the 10th of April, were detached 
 and held in readiness. A few days after the declaration of 
 tvar, the executive received a letter from General Dearborn, 
 then secretary at war, requiring four companies of the de- 
 tached militia to be called into service, and stationed at New- 
 London and New-Haven. This requisition, made immedi- 
 ately after the declaration of war, when no enemy was on the 
 icoast, and several months must necessarily elapse before 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 1 
 
^Itlfi 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR, 
 
 C> 
 
 intelligence of the event could arrive in England, and an 
 invading force be prepared and sent to Amenca, appeared to 
 the governor to be an assumption of power not warranted by 
 the constitution ; he therefore, with the advice of the council, 
 refused a compliance; and immediately called a meeting of 
 the legislature, to whom the subject was referred. After 
 deliberating several days, both houses concurred in sundry 
 resolutions, declaring that the people of this state view the 
 war as unnecessary; without pretending, say they, to an 
 exclusive or superior love of country to what is common to 
 their fcUow-citizens, or arrogating a pre-eminence in those 
 virtues which adorn our history, they yield to none in attach- 
 ment to the Union, or veneration of the constitution : we 
 are not the apologists of the wrongs of foreign nations : we 
 will never deliberate on the choice of a foreign master. The 
 aggressions of both nations ought to have been met at the 
 outset, by a system of defensive protection commensurate to 
 our means, and adapted to the crisis. Other councils pre- 
 vailed; and that system of commercial restrictions which 
 before had distressed the people of Europe, was extended to 
 our country ; we became parties to the continental system of 
 the French emperor. That nation of the two is selected 
 which is capable of inflicting the greatest injury. In this 
 selection we view with the deepest solicitude a tendency to 
 entangle us in an alliance with a nation which has subverted 
 every republic in Europe, and whose connexions, wherever 
 formed, have been fatal to civil liberty. By the constitution 
 the power of declaring war is vested in Congress : they have 
 declared war against Great Britain; however much this 
 measure is to be regretted, the general assembly, ever regard- 
 ful of their duty to the general government, will perform all 
 their obligations resulting from such an act. Their resolu- 
 tions, in reference to ordering out the militia, further declare, 
 that the only evidence of an invasion which has been fur- 
 nished, is to be found in the declaration of war; and it is now 
 claimed by the government of the United States, that when 
 
6-2 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR, 
 
 Chap. 3. 
 
 1 ' 
 
 war has been declared to exist, the militia of the several states 
 are liable to be called into the service of the United States, 
 to enter their forts, and there remain upon the presumption 
 that the enemy may invade the places which they are 
 ordered to garrison. If this claim is well founded it will fol- 
 low, that there is no constitutional objection to the militia^s 
 remaining in service during the war. The war has been 
 declared, not because the country was invaded or threatened 
 with invason, but to seek redress for injuries complained of, 
 by invasion and conquest of the enemy's territories. When 
 the militia were demanded, war had been recently declared, 
 and was not even then known to the nation from whom the 
 invasion was apprehended. The invasion then existing or 
 expected, must be presumed to last as long as the war shall 
 last; if then the militia can be constitutionally required to 
 man the garrisons of the United States, they may continue to 
 be so required as long as the danger exists, and to become, 
 for all the purposes of carrying on the war within the United 
 States, standing armies. And a declaration of war made by 
 the administration, and announced to the governors, will sub- 
 stantially convert the militia into such armies. The report 
 concludes by stating, that should there be an actual invasion 
 of any portion of our territory, or should we be threatened with 
 invasion, or attack from any enemies, the militia will always 
 be prompt and zealous to defend their country. The gov- 
 ernment of this state, as it ever has been, so it always will be, 
 ready to comply with all the constitutional requisitions of the 
 general government. Faithful to itself and posterity, it will 
 be faithful to the United States. The conduct of the gov- 
 ernor in regard to the militia has been regulated by a strict 
 regard to the rights and interests of this state, as well as to the 
 constitution of the United States. * 
 
 Massachuseits, Four days after the declaration of war. 
 Governor Strong received a requisition from General Dear- 
 
 "^ Resolutions of the Connecticut Legislatura, August 1812* 
 
Ult. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 G3 
 
 l»orii to order into the service of the United States forty-one 
 companies of militia for the defence of the ports and harbours 
 of Massachusetts, and the harbour of Newport in Rhode- 
 Island. The governor, with the advice of his council, refused 
 a compliance with this requisition, and communicated his 
 views upon the subject to the executives of Connecticut and 
 Rhode-Island. In support of his opinion the governor 
 remarks, that the act of Congress, authorizing a detachment 
 of one hundred thousand militia, enjoins the President to call 
 into actual service any part or the whole of said detachment 
 in all the exigencies provided by the constitution. From the 
 constitution and this act of Congress the President derives 
 all his authority to call the militia of the states into iictual 
 service ; but there was no suggestion from any communica- 
 tion he had received, that either Massachusetts or Rhode- 
 Island was invaded or in imminent danger of invasion. Gen- 
 eral Dearborn seems plainly to have supposed that he was 
 authorized by virtue of the power given him by the President, 
 to require any part or the whole of the detached militia to be 
 called out, and marched to such places in this and other 
 states as he may think proper. If this construction of the 
 constitution be correct, the President and Congress will be 
 able at any time, by declaring war, to call the whole militia of 
 the United States into actual service, march them to such 
 places as they think proper, and retain them in service as long 
 as the war shall continue. ^^ _, .- 
 
 Opinion of the Judges of the Supreme Court, The consti- 
 tution of Massachusetts authorizes the executive to require 
 the opinion of the judges of the Supreme Court upon any 
 important legal oi- constitutional questions. On this occa- 
 sion the governor submitted two questions to the judges of 
 that court. 1st. Whether the commanders in chief of the 
 militia of the several slates have a right to determine whether 
 any of the exigencies contemplated by the constitution of the 
 United States exist, so as to require them to place the militia, 
 or any part of it. in the service of the United States, at thr 
 
64 
 
 HISTORY or THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chat. 3. 
 
 request of the President, to be commanded by him pursuant 
 to acts of Congress. 36. Whether when either of the exi- 
 gencies exist authorizing the employment of the miHtia in the 
 service of the United States, they can be lawfully commanded 
 by any officers but of the militia, except by the President of 
 the United States. 
 
 In answer to these questions, Judges Parsons, Sewal, and 
 Parker, remark, after reciting the clauses of the constitution 
 relating to the subject, that no power is given either to the 
 President or Congress, to determine that either of the exigen- 
 cies does in fact exist; as this power is not delegated to the 
 United States by the constitution, nor prohibited to the states, 
 it is reserved to the slates respectively, and from the nature 
 of the power, must be exercised by those with whom the 
 states have intrusted the chief command of the militia. It is 
 the duty of the commanders to execute this important trust 
 agreeably to the laws of their several states, without reference 
 to the laws or officers of the United States, in all cases except 
 those specially provided by the federal constitution. They 
 must therefore determine when either of the special cases 
 exist, obliging them to relinquish this trust, and to render 
 themselves and the militia subject to the command of the 
 President. 
 
 In answer to the second question, they say that they know 
 of no constitutional provision authorizing any officer of the 
 army of the United States to command the militia, or any of- 
 ficer of the militia to command the army of the United States. 
 The union of the militia in the actual service of the United 
 States, with the troops of the United States, seems to be a 
 case not provided for or contemplated in the constitution. 
 Congress may provide laws for the government of the militia 
 when in actual service, but to extend this power to the placing 
 them under the command of an officer not of the militia, ex- 
 cept the President would render nugatory thc^ provision of the 
 constitution, that the militia are to have officers appointed by 
 
 
 setts. 
 Rho 
 edby 
 
 , I 
 
1814. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 66 
 
 ex- 
 
 
 i 
 
 J 
 
 -XZ 
 
 the states.* These views of the executive, supported by the 
 judiciary, were approved by the legislature of Massachu- 
 setts. 
 
 Rhode-Island, The same course of proceedings was adopt- 
 ed by the constituted authorities of Rhode-Island. Governor 
 Jones, in his address to the legislature, states, that the declara- 
 tion of war had placed that stale in a very perilous situation, 
 .Sa^ ing an extensive sea-coast accessible to a naval force. The 
 principal part of the United States troops, that were thmight 
 necessary in time of peace have been withdrawn from the 
 state, and the forts and batteries are very illy supplied with 
 the munitions of war. 
 
 Maryland. In the house of delegates in the state of Mary- 
 land, resolutions were passed, 41 yeas, 21 nays, declaring, 
 •'that a defensive war ought to be prosecuted and sustained 
 at all hazards, and for this that they were prepared at all times 
 to undergo any privations, and to devote their lives and for- 
 tunes to the public service : 
 
 " That offensive war is incompatible with the principles of 
 republicanism, subversive of the ends of all just government, 
 and repugnant to the best interests of the United States : 
 
 " That the declaration of war against Great Britain by a 
 small majority of the Congress of the United States, was un- 
 wise and impolitic, and if unsuccessful, the grand object con- 
 tended for must be abandoned : 
 
 "That the conduct of the governors of Massachusetts, 
 Connecticut, and Rhode-Island, respecting the quota of mili- 
 tia demanded of them, was constitutional, and merited their 
 decided approbation : 
 
 " That a navy is the kind of national defence least danger- 
 ous to liberty, and most compatible with the genius, habits, 
 and interests of the people of the United States ; and while 
 they view with delight and admiration, the heroism of Hull, De- 
 catur, and Jones, and their gallant associates, they arefurnish- 
 
 * Massachusetts reports, vol. 8. 
 9 
 
66 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 C«A». 3 
 
 ed with additional motives for approbating the policy of aug- 
 menting the naval forces of the country." 
 
 In the senate, resolution^ of an opposite character were 
 passed, approving the war and the conduct of the government, 
 and pledging themselves for its support. 
 
 Pennsylvania. Both houses of the legislature of Pennsyl- 
 vania resolved, 
 
 " That the declaration of war was the result of solemn 
 deliberation, sound wisdom, and imperious necessity : 
 
 " That they contemplate with painful regret the refusal of 
 the executive authorities of some of the states to furnish, on 
 the President's demand, their quota of militia for the defence 
 of the sea-coast, and with c jniidence expect from the national 
 legislature a prompt attention to this alarming and unexpected 
 occurrence." 
 
 Militia Question, The constitutional questions on the sub- 
 ject of the militia, now brought into view and at issue, between 
 the general government and the states of Massachusetts, Con- 
 necticut, and Rhode-Island, were of vital importance. Without 
 an efficient army, the safety of the nation rested at this period 
 on the militia. If they were to be considered as eighteen dis- 
 tinct independent bodies of troops acting without concert, and 
 subject to be called into service only when the executives of 
 the several states deemed it necessary, and their operations 
 not subject to the direction of one head, it was evident their 
 services could be of very little use in defending the country. 
 War having been declared, though against the opinion of a 
 considerable minority, it was expected that that minority 
 would have so far acquiesced as to have performed all their 
 constitutional obligations. The social compact requires this 
 from all the citizens of the state. The principal object of 
 forming the national constitution was the defence of the coun- 
 try ; and its physical force was placed in the hands of the 
 general government for that purpose. How then could it be' 
 doubted but that the power of judging when danger existed 
 which required the calling forth of this force, and of directing 
 
CaAT. 3 
 
 ■4 
 
 of aug- 
 
 '<_ 
 
 er were 
 
 
 jrnment, 
 
 
 'ennsyl- 
 
 
 ' solemn 
 
 'i 
 
 • 
 • 
 
 efusal of 
 
 'nish, on 
 
 defence 
 
 j 
 
 1814. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 67 
 
 national 
 !xpected 
 
 the sub- 
 between 
 tts, Con- 
 Without 
 is period 
 iteen dis- 
 cert, and 
 utives of 
 Derations 
 lent their 
 country, 
 lion of a 
 minority 
 all their 
 lires this 
 object of 
 he coun- 
 s of the 
 uld it be' 
 [• existed 
 directing 
 
 I 
 
 if 
 
 
 its operations, was lodged in the same hands ? The national 
 authorities viewed the subject with deep interest. The Pres- 
 ident, in his message to Congress of the 4th of November, 
 1812, on this subject, remarks, that among the incidents to the 
 measures of the war, he is constrained to advert to the refusal 
 of the governors of Massachusetts and Connecticut to fur- 
 nish the requked detachments of militia for the defence of 
 the maritime frontier. The refusal was founded upon a 
 novel and and unfortunate exposition of the constitution re- 
 lating to the militia. It is obvious, that if the authority of the 
 United States to call into service and command the militia for 
 the public defence, can be frustrated even in a state of de- 
 clared war, and of course under apprehensions of invasion 
 preceding war, they are not one nation for the purpose most 
 of all requiring it. The public safety will then have no other 
 resource than in those large and permanent military establish- 
 ments, which are forbidden by the principles of our free 
 government, and against the necessity of which the militia 
 were meant to be a constitutional bulwark. 
 
 Monroe^s Views, In a subsequent communication of the 
 acting secretary of war, to a committee of the senate in 
 answer to their inquiries upon the subject, Mr. Monroe fully 
 and ably explained the views of the executive. The power 
 which is given to Congress, he observes, by the people of the 
 United Stales, to provide for calling forth the militia for the 
 purposes specified in the constitution, is unconditional. It is 
 a complete power vested in the national government, extend- 
 ing to all these purposes. If it was dependent on the assent 
 of the executives of the individual states it might be entirely 
 frustrated. The character of the government would undergo 
 an entire and radical change. The state executives might 
 deny that the case had occurred which justified the call, and 
 withhold the militia from the service of the general govern- 
 ment. It was obviously the intention of Ihc framers of the 
 constitution, that these powers vested in the general govern- 
 ment should be independent of the state authorities, and ade- 
 
 
 ^; 
 
68 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 CiiAr. 7. 
 
 1812. 
 
 quale to the ends proposed. Terms more comprehensive 
 than those which have been used cannot well be conceived. 
 Congress have a right to provide for calling forth the militia to 
 repel invasion. This right, by fair construction, is an exem- 
 plification of the power over the militia, to enable the general 
 government to prosecute the war with eftect, and not the 
 limitations of it by strict construction to the special case of a 
 descent of the enemy on any particular part of the territory. 
 War exists. The enemy is powerful ; his preparations are 
 extensive; we may expect his attacks in many quarters. 
 Shall we remain inactive spectators of the danger which sur- 
 round us, without making the arrangements suggested by an 
 ordinary foresight for our defence? A regular army, in suffi- 
 cient extent, docs not exist. The militia is the principal 
 resource. Is it possible that a free people could thus inten- 
 tionally trammel a gcTvernment which they had crea^ted for 
 the purpose of sustaining them in their just raiji, tnd in the 
 enjoyment of all their rights as a nation against the encroach- 
 ments of other flowers, more especially just after they had 
 experienced that reliance could not be placed on the states 
 individually, and that without a general government, thus 
 endowed, their best interests would be sacrificed, and eventheir 
 independence rendered insecure, A necessary consequence 
 of so complete and absolute a restraint on the power of the 
 general government over the militia, would be to force the 
 United States to resort to standing armies for all national 
 purposes. A policy so absurd, and fraught with mischief, 
 ought not to be imputed to a free people in this enlightened 
 age. Such a constiniction of the constitution is repugnant to 
 the highest interests of the people, to the unequivocal inten- 
 tion of its framers, and to the just and obvious import of the 
 instrument itself, Tf any doubt could exist on this subject on 
 general principles, it is taken away by that clause in the con- 
 stitution which provides, that Congress shall have power to 
 pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying into execu- 
 tion the powers vested in the general government. The 
 
 
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1813. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 69 
 
 ** -■.'?*■; 
 
 secretary then proceeds to show, by historical facts, that such 
 has been the construction of the constitution by the legislative 
 and executive authorities, and acquiesced in by the slates 
 from its commencement. 
 
 Equally unfounded, he observes, is the other objection of 
 the executives, that when the militia' are called into the ser- 
 vice of the United States, no officer of the regular army or 
 other person not a militia officer, except the President of the 
 United States in person, has a right to command them. When 
 the mihtia are called into the service of the United States, all 
 state authority over them ceases. They constitute a part of 
 the national force, and are supported and paid by the nation ; 
 and their operations directed by the national government. 
 The circumstance that the officers of the militia are appointed 
 by, and trained under the authority of, the state, has no effect 
 on the chgracter and duties of the militia when called into the 
 service oFth« United States. When thus called out, a proper 
 proportion of militia officers are called with them ; a colonel 
 to a regiment, and a brigadier to a brigade, and a major gen- 
 eral to a division : the whole to be received into the pay and 
 service of the United States, and subject in their general ope- 
 rations to the direction of such officers as the President shall 
 appoint. That the President alone has a right to command 
 the militia in person, and that no officer of the regular army 
 in his absence can take the command, is a construction for 
 which the constitution furnishes no pretext. Under the com- 
 mander, all the officers of every species of service, regular 
 and militia, acting together, take rank by common consent and 
 in perfect harmony, according to one of the articles of war, 
 which provides that the officers of the regular army shall take 
 rank of those of the militia of the same grade, without regard 
 to the dates of their commission, and officers of the militia of 
 every grade take rank of all officers of the regular army of 
 inferior grade. When these troops serve together, they con- 
 stitute one national force. The idea advanced by the hon- 
 ourable judges of Massachusetts, the secretary observes, that 
 
 1 t;V 
 
 ^?i'- 
 
70 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 3. 
 
 where the regular troops and militia act together under the 
 command of the President, and he withdraws, there can be no 
 chief commander over the whole, but are to be considered as 
 independent, allied forces, pushes the doctrine of stale rights 
 much farther than it was ever known to be carried before, h 
 is only in the case of powers who are completely independent 
 of each other, and who maintain armies, and prosecute war 
 against a common enemy, for distinct objects, that this doc- 
 trine can apply. It does not apply to the case of one inde- 
 pendent power, who takes into its service the troops of 
 another; for then the command is always at the disposal of 
 the power making war, and employing such troops. Much 
 less does it apply to the case where there is but one power 
 and one government ; and the troops, whether regulars or 
 militia, constitute but one people, and arc, in fact, country- 
 men, brethren, and friends. The judicious selection of the 
 chief commander for any important station is an object of 
 high interest to the nation. Success often depends upon it ; 
 and it is wisely vested in the President by the powers given 
 him as chief executive of the United States.* The legislative 
 and executive authorities of the general government, and 
 of all the states except Massachusetts, Connecticut, and 
 Rhode-Island, adopted the principles contained in the secre- 
 tary's report respecting the militia, and steadily adhered to 
 them through the war. 
 
 Proceedings in Canada. The inhabitants of the Canadas, 
 many of whom were emigrants from the United States, and 
 were still connected by ties of affection, business, and blood, 
 with their citizens, observed with anxiety the progress of the 
 dispute between their parent country and the American gov- 
 ernment-, and when they saw it terminate in a war, the 
 avowed object of which was the conquest ef their country, 
 they were filled with the most alarming apprehensions. The 
 executive authorities of the provinces, Britons by birth, and 
 
 by 
 
 \\ 
 
 * Report of fieorttaiy of War to Committee of Senate. 
 
1612. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 71 
 
 deriving their powers from the crown, adopted vfgorous 
 measures to meet the crisis, and the great body of the inhab- 
 itants seconded their efforts. 
 
 Immediately on the declaration of war, the governor gene- 
 ral of the Canadas published the following regulations rela- 
 tive to American citizens resident in the British colonics. All 
 who shall refuse to take the oath of allegiance, and to bear 
 arras, must leave the country, unless they obtain the governor's 
 permission to remain for a limited time to settle their affairs. 
 
 All American citizens having visible property and of good 
 character, who will take t':e oath of allegiance, with the excep- 
 tion of bearing arms against the United States, shall be 
 allowed to remain, subject to leave the province whenever the 
 government shall deem it necessary. 
 
 All American subjects being immediate grantees of the 
 crown shall be allowed to remain, but must take the general 
 oath of allegiance, and consequently be subject to bear arms. 
 
 Any American subject of good character may, if approved 
 by a committee of the executive council, be allowed to 
 remain, on taking the oath of allegiance before the poHce 
 magistrate, and consenting to bear arms. Soon afterwards 
 another order was published, directing all American citizen^ 
 who had not or should not be admitted to take the oath of alle* 
 giance and to bear arms, to depart the province before the 
 15th of the following October, and all who should be found 
 within the province after that time, without having taken such 
 oath, were to be treated as (prisoners of war ; and no per- 
 sons whatever were allowed to go from the province to the 
 United States, without special license from the governor. 
 
 On receiving intelligence of the declaration of war, Gene- 
 ral Brock, governor of Upper Canada, assembled the legis- 
 lature of that province on the 22d of July, and addressed 
 them, stating their province was invaded by an enemy, whose 
 
 ♦ Go ;'cmor Prevost's orde n. 
 
72 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAH. 
 
 Chap. 3. 
 
 IHM. 
 
 avowed object was its entire conquest. That the voice of 
 loyality, as well as interest, called aloud upon every person 
 to dcfiiid hi-i country. That the militia had obeyed that 
 voice, and evinced by the promptitude and loyality of their 
 conduct, that thoy were worthy of the king whom they serve, 
 and the constitution they enjoy ; and recommending a revi- 
 sion of the militia laws, and the passing of acts for the punish- 
 ment of spies and traitors. 
 
 The legislature zealously seconded the views of the gov- 
 ernor, and at the close of the session published an address 
 to their constituents, observing that the declaration of war 
 when first announced, appeared to be an act of such astonish- 
 ing.jblly and desperation as to be altogether incredible. It not 
 only excited the greatest surprise among the inhabitants of 
 this province, but also among a great majority of our enemies. 
 That a government professing to be the friend of man, and 
 the great supporter of his liberty and independence, should 
 light up the; torch of war against the only nation that stands 
 between itself and destruction, exhibited a degree of infatua- 
 tion and madness altogether incomprehensible. This, war on 
 the part of the United States, includes an alliance with the 
 French usurper, whose dreadful policy has destroyed all that 
 is great and good, venerable and holy, on the continent of 
 Europe. With joy we behold the spirit of loyality burst 
 forth in all its ancient splendour. The militia, in all parts 
 of the province, have volunteered their services with ac- 
 clamation, and displayed a degree of energy worthy of 
 the British name. Our enemies have indeed boasted that 
 they can subdue the country by proclamation ; but it is ouf 
 part to prove to them, that they are mistaken. When men are 
 called upon to defend every thing they hold precious, their 
 wives and children, their friends and possessions, they 
 will not be easily frightened by menaces, or conquered by 
 force. The population are decidedly hostile, and the few 
 who may be otherwise inclined, will find it their safety and 
 interest to be faithful. If there be any person so base and 
 
 degcncr 
 of alleg 
 The Br 
 America 
 all the 
 permit 
 come fr 
 assure t 
 we shal 
 Britis 
 prince 
 of Grea 
 attempt 
 neutral i 
 fiable c 
 decrees 
 ican gO' 
 been th 
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 dispens 
 their m 
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 actuate 
 partial 
 France 
 againsi 
 
1811. 
 
 HIbTORY OF THE LATE WAK. 
 
 73 
 
 degenerate as to join the enemy, after having taken the oath 
 of allegiance, he forfeits not only his property, but his life. 
 The British government never will make peace with the 
 American states without a full and ample indemnification, for 
 all the depredations committed in this country. Nor will we 
 permit a single traitor ever to return. Let those who have 
 come from the neighbouring states consider this well, and 
 assure themselves that as we arc eager to reward loyality, so 
 we shall not be slow to punish treachery.* 
 
 British Manifesto, On the 10th of January, 1813, the 
 prince regent published a declaration, justifying the conduct 
 of Great Britain towards the United States. The manifesto 
 attempts to prove the French to be the first aggressors on 
 neutral rights, and that the British orders in council are justi- 
 fiable on ihe principles of retaliation : that the French 
 decrees have never been repealed : that the course the Amer- 
 ican government has pursued towards the belligerents, has 
 been that of hostility towards Great Britain, and partiality 
 towards France : that America has in every instance seconded 
 the views, and favoured the projects of the French govern- 
 ment against England. The right of impressment, the man- 
 ifesto maintains, results necessarily from the doctrine of natu- 
 ral allegiance : that no sufficient substitute has been offered oo 
 the part of America, which should secure to the British the 
 services of her native subjects : that this practice cannot be 
 dispensed with, without exposing to danger the foundation of 
 their maritime strength. 
 
 "The real origin of the present contest," the manifesto con- 
 cludes, " is to be found in the spirit which has long unhappily 
 actuated the councils of the United States ; their marked 
 partiality in palliating and assisting the aggressive tyranny of 
 France, their systematic endeavours to inflame their people 
 against the defensive means of Great Britain, their ungene- 
 rous conduct towards Spain, the intimate ally of Great Britain, 
 
 '*' Address of the legislature of Upper Canada to their constituents. 
 
 10 
 
74 
 
 lli8TOUY OV TIIK lAVV. WAR. 
 
 iiUJLT. 3 
 
 and llieir unworthy desertion of the cause of other neutral 
 nations. It is through the prevalence of such councils that 
 America has been associated in policy with France, and com- 
 mitted in war against Great Britain. And under what con- 
 duct, on the part of France, has the government of the United 
 States lent itself to the enemy ? The contemptuous violation 
 of the commercial treaty of 1 800 ; the treacherous seizure 
 of American vessels and cargoes in all harbours subject to 
 the control of the French arms ; the tyrannical principles of 
 the Berlin and Milan decrees, and the confiscations under 
 them ; the sul>sequent condemnation under the Rambouillet 
 decree antedated or concealed to render it more effectual ; the 
 French commercial regulations which render the traffic of the 
 United States with France almost illusory ; the burning of 
 their merchant ships at sea long after the repeal of the French 
 decrees. All these acts of violence on the part of France, 
 produce from the government of the United States only such 
 complaints as end in acquiescence and submission, or are 
 accompanied by suggestions for enabling France to give the 
 semblance of a legal form to her usurpations, by converting 
 them into municipal regulations. This disposition of the gov- 
 ernment of the United States, this complete subserviency to 
 the ruler of France, this hostile temper towards Great Britain, 
 are evident in almost every page of the official correspon- 
 dence of the American with the French government. Against 
 this course of conduct, the real cause of the present war, the 
 prince regent solemnly protests. While contending against 
 France, in defence not only of the liberties of Great Britain, 
 but of the world, his royal highness was entitled to look out 
 for a far different result. From their common origin, from their 
 common interests, and from their professed principles of free- 
 dom and independence, the United States were the last power 
 in which Great Britain could have expected to find a willing 
 instrument and abettor of French tyranny. Disappointed in 
 this, his just expectation, the prince regent will still pursue the 
 policy which the British government has so long and invariar 
 
1612. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 76 
 
 biy maintained, in repelling injustice, and supporting the gen- 
 eral rights of nations. And under the favour of Providence, 
 relying on the justice of his cause, and the tried loyality and 
 firmness of the British nation, his royal highness confidently 
 looks forward to a successful issue of the contest in which he 
 has thus been impelled most reluctantly to engage."* 
 
 With these views of their respective claims, the parties 
 staked their rights on the issue of the contest. 
 
 * Prince regent'H raanifesto, January 1813. 
 
Plan of 
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CHAPTER IV, 
 
 Plan of Military Operations for th« Campaign of 1812 — General Hull 
 appointed to the Coinraand of the Northern Army. — Rendezvous atUr- 
 banna.— Their March to the Rapids of the Miami.— A Sloop, with Cren. 
 Hull's Baggage and Papers and the Hospital Stores, taken at Maiden. 
 — Arrival of the Army at Detroit — Invasion of Canada. — Gen. Hull's 
 Proclamation.--Head-Quarter8 at Sandwich — Col. M* Arthur's Expe- 
 dition to the Thames.— ^oL Cass proceeds to the River Auxlanards.— 
 
 I Main Body return to Detroit — Capt Brush arrives at the River Ba- 
 sin with Supplies.— Major Vanhom detached to escort him.— Surpriz- 
 ed by an Ambuscade and defeated. — Col. Miller detached to the same 
 place. — Battle of Maguaga — CoL Miller returns.— Cols. M^Arther 
 and Cass detached to the same place; ordered to return.--.General 
 Brock's Address to the Canadians.— Arrives with Reinforcements at 
 Maiden. — Bombards the Fort from the opposite Bank.— Crosses the 
 River and advances to assault the Fort — Gen. Hull capitulates. — 
 American Forces and Propervr taken.— British Forces.— Court Mar- 
 tial ordered. — Charges and Specifications against Gen. HulL— His 
 Defence.— Sentence of the Court 
 
 Plan of the Campaign o/* 1 8 1 2. The plan of mil'lary ope- 
 rations at the commencement of the war, on the part of the 
 United States, was to garrison and defend the sea-board prin- 
 cipally by occasional calls of the neighbouring militia, aided 
 by a few regular troops, the whole to be under the command 
 of generals of the regular army, stationed at the most impor- 
 tant poiii to. With the remaining regular forces, together with 
 such vol!jnte«rs as could be procured, and the militia, to at- 
 tack the Bristish posts in Upper Canada, and subdue them. 
 This province borders on the United States from the neigh- 
 bourhood of Montreal westerly to an indefinite extent, and is 
 separated from them by the M-atcrs of the St. Lawrence and 
 the lakes, to the western extremity of the Lake of the Woods ; 
 along the shores of the lakes, and banks of the rivers, com- 
 
HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 4. 
 
 iSlrS. 
 
 municating with them, is a fine tract of country, containing one 
 hundred thousand inhabitants, principally emigrants from the 
 United States, who have removed there since the war of the 
 revolution. Northerly and westerly of these settlements is 
 un immense wilderness thinly inhabited by Indians. The 
 settlement of white inhabitants extends westward as far as 
 the Detroit river, which conveys the waters of lake Huron to 
 lake Erie. At the mouth of this river is the villiage of Am- 
 herstburgh, furnishing one of the best harbours on the lake ; 
 and the military post of Maiden, from whence the Indians of 
 the north and west are supplied with goods, arms, and ammu- 
 nition, and encouraged in acts of hostility against the frontier 
 inhabitants of the United States. To break up this establish- 
 ment, and subdue the province, was the first object of the 
 military operations on the Canada border. It was confidently 
 expected that the inhabitants needed only a demonstration of 
 a respectable military force, and an assurance of protection, 
 to induce them to revolt from the British, and join the Ameri- 
 can standard. This province being conquered, it was de- 
 signed to push eastward to Montreal. - * 
 
 HulPs Expedition, With these views, William Hull, gov- 
 ernor of the Michigan territory had been appointed a briga- 
 dier general, and on the 25th of May took command of the 
 north-western troops destined for the operations on Canada. 
 In the beginning of June he rendezvoused at Urbanna, in the 
 state of Ohio. Preparatory to his march to Detroit, his force 
 consisted of five hundred regulars, and twelve hundred Ohio 
 volunicers, under the command of Cols. M' Arthur and Cass. 
 The distance from Urbanna to Detroit is one hundred and 
 ninety miles, the greater part of the way through a trackless 
 wilderness, uninhabited except by a few hostile Indians. 
 Their rout lay in a noiili westerly direction across the high- 
 lands which divide the waters of lake Erie from the Ohio, and 
 along the Miami of tho lake. The morasses and swamps 
 that lay in their rout, and the general ruggedness o'' the way, 
 presented many difficulties. But the ardour of fresh tjroops 
 
 /, 
 
 ¥ 
 
 T 
 
iSitS. 
 
 HiSTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 7d 
 
 eager for conquest, overcame them, and without any serious 
 losses they arrived on the last of June at the rapids of the 
 Miami, a distance of one hundred and twenty miles from 
 Urbanna. The supplies for the army were to be transported 
 the greater part of this distance on pack-horses subject to the 
 attacks of the neighbouring savages. From Miami to Detroit 
 is navigable water ; here the army rested several days, and 
 General Hull procured a sloop and a boat, and put his bag- 
 gage, containing his commission and instructions from the war 
 department, with the baggage of most of the officers and the 
 hospital stores on board the sloop, and the sick on board the 
 boat for Detroit. The ship channel being on the Canada 
 side, the sloop necessarily passed under the guns of Maiden, 
 and being unarmed, was taken without resislance. This cap- 
 ture was a serious loss to the Americans, as the hospital stores 
 could not be seasonably supplied, and of important benefit to 
 the British, as it informed them of the strength, views, and 
 objects of their enemy. The boat kept under the western 
 shore and arrived in safety. The army now disencumbered 
 of their sick and baggage, proceeded along the margin of 
 the lake and river to Detroit, a distance of seventy miles. 
 
 Detroit. This is an ancient French settlement, on the west 
 bank of Detroit river, eighteen miles from its entrance 
 into lake Erie, and nine from the out-let of lake St. Clair. 
 It contains about one thousand inhabitants and is the capital 
 of the Michigan territory, the whole of which contains about 
 six thousand French and American settlers, along the banks 
 of the Detroit, Huron, and Raisin rivers, and along the shores 
 of lakes Erie and Huron. Detroit is one of the most ancient 
 military posts in the western country. It was early establish- 
 ed by the French as a check upon the surrounding Indians, 
 and had been repaired and strengthened by the Americans. 
 The military posts of Mackinaw and fort Dcarborne were 
 also within the limits of Gen. Hull's command. 
 
 Mackinaw, The post of Mackinaw is situated upon the 
 island of Michilimackinac in the straits between lake Hu- 
 
80 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 k 
 
 Chap. 4. 
 
 ron and Michigan, and commands that passage. On this island 
 is the largest settlement in the Michigan territory, except De- 
 troit. On the 17th of July the garrison was invested by a 
 party of Canadians and Indians, consisting of one thousand 
 men from St. Josephs, a British post at the entrance of lake 
 Superior. The inhabitants had taken refuge in the fort at 
 the appearance of the enemy. The garrison at this time 
 consisted only of a company of sixty men, under the com- 
 mand of Capt. Hanks ; they had received no reinforcements, 
 nor any information of the declaration of war, and were 
 wholly unprepared to resist such a force. They surrendered 
 on a||stipulation that the lives of the garrison and inhabitants 
 should be spared.* The capture of this post, and the supe- 
 riority of the British on the western lakes gave them the ccni- 
 plete control of the Indians, and enabled them to bring down 
 upon Detroit and the southern parts of the Michigan territory 
 as many Indian forces as they chose. ' 
 
 Fort Dearborne, Fort Dearborne is at the mouth of the 
 Chicago river, on the south-western border of lake Michi- 
 gan, on a territory of six miles square, purchased of the Pot- 
 tawottamies for the purpose of establishing a trading factory 
 and a military post. On tliis territory was a considerable 
 settlement of white inhabitants. This post at the declaration 
 of war was garrisoned by a company of sixty men. Consid- 
 ering its remote situation, General Hull deemed it untenable, 
 and had given orders to the commandant. Captain Heald, to 
 evacuate it and repair to Detroit. To accomplish this, the 
 garrison would have to traverse two hundred miles of wilder- 
 ness, inhabited only by hostile savages. The Indians having 
 obtained notice that the fort was about to be abandoned, came 
 in in great numbers, and demanded the goods and provisions 
 \n store. Captain Heald after making a distribution among 
 them, on the 15ih of August left the fort with fifty-four regu- 
 lars, twelve militia and twenty-five women and children, and 
 
 181.2. 
 
 I 
 
 * Captaia Hanks'a r«port 
 
 rffp">«» 
 
1U15 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 %l 
 
 -V 
 
 31 
 
 proceeded along the beach about two miles, when he was 
 surrounded and attacked by four hundred Indians. He 
 immediately marched up the bank, and charged those in 
 front, who gave way, and joined the flanks. The Indians got 
 possession of all the horses, baggage, and provisions, belong- 
 ing to the company. Captain Heald, after having lost in the 
 action thirty-eight men, and fourteen women and children, 
 surrendered upon the assurance that the lives of the remain- 
 der should be spared. The Indians took their prisoners 
 back to their encampment near the fort, distributed the sur- 
 vivors among the tribes, and set fire to the fort. Captain 
 Heald and his wife were severely wounded ; after their 
 recovery they were permitted to proceed to Michillimacki- 
 nac. 
 
 HuWs Invasion, General Hull, on his arrival at Detroit 
 was joined by tho Michigan mihtia ; and depending on the 
 co-operation of General Dearborn on the Niagara frontier, 
 on the 1 2th of July made his descent on Canada. He crossed 
 the river about three miles below the town, and established 
 his head quarters at Sandwich, a village on the opposite bank. 
 H^'re he issued a proclamation oflering fraternity, peace, and 
 liberty, to the Canadians who would remain at home, and 
 threatening utter extermination to such as should be found in 
 arms associated with the Indians : and declaring that he com- 
 manded a force suflicient to look down all opposition, but 
 which was only the van of a much greater. * . 
 
 Induced by this proclamation and the appearance of a 
 respectable army on their territory, several hundred Canadian 
 militia deserted the British standard, and joined the Ameri- 
 cans, or returned to their homes under General Hull's protec- 
 tion. 
 
 Colonel M' Arthur, with a detachment of the Ohio militia, 
 proceeded along the banks of the Thames, a river which falls 
 into lake St. Clair from the east, and on the borders of which 
 
 "^ General Huirs proclamation. 
 11 
 
82 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chaf. 4. 
 
 181?. 
 
 ■z" 
 
 i 
 
 is a considerable settlement of white inhabitants. Here he 
 found and captured a large quantity of flour, blankets, and 
 ammunition, destined for the garrison at Maiden, and returned 
 to head-quarters. The British, aware of the objects of Hull, 
 had collected considerable reinforcements of Canadian 
 militia and Indians, and strengthened their garrison. This 
 post was only twelve miles below Hull's encampment. Had 
 the army, on their entrance into Canada, been led immedi- 
 jy^ti^sgainst it, there is little doubt hut it would have been 
 easily taken ; but every day's delay gave the enemy strength. 
 Colonel Cass, with a detachment of three hundred men, was 
 despatched from Sandwich to reconnoitre the post ; on arriving 
 at the river Aux Canerds, four miles from Maiden, they found 
 the bridge in possession of the British; and, after some skir- 
 mishing, returned. The planks of the bridge were then taken 
 up by the British, and a breast-work formed of them on the 
 left bank. Excepting these expeditions of trifling conse- 
 quence. General Hull remained inactive in his camp at Sand- 
 wich until the 8th of August, when he gave orders for the 
 main body to recross the river, and retire to Detroit, A 
 detachment of three hundred men, under the command of 
 Major Denny of the Ohio volunteers, remained in possession 
 of Sandwich until the 12lh, when they abandoned it and 
 rejoined the main body. Nothing could exceed the chagrin 
 and disappointment of the troops on quitting Canada. They 
 had been taught to believe it to be an easy conquest. Suc- 
 cess had attended their operations so far as they had been 
 called to act, and now the object was given up without an 
 effort. The unhappy Canadians, who had been induced by 
 the general's proclamation to accept his protection, were 
 abandoned to the vengeance of the British arms. 
 
 By the exeriions of the governor of Ohio, a reinforcemem 
 of one hundred and fifty volunteers from that state, with 
 large supplies of provisions, under the command of Captain 
 Brufih, had been ordered to Detroit. This corps arrived at 
 i\vi rivcF Raisin, thirty-six miles below, the last of July. Here 
 
 I 
 
 51 
 
 Is 
 
181?. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 •I 
 
 Captain Brush received orders from General Hull, to fortify 
 himself, and remain until he should receive an escort from 
 his camp. On the 4th of August, Major Vanhorn, with two 
 hundred Ohio militia, was ordered on this service. At 
 Brownstown, opposite Maiden, a large body of Indians had 
 formecT an ambuscade, and the detachment receiving an 
 unexpected and heavy fire, broke and retreated in disorder. 
 Seventeen, among whom were seven officers, were killed, and 
 thirty wounded. 
 
 On' the 8th, six hundred men, under Colonel Miller, were 
 detached for the same object. At 4 o'clock in the afternoon 
 of the ninth, the van of the detachment commanded by Cap- 
 tain Snelling, had advanced to Maguago, fourteen miles from 
 Detroit, and were here attacked by an extensive line of 
 British and Indians, defended by a breast-work of logs. 
 Captain Snelling gallantly maintained his position until Colo- 
 nel Miller formed his line, when he gave a generaLdischarge 
 of musketry, and charged them with the bayonet. The whole 
 line of British and Indians gave way and commenced a 
 retreat. They were pursued in a most vigorous manner 
 for two miles ; and the pursuit discontinued only on account 
 of the fatigue of the troops and the apprehensions of an 
 ambuscade in the night. The Indians on the left, under the 
 command of Tecumseh, fought with great obstinacy, and 
 retired only at the point of the bayonet. The American loss 
 was eighteen killed, and fifty-eight wounded. Among the 
 wou ded were Captain Baker of the 1st regiment, and Lieu- 
 tenants Larrabee and Peters of the 4th. The detaehmtnt ou 
 the 10th returned to Detroit, without effecting the object. 
 
 Governor Brock"* s Proclamation. In the mean time, Gov- 
 ernor Brock, hearing of the invasion of his province, and the 
 proclamation of General Hull, prorogued the parliament of 
 Upper Canada, then convened at York, and issued a counter 
 address to the inhabitants, informing them that the unprovoked 
 declaration of war had been immediately followed by the actual 
 invasion of the province, in a remote frontier of the western 
 
84 
 
 HISTORY OF THE I^TE WAB. 
 
 Ohap. 4. 
 
 I 
 
 Jistrirt, by a dctachmotit of the armed force of the United 
 States. That the commanding officer of that detachment 
 had thought proper to invite his majesty's subjects, not 
 merely to a quiet and unresisting submission, but insults them 
 with a call to seek voluntarily the protection of his govern- 
 ment. Without condescending to repeat the illiberal epithets 
 bestowed by the author of that appeal on the administration 
 of his majesty's government, the general remarks, " let 
 every inhabitant of the province seek the refutation of the 
 slander in a review of his own circumstances. Where is the 
 Canadian who can truly affirm, that he has been injured in 
 his person, liberty, or property ? Where is to be found in any 
 part of the world, a growth so rapid in wealth as this colony 
 exhibits ? Settled not thirty years since by a band of vete- 
 rans, exiled from their former possessions on account of their 
 loyalty, not a descendant of that brave people is to be found, 
 who, under the fostering liberality of his sovereign, has not 
 acquired property and means of enjoyment superior to his 
 ancestors ? 
 
 This prosperity could not have been attained, had not thr 
 maritime power of the mother country secured to its colonists 
 a safe access to every market where the produce of their 
 labour was in demand. The immediate consequence of a sep- 
 aration from Great Britain, must be the loss of this inestimable 
 advantage. And what is offered in exchange ? To become 
 a territory of the United States, and share with them that 
 cxcltision from the ocean, which the policy of their govern- 
 ment enforces. 
 
 Every Canadian freeholder is, by deliberative choice, bound 
 by the most solemn oaths to defend the monarchy, as well as 
 his own property. To shrink from that engagement is trea- 
 son not to be forgiven. Let no man suppose, that if in this 
 unexpected struggle, his majesty's arms should be compelled 
 to yield to an overwhelming force, the province will be event- 
 ually abandoned. 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 The endeared relations of ils first settlers, the intrinsic value 
 of ils commerce, and the pretensions of its powerful rival to 
 repossess the Canadas, are pledges that no peace will be 
 established with the United States, of which the restoration of 
 these provinces docs not make the most prominent condition. 
 
 Be not dismayed at the unjustifiable threat, that no quarter 
 should be given, should an Indian appear in the ranks. The 
 brave bands of natives which inhabit this colony, were for like 
 his majesty's subjects, punished for their zeal and fidelity, by 
 the loss of their possessions in the late colonies, and rewarded 
 by his majesty with lands of superior value in this province. 
 The faith of the British government has ncveryet been violated. 
 They feel that the soil they inherit is to them and their pos- 
 terity, protected from the base arts so frequently devised to 
 overreach their simplicity. By what new principle are they 
 to be prevented from defending their property ? If their war- 
 fiire, from being different from that of white people, is more 
 trrrific to the enemy ; let him retrace his steps. They seek 
 him not, and cannot expect to find women and children in an 
 invading army. The Indians arc men, and have equal rights 
 with all other men to defend themselves and their property 
 when invaded ; more especially when they find in the ene- 
 my's camp, a ferocious and mortal foe, using the same warfare, 
 which the American commander affects to despise. This in- 
 consistent and unjustifiable threat of refusing quarter, for such 
 cause as being found in arms with a brother sufferer in defence 
 of invaded rights, must be exercised with the certain assurance 
 of retaliation, not only in the limited operations of the war in 
 this part of the king's dominions, but in every quarter of the 
 globe. Great Britain will consider the execution of this inhu- 
 man threat, as deliberate murder, for which every subject of 
 the offending power must make expiation.* 
 
 With this address the spirit of the Canadians was roused to 
 action, and General Brock pressed on to Maiden, with rein- 
 
 * Governor Brock's address to the Canadians. 
 
8C 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Crap. t. 
 
 H 
 
 i'orccments constantly increasing, to meet the American gen- 
 eral in the iiolcl, and convince him that he was as much his 
 superior in deeds, as in proclamations. Governor Brock had 
 been educated in arms, and had sustained a distinguished rank 
 and character in the army of Egypt. He arrived at Maiden 
 with reinforcements in high spirits on the 13th, just as the 
 American troops retired from the Canadian shore, dispirited, 
 disappointed, and disgusted witli their commander. On the 
 15lh, he platited batteries on (he bank of the river opposite 
 the fortress of Detroit, and sent a summons to the American 
 genera! to surrender, staling that he should otherwise be un- 
 able to restrain the fury of the savages. This was answered 
 by a spirited refusal, and a declaration that the fort and town 
 would be defended to the last extremity. The firing from the 
 batteries and the fort immediately commenced, and continued 
 with little interruption, and without much eflfect, until the next 
 day. The alarm and consternation of General Hull had now 
 become extreme, and appeared in a scriei of irregular and 
 incoherent measures. On the 12th, the field officers suspect- 
 ing the general intended a surrender of the fort, had deter- 
 mined on his arrest. This was prevented in consequence of 
 Cols. M' Arthur and Cass, two very active, intelligent, and 
 spirited officers, being detached on the the 13th with four hun- 
 dred men, on a third expedition to the river Raisin. They 
 advanced about fourteen miles, when on the 15lh they receiv- 
 ed orders to return. At daylight on the 1 6th, the British troops 
 commenced crossing the river at Spring Wells, three miles 
 below the town, under cover of two ships of war. They ac- 
 complished their landing by seven o'clock without opposition, 
 and took up their line of march in close columns of platoons, 
 twelve in front, towards the fort along the bank of the river. 
 The fourth regiment of United Slates troops was stationed in 
 the fort; the Ohio volunteers and a part of the Michigan 
 militia behind the pickets, in a situation where the whole flank of 
 the enemy would have been exposed. The residue of the mili- 
 tia were in the upper part of the town to resist the incursions 
 
 
181«. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 17 
 
 of ihc savages. Two twenty-four pounders loaded with grape 
 were posted on a rommanding eminence ready to sweep the 
 advancing columns. Cols. M' Arthur and Cass had arrived 
 within view of Detroit ready to act on the rear of the enemy. 
 In this situation the troops waited in eager expectation the ad- 
 vance of the British, anticipating a brilliant victory. 
 
 Surrender of Detroit. When the head of the British col- 
 umns had advanced within five hundred yards of the line, and 
 the artillery ready to sweep their ranks, orders were given for 
 the troops to retire into the fort, and for the artillery not to 
 fire. A white flag was hoisted. A British officer rode up to 
 inquire the cause. A communication passed between the 
 commanding generals which soon ended in a capitulation.* 
 The fortress of Detroit, with all the public stores, property, and 
 documents of every kind, were surrendered. The troops were 
 made prisoners of war. The detachment under M* Arthur 
 and Cass, and the troops at the river Raisin, were included in 
 the capitulation. On the 17th, General Brock despatched a 
 flag to Captain Brush with the terms. He immediately called 
 a council of his officers, who determined that they were not 
 bound by the capitulation, and advised to break up the camp 
 and return. In pursuance of their advice, Captain Bru«>h 
 immediately broke up his camp, took with him what public 
 stores and property he could, and commenced his retreat to 
 Ohio. The Michigan militia who had not joined the army 
 were paroled, on condition of not serving during the present 
 war. No provision was made for the unfortunate Canadians 
 who had joined Genera! Hull, or accepted his protection. They 
 were left exposed to sufler as traitors; nine were executed at 
 one time, and several more afterwards. General Hull in this 
 measure took counsel only from his own fears. He held no 
 council of war, knowing that all his officers would be opposed 
 to the surrender. In his official report he expressly exempts 
 them from any share in the disgraceful transaction. 
 
 * Col. Cass' letter to the secretary of war. 
 
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 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 4 
 
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 I 
 
 The British force at Maiden at the time General Hull en- 
 tered Canada, and until the 12th of August, consisted of one 
 hundred regular troops, four hundred Canadian militia, and 
 several hundred Indians. After the arrival of General Brock 
 with his reinforcements, the whole amounted to three hundred 
 and thirty regulars, four hundred militia, and six hundred In- 
 dians. The troops surrendered by General Hull amounted 
 to twenty-five hundred, consisting of two troops of cavalry, 
 one company of artillery, the fourth United Stales regiment, 
 and detachments from the first and third ; three regiments of 
 Ohio volunteers, and one regiment of Michigan militia, 
 amounting to about twelve hundred. By this capitulation the 
 British obtained 2500 muskets stacked on the esplanade at 
 the time of the surrender, 450 brought in by the detachment 
 under M' Arthur and Cass, 700 received from the Michigan 
 militia, thirty-three pieces of ordnance, one thousand rounds of 
 fixed ammunition, 200 tons of ball, 200 cartridges of grape shot, 
 75,000 musket catridges made up, 24 rounds in the possession 
 of each man, 60 barrels of gunpowder, 150 tons of lead, 
 provisions for the army for 25 days in the fort, and a large 
 escort at the river Raisin.* 
 
 An event so disgraceful to the American arms did not fail 
 to excite universal indignation. When M* Arthur's sword was 
 demanded, he indignantly broke it, tore the epaulets from his 
 shoulders, and threw himself on the ground. As soon as 
 General Hull was exchanged, a court martial was ordered 
 upon his conduct, and held at Albany on the 3d of January 
 1814. 
 
 Gemral HuWs TriaL Major General Henry Dearborn, 
 President ; members, Brigadier Generals Bloomfield, Parker, 
 and Covington. Colonels Fenwick, Carberney, and Irvine. 
 Lieutenant Colonels Dennis, Conner, Davis, Scott, and Stew- 
 art. Alexander J. Dallas, special judge advocate. 
 
 ^ Report of the British quarter-master. 
 
1812. 
 
 HISTORY OF TH£ LATE WAR. 
 
 99 
 
 Charges. The charges filed against him were, , > 
 
 I. Treason. 
 
 II. Cowardice. 
 
 III. Neglect of duty and unoflicerlike conduct, from the 
 9th of April to the 1 6th of August, 1812. , , 
 
 The facts adduced in support of the first charge, were^ 
 that on the 1st July, at the foot of the rapids of the Miami, 
 he put on board an unarmed vessel his baggage, and papers, 
 containing his instructions and correspondence with the secre- 
 tary of war, and the muster-rolls of the army, and the sick 
 and hospital stores, and sent her within reach of the Britisii 
 fortress at Maiden, with a traitorous design of having her 
 taken by the enemy, and in consequence thereof she wa5 
 captured. 
 
 That he traitorously neglected and refused to attack Maiden, 
 when it might have been easily taken ; and abandoned his 
 post at Sandwich, and traitorously surrendered Detroit when 
 it might and ought to have been defended, with a view !• 
 betray the United States, and aid and comfort the enemy. 
 
 The facts adduced in support of the second charge, were, 
 that he neglected to attack Maiden, and quitted his position 
 at Sandwich, without any just cause. 
 
 That during the term of the bombardment of the fort on 
 tlie 15th of August, he manifested great fear and apprehension 
 of personal danger, by a course of conduct and conversation 
 evincing personal alarm, agitation of mind, and deprivation of 
 judgment ; and by timid and cowardly actions and expressions 
 in the presence of the officers and soldiers, in the streets of 
 the. town, and in the fortress of Detroit, gave a fatal ea 
 couragement to the enemy, and afforded a most pernicious 
 example to the American troops. 
 
 That the same course of conduct was pursued by him after 
 the British landed at Spring Wells. That he neglected to 
 reconnoitre and attack the enemy on their approach to the 
 fort ; avoided all personal danger ; withdrew from his troops 
 to a place of safety ; issued incoherent and contradictory or 
 
 12 
 
 ' t ! 
 
\f:i 
 
 m 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 4. 
 
 If, ill 
 
 deps ; and surrendered the army, fortress, town, and territory, 
 to an inferior force, and without any justifiable cause. 
 
 The same facts were adduced in support of the third charge, 
 as of the two others; and in addition to them, that he neglected 
 to inspect, review, and train the army, and to prepare in dur 
 form and time, and communicate to his troops, an order of 
 battle ; that he neglected to put the works of the fort in re- 
 pair, and to put the artillery in order : 
 
 That he neglected to keep open a communication between 
 Detroit and the river Raisin, and sent out detachments mani- 
 festly insufficient for the object, and neglected to supply them 
 with provisions to enable them to accomplish the service on 
 which they were detached. 
 
 Defence. On the charge of treason. General Hull objected 
 to the jurisdiction of the court, as being a matter of civil 
 cognizance only. 
 
 On the other charges his defence was, his general good cha- 
 racter and conduct as an officer in the revolutionary army, 
 and since. That the means furnished him for this expedition 
 were inadequte to the attainment of the object ; the British 
 having the command of the lake, no supplies could be obtain- 
 ed but only on pack-horses, and through a wilderness of two 
 hundred miles in extent from the settled pans of the state of 
 Ohio. That the fall of Michillimackinac, for which he was 
 not answerable, had enabled the British to bring down upon 
 hrai the whole Indian force of the north-west, anJ cut off all 
 communication between him and his resources ; that no rein- 
 forcements or supplies, for which he had repeatedly sent, had 
 reached, or could reach him ; that the garrison had but a few 
 days provisions on hand, and that a capitulation was neces- 
 sary, to save them and the inhabitants of the territory from 
 massacre. 
 
 On the 26th of March, after a session, with little interrup- 
 tion, of eighty days, the court came to a final result. 
 
 SenUnc*, On the first charge,- they determined they bad 
 not jurisdiction; but remark, that the evidence upon the sub- 
 
 . 4 
 
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 treason a^ 
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 they find 
 they partii 
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 his name ( 
 
 * Proceei 
 General ] 
 taining an ( 
 the blame o 
 his disasters 
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 eral Brock 
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 his proclami 
 a letter fron 
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 tion. State 
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 complains n 
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 and imputes 
 officer to gi^ 
 he utterly fi 
 was greatly 
 was to prom 
 beei) selectf 
 
1812. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 yi 
 
 •f 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 
 iect having been publicly given, they deem it proper in justice 
 to the accused to say, that they do not believe from any 
 thing that has appeared^ before them, that he has committed 
 treason against the Unirca States. 
 
 Most of the facts alleged in support of the other charges 
 they find to be proved; those which they do not find proved 
 they particularly point out ; they find his defence unsupport- 
 ed, except as to his good character in the revolutionary war, 
 and therefore find him guilty of the second and third charges, 
 and sentence him to be shot to death ; two thirds of the court 
 concurring in the sentence. In consideration of his revolu- 
 tionary services and his advanced age, they earnestly recom- 
 mend him to the mercy of the executive. The President 
 approved the sentence, remitted the execution, and ordered 
 his name to be stricken from the rolls of the army.* 
 
 * Proceedings of the Court Martial on General Hull. 
 
 General Hull has recently published a memoir of his campaign, con- 
 taining an elaborate defence of his conduct, and endeavouring to throw 
 the blame on the administration and General Dearborn. He imputes 
 his disasters to an unauthorized armistice agreed to by that General, 
 and to his inactivity on the Niagara frontier, by means of which Gen- 
 eral Brock was enabled to reinforce Maiden : — to the want of a navy 
 on the lake ; and to a general deficiency of means. In justification of 
 his proclamation, for which he has been so much censured, he produces 
 a letter from the secretary of war : soon after it was received at Wash- 
 ington, highly approving his conduct, and not censuring the proclama- 
 tion. Statements coming so long after the transactions, and from a 
 person so deeply interested, it is obvious, must be received with great 
 caution, any further than they arc supported by documentary testimony. 
 He has produced a variety of evidence of this nature, which, though it 
 falls far short of a justification, has a tendency to divide the blame. He 
 complains much of the appointment of an officer to proceed in the court 
 martial, whose conduct was so deeply implicated in the same transaction, 
 and imputes it to a combination between the administration, and that 
 officer to give him up as a sacrifice to their own reputation. Though 
 he utterly fails of producing any evidence of such a combination, yet it 
 was greatly to have been wished, that a president of that court who 
 was to pronounce upon the character and life of the general, might have 
 been selected, against whom no such suspicions could exist. 
 
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 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Proceedings of the Western Slates in consequence of Hull's Defeat — 
 Army under General Harrison. — Defence of Fort Harrison — Gen- 
 eral Hopkins's Expedition against the Kickapoo Town; against 
 the Prophet's Town.— Progress of the Army under General Harri- 
 son towards the Miami Rapids.— Fort Wayne.— Fort Defiance.— 
 General Tupper's Expedition to the Rapids — Colonel Campbell's 
 Expedition against the Messessiwena Towns. — Battle at the River 
 Raisin. — ^Defeat and Capture of General Winchester's Army. — Cru- 
 elties of the British and Indians. — Description of the Niagara Fron- 
 tier. — Proceedings of General Van Rensselaer. — Battle of Queens- 
 ton. — Militia refuse to cross the RiVer. — The American Army cap- 
 tured. — General Smyth's Proclamations; attempts to pass into 
 C'anada, and fails. — Duel between Generals Smyth and Porter. — 
 I'roceedings of the Army of the North. — Causes of the Failure of the 
 Campaign of 1812. 
 
 i ' 
 
 Alarm of the JVestern States. The surrender of the north- 
 western army, of the town and fortress of Detroit, of the 
 military posts of the north-west, and of the whole territory of 
 Michigan, within sixty days after the declaration of war, 
 were subjects of universal astonishment and alarm. The 
 great body of Indians in the western country, ever ready to 
 join the successful party, were now flocking to the British 
 standard, and preparing to renew their ravages with increased 
 severity. The slate of Ohio, and the territories of Indiana 
 and Illinois, were the most immediately exposed. Large 
 numbers of Indians were contained within their borders, who, 
 in connexion with those without, would now be induced to 
 join the enemy. Had the army under General Hull been 
 successful, and the establishment at Maiden broken up, the 
 savages deprived of their supplies, would have been obliged to 
 remain neutral, or have been awed into submission. Now they 
 were abundantly furnished, and had every inducement held 
 
 \w 
 
u 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap, u. 
 
 out to them to increase their depredations. The alarm how- 
 ever that these events excited only served to stimulate lo 
 increased exertions, and the Indians were ultimately doomed 
 to suffer the injuries which they and their allies had calculated 
 to inflict on the border inhabitants of the United States. 
 
 Exertions, By the spirited exertions of the governors of 
 Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, an army of volun- 
 teers was assembled in a few weeks, amounting to eight 
 thousand men. Indeed, many more oflfered than could be 
 received into service. These were placed under the com- 
 mand of General Hariison, governor of Indiania and a briga- 
 dier in the United States service, in whose talents and expe- 
 rience the western country had the most perfect confidence. 
 The object of these troops was to subdue the Indians of the 
 west, and regain what was lost at Detroit. The Indians can 
 l>e divested of their means of annoyance only by destroying 
 their towns, and their means of support, and in this manner 
 compelling them to retire further into the wilderness. Such 
 was the object of these preparations. 
 
 Defence of Fort Harrison, Fort Harrison on the Wabash, 
 sixty miles above Vincennes, on the 4th of September, was in- 
 vested by a large party of Indians from the Prophet's town. A 
 party of thirty or forty Indians had appeared at the fort early 
 in the evening, with a flag, under pretence of obtaining pro- 
 visions. Captain Taylor, commander of the garrison, sus- 
 pecting an attack, supplied his men with cartridges, and 
 increased his guards. At about 11 o'clock, the Indians 
 prowling about the fort privately set fire to the block-house, 
 in which the provisions and spirits for the garrison were 
 stored ; and notwithstanding every exertion, the whole build- 
 ing was immediately in flames, and threatened destruction to 
 the others ; but the flames were prevented from further 
 spreading by the great exertions of the garrison. The 
 Indians kept up a firing until morning, when the garrison were 
 able to direct their fire upon them, and obliged them to retire 
 beyond the reach of their guns. The Indians destroyed the 
 
 messen^ 
 General 
 relieved 
 Gener 
 the Indij 
 induced 
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 the Uni 
 and org! 
 under tl 
 paring a 
 the Wal 
 thousanc 
 Illinois 
 comma n 
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 Wabash 
 General 
 troops, a 
 to them 
 would p 
 about on 
 one hun 
 the inte 
 haunts q 
 from att; 
 sions, ai 
 officers 1 
 they coi 
 four da^ 
 and retu 
 
1819. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAB. 
 
 9A 
 
 horses and hogs, and drove off the cattle belonging to the 
 garrison. At the time of this attack, there were not more 
 than twenty men in the garrison fit for duty. Captain Tay- 
 lor the next day repaired the breach made by the burning of 
 the block-house, by a strong row of pickets, and despatched 
 messengers to Vincennes for relief. Not long afterwards. 
 General Hopkins with the Kentucky volunteers arrived, and 
 relieved the garrison. 
 
 General Hopkins^ a first Expedition, The hostility in which 
 the Indians had been led to engage by their British friends, 
 induced a determination on the part of the Americans, to 
 extirpate the hostile tribes, or drive them beyond the limits of 
 the United States. While General Harrison was prepaiing 
 and organizing his forces for the Miami, General Hopkins, 
 under the direction of the governor of Kentucky, was pre- 
 paring an expedition against the Indians on the head waters of 
 the Wabash, and Illinois. Early in October a force of four 
 thousand mounted men, from Kentucky and the territories of 
 Illinois and Indiana, was collected at Vincennes under his 
 command. On the !Oth of October, they reached fort Har- 
 rison and relieved that garrison, and on the 14th crossed the 
 Wabash, and encamped after a march of about three miles. 
 General Hopkins, perceiving some discontents among his 
 troops, assembled the field officers and captains, and explained 
 to them the objects of the expedition, and the benefits which 
 would probably result from it. The Kickapoo villages were 
 about one hundred miles distant, and the I ^ria towns about 
 one hundred and sixty. The destruction of these towns, and 
 the intervening ones, would break up the most formidable 
 haunts of the savages, and secure the settlements and posts 
 from attack. His troops were supplied with ten days provi- 
 sions, and every thing necessary for the expedition. The 
 officers held a council, and reported in favour of proceeding ; 
 they commenced their march on the 14th, and continued it 
 four days. The discontents increased ; many broke away 
 and returned. A major addressed the general, in an insolent 
 
 ^%£- 
 
^6 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 5. 
 
 ■IS::; 
 
 
 and dictatorial manner, and demanded to be conducted imme- 
 diately back. On the 18th, they encamped on the edge of a 
 large prairie, covered with high grass and dry weeds. The 
 Indians set fire to the opposite sides, the wind drove the 
 flames furiously towards the camp, and the Americans with 
 some difficulty saved themselves by firing the grass round 
 their encampment. This decided the army to return. Gen- 
 eral Hopkins offered to lead on five hundred men, if that num- 
 ber could be found to volunteer, but none turned out. He 
 then proposed to lead them on that day, and then would 
 agree to return ; but on putting himself at their head, and 
 ordering them to follow, they filed off in a contrary direction ; 
 and he was obliged to follow in the rear of his troops back 
 to fort Harrison. They had penetrated about eighty miles 
 into the Indian country, but found no enemy. 
 
 Second Expedition oj General Hopkins, General Hopkins, 
 not discouraged by the ill success of this expeditionj determined 
 another against the Prophet's town, and other villages on the 
 Wabash. On the 11th of November, he marched from fort 
 Harrison, with a detachment of United States troops, and as 
 many militia as could be induced to join him. On the 20th 
 they arrived at the Prophet's town, and destroyed the huts of 
 that and the neighbouring villages, amounting to nearly 
 three hundred, and large quantities of corn. The Indians 
 had abandoned their dwellings at the approach of the 
 troops. The army then proceeded in quest of the Indian 
 encampment, and on the 24th, found it in a very strong 
 position, on the Ponce-passe creek, which protected it on 
 three sides, and in front of their encampment was a high 
 bluff, which could be approached only through steep ravines. 
 This position the Indians had abandoned, previous to the 
 approach of General Hopkins. The lateness of the season, 
 and the severity of the weather, prevented a further progress 
 into the Indian count:'y.* Several other expeditions were 
 
 * General Hopkins's letter to Governor Shelby. - ^ 
 
 successfii 
 
 dians on 
 
 and by tl 
 
 After t 
 
 flea Id, th 
 
 of five 01 
 
 Miami at 
 
 ral Harri 
 
 force, wa 
 
 twenty-fii 
 
 dians, he 
 
 every thii 
 
 bis arriv: 
 
 communit 
 
 part, of 1 
 
 a strong 
 
 Genera 
 
 of Septei 
 
 from fort 
 
 tion of th( 
 
 on the 3d 
 
 Indians o 
 
 wounded. 
 
 passed th< 
 
 troops on 
 
 From thei 
 
 teers, witl 
 
 immediat( 
 
 Defiance. 
 
 mand to < 
 
 to organiz 
 
 per, in c6 
 
 and the til 
 
 ably dela; 
 
 opposite s 
 
 with fifty 
 
 ■.'Jtt-/.w , 
 
fSlS. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LAT£ WAR. 
 
 successfully undertaken and accomplished against the In- 
 
 • • dians on the Wabash . the Illinois, and their tributary streams ; 
 
 and by these means, the security of this frontier was effected. 
 
 After the failure of Chicaugo, and the capture of Captain 
 ffeald, the Miami and the Potawatomee Indians, to the amount 
 of five or six hundred, invested fort Wayne, situated on the 
 Miami at the junction of St. Marys and St. Josephs. Gene- 
 ral Harrison's first object, after he had collected a sufficient 
 force, was the relief of that place. He arrived there with 
 twenty-five hundred men, on the 12th of September. The In- 
 dians, hearing of his approach, had burned and destroyed 
 every thing outside of the garrison and fled, four days before 
 his arrival. The next object was to open and secure a 
 communication along the Miami river, between the settled 
 part, of the state of Ohio and Lake Erie, and establishing 
 a strong post at the foot of the Miami rapids. 
 
 General Winchester's advance to the Rapids. On the 20th 
 of September, General Winchester commenced his march 
 from fort Wayne, along the river, to fort Defiance, at the junc- 
 tion of the Au Glaise with the Miami. He reached that place 
 on the 2d of October, having had some skirmishing with the 
 Indians on bis march, by which he lost seven killed and one 
 wounded. On his arrival at the fort, he found the enemy had 
 passed thence three days before. General Harrison joined the 
 troops on their march from fort Wayne to fort Defiance. 
 From thence he ordered General Tupper, of the Ohio volun- 
 teers, with a detachment of one thousand men, to proceed 
 immediately to the rapids, a distance of fifty miles from 
 Defiance. General Harrison then left the immediate com- 
 mand to General Winchester, and proceeded to Franklinton, 
 to organize and bring on the reinforcements. General Tup* 
 per, in consequence of the damaged state of his ammunition, 
 and the time requisite i[or procuring provisions, was consider- 
 ably delayed. In the mean time, the Indians appeared on the 
 opposite side of the river, and killed one man. Major Brush, 
 with fifty men, was ordered across the riven to reconnoitre ; 
 
 !-3 
 
98 
 
 HjaroRY or thi: late war. 
 
 Cmav. 0. 
 
 when nearly (he whole of General Tupper^s troops, contrary 
 to orders, mounted, and crossed the river in small bands, in 
 pursuit of the enemy. General Winchester then ordered 
 General Tupper to proceed with his whole force in pursuit of 
 the Indians. The latter remonstrated against the order, re* 
 presenting his situation to bo such as rendered it impracticable. 
 This was followed by a peremptory order to proceed. 
 While General Tupper was preparing to obey the order, 
 General Winchester transferred the command of the oxpedi« 
 dition to Col. Allen of the United States troops ; on this being 
 made known to the Ohio militia, they refused to proceed, and 
 immediately returned to Urbanna ; and the expedition was 
 
 abandoned* 
 
 General Tupper^a Expedition* From Urbanna General 
 Tupper proceeded to fort M' Arthur, with his mounted men, 
 where another expedition was organized, consisting of six 
 hundred troops, to proceed to the rapids* He arrived at the 
 place of his destination on the evening of the 1 3th of Novem^ 
 ber, and found the place in possession of the British and In- 
 dians, He immediately made a disposition for crossing the 
 river. A few of his men succeeded in getting over, but the 
 greatev part missed the ford, and the depth and rapidity of tho 
 current endangered their safety; and as soon as day appeared, 
 and they were discovered by the enemy, those who had cross- 
 ed wei'e ordered to return. The gun-boats and other craft in 
 the river, escaped down to the lake. The Indian chief 
 Splitlog, at the head of a considerable band of warriors, 
 crossed the river on horseback, and made a violent attack on 
 General Tupper's troops. They were received with firmness, 
 driven back, and compelled to recross the river with consid- 
 erable loss. General Tupper's provisions being expended, he 
 was obliged to return, 
 
 Col* CampbeWs Expedition to the Messessiwena, From 
 Franklioton, Colonel Campbell, of the 19th regiment of Uni- 
 ted States infantry, was despatched on an expedition against 
 the Indians on the Messessiwena river, a branch of the Wabash. 
 On the morning of the 1 7th of Npvember, he arrived undis- 
 
 covered, 
 
 he dostrc 
 
 On the 1 
 
 of three 
 
 jor BalPi 
 
 thrce-qua 
 
 were at t 
 
 the head 
 
 destroyec 
 
 made pri 
 
 thirty wo 
 
 While 
 
 dusky, wi 
 
 rate upon 
 
 from fort 
 
 and stren 
 
 received i 
 
 on the ri 
 
 were evei 
 
 by the Bi 
 
 easterly c 
 
 lake Erie 
 
 mouth of 
 
 its mouth 
 
 habited b 
 
 lage of F 
 
 the most 
 
 Colonel I 
 
 ordered t 
 
 arrived v 
 
 the cnem 
 
 the fortif 
 
 On the 
 
 holds, pu 
 
 and retur 
 
 driven th 
 
 J'' 
 
iBlt 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 9d 
 
 covered, and made a charge upon their principal town, which 
 he destroyed, with three others a few miles down the river< 
 On the 1 2ih of December, his camp was attacked by a party 
 of three hundred Indians, on the right hne, occupied by Ma- 
 jor Ball's squadron of horse, who gallantly fought them for 
 three-quarters of an hour, when the Indians retreated. They 
 were at the same time bravely charged by Captain Trotter at 
 the head of his troop of cavalry. Four Indian towns were 
 destroyed, forty warriors killed, and about the same number 
 made prisoners. The American loss was nine killed, and 
 thirty wounded. 
 
 While General Harrison was collecting his forces at San* 
 dusky, with a view to concentrate them at the rapids to ope- 
 rate upon Maiden and Detroit, General Winchester proceeded 
 from fort Defiance along the Miami, and established himself, 
 and strengthened the post at the foot of the rapids. Here he 
 received a pressing call from the inhabitants of Frenchtown, 
 on the river Raisin, for protection ; representing that they 
 were every moment exposed and threatened with destruction 
 by the British and Indians at Maiden. The Raisin, after an 
 easterly course of about forty miles, falls into the west end of 
 lake Erie, twenty miles below Maiden, and forty north of the 
 mouth of the Miami ; along its banks, for several miles from 
 its mouth, are fertile bottom lands of considerable extent, in* 
 habited by people of French extract, and composing the vil- 
 lage of Frenchtown, which next to Detroit and Mackinaw, is 
 the most considerable settlement in the Michigan territory. 
 Colonel Lewis, with a detachment of three hundred men, was 
 ordered to the relief of these inhabitants. On the 17th, he 
 arrived within three miles of the town, when he learned that 
 the enemy were already there, and had taken possession of 
 the fortified poisilion formerly occupied by Captain Brush. 
 On the 1 8th, he attacked and drove them from their strong 
 holds, pursued them a considerable distance into the woods, 
 and returned and encamped on the ground from whence he had 
 driven them. On the 20th, Oencral Winchester arrived willv 
 
lOflT 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 €teAr. &, 
 
 I 
 
 p , . Ml 
 
 the main body from the rapids. The whole force now amount* 
 cd to seven tiundrcd and fifty men, consisting of regular 
 troops, and a large corps of Kentucky volunteers. This ex- 
 pedition was the effect of inconsiderate zeal and humanity, 
 and not the result of military prudence. The detachment was 
 now seventy miles from any succours, in an uncovered situa- 
 tion, and within twenty miles of Maiden, where was a much 
 superior British force. The ice formed a solid bridge from 
 Maiden to Frenchtown, and a march of six hours was only 
 requisite to bring the British to the American encampment. 
 Captain Brush's works having been completed for a much 
 smaller body of men, were insufficient to protect the whole 
 of General Winchester's forces, and one hundred and fifty of 
 them were necessarily posted in an exposed situation outside 
 of the pickets. The expedition was undertaken without the 
 knowledge of General Harrison, and when he heard of it, he 
 was filled with the most alarming apprehensions for their safe- 
 ty. Having written to Governor Meigs, exjjressing his fears( 
 in strong terms, and requesting further succours, he pressed on 
 with all the troops he had collected at Sandusky, to the 
 rapids, to be in a situation to support General Winchester. 
 The situation of this detachment did not fail to attract the 
 attention of the British at Maiden. 
 
 Battle at the River Raisin, On the evening of the 21st of 
 January, Colonel Proclor left Maiden with sii hundred British 
 and Canadians, and upwards of one thousand Indians under 
 the chiefs Splitlog and Roundhead, and at day-break of the 
 22d, commenced a furious attack upon the Americans. The 
 left wing of General Winchester's troops, amounting to six 
 hundred, were stationed within the pickets, formed in a half 
 circle. The British artillery were in front, the Canadians and 
 Indians on each Hank. The right wing, consisting of one 
 hundred and fifty men, were in an exposed situation without 
 the pickets. Large bodies of Indians were stationed in the 
 rear to intercept a retreat. The onset was first made on the 
 right wing, whi^ after sustaining an unequal eontest for 
 
 i 
 
 twenty n 
 fell in \^ 
 sacred, 
 from the 
 General 
 rally thei 
 were mac 
 tion, and 
 number, 
 ing no h( 
 for them ; 
 as prison 
 be prote 
 and nine! 
 by the 1 
 British s 
 one hund 
 gether sh 
 and heav 
 to eleven 
 ricans we 
 bitants, h 
 and were 
 be trans( 
 Massa^ 
 Indians c 
 then stri] 
 consume( 
 gration. 
 ing, tho 
 number 
 wound ii 
 the cap 
 British s 
 friend of 
 voluntari 
 
 
1813. 
 
 hi8t6ry op the late war: 
 
 101 
 
 
 t'fvilf 
 
 twenty minutes, broke and fled across the river ; here they 
 fell in with a body of Indians, and were nearly all mas- 
 sacred. Two companies of fifty men each, which went out 
 from the pickets to their assistance, shared the same fate. 
 General Winchester and Colonel Lewis, in attempting to 
 rally them, and bring them to a more advantageous position, 
 were made prisoners. The left wing maintained their posi- 
 tion, and fought with distinguished valour, against treble their 
 number, until eleven o'clock ; when General Winchester hav- 
 ing no hopes of success or escape for this band, capitulated 
 for them ; stipulating for their safety and honourable treatment 
 as prisoners of war, and particularly that the wounded should 
 be protected from the fury of the savages. Three hundred 
 and ninety-seven were slain in battle, or afterwards massacred 
 by the Indians; the remainder all taken prisoners. The 
 British acknowledge a loss of only twenty-four killed, and 
 one hundred and fifty-eight wounded. This, however, is alto- 
 gether short of the real number, as they sustained a constant 
 and heavy fire from the troops within the pickets, from seven 
 to eleven o'clock in the forenoon. Sixty-four wounded Ame- 
 ricans were left on the ground ; these by the aid of the inha- 
 bitants, had mostly been removed into the neigbouring houses, 
 and were left by the British with the promise that they should 
 be transported in sleighs to Maiden. 
 
 Massacre^ On the morning of the 23d, a large body of 
 Indians came in, tomahawked, and scalped these sufferers, 
 then stripped them, plundered and set fire to the houses, and 
 consumed the dead and dying in one undistinguished confla- 
 gration. The fate of Captain Hart was peculiarly distress- 
 ing, though similar in many of its circumstances to a 
 number of others. Early in the action he had received a 
 wound in the knee, which prevented Is walking. After 
 the capitulation. Captain Elliott, an American in the 
 British service, who had been a class-mate and a particular 
 friend of Captain Hart, at Princeton College, came to him, 
 voluntarily offered him his protection, and assured him he. 
 
 t 
 
 .# 
 
> 
 
 1 1 
 
 ^' 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 t 
 
 'I :i 
 
 » 
 
 1 
 
 H 1 
 '■ i' 
 
 i 
 
 102 
 
 HISTdRY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 ChaK 64 
 
 should be conveyed to Maiden, and taken care of in Elliott^s 
 house until he recovered. With these fair promises, he 
 indulged the hope of speedy relief and recovery* But the 
 next day he found himself in the hands of the savages. They 
 tore him from the bed where he lay ; a brother officer rescued 
 him, and conveyed him to another apartment. Here he was 
 again assaulted. At length he bargained with one of the 
 Indians for a hundred dollars to convey him to Maiden. 
 They set off on horse-back, and having travelled a few miles, 
 were met by another band of savages, who claimed Captain 
 Hart as their prisoner. The Indian not giving him up, the 
 others shot and scalped him. Such of the wounded as were 
 able to travel, the Indians carried off with them into the 
 wilderness, and afterwards brought them into Detroit, where 
 they were ransomed and furnished with clothing by the 
 inhabitants. Judge Woodward and Mr. M'Intosh, with other 
 inhabitants of the Michigan territory, exerted themselves for 
 the relief of the sufferers, and procured the release of all who 
 survived of those who had been carried off by the Indians. 
 General Harrison despatched Doctor M^Keehan with two 
 attendants from Sandusky, to assist in dressing the wounded, 
 with an open letter to General Winchester, a flag, and an 
 address to Colonel Proctor, or any British officer, stating his 
 character and business, and furnished with money to procure 
 necessaries. At the rapids of the Miami they entered a 
 vacant house for a few hours' sleep, and left their flag hoisted 
 in the sleigh at the door. They were soon fired upon by a 
 party of Indians, one of the attendants killed, the doctor and 
 the other made prisoners, and conveyed to Maiden, where 
 they were treated as spies, put in close confinement, and sent 
 to Quebec ; Proctor inhumanly remarking that the Indians 
 were excellent doctors. The rites of sepulture w^re refused 
 to the slain. On application to Colonel Proctor, for leave 
 to bury the dead ; he replied that the Indians would not per- 
 mit it. The few remaining wretched inhabitants, privately 
 Huried Captain Hart, and some others. This being dis^ 
 
 ■ fl w* V' 
 
 
 y 
 
181S. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE I^ATE WAR. 
 
 101 
 
 I 
 
 covered by the Indians, they were threatened with instant 
 death if they buried any more; and the mangled remains of 
 the slain lay exposed in the fields, by the sides of the road, 
 and in the woods, to the amount of upwards of two hundred, 
 a prey to the wild beasts. Colonel Proctor seems to have 
 permitted and even encouraged the barbarities of the Indians, 
 to induce them to continue the war, and to strike terror into 
 the American forces that should be opposed to them. The 
 eOwt however was the reverse of despondence. Though 
 Kentucky was in mourning for the loss of many of her brave 
 sons, yet on the news of this event, new volunteers, in ample 
 numbers, rallied around the standard of their country, and 
 were eventually successful in avenging their losses. 
 
 After the surrender of Detroit, General Brock having com- 
 mitted the civil and military concerns of the Michigan terri- 
 tory to Colonel Proctor, and appointed him commandant at 
 Maiden, returned to the defence of the Niagara frontier, and 
 established his head^quarters at fort George. 
 
 Magara fVonlier, The Niagara river runs a distance of 
 thirty-five miles from south to north, conveying the waters of 
 the upper Jakes into Ontario, and dividing the British and 
 American territories. Nearly in the centre between lakes 
 Erie and Ontario, is the celebrated Niagara cataract. On 
 the American side is the village of Buffalo : at the outlet of 
 lake Erie, two miles further down the river, is the village of 
 Black Rock, which fm*nishes a harbour for vessels navigating 
 the lake. At the head of the falls is Scholosser, and seven 
 miles below is the village of Lewistown, which affords a land- 
 ing-place for goods conveyed on lake Ontario, and destined 
 for the settlements above. Near the junction of the river 
 with the lake, is the Niagara fort and village. This fortress 
 is an ancient French establishment, erected for the purpose 
 of commanding the lake, and controlling the neighbouiing 
 Indians. Between these villages, the whole length of the 
 frontier, are scattered farming pkintations. On the British 
 side between the lakes, is the |*ifiagara peninsula, on yfhif:}i 
 
 & 
 
 ■f* 
 
 ilK 
 
^l' '' 
 
 104 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 <tHAP5. 
 
 I 
 
 • :i 
 
 and nearly opposite Buffalo stands fort Erie, designed to 
 command the entrance of the lake. Near the falls, and 
 opposite Scholosser, is the village of Chippewa, on a creek 
 of the same name, inhabited by Canadians and Indians. 
 Seven miles below, and opposite Lewistown, is Queenston, 
 which is the British landing-place for goods designed for the 
 upper country. A little to the southward of the town, com> 
 mence Queenston heights, which extend to the cataract. 
 Near the mouth of the river, and opposite fort Niagara, is fort 
 George, erected by the Bntish on their giving up Niagara to 
 the Ahiericans; between that and the lake is the village of 
 Newark. Scattering settlements lie along the river between 
 these villages the whole length of the frontier; and the inhabit^ 
 ants on each side, connected in business and intermarriages, 
 were in the constant habits of friendly intercourse. This 
 frontier was the principal scene of active war during the whole 
 of the contest. 
 
 Battle of Queenston, In the beginning of October, there 
 were assembled at Black Rock and Buffalo thirteen hun- 
 dred newly enlisted recruits under General Smyth, five hun- 
 dred militia at the same place, twenty-nine hundred militia 
 . near Lewistown ; six companies of field and light artillery, 
 ' amounting to three hundred men, and eight hundred infantry 
 at fort Niagara, making an aggregate of five thousand eight 
 hundred, and composing what General Smyth in his procla- 
 mations denominates the army of the centre, extending the 
 length of the Niagara frontier, the whole of this force was 
 under the command of Major General Van Rensselaer, of 
 the Albany militia. On the opposite side of the river was 
 General Brock, with a force at fort George, and other posts 
 extending to and including fort Erie^ of two thousand four 
 hundred men, consisting of the veterans of the 41st and 49th 
 . regiments, and Canadian flank companies, and four hundred 
 Indians. 
 
 On the 8th of October, two British armed brigs, the De- 
 troit and Caledonia, came down the lake from Maiden, and 
 
 i 
 
1SI2: 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATfi WAR. 
 
 10a 
 
 f. f 
 
 anchored under the guns of fort Eric. Lieutenant Elliott, of 
 the navy, had then just arrived at Black Rock, with fifty sea- 
 men to superintend the naval operations in that quarter. On 
 the evening of the 9th, with his seamen and a detachment of 
 fifty volunteers from General Smyth's brigade, he passed 
 over from Black Rock, boarded, and took the brigs. But 
 the wind not favouring, they drifted down the current and 
 grounded. The Detroit, which was formerly the American 
 brig Adams, and surrendered by Hull at Detroit, after being 
 divested of most of her military stores, was abandoned and 
 burnt. The Caledonia, being near enough to be protected by 
 the guns at Black Rock, was saved : she was laden with firs to 
 the value of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. This 
 brilliant achievement was effected with the loss of only two 
 killed, and four wounded. 
 
 The general tenor of the congressional debates, and the 
 publications and conversation of the day, had induced a set- 
 tled belief, that the Canadas would be a certain, easy, and 
 almost a bloodless conquest ; that upon the appearance of a 
 respectable force, at any point on the frontier, the Canadians 
 in great numbers would flock to the American standard, and 
 assist in the object. Impressed with these ideas, the militia 
 and volunteers who had come out but for a short period, were 
 impatient to make a descent on Canada. They insisted on 
 being permitted to attack and drive the British from the Niag- 
 ara peninsula, and return to their homes 4 and many threat- 
 ened to leave the camp, unless led to immediate action. The 
 success of Lieutenant Elliott had induced them to believe that 
 the conquest was an easy one ; and that they had only to 
 show themselves to the enemy in order to conquer them. In 
 compliance with their wishes, General Van Rensselaer de- 
 cided on making the attempt. The principal British force was 
 at fort George; >>ut they had made an establishment, and 
 erected batteries on the heights above Queenston ; against 
 these batteries, the efforts of the American troops were to be 
 first directed. Batteries were erected on the American 
 
 T4 
 
 ti 
 
J 06 
 
 BISTORT OF THE LATE W^R. Can., i. 
 
 mm 
 
 I' 
 
 I 
 
 1! 
 ■:i| 
 
 I 
 
 i 
 
 •.I 
 
 
 
 il! 
 
 m 
 
 1. 
 
 i 
 
 ':-■: 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 shore, to protect the passage and landing of the troops. 
 The regular forces, under Colonel Fenwick and Major Ual- 
 lary, were ordered up to Lewistown } and thirteen boats, 
 being all that could be procured at the time, were provided 
 for crossing. The van of the troops destined for the attack, 
 consisted of militia, under the command of Colonel Solomon 
 Van Rensselaer, aid to the General ; a part of the 1 3th 
 infantry, under Colonel Christie ; a detachment of the 6th and 
 9th, under Major Mallary ; the whole amounting to four hun- 
 dred men. At three o^clock, on the morning of the 13th, 
 they proceeded from the camp at Lewistown to the place of 
 embarkation. Colonel Van Rensselaer, to whom the chief 
 command of the expedition was intrusted, with a hundred men, 
 CL'ossed over and effected a landing. A grape-shot from a 
 battery below Queenston which enfiladed the passage, wound- 
 ed Colonel Christie in the hand ; his pilot became confused, 
 his boatmen frightened, and he was obliged to return. The 
 boats with Major Mallary were carried by the violence of the 
 current below the landing place, two of them were taken, and 
 the others returned. In ascending the bank. Colonel Van 
 Rensselaer received four wounds. Captains Armstrong, 
 Wool, and Malcom, were also wounded and Lieutenant Val- 
 leau and Ensign Morris, killed. A party of British troops 
 having issued from an old fort below Queenston, were fired 
 upon by the Americans and compelled to retreat. The firing 
 from ihe batteries on the heights, soon obliged the Americans 
 to take shelter under the bank. To Colonel Van Rensselaer, 
 livho lay on the bank severely wounded, application was made 
 vfov orders. He directed the batteries to be immediately 
 •stormed. The men were rallied, and one hundred and sixty, 
 under the command of Captain Wool, mounted the rocks on 
 the right of the batteries, and took them. The guns weie 
 ordered to be turned upon the enemy, but were found to be 
 spiked. The remainder of the detachment now joined Cap- 
 tain Wool. Both parties were considerably reinforced, and 
 the conflict grew severe at various points. Many of thoBrit- 
 
 '::; 
 
 I..,i>l nil, 
 
l«is> 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LAT£ WAR. 
 
 id7 
 
 ish took shelter behind a guard-house, from whence a piece of 
 ordnance was briskly served, but the fire from the batteries 
 on the American side soon silenced it. The British then re- 
 tired behind a large stone house, but were soon routed aH4 
 driven from the hill in every direction. General Brock rait 
 lied the troops at Queenston, and with reinforcements, led 
 them round the hill in rear of the batteries ; Captian Wool 
 discerning this, detached one hundred and sixty men to meet 
 them ; these were driven back. Being reinforced, they retumecl 
 to the attack, and were again driven by the British to the pre- 
 cipice which forms the bank of the Niagara abpve Queenston* 
 Here the British pressing upon them with double their num- 
 bers, and no opportunity of retreating, an officer placed a 
 white handkerchief upon the point of a bayonet, and raised 
 it as a flag, with intention to surrender. Captain Wool imme- 
 diately tore it off, rallied his men, and returned to the charge. 
 The British troops were in turn routed. • 
 
 General Brock slain. General Brock, in eudeavouripg Iq 
 rally them, was struck by three balls, and instantly killed. 
 His aid. Colonel M'Donald, the attorney general of Uppev 
 Canada, was mortally wounded by his side. By ten o'^clock,. 
 the British were completely driven from the heights. The 
 American line re-formed, and flanking parties sent out. The 
 victory now appeared complete, and General Van Rensselaer 
 porceeded to take measures to secure the conquest. At tw<^ 
 o'clock, General Wadsworth of the militia, with Colonels 
 Scott, Christie, and Major Mallary, crossed over and took th« 
 command. Captain Wool was directed, to retire, and haive 
 his wounds dressed. He crossed the river for that purpose, 
 and soon returned to the field. About three o^clock a large 
 party of Indians appeared pouring out of Chippewa, and 
 with their savage yells, commenced a furious attack. T-he 
 Americans at first gave way, but were soon rallied, and. 
 charged the savages, who directly fled to the woods, leaving 
 one of their chiefs a prisoner, and several dead on the ground. 
 Scarcely had this battle ended, wTicn a largft rcmforcement 
 
 '.♦I 
 
■;f ^ 
 
 ■* 
 
 I f^ 
 
 i 
 
 108 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAK. 
 
 VttAt. a. 
 
 with artillery arrived from fort George, and the battle was 
 renewed with increased severity. 
 
 ' MlUia refuse to cross the River. Most of the events of the 
 day were in view of Lewistown. The militia who had not 
 crossed over, had now seen enough of war. Their zeal for 
 (he Canadian conquest had abated. They had discovered 
 that the constitution did not require them to go beyond the 
 limits of the United States. Several boat-loads which had 
 embarked, returned, and no more could be induced to go. 
 General Van Rensselaer returned to the American side, and 
 by every means of persuasion and authority, promising and 
 threatening, endeavoured to bring them over to secure the vie* 
 tory, but to no effect. Twelve hundred, whose presence only 
 f)n the opposite bank, would have decided the fortune of the 
 day, stood on the American shore, inactive spectators of the 
 slaughter and capture of their brethren. The regular troops, 
 under General Smyth, who had been ordered down from Black 
 Rock, had not arrived; and the Americans on the heights 
 were left to protect themselves. At this time General Van 
 Rensselaer addressed a note to General Wadsworth, inform- 
 ing him that it was out of his power to send him succours, and 
 advising him to retreat to the river, where boats should be 
 provided to take them over. The gallant band fought their 
 way to the river against thrice their numbers, but on arriving 
 there no boats were to be found. The same panic had struck 
 the boatmen ; not a boat could be manned to bring them off, 
 and the whole were obliged to surrender. * ^ r" 
 
 Surrender of the Americans, Three hundred and eighty- 
 six r^ulars, and three hundred and eixty-eight militia were 
 made prisoners ; the number killed was not exactly ascer- 
 tained, but supposed to be about ninety. The whole loss in 
 killed, wounded, prisoners, and missing, was estimated at 
 a thousand. General Brock was conveyed to fort George, 
 
 "= <3eneral Van Rensselaer's fetter to General Dearborn, of October 
 14, 18ia 
 
 >812. 
 
 mony. 
 
 Gener 
 were n( 
 of Octo 
 to Gcnei 
 of Nove 
 the citizi 
 been los 
 est poini 
 That th( 
 theory a 
 the troo 
 standard 
 horse-ba 
 or singl; 
 This pre 
 Peter B. 
 Ontario 
 expeditii 
 Smyth; 
 relieve tl 
 dent to t 
 savage h 
 peace to 
 reputatio 
 and patr 
 state of 
 force vol 
 Or the 
 proclam! 
 comma n< 
 when the 
 
18 IS. 
 
 HTSTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 109 
 
 ' 
 
 and interred on the 15th with military honours; the guns of 
 fort Niagara, as well as fort George, fired during the cere- 
 mony. 
 
 General SmytK's Proclamation. Most of the militia, who 
 were not made prisoners, were discharged, and on'the 34th 
 of October, General Van Rensselaer resigned the command 
 to General Smyth, and retired from the service. On the 1 0th 
 of November, General Smyth issued his first proclamation to 
 the citizens of New- York, informing them that one army had 
 been lost by a precipitate attempt to pass over at the strong- 
 est point of the enemy's lines with most incompetent means. 
 That the commanders in that expedition were destitute of 
 theory and experience in the art of war. That in a few days 
 the troops under his command would plant the American 
 standard in Canada ; and calling upon them to join him on 
 horse-back or on foot, in companies, half companies, in pairs, 
 or singly, and assuring them of the most brilliant success.^ 
 This proclamation was seconded by an address from General 
 Peter B. Porter, of Black Rock, to the men of the counties of 
 Ontario and Genesee, calling upon them to join him in the 
 expedition, and assuring them that he should join General 
 Smyth; <<and that a vigorous campaign of onepionth would 
 relieve their brethren on the frontier from the calamities inci- 
 dent to those who are placed near the seat of war, palsy the 
 savage hand that was then wielding the scalping-knife, restore 
 peace to that section of the state, and redeem the tarnished 
 reputation of the country." These applications to the valour 
 and patriotism of the citizens of the western section of the 
 state of New-York were not made in vain. A respectable 
 foi'ce volunteered under General Porter for the expedition. 
 Or. the 17th of November, General Smyth issued a second 
 proclamation addressed to the army of the centre under his 
 command, assuring them that the time was now at hand, 
 when they should cross the Niagara, to conquer Canada, and 
 
 * Smyth's first proclamation. 
 
 y 
 
 
) 
 
 lii ' ''' 
 
 I 
 
 
 TIO 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 5. 
 
 secure peace to the American frontier. As they were about 
 to enter a country which was soon to become one of the 
 United States, he enjoined them to respect private property, 
 promising to divide among them whatever booty they should 
 obtain agreeable to the usages of war.* 
 
 Preparations for Invasion. On the 27th of November, the 
 military force collected at Black Rock, under General Smyth, 
 prepared for the invasion of Canada, amounted to four thou* 
 sand five hundred effective men, consisting of New-York 
 volunteers under General Porter, and regulars and volunteers 
 from Pennsylvania and Baltimore. Eighty-five boats were 
 prepared for crossing the river, capable of transporting at 
 once the necessary artillery and three thousand five hundred 
 men. On the night of the 27th, two parties were sent over, 
 one under Colonel Boerlster, and the other under Captain 
 King, assisted by a company of marines, under Lieutenant 
 Angus, to destroy the British batteries. They effectually ac- 
 complished this object, routed the enemy, spiked their guns, 
 and drove them from the shore. Captain King, in attempting 
 to return, was captured, with two boats belonging to his party. 
 Colonel Winder, with a party of two hundred and fifty men, 
 in attempting to land at a difficult point on the river, was pre- 
 vented by the rapidity of the current, and obliged to return 
 to the American side. The general embarkation commenced 
 in the morning of the 28th, but was not completed until 
 afternoon. They then moved up the stream from the navy 
 ^ yard to Black Rock, and were ordered by General Smyth to 
 disembark and dine. After dinner, the expedition was post- 
 poned to a future day. This attempt gave the enemy full 
 notice of the plans of the American general. The two fol- 
 lowing days were employed in preparations for a second at- 
 tempt. At three o'clock in the morning of the 1st of Decem- 
 ber, the embarkation commenced a second time; the regulars 
 on the right, General Tanehills's brigade in the centre, and 
 
 ... — . , - - . — . — - — — ^- — — , . . ^ ^^^^ ^ ■ II I II — Mifc I -\m I '• 
 
 * Smyth's second proclamation. 
 
 t 't 11 
 
Kit. 
 
 HISTORY OF TUB LATE WAR. 
 
 Ill 
 
 the New- York volunteers on the left. General Porter accom- 
 panied by Majors Chapin and Macomb, Captain Mills of the 
 cavalry, and Adjutant Chace, with two pilots, took his station 
 in the front boat, hoisted his flag, and advanced to the head 
 of the line to lead the expedition. 
 
 Expedition abandoned. The troops, in fine spirits and in 
 eager expectation, awaited their orders from General Smyth, 
 when, after considerable delay, they were given, not to pro- 
 ceed to the Canada shore, but to disembark and go into win- 
 ter-quarters. Nothing could exceed the chagrin and disap- 
 pointment of the troops upon this occasion ; disorder and in- 
 subordination ensued ; General Smyth's life was threatened, 
 and in imminent danger; the militia disbanded and sent 
 home; and General Smyth, finding that the Canadas were 
 not to be taken by proclamation, and being disinclined to 
 make use of more powerful means, retired from the service. 
 
 Duel between Generals Smyth and Porter. General Porter 
 imputed the abandonment of the expedition altogether to 
 the cowardice of General Smyth. This ended in a challenge 
 from the latter, and a duel between the two generals. Not- 
 withstanding the articles of war prohibited duelling in the 
 army, under the severest penalties, the American nation was 
 doomed to witness the first and second in command in the 
 army of the centre, violating the articles of war, under which 
 they acted, in its most essential provisions. On the 12th of 
 December, the two generals, with their select friends, sur- 
 geons, and seconds, at two in the afternoon, in view of their 
 army, put off in two barges from their encampment, to Grand 
 Island, landed, retired a little distance from the shore, marked 
 out their ground at twelve paces distance, and exchanged 
 shots. The surgeons immediately proceeded to examine the 
 effects ; happily the balls, if any there were, had missed their 
 objects, and the lives of the two generals were preserved to 
 their country for future achievements. The seconds inter- 
 fered and produced a reconciliation. General Porter acknow- 
 ledged that he was now convinced that General Smyth was a 
 
 u 
 
 i! I 
 
112 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LAT£ WAR. 
 
 Chat. b. 
 
 I 
 
 ■> 
 
 /■ 
 
 man of couriigte; and Smyth, that he knew nothitig derogatory 
 to the character of General Porter, as a gentleman and an 
 officer. The two generals gave each other the hand, con- 
 gratulating themselves that they were still alive and unhurt. 
 The parties returned as from an excursion of pleasure, and 
 ended the day in a convivial entertainment ; the duel, very 
 fortunately for the combatants, was as bloodless as the expe- 
 dition which occasioned it. Nations, long accustomed to the 
 arts of war, punish with the most rigid severity, any vioia- 
 >;^ pf tho ^^m established for the government of their armies; 
 and for obvious reasons, are the more inflexible in inflicting 
 the punishment, when the offence proceeds from officers of tho 
 highest grade* The celebrated Prussian monarch, Frederick 
 in., on being applied to by two of his general officers for per- 
 mission to fight a duel, readily consented, but informed them, 
 that a file of his sharp shooters would attend, and make the 
 second fire. This led to an immediate reconciliation, and pre- 
 vented further applications. But the mild and peaceful char- 
 acter of the American government induced them altogether 
 to overlook this offence, and suffer the example to remain a 
 precedent for furture occasions. 
 
 The general depdt for supplies for the armies of the north 
 and west, was fixed at Albany; and the rendezvous for recruits, 
 at Greenbush, on the opposite bank of the Hudson. Here 
 wasa centra] point where they might be directed to the west 
 (j^north, as circumstances required. The operations of both 
 were under the direction of General Dearborn, who fixed his 
 head-quarters at Albany. This point, three hundred miles 
 distant from the nearest scene of action, was selected by the 
 commanding general, where the operations of the troops un- 
 der his command might be directed without the inconvenience 
 of personal exposure; and the responsibility, in case of the fail- 
 ure of any expedition, might rest more immediately, upon the 
 officers present in command. The army of the north was 
 under the immediate command of General Bloomfield, whose 
 head^quarters were at Plattsburgh. This army consisted of 
 
 fromtw 
 
 than M 
 
 and the 
 
 perfect 
 
 they ma 
 
 my, but 
 
 to form 
 
 the centi 
 
 It was c 
 
 per Cat 
 
 first imj 
 
 centre v 
 
 which s 
 
 rence. 
 
 north, ai 
 
 their hea 
 
 in their 
 
 the St. ] 
 
 city. C 
 
 British fi 
 
 stroy th( 
 
 ed by i 
 
 British b 
 
 tately to 
 
 Theu 
 
 conquer 
 
 course fi 
 
 it must I: 
 
 trade wa 
 
 on a ne^ 
 
 probabl} 
 
 cognition 
 
 These 
 
 pect, utt 
 
 have att< 
 
 ofrealizi 
 
1812. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LAT£ WAR. 
 
 lU 
 
 from two to four thousand men, and as no enemy waA nearer 
 than Montreal, a distance of sixty miles, with a wilderness 
 and the river St. Lawrence intervening, they had leisure to 
 perfect themselvcfi in military tactics. During the autumn 
 they made several incursions into Canada in quest of an ene- 
 my, but found none. This wn.^ an army of reserve, designed 
 to form a junr^on with the armies of the north-west, and of 
 the centre, on the St. Lawrence, in their progress to Montreal. 
 It was confidently expected that the wcstprn rcgion^i of Up- 
 per Canada would yield to the American force upon the 
 first impression. The armies of the north-west and of the 
 centre were then to concentrate, and proceed with a force 
 which should " look down all opposition,^' to the St. Law- 
 rence. Here they were to be joined by the army of the 
 north, and long before the close of the campaign establish 
 their head-quarters at Montreal. To provide for these armies 
 ia their advance, a depot was established at Ogdensburgh, on 
 the St. Lawrence, one hundred and thirty miles from that 
 city. On the 4th of October, this post was attacked hy the 
 British from Prescot on the opposite shore, with a view to de- 
 stroy these stores. It was gallantly and successfully defend- 
 ed by the New- York militia under General Brown ; two 
 British boats were destroyed, and the residue obliged precipi- 
 tately to retreat. 
 
 The upper territories of Canada, including Montreal, being 
 conquered, the lower province, it was expected, would of 
 course fall, or if the British were suffered to retain possesi^ion, 
 it must be of very little consequence after their western fur 
 trade was annihilated. These events were expected to bring 
 on a negotiation in the course of the winter, which would 
 probably end in the restoration of the Canadas, and a re- 
 cognition of all the American maritime claims. 
 
 These plans, so flattering in theory, and promising in pros-' 
 pect, utterly failed in the execution. Misfortune seems to 
 have attended every stage of the campaign of 1 813. Instead 
 of realizing those pleasing anticipations, it ended with the loss 
 
 15 
 
I''t:nit 
 
 I V 
 
 414 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap, b. 
 
 «f thc^ important fortresses of Detroit and Mackinaw, and the 
 whole territory of Michigan ; of three armies captured,* and 
 more than six thousand men killed, wounded, and prisoners. 
 No territory had been gained; every conflict with the British, 
 resulted in the tiefeat of the Americans, and the prospects of 
 peace had been removed at a hopeless distance. 
 
 Causes of the Failure of the Campaign 0/ 1812. A variety 
 of causes operated to produce these unfortunate results. 
 
 Resources for the Defence of the Canadas. The two pro- 
 vinces of the Canadas, at the commencement of the war, 
 contained a white population of three hundred thousand ; al- 
 lowing every tenth person to be subject to bear arms, their 
 militia would amount to thirty thousand. The regular troops, 
 in consequence of the appearances of war, had been aug- 
 mented from three to five thousand, and admitted of consid- 
 erable further increase, as circumstances might require, from 
 their other American possessions, and from Europe. 
 
 A considc^rable portion of the Indian population must be 
 estimated as under British influence, and capable of being 
 brought to act against the United States. These people have 
 ever been hostile to the progressive settlement of the whites : 
 their chiefs have supposed that they saw in them the ultimate 
 extinction of their race, and were ever ready to listen to the 
 suggestions and promises of the British, to check the pro- 
 gress of the settlements, and restore to the Indians their 
 lands. By these suggestions, by supplying them with 
 arms, encouraging their natural disposition to war, and in- 
 dulging their propensity to massacre and plunder, the British 
 were able to command the services of five thousand Indian 
 warriors. 
 
 Quebec was strongly fortified, and considered impregna- 
 ble. Strong garrisons were established at Kingston, Mon- 
 treal, and several other points^ The British possessed the 
 'means of transportation in a much superior degree to the 
 
 = t 
 
 * Hull's, Van Renseelaer'a, and Winchester's. 
 
1812. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 tU 
 
 
 Americans. The freight from Portsmouth, in England, to 
 Kingston, would not amount to one fourth as much as the 
 transportation from New- York to Sackett's Harbour, neces- 
 sarily embracing a land carriage of one hundred and eighty 
 miles. This gave them immense advantages in ship-building 
 on the lakes, and in every military operation. i , . ? 
 
 The population of the Canadas was generally loyal. It 
 had been the policy of Great Britain, to encourage settlements 
 in these provinces, by liberal grants of land to settlers, at 
 mere nominal prices, by exemption from taxes, and by com- 
 mercial privileges. No disposition appeared in the great 
 body of the Canadian people to exchange the British for the 
 American government ; and wherever it did appear, it was ef- 
 fectually checked by the abandonment of the unfortunate Ca- 
 nadians who had joined General HulPs standard, and their ex- 
 ecution as traitors by the British general. The real strength 
 of the Canadas, the disposition of the inhabitants, and the 
 means of defence were not accurately known and estimated 
 by the American government. The conquest should not have 
 been attempted with a less force than twenty thousand efiec- 
 live regular troops. ^ ■ ;;^l u kV 
 
 State of Peace. A state of profound peace for thirty years 
 bad rendered the art of war in a great measure unknown. 
 Most of the heroes of the revolution had paid the debt of 
 nature, those who survived, had long since lost the fire and 
 vigour of youth. The organization of the army was a matter . 
 of extreme difficulty. Most of the higher grades were filled^ -•■^ 
 with revolutionary officers. Government indeed availed them- 
 selves of their experience, but suffered much from want of 
 energy. The subordinate stations were necessarily filled 
 with men without experience. From the mass of applica- 
 tions with which the bureau of the secretary of war was 
 filled, the executive had a choice of men ; but where there 
 had been no experience, it was impossible to diijcern where 
 that coolness, judgment, and courage, so necessary to the fin» 
 ished officer^ resided. A selection wa« made generally of 
 
n« 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 5. 
 
 
 • 
 
 judicious and brave men. They had then the art of war to 
 learn, in the field, in the face of an enemy, and at the head of 
 undisciplined troops. They had to contend with a power, 
 who had been constantly at war, for twenty years, and with 
 troops who had seen much service. The celebrated General 
 Brock, and the forty-ninth regiment, had fought in Egypt. 
 Their officers had been selected from soldiers of merit, and 
 trained to discipline. 
 Another cause of misfortune was a deficiency in the intelli- 
 ■;<^ gence department. Correct information of the strength and 
 position of the enemy, is a necessary part of the art of war ; 
 and an organized plan for obtaining such intelligence^ forms 
 one important ingredient in the military system. In this 
 respect, at the commencement of the war, there was a great 
 deficiency, and theenemy^s plans were consequently unknown, 
 and their strength liable to be under or over-rated, either of 
 which must prove equally fatal. In the case of General 
 Hull, it was greatly over-rated, and produced the surrender 
 of his army to an inferior force. In the case of General 
 Smyth, the same cause produced irresolution and inaction. 
 In the instance of General Winchester, it was underrated, and 
 an army totally defeated and lost thereby. 
 . Structure of the American Government, The organization 
 of the American government, adapted to all the purposes of 
 peace and defence, is nowise calculated for a war of con- 
 quest. The physical force of the nation, residing in the 
 militia, is under the control of the states, and not subject to 
 the general government for the purposes of offensive war. 
 
 When an enemy is collected on the border, threatening 
 invasion, no doubt the militia may constitutionally be required 
 to pass the lines and dislodge him as a means of preventing 
 invasion, or where he has already invaded, to pursue him 
 beyond the borders. However much the militia under Gen- 
 eral Van Rensselaer may be censured for carrying their 
 commander io an immediate invasion contrary to his better 
 judgment, indircing t4eir brethren in arms to cross the river, 
 
 «-s 
 
 1812. 
 
 relying or 
 need;" y 
 rectly on 
 did not re 
 conquest; 
 conquest ( 
 
 War is 
 obtained ( 
 period of 
 absolute c 
 exercised 
 ulation of 
 and no dif 
 happy siti 
 ety, to wh 
 who are a 
 four, was 
 to raising i 
 men whicl 
 of the lit 
 season; ai 
 extravagai 
 free and fc 
 to exchanj 
 privations 
 ments rem 
 plish the 
 under Ger 
 Rensselae 
 of that spc 
 in many ir 
 and couraj 
 however a 
 poses of fc 
 
 Dejicien 
 "war exper 
 
1812. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 117 
 
 relying on their support, and " deserting them in their utmost 
 need ;'' yet it must be acknowledged that they decided cor- 
 rectly on their rights, when they judged that the constitution 
 did not require them to pass the lines for the purposes of 
 conquest; With a military force thus composed, no foreign 
 conquest can be achieved or retained. 
 
 War is to be carried on by the United States by an army 
 obtained only by voluntary enlistment. The soldier, for the 
 period of his enlistment, places his life and liberty at the 
 absolute control of the government; and this power is to be 
 exercised by officers unknown to him. In the crowded pop- 
 ulation of Europe the army is often a retreat from starvation, 
 and no difficulty is experienced in procuring soldiers, but the 
 happy situation of that class of people in the American soci- 
 ety, to whom proposals for enlistment must be addressed, and 
 who are able by one day's labour to pr re subsistence for 
 four, was a powerful and indeed an insurmountable obstacle 
 to raising an adequate army. Not one fourth of the 25,000 
 men which were directed to be raised by the act of Congress 
 of the 11th of January, 1812, ever reached the army that 
 season; and three years' faithful trial, with liberal wages and 
 extravagant bounties, has proved beyond a doubt, that the 
 free and happy yeomanry of America are not to be induced 
 to exchange the ease and plenty of home, for the dangers and 
 privations of the camp. The difficulty of procuring enlist- 
 ments rendered a resort to the militia necessary, to accom- 
 plish the objects of the campaign. The conduct of those 
 under General Hopkins on the Wabash, and General Van 
 Rensselaer on the Niagara, developed the nature and value 
 of that species of force. And although the militia of the west, 
 in many instances, manifested a laudable spirit of patriotism 
 and courage ; yet the event fully demonstrated that no militia, 
 however ardent or patriotic, are to be relied on for the pur- 
 poses of foreign conquest. - '- 
 
 Deficiency of Funds, The funds requisite to supply the 
 war expenditures are to be drawn from the people by diren' 
 
4 
 
 ' if 
 
 H ' {M 
 
 Its 
 
 HISTORY OF TH£ LiAT£ WAR. 
 
 Cba*. &. 
 
 taxes, imposed by their immediate representatives, who are 
 themselves to bear their proportion of the burdens. Under 
 such circumstances, taxes are often laid with so sparing a 
 hand, and at so late a period, as to defeat the object. With- 
 out adequate funds, seasonably procured and applied, every 
 operation must fail. The war estimates and appropriations 
 for the year 1812, amounted to eleven millions of dollars. 
 Not one half of which was procured by the loans which were 
 authorized for the purpose, and the actual expenditures more 
 than doubled the estimates. . -r - r =■ • 
 
 The twelfth Congress, whose first acts were to declare war, 
 and incur the attendant expenses, and whose next duty it was 
 to provide adequate means, suffered their terms to expire 
 without providing the necessary funds, and threw the odium 
 of laying the direct taxes and internal duties on their [suc- 
 cessors. The cautious money-lender, whose interest always 
 takes precedency of his patriotism, observing this reluctance 
 in Congress to provide for the interest, withheld his loans^ 
 and money was obtained only at great sacrifices, in such 
 small quantities, and at so late periods, as very much to 
 embarrass the operations of the war. 
 
 
 :-.<- r 
 
 
 
 * "T '% 
 
 K. '• ' 
 
 t'i;',i;f>f •."' » 
 

 . ». r* vf .»ji'^ . .Hi'. i.i' * I .'1; 
 
 i.-.ii ,-i ■ '!-'t'''; , i * .1;, f/ 
 
 1,1 1, . . ! .A < F. « '■ ' . 
 
 ';*/ 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Plan of Defence on the Sea-board. — American Frigates sail.— Cruise of 
 Commodore Rodgers^s Squadron. — Cruise of the Constitution.— Cap- 
 ture of the Guerriere. — Cruise of the Essex. — Capture of the Alert- 
 Capture of the Frolic : and of the Wasp and Frolic by the Foic- 
 tiers.— Capture of the Macedonian.— Arrival of the United States 
 and Macedonian.— ^The Flag of the Macedonian sent to Washington.-^ 
 Second Cruise of the Constitution.— Capture of the Java.— Rule for 
 distributing Prize Money. — Success of Privateers.- Number and 
 Value of British Vessels captured in 1812.— East-Florida Frontier.— 
 Colonel Newman's Expedition.^Repeal of the Orders in Council.— 
 First Proposition of Mr. Russell for an Armistice. — Lord Castlereagh's 
 Reply.— Second Proposition and Reply.—- Admiral Warren's Proposi- 
 ti 6n for an Armistice.— Mr% Monroe's Reply. 
 
 a 
 
 On the sea-board, the regulai' forces having been mostly 
 withdrawn, and sent to the Canadian frontier, the militia were 
 relied on for defence. Those slates which had complied with 
 the President's requisition, had detachments of their militia 
 stationed at the most exposed points. Massachusetts, Con- 
 necticut, and Rhode-Island, were left to provide for the 
 defence of their coast by occasional calls of their militia. 
 There were, however, no attempts to invade the coast during 
 the year 1813. 
 
 The feelings of the American nation which had been deeply 
 wounded by the ill success of their arms on the frontier, were 
 highly gratified by the brilliant achievements of their navy. 
 When their little squadrons left their ports to contend with the 
 haughty mistress of the ocean, every breast was filled with 
 anxiety. The British naval commanders had boasted that 
 they would drive the little striped bunting of the States from 
 the ocean. But the American frigates had not been long at 
 sea, before news of a character calculated to humble British 
 pride, and raise the American spirit, was received'. 
 
:,Y 
 
 
 130 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LAT£ WAR. 
 
 Chap. 
 
 Previous to the declaration of war, preparation had been 
 made to send to sea, immediately on that event, all the 
 frigates and armed vessels that could be put in readiness, to 
 protect American commerce, and meet the enemy on the 
 ocean. 
 
 Cruise of Commodore Rodger s^s Squadron, On the 21st of 
 June, a squadron, consisting of the President, the United 
 States, the Congress, the Hornet, and Argus, under the com- 
 mand of Commodore Rodgers, sailed from New- York on a 
 cruise in quest of a convoy of British merchantmen, then on 
 their way from Jamaica to England. On the 33d, off Nan- 
 tucket, they fell in with the Belvidere British frigate, to which 
 they gave chase. The President, being the head-most ship, 
 commenced a running fire, which continued two hours. Night 
 coming on, the Belvidere, by lightening ship, and crowding 
 sail, escaped. The squadron pursued the convoy to within 
 twenty hours sail of the British Channel ; missing their object, 
 they then steered for the island of Madeira, passed close 
 under that island, thence by the way of the Azores to New- 
 foundland, and returned to Boston on tlie 1st of September, 
 having made seven captures, and one re-capture during the 
 cruise. Though this cruise was not so successful in captures 
 as was expected, owing in a great degree to the haziness of 
 the weather, yet it was of great service in protecting home- 
 ward bound American vessels.* 
 
 Cruise of the Constitution, Commodore Hull, in the Con- 
 stitution, sailed from the Chesapeake on the 12th of July; 
 on the 17th, off Egg Harbour, was chased by a ship of the 
 line and four frigates. These ships approached rapidly with 
 a fine breeze, while it was nearly calm about the Constitu- 
 tion. At sun rise of the eighteenth, escape appeared hope- 
 less, as they had neared her considerably during the night, 
 preparation was then made for action. The enemy still 
 drawing near, another effort was made to escape. Boats 
 
 "* Commodore Rodgers's letter to the secretary of the navy. 
 
 were sei 
 
 It was n 
 
 to the sa 
 
 partly si 
 
 On the 
 
 sight, an 
 
 the seco 
 
 cruised a 
 
 in expec 
 
 tion. N 
 
 gulf of S 
 
 here take 
 
 south war 
 
 Captur 
 
 the Britis 
 
 ing fifty-f( 
 
 a flag wii 
 
 on anothc 
 
 had lookc 
 
 and giver 
 
 Constituti 
 
 bled his c 
 
 sured thei 
 
 hearty ch 
 
 ed her apj 
 
 obtain th( 
 
 an hour, t 
 
 Constitutii 
 
 shot, whei 
 
 upon her i 
 
 directly cs 
 
 fire. In t 
 
 got along 
 
 lay an uni 
 
 rendered. 
 
 sible to b 
 
i812. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 121 
 
 
 were sent ahead with anchors for the purpose of warping. 
 It was now nearly a calm with the British, and they resorted 
 to the same expedient. The chase continued for two days, 
 partly sailing with light breezes, and partly by warping. 
 On the twentieth, the squadron was left entirely out of 
 sight, and the Constitution made the harbour of Boston. On 
 the second of August, Commodore Hull again put to sea, 
 cruised along the eastern coast as far as the bay of Fundy, 
 in expectation of falling in with British frigates in that direc- 
 tion. Not finding any, he proceeded to take a station off the 
 gulf of St. Lawrence, to intercept the Quebec trade. Having 
 here taken two or three merchantmen, he proceeded to the 
 southward. • 
 
 Capture of the Guerriere, On the nineteenth, he fell in with 
 the British frigate Guerriere, rated at thirty-eight, but mount- 
 ing fifty-four guns. This vessel had hoisted at her mast head, 
 a flag with her name, the Warrior, in large characters, and 
 on another was inscribed the words, not the Little Belt. She 
 had looked into several ports in quest of American frigates, 
 and given a challenge to all vessels of her class. On the 
 Constitution's heaving in sight, the British commander assem- 
 bled his crew, pointed to them the object of their wishes, as- 
 sured them of an easy victory, and being answered by three 
 hearty cheers, backened sail, prepared for action, and await- 
 ed her approach. The two ships continued manceuvering to 
 obtain the weathergage of each other for three quarters of 
 an hour, the Guerriere occasionally firing broadsides. The 
 Constitution reserved her fire' until within about four musket- 
 shot, when she opened her broadsides in quick succession 
 upon her antagonist. The mizen-mast of the Guerriere was 
 directly carried away, and her decks were swept by a raking 
 fire. In thirty minutes from the time the Constitution fairly 
 got along side of her, every mast and spar was gone, and she 
 lay an unmanageable wreck. The firing ceased, and she sur- 
 rendered. She was so much damaged as to render it impos- 
 sible to bring her into port, and the next day was cleared of 
 ' 16 
 
?n 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 1 
 
 1 ' 
 
 1S3 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 CuAt. %, 
 
 the prisoners, and every thing valuable, and set fire to and 
 blown up. The damage sustained by the Constitution was ot 
 so little consequence, that she was prepared for action the 
 next day, when another ship appeared in sight. The Con- 
 stitution had seven killed, and the same number wounded ; 
 the Guerriere nineteen killed and sixty wounded.* The news 
 of this brilliant victory, the first on the ocean, was received 
 with rapturous applauses by the American people. Every 
 mark of respect was shown Commodore Hull, and his gallant 
 officers and crew. Congress granted fifty thousand dollars 
 to the crew for the loss of their prize, and the executive pro- 
 moted several of their officers. The event was as mortify, 
 ing to the British, as gratifying to the Americans. For thirty 
 years they never bad before lost a frigate in any thing like an 
 equal contest. 
 
 Cruise of the Essex. On the third of July, the frigate Es- 
 sex, of thirty-two guns, Captain Porter, sailed from New- York, 
 Proceeding southward, she captured the brig Lamprey; 
 learning from her that the Thetis frigate was to have sailed 
 on the 26th of June with specie, and a large convoy from the 
 West Indies to England, he made every exertion to fall in 
 their way off St. Augustine as they came out of the gulf of 
 Mexico. Being prevented by contrary winds, he proceeded 
 to the banks of Newfoundland, hoping to intercept them in 
 that latitude, but without success. 
 
 On the 1 7th of August, the sloop of war Alert, mistaking 
 the Essex for the Hornet, bore up and commenced an attack. 
 In eight minutes she found herself a prize to the Essex, and 
 seven feet of water in her hold. Captain Porter, had now five 
 hundred prisoners on board, which he had taken from differ- 
 pot vessels on his cruise. In order to disincumber himself, 
 he repaired the Alert, threw her guns overboard, made a car- 
 tel of her, put all his prisoners on board, and sent her to New- 
 foundland. The prisoners were exchanged for an equal 
 
 * Commodore Hull's letter to the secretary of the navy. 
 
 %■- 
 
\^IS. 
 
 HISTORY OF THt: LAtil WAR, 
 
 1S3 
 
 number of Americans ; and the Alert returned to the United 
 States. On the first of September, the Essex fell in with, 
 and was chased by a squadron of British frigates* She nar- 
 rowly escaped, and arrived in the Delaware on the seventh.* 
 
 Cruise of the Wasp. Captain Jones, of the sloop of war, 
 Wasp, of sixteen guns, had returned (torn France, two weeks 
 after the declaration of war \ and on the 1 2th of October, sailed 
 from the Delaware on a cruise. 
 
 Capture of the Frolic. On the 1 8th, he fell in with a convoy 
 of six sail, under the protection of the Frolic, sloop of war, of 
 twenty-two guns. On discovering the American, the Frolic 
 fell back, and the engagement commenced at half past eleven, 
 at sixty yafds distance. In five minutes the main-topmast of 
 the wasp was shot away, and falling with the sails and yards, 
 across the larboard fore and top sail, rendered her head yards 
 u'lmanageable during the remainder of the action. The sea 
 being exceedingly rough, the muzzles of their guns were 
 sometimes under water* The English fired as theii' vessel 
 rose, and her shot principally went over* The Wasp fired as 
 she sunk, and generally struck the hull of her antagonist. 
 They were now so nigh, that in loading, their rammers reach- 
 ed the side of the enemy. Captain Jones determined to 
 board. The jib-boom of the Frolic came in between the 
 main and mizen rigging of the Wasp. After giving a raking 
 fire which swept the deck. Lieutenant Biddle led on the 
 boarders. On gaining the deck, they found no persons there 
 except three officers, and the seaman at the helm. The 
 deck was slippery with blood, and presented a shocking scene 
 of carnage. The three officers threw down their swords 
 in token of submission. The colours were still flyings there 
 being no seamen left to pull them down* Lieutenant Biddle 
 leaped into the rigging and hauled them down with his own 
 hands. After a most bloody conflict of forty^three minutes, 
 complete possession was gained of the Frolicl* The l^rth" 
 
 '"Captain Porter's letter to the secretarj «f the tutyj. 
 
. * 
 
 124 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chjip, «. 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 
 
 deck was crowded with dead, dying, and wounded. The masu 
 soon fell, covering the dead, and every thing on deck, and pre- 
 senting a most melancholy spectacle. Captain Jones sent his 
 own surgeon and medicines on board the Frolic, and aflbrded 
 all the relief in his power. The British loss was thirty killed 
 and fifty wounded ; the American, five killed and five wounded. 
 A few hours after the battle, and before Captain" Jones had 
 made any preparation for sailing with his prize, the Poictiers. 
 a British seventy-four, hove in sight, took possession of the 
 Wasp and bef prize, and sent them into Bermuda. 
 
 Second Cruise of Commodore Rodgers^s Squadron, On the 
 8th of October, the squadron under Commodore Rodgers. 
 which had been refitting at Boston, sailed from that port on 
 a^second cruise. On (he 13th, the United States, and Argus 
 parted from the others in a gale of wind. A few days after- 
 wards, the President and Congress coptured the British 
 packet Swallow, with |^200,000 in specie ; and on the 13th ol 
 December, returned to Boston, after a veiy successful cruise. 
 The Argus, after a cruise of ninety-six days, returned to New- 
 York with prizes to the amount of two hundred thousand 
 dollahs. 
 
 Capture of the Macedonian. On the 25th of October, the 
 United States, commanded by Commodore Decatur, ofT the 
 Western Islands, lat. 29 N., Ion. 29 W., fell in with the 
 British frigate Macedonian, rated at 38, mounting 49 guns, and 
 after an action of an hour and a half, captured her. The 
 Macedonian, having the advantage of the wind, chose her own 
 distance, which was such that, for the first half hour, the 
 United States could not use her carronades, and at no time 
 was she within the complete effect of musketry and grape. 
 In this action the superiority of the American gunnery was 
 strikingly manifest. The Macedonian lost her mizen, main- 
 top, and foremasts, and main yard, and was much damaged 
 in her hull. She lost thirty-eight killed, and sixty-eight 
 wounded. Her muster-roll contained the following entries of 
 impressed American seamen. 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATf: \ 
 
 125 
 
 Christopher Dodge, American, aged 3'i t)rr^m«»tl y^ the 
 Thisbe, shipped in the Macedonian July I«»i 1810. 
 
 Peter Johnson, American, aged 33^ pressed by the D«.<.ialiui 
 August 24lh, 1810. 
 
 John Alexander, of Cape Ann, aged 29, pressed by the 
 Dcdalus, entered August 25th, 1810. 
 
 C. Dolphin, of Connecticut, aged 22, pressed by the Na- 
 mur, entered August 4lh, 1810. 
 
 Major Cook, of Baltimore, aged 27, pressed by the Royal 
 William, entered September 10th, 1810. 
 
 William Thompson, of Boston, aged 20, pressed at Lisbon, 
 entered Jan. 16th, 1811, drowned at sea in boarding an Ame- 
 rican. . 
 
 John Wallis, American, aged 23, pressed by the Triton, en- 
 tered February 16th, 1811, killed in action in the Macedo- 
 nian. ' 
 
 John Card, American, aged 27, pressed by the North Star, 
 entered April 13th, 1811, killed in action in the Macedo- 
 nian.* ■ 
 
 The United States lost only six killed and seven wounded, 
 and suffered so little injury, that she might in a few hours 
 have been prepared for another action. From the continued 
 blaze of her guns, the United States was at one time supposed 
 to be on fire by her antagonist, but she soon discovered her mis- 
 take. The carpenter of the United States was killed in the 
 conflict, and left three small children in the hands of a worth- 
 less mother ; the crew, with the characteristic generosity of 
 seamen, raised a fund of eight hundred dollars from their 
 prize money, deposited it in safe hands, and devoted it to the 
 education of the orphans. ' • - , «> ; • 
 
 Commodore Decatur had on board his frigate a lad of 
 twelve years old, the son of a brave seaman who had died 
 and left his wife in poverty. As the Macedonian hove in 
 sight, and the crew were clearing the ship for action, he ran 
 
 *■ Mvster-roU of the Macedonian. 
 
 J;! t 
 

 i 
 
 126 
 
 HISTORY OF TlIK LATE WAK. 
 
 (•'hap 6. 
 
 Up to the commodore, and said, '' I wish my name may be put 
 down on the roll.*' " Why 80,my lad ?" " So that I can have 
 u share of the prize-money." His request was granted. After 
 the Macedonian had struck the commodore said to him, ** Well 
 Bill, we have taken the ship, and your share of the prize mo- 
 ney, if we get her safe in, may be about two hundred dollars; 
 what will you do with it ?" " 1 will send half to my mother, and 
 the other half shall send me to school." Delighted with a spirit 
 at once so noble and affectionate, the commodore took the lad 
 under his protection, procured a midshipman'^ birth for him, 
 and superintended his education. 
 
 Immediately after the sinrender of his ship. Captain Car- 
 den ascended the quarter-deck of the United States and pre- 
 sented his sword to Commodore Decatur. The commodore, 
 in a modest unassuming manner, replied, "I cannot receive the 
 sword of a man who has so bravely defended his ship ; give 
 me your hand, sir." Just before the commencement of the war, 
 DecaturandCarden accidentally met in the harbour of Norfolk. 
 "Commodore," said the Captain, " we now meet as friends; 
 God grant we may never meet as enemies j but we are subject 
 to the orders of our governments, and must obey them." " I 
 heartily reciprocate the sentiment," said Decatur. " But what, 
 sir," said Carden, " suppose we meet as enemies, what do you 
 imaging would be the consequence to yourself and the force 
 you command." " Why sir," said the hero of the Mediterranean, 
 " if we meet with forces that might fairly be called equal, the 
 tonflict would be severe, but the flag of my country on the 
 ship I command, shall never leave the staff on which it waves, 
 as long as there is a hull to support it." The next meeting of 
 these heroes of the ocean, was on the quarter-deck of the 
 United States. , ' v *, , . 
 
 ' An arduous and important duty still remained for Commo- 
 dore Decatur to perform ; to conduct his ship and his shat- 
 tered prize to an American port, over an immense ocean, filled 
 in almost every direction with powerful enemies. Although 
 
 >i •■ 
 
 ^^" 
 
1810. 
 
 HISTORY or TIIK LATK WAR, 
 
 187 
 
 the loniform politeness of the commodore to his brave enemy, 
 inafi« Captain Garden almost forget that he was a prisoner, 
 ytt he was not without strong hopes of being re-captured in 
 the course of the voyage, and of seeing the American 
 frij^tc and her prize enter a British port. But his wishes 
 were not gratified. Commodore Decatur entered the harbour 
 of New-London on the 4th of December, with his ship and 
 p^, in safety. Lieutenant Hamilton, son of the secretary 
 of the navy, was the bearer of his despatches, and the flag of 
 the Macedonian to Washington. He arrived on the evening 
 of the 8th. It fortunately occurred that on that evening a 
 ball was given in honour of the American navy. The beauty 
 and fashion of the city, and much of the patriotism and talents 
 of the republic, were drawn together on this occasion. It 
 was suddenly announced, that the flag of another British 
 frigate had arrived. Lieutenant Hamilton entered the hall. 
 Commodores Hull and Stewart triumphantly waved the flag 
 through the assembly, and presented it to Mrs. Madison. 
 The secretary of the navy, and his wife and daughter, were 
 present, and received their son and brother with the wannest 
 affection. 
 
 In a few days, the United States, with her prize, proceeded 
 to the harbour of New- York, for the purpose of having the 
 latter ship repaired, and preparing for another cruise. The 
 citizens complimented the commodore with an elegant and 
 appropriate entertainment. A capacious hall was colonaded 
 with masts of ships, with the flags of various nations suspended 
 upon them. On each table was a miniature ship, displaying 
 the American stripes. An area of twenty by ten feet was 
 filled with water, in which a miniature of thi» United States 
 frigate floated. A main-sail of thirty-three by sixteen feet 
 was suspended in the rear of this artificial lake, upon which 
 the American eagle was painted, holding in his beak a scroll 
 with these words : our children are the property of our 
 couNTRV. One beautiful transparency represented the eagle 
 holding in his mouth three medallioDS ; one inscribed, Hyp^ 
 
128 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 6. 
 
 AND THE GuERRiERE ; another, Decatur and the Mace- 
 DC-siAi;; aiKJ the third, Jones and the Frolic. Another 
 splendid figiuv represented the frigate Constitution taking the 
 Guerriere, August 12th; the United States, the Macedonian, 
 O'tobrr 25lh ; and the Wasp, the Frolic November 18th, 
 1812. At this entertainment, the commodore had the satis- 
 faction of meeting his friends and brothers in victory, Hull 
 and Jones. 
 
 The next day the corporation gave a dinner to the whole 
 crew of the United States, in the same hall, ornamented in the 
 same style. The miniature lake, in which the frigate floated 
 yesterday, was to-day filled with the appropriate beverage 
 of the guests, from which they drank to the toast, 
 ^^merican ships all over the ocean ! 
 
 The crew, exceeding four hundred, neatly dressed in blue 
 jacket* and trowsers, scarlet vests, and glazed hats, marched 
 from thf^ frigate to the hall in perfect order, to their favourite 
 tune of Yankee Doodle, from the band of the Macedonian. 
 The novelty of the scene attracted the attention, and drew 
 forth the reiterated applauses of an immense concourse of 
 spectators. At the close of the entertainment, the coipmo- 
 dore, attended by his first lieutenant, W. H. Allen, entered 
 the hall, and communicated to them the request of the 
 managers of the theatre, that they would attend in the evening, 
 and the whole pit was appropriated to their accommodation. 
 "Sailors," said the commodore, "your orderly and decorous 
 conduct this day gives me high satisfaction : continue it through 
 the evening, and convince the hospitable and patriotic citizens 
 of New-York, that you can maintain the same order in the 
 midst ^ amusements, as you have done when sailing on the 
 ocean, and conquering the enemy." The commodore's address 
 was answered by the respectful salute of the crew: the 
 Macedonian band again struck their favourite tune; and they 
 marched in regular order to the theatre, enjoyed the entertain- 
 ment, and returned to their ship exhibiting through the whole 
 scene a perfect decorum of conduct, and the characterii>tic 
 
1812. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE ,WAR. 
 
 I2» 
 
 I 
 
 trooJ humour and pleasantry of the American sailor. The 
 liberality of the managers was amply rewarded by a crowded 
 audience of citizens, whom their singular exhibition had 
 attracted to the theatre. 
 
 Second Cruise of the Constitution. On the return of the 
 Constitution to port, after the capture of the Guerriere, Cap- 
 tain Hull, at his request, was discharged from the command of 
 her, and was succeeded by Commodore Bainbridge, In 
 October she sailed in company with the Hornet, Captain 
 Lawrence, from New- York, with orders to form a junction 
 with the Essex, which sailed about the same time from the 
 Delaw^are, and proceed to the Pacific ocean to destroy the 
 British fisheries and commerce in that quarter. Adverse 
 winds prevented the junction at the time and place appointed, 
 and the Essex proceeded to the South Seas alone. 
 
 Capture of the Java, On the 30th of December, the Con- 
 stitution, having parted with the Hornet a few days before 
 off the coast of Brazil, fell in with, and captured the British 
 frigate Java, rated at 36, but mounting 49 guns, under the 
 command of Captain Lambert. On descrying the frigate, Com- 
 modore Bainbri'jge tacked and stood for her. At two o'clock 
 F. M. they were within half a mile, and the action commenced 
 with round and grape. At half past two, they were within 
 good cannister distance, when the Constitution's wheel was 
 shot away. Commodore Bainbridge now determined to close 
 with her, and luffed up for that purpose, and in ten minutes the 
 enemy's jib-boom got foul of the Constitution's mizen rig- 
 ging, and immediately after his bow-sprit and jib-boom were 
 shot away. At^fifteen minutes past three, the enemy were 
 completely silenced, and his colours at the mast being down, 
 it was supposed he had surrendered, and the Constitution 
 shot ahead to repair. But it was soon discovered that the 
 British colours were still fiying, upon which the Constitution 
 bore down upon her, and got close athwart her bows in an 
 effectual position for raking, when her main-mast went by the 
 board, and she lay an unmanageable wreck. Her colours 
 
 17 
 
 •; * 
 
"f a 
 
 130 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 C'HAf . & 
 
 weFe now struck, and possession taken. Captain Lambert 
 and sixty of his men were killed, and one hundred wounded. 
 The Constitution lost nine killed, and twenty-five wounded. 
 The great distance from the American coast, and the crippled 
 situation of the prize, prevented her from being brought in. 
 After taking out the prisoners and baggage, she was set fire 
 to, and blown up. 
 
 The Java was an important ship, fitted out in the com- 
 pletest style, having on board Lieutenant General Hislop, 
 Governor of Bombay, and staff, with a hundred supernu- 
 merary officers and seamen, for the supply of the British ships 
 in the East Indian seas. She had also on board important 
 despatches for St. Helena, the cape of Good Hope, and the 
 British establishments in the Indian and Chinese seas. The 
 prisoners were all landed, and left on their parole at St. Sal- 
 vador, with permission to return to England, on condition of 
 not serving against the United States until exchanged. After 
 this battle. Commodore Bainbridge found it necessary to 
 return to the United States, and arrived at Boston on the 8th 
 of February. 
 
 On his retui'n, he writes to his friend, " That the Java was 
 exceedingly well fought and bravely defended. Poor Lam- 
 bert, whose death 1 sincerely regret, was a distinguished and 
 gallant officer, and a worthy man. He left a widow and two 
 helpless children ; but his country makes provision for such 
 events. We are now homeward bound. The damage the Con- 
 stitution sustained in the action, and her decayed state, make 
 it necessary for me to return to the United S'ates for repairs. 
 This I much regret ; my crew participate in the sentiment. 
 They are, however, consoling themselves with the hope of 
 receiving their prize-money for the Guerriere on their return. 
 You would be highly amused to hear these rough, though 
 noble sons of Neptune, planning how they should spend their 
 prize-money. One says, he will buy himself a snug little 
 ship, on the highest hill, that he may thence, in his old age, 
 view all our sea-fights. Another says, he will now marry 
 
1815. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 131 
 
 
 his Poll. Another, that he will send his little Jack to school. 
 Poor fellows ! I trust they will not be disappointed. Twice 
 have they willingly and gallantly encountered the enemy, 
 and twice have they succeeded. To return home now, and 
 find they have nothing but a remnant of pay coming to them, 
 would depress their spirits, and damp that noble ardour which 
 they have hitherto felt and displayed. The officer may feel 
 differently ; for the performance of his duty, he feels a reward 
 in his own bosom, and in his country's thanks. Patriotism, and 
 a laudable thirst for renown, will lead him to court perils, in 
 defence of his country's rights. These feelings operate upon 
 the sailor also ; but to keep up the high tone of his ardour, 
 he must have prize-money in view. The schooner I am now 
 despatching, a prize to the Hornet, will give to the treasury 
 of the United States upwards of one hundred thousand dol- 
 lars." 
 
 Distribution of Prizc-Monty. The rule established by Con- 
 gress for the distribution of prize-money arising from captures 
 by national vessels, is, one half to the United States; the 
 other is divided into twenty equal parts, and distributed in the 
 following manner: • ' ■• 
 
 To the captains 3 
 
 To the sea lit^'itenants and sailing-masters 2 
 
 To the marine officers, surgeons, pursers, boatswains, gun- 
 ners, carpenters, master's mates, and chaplains ... 2 
 To midshipmen, surgeon's mates, captain's clerk, school- 
 master, boatswain's mates, gunner's mates, carpenter's 
 mates, steward, sail-makers, masters at arms, armourers, 
 
 and cockswains . 3 
 
 To gunner's yeomen, boatswain's yeomen, quarter-masters, 
 quarter-gunners, coopers, sail-maker's mates, sergeants, 
 and corporals of marines, drummers and fifers, and extra 
 
 petty officers 3 
 
 To seamen, ordinary seamen, marines, and boys ... 7 
 
 In captures made by national vessels, where the captured 
 
 vessel is of equal or superior force, the whole is given to the 
 
132 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 CnAT4 6. 
 
 cir^w. In the case of the Guerriere and Java, where the 
 prize was destroyed, because she could not be brought into 
 port, Congress, by a special act. granted fifty thousand dol- 
 lars for each capture; and in the case of the Frolic, to the 
 crew of the wasp, twenty-five thousand. The United States 
 also allow twenty dollars for each prisoner of war, made by 
 private armed vessels. In captures made by privateers, 
 where there is no contract regulating the distribution of prize- 
 money, one half belongs to the owners, and the other is dis- 
 tributed to the crew, according to the rules established in the 
 casejof pubhc vessels. 
 
 During the long period while the restrictive system was in 
 operation, from 1807 to 1812, the enterprise, ships, and capi- 
 tal of the American merchant had been inactive. 
 
 Result of the Naval War in 1812. On the declaration of 
 war, an extensive field opened for their operation. Numerous 
 privateers were fitted out in the principal ports of the United 
 States ; and British commerce in every quarter of the globe 
 was made to feel the effects of American bravery and enter- 
 prise. Within four months after the declaration of war, there 
 were fitted out, and sent to sea, from New-York, twenty-six 
 privateers, carrying 212 guns, and 2239 men. Baltimore 
 within the same period, sent out seventeen privateers, and 
 twenty-five fast-sailing letters of marque schooners, denom- 
 inated Baltimore flyers, carrying 330 guns, and 3000 men. 
 
 By the close of the year 1812, embracing a period of about 
 six months of war, the public and private armed vessels of 
 the United States had captured, and sent into port, or de- 
 stroyed at sea, three hundred and nineteen British vessels; 
 three of them frigates of the first class, others of them public 
 armed ships, and the residue valuable merchantmen ; the 
 whole value, estimating them on an average at ^40,000, a prize 
 amounting to 12,680,000 dollars. 
 
 From the commencement of the war, Admiral Sir John B. 
 Warren had been stationed with a powerful fleet along the 
 coast in such manner as most effectually to intercept Ameri- 
 
]812. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR, 
 
 13$ 
 
 can- vessels. But their skill and bravery eluded his vigi- 
 lance, or withstood his attacks, and enabled them to enrich 
 themselves with the spoils of their cncqnics, and to retaliate 
 on them the injuries they had so long unresistingly borne. 
 
 East Florida. The interior of East Florida is inhabited by 
 Seminole Indians, runaway negroes, and fugitives from jus- 
 tice from the neighbouring states, and forms a convenient asy- 
 lum for the profligate of every description. This population 
 subsist by plunder, and aided and supplied by the Spaniards 
 at St. Augustine, had become the scourge and terror of the 
 Georgia frontier. In January 1811, Congress, apprehensive 
 that the British were about to take possession of the province, 
 and that in their hands it would become a source of still 
 greater evils to the United States, passed a law, authorizing 
 the President, in case the local authorities would consent, or 
 in case an attempt should be made to invade the province by 
 any foreign power, to take possession of it in the name of the 
 United States. General Matthews and Colonel M'Kee, were 
 appointed commissioners to execute the provisions of this law. 
 They were authorized, in case it was necessary, to call in aid 
 the United States troops at the nearest station. On repairing 
 to St. Augustine, the commissioners found the Spanish au- 
 thorities altogether averse to surrendering the province to the 
 United States, and no appearance of any attempt by the 
 British to take possession. The commissioners, however, 
 being citizens of Georgia, and believing that the safety of the 
 frontier of that state required the measure, called in the force 
 under Col. Smith, and took possession of Amelia Island, and 
 other parts of the province. On being informed of this pro- 
 ceeding, the President, on the 4th of April, 1812, revoked the 
 powers of the commissioners, and appointed Governor Mitch- 
 ell in their stead, and directed him to restore such parts as had 
 been taken possession of by General Matthews, and giving 
 him discretionary orders for the United Slates troops to evac- 
 uate the territory, if in his opinion, the public safety would 
 permit. This discretionary power in the hands of the gov- 
 
134 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chaf. 6. 
 
 !' (i 
 
 crnor of Georgia, was equivalent to an express authority to 
 detain the troops in the province. In his message to thi> 
 legislature after his return, Governor Mitchell observes, that 
 the force at St. Augustine was of such a description that it 
 could not be tolerated ; and that the peace and safety of the 
 state would be hazarded if the occupancy of East Florida 
 was relinquished or much longer delayed. The committee of 
 the general assembly, to whom the message was referred, in 
 their reply, say, " That though there has been no actual inva- 
 sion of the state by a foreign force, yet a warfare has been 
 commenced on the frontiers, and murders perpetrated under 
 the sanction, or with the connivance of the governor of East 
 Florida, and a savage warfare is still in operation under sanc- 
 tion of that authority, which places the citizens immediately 
 exposed to its effects, in such danger as admits of no delay. 
 They therefore recommend that the state should immediately 
 organize a sufficient force to occupy East Florida." 
 
 Expedition of Colonel JSfewman, In consequence of these 
 proceedings, on the 15th of August, Colonel Newman, adju- 
 tant general of the Georgia militia, with a detachment of two 
 hundred and fifty men, advanced into the province as far as 
 St. Johns river, where he received the orders of Colonel 
 Smith, commandant of the United States troops before St. Au- 
 gustine, to proceed against the hostile Indians, and destroy 
 their towns and provisions. On the eve of his departure, he 
 received an express from Colonel Smith, informing him that his 
 provisions, wagons, and the escort, were attacked by a body 
 of Indians and negroes, and ordering him immediately to join 
 him with a detachment of ninety men, and bring with him all 
 the horses and carriages he could spare, for the removal of 
 his baggage,, artillery, and sick ; Colonel Smith having with 
 him then only seventy men fit for duty. Colonel Newman, 
 having accomplished this service, and assisted Colonel Smith 
 in removing to the block-house on Davis's Creek as a place 
 of greater safety, found that the time allotted for the expe- 
 dition had so far been spent, that his men had but six days 
 
1612. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 135 
 
 to serve. He proposed to them an extension of their service 
 for twenty days longer. Only eighty-four of his men, includ- 
 ing officers, volunteered ; these with 23 men furnished by 
 Colonel Smith, made his whole force amount to one hundred 
 and seventeen, supplied with four days provisions, and 
 twelve horses. On the morning of the fourth day of their 
 march, when within about six miles of the Lotchaway towns, 
 the object of their expedition, they were attacked by a party 
 of Indians, who kept up a constant firing upon them from be- 
 hind the trees, until they were dislodged by the bayonet. 
 The action lasted two hours and a half, the Indians frequently 
 attempting to gpt into the rear of the Americans. About half 
 an hour before sunset the enemy received a large reinforce- 
 ment of Indians and negroes from the town, and renewed 
 the attack. This action lasted until eight in the evening, 
 when the Indians and negroes were repulsed and retired. 
 After fasting and fighting all day in the woods, Colonel New- 
 man with his little band, had to work all night to erect a 
 breast work of logs for their safety. They were now fifty 
 miles from any succours, destitute of provisions, and surround- 
 ed with savages and negroes to the amount of more than four 
 times their number. Captain Whitaker was despatched to 
 St. Johns for provisions, and reinforcements. Six men, in- 
 cluding their surgeon and pilot, went off with them, taking 
 six of their best horses. The situation of the detachment 
 now became hopeless: they remained in this place eight days 
 in a starving condition, without hearing from their expected 
 supplies, the Indians attacking them every day after the two 
 first. On the 9th they abandoned their fort ; all their remain- 
 ing horses being killed, they were obliged to carry theii 
 wounded on their backs. Two hours after they left the fort 
 twenty-five horsemen arrived with provisions for their relief; 
 but, instead of following them, they returned to St. Johns. 
 After marching about five miles, they were again attacked by 
 the Indians, and four of their number killed. They then 
 charged the Indians and drove them from the field with the 
 
136 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap, g- 
 
 bayonet, and remained all night on the battle ground. The 
 next day they marched five miles, and again threw up a 
 breast-work, subsisting upon alligators, and palmeto stalks ; 
 here they remained surrounded and frequendy attacked by the 
 Indians and negroes, until a relief arrived with provisions and 
 horses, by which they were enabled to reach St. Johns, with 
 their sick and wounded, where they found a gun-boat in wait- 
 ing, by order of Colonel Smith, to convey them to his camp.* 
 Proposition by Mr. Russell to the British Government for an 
 Armistice, On the 1 0th of May, 1812, the French minister com- 
 municated to Mr. Barlow, the American minister at Paris, a de- 
 cree of the French emperor, bearing date th« 28th of April, 
 18 11, announcing thatthedecreesof Berlin and Milan are defini- 
 tively repealed, and to the date of the preceding first of Novem- 
 ber, considered as not existing in regard to American vessels, 
 Mr. Barlow immediately despatched a special messenger, 
 with a copy of this decree to Mr. Russell, and on the 21st of 
 May, Mr. Russell communicated it to the British minister. 
 On the 23d of June, an order in council was passed, declaring 
 that the orders of the 7th of January, 1807, and of the 26th 
 of April, 1809, were revoked, so far as related to American 
 vessels and cargoes, from the 1st of the succeeding August. 
 It was also further declared, that as British armed vessels, by 
 sundry acts of the American government, were excluded 
 from the waters of the United States, and the armed vessels 
 of France admitted ; and as the commercial intercourse 
 between Great Britain and the United States was interdicted, 
 and that between France and America restored, unless the 
 American government, on receiving notice of this revocation, 
 should place Great Britain on the same footing as France, in 
 these respects the revocation was to be annulled. The order 
 also provided that the prince regent should not be precluded, 
 if circumstances should require it, from restoring the orders 
 in council, or from taking such other measures of retaliation 
 
 * Colonel Newman's letter to. Governor Mitchellr 
 
iai2. 
 
 UI3T0RY OF THE LAT£ WAR. 
 
 137 
 
 against the French, as might appear io' his royal highness 
 just and necessary. ; — ^ 
 
 On the 24th of August, Mr. Russell, by order of the Presi- 
 dent, proposed an armistice, to commence at or before (he 
 expiration of sixty days from the dale of the instrument pro- 
 viding for it, on condition that the orders in council be repeal- 
 ed, no illegal blockades substituted in their stead, and that^ 
 orders be immediately given to discontinue the practice of 
 impressment, and for the restoration of persons already im- 
 pressed : it being understood that the British government 
 will assent to enter into definite arrangements on alJ other 
 subjects of difference by treaty as soon as may be. As an 
 inducement to the British government to discontinue the prac- 
 tice of impressment, Mr. Russell was directed to give assu- 
 rances that a law should be passed to prohibit the employ- 
 ment of British seamen in the public or comniercial vessels of 
 the United States. ;,' ; : : ' . vJ .. 
 
 Reply of Lord Casthreagh, In a note of the 29th of 
 August, Lord Castlereagh replied, " that the diplomatic rela- . 
 lions between the two governments terminated by the decla- 
 ration of war ; yet under the peculiar circumstances of the 
 present case, he had been induced to submit Mr. Russell's 
 propositions to the prince regent, and had his orders to inform 
 him, that they were on various grounds inadmissible. He 
 further stated, that immediately on the revocation of the 
 orders in council, the British admiral on the American station 
 had orders to propose to the government of the United State* 
 an immediate and reciprocal revocation of all hostile orders, 
 with an offer to give full effect, in such an event, to the pro- 
 visions of said order on the conditions therein specified, fn 
 the present state of the relations between the two countries, 
 the operation of the order of the 23d of June last could only 
 be defeated by a refusal on the part of the American govern- 
 ment to desist from hostilities, or to comply with the condi- 
 tions expressed in the order." ,u Jutjmi-^ivfaji l«^^&i.i:ti> mi 
 
13C 
 
 HD^TOItY «F THE LAT£ WAR'. 
 
 Chap. b. 
 
 [ii" I 
 
 Hr further remarked, " that it was unexpected that the 
 American government should demand as a preliminary, even 
 to the suspension of hostilities, that the British government 
 should desist from its ancient and accustomed practice of im- 
 pressing British seamen from the merchant ships of a foreign 
 state, simply on the assurance, that a law should be passed to 
 prohibit the employment of British seamen in the public 
 or commercial vessels of such state : that the British govern- 
 ment is now, and ever has been ready, to receive from the 
 American, and amicably discuss, any proposition which pro- 
 fesses to have in view, either to check abuse in the practice 
 of impressment, or to accomplish by means less liable to vex- 
 ation, the object for which impressment has hitherto been 
 found necessar}'. But they cannot consent to suspend the 
 exercise of a right, on which the naval strength of the empire 
 mainly depends, until they are fully convinced, that means 
 can be devised, and will be adopted, by which the object can 
 "be effectually secured. 
 
 Second Proposition, On the 12th of September, Mr. Rus- 
 sell, by order of his government, submitted another set of 
 propositions to the British ministry, on the subject of the sus- 
 pension of hostilities. That a convention for that purpose 
 should be entered into, to take effect at such time as should 
 be mutually agreed on, and stipulating that each party should 
 forthwith appoint commissioners, with full powers to form a 
 treaty, which should provide, by reciprocal arrangements, for 
 the security of their seamen, from being taken or employed in 
 the service of the other power, for the regulation of their 
 commerce, and all other interesting questions between them : 
 and that the armistice should not cease without such previous 
 notice as should be agreed on, and should be understood to 
 have no other effect, than to suspend military operations by 
 sea and land. " It was necessary," Mr. Russell said, " in ac- 
 ceding to this proposition to come to a clear understanding on 
 the subject of impressment, embracing a discharge of American 
 seamen already impressed, without having the arrangement 
 
 h :i ■ ^ 
 
181$. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 139 
 
 in a formal shape, and also on the subject of future blockades, 
 the revocation of the orders in council being confirmed." 
 
 Repli/. To these propositions Lord Castlereagh replied, 
 " that he saw no material difference between them and those 
 of the 24th of August. These now sought to accomplish in 
 a covert and disguished manner, what the other openly re- 
 quired, and were on that account, the more exceptionable. 
 Thatthe subject of impressment was of much greater magnitude 
 and difficulty than Mr. Russell apprehended : that if America 
 wished to get rid of the war, the revocation of the orders in 
 council gave her an opportunity, and according to the armis- 
 tice which Admiral Warren was authorized to propose, the 
 object would be accomplished."* , ^^ . n v . . , < •• 
 
 Here the correspondence, and all the negotiations at Lon- 
 don for the suspension of hostilities, ended, and Mr. Russell 
 immediately embarked for the United States. ,,..,!- » 
 
 Proposition to the American Government by Admiral Warren 
 for an Armistice, On the 30th of September, Admiral War- 
 ren, by order of his government, addressed a note to tlie 
 American secretary of state, enclosing the British order in 
 council of the 23d of June, and proposing the immediate 
 cessation of hostilities between the two countries, on the fol- 
 lowing terms: . •. • . . , „ r i Ni . -. .- 
 
 " That America should immediately recall her letters o£ 
 marque and reprisal, with all orders and instructions for 
 any acts of hostility against the territory, persons, or property 
 of his majesty^s subjects : that on receiving official assu- 
 rances to that effect, all acts of hostility should cease against 
 the ships, persons, and property of the United States : that 
 should the American government accede to this proposition, 
 he was authorized to make arrangements with them for the 
 repeal of the laws interdicting the commerce and ships of 
 war of Great Britain from the ports of the United States. 
 
 * Correspondence between IVEf. Russell and Lord Castlereagh- 
 
He 
 
 HWTORy OP tHE LATE WAB. 
 
 tail* c. 
 
 In default of which repeal in a reasonable time, the orders 
 in council would be revived.^' 
 
 Repiy of Ike Secretary of State, In reply to these propo- 
 sitions, the American secretary stated, " that it M/ould be very 
 satisfactory to the President, to meet the British government 
 in such arrangements as may terminate, with the least possible 
 delay, the hostilities between the two countries, on terms hon- 
 ourable to both. At the moment of the declaration of war, 
 the President gave signal proof of the attachment of the 
 United States to peace ; as at that early period, instructions 
 were given to the late charge dcs affaires at London, to pro- 
 pose ah armistice which it was presumed would be satisfac> 
 tory. It has been seen with regret, that the propositions 
 made through him, particularly in regard to the important 
 subject of impressment, were rejected, and that none were 
 offered through that channel as a basis on which hostilities 
 might cease. Experience has proved that no peace can be 
 durable unless that subject is provided for. It is presumed, 
 therefore, that it is equally the interest of both countries to 
 adjust it at this time. -- J^ ■" • fj u i' 
 
 " The claim of the British government is to take from the 
 merchant vessels of other countries, British subjects. In the 
 practice, the commanders of British ships of war often take 
 from the merchant vessels of the United States, American 
 citizens. If the United States prohibit the employment of 
 British subjects in their service, and enforce the prohibition by 
 suitable regulations and penalties, the motive for the practice 
 is done away. It cannot be conceived on what ground such 
 an arrangement can be refused. A suspension of the prac- 
 tice pending the armistice, seems to be a necessary conse- 
 (juence. It cannot be presumed, that while the parties are 
 engaged in negotiation to adjust this important difference, the 
 United States would admit the right, or acquiesce in the prac- 
 tice, or that Great Britain would be unwilling to restrain her 
 cpuiscrs from a practice that would defeat the negotiation. 
 IP tbe British government is willing to suspend the practice 
 
181t. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAK. 
 
 141 
 
 of improssmcnt, on consideration that the United States will 
 rxclude British seamen from ihcir service, the regulations by 
 which the compromise should be carried into effect, would be 
 solely the subject of negotiation. The armistice would be 
 of short duration : if the parties agreed, peace would be the 
 result ; if not, each would be restored to its former pretensions, 
 by recurring to war. ' • ^ fv,. . ' . 
 
 " The President desires that the war between the two coun- 
 tries should be terminated on such conditions as may secure 
 a durable peace. To accomplish this great object, it is ne- 
 cessary that the subject of impressment should be satisfacto- 
 rily arranged. He is willing Great Britain should be secured 
 against the evils of which she complains. He asks, on 
 the other hand, that the citizens of the United States 
 should be protected against a practice, which, while it de- 
 grades the nation, deprives the citizens of their rights as free- 
 men, takes them by force from their families and their coun- 
 try, and drags them into a foreign service, to fight the battles 
 of a foreign power, perhaps against their own kindred and 
 country. - - 
 
 '' The orders in council having been repealed, and no illegal 
 blockades revised or instituted in their stead, and an under- 
 standing having been obtained on the subject of impressment, 
 the President is willing to agree to a cessation of hostil- 
 ities, with a view to arrange by treaty, in a more distinct 
 and ample manner, and to the satisfaction of both parties, 
 every other subject of controversy. If there be no objec- 
 tion to an accommodation on this subject in the mode pro- 
 posed, other than a suspension of the practice during the ar- 
 mistice ; there can be none to proceeding without an armistice 
 to an immediate discussion and arrangement of an article upon 
 that subject. This great question being satisfactorily adjust- 
 ed, the way will be open, cither for an armistice, or any other 
 
T42 
 
 HISTORY OF TIIE LAT£ WAR. 
 
 Chap. 6, 
 
 course leading most conveniently and expeditiously to a gen- 
 eral pacification."* 1,! ., .i. 
 
 This correspondence terminated all attempts to effect a 
 cessation of hostilities. The orders in council being repealed, 
 the only remaining subject of controversy was impressment, 
 and on this the belligerents determined to maintain their 
 respective claims at the hazard of war. The views of the 
 American government, in continuing the war solely on the 
 ground of impressment, were, that this was a point which 
 could never be yielded by an independent nation ; that having 
 taken up arms in a case where this stood as one of the prom* 
 inent causes, to make peace without a satisfactory arrange- 
 ment on this head, and while the practice was suffered to con- 
 tiuue, was in effect abandoning the principl?, and with it one 
 of their most valuable national rights. On the other hand, 
 the British considered their naval power, and as they were 
 then situated, their national existence, at hazard, by abandon- 
 ing their claim, and would agree to no armistice where a sus- 
 pension of the practice must be the preliminary. .,;„.,ti 
 
 * Mr. Monroe's letter to Sir J. B. Warren. ' i 
 
 ,'. ! /. ,)' 
 
 il i,Ka- 
 
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 s », 
 
 '>.^r '*- ■' Si] n; s ■ ■» 
 
 
 .wT n * ; ■* >? 
 
 :fj L^.i- I*' 
 
 !.'• 
 
 'i- > t i ,;•>;' i« 
 
 ■•>">. 
 
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 '\ U 'fn'- >H> 
 
,:i<^^'' ,.».•• . ■.%. ^! I • i JV. ' f - : S_, 
 
 I t i 
 
 : ",' . .i ■ 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Second Session of the Twelfth Congress. — Report of the Committee of 
 Foreign Relations. — Law prohibiting the employment of Foreign 
 Seamen. — Report of the Committee on Military Affairs. — Debates on 
 the expediency of continuing, and manner of conducting the War. — 
 Army Bills passed. — Report of Committee on Naval Affairs. — Com- 
 parison between Seventy-Fours and Frigates. — Dry Dock recom- 
 mended.— Navy Bills passed. — Treasury Estimates.— Report of Com- 
 mittee of Ways and Means.— Revenue Bills passed. — Remission of 
 Penalties on Goods imported after the revocation of the Orders in 
 Council. — Law authorizing Retaliation passed. 
 
 Meeting of Congress, After a recess of four months, the 
 twelfth Congress commenced their second session on the 2d 
 of November, 1812. • •'^ 
 
 Message, In his message, at the opening of the session, 
 the President informed them of the steps he had taken 
 towards a pacification; of the failure of the negotiation for 
 that purpose; recommended a prosecution of the war with 
 increased vigour, and proposed a variety of measures adapted 
 to that object. Thai part of the message which related to 
 the prosecution of the war, and the documents, relating to 
 the negotiations, were referred to the committee of foreign 
 relations. The most interesting question that agitated Con- 
 gress and the people of the United States during this ses- 
 sion, was, whether the war should continue solely on the 
 ground of impressments? Though this constituted one of its 
 prominent causes, yet, no doubt, had the repeal of the orders 
 in council taken place, and been kuowo in the United States 
 before its commencement, impressment alone would not have 
 induced the war, but that question would have remained a 
 subject of furthernegotiation. 
 
 Report of the Committee of Foreign Relations in favour of 
 continuing the War, On this point, Mr. Grundy, of Tennes-* 
 
 1 1 
 
144 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Ghap. 7. 
 
 I 
 
 see, from the committee of foreign relations, reported, that 
 almost on the same day on which war was declared, the Bri- 
 tish government had conditionally repealed their orders in 
 council, and thereby removed one great obstacle to accom- 
 modation. That the only remaining subject of dispute be- 
 tween the two countries was impressment. That an offer 
 had been made to the British government, to provide a sub- 
 stitute, which should be an ample equivalent ; that one had 
 been proposed which was definite in its object, and of a cha- 
 racter so comprehensive, as ought to have been entirely 
 satisfactory, but that it had not been accepted. The British 
 government had ever refused to come to any arrangement 
 upon the subject. It now became the duty of Congress, to 
 declare, in terms the most decisive, that should they still de- 
 cline, the United States will never acquiesce in the practice, 
 but resist it unceasingly and with all their force. " It is not 
 now necessary," the committee observe, " to inquire what the 
 course would have been, had the orders in council been re- 
 pealed before the declaration of war, or how long the prac- 
 tice of impressment would have been borne, in the hope that 
 the repeal of the orders in council would have been followed 
 by a satisfactory arrangement upon that subject. War hav- 
 ing been declared, and the cause of impressment being ne- 
 cessarily included as one of the most prominent causes, it 
 must be provided for in the pacification. The omission of it 
 in a treaty of peace, would not leave it on its former ground. 
 It would in effect, be an absolute abandonment of the princi- 
 ple. The seamen of the United States have a claim on their 
 country for protection, and they must be protected. Impress- 
 ment is an evil which must not and cannot be longer tole- 
 rated. It is in the highest degree degrading to the United 
 States as a nation, incompatible with their sovereignty, and 
 subversive of the main pillars of their independence. Their 
 forbearance has been mistaken for pusillanimity. The Bri- 
 tish pretension was fast maturing into a right} and should 
 resistance be longer delayed, it would soon become one. 
 
 seamen ii 
 
inii. •» 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 145 
 
 In order to remove all ground for the continuance of the 
 war, and to place Great Britain manifestly in the wrong, the 
 report concludes with recommending a bill prohibiting the 
 employment of foreign seamen in the public or private 
 vessels of the United States, after the termination of the 
 present war, under heavy penalties, and providing that the 
 lists of the crews of merchant vessels be exhibited, and re- 
 cordled in the office of the collectors of the several ports, and 
 that the consuls and agents of foreign powers might have 
 free access to such records, and a fair opportunity to object 
 to the shipping of any individuals whom they claimed as 
 belonging to their nation. 
 
 Law to exclude Foreign Seamen, In pursuance of this re- 
 commendation, a law was enacted embracing these provisions, 
 applicable to those nations only who should adopt similar 
 regulations and discontinue the practice of impressment. It 
 ivas confidently hoped, that when an act was passed, which 
 should give a better security against the employment of their 
 seamen than the practice of impressment, the British govern- 
 ment would be willing to abandon it. But they viewed it 
 in a very different light. British seamen came into the Uni- 
 ted States, either by shipping themselves on board American 
 vessels in British ports, or by deserting from British vessels 
 in American ports. While they remained within the territory 
 of the United States, they could not be reclaimed, and de- 
 livered to the British authorities. Merely refusing to employ 
 them on board American vessels, left them on American 
 ground free to engage in other pursuits, and did not restore 
 them to the British nation. In their estimation, then, the law 
 afforded a very imperfect and inadequate remedy for the evils 
 of which tney complained. Indeed in the present state of 
 the British marine, such a law was by no means a desirable 
 object to them ; as by prohibiting the employment of British 
 seamen in American vessels, it precluded the opportunity of 
 impressing them. This refusal of the British government to 
 restore impressed Americans, and to accept the proposition 
 
 19 
 
 I ti' 
 
14G 
 
 HISTORY OP TIIE LATE WAR. 
 
 CiiA*. 7. 
 
 to exclude their seamen from the merchant and naval service 
 of the United States, in the opinion of the committee, war- 
 ranted the conclusion that they were determined to man their 
 navy in violation of the dearest rights of American citizens 
 and justified a continuation of the war. No accommodation 
 was eflfected, and this point still remained to be settled by the 
 sword. ,■ ^'^ ':.': • ,:•■»: ^ ■ ^ . i 
 
 Report of the Committee on Military Affairs, Mr. Williams, 
 of North Carolina, from the committee on military affairs, re- 
 ported a bill for the increase of the army twenty thousand 
 men, making the whole permanent military establishment fifty- 
 six thousand. '..;.( 
 
 Debates on the War Bills. In the discussion of these re- 
 ports, the speakers on either side, took a wide range on the 
 general subject of the war, on the expediency and necessity 
 of continuing it, on the objects to be obtained, and the man- 
 ner of conducting it. Mr. Williams, in introducing the army 
 bill, fully explained the views of the military committee. 
 * Two great objects," he said, " were to be obtained by the 
 military force proposed to be raised : one, the complete de- 
 fence of the country ; the other, offensive war, the object of 
 which was to make the enemy feel that it had become his 
 interest to abstain from oppression and plunder. For defence, 
 the jurisdictional limits of the United States should be divided 
 into military districts ; each district to be intrusted to an in- 
 telligent officer of high grade, who should have under his 
 command certain portions of the artillery and infantry of the 
 regular army, with instructions to call in aid the adjacent 
 militia, as there should be occasion. That a corps of flying 
 artillery should be established on the sea-board, which could 
 be rapidly directed to the most exposed points. That a skil- 
 ful engineer should be appointed, and directed to devise plans, 
 and superintend the erection of such works of defence as 
 nxigbt be necessary." He then proceeded to enumerate the 
 military districts, and the least number of troops to be allotted 
 to each, making an aggregate often thousand, for the defence 
 
I81f 
 
 BISTORT OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 147 
 
 of the country. Mr. Williams next called the attention of 
 the house to the East Florida frontier. " Danger," he stated, 
 *' there already exists. In its present state it was improvea- 
 ble by an enemy to the essential injury of the United States. 
 It was perfectly within the control of the British for every 
 military purpose, and no greater force would be required for 
 ihe United States to occupy it, than would be necessary to 
 guard that frontier if they did mot. It ought therefore, as a 
 measure of precaution, to be occupied." 
 
 fa favour. On the subject of offensive war, he remarked, 
 •' that the British regular force in the Canadas could not be 
 estimated at less than twelve thousand men. In addition to 
 these, were the Canadian militia, amouDting to several thou- 
 sand, and three thousand regulars at Halifax. To drive this 
 force from the field, the St. Lawrence must be crossed 
 with a well appointed army of twenty thousand men, sup- 
 ported by an army of reserve of ten thousand. Peace is not 
 to be expected but at the expense of vigorous and successful 
 war. Administration have in vain sued for it, even at the 
 expense of the sarcastic sneers of the British minister. The 
 campaign of 1813 must be opfened in a style of vigour, cal- 
 culated to inspire confidence in ourselves, and awe in 
 .he enemy. Nothing must be left to chance; our movements 
 must every where be in concert. At the same moment, we 
 move on Canada, a corps of ten thousand men must threaten 
 Halifax from the province of Maine. . :. - 
 
 " The honour and character of the nation require that the 
 British power on our borders should be annihilated the next 
 campaign. Her American provinces once wrested from hcr^ 
 every attempt to recover them will be chimerical, except by ne- 
 gotiation. The road to peace then lies through Canada. Once 
 possessed of Canada, an honourable peace is secured. The 
 disasters of the last campaign, owing to the cowardice of one 
 officer, and the inexperience of others, forbid the permanent 
 employment of the militia or volunteers for the purposes of 
 
148 
 
 HISTORT OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Oha» z 
 
 ■ 
 
 )9\S, 
 
 war, and ought lo stimulate to new and more vigorous exer- 
 tons with improved means." i* *"i i-!<i ' mi *» 
 
 Against, The views of the advocates of peace were ablj 
 explained and defended by Mr. Quincy, of Massachusetts, in a 
 speech on the army bill. "This bill," he observed, " proposed 
 to augment the army by an addition of twenty thousand men: 
 this extension would raise the army to fifty-five thousand. 
 The committee of foreign relations have stated that the exist- 
 ing military establishment is sufficient for all the pur- 
 poses of defence. This new army is professedly intended 
 for the conquest of Canada. This he would consider, first. 
 on its own merits, and secondly, as the means of obtaining 
 peace. It was the deliberate, confirmed opinion of that por- 
 tion of the Union, that he represented," Mr. Quincy observed, 
 " that the invasion of Canada was cruel, wanton, senseless, and 
 wicked ; that for the offences of a people in the other hem- 
 isphere, we should visit with fire and sword an innocent and 
 unoffending people in our neighbourhood, connected with us 
 by numerous acts of friendly intercourse. Antecedent 
 to this war, there subsisted betwen Canada and the United 
 States an intercourse of the most amiable and interesting 
 nature. The people on both sides of the St. Lawrence were 
 but as one family, intermarrying, and living in the constant 
 reciprocation of friendly offices. As enemies, there was 
 nothing to fear from them. Seven millions could have no- 
 thing to apprehend from half a million. Like the giant 
 crushing the pigmy, there was no glory to be obtained in the 
 conquest. Nor could it in any degree affect Grreat Britain to 
 our advantage. It was our invasion of Canada, which gave 
 new strength to the British ministry at the late election. The 
 British nation were willing to support America in principle ; 
 but when they saw in the first onset, the war was carried 
 against their harmless colonists, sympathy enlisted them on 
 their side, and produced such an effect at the elections as might 
 be expected. ^^ j - 
 
^^■O' 
 
 H18TORT OP THE LATE WAK, 
 
 14!) 
 
 " He would next consider the invasion of Canada as the 
 means of obtaining peace. In that view it is addressed to the 
 fears of Great Britain. The history of that country, from its 
 earliest period, has always evinced that she was not operated 
 upon by threats. She always sacrifices the present to the 
 future, meets danger half way, and yields nothing to menaces. 
 If Great Britain saw that this was a threat we meant to exe- 
 cute, and was sure the conquest of Canada would be effected ; 
 just in proportion as she was sure of that, in the .jame pro- 
 portion would the chance of accommodation with her bo 
 diminished."* 
 
 The general principles advocated by Mr. Wilhams and 
 others in favour of war, and the measures recommended by 
 the committees of foreign relations and military affairs, were 
 undoubtedly well calculated to accomplish the object. Could 
 a well appointed army of twenty thousand effective men have 
 crossed the St. Lawrence early in the spring of 1813, sup- 
 ported by a reserve often thousand, Canada must have fallen 
 that season. But the difference between an army, as rt 
 appears in the debates and acts of Congress, where the ranks 
 are to be filled by voluntary enlistment, «md an army in the 
 field, is immense. The requisite officers of every grade were 
 readily found, but the total failure of the recruiting service- 
 presented the mere skeleton of an army in the field. The 
 proposed measures were adopted by large majorities ; and 
 laws were consequently passed, authorizing the increase of 
 the regular army by an addition of twenty thousand men, rais- 
 ing ten additional companies of rangers, appointing six addr- 
 tional major generals, and six additional brigadiers, and 
 increasing the number of officers of the subordinate grades, 
 and giving higher bounties to recruits. 
 
 The military occupation of East Florida, as recommended 
 by Mr. Williams, was viewed by Congress as an act of direct 
 hostility against Spain, and prematurely and unadvisedly 
 
 * Debates in congrofiB, January 1813. 
 
150 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chai». 7. 
 
 making her a party to the war. Though her territories in 
 the Floridas might be improved by the British to the disad- 
 vantage of the United States, yet the majority of Congress 
 seem disposed to wait until some act of Spain, manifestly 
 violating American rights, should justify the measure. 
 
 Report of Xaval Committee. The committee on naval 
 affairs, with the aid of the secretary of the navy, and some of 
 the most experienced naval officers, took an extensive view 
 of the subject of naval defence, and made an able and lucid 
 report; in which they stated, "that for the defence of the 
 <!:oast, and the protection of commerce, a respectable navy 
 was necessary: that although it was not desirable, nor 
 within the power of the United States, to create a navy 
 which should be able to meet the collected force of Britain 
 on the ocean, yet such a navy might and ought to be pro- 
 vided, as would be adequate to guard the coast, and protect 
 commerce : that Great Britain could not with safety, at any 
 one time, send to the American station a considerable portion 
 of her navy. The protection of her own waters forbade it. 
 While they had no access to the ports of the United States, 
 and received no supplies from them, the expenses of supply- 
 ing their ships would be enormous. They remarked that it 
 would take a much less force to guard, than to assail the 
 coast. That for the purpose of defence, some vessels of a 
 larger size must be provided. While the British had ships of 
 the line on the coast, frigates must not be altogether depended 
 on. The same force in a number of frigates would not be 
 sufficient to attack a seventy-four ; the heavier metal of the 
 latter would probably enable her to sink or destroy the for- 
 mer with but partial injury to herself. 
 
 Comparison between Seventy-fours and Frigates, They next 
 proceeded to give a comparative estimate of the value in 
 service, and of the expense of building, seventy <^fours and 
 frigates. According to an estimate of the secretary of the 
 navy, detailed with great minuteness, the force of three frigates 
 
 10 IS. 
 
leis. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 151 
 
 would not be more than equal to one seventy-four* The ex- 
 pense of building and equipping a frigate of forty-four guns, 
 taken from the actual cost of the President, was ^220,910* 
 The cost of a seventy-four, |^333,000. The annual expense 
 of keeping a frigate of that size in service, was estimated at 
 ^110,000; and that of a seventy-four at |^210,110. The 
 result from these calculations, was, that while the expenses of 
 a seventy-four were something less than that of two frigates 
 of forty-four guns, her value in service was equal to three. 
 
 When engaged in war with a distant maritime power, ships 
 of the line were best calculated to defend the coast, and pro- 
 tect the inward and outward bound commerce. Without 
 them, the first object of such an enemy would be to restrain 
 American frigates and cruisers, from leaving our harbour.^, 
 and preying on their commerce. By keeping their large 
 ships, parading on the coast, threatening the most exposed 
 towns, preventing the departure of small cruisers, capturing 
 what small portion of commerce may have escaped their 
 cruisers on the ocean, and recapturing such as they have lost, 
 they are able to carry on a warfare, easy and profitable to 
 themselves, and destructive to their enemies. 
 
 Should a more important object present itself, they could 
 withdraw their ships for a time without great hazard, and 
 return in season to shut out those cruisers with their prizes, 
 that might have gone out in their absence. They would be 
 able at all times to consult their own convenience in point of 
 time and numbers, and need incur no expense and risk of 
 transport, but can go and procure their supplies at pleasure 
 before their absence is known to their enemy. 
 
 To prevent these evils, the American navy ought, in the 
 opinion of the committee, to consist of a mixed force, of ships 
 of the line, frigates of forty and thirty-two guns, and corvettes 
 of sixteen. The inner squadron, or guarda costa, to be com- 
 posed of the ships of the line, and a few smaller frigates, and 
 corvettes for look-out vessels. " Such a defence," the commit- 
 tee remark, " must produce one of two results ; either the 
 
tdS 
 
 HWrORY or THE LATtJ WAR. 
 
 •bafT, 
 
 U12. 
 
 I 
 
 
 enemy would be obligor] to abandon the const, or bring on 
 a force at least double tliat of the Americans, at all the haz- 
 ards of leaving their own waters unprotected, and maintaining 
 their ships at sea without harbours for shelter, and at the 
 great expense and risk of provisioning and watering them by 
 transports. If, under these disadvantages, they should be 
 unable to maintain a superiority on the coast, the door will 
 be kept open for the ingress and egress of cruisers with their 
 prizes, and the small classes of ships may be sent in pursuit 
 of the cruisers and commerce of the enemy." 
 
 Dry Docks, " The committee also recommend a dry 
 dock, into which vessels may be introduced and the water 
 then taken out by drains and pumps, as indispensable for 
 repairing large ships. Without the aid of such a dock, a 
 ship of wai wanting repairs to her bottom, or that is in need 
 of coppering, must be turned down on her side to undergo 
 that repair; to prepare her for this operation, her upper 
 masts must be taken down, her guns, stores, water-casks, 
 ballast, and ammunition taken out, which occasions a great 
 waste and loss of time and labour. The preparation to dock 
 a ship requires but a few hours. All that is necessary is t& 
 take out her guns, and to pump the water out of her watci- 
 casks, and when docked, the repairs of her bottom can pro- 
 gress on both sides at the same time. Ships wanting thorougk 
 repair, require all the planks to be stripped off, and their 
 beams, knees, and clamps taken out; these are all they have 
 to bind their frames together, and thereby preserve their 
 shape ; when stripped of them to make room for new, they 
 are liable, if in the water, to hog, from the greatest weight 
 and body of timber being in the fore and after ends, at which 
 places there is no pressure upwards caused by the water : as 
 these ends are sharp, the two extremities of the ship are liable 
 to sink in the water, while the body or middle of the ship rises 
 with the upward pressure of the water, something in the form 
 of a hog's back. Another consideration is, that the bolting 
 of a shijp ought to be driven from the outside, but when re- 
 
 paired a 
 neither s 
 induced 
 to recoDT 
 ghips of 
 
 Theu 
 States h 
 warfare, 
 navy po] 
 of the ni 
 assisted * 
 fully sup 
 crease of 
 forty-fou 
 and put 
 on the li 
 would be 
 But unfo 
 maritime 
 The mo£ 
 consisted 
 own safei 
 tion of a 
 could be 
 prevent, 
 
 Tnasi 
 tures for 
 For the 
 
 ment 
 
 debt, 
 For the a 
 For the 
 
 crease. 
 
Ul!2. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 153 
 
 paired afloat, they must by driven from the inside, and are 
 neither so strong, nor so well secured. These considerations 
 induced gentlemen best acquainted with naval affairs strongly 
 to recommend the establishment of a dry dock for repairing 
 ships of war. 
 
 The unparalleled success of the infant navy of the United 
 States had inspired a universal confidence in that mode of 
 warfare, and rendered every measure for the increase of the 
 navy popular. The views of the committee, of the secretary 
 of the navy, and of Captains Stewart, Hull, and Morris, who 
 assisted with their communications in making the report, were 
 fully supported in Congress, in relation to the nature and in- 
 crease of the naval force. Four seventy-fours, six additional 
 forty-fours, and six sloops of war, were ordered to be built, 
 and put in commission immediately. As large a force also 
 on the lakes was ordered to be provided, as was calculated 
 would be sufficient to estabHsh the ascendency in that quarter. 
 But unfortunately for the interests of the United States, this 
 maritime force appeared only on the journals of Congress. 
 The most numerous and expensive part of their real navy, 
 consisted of one hundred and sixty gun-boats seeking their 
 own safety in the creeks and shoals of the coast. The crea- 
 tion of a navy was found to be a work of time, and before it 
 could be accomplished, the evils which it was destined to 
 prevent, were realized. 
 
 Treasury Estimates. The treasury estimates of expendi- 
 tures for the year 1813, were, . ^-.'A^ 
 For the civil list, and interest, and reimburse- 
 ment of a part of the principal of the public 
 
 debt, $8,500,000 
 
 For the army, not including the new levies, . . 17,000,000 
 For the navy, not including the proposed in- .* ... i 
 
 crease, 4,925,000 
 
 $30,435,000 
 
 20 
 
154 
 
 HISTORY OF THK LATE WAR. Chap. T. 
 
 The appropriations actually made for the service of the 
 year, were, * .... 
 
 Ciril department and miscellaneous services, . ^1,500,000 
 Military, including unexpended balances, . . 31,500,000 
 Naval, including the proposed increase, .... 8,500,000 
 
 Public debt, . , 8,000,000 
 
 Additional naval officers, 350,000 
 
 Bounties to the crews of Constitution and Wasp, 125,000 
 
 ^39,975,000 
 Fifty thousand dollars vrere ordered to be paid to the offi* 
 cers and crew of the Constitution, for the destruction of the 
 Guerrierc, and the like sum for the destruction of the Java. 
 Twenty-five thousand dollars were given to the officers and 
 crew of the Wasp, for the capture of the Frolic. An act 
 was also passed declaring it to be lawful for any persons to 
 burn, sink, or destroy any British armed vessels, by torpe* 
 does, submarine instruments, or any other destructive ma- 
 chine, and giving a bounty to the amount of one half the 
 value of such vessel, armament, apparel, and cargo, to any 
 persons who should accomplish their destruction. . ^ 
 
 The committee of ways and means, reported an estimate 
 of the whole revenue exclusive of loans, to amount to twelve 
 millions : that the residue of the appropriations should be 
 supplied by loans ; for this purpose, that a loan of twenty- 
 one millions was necessary ; ten of which was to be obtained 
 by issuing treasury notes to that amount, bearing an interest 
 of five and two-fifths per cent. These were calculated to 
 supply in some measure a circulating medium, to be issued 
 for the purchase of supplies, and payment of the troops, or 
 sok} in market. The remaining eleven millions were to be 
 obtained by creating and selling in market, United States' 
 stock, bearing an interest of six per cent., and reimbursable 
 in -twelve years. The stock not to be sold at a greater dis- 
 count than at the rate of eighty- eight dollars cash for one 
 hundred dollars stock. 
 
iSLf. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 i$6 
 
 Merchants^ Bonds discharged. Immediately after the re- 
 vocation of the orders in council, American merchants pur- 
 chased in England, goods to the amount of nearly forty mil- 
 lions, and shipped them to the United States on the presump- 
 tion that the non-importation law would be repealed. The 
 declaration of war having prevented the repeal, these goods 
 were liable to be seized and condemned on their arrival ii& 
 the American ports. In several instances, American priva- 
 teers, falling in with vessels laden with these goods, took 
 possession of them, and sent them in as prizes. The custom- 
 house officers, under the direction of the secretary of the 
 treasury, seized these goods, and libelled them in the mari- 
 time courts. The goods, by order of the courts, were released 
 to the owners, upon their giving bonds to pay the appraised 
 value of them, into the treasury of the United States. The 
 claims of the owners of the privateers, to those that were 
 captured and sent in, was at once disallowed by the court. 
 Application was made to Congress at an early period of the 
 session, for a discharge of those bonds and a remission of the 
 forfeitures incurred. The duties on these importations would 
 amount to nearly ten millions, and afford a very seasonable 
 aid to the treasury. The application was favourably receiv- 
 ed, and an act passed discharging the bonds, and the penal- 
 ties incurred, upon the payment of the duties and costs arisen 
 on the prosecutiqns. • 
 
 It was an essential part of the system of finance proposed 
 at the commencement of the war, to provide for the punc- 
 tual payment of the interest on the war loans, by a system of 
 internal duties and direct taxes. This was absolutely neces- 
 sary to support public credit, and render future loanl ob- 
 tainable on any reasonable terms. No receipt of any conse- 
 quence could be calculated upon at the treasury, at a shorter 
 period than a year after the imposition of the taxes. In the 
 mean time interest upon the loans first obtained, would fall 
 due, and further loans would be called for. On these con- 
 siderations, it was expected that the present Congress would 
 
, t 
 
 156 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAB. 
 
 Cmxr.t, 
 
 at an early period, arrange the system, and impose the taxes. 
 But notwithstanding they had been in session thirteen months 
 out of the twenty-four, for which they were elected, they did 
 not find time to arrange this important business, and be- 
 queathed the unpleasant task to their successors. 
 
 Law of Retaliation. The shocking barbarities practised 
 by the Indians, under the command of the British, and by 
 their permission, at the river Raisin, excited universal indig- 
 nation, and induced the passing of a law authorizing the Pre- 
 sident, whenever there had been any violations of the laws and 
 usages of war, or any outrage or acts of cruelty and barba- 
 rity, perpetrated on any citizens of the United States, or any 
 persons in their land or naval service, by those acting under 
 authority of the Britiih government, or by the Indians in 
 alliance or connexion with, or acting under their authority, to 
 cause full and ample retaliation to be executed on any British 
 subject, soldier, or seaman, prisoners of war in the United 
 States. 
 
 The British alleged in excuse for themselves, their inabil- 
 i'.y to rontroi the Indians. This excuse, however, was gene- 
 rally not true in point of fact ; and if true, would afford no 
 reasonable justification. It only threw the guilt one step 
 further back, and placed the criminality of employing sav- 
 ages whom they could not control, in a more conspicuous 
 point of view. Happily for the honour and magnanimity of 
 the American nation, the severe though just law of retaliation 
 was never executed. It was too revolting to the humane 
 feelings of Americans, to visit the iniquities of the gov* 
 ernment, or their guilty agents, on innocent and unfortunate 
 prisoners. ... 
 
 
 fT 
 
CHAPTER Viil. 
 
 British Plan of the Campaign for 1813.— American Plan.—Division of 
 the United States into Military Districts.— Arrival of the British Re- 
 inforcements at Bermuda. — Proclamations of Blockade. — Arrival and 
 Proceedings of the Squadron in the Delaware. — Arrival of the Bri- 
 tish Squadron at Ijynnhaven Bay. — Plundering on the Shores of the 
 Chesapeake — Burning of Havre de Grace. — Plundering and Burning 
 of Fredcricktown, and Georgetown. — Arrival of Admiral Warren, 
 and Sir Sidney Beckwith, with Reinforcements. — Norfolk threatened* 
 —Attack on Craney Island — Capture of Hampton. — Plunder and Out- 
 rages at Hampton. — C-'orrespondence between the American and Bri- 
 tish Generals on the subject of the Outrages. — Attempt to destroy 
 the Plantagenet with a Torpedo. — An attempt on the Ramilies with 
 a Torpedo, and a Fire-Ship. — Squadron proceed up the Potomac and 
 threaten Alexandria and Washington — Proceed up the Bay, and 
 threaten Annapolis and Baltimore. — Admiral Cockburn proceeds to the 
 South. — Blockade of Comodore Decatur's Squadron at New-London. 
 — Naval Challenge — Decline. 
 
 British Plan of Operation for 1813. The distinguished 
 naval success of the Americans in the year 1812 was in a 
 liigh degree mortifying to British pride. To be beaten on 
 ground which they claimed exchisively as their own, and by 
 a navy which they despised, was not to be endured. To 
 apologize for such an event, American frigates were called 
 seventy-fours in disguise, and greatly overrated in men and 
 guns. British commerce had suffered severel} by the public 
 and private armed ships of the United States. To guard 
 against similar events in the succeeding year, the British de- 
 termined on a more vigorous {)rosecution of naval warfare. 
 No actions were to be hazarded with American ships but 
 with such superior force as would ensure success, and except 
 in one or two instances, no American ship '.vas ever after- 
 wards attacked, but where the difference was greatly in fy- 
 
^f ^ 
 
 
 
 • 
 
 ; 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 'i: M 
 
 J 58 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. Chap. 8. 
 
 vour of the British. The coast was to be closely blockaded, 
 so as to prevent the egress of vessels, and the return of them 
 with their prizes. Every thing American which floated, was 
 to be captured or destroyed, and a large armament was to be 
 kept constantly hovering on the coast, which should continu- 
 ally threaten and harass the different maritime towns, and in 
 this manner, as some of their officers expressed themselves, 
 chastise America into submission. With these views, the 
 principal disposable force of Great Britain was destined for 
 the sea-board. No greater reinforcements were to be sent to 
 Canada, than what were deemed sufficient to retain their pos- 
 sessions. The success of the allied powers against France 
 in the year 1812, greatly relieved England from the pressure 
 of the continental war, and enabled her, with more effect, to 
 pursue her hostile measures against America. 
 
 American. The American government, on the other hand, 
 determined to open the campaign of 1813 with a regular 
 army of fifty-five thousand men, to be aided by occasional 
 calls of militia and volunteers. The main body of the regu- 
 lar forces was destined for the conquest of Canada. For 
 the purposes of defence, the United States were divided into 
 nine mihtary districts. 
 Massachusetts and New-Hampshire, to compose . . No. 1 
 
 Rhode-Island and Connecticut, 2 
 
 New- York from the sea to the highlands, and the state 
 
 of New-Jersey, 3 
 
 Pennsylvania from its eastern limit to the Alleghany 
 
 mountains, and Delaware, 4 
 
 Maryland and Virginia, . 5 
 
 The two Carolinas and Georgia, 6 
 
 •The states of Tennessee, Louisiana, and the Mississippi 
 
 territory, 7 
 
 Kentucky, Ohio, and the territorial governments of 
 
 Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Michigan, S 
 
 Pennsylvania from the Alleghany mountains westward, 
 
 New-YorK north of the highlands, and Vermont, . . 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 ]6§ 
 
 I 
 
 To each of the districts was assigned a general officer of 
 the United States army, whose duty it was to superintend and 
 direct all the means of defence, and military operations with« 
 in his district. Small detachments of regular troops were 
 stationed at the most exposed points on the sea-board, to 
 form a rallying point for the militia in case of invasion. The 
 commandant of the district was authorized to call upon the 
 executives of the states fo.* iuch portions of the militia most 
 convenient to the threatened point, as he should deem neces- 
 sary. The operations of the militia to be combined with 
 the regular force, and the whole to be under the direction of 
 the commandant of the district, and while in service, to be 
 paid and supported by the United States. - 
 
 With these views of the contending parties, the campaign 
 of 1813 commenced. In the course of the winter, a large 
 reinforcement arrived at Bermuda, consisting of several ships 
 of war and transports, with a considerable land force on 
 board, furnished with shells and rockets for the purpose of 
 attacking the most exposed cities on the sea-board. A por- 
 tion of this land force consisted of French prisoners, who, 
 rather than be confined for an indefinite period in the English 
 prison of Dartmoor, had been induced to embark in the British 
 service. » --.'- 
 
 British Blockade of the Southern Ports. On the 26th of 
 December, 1812, an order in council was issued, declaring 
 the ports and harbours in the Chesapeake and Delaware 
 bays, to be in a state of strict and rigorous blockade ; on 
 the 26th of the May following, the blockade was extended to 
 New- York, and all the southern ports.* Early in March, a 
 fleet consisting of four seventy-fours, six frigates, and a num- 
 ber of smaller vessels of war, arrived in the Chesapeake 
 under Admiral Cockburn. About the same time three 
 
 * Orders in council of the 26th of December, 1812, and 26th ofMay^ 
 1813. 
 
160 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 8. 
 
 m 
 
 seventy-fours and several small vessels, appeared in the Del> 
 aware under Commodore Beresford. ' 
 
 Operations in the Delaware. On the 16th of March, the 
 Delaware squadron made a demand of supplies from the in- 
 habitants of Lewistown, a considerable village on the Dela- 
 ware shore, offering to pay the Philadelphia prices, in case 
 they were voluntarily furnished, and threatening to destroy 
 the town in case of refusal. Such proposals, addressed to a 
 people opposed in principle to the war, was expected to 
 bring in an abundant supply; but the patriotic citizens 
 of this village peremptorily refused ; informing the com- 
 modore, that they could hold no correspondence with an 
 enemy, without subjecting themselves to the penalties of 
 treason. They gave immediate information to the governor 
 of Delaware, who called out a considerable body of militia 
 and placed the town in a respectable state of defence. On 
 the 6th of April, the demand was renewed, and on being 
 again refused, the Belvidera with two smaller vessels, anchor- 
 ed close under the town, and commenced a bombardment ; 
 this was spiritedly returned by the militia under Colonel Da- 
 vis, from a battery erected in a commanding position. On 
 the afternoon of the 7th, the British attempted to land, but 
 were met at the water's edge and driven back to their ships. 
 The blockading squadron then left their moorings above 
 Lewis, and dropped down to Newbold's ponds, a watering 
 place seven miles below. Here they again attempted to land 
 and obtain water from the ponds, and were again met by a 
 detachment of the militia from Lewis under Colonel Hun- 
 ter, and compelled to retire and abandon their object. The 
 squadron failing to obtain the necessary suppHes in the Dela- 
 ware, soon afterwards returned to Bermuda. 
 
 In the Chesapeake, In the Chesapeake, the blockading 
 squadron took their station in Lynnhaven bay, near the en- 
 trance of the Chesapeake, and commenced a disgraceful 
 scene of plunder and devastation. Light vessels traversed 
 the bay in every direction, capturing and destroying all the 
 
UiJ. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WA«. 
 
 lit 
 
 ilshiog-boats and bay craft within their reach; frequently 
 landing, and plundering and burning defenceless farm- 
 houses, seducing, and taking away negroes, and driving off 
 the stock ; on the appearance of any considerable opposition, 
 these marauders immediately took to their ships. On the 
 3d of April, three frigates, two brigs, and a schooner, entered 
 the Rappahannock, and attacked the i dolphin privateer, and 
 three letters of marque, which were there preparing for sea. 
 The letters of marque were immediately taken. The priva- 
 teer sustained an action of two hours, when the British suc- 
 ceeded in boarding her with the loss of fifty men killed and 
 wounded. 
 
 The cities of Baltimore, Norfolk, and Annapolis, and all the 
 sm&Uer towns and villages on the waters of the Chesapeake, 
 were kept in a constant state of alarm. Many of the inhabit- 
 ants of the most exposed towns removed, with their valuable 
 effects, into the interior. Great exertions were made to place 
 the most considerable towns in a respectable state of defence. 
 On the 16th of April, a large force appeared at the mouth of 
 the Patapsco, twelve miles below the city of Baltimore; took 
 the Baltimore packets and a number of small craft, and threat- 
 ened an attack on the city. Finding it well defended, they 
 proceeded up to Havre de Grace, near the head of the bay, 
 at the mouth of the Susquehannah. On their way, they 
 plundered and burnt Frenchtown, a village consisting of five 
 or six dwelling-houses, and several stores and stables, being 
 the place of deposite on the line of packets and stages between 
 the cities of Baltimore and Philadelphia. 
 
 Destruction of Havre de Grace. The attack on Havre de 
 Grace commenced by bombardment from the shipping, at day- 
 light, on the 3d of May. The frightened inhabitants, 
 awakened by the thunder of the cannon, fled in every direc- 
 tion; a few repaired to the beach, where a battery with 
 several pieces of artillery had been planted as a kind of 
 defence against small watering parlies; after discharging a 
 few shots, they flec|^ on the approach of the barges, with the 
 
 31 
 
1S2 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 8. 
 
 ciccplion of a citizen by the name of O'Neale, originally 
 from Ireland, stationed at one of the guns, he continued load- 
 ing and firing it alone, to the imminent hazard of his life, after 
 his fellow-citizens had fled, until by the recoiling of the 
 piece, he was severely wounded in the thigh : he then with 
 difficulty retreated into the town, and fought them with his 
 musket, until a British officer rode up with several marines 
 and made him prisoner. On board the Maidstone frigate he 
 was threatened with execution for being of Irish extract, but 
 was afterwards released upon the application of the roagis- 
 Irtites of the town. The British landed with Admiral Cock- 
 burn at their head, and proceeded without further resistance 
 to the work of destruction. The town was given up to the 
 plunder of the" soldiery, and burnt. Mrs. Rodgers, wife of 
 the commodore, Mrs. Pinckney, and Mrs. Goldsborough. 
 witk Several other ladies of distinction, sought shelter at an 
 elegant country-seat of Mr. Pringle's, a short distance from 
 the village. When the British came to burn the house, Mrs. 
 Goldsborough met the officer, and entreated that the house 
 might be spared on account of her aged mother, who could 
 flbt be removed. The officer replied, that he acted under 
 the admiral's orders, and she must obtain his consent. She 
 immediately sought the admiral, and obtained his permission 
 that the house might be spared, but when she returned, found 
 it On fire, and two men coming out loaded with plunder. Mr. 
 Pinckney and Mrs. Goldsborough, with the assistance of two 
 marintes, succeeded in extinguishing the flames. Having 
 destroyed the village, one party proceeded several miles on 
 the Baltimore road, plundering and burning the farm-houses, 
 and every thing within their reach; another proceeded up 
 the Susquehannah, committing similar ravages. * '.- 
 
 ■ Of Fredericktown and Georgetown. On the 6th, they re- 
 embarked and proceeded down the bay, to Sassafras creek. 
 A few miles up this creek were the villages of Fredericktown 
 and Georgetown, of about forty or fifty houses each, situated 
 on opposite sides of the river. At Fredericktown a number 
 
 
UVJ. 
 
 HISTORY OF THK LATB WAR. 
 
 1«3 
 
 of small vessels had taken shelter as a place of safety. Theie ' 
 villages, with the shipping, underwent the same scene cf 
 plunder and conflagration as had been practised at Havre de 
 Grace. The private property plundered and destroyed at 
 Havre was estimated at sixty thousand, and at the two other 
 villages at seventy thousand dollars. 
 
 On the 1st of June, Admiral Warren entered the Chesa- 
 peake with a considerable naval reinforcement, and a num- 
 ber of land troops and marines, under the command of Sir 
 Sidney Beckwith. The British force now in the Chesapeake 
 consisted of eight ships of the line, twelve frigates, and a con- 
 siderable number of small vessels. Such a force evidently 
 indicated an attack upon some more important point. From 
 the movement of the squadron to Hampton roads, it appeared 
 that Norfolk was the object. The defence of this city de- 
 pended on a squadron of about twenty gunboats, the frigate 
 Constellation, and the fortifications on Cranov Island. The 
 frigate was anchored between two forts, situate on each side 
 Elizabeth river, which command the approach to Norfolk. 
 On the 21st, 15 gun-boats, under the command of Captain 
 Tarbel, attacked the Junon, the foremost British frigate, at 
 the distance of three quarters of a mile; the action continued 
 upwards of an hour with considerable damage to the frigate, 
 when, on the nearer approach of a razee, the gun-boats 
 hauled off. r 
 
 Attack on Cranty Island. Before the British could enter 
 the harbour of Norfolk and approach the town, it was neces- 
 sary to take possession of Craney Island. On the morning 
 of the 22d, they were discovered passing round the point of 
 Nansemond river, and landing on the main land in a position 
 where the passage was fordable, with a view to pass over 
 and attack the works on the west side of the Island, while 
 at the same time a number of barges from the fleet attempted 
 to land in front. These were attacked before they reached 
 the shore from a battery on the beach, manned by the sailors 
 and marines from the Constellalion and the gun-boats. 
 
1«4 
 
 niSTORV OF THE LATE WAK. 
 
 C'Hir. t. 
 
 Three of the barges were sunk, most of the men drowned. 
 and the rest compelled to retreat to their shipping. Thn 
 party which landed at Nansemond, were met and repulsed by 
 the Virginia militia, and driven back to their ships, with the 
 loss, including those in the barges, of upwards of two hun- 
 dred in killed and wounded. The city of Norfolk and the 
 neighbouring villages of Gosport and Portsmouth, owed their 
 safety to this gallant defence of Craney Island. 
 
 Ravages at Hampton, Defeated in their attempt on Nor- 
 folk, the armament proceeded to Hampton, a village at the 
 head of the bay which runs up north from James river, 
 eighteen miles above Norfolk. This village was defended 
 by a garrison of four hundred aud fifty militia, protected by 
 some slight fortifications. Admiral Cockburn, on the 25th ot 
 June, with his forces, advanced towards the town in barges 
 and small vessels, throwing shells and rockets, while Sir Sidney 
 Beckwith effected a landing below with two thousand men. 
 Cockburn's party were repulsed by the garrison, and driven 
 back behind a point, until General Bcckwith's troops advanc- 
 ed and compelled the garrison to retire. The town being 
 now completely in the possession of the British, was given 
 up to pillage. Many of the inhabitants had fled with their 
 valuable effects ; those who remained suffered the most 
 shameful barbarities. That renegado corps, composed of 
 French prisoners accustomed to plunder and murder in Spain. 
 and who had been induced to enter the British service by 
 promises of similar indulgence in America, were now to be 
 gratified, and were let loose upon the wretched inhabitants of 
 Hampton without restraint. For two days the town was given 
 tip to unrestrained pillage; private property was plundered 
 and wantonly destroyed ; unarmed and unofiending individu- 
 als grossly abused; females violated ; and in one instance, an 
 aged sick man murdered in the arms of his wife, who, at the 
 same time, was dangerously wounded. A collection of well- 
 attested facts, made by a committee of Congress respecting 
 
isrJ. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Idj 
 
 the outrages at Hampton, stand on their journals as lasting 
 monuments of disgrace to the British nation. 
 
 Correspondence between General Taylor and Sir Sidney 
 Btckvaith. (lencral Taylor, the commanding officer at Nor- 
 folk, addressed a note to Admiral Warren on this subject, in 
 which he remarks, *' that it was with grief and astonishment 
 he had heard of these excesses. The world will suppose 
 these acts to have been approved if not excited by the com- 
 manders, if suOered to pass by with impunity. I am prepar- 
 ed for any species of warfare which you arc disposed to 
 prosecute. It is for the sake of humanity that I enter this 
 protest. Ft will hereafter depend on you, whether the evils 
 inseparable from a state of war, shall in our operations be 
 tempered by the mildness of civilized life, or under your 
 authority be aggravated by all the fiend-like passions which 
 can be enlisted into them." General Beckwith, as command- 
 er of the land forces, by whom these outrages were princi- 
 pally committed, replied, " that these excesses were occasion- 
 ed by a proceeding of so extraordinary a nature, that had he 
 not been an eye-witness to it, he would not have credited it. 
 At the recent attempt on Craney Island, the troops, he stated, 
 in one of the barges sunk by the fire of the American 
 guns, clung to the wreck ; several Americans waded off from 
 the island, and in the presence of all engaged, fired upon 
 and shot them. With a feeling natural to such an occasion, 
 the troops of that corps landed at Hampton." 1"' > ". -^ 
 
 General Taylor, replied that " he was satisfied such a 
 scene did not take place, and if it had, satisfaction ought to 
 have been demanded, before retaliation so extravagant in 
 measure, and applying not to the perpetrators of the offence, 
 but to the innocent and helpless, was resorted to. That he 
 had ordered an inquiry to be made into the facts, and effec- 
 tual measures should be taken to punish any misconduct. A 
 board of field officers to whom the subject was referred, re- 
 ported, that it appeared from the testimony, that in the action 
 at Craney Island, two of the enemy's boats in front of their line 
 
266 
 
 HI£iTORY OF THE LAT£ WAU. 
 
 Chap. t. 
 
 il 
 
 were sunk by the batteries ; the troops in the boats were afloat 
 and in danger of drowning, and being in front of the boati 
 which were still engaged, the firing necessarily continued, and 
 was in the direction of the men in the water, but with no inten- 
 tion of doing them any further harm ; on the contrary, orders 
 were given to prevent this by ceasing to fire grape, and to fire 
 round shot. One of the British who had apparently sur- 
 rendered, advanced towards the shore about one hundred 
 yards, then suddenly turned to the right and endeavoured to 
 escape, he was fired upon to bring him back, which had the 
 desired effect. The troops on the island exerted themselves 
 in acts of kindness to the unresisting foe."* The transmis- 
 sion of this report to Sir Sidney Bcckwith, ended the corres- 
 pondence on the subject of the outrages, and the troops 
 re-embarked from Hampton on the 27th of June* 
 
 Effects of British Outrages, The British appeared to have 
 had two objects in view in their system of plunder and devas- 
 tation in the Chesapeake ; one, to gratify their troops with 
 pillage } the other to render the calamities of war so disti'ess- 
 ing to the inhabitants as that the sufferers and those exposed 
 to similar sufferings, should compel the government to make 
 peace upon their own terms. As to the latter object, the 
 effects of this system were the reverse of their expectations. 
 The war, unpopular among a great portion of the American 
 people at its commencement, lost that character and acquired 
 new popularity by every act of barbarity in the enemy. 
 The peaceful citizen who could only with the utmost reluc- 
 tance be compelled to contribute his service or property 
 to the conquest of Canada, was ready to devote his all to 
 the protection of his altars, fireside, and family, and those of 
 his neighbours, from the wanton violations of a barbarous 
 foe. Either from the orders of their government, with a view 
 to detach the northern section of the union from the war, or 
 the accidental difference in the character of the commanders, 
 
 * JCorrfspondence beeween General Taylor and Sir Sidney Beckwith> 
 
laiJ. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LAT£ WAR. 
 
 167 
 
 the blockading squadrons north of the Chesapeake conducted 
 their operations upon the Ubcrdl principles of civilized war- 
 fare. Commodore Hardy, to whom the blockade of New« 
 London and Long Island Sound was intrusted, was distin- 
 guished for the humane and liberal manner in which it was 
 conducted. 
 
 Torpedoes, The act of the last session of CongrcsR 
 encouraging and rewarding the destruction of British vessels 
 by submarine instruments or other destructive machinery, 
 induced a variety of essays to accomplish such an object. 
 The attempt which approached nearest to success, was made 
 by Mr. Mix, a gentleman of ingenuity and enterprize belong- 
 ing to the navy. Having spent several weeks in preparing a 
 torpedo, he made an essay upon the Plantagenet, a British 
 seventy-four at anchor in Lynnhaven bay. On the evening 
 of the 18th of July, he put ofl' from his i*endezvous, in a 
 large open boat which he called the "Chesapeake's Revenge," 
 assisted by Captain Bowman of Salem, and Midshipman 
 M'Gowan of the United States navy, and having ascertained 
 the position of the ship, he approached within fifty fathoms 
 and dropped his torpedo ; at the same instant he was hailed 
 by the British guard-boats, which induced him immediately to 
 take up his machine, and retreat. On the 19lh, he made 
 another unsuccessful attempt. On the 20th, he succeeded in 
 getting under the shi*^ 's jib-boom, within fifteen yards of her 
 bow ; here he continued fifteen minutes undiscovered, mak- 
 ing preparations, when at the moment he was ready to launch 
 his instrument of destruction, he was hailed by the centinel 
 iti the forecastle, and compelled to decamp. The centinel, not 
 being answered, fired his musket, which was followed by a 
 rapid discharge of small arms. Blue lights were then made 
 to find the boat, but failed ; rockets were thrown in every 
 direction, which illuminated the water for a considerable dis- 
 tance, and discovered their nocturnal visiter making a rapid 
 retreat; the ship then commenced a sharp fire of heavy 
 guns, slipped her cables, and made sail, while her boats were 
 
1^8 iUSTORY OF Tilti LATC WAR. CHiv.i;. 
 
 despatched in pursuit. The daring intruders directly getting 
 out of the lights of the rockets, escaped unhurt. The un- 
 welcome visits were re|>eated un the nights of the 2 1st, 23d, 
 and 33d, without success, as the ship having taken the alarm 
 changed her position every night. On the 24th, Mr. Mix, 
 having succeeded in discovering the position of the ship, 
 approached within a hundred yards, and dropped the fatal 
 machine into the water, just as the centinel on deck cried out 
 *'alPs well/^ It sunk aliout ten feet, the tide floated it down 
 unperccived to within a few yards of the bottom of the ship, 
 when it exploded with a most terrific sound. A pyramid of 
 water nearly fifty feet in circumference, was thrown up forty 
 or fifty feet into the air with the appearance of vivid red, 
 tinged with a beautiful purple, when it burst at the top with a 
 terrible explosion, and fell in torrents on the deck of the 
 ship, which rolled into the chasm below and nearly upset. 
 The forechannel of the ship was blown of}', and a boat which 
 lay along side with several men in her, was thrown into the 
 air in the convulsion of the waters. The ship's crew were 
 panic-struck, and most of them betook themselves to the 
 boats. Had the explosion been delayed a few moments until 
 the machine bad struck the bottom of the ship, it must have 
 been fatal. A line of torpedoes was prepared to be set at 
 short notice, in the ship channel at the narrows, between 
 Long and Staten Islands, in such manner that seventy-fours 
 passing up to New- York, must necessarily disturb and cause 
 them to explode, and expose the ships to desti'uction.* One 
 torpedo was prepared at New-London designed for the de- 
 struction of the Ramilies,and proceeded in the darkness of a 
 still and cloudy night, to the object of its destination ; but 
 neither the machine, boat, nor managers, were ever after- 
 wards heard of. 
 
 Explosion of the Eagle, On the 25th of June, the schooner 
 Eagle was fitted out from New-York, having on board a large 
 
 unwarrar 
 
 '♦^ Nilcs's Register, vol. 4, page 366. 
 
1013. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 169 
 
 ma^nzine of powder, and a considerable quantity of flour and 
 other articles adapted to the wants of the British squadron. A 
 spring-lock was fixed to a cask of the powder, which was 
 connected by a string to a flour-barrel, so that when it was 
 nttcmpted to be removed, the lock must spring, and the mag- 
 azine explode. The authors of this stratagem calculated 
 that the British, in their usual manner, would take possession 
 of the schooner, and bring her alongside of the Ramilies to 
 unlade, whon the explosion would take place, and destroy the 
 ship. The Eagle, thus freighted, proceedec' to the harbour 
 of New- London ; and as she neared the Ramilies, three barges 
 approached, and her crew left her. The barges took posses- 
 sion ; but as the wind was contrary, they were unable to con- 
 duct her to the ship, and began to remove her lading into the 
 boats, when they sprang the lock, and the schooner, barges, 
 and men, instantly disappeared. The British affected to 
 consider this as a barbarous and unjustifiable mode of attack, 
 unwarranted by the usages of civilized nations. Two 
 answers were given to their remonstrances on this subject : 
 one, that their cruel and wanton outrages on the peaceable 
 inhabitants of the coast warranted any mode of defence cal- 
 culated to afford protection : the other, that stratagems in war 
 are always justifiable ; and the modes of attack of which they 
 complained stood on the same ground as sapping, mining, 
 and ambuscades on land. These experiments, though un- 
 successful as to the main object, had the effect of rendering 
 the enemy more cautious in approaching, and taking stations 
 in the American waters. 
 
 Potomac, On the 1st of July, the Chesapeake squadron, 
 consisting of seven ships of the line, seven frigates, and eleven 
 small vessels, with the troops on board, left Hampton roads, 
 proceeded to the mouth of the Potomac, and entered that river, 
 taking soundings, and marking out the channel with buoys. 
 Their advance proceeded up the river within seventy miles 
 of the city of Washington, and excited great alarm in that 
 city, and at Alexandria and Georgetown. 'I'he defence of 
 
170 
 
 IlttTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chaf. 9. 
 
 
 these places from a naval attack, depended on fort Washing- 
 ton, formei'ly called fort Wnrburton, erected on Mason's 
 Island in the Potomac, six nii'es below Alexandria. The 
 works here were repaired, the garrison increased, the militia 
 from the neighbouring country called in, and such an aspect 
 of defence presented, as induced the British to withdi-aw from 
 the river. They next proceeded up the bay and threatened 
 Annapolis and Baltimore ; but finding them in a forniidalle 
 attitude of defence, made no attempt. The principal jiart ol 
 the squadron under Admiral Cockburn, soon afterwards left 
 the bay, and proceeded to the south, alarming, and plundering 
 the coast of the Carolinas ; .on that of North-Carolina, Cock- 
 burn entered the Ocracoke inlet, captured two privateers, and 
 procpcdcd to the entrance of the Nease, with a view of attack- 
 ing Ncwbern; but finding that place well guarded by the 
 militia, he attacked the neighbouring town of Portsmouth,, 
 plundered it, and returned to the ships with a valuable booty, 
 and a number of slaves, whom he induced to leave their mas- 
 ters under a promise of freedom, and afterwards sold in the 
 West-Indies. lie next proceeded io the coast of Georgia.. 
 took possession of Cumberland I.sland, and established his 
 head-(juarter!> during the winter, at the elegant mansion-hoijse 
 of the late General Circene, wliich he found in the possession 
 of his daughter. The British admiral and officers paid a 
 scrupulous regiu'd to the rights of the orrupant of this seat, 
 while they committed their wonted dcj)redations on the neigh- 
 bouring coast. 
 
 Blockade of Ktxo-London. The principal harbours north 
 of the Chesapeake were strictly blockaded. The frigates 
 United States and Macedonian, and sloop of war Hornet, 
 having been repaired in the port of New- York, and fitted for 
 sea, attempted to go out on the 24th of May. A squadron of 
 superior force lying off the narrows, made xi necessary for 
 them to take the passage through Hell-Gate, and Long-Island 
 iound. To oppose their passage in this direction, there 
 appeared oft' New-London harbour, two seventy-fours, o 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 171 
 
 razee, and ft frigate, and chased the American squadron into 
 that port. The British, under Commodore Hardy, anchored at 
 the mouth of the harbour, just out of the reach of the guns 
 of the forts; the Americans Hghtened out a part of their 
 armament, and retired five miles up the Thames : for their 
 protection, forts Trumbull and Griswold were strongly garri- 
 soned, and corps of militia ordered in from the neighbouring 
 country to prevent a landing. The vigilance of the block- 
 ading squadron prevented any opportunity for escape ; and 
 confined the frigates to the river until the close of the war. 
 The Endymion, and Statira, composed a part of the block- 
 ading squadron, and wore of equal force with the United 
 States and Macedonian. Comtnodore liardy remarked to 
 Captain Moran, who had been captured, and carried on board 
 the Ramilies, " that he should have no objections to a meet- 
 ing's taking place between the frigato. but could not allow 
 the challenge to proceed from the English commanders." 
 Challenge given by Commodore Decatur, — Declined. 
 Captain Moran, being afterwards paroled, mentioned iJns con- 
 versation in the hearing of Commodore Decatur, who imme- 
 diately despatched Captain Biddle with a proposition for a 
 meeting. Having delivered his message. Captain Biddle was 
 informed, that an answer would be returned by a flag the next 
 day. The crews of the American frigates were assembled 
 and received the proposition with hearty cheers; the officers 
 and men v/cre now in anxious expectation of being immedi- 
 ately led to battle and victory ; when the British flag arrived 
 with the unwelcome intelligence, ihni » o challenge was de- 
 dined. 
 
rfaval Aff 
 Hornet 
 the cor 
 acceptei 
 Ludlow 
 Honour 
 Death < 
 and Caf 
 mandere 
 Pacific- 
 Establis 
 Squadro 
 British i 
 andCre 
 in 1813. 
 
 the blocl 
 
 pursued 
 
 prise. 
 
 Cruise 
 Rodgers, 
 from Bos 
 the banks 
 Presideni 
 to the noj 
 India, Hi 
 of June, 
 course fo 
 the Irish 
 of Irelanc 
 out succe 
 pose of ir 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 r^aval Affairs.— Cruise of the President.— Of the Coagre8s.-~Of the 
 Hornet.— 'Capture of the Peacock.— Captain Lawrence appointed to 
 the command of the Chesapeake. — Challenge of the Shannon; 
 accepted.— Capture of the Chesapeake.— Funeral of Lawrence and 
 Ludlow, at Halifax.— Their Bodies removed to New- York. — Funeral 
 Honours at Salem and New- York. — Cruise and Capture of the Argus. 
 Death of Captain Allen.— Battle between the Enterprise and Boxer, 
 and Capture of the latter. — Death and Funeral Honours of both Com- 
 manders. — Cruise of the Essex in the Atlantic. — Her Arrival in the 
 Pacific— Capture of a Peruvian Corsair.— Capture of Whale Ships.- 
 Establishment at Madison Island. — Essex Junior. — Arrival of British 
 Squadron. — Blockade of the Essex. — Battle between her and the 
 British Squadron.-^apture of the Essex. — Return of Captain Porter 
 and Crew to the United States.- Number and Value of British Prizes 
 inl813. 
 
 The American frigates whicu weie so ibriunaie as io elude 
 the blockading squadrons, and get to sea in the year 1813, 
 pursued the enemy with their wonted bravery and enter- 
 prise. 
 
 Cruise of the President, On the 23d of April, Commodore 
 Rodgers, with the President, and Congress frigates, sailed 
 from Boston on a cruise. They continued in company along 
 the banks of Newfount'.land until the eighth of May, when the 
 President, having parted from the Congress, pursued her route 
 to the northward, with a view to cross the tracks of the West- 
 India, Halifax, and Quebec trade. From the 9th to the 13th 
 of June, they made four prizes. They then shaped their 
 course for the North Seas, to intercept 'vessels bound from 
 the Irish Channel to Newfoundland, by the way of the north 
 of Ireland. After remaining on this station several days with- 
 out success, they proceeded to the North Cape for the pur- 
 pose of intercepting a convoy cf thirty sail, expected to leave 
 
■t 
 
 174 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 0. 
 
 Archangel for England about the middle of July. On the 
 19th, the President, near the North JCape was chased by a 
 line of battle ship and frigate. In this high latitude, the sun 
 was several degrees above the horizon, during the whole 
 twenty-four hours, which enabled the British to continue the 
 chase by day-light uninterruptedly for eighty hours. Commo- 
 dore Rodgers, by skilful manoevering, and extraordinary 
 exertions, finally escaped, and made his way by the north- 
 west coast of Ireland to the United States. On the 23d of 
 September, on the Americaij coast, he was discovered by the 
 High-Flier, one of Admiral Warren's look-out ships. The 
 British made a private signal, which by accident was an- 
 swered by the Commodore, with the English corresponding 
 one. The High-Flier immediately made up to the President, 
 and was captured. From her such information respecting 
 the number and stations of the British force on the coast was 
 obtained, as enabled the President to reach the harbour ot 
 Newport on the 27th of September, in safety. During the 
 cruise, she made twelve prizes, three of which were destroyed, 
 and the others sent into port.* The Congress, after parting 
 with the President, cruised in the latitude of the West-Indies, 
 with a view of falling in with the British trade, but with little 
 success: she made Portsmouth harbour on the 14th of De- 
 cember, having made only three prizes during her cruise. 
 
 Hornet. Captain Lawrence, of the Hornet sloop of war, con- 
 tinued on the >^ oast of South America, blockading the Bonne 
 Citoyen in the port of St. Salvador until the 24th of January, 
 1813, when he was compelled to retire on the appearance of 
 the Montague, a seventy-four which had been sent for from 
 Rio Janeiro to raise the blockade. On the 28th of December, 
 Captain Lawrence, with the consent of Commodore Bain- 
 bridge, the commanding officer on that station, challenged the 
 Bonne Citoyen to single combat ; the commodore pledging 
 himself to retire, so as that it should not be in his power to 
 
 Conunodore Rodgera^s letter to the secretary of the navy. 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR, 
 
 175 
 
 give assistance. The challenge was declined. The prd- 
 priely of giving or receiving naval challenges, was very 
 much questioned, and had never been expressly approbated 
 by the government. The disadvantage was altogether 
 against America. If successful, the loss of a single ship of 
 war was of very little consequence to Great Britain, and 
 made no difference in her naval operations ; if unsuccessful, 
 (he loss of a frigate was a serious injury to the American 
 navy, and very much crippled its operations. After the 
 everts of 1812, such challenges were not nesessary to estab- 
 lish the American naval character : it was known and feared 
 abroad, and cherished and respected at home. 
 
 Destruction of the Peacock, On the 24 th of February, off 
 Deinarara, Captain Lawrence fell in with the brig of war 
 Peacock, and sunk her, after a close action of fifteen minutes: 
 a few minutes before she went down, she struck her colours, 
 and hoisted a signal of distress. Thr firing instantly ceased, 
 and the boats of the Hornet immediately went to the relief of 
 the crew; but were not able to save all. Thirteen of them, 
 together witii four of Captain Lawrence's men, who were on 
 board endeavouring to gf t oflf tlie prisoners, went down with 
 her. Three impressed American seamen, on board the Pea- 
 cock, at the commenccraent of the action requested that they 
 might go below, as they could not fight against their country; 
 they were refused in the most insolent manner, and ordered to 
 their quarters; one of them was killed in the action, the others 
 taken on board the Hornet with the prisoners. The Peacock 
 mounted twenty guns, and had a crew of one hundred and 
 twenty-four men.* On this event, the Halifax papers remark, 
 " If a vessel had been moored for the r^' ,;iirpose of experi- 
 ment, it is not probable she could have been sunk in so short 
 a time. It will not do for our vessels to fight theirs single- 
 handed. The Americans are a dead nip." The number 
 of prisonefs r,ow on board the Hornet, and the want of pro- 
 
 '^ Iiaw rencf *s UttDr to the secrptRry of the narr. 
 
'^ 
 
 176 
 
 inSTORY or THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap f 
 
 Jf' 
 
 visions rendered it nocessary for Captain Lawrenco to return 
 to the United States. The sailors of the Hornet, with the 
 characteristic generosity of American tars, shared with the 
 surviving crew of the Peacock their scanty provisions, and 
 made each of them a present of two shirts, a jacket, and a 
 pair of trowsers, to supply their wants occasioned by thf 
 sinking of their ship. 
 
 Shannon and Chesapeake, On his return to the United 
 States, Captain Lawrence was promoted to the command oi 
 the Chesapeake, then ready for sea in lioston harbour. That 
 port was then strictly blockaded by the Shannon and Tenrdns 
 frigates. Scarcely had Lawrence taken the command of his 
 ship, when he received a challenge from Captain Brooke (o 
 meet the Shannon in single combat, giving a particular de- 
 scription of her armament, and engaging that liie Tenedo' 
 should be out of the reach of assistance. There were pow- 
 erful reasons which would have induced a more cautious com- 
 mander than Captain Lawrence to have declined the chal- 
 lengc. The Shannon had the advantage in men and guns; 
 she rated as a thirty-eight, but mounted fifty-two ; the Ches- 
 apeake rated thirty-six, and mounted forty-eight; Captain 
 Brooke could select his men from both ships ; Captain Law- 
 rence's first lieutenant was sick on shore, three others \m 
 recently left the ship; of the four which remained, two were 
 only midshipmen, acting as lieutenants ; part of his crew 
 were new hands, and the others were complaining on account 
 of arrearages of pay and prize-money, and from a long stay 
 in port had lost much of their ardour; -he ship and cp w 
 were strangers to him ; and the Chesapeake, from her encoun 
 ter with the Leopard, had the character of an unlucky ship. 
 Under these embarrassments, Capto' ? Lawrence accepted 
 the challenge, and on the morning of the 1st of June, sailed 
 out of the harbour to meet th.) Shannon : the latter observing 
 her coming out, bore away. The C^hesapeake followed her 
 until four o'clock in the ai'lernoon, when she hauled up and 
 iired a gun, on which the Shannon hove too -, both ships ma- 
 
litlJ. 
 
 HISTviRY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 177 
 
 noeuvred for some litne, until a quarter before six, when they 
 approached within pistol-shot, and exchanged broadsides. 
 These were both destructive, but the fire of the Shannon 
 was most fatal in the destruction of officers ; the fourth lieu- 
 tenant Mr. Ballard, was mortally wounded, the sailing master 
 was killed, and Captain Lawrence received a musket ball iit 
 his leg, which caused great pain and profuse bleeding, but he 
 leaned on the companion way, and continued to give orders 
 and animate his men. A second and third broadsides were 
 exchanged with evident advantage to the Chesapeake, but 
 unfortunately among the now wounded was the first lieute- 
 nant Mr. Ludlow who was carried below ; three men were 
 successively shot from the helm, in about twelve minutes from 
 the commencement of the action, and as the hands were 
 shifting, a shot disabled her foresail, so that she could no 
 longer answer her helm, and her anchor caught in one of 
 the after ports of the Shannon, which enabled the latter to 
 rake her upper deck. As soon as Captain Lawrence per- 
 ceived that she was failing to leeward, and that by the Shan- 
 non's filling she wouhl fall or> board, he called the boarders, 
 and was giving orders about the foresail, when he received a 
 muskct-hall in his body. The bugle-man who should have 
 called tho boarders did not do his duty ; and at this moment 
 Commodore Brooke, whose ship had suffered so much that 
 he was pn-purlng to repel boarding, perceiving from this 
 accident how the deck of the Chesapeake was swept, jump- 
 ed on board with about twenty men; they would have been 
 instantly repelled, but the captain, the first lieutenant, the 
 sailing master, the boatswain, the lieutenant of marines, the 
 only acting lieutenant on the spar deck, were all killed or 
 disabled. At this moment Lieutenant Cox ran on deck, just 
 in time to receive his falling commander and bear him below. 
 JJeutenant Budd led up the boankn-s, but only fifteen or 
 twenty would follow him, and with these he defended the ship 
 until he was disabled. Lieutenant Ludlow, wounded as he 
 was, having laid his coriimandcr in the ward-room, hurried 
 
 Q3 
 
i7n 
 
 IlISTOUV OF T>rK LATE WAK. 
 
 CuAp. y, 
 
 upon tlec k and soon received a inorlal wound from a s>abro. 
 The marines who were engaged fought witli desperate cour- 
 age, but they were few in number, many of them having fol- 
 lowed the boatswain's male, a Portuguese, who exclaimed as 
 he skulked below, " so much for not paying men their prize- 
 money." Meanwhile the Shannon threw on board sixty adtli 
 tional men, who soon succeeded in overpowering the few re- 
 maining seamen of the Chesapeake, and taking possession 
 of the ship, which was not surrendered by any signal of sub- 
 mission, but became the enemy's only because they were 
 able to overwhelm all who were in a condition to resist. At 
 Captain Lawrence was carried below, he perceived the me- 
 lancholy condition of the Chesapeake, and exclaimed. " Don'; 
 give up the ship, let her Hag wave while I live ;" but it was 
 too late to resist, the enemy had complete command of the 
 ship. As Captain Lawrence's wounds would not admit of 
 his removal, he lay in the ward-room surrounded by hi.» 
 wounded and dying officers, and after lingering in great pain 
 four days, expired on the 5th of June. His body was wrap- 
 ped in the colours of the Chesapeake and laid on the quarter- 
 fkck until their arrival in Halifax, where he and Lieutenan! 
 Ludlow were buried with the highest military and naval 
 honours ; their palls were supported by the oldest captain? 
 in the navy then in port, and no demonstrations of respect 
 were omitted to honour the remains of the brave but unfor- 
 tunate strangers. In this sanguinary conflict the Chesapeake 
 lost her commander and foriy-scven men killed, and ninety- 
 seven wounded, of whom fourteen afterwards died. On tlir 
 part of the Shannon, the Hrst Iciutenant, the purser, captain's 
 clerk, and twenty-three seamen were killed, and Captain 
 Brooke and fifty-seven seamen wounded. 
 
 The key of Captain Lawrence's store-room was demand- 
 ed of the purser, who was compelled to give it up, observing 
 at the same time, that in the capture of the Guerrierc, Mace- 
 donian, and Java, the most scrupulous regard was paid to the 
 private property of the British officers ; that Captain Law- 
 
 « 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 179 
 
 rence had laid in stores for a long cruise, the value of which 
 would be a great object to his widow and family, for whose 
 use he was desirous of preserving them ; his request was 
 haughtily refused. 
 
 Captain Crowninshield, of Salom, having obtained permis- 
 sion from the President, prepared a ship at his own expense, 
 and proceeded to Halifax with twelve masters of vessels as 
 his crew; obtained the bodies of Captain Lawrence, and 
 Lieutenant Ludlow, and returned to Salem with the remains 
 of these gallant officers, on the 19th of August, where funeral 
 honours were performed, and a eulogy pronounced by Judge 
 Story. The friends of Captain Lawrence and Lieutenant Lud- 
 low were desirous that their remains should be interred at New- 
 York, where the lady of Captain Lawrence and the families 
 uf both the heroes resided; the corpses were conveyed from 
 Salem to New- York by land, and there interred with all the 
 respect due to deceased merit. Captiiin Lawrence had been 
 bred to the sea from the age of twelve, and distinguished him- 
 self before Tripoli, with Decatur. He was slain at the age 
 of thirty-two, at the post of honour. In the year 1 808 he 
 
 married the daughter of , a respectable merchant of 
 
 the city of New- York ; lie left her with two children, and in 
 a situation in which the news of his death must have been 
 peculiarly distressing. The catastrophe of the Chesapeake 
 was kept from her knowledge until the birth of twin children, 
 rendered the communication ])ropcr. The sympathies of the 
 nation in some measure assuaged the widow's grief.* 
 
 Crmse of the Argus, In May 181.3, the brig Argus, Cap- 
 tain Allen, sailed fron the United States for France, with 
 Mr. Crawford, appointed ambassador to the French court, 
 in the place of Mr. Barlow, deceased ; he was so fortunate as 
 to elude the British cruisers, ana arrive at L'Orient in twenty- 
 three days. From L'Orient Captain Allen sailed to the • 
 Irish Channel, for the j>urpose of annoying the British coast- 
 
 ■>:■ 
 
 * Life of Captain Lawrence. 
 
uo 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATK WAK. 
 
 i'ujkt 9. 
 
 1 ■*■ 
 
 h 
 
 ing trade, ami interrupting the communication helwccn Eng- 
 land and Ireland. It being entirely unexpected by the 
 British, that an American ship should venture into this chan- 
 nel in search of prizes ; they had deemed it unnecessary to 
 station any force there for the protection of their trade; and 
 Captain Allen, in the course of six weeks, took and destroyed 
 British property to an amount, according to their own estima- 
 tion, of two millions of dollars. His distance from any 
 friendly port to which he might conduct his prizes, rendered 
 it necessary to destroy them; non-combatant passengers 
 were discharged with all their private properly; prisoners oi 
 war paroled, and sent on shore, and the vessels sunk. So 
 unexpected and unwelcome a visiter on their coast did not 
 long escape the attention of the British admiralty. 
 , Capture. The Sea-Horse, a thirty-eight gun frigate, and 
 the Pelican ship of war of twenty guns, were ordered to the 
 Irish Chanoel in quest of the Argus; and on the 14th of 
 August, the Pelican fell in with her, and commenced the 
 action : after a close contest of forty-three minutes, the Sea- 
 Horse heaving in sight, the Argus surrendered. Early in the 
 action Captain Allen had his left leg shot away by a cannon- 
 ball, but refused to be carried below until he fainted from los^ 
 of blood. Mis leg was amputated above the knee, and every 
 surgical aid afforded, but he survived only four days, and died 
 ©n the 18th in Plymouth hospital. . 
 
 Enterprise and Boxer, On the 5th of September, the 
 United States brig Enterprise sailed from Portsmouth, and 
 on the next day fell in with the British brig Boxer; the latter 
 immediately fired a shot as a challenge, hoisted English 
 colours, and bore down on the Enterprise. The American 
 vessel employed herself in tacking, and making preparations 
 for action; having obtained the wcathergage, she manceu- 
 «vercd some time to try her sailing, and ascertain the force ol 
 her antagonist ; at length she shortened sail, hoisted her 
 ensigns, and fired three shot in answer to the challenge. The 
 Boxer now >iorr un within half pistol-shot, gave three cheer-. 
 
181 J. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATK WAlt. 
 
 181 
 
 and fired her starboard broadsidv ; this was answered by like 
 cheers, and a larboard broadside IVom the Enterprise, who. 
 now having the advantage of the v^ind, ranged ahead of her 
 enemy, rounded to on tlie lari)o:ird tack, and commenced a 
 raking broadside. The Boxer's main-top-sail, and top-sail- 
 yards came down, and the Enterprise taking a raking position 
 on the starboard-bow of her antagonist, and opening a raking 
 fire, compelled her to cry out for quarter. The colours being 
 nailed to the mast, could not be taken down, but the firing 
 (xased, and the ship surrendered. The action lasted three 
 quarters of an hour; in the early part of it, Captain Blythc, 
 commander of the Boxer, and Lieutenant Burrows of the 
 Enterprise, were both mortally wounded. The latter refused 
 to be carried below until the sword of his enemy was pre- 
 sented to him; when grasping it with both hands, he ex- 
 claimed, " I am now satisfied, I die contented." The Enter- 
 prise was rated as a 12 gun brig of 105 tons, with a crew of 
 102 men ; the Boxer, as a fourteen gun brig of 200 tons, with 
 a crew of 104 men. In the action she had twenty-five killed 
 and fourteen wounded; the Enterprise four killed and eleven 
 wounded. r 
 
 The American ship, with her prize, made the harbour of 
 Portland. The bodies of the two commanders were brought 
 on shore in ten oared barges, rowed at minute strokes by 
 shipmasters, accompanied by all the barges and boats in the 
 harbour, the two vessels firing minute-guns. At the wharf a 
 procession was. formed, consisting of the civil and military 
 authorities, and the citizens of the town, the corpse of Lieu- 
 tenant Burrows preceding, and after the performance of 
 appropriate funeral service, the remains of the two young 
 naval heroes were deposited by the side of each other in 
 peace, r « . < . jf 
 
 Cruise of the Essex iii the Pacific. The Essex, under the 
 command of Captain Porter, sailed from the Delaware on the 
 27th of October, 1812, willi orders to join the sijuadron under 
 Commodore Bainbridge, destined for the Pacific ocean ; he 
 
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 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 9. 
 
 proceeded to ports Praya, Fernando, de Noronho, and Cape 
 Frio, designated in his instructions as places of rendez- 
 vous, on the coast of South America, for the meeting of the 
 squadron. On his passage he captured the British packet 
 Nocton, took out of her 11,000/. sterling in specie, and sent 
 her to the United States. Not finding the residue of the 
 squadron at the places appointed, he continued his cruise oft' 
 Rio de Janeiro until the 12ih of January, captured a schooner 
 laden with hid^ and tallow, and sent her into Porto Rico, 
 and proceeded to the island of St. Catharine, on the Brazil 
 coast for supplies. Having here obtained such information 
 as satisfied him that he should not be joined by the other 
 ships, agreeably to his instructions adapted to such an event, 
 he sailed alone for the Pacific ocean, and arrived at Valparaiso, 
 ... a Spanish town and harbour on the coast of Chili, on the 14th 
 of March. Having here obtained the necessary supplies, he ran 
 down the coast of Chili and Peru, and fell in with a Peruvian 
 corsair, who had taken two American whale ships on the coast, 
 and confined their crews as prisoners. The captain of the 
 corsair declared, that, as allies of Great Britain, he should 
 capture all American vessels he should meet, under an ex- 
 pectation that there might be a war between Spain and the 
 United States. Captain Porter disarmed the corsair, liberated 
 the Americans, and addressed a note to the viceroy of Peru, 
 explaining the reasons of his conduct. He then proceeded 
 to Lima, and re-captured one of the whale ships as she was 
 entering the port. From Lima he cruised among the Galli- 
 pago Islands, the seat of the British whale fishery, from the 
 17th of April until the 3d of October; during this cruise he 
 captured twelve British letters of marque, whale ships, 
 having on board three hundred men, and armed with one 
 hundred and seven guns : One of them he equipped as a ship 
 of war, under the name of the Essex Junior, and gave her in 
 command to LieiUenant Downes, retained one as a store ship, 
 gave up two to the prisoners whom he paroled, and sent six 
 «^*hers into port under convoy of the Essex Junior. On the 
 
 V 
 
 yi'- 
 
]8k). 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 183 
 
 Feturn of Lieutenant Downcs from Valparaiso, he learned 
 that a squadron under Commodore Hillycr, consisting of the 
 Phebe of thirty-six guns, two sloops of war of twenty guns, 
 and a store-ship, had been in pursuit of him on the coast of 
 Brazil, and had left that coast, and sailed for the Pacific on 
 the 6th of July. "#5 
 
 ^ Possession of Madison Island, On receiving this intelli- 
 gence. Captain Porter proceeded with the remainder of his 
 prizes, to Nooahcvah, or Madison Island, in the Washington 
 groupe, lately discovered by Captain Ingraham of Boston. 
 On the 19th of November he took formal possession of the 
 island, in the name of the President of the United States, 
 erected fort Madison, mounted four- guns, deposited at the 
 foot of the flag-staff a copy of his declaration, and several 
 pieces of American coin ; built a village consisting of six 
 houses, a rope-walk, and bakery, and established a friendly 
 intercourse and trade with the natives. This formal pos- 
 session was taken under a salute of seventeen guns from fort 
 Madison, and the shipping in the harbour, now denominated 
 Massachusetts bay. At this station he proceeded to repair 
 his ships, procure supplies, and make preparation to meet 
 his expected enemy ; having accomplished these objects he 
 left three of his prizes in charge of Lieutenant Gamble, under 
 the guns of the battery, and returned to the coast of Chili on 
 the 14th of January, 1814. 
 
 The expedition had thus far been attended with the most 
 brilliant success. Captain Porter had broken down the 
 British navigation in the Pacific ; the vessels which had 
 escaped capture, were panic-struck, and confined to their 
 ports. The most ample protection had been afforded to the 
 numerous American shipping in those seas, which until his 
 arrival, were altogether unprotected. The British whale 
 fishery was entirely broken up, and those engaged in it sus- 
 tained losses estimated at two and an half millions of dollars. 
 The captures had furnished the Essex with abundance of 
 naval stores, provisions, and clothing, and enabled Captain. 
 
 4:.-- 
 
184 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Ch4p. 9, 
 
 Porter to quarter himself on his enemy, and make considera- 
 ble advances to his men. Had he followed the dictates of 
 prudence, on hearing of Commodore Hillyer's squadron 
 being in pursuit of him, he would have avoided a force so 
 manifestly superior, and returned to the United States with 
 the fruits of his cruise. He had accomplished the object of 
 his voyage ; there was little more to be done in those seas ; 
 and there was a squadron in pursuit of him of such superior 
 force, as rendered it his imperious duty to avoid it ; but the 
 maxims of prudence do not always regulate the conduct of 
 the brave. The brilliant successes of 1812 had induced the 
 American naval commanders to hazard combats when the 
 odds was manifestly against them, while the British studiously 
 avoided any rencontre, unless with evident superiority. 
 The result was such as might be expected from such a course; 
 American bravery continued to distinguish itself with in- 
 creasing lustre in the most desperate courage, but the balance 
 of captures of armed ships after the year 1812 was greatly 
 against the American navy. '" n* » -. .* 
 
 Capture of the Essex, Captain Porter returned to Val- 
 paraiso, and cruised off that port expressly with a view of 
 meeting his enemy. His wishes were soon gratified. The 
 squadron arrived at Valparaiso about the 1st of February, 
 and anchored along side of the Essex ; Hillyer politely in- 
 quired after the health of Captain Porter, observing that his 
 ship was cleared for action, and his men prepared for board- 
 ing ; Porter replied, " If by any accident you get on board 
 me, I assure you great confusion will take place,: I am prepar- 
 ed to receive you, but being in a neutral port, I shall only act 
 on the defensive." Hillyer readily replied he had no such 
 intention. At this instant his ship accidentally took aback of 
 the starboard bow, and her yards nearly locked with the 
 Essex ; Porter immediately called his men to board the Phebe, 
 who were ready at the word ; when Commodore Hillyer ex- 
 claimed in great agitation, '^ I had no intention of getting on 
 board you ; I did not mean to get so near." His ship then 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 186 
 
 fell off with her jib-boom over the decks of the Essex, her 
 bows exposed to a broadside, her stern to the fire of the Essex 
 Junior, and her crew in the greatest confusion ; in this position 
 the Phebe might have been taken or destroyed in fifteen 
 minutes; but respecting the neutrality of the port, Captain 
 Porter made no attack. After he had brought his ship to 
 anchor, Commodore Hillyer and Captain Tucker of the 
 Cherub, visited Captain Porter on shore ; on being inquired 
 of whether they meant to respect the neutrality of the port, 
 Commodore Hillyer replied, " Sir, you have paid such respect 
 to it that I feel myself bound in honour to do the same." The 
 British squadron having obtained their supplies, cruised off 
 the harbour of Valparaiso for six weeks closely blockading 
 the Essex and Essex Junior. Captain Porter made several 
 attempts to obtain a single combat with the Phebe, but with- 
 out effect, the British ships keeping constantly within hail of 
 each other. On the 28th of March, they were out of sight, 
 and the American ships sailed out of the harbour, and endea- 
 voured to escape ; but a heavy squall struck the Essex, and 
 carried away her main-top-mast, precipitating the men aloft 
 into th& sea. Both British ships now appeared, and gave 
 chase; the Essex endeavoured to regain the harbour, but being 
 unable to reach the common anchorage, ran into a small bay 
 three quarters of a mile to the leeward of the battery on the 
 east side of the harbour, and anchored within pistol-shot of 
 the shore. The British approached with an evident de- 
 sign of making an attack, regardless of the neutrality of the 
 place ; indeed the admirality had passed aa order, in violation 
 of an acknowledged rule of the law of nations , enjoining 
 the commanders of their ships in the South Seas, not to re- 
 spect any port as neutral where the Essex should be found. 
 Captain Porter prepared his ship for action as well as her 
 crippled state would admit, determined at least that the vic- 
 tory should not be a bloodless one to his enemy. At foui' 
 o^clock P. M. the action commenced at close quarters, the 
 Phebe under the stern, and the Cherub on the starboard bow 
 
 «• 
 
180 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap %. 
 
 of the Essex ; but the Cherub, soon finding herself in too 
 hot a fire, immediately changed her position, and placed her- 
 self under the stern also, where both ships kept up a severe 
 and raking fire. The Essex, with three long twelves from 
 her stern ports, managed with such skill and bravery as within 
 half an hour to compel her enemy to haul ofi' and repair. 
 It was evidently the object of Commodore Hillyer, viewing 
 success as ultimately sure, to risk nothing from the daring 
 courage of his antagonist, but to obtain the Essex at as 
 cheap a rate as possible. All his manoeuvres were deliberate 
 and wary ; he saw his antagonist completely in his power, 
 and prepared to make prize of him in the surest and safest 
 manner. The situation of the Essex in the mean time, was 
 galling in the extreme ; crippled and shattered, and with 
 many of her crew killed and wounded, she lay waiting the 
 convenience of her enemy to renew the scene of slaughter 
 at his pleasure, without the hope of escape or revenge ; her 
 brave crew, however, without being disheartened, were arous- 
 ed to desperation, and by hoisting ensigns in the rigging and 
 jacks in different parts of the ship, bid the enemy defiance, and 
 evinced their determination to hold out to the last. The 
 British having repaired their damages, now placed both 
 ships on the starboard quarter of the Essex, out of the 
 reach of her carronades and where her stern guns could not 
 be brought to bear. Here they kept up a most destructive 
 fire, which Captain Porter was not able to return ; the latter 
 therefore saw no hopes of injuring his antagonist, but by 
 getting under way and becoming the assailant ; 'from the man- 
 gled state of his rigging, he could hoist no sail but his flying- 
 jib ; this being done, he cut his cable and ran down on both 
 ships, with an intention of boarding the Phebe. For a short 
 time he was enabled to close with the enemy, and the firing on 
 both sides was tremendous. The decks of the Essex were 
 strewed with dead, and her cock-pit filled with wounded. 
 The Cherub at the same ti me, was obliged to haul off, and 
 could only keep up a distant firing with her long guns. The 
 
 .,. ^Ki 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 137 
 
 disabled state of the Essex prevented her from keeping at 
 close quarters with the Phcbc, who, by edging off, chose a 
 distance which best suited her long guns. Many of the 
 guns of the Essex were rendered useless, many had their 
 whole crews destroyed, and were again manned from those 
 guns which were dismounted; one gun was thus manned 
 three times, and fifteen men were slain around it in the course 
 of the action, though its captain escaped with only a slight 
 wound. 
 
 Captain Porter, finding it impossible to close with the 
 enemy, now determined to run his ship on shore, land the 
 crew, and destroy her. He had approached within musket 
 shot of the shore, and had every prospect of succcedirjg, 
 when a land-breeze suddenly set in, and drove him down 
 direcdy upon the Phebe, exposing him to a raking fire. His 
 ship was now totally unmanageble; but as the enemy were 
 to the leeward, and the head of the Essex towards him, Cap- 
 tain Porter still had a faint hope of boarding. At this moment 
 Lieutenant Downes of the Essex Junior, came on board to 
 receive the last orders of Captain Porter, expecting every 
 moment when he would be a prisoner or a corpse. The ser- 
 vices of the Essex Junior could now be of no avail. Captain 
 Porter therefore directed him to return to his own ship, and 
 be prepared for defending or destroying her. The slaughter 
 on board the Essex now became horrible ; the enemy con- 
 tinued to rake her while she could not bring a gun to bear 
 upon him. Still her commander, with an obstinacy that bor- 
 dered on desperation, kept up the ho|)elcss conflict. As a 
 last expedient, a hawser was bent to the sheet anchor, and 
 the anchor cut from the bows to bring the ship's head round ; 
 this succeeded, and the broadside of the Essex was again 
 brought to bear; as the enemy were much crippled, Captain 
 Porter thought he might drift out of gun-shot before he dis- 
 covered that the Essex was anchored. The hawser parted, 
 the Essex drifted towards the enemy, and her last hope 
 failed. She had taker 6re several times during the action, 
 
188 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 9. 
 
 i 
 
 and was at this moment on fire both fore and aft ; the flames 
 were bursting up each hatchway; a large quantity of pow- 
 der below had exploded, attended with the cry that the mag- 
 azine was on fire. Captain Porter turned his attention to 
 rescuing as many of his brave crew as possible; finding his 
 distance from the shore did not exceed three quarters of b 
 mile, he hoped many would be able to save themselves, 
 should the ship blow up ; his boats had been cut to pieces, 
 but he directed as many of his men as could swim to make 
 for the shore ; some peached it, some were taken by the 
 enemy, and many perished in the attempt; most of the crew 
 however, preferred remaining on board the ship, and sharing 
 the fate of their gallant commander. Renewed exertions were 
 now made to extinguish the flames, which finally succeeded, 
 and the firing recommenced, but the crew were so weakened 
 that all further resistance was evidently fruitless. On sum- 
 moning the officers of divisions for consultation. Captain Por- 
 ter found only Lieutenant M'Knight remaining. Accounts 
 from every part of the ship were deplorable, representing her 
 in a most shattered and crippled condition, in imminent dan- 
 ger of sinking, and so crowded with the wounded and dying, 
 that even the birth-deck could hold no more ; and many were 
 killed while under the operations of the surgeon. All thi 
 carpenter's gang were either killed or wounded ; one of them, 
 who had been over the side to stop the leaks, had his slings 
 shot away, and with the utmost difiiculty saved himself from 
 drowning. In the mean time it had become calm, and from 
 the smoothness of the water, and the secure distance at which 
 the enemy lay, he was enabled to keep up a constant fire, 
 aiming with coolness and certainty, as at a target, and hulling 
 her with every shot. At twenty minutes past six, Captain 
 Porter gave the painful order to strike the colours. This 
 not being immediately perceived, the firing continued for 
 about ten minutes, Captain Porter concluding that they meant 
 to give no quarter, was about to rehoist his flag, and fight 
 until bis ship sunk, when the firing on the part of the British 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 189 
 
 ceased, and the ship was taken possession of by the enemy* 
 During the action, Mr. Poinsett, the American consul at Val- 
 paraiso, called on the governor to protect the Essex, and 
 maintain the neutrality of the port, with the guns of the fort*, 
 the governor replied, that he would send an officer to request 
 Commodore Hillyer to cease firing, but should not use force 
 under any circumstances. This sanguinary and obstinately 
 fought battle, was in the presence of the whole population 
 of Valparaiso, and the neighbouring couQtry. Thousands of 
 spectators covered the neighbouring heights; some of the 
 shot fell among the crowd, who, in the eagerness to gratify 
 their curiosity, ventured doWn on the beach. Touched with 
 the forlorn situation of the Essex, and filled with admiration 
 at the persevering bravery of her crew, a generous anxiety 
 ran through the multitude for her fate ; shouts of delight arose, 
 when by any vicissitude of battle, or prompt expedient, a 
 chance seemed to turn up in her favour; and the eager spec- 
 tators were seen to wring their hands, and utter groans ot 
 sympathy, when the transient hope was defeated, and the 
 gallant little frigate once more become an unresisting object 
 of deliberate slaughter. The crew of the Essex at the com- 
 mencement of the action, consisted of 355 men; 58 were 
 killed, 65 wounded, and 31 missing; at the close of the action 
 there were only seventy-five men on board capable of duty. 
 The crew of the Phebe consisted of 320, and of the Cherub 
 of 180 men.* The capturing force in il :i< &nd guns, was 
 double the captured. Although a valuable ship and a brave 
 crew were lost in the capture of the Essex, yet such consum- 
 mate skill and bravery were displayed in the defence, as fully 
 maintained the honour of the nation, and rendered the Amer- 
 ican navy formidable to their enemies. 
 
 Return of Commodore Porter. An arrangement was made 
 between the two commanders, that the Essex Junior should 
 be disarmed, neutralized, and equipped at the expense of the 
 
 i ^1 
 
 "^v 
 
 Captain Porter's letter to the secretary of the nary. 
 
190 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR/ 
 
 CHiK g. 
 
 ;!«* 
 
 AmcrJcan government, and being furnished with a passport 
 to protect her from British cruisers, proceed with the prison- 
 ers on parole, to the United States. In pursuance of ihlK 
 arrangement, Captain Porter, with the remains of his crew, 
 commenced the voyage. On the 5th of July, oflf the coast of 
 Longvlsland, he was stopped by the British ship Saturn ; his 
 papers examined, and he allowed to proceed. Standing in the 
 same course with the Saturn, he was again brought to about 
 two hours aflerwards, his papers re-examined, and his ship 
 overhauled and detained. On Captain Porter's remonstrat- 
 ing against these proceedings, he was told that Commodore 
 Hillyer had no authority to make such an arrangement, and 
 that it would not be regarded. At seven o'clock the next 
 morning, the ships being then about forty miles from land, 
 off the east end of Long-Island, and Captain Porter seeing no 
 prospect of his ship's being released, and considering him- 
 self discharged from his parole by this detention, in contra- 
 vention of it, ordered his boat to be lowered down, manned 
 and armed, into which he threw himself, and reached the 
 shore in safety. The inhabitants strongly suspecting him to 
 be an English officer, closely interrogated, and were about 
 to arrest him; his story appeared so extraordinary, that they 
 were disposed to discredit it, but on showing his commis- 
 sion, all doubts were removed, and they treated him 
 with the most enthusiastic attention. On his arrival at 
 New- York, the people took his horses from the carriage, and 
 amid the huzzas of the citizens, conveyed him to his lodgings. 
 The Essex Junior was soon after liberated, and arrived at 
 New-York. 
 
 Result of the Naval War m 1813. During the season of 
 1813, numerous privateers issued from the various ports in 
 the United States, and harassed and captured British com- 
 merce in every direction. ' The public and private armed 
 vessels of the United States, within the year 1813, captured 
 and sent into port, or destroyed at sea, four hundred and seven- 
 teen British ships, and estimating them at an average of forty 
 
 |i! 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Itl 
 
 thousand dollars, *\e loss to the British trade and naviga- 
 tion amounted to sixteen and a half millions of dollars. 
 Owing to the greater caution of the British in combating 
 with the American navy, the latter had made no captures of 
 British frigates to add to their trophies ; yet the valour dis- 
 played in every rencontre, fully supported that high character 
 which they had acquired the preceding year. The strict 
 blockade of the sea-board this season, interrupted all commu- 
 nication by water ; travelling and transportation between the 
 cities on the coast was altogether by land. The hazards, 
 inconveniencies, and expenses, of such an intercourse, led to 
 an investigation and devolopment of the facilities and re- 
 sources of the country for canal navigation, and laid the 
 foundation for very important and lasting improvements. 
 
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 Mobile occ 
 ties remc 
 United iJ 
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 Georgia 
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 Extent 
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 CHAFTEll X. ' 
 
 Mobile occupied; annexed to the MissiMfiippi Territory. — Spanish authori- 
 ties removed to PeDsacola. — ISouthcrn Indians. — Methods taken by the 
 United States to civilize them. — Visited by Tecumsch. — Instigated to 
 War.— Massacre at Fort Mimnis. — Proceedings in Tennessee and 
 Georgia relating to the Creek War. — Tennessee Forces under Gen- 
 eral Jackson. — Battle at Tallushatchos. — Tallageda. — Destruction of 
 the Hillabcc Towns by General White. — Proceedings of the Georgia 
 Forces under General Floyd. — Battle at the Autossec Towns. — Bat- 
 tle at Camp Defiance. — General Claiborne's Expedition against Ecca- 
 nacbaca. — Battle. — ^Term of service of General Jackson's Volunteen 
 expires. — Most of them leave him. — His Army recruited. — His first 
 Expedition to the Great Bend of the Tallapoosa. — Battle. — Returns 
 to Fort Strothcr. — Battle at Enotachopeo Creek. — Second Expedition 
 
 to the Great Bend. — Battle. — End of the Creek War. — ^Trcaty. 
 
 Rapid settlement of the Country by the Whites. • r ' '"► ;?«ii 'ilil« 
 
 Extent of Louisiana. The treaty by which France sold 
 to the United Slates a district of country under the name of 
 Louisiana, contained no definite boundaries. The mouth of the 
 Mississippi and the Island of Orleans, were first discovered 
 and occupied by a Frenchman of the name of La Salle ; in 
 consequence of which, his sovereign Louis XIV. claimed all 
 the country northward of it to his Canada possessions, west- 
 ward to the Pacific ocean, and eastward indefinitely until it 
 came in contact with countries already occupied by other 
 European powers, and gave it the name of Louisiana. This 
 instrument, the United States claimed, conveyed to them a 
 country extending eastward of the Mississippi to the Perdido 
 river, thirty miles easterly of Mobile bay, and westerly to the 
 Pacific ocean, comprehending a much larger portion of 
 country than the original United States. Spain, from whom 
 this territory had been recently wrested by France without 
 an equivalent, contended that it embraced only the city and 
 
 -■■■■':. .^ »7 
 
194 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap, lo. 
 
 island of Orlf^ans, and a limited territory on the west bank 
 of the river. There being no common arbiter to decide 
 this question, the party best able to assert its pretensions 
 must prevail, and the other submit. For some time after 
 the ratification of the Louisiana treaty, no formal possession 
 of the contested territory was taken by the American gov- 
 ernment, and the national authorities seemed to oscillate be- 
 tween the right of Spain and that of the United States. Idq. 
 perious circumstances, however, at length called upon the 
 President to adopt decisive measures, and induced him to 
 give orders to the governor of Louisiana for the occupation 
 of the contested district; anxious however, to avoid any col- 
 lision with foreign powers, he restricted him to such parts of 
 ihe territory as were in a revolutionary state, and directed 
 him not to molest the regular Spanish authorities. Under 
 these orderS; Governor Claiborne excluded the town Mobile 
 and the adjacent country from the American jurisprudence, 
 and the courts and revenue office of the United States were 
 established at Fort Stoddard, within their acknowledged 
 jurisdiction. On the eve of a war with Great Britain it be- 
 came important that this place should not be in the possession 
 of her friend and ally, as by means of its waters an easy 
 communication was opened with the hostile Indians of the 
 south-west. , - ' 
 
 li Occupation of Mobile, With these views a law was passed 
 in May 1812, annexing the country west of the Perdido, and 
 south of the 31st degree of latitude, including the district of 
 Mobile, to the Mississippi territory ; establishing the territorial 
 laws, and granting them a representation in the provincial 
 legislature. The Spanish garrison was required to leave 
 the district. After a long course of negotiation with the 
 governor of Pensacola, he refused to remove the garrison ; 
 and General Wilkinson, the commanding officer at New-Or- 
 leans, was ordered to take possession. On the 37ih of 
 March, ke ordered Commodore Shaw to send a detachment 
 of gun-boats to take possession of the bay of Mobile, and 
 
 if.-' 
 
1913. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 195 
 
 cut off all communication with Pcnsacola ; and Lieutenant 
 Colonel Boycr, then stationed with a respectable force at 
 Fort Stoddard, on the Mobile river forty-four miles above its 
 mouth, to be in readiness to march down on Mobile at a day^s 
 notice. Having made these previous arrangements, the 
 General left New-Orleans on the 29th, and embarked on 
 board the schooner Alligator. The troops destined for the 
 expedition were ordered to rendezvous at the pass Christian. 
 On the 30th, the weather being calm, and the Alligator una- 
 ble to proceed, the general left the schooner, and took a 
 barge, which upset in the lake in fifteen feet water, and the 
 general and his suit lay on the keel for some time without any 
 prospect of relief; two vessels passed, but did not observe 
 them : at length the wreck was discovered by some Spanish 
 fishermen, who came to the relief of the half-drowned and 
 famished party. They towed them on shore, righted the 
 boat, and the general again embarked with his boatmen, and 
 reached 'Petit Coquille at midnight. The next day an ex- 
 press was sent to Colonel Boyer to fall down the river and 
 occupy the bank opposite the town. The troops embarked 
 from their general rendezvous on the 7th, arrived in the 
 bay of Mobile on the 12th of April, and landed near the 
 fort at two o'clock in the morning of the next day. The 
 sound of their bugles, as they were preparing to march up in 
 front of the fort, was the first notice which the Spanish com- 
 mandant had of Geneial Wilkinson's approach. At noon 
 six hundred men appeared in column in front of the fort, and 
 demanded its surrender. A short negotiation between the 
 general and commandant took place, which ended in the 
 evacuation of the fort on the 15th, and the removal of the 
 Spanish authorities to Pensacola. ' ' ^"9 
 
 Southern Indians. The southern Indians, immediately 
 northward of this district, inhabit the Mississippi territory, 
 bounded on th^ north by the state of Tennessee, eatt by 
 Georgia, south by the Floridas, and west by the Missiisippt, 
 twing about three hundred miles square. The soil and cli- 
 
 ;j^. 
 
 i' 
 
 it 
 
 
196 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 ClUP. IV. 
 
 mate are (^qual to any in the United States. The Indian pop- 
 ulation, comprehending the Creek, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and 
 Cherokee nations, is estimated at 60,000, and their warriors 
 at about 6,000, and are as numerous as all the other tribes in 
 the United States, east of the Mississippi.* This population 
 is in a semi-civilized state, approaching much nearer in their 
 manners, customs, and modes of living, to the whites, that any 
 other Indian nation. The American government early turned 
 their attention to these people, and established an agency 
 among them, for the purpose of furnishing them with the 
 implements of husbandry, domestic manufacture, and 
 other necessaries, and instructing them in the arts of civilized 
 life. Under the judicious superintendence of Colonel Haw- 
 kins, they had long been kept in peace, and induced to turn 
 their attention from hunting, to the cultivation of the soil. 
 Many of them were regular farmers, and possessed stocks of 
 cattle, horses, and swine. Their women were taught to spin 
 and weave; intermarriages with the whiles were frequent, 
 from which had sprung a race of half-breeds, which had 
 established an important and useful chain of connexion 
 bietween the white and red inhabitants of the territory. The 
 direct communication between Louisiana, and the Atlantic 
 states was through this country, and the mails between the 
 city of Washington, and New-Orleans, were regularly estab- 
 lished on this route. Surrounded on three sides by the white 
 population of the United States, and numerous white settle- 
 ments in the heart of their country, their safety, and even 
 existence, depended on the preservation of peace. Sensible 
 of this, they were ready, when any of their people had com- 
 mitted depredations or murders on the border inhabitants, to 
 give them up to be punished ; and whenever they suffered 
 by trespasses from the whites, instead of revenging themselves, 
 they presented their complaints to the American authorities, 
 ■who readily listened to, and redressed their injuries. At the 
 
 * Dr. Morse. 
 
 -^■[4 
 
J81D. .If ; 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 19f 
 
 trading -houses established at various posts in their territory, 
 under the direction of Colonel Hawkins, they were enabled 
 to exchange at a fair price, their peltry, for articles suited to 
 their wants. From this peaceful and happy state, they were 
 most unfortunately seduced to take a part in the war. The 
 British authorities early perceived that a war with the south- 
 ern Indians, would cause a powerful diversion of the forces 
 destined to the northern frontier, interrupt the chain of com- 
 munication between Louisiana and the eastern states, and 
 cause such a desolation on the southern frontier, as in their 
 view, would greatly promote the objects of the war. By 
 means of runners, a constant intercourse was kept up between 
 the Indians of the south and the north-west. This species of 
 intercourse is common to all the Indian nations, and among 
 many of them is as regular as the mails of the United States. 
 The runner goes with incredible swiftness, carries, and deliv- 
 ers his messages laconically but correctly, receives the 
 answers, and returns with the same speed. They are every 
 where well received and entertained; the news they carry 
 always compensating their entertainers. In time of war, the 
 privileges of a flag are considered as attached to the runners. 
 So regular and uninterrupted was this species of communica- 
 tion, that the Indians of the south were much earlier, and 
 more correctly informed of the events of the campaign of 
 1812, on the north-western frontier, than their neighbouring 
 white inhabitants. . 
 
 Indian War in the South, Tecumseh, the celebrated 
 Shawanee chief, and British ally, appeared among the In- 
 dians of the south, attended their councils, and by every art of 
 persuasion endeavoured to induce them to join in a league 
 with their red brethren of the north, and with the aid of the 
 British, to extirpate the whites. With peculiar adroitness, he 
 availed himself of the assistance of their prophets, and of the 
 prevalent fanaticism, to induce them to believe that the Great 
 Spirit had ordered the destruction of the whites, and the re- 
 possession of their country by the red men. The capture of 
 
 i if 
 
' 
 
 """^ 
 
 ' i- 
 
 I 
 
 
 »e8 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. Chap. lo. 
 
 Detroit, and the successes of the British and Indians in the 
 Dorth-west, in the year 1812, gave full credit to such repre- 
 sentations. Thus wrought upon, and liberally supplied with 
 the implements of war by the British, through the channel of 
 the Floridas, a large majority of the Creek nation, by far the 
 most numerous of the southern Indians, and a considerable 
 portion of the other tribes, were induced to commence hostili- 
 ties against the United States. Several murders and rob- 
 beries were committed, and the perpetrators refused to be 
 given up; evident appearances of hostility were now every 
 where visible. Alarm and consternation prevailed among the 
 while inhabitants; those of the Tensaw district, a considera- 
 ble settlement on the Alabama, fled for safety to fort Mimms 
 on that river, sixteen miles above fort Stoddard. The place 
 was garrisoned by one hundred and fifty volunteers of the 
 Mississippi territory, under Major Beasly. The inhabitants 
 collected at the fort, amounted to about three hundred. 
 
 Massacre at Fort Mimms. At eleven o'clock in the fore- 
 noon of the 30th of August, a body of Indians to the amount of 
 six or seven hundred warriors, issued from the adjoining 
 wood, and approached the fort ; they advanced within a few 
 rods of it before the alarm was given. As the centinel cried 
 out, "Indians," they immediately gave a war-whoop, and 
 rushed in at the gate before the garrison had time to shut it. 
 This decided their fate. Major Beasly was mortally wounded 
 at the commencement of the assault ; he ordered his men to 
 secure the ammunition, and retreat into the house; he was 
 himself carried into the kitchen, and afterwards consumed in 
 the flames. The fort was originally square, but Major Beasly 
 had enlarged it by extending the lines upon two sides about 
 fifty feet, and putting up a new side, into which the gate was 
 removed; the old line of pickets were standing, and the 
 Indians on rushing in at the gate, obtained possession of the 
 outer part, and through the port holes of the old Hne of pick- 
 ets, fired on the people who held the interior. On the oppo- 
 site side of the fort was an offset or bastion made round the 
 
 ,^k"--: 
 
 women at 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 •199 
 
 back gate, which being open on the outside, was occupied by 
 the Indians, who, with the axes that lay scattered about, cut 
 down the gate. The people in the fort kept possession of 
 the port-holes on the other lines, and fired on the Indians who 
 remained on the outside. Some of the Indians ascended the 
 block-house at one of the corners, and fired on the garrison 
 below, but were soon dislodged ; they succeeded, however, 
 in setting fire to a house near the pickets, which communi- 
 cated to the kitchen, and from thence to the main dwelling- 
 house. When the people in the fort saw the Indians in full 
 possession of the outer court, the gate open, the men fast 
 falling, and their houses on flames, they gave up all for lost, 
 and a scene of the most distressing horror ensued. Thfe 
 women and children sought refuge in the upper story of the 
 dwelling-house, and were consumed in the flames, the Indians 
 dancing and yelling round them with the most savage delight. 
 Those who were without the buildings were murdered and 
 scalped without distinction ofage or sex; seventeen only esca- 
 ped. The battle and massacre lasted from eleven in the forenoon 
 until six in the afternoon, by which time the work of destruction 
 was fully completed, the fort and buildings entirely demol- 
 ished, and upwards of four hundred men, women, and chit- 
 dien, massacred.* . V^ 
 
 This event spread consternation and dismay through all 
 the neighbouring settlements ; the inhabitants fled with the 
 utmost precipitation, without taking any means of subsistance 
 to fort Stoddard, Mobile, and other places, where they 
 deemed themselves safe from the fury of the savages. Their 
 dwellings and property were left a prey to the Indians, who 
 plundered and laid waste the adjacent country to a great 
 extent, without opposition. „ *^*/; 
 
 Exertions of the States of Georgia and Tennessee, These 
 unexpected and calamitous events excited the most lively 
 sensations in the neighbouring states of Tennessee and Geor- 
 
 
 * Judgfe Toulmin's letterv 
 
 im' 
 
200 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Cmkr. (0. 
 
 .i 1 
 
 ■- 
 
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 • 
 
 ■i 
 
 
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 t 
 
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 ■ i '■ 
 
 ■< ■' i' 
 
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 X, 
 
 
 
 
 
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 i 
 
 gia, and led to prompt and spirited exertions. Eighteen 
 hundred volunteers under the command of General Floyd, 
 were immediately organized, equipped, and marched into the 
 southern section of the Creek nation from the state of Georgia, 
 The legislature of Tennessee were in session when the news 
 arrived. They immediately passed an act authorizing the 
 governor to raise thirty-five hundred men, for the purpose of 
 protecting the inhabitants of the Mississippi territory, giving 
 security, to their own borders, and repelling the incursions of 
 the Indians. Three hundred thousand dollars were ordered 
 to be raised, and appropriated to defray the expenses. 
 ' The Tennessee forces were commanded by generals Jack- 
 son and Cocke. The governors of the two states immedi- 
 ately communicated their proceedings to the war department. 
 Their measures were approved by the executive, and the 
 troops placed upon the United States establishment. 
 
 Destruction of the Tallushatches. The infatuated Creeks 
 were now doomed to atone in the most exemplary manner 
 for the massacre at fort Mimms, and their subsequent 
 ravages. The first object to which the troops under Gen- 
 eral Jackson were directed, was their encampments at the 
 Tallushatches towns, on the Coosa river, a northern branch 
 of the Alabama. On the 2d of November, General Coifee 
 was detached with a part of his brigade of cavalry, and a 
 corps of mounted riflemen, amounting to nine hundred, against 
 this assemblage. He arrived on the morning of the third, 
 and encircled the encampment with his cavalry; when he had 
 approached within half a mile, the Creeks sounded the war- 
 whoop, and prepared for action. Captain Hammond's and 
 Lieutenant Patterson's companies advanced within the circle 
 and gave a few shots for the purpose of drawing out the 
 enemy. The Creeks formed and made a violent charge. 
 Captain Hammond, according to his orders, gave way, and 
 was pursued by the Indians, until they met the right column, 
 which gave them a general fire, and then charged. The 
 Indians immediately retreated within and behind their build- 
 
181-3. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATK WAU. 
 
 201 
 
 iiigs, and fought with desperation; but their destruction was 
 soon accomplished. The soldiers rushed up to the doors of 
 their houses, broke them open, and in a few minutes killed 
 ihe last warrior of them : not one escaped to carry the news, 
 None asked for quarters, but fought as long as they could 
 stand or sit, and met death in various shapes without a gruan. 
 Two hundred warriors were killed, eighty-four women and 
 children taken prisoners and discharged ; of General Coffee's 
 troops five only were killed, and forty-one wounded. ^ 
 
 General Jackson established his head-quarters at the Ten 
 Islands on the Coosa, and fortified his position, giving it the 
 name of Camp Strother. On the evening of the 7lh of No- 
 vember, a runner arrived from the friendly Indians at the 
 Tailageda fort, thirty miles below on the same river, giving 
 information that the hostile Creeks had encamped in great 
 force near that place, and were preparing to destroy it, ear- 
 nestly soliciting immediate assistance. General Jackson 
 determined on commencing his march the same night, and 
 despatched a runner to General White, informing him of his 
 movement, and urging him to hasten his march to camp Stro- 
 ther, to protect it in his advance. He had previously ordered 
 General White to form a junction with him as speedily as 
 possible, and received his assurances that he would be with 
 him on the 7th. General Jackson immediately commenced 
 crossing the river at the Ten Islands, leaving his baggage 
 wagons and whatever might retard his progress in the camp, 
 and halted at midnight within six miles of the Tailageda. 
 Here a runner arrived with a note from General While in- 
 forming him that he had altered his course, and was on his 
 march back to join General Cocke at the mouth of the 
 Chataga. v'^:; ^ ; ■ > 
 
 Battle of Tailageda. It was then too late for the general to 
 change his plan of operations, or make any new arrangements. 
 He renewed his march at three o'clock, and at sun-rise, came 
 within half a mile of his enemy, whom he found encamped a 
 quarter of a mile in advance of the fort. He immediately form- 
 
2\)2 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAH. 
 
 CUAP. 10. 
 
 ed the line oi' battle ; the iniiitia on the left, the VGluntccrs on 
 the right, and the cavah-y on the wings ; and advanced in a 
 curve, keeping his rear connected with the advance of the 
 infantry line, so as to enclose the enemy in a circle. The 
 advance guard met the attack of the Indians with intrepidity, 
 and having poured upon them four or five rounds, fell back 
 to the main body. The enemy pursued, and were met by 
 the front line. This line was broken, a^d several companies 
 of militia retreated. At this moment a corps of cavalry un- 
 der Lieutenant Colonel Dyer, which was kept as a reserve, 
 were ordered to dismount and fill the vacancy. The order 
 was promptly executed, the militia soon rallied, and returned 
 to the charge. The fire now became general along the first 
 line and the contiguous wings. The Indians fled, and were 
 met and pursued in every direction. The right wing followed 
 them with a destructive fire to the mountains, three miles dis- 
 tant. Two hundred and ninety of their warriors were found 
 dead, and a large number killed in the pursuit, who were 
 not found. General Jackson lost fifteen men killed, and 
 eighteen wounded. In consequence of the failure of General 
 White to proceed to camp Strother, General Jackson was 
 obliged to give up further f)ursuit, and immediately return to 
 his camp to protect his sick, '^vounded, and baggage. 
 
 The Tennessee militia and volunteers called into service 
 at the commencement of the Creek war, consisted of two 
 divisions, one of West Tennessee, commanded by General 
 Jackson, and the other of East Tennessee, commanded by 
 Major General Cocke. Major General Thomas Pinckney, 
 of the United States array, was commander in chief of the 
 military district within which these troops were raised and 
 employed, and in that capacity, had the general direction ot 
 their operations, after they were taken into the United States 
 service. General Jackson, as senior major general of the 
 Tennessee forces, claimed the right of commanding the whole 
 that were in service. General Cocke, of the East Tennessee 
 division, considered himself as possessing a command inde- 
 
 .h 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE F^ATE WAR. 
 
 20.3 
 
 pendent of General Jackson. This circumstance produced 
 a collision in the orders, and the embarrassment to which 
 General White, who commanded a brigade in General Cocke's 
 division, was subject ; while General Jackson ordered hint 
 10 march to camp Strother, to protect it in his absence, Gen- 
 eral Cocke ordered him to march in a contrary direction and 
 attack the Hillabee towns, distant from fort Armstrong one 
 hundred miles. 
 
 Destruction of the Hillabee Towns. General White con- 
 sidered himself bound to obey the latter order, and the 1 1 th 
 of November marched with the mounted infantry, cavalry, 
 and a corps of friendly Cherokee Indians, to Oakfusky, 
 where he took five hostile Creeks who had been sent out as 
 spies, and burned a small village. On the 1 7th, he arrived 
 within six miles of the Hillabees, the object of his expedi- 
 tion; and early in the morning of the 18th, surrounded and 
 completely surprised the town, killed sixty warriors, took 
 two hundred and fifty-six pi'isoners, and returned to fort Arm- 
 strong, without the loss of a man, either killed or wounded. 
 
 General Floyd'^s Operations. While the Tennessee forces 
 were performing these operations in the northern sections of 
 the Creek country, the Georgia troops under General Floyd 
 entered their territory from the east. The general, having 
 received information that a number of hostile Indians had 
 assembled at the Auiosee towns, on the southern bank of the 
 Talapoosa, eighteen miles from the Hickory ground, and 
 twenty above the junction of that river with the Coosa, pro- 
 ceeded to that place with a corps of nine hundred and fifty 
 militia, and four hundred friendly Indians; and on the morn- 
 ing of the 29th of November, at half past six, appeared in 
 line of battle, in front of the principal town. The Indians 
 presented themselves at every point, and fought with despe- 
 rate fury. The well directed fire of the artillery, and the 
 charge of the bayonet, soon drove them from the ground, and 
 obliged them to take shelter in the copses, thickets, and out- 
 houses in rear of the town. Many concealed themselves in 
 
 nri 
 
JO'l 
 
 lll6«'OKY OF THE LATE WAK. 
 
 I'hai'. lit. 
 
 " I 
 
 raves prrviously provided as places of retreat, along the 
 high bluffs on the river, which were thickly covered with 
 reeds and brush-wood. The friendly Indians were divided 
 into four companies, under leaders of their own choice, and 
 directed to cross Canhabee creek, and occupy that flank to 
 prevent escapes from the Tallisce town, situated about one 
 hundred rods below the Autosee. Instead of obeying this 
 order, soon after the action commenced, most of them throng. 
 ed in disorder into the rear of the lines ; but the Covetaii;, 
 under M'Intosh, and the Tookabotchians, under Mad Dog's 
 Son, joined the flanks of the militia, and fought with a bravery 
 equal to disciplined troops. At nine o^clock the Indians were 
 completely driven from the plain, and the houses of both 
 towns were in flames. Warriors from eight towns had 
 assembled at Autosee, which their prophets had taught them 
 to believe was holy ground, on which no white man could 
 tread without inevitable destruction. Four hundred build- 
 ings were burned, some of which were of a superior cast for 
 the dwellings of savages. The loss of the Indians was esti- 
 mated at two hundred killed ; among whom were the Autosee 
 and Tallisee kings. The number of wounded could not be 
 ascertained, as they were taken oflf by their friends, but must 
 have been very considerable. General Floyd was severely 
 wounded, and Adjutant General Newman slightly. The 
 whole loss of the Georgians was eleven killed, and fifty-four 
 wounded. The friendly Indians lost several killed and 
 wounded, but their loss was not great, as most of them sought 
 places of safety at the commencement of the action. From 
 the Autosee towns. General Floyd, after resting several days, 
 proceeded to camp Defiance, fifty miles further to the west, 
 into the enemy's country. At this place, at 5 o'clock in the 
 morning of the 2d of January, his camp was assailed by a 
 desperate band of hostile Indians, who stole unobserved upon 
 the centinels, fired on them, and immediately rushed on the 
 lines. In twenty minutes the troops were formed in order of 
 battle, and th? action became general. The front and both 
 
Diia. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 20.^ 
 
 flanks were closely pressed at once ; but the skilful conduct 
 of the officers, and iirmness of the men, repulsed the enemy 
 at every point The incessant fire of Captain Thomases 
 artillery, and Adams's riflemen, preserved the front line. Both 
 these companies suffered greatly. Captain Broadnax, who 
 commanded one of the piquet-guards, maintained his post with 
 great bravery until the enemy gained his rear, and then cut 
 his way through them to the lines. Timpoche« Barnard, a 
 half-breed, at the head of the Uchies, distinguished himself, 
 uiid contributed to the relief of the piquet-guard. Most of 
 the other friendly Indians took refuge within the lines, and 
 remained inactive spectators of the contest. As soon as it 
 had become light enough to distinguish objects. Majors Wat- 
 son's and Freeman's battalions wheeled up at right angles 
 with Majors Booth's and Cleaveland's, and made a vigorous 
 charge. The enemy fled in every direction before the bayo- 
 net. The signal was then given for the cavalry to charge, 
 which was executed with great effect. The Indians left 
 thirty-seven dead on the field, and from the war-clubs, head- 
 dresses, and trails of blood found in various directions, their 
 whole loss must have been muck greater. The friendly 
 Indians, with Merriwether's and Ford's rifle companies, and 
 Hamilton's cavalry, pursued them through Caulabee swamp^ 
 where ihey were trailed by their blood. In the first onset 
 Adjutant General Newman received three balls, which pre- 
 vented his further service in the action. General Floyd's 
 loss was seventeen killed, and one hundred and thirty 
 wounded ; of the friendly Indians five were killed, and fifleen 
 wounded.* 
 
 General Claiborne^ s Operations. On the 13th of Decem- 
 ber, General Claiborne marched a detachment of volunteers, 
 from fort Claiborne, on the east bank of the Alabama, eighty- 
 five miles above fort Stoddard, with a view of destroying some 
 towns of the Creeks above the mouth of the Cahawba. He 
 
 ♦ General Ftoyd*8 letter. 
 
 ••-jf ri*f\ t'j 
 
:20U 
 
 HISTORY OF TH£ LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. to. 
 
 r 
 
 proceeded up the river one hundred and ten miles, ulien hr 
 arrived at a newly-erected town, called Eccanachuca, or 
 holy ground, occupied by a large body of Indiana under l\w 
 command of the noted chief Witherford, who coniniandrd at 
 the massacre at fort Mimms. On the 33d, at noon, the right 
 wing, commanded by Colonel Carson, commenced the attack 
 on the enemy, who had been apprised of General Claiborne's 
 approach, and judiciously chosen his ground. Before the 
 centre arrived so as to join in the action, the Indians fled in 
 all directions, leaving thirty dead in the field. A pursuit vras 
 immediately ordered, but owing to the nature of the country, 
 nothing was effected. The town was nearly surrounded by 
 swamps and deep ravines, which rendered the approach diifi- 
 cult, and facilitated the escape of the enemy. A large quan- 
 tity of provisions, and property of various kinds was found, 
 which, together with the town, consisting of two hundred 
 houses, was destroyed. The next day was employed in 
 destroying another town, eight miles further up the river, and 
 in taking and destroying the enemy's boats. Eccanachaca 
 was built after the commencement of hostilities, as a place of 
 safety for the inhabitants of several villages ; and was the 
 residence of their principal prophets, Witherford, Francis, 
 and Singuister. Three of the Shawanee, or Tecumseh's tribe, 
 from the north, were found among the slain. General Clai- 
 borne had one killed, and six wounded. At this town was 
 found a letter from the governor of Pensacola, directed to 
 Witherford, and the other chiefs, congratulating them on their 
 success at fort Mimms, encouraging them to continue the 
 war, and promising them presents, arms, and munitions 
 from Havana. ^i 
 
 Tennessee Volunteers, The Tennessee volunteers, under 
 General Jackson, had been raised, equipped, and received 
 into service by virtue of an act of Congress of the Gth of 
 February, 1812, which provides, "That the President may 
 accept the services of such volunteers, as offering themselves 
 to an amount not exoeeding fifty thousand, who shall be 
 
 %■ 
 
I81S. 
 
 HISTORY OF TH£ LATE WAR. 
 
 207 
 
 liable to be called upon to do military duty at any time 
 within two years from the time their services arc accepted, 
 and shall be bound to contmue in service for the term of 
 twelve months after they shall have arrived at the place of 
 rendezvous, unless sooner discharged. " These volunteers 
 were first ordered to rendezvous af Nashville, in the state of 
 Tennessee, on llic 1 0th of Dercmber, 1812. From thence 
 they were ordered down the Mississippi, and to encamp at 
 the Natchez, and wait the further order of (jlovernment. On 
 the 5lh of January following, two days before the departure 
 of the troops from Nashville, an order issued from the war 
 department, directing their immediate discharge, and all the 
 public property in the possession of General Jackson to be 
 delivered to General Wilkinson. This order was not com- 
 municated to General Jackson until some time after his arri- 
 val at the Natchez. The troops under his command had jusl 
 accomplished a tedious winter voyage down the Mississippi, 
 of five hundred miles, and were settling themselves in winter- 
 quarters, when the orders were received by which they were 
 to be there disbanded, and left to make their way home 
 through a wilderness of five hundred miles, without pay, or 
 the means of subsistence. General Jackson refused a com- 
 pliance with this order, and retained the troops in service 
 until they could be marched back to Nashville, with suffi- 
 cient provisions, and means for that purpose. The troops 
 arrived at Nashville on the 1st of May following, and were 
 there discharged; having performed a tedious winter voyage 
 of five hundred miles, and a still more tedious countermarch 
 of the same length for no possible beneficial purpose. The 
 object of this expedition, and the reasons why the orders for 
 discharging the troops were not sooner communicated to Gen- 
 eral Jackson, and what provision was to be made for their 
 return from the Natchez, if the order had been complied with, 
 have never been explained by the secretary of war. Gen- 
 eral Jackson's conduct was approved, and the pay and sub>^ 
 sistence of the troops continued until their discharge at Nash- 
 
 ^ 
 
2on 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 CiiAP< hi. 
 
 M 
 
 ville. The same troops were again called into service earlv 
 in Octobei 1813, under General Jackson, to oppose the; 
 Creeks. After their return from the battle of Tallageday they 
 claimed that their term of service would expire on the lOth 
 of December, 1813, being twelve months from the time of 
 their first rendezvous at Nashville. General Jackson ex- 
 hausted all the arts of persuasion to induce them to continue 
 in service a longer period; he by no means admitted their 
 claim to be discharged, contending that they were bound to 
 continue in actual service one year out of the two, if re- 
 quired ; but waiving that question, the disbanding the troops 
 at this period would expose the Mississippi territory, and 
 the frontier inhabitants of Tennessee and Georgia to certain 
 destruction. The Creeks, though severely chastised, werr 
 by no means subdued. They were then collecting in large 
 numbers, at various points in the territory, and when they 
 found this army disbanded, would renew their ravages with 
 increased fury. These considerations had but little effect; 
 most of his army left him on or soon after the 10th of Decem- 
 ber, their places however were partially supplied by newly 
 raised volunteers. 
 
 On the 17th of Jaiuiary, 1814, General Jackson finding 
 himself in a situation to commence further offensive opera- 
 tions, marched from his encampment at fort Strother witii 
 nine hundred volunteers, who were soon afterwards joined by 
 three hundred friendly Indians, against an assemblage of 
 Creeks at the Great Bend of the Tallapoosa. On the even- 
 ing of the 21st, he fell upon a large trail, which indicated 
 the neighbourhood of a strong force. At eleven o'clock at 
 night, his spies came in and informed him tha^ there was a 
 large encampment of Indians at about three miles distance, who 
 from their war-whoops and dances appeared to be apprised 
 of bis approach, and would either commence a night attack 
 upon him, or make their escape. Having received this in* 
 telligence, General Jackson put himself in readiness to meet 
 an attack, or pursue them as soon as daylight appeared. 
 
■\ f 
 
 m'3. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 209 
 
 Battle at the Tallapoosa, At six o'clock in the morning a 
 vigorous attack was made upon his left Hank, which sus- 
 tained it with bravery ; the action continued to rage at that 
 point, and on the left of the rear, for half an hour. As soon 
 as it became light enough to pursue, the left wing was rein- 
 forced by Captain Ferril's company of infantry, and led on 
 10 the charge by General Coffee. The enemy were com- 
 pletely routed at every point; and the friendly Indians joined 
 in the pursuit, they were thascd about two miles with great 
 slaughter. The chase being over, General Coffee was de- 
 tached to burn their encampment, but finding it fortified, he 
 returned to the main body for artillery. Half an hour after 
 his return, a large force appeared and commenced an attack 
 upon the right flank. General Coffee was permitted, at his 
 own request, to take two hundred men and turn the enemy's 
 left, but by some mistake only fifty-four followed him ; with 
 these he commenced an attack on their left ; two hundred of the 
 friendly Indians were ordered to fall upon the enemy's right, 
 and co-operate with the general. The Creeks intended this 
 attack upon Jackson's right as a feint, and expecting to find 
 his left weakened, directed their main force against that 
 quarter ; but General Jackson, perceiving the object of the 
 enemy, had directed that flank to remain firm in its position, 
 and at the first momen. of attack they were supported by the 
 reserve under Captain Ferril. The whole line met the ap- 
 proach of the enemy with vigour, and after a few fires, made 
 a bold and decisive charge. The Creeks fled with precipi- 
 tation, and were pursued a considerable distance with a de- 
 structive fire. In the meantime General Coffee was contend- 
 ing on the right with a superior force ; the friendly Indians 
 who had been ordered to his support, seeing the enemy 
 routed on the left, quit their post and joined in the chase. 
 That being over, Jim Fife, with the friendly Indians, was 
 again ordered to support General Coffee; as soon as he 
 reached him, they made a decisive charge, routed the enemy, 
 and pursued him three miles. Forty-five cf the enemy's slain. 
 
 27 
 
 . f 
 
"1 
 
 210 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap, lo 
 
 
 I 
 
 were found. General Coffee was wounded in the body, and 
 his aid Colonel Donaldson, and three others slain. The next 
 day General Jackson commenced his return march to foit 
 Strother. His men and horses were exhausted, and he was 
 not furnished with either provisions or forage for a longer 
 slay. The enemy, supposing they had defeated the general, 
 hung on his rear; and in the morning of the 24th, as he was 
 on the point of crossing Enotachopeo creek, the front guard 
 having crossed with part of the flank columns and the wound- 
 ed, and the artillery just entering the water, an attack com- 
 menced on ihe rear. The main part of the rear guard precipi- 
 tately gave way, leaving only tv,enty-five men under Colonel 
 Carrol, who maintained their ground as long as possible. 
 There then remained on the left of the creek to meet the 
 enemy, the remnant of the rear guard, the artillery company, 
 and Captain Russell's company of spies. Lieutenant Arm- 
 strong, of the artillery, immediately ordered them to form and 
 advance to the top of the hill, while he and a few of his men 
 dragged up a six pounder, amid a most galling fire from more 
 than ten times their numbers. Arrived at the top they form- 
 ed, and poured in upon their assailants a fire of grape, and 
 at length made a charge and repelled them. Lieutenant 
 Armstrong, Captains Hamilton, Bradford, and M'Govock, fell 
 in this rencontre. By this time a considerable number had 
 re-crossed the creek and joined the chase ; Captain Gordon 
 of the spies, rushed from the front and partially succeeded in 
 turning the enemy's left flank. The Creeks now fled in the 
 greatest consternation, throwing oflf their packs, and every 
 thing that retarded their flight, and were pursued for more 
 than two miles. Twenty-six of their warriors were left dead 
 on the field. GeneralJackson's loss, in the several engage- 
 ments of the 22d and 24th, was twenty-four killed, and seven- 
 ty wounded. Judge Cocke, one of General Jackson's 
 volunteers, entered the service at the age of sixty-five, was 
 foremost in this engagement, continued the pursuit with 
 youthful ardour, and saved the life of one of his fellow-sol- 
 
 ■:-j. , 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 ^211 
 
 diers by slaying his antagonist. In all the rencontres, one 
 hundred and eighty-nine of the Creek warriors were found 
 slain. A very seasonable diversion had been made in favour 
 of the operations of General Floyd on the eastern boundary 
 of the enemy. After the battle of the 24lh, General Jackson 
 was enabled to return to fort Strothcr without further moles- 
 tation. 
 
 The Creeks encouraged by what they considered a victory 
 over General Jackson's forces in the battles of the 22d and 
 24th of January, continued to concentrate their forces, and 
 fortify themselves at the Great Bend of the Tallapoosa. 
 This river forms the north-eastern branch of the Alabama. 
 Several miles above its junction with the Coosa, is a curve in 
 the river in the form of a horse-shoe, called by the whites 
 the Great Bend, and by the Indians Emucsau. The penin- 
 sula formed by the bend, contains about one hundred acres, 
 and the isthmus leading to it, is about forty rods across ; at the 
 bottom of the peninsula is the village of Tohopisca, con- 
 taining about two hundred houses. On this peninsula, the 
 Indians from the adjoining districts had concentrated their 
 forces, to the amount of one thousand warriors, with ample 
 stores of provisions and ammunition, and had fortified them- 
 selves with great skill ; having thrown up a breastwork, con- 
 sisting of eight tier of logs, with double port-holes across the 
 isthmus, so that an assailing enemy might be opposed by a 
 double and cross fire by the garrison, who could lie in perfect 
 safety behind their works. 
 
 Battle at the Great Bend, On the 1 6th of March, General 
 Jackson, having received considerable reinforcements of vol- 
 unteers from Tennessee, and friendly Indians, left fort Stro- 
 ther with his whole disposable force, amounting to about 
 three thousand of every description, on an expedition against 
 this assemblage of Indians. He proceeded down the Coosa 
 sixty miles to the mouth of Cedar creek, where he estabhshed 
 a post called fort Williams, and proceeded on the 24th across 
 the ridge of land dividing the waters of the Coosa from the 
 
•if 
 
 01 2 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 10. 
 
 Tallapoosa; and arrived at the Great bend on the morning 
 of the 27th, having the three preceding days opened a pas- 
 sage through the wilderness of fifty-two miles. "On the 26th 
 he passed the battle-ground of t'le 22d of January, and left 
 it three miles in his rear. General Coffee was detached with 
 seven hundred cavalry, and mounted gunmen, and six hun- 
 dred friendly Indians, to cross the river below the bend, 
 secure the opposite banks, and prevent escape. Having 
 crossed at the Little Island ford, three miles below theJ Taend, 
 his Indians were ordered silently to approach and line the 
 bank of the river; while the mounted men occupied the 
 adjoining heights, to guard against reinforcements, which 
 might be expected from the Oakfusky towns, eight miles 
 below. Lieutenant Bean at the same time was ordered to 
 occupy Little Island, at the fording-place, to secure any that 
 might attempt to escape in that direction. In the mean time, 
 General Jackson, with the artillery and infantry, moved on in 
 slow and regular order to the isthmus, and planted his guns 
 on an eminence one hundred and fifty yards in front of the 
 breastwork. On perceiving that General Coffee had com- 
 pleted his arrangements below, he opened a fire upon the 
 fortification, but found he could make no other impression 
 with his artillery than boring shot-holes through the logs. 
 General Coffee's Indians on the bank, hearing the roaring 
 of the cannon in front, and observing considerable confusion 
 on the peninsula, supposing the battle to be nearly won, 
 crossed over and set fire to the village, and attacked the 
 Creeks in the rear. At this moment General Jackson ordered 
 an assault upon the works in front. The regular troops, led 
 by Colonel Williams, accompanied by a part of the militia of 
 General Dougherty's brigade, led on by Colonel Russell, pre- 
 sently got possession of a part of the works amid a tremen- 
 dous fire from behind them. The advance guard was led by 
 Colonel Sisler, and the left extremity of the line by Captain 
 Gordon of the spies, and Captain M'Marry of General John- 
 son's brigade of West Tennessee militia. The battle for a 
 
ifirj. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 i>13 
 
 short time was obstinate, and fought musket to musket through 
 the port-holes; when the assailants succeeded in getting pos 
 session of the opposite side of the works, and the contest 
 ended. The Creeks were entirely routed, and the whole 
 margin of the river strewed with the slain. The troops under 
 General Jackson, and General Coffee's Indians, who had 
 crossed over into the peninsula, continued the work of de- 
 struction as long as there was a Creek to be found. General 
 Coffee, on seeing his Indians crossing over, had ordered their 
 places to be supplied on the bank by his riflemen ; and every 
 Indian that attempted to escape by swimming the river, or 
 crossing the Little Island below, was met and slain by Gen- 
 eral Coffee's troops. The battle, as long as any appearance 
 of resistance remained, lasted five hours ; the slaughter con- 
 tinued until dark, and \<ras renewed the next morning, when 
 sixteen more of the nnfoftunate savages were hunted out of 
 their hiding-places and slain. Five hundred and fifty-seven 
 warriors were found dead on the peninsula ; among whom was 
 their famous prophet Manahell, and two others, the principal 
 instigators of the war; two hundred and fifty more were esti- 
 mated to have been killed in crossing the river, and at other 
 places, which were not found. General Jackson's loss was 
 twenty-six white men, and twenty-three Indians, killed; 
 and one hundred and seven white men, and forty-seven 
 Indians, wounded. 
 
 Submission of the Creeks, This decisive victory put an end 
 to the Creek war. In the short period of five months from 
 the first of November to the first of April, two thousand of 
 their warriors, among whom were their principal prophets 
 and kings, had been slain, most of their towns and villages 
 burned, and the strong places in their territory occupied by 
 the United States troops. After this battle, the miserable 
 remnant of the hostile tribes submitted. Witherford, the 
 principal surviving chief and prophet, who led the Indians at 
 fort Mimms, accompanied his surrender with this address to 
 General Jackson. 
 
 i 
 
 J 
 
<•« ?, 
 
 I? i 
 
 k 
 f E 
 
 214 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap, lo. 
 
 " I fought at fort Mimms — I fought the Georgia army— 1 
 did you all the injury I could. — Had I been supported as 1 
 was promised, 1 would have done you more. But my war- 
 riors are all killed. I can fight no longer. I look back with 
 sorrow that I have brought destruction upon my nation. I 
 am now in your power. Do with me as you please. 1 am a 
 soldier." 
 
 A war with savages is necessarily attended with many 
 circumstances distressing to the feelings of humanity. The 
 Indian, having no means of supporting or confining his pris- 
 oner, knows no other mode of ridding himself of the burden, 
 but by plunging the tomahawk into his head \ and the Ameri- 
 cans can no otherwise effectually prevent the savages from 
 repeating their massacres, than by laying waste their villages, 
 destroying their provisions, and compelling the surviving 
 warriors to flee with their women and children into the wilder- 
 ness beyond the reach of the whites. 
 
 The brilliant success with which this war was conducted 
 and terminated, cast a mantle over its tragic scenes. The 
 slaughter of unresisting warriors, and the burning of defence- 
 less villages, marked much of its progress. To the enemy 
 indeed no apology is necessary ; the massacre at fort Mimms, 
 and the subsequent ravages of the surrounding country, would 
 justify a war of extermination; and the unhappy victims can 
 alone condemn the British and Spanish authorities by whose 
 intrigues they were induced to engage in this fatal contest. 
 The plea of necessity goes far towards justifying the mode 
 in which this war was conducted in the view of all. The 
 savage warrior, who is suffered to escape, lives only to renew 
 his ravages. The bold and decisive measures of General 
 Jackson, in the conduct of this war, have probably prevented 
 its ever being renewed by the same tribes, and struck a gen- 
 eral dread among the surrounding nations. Though these 
 considerations may justify the general mr !? in which the war 
 was copducted, yet it is impossible to find a sufficient apology 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 115 
 
 for hunting out and butchering sixteen warriorii, on the day 
 after the last battle. " '" ""-"''' ■ "^^ 
 
 Soon after this victory, the Georgia forces, under General 
 Floyd, formed a junction with those of Tennessee, and on 
 the 20lh of April, General Pinckney arrived at Fort Jack- 
 son, where the Tallapoosa and Coosa rivers uniting, form 
 the Alabama, and assumed the command of all the forces in 
 the Mississippi territory. New detachments of mihtia were 
 ordered in to garrison the fortresses established in the Creek 
 nation, and General Jackson and the Tennessee volunteers 
 returned to Fayetteville and were discharged. 
 
 General Jackson and Colonel Hawkins were soon aftcr- 
 ;vanls appointed commissioners to settle a peace with the 
 Creeks ; and on the 1 Olh of August concluded a treaty, dic- 
 tated altogether by the United States commissioners. The 
 Creeks yielded up a valuable portion of their territory to 
 defray the expenses of the war; they conceded the privileges 
 of opening roads through their country, and navigating their 
 rivers, and stipulated to hold no further intercourse with the 
 British or Spanish posts, and to deliver up all the property or 
 persons of the whites, or friendly Indians in their possession. 
 On the part of the United States, the companies agreed to 
 guarantee their remaining territory, to restore all their pris- 
 oners, and in consideration of their destitute situation, to fur- 
 nish them gratuitously with the necessaries of life until they 
 could provide for themselves. 
 
 The Creek war led to a rapid settlement of their country 
 by the whites. The introduction of a large military force 
 from Georgia and Tennessee, opened the country to the vie^ 
 of those armies, and made them acquainted with the fine lands 
 on their rivers. By the treaty of the 10th of August, 1814, a 
 large portion of their country was obtained, and by a subse- 
 fjuent treaty, another large tract of the Mississippi territory 
 was exchanged by them for lands west of the Mississippi, on 
 the Arkansaw. At the commencement of the Creek war in 
 1813, the number of white inhabitants in the whole territory 
 

 216 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. lu. 
 
 1 
 
 1 ■■ 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 t 1 
 
 1 
 
 did not exceed twenty thousand. Within seven years from 
 that period, they increased tenfold ; and the same territory 
 then formed two respectable states, and contained a white 
 population of two hundred thousand."*^ 
 
 * Census of 1820. 
 
 / 
 
 \ I 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Siege oi' Port Meigs.— Arrival of General Clay to its Relief.— Defeat 
 and Capture of Colonel Dudley's Detachment.— Siege raised.— Gen- 
 eral Harrison's Measures for the Defence of the Lake Erie Frontier. 
 >-*Gallant Defence of Fort Stephenson.— -Address of the Ladies of 
 Chilicothe to Major Crogan.— The Reply.— Preparations for building 
 a Navy on Lak6 Erie.— Naval Dep6t at the Town of Erie.— Commo- 
 dore Perry appointed to the Command ; superintends the building a 
 Fleet; anchors at Put-in-Bay. — Naval Battle.— Complete Victory 
 of the Americans. Proctor determines to abandon Maiden. — Re- 
 monstrance of the Indians. — 'Speech of Tecumseh.— Harrison pre- 
 pares to invade Canada ; re-occupies Detroit ; pursues Proctor up 
 the Thames.- Battle of the Moravian Towns.— Defeat and Capture 
 of Proctor's Army.-^-Capture of his Baggage and Papers. — Death of 
 Tecumseh.^-Di8solution of the Indian Confederacy. — Effects of the 
 Victory. 
 
 Siege of Port Meigs* After the defeat and capture of Gene- 
 ral Winchester and his army at the river Raisin, General Harri- 
 son established his advanced post at the foot of the Miami ra- 
 pids, enclosing about eight acres with strong pickets, and es- 
 tablishing batteries at the most commanding points. This po- 
 sition was selected as being convenient for keeping open a 
 communication, and receiving reinforcements and supplies 
 from Kentucky, and the settled parts of the state of Ohio ; 
 and at the same time affording the best station for protecting 
 the borders of lake Erie, re-capturing Detroit, and carrying 
 the war into the British territories : it was denominated fort 
 Meigs, in hononr of the zeal and talents of the governor of 
 Ohio. The Miami of the lake is formed by the St. Marys, 
 which comes from the south, and the St. Josephs, which 
 rises in the Indiana territory. These rivers unite at fort Wayne, 
 near the west line of the state of Ohio : from this point the 
 river assumes the name of Miami, and runs a north-easterly 
 
 28 
 
-V 
 
 218 
 
 JIISTORY OV THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Cair. H. 
 
 direction, about fifty miles to fort Winchester, formerly fort 
 Defiance, where it receives the waters of the Auglaize from 
 the south. Thence it continues the same course forty miles 
 further to the rapids, and after passing a short distance below 
 fort Meigs on the left, and the ruins of a small village on the 
 right, and embracing a large island, falls into the Miami bay, 
 opposite the site of an old British fort, eighteen miles from 
 lake Erie. The rapids terminate at fort Meigs, three miles 
 above the head of the bay. On the breaking up of the ice 
 in lake Erie, General Proctor with all his disposable force, 
 consisting of regulars and Canadian militia from Maiden, and 
 a large body of Indians nnder their celebrated chief Tecum- 
 seh, amounting in the whole to two thousand men, laid seige 
 to fort Meigs. To encourage the Indians, he had promised 
 them an easy conquest ; and assured them that General Har- 
 rison should be delivered up to Tecumseh. On the 26th of 
 April, the British columns appeared on the opposite bank of 
 the river, and established their principal batteries on a com- 
 manding eminence opposite the fort. On the 27th, the Indians 
 crossed the fiver, and established themselves in the rear of 
 the American lines. The garrison, not having completed 
 their wells, had no water exce> .t what they obtained from the 
 river, under a constant firing of the enemy. On the first, 
 second, and third of May, their batteries kept up an incessant 
 shower of balls and shells upon the fort. On the night of 
 the third, the British erected a gun and mortar battery on the 
 left bank of the river, within two hundred and fifty yards of 
 the American lines. The Indians climbed the trees in the 
 neighbourhood of the fort, and poured in a gallant fire upon 
 the garrison. In this situation General Harrison received a 
 summons from Proctor for a surrender of the garrison, greatly 
 magnifying his means of annoyance ; this was answered by a 
 prompt refusal, assuring the British general that if he obtained 
 possession of the fort, it would not be by capitulation. Ap- 
 prehensive of such an attack. General Harrison had made the 
 governors of Kentucky and Ohio minutely acquainted with 
 
itx^ 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE Whx 
 
 31^ 
 
 his situation, and staled to them the necessity f i nifo*' e- 
 nents for the relief of fort Mnigs. Mis rc(jui<sii. 'n« had 1» ?•*! 
 zealously anticiptatcd ; and Gencr I Clay was at this momtni 
 descending the Miami with twelve hundred Kentuckians for 
 fais relief* 
 
 Arrival of Succours. At twelve o'clock in the night of the 
 fourth, an officer arrived from General Clay, with the t'cI- 
 come intelligence of his approach, stating that he was just 
 above the rapids, and could reach him in two hours, and 
 requesting his orders. Harrison determined on a general 
 sally, and directed Clay to land eight hundred men on the 
 right bank, take possession of the British batteries, spike 
 their cannon, immediately return to their boats, and cross 
 over to the American fort. The remainder of Clay's force 
 were ordered to land on the left bank, and fight their way to 
 the fort, while sorties were be made from the garrison in 
 aid of these operations. Captain Hamilton was directed ta 
 proceed up the river in a periauger, land a subaltern on the 
 left bank, who should be a pilot to conduct General Clay to 
 the fort; and then cross over and station his periauger at the 
 place designated for the other division to land. General 
 Clay, having received these orders, descended the river in 
 order of battle in solid columns, each officer taking position 
 according to his rank. Colonel Dudley, being the eldest in 
 command, led the van, and was ordered to take the men in 
 the twelve front boats, and execute General Harrison's orders 
 on the right bank. He efTectied his landing at the place 
 designated, without difficulty. General Clay kept close 
 along the left bank until he came opposite the place of Colo- 
 nel Dudley's landing, but not finding the subaltern there, he 
 attempted to cross over and join Colonel Dudley ; this was 
 prevented by the violence of the current on the rapids ; and 
 he again attempted lo land on the left bank, and effected it 
 with only fifty men amid a brisk fire from the enemy on shore, 
 and made his way to the fort, receiving their fire until within' 
 the protection of its guns. The other boats under the com- 
 
 
I 
 
 220 
 
 HISTORY OF TIfE LATE WAR. 
 
 Csjkp. 11. 
 
 iai3> 
 
 # 
 
 mand of Colonel Boswcll, were driven further down the cur- 
 rent, and landed on the right to join Colonel Dudley. Hrru 
 they were ordered to rc-cmbark, land on the left bank, and 
 proceed to the fort. In the mean lime two sorties were madr 
 from the garrison, one on the left, in aid of Colonel Boswcll, 
 by which the Canadian militia and Indians were defeated, and 
 he enabled to reach the fort in safety, and one on the right 
 against the British batteries, which was also successful. 
 
 Defeat of Colonel Dudley, Colonel Dudley, with his de- 
 tachment of eight hundred Kentucky militia, completely suc- 
 ceeded ill driving the British from their batteries, and spiking 
 the cannon. Having accomplished this object, his orders 
 were peremptory to return immediately to his boats, and 
 cross over to the fort; but the blind confidence which gen- 
 erally attends militia when successful, proved their ruin. 
 Although repeatedly ordered by Colonel Dudley, and warned 
 of their danger, and called upon from the fort to leave the 
 ground ; and although there was abundant time for that pur- 
 pose, before the British reinforcements arrived ; yet they 
 commenced a j^ursuit of the Indians, and suffered themselves 
 to be drawn into an ambuscade by some feint skirmishing, 
 while the British troops and large bodies of Indians were 
 brought up, and intercepted their return to the river. Elated 
 with their first success, they considered the victory as already 
 gained, and pursued the enemy nearly two miles into the 
 woods and swamps, where they were suddenly caught in a 
 defile, and surrounded by double their numbers. Finding 
 themselves in this situation, consternation prevailed ; their line 
 became broken and disordered, and huddled together in un- 
 resisting crowds, they were obliged to surrender to the mercy 
 of the savages. Fortunately for these unhappy victims of 
 their own rashness, General Tccumseh commanded at this 
 ambuscade, and had imbibed, since his appointment, more 
 humane feelings than his brother Proctor. After the surren- 
 der, and all resistance had ceased, the Indians, finding five 
 hundred prisoners at their mercy, began the work of massacre 
 
1013. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 231 
 
 with tb€ most savage delight. Tccumseh sternly forbade it, 
 and buried his tomahawk in the head of one of his chiefs who 
 refused obedience. This order accompanied with this deci- 
 sive manner of enforcing it, put an end to the massacre. Of 
 eight hundred men, only one hundred and fifty escaped. The 
 residue were slain, or made j)risoner3. Colonel Dudley was 
 sevfTcly wounded in the action, and afterwards tomahawked 
 and scalped. 
 
 Siege raised. Proctor, seeing no prospect of taking the fort, 
 and finding his Indians fast leaving him, raised the siege on 
 the 9th of May, and returned with precipitation to Maiden. 
 Tecumsch and a considerable portion of the Indians remained 
 in service ; but large numbers left it in disgust, and were 
 ready to join the Americans. On the left bank, in the several 
 sorties of the 5th of May, and during the scige, the American 
 loss was eighty-one killed, and one hundred and eighty-nine 
 wounded. General Harrison having repaired the fort, and 
 committed its defence to General Clay, repaired to Frank- 
 iinton to organize the new levies, and systematize a plan of 
 defence for the Erie frontier. At lower Sandusky he met 
 Governor Meigs at the head of a large body of Ohio volun- 
 teers, pressing on to his relief, and gave him the pleasing 
 intelligence, that the siege was raised. The volunteers were 
 there discharged with the warmest acknowledgments of the 
 governor and general, for their promptness and zeal in march* 
 ing to the relief of fort Meigs, 
 
 Defence of the Erie Frontier. At this period the situa- 
 tion of the settlements bordering on lake Erie, was peculiarly 
 alarming; the British and Indians were in superior force at 
 the head of the lake, and having the perfect command of the 
 navigation, could strike at any point within twenty miles of 
 the shore, in forty-eight hours, perfoiTO their work of destruc- 
 tion, and secure themselves on board their shipping before 
 any succours could arrive. Tecumseh and Proctor seem to 
 have been selected with peculiar judgment for such a workt 
 Probably two more fit instruments could not have been found 
 
 '*^- 
 
 t 
 
332 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. lo. 
 
 I 
 
 li 
 
 in the whole British service. Not a dwelling or a village 
 within twenty miles of the lake shore could be considered for 
 a single night as safe form conflagration. The difficult and 
 important task of defending this frontier, and retrieving the 
 losses occasioned by the cowardice of General Hull, and the 
 precipitancy of General Winchester, put to the severest test 
 the bravery, skill, and judgment of General Harrison ; his 
 first measure was to ascertain with certainty what was to be 
 depended on from the neighbouring Indians. For this pur- 
 pose he held a council at Franklinton on the 21st of June, 
 with fifty of the chiefs of the Delaware, Shawanee, Wyandot, 
 and Seneca tribes ; and stated to them that the crisis had 
 now arrived in which they must take a stand either for or 
 against the United States. As guarantees of their fidelity, 
 they must either remove with their families into the settle- 
 ments of the whites, or their warriors must accompany him lo 
 the field. The chiefs and warriors unanimously agreed to 
 the latter. The general then informed them, that all who 
 accompanied him must conform to his mode of warfare, and 
 never injure or destroy old men, women, children, or prison- 
 ers. He further stated to them, that, as General Proctor 
 had stipulated to deliver him to Tecumseh, had he succeeded 
 in taking fort Meigs, he would now engage to deliver Gen- 
 eral Proctor into their hands, on condition that they would do 
 him no other harm than to dress him in squaw's clothes, ob- 
 serving that none but cowards and squaws would kill a pris- 
 oner. 
 
 The general's next measure was to establish posts near 
 the lake shore at the most exposed points, and within sup- 
 porting distances of each other ; with this view fort Stephen- 
 son was established at lower Sandusky, on the river, within 
 eighteen miles of its ^entrance into the bay, and forty from fort 
 Meigs. The defence of it was intrusted to Major George 
 Crogan, one of the Kentucky volunteers, who had accom- 
 panied General Clay as his aid, and was now detached from 
 fort Meigs, with one hundred and fifty of his comrades, on 
 
1313. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 223 
 
 this service. General Harrison, afterwards finding he couH 
 spare no greater force for the defence of this place, and 
 viewing it as untenable, ordered it to be demolished, and the 
 garrison to retire to upper Sandusky. On receiving this 
 order, the young hero immediately repaired to head-quarters, 
 and gave the General such evidence of his abihty to sustain 
 aii attack as induced him to rescind the order. Soon after 
 his return to the fort, the valour of Major Crogan and his 
 corps was put to the severest test. 
 
 Assault on Fort Stephenson, On the 1st of August, Gen- 
 eral Proctor with twelve hundred men, appeared on the river 
 approaching the fort. The brave little band in the garrison 
 saw the river covered with boats, fraught with men, arms, and 
 artillery, as far as the eye could reach, slowly advancing in 
 order of battle, to the attack and as the British supposed, cer- 
 tain destruction, of the fort. Just out of reach of the artillery 
 of the fort, which consisted only of one six pounder, the Gen- 
 eral landed his troops, took possession of all the avenues of 
 escape, planted his batteries in commanding positions, and 
 summoned the garrison to surrender, greatly magnifying his 
 forces, and stating as usual, that if the fort was taken by 
 storm it would not be in his power to prevent a massacre. 
 The reply was a determined refusal, and this brave corps of 
 heroic youth, their commander being only twenty-one, and 
 his associates of about the same age, in the face of eight times 
 their number, prepared for death or victory. When the flag 
 returned, it was dark, and a heavy and incessant firing com- 
 menced and continued through the night, both from the gun- 
 boats in the river, and the batteries on shore. The garrison 
 was protected by pickets eighteen feet high, with bayonets 
 nailed at the top, and pointing horizontally, and at the foot o^ 
 the pickets by a ditch six feet in width and depth. The 
 firing during the night had but little effect; early in the morn- 
 ing another battery was opened within two hundred and fifty 
 yards of the pickets, and the fire directed to the north-west 
 angle, which appeared to be the weakest point. This Major 
 
i\ i 
 
 224 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. \\, 
 
 Crogan secured by hanging over the pickets bags of sand and 
 flour, so that Uttle injury was sustained from the balls. Hav- 
 ing continued the fire from the batteries until four in the after- 
 noon, General Proctor, finding that no material effect was pro- 
 duced, ordered an assault upon the northwest angle. A 
 column of five hundred men advanced amid such a firing and 
 cloud of smoke, that they were not discovered until within 
 about twenty paces of the ^vorks. At the same time two 
 feints were made on the front of Captain Hunter's lines. The 
 assailants were thrown into some confusion by a well directed 
 fire from the garrison, but soon rallied, and rapidly advancing, 
 began to leap the ditch ; at this moment a fire of grape 
 opened from their six pounder, which had been concealed, 
 ancl^was now so placed as to rake the ditch in the direction 
 of the assailants; this, with an incessant fire of musketry, 
 broke their ranks, and induced a precipitate retreat to the 
 woods. During the whole time of the assault, which lasted 
 thirty minutes, a constant and heavy fire was kept up from 
 the batteries. 
 
 Repulse, Colonel Short, who commanded the regulars. 
 composing the forlorn hope, having formed his line parallel 
 with the works, ordered his men to leap the ditch, cut down 
 the pickets, and give the Americans no quarters; at that 
 moment he received a mortal wound in the body, fell into the 
 ditch, hoisted a flag on the end of his sword, and begged for 
 that mercy which he had a moment before ordered to be 
 denied to his enemy. Fifty-two dead, dying, and wounded 
 were left in the ditch ; the groans of the wounded, and their 
 constant cries for water, excited the compassion of the gar- 
 rison to such a degree, that they were induced to supply them, 
 though at the risk of their lives, as a constant firing was kept 
 up from the batteries during the night. At three in the morn- 
 ing, the brave youth in the garrison had the satisfaction to sec 
 the assailing foe quit the ground, re-embark, and proceed 
 down the river, leaving behind them seventy stands of arms, 
 several braces of pistols, and a boat loaded with clothing and 
 
It 13. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 22« 
 
 inililiry stores. Their loss was estimated at one huudred and 
 fitly. One lieutenant colonel, one lieutenant, and fitly rank 
 and file, were found dead and woUnded in front of the worko. 
 The remainder of the wounded were taken off by the Indians 
 (luring the night. The American loss was one killed, and 
 seven wounded. This defeat was the more humiliating to 
 General Proctor, as it was accomplished by a small band of 
 raw soldiers, commanded by an inexperienced youth. To the 
 border inhabitants it was highly important, as it secured them 
 from further Indian massacre, f'roctor's allies became dis- 
 affected, and left him in great numbers. The state of Ohio, 
 within whose limits this achievement was accomplished, more 
 immediately experienced its beneficial consequences. The 
 ladies of Chilicothe, imnoediately on hearing the news, pre- 
 sented their favourite hero with an elegant sword accompanied 
 with the following cai*d. 
 
 *^CHiucoTii£, August 13th, 1813. 
 "Sir, 
 
 " In consequence of the gallant defimce, which, under the 
 influence of Divine Providence, was effected by you and the 
 troops tiefder your commawd, of fort Stevenson, on Lower 
 Sandusky, on the second instant^ the undersigned, ladies of 
 Chilicothe, impressed with a high sense of your merits as a 
 soldier and a gentleman, and with great confidence in youp 
 patriotism and valour, present you this sword. 
 
 Major Georok Crooan." 
 
 
 To which they received the following reply; .= ?■ "^ " 
 
 t 4 J > ' _.,' "Lower Sakuuskv, August 25th, 1S13. 
 "Ladies or Chiucothk, .,: •' 
 
 " I have received the sword you was pleased to 
 j)rcscnt me as a testimonial of your approbation of my con- 
 duct on the second instant. A mark of distinction so flatter- 
 ing and so «nexpfe<ted, has excited feelings which 1 can- 
 not express ; yet while 1 return you thanks for the unmerited 
 
 ^a • , ... 
 
 .; •>■% 
 
 i- \ 
 
I ■ 
 
 2i.>6 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 11 
 
 gift you have thus bestowed, 1 feel well aware the good for- 
 tune, bought by the activity of the brave officers and soldiers 
 under my command, has raised in you expectations from my 
 funire efforts, which must, I fear, sooner or later be disap- 
 pointed. Still I pledge myself that my exertions shall be 
 such as never to cause you in the least to regret the honours 
 you have been pleased to confer on your youthful soldier. 
 
 " GEORGE CROGAN." 
 
 I: > 
 
 Such rewards of valour, so handsomely bestowed, excitetl 
 in the breasts of the youthful officers, the nursery of the army, 
 an ardour and emulation not to be extinguished or overcome. 
 
 The enemy appeared several times in the coarse of the 
 summer before fort Meigs, and threatened another seige, but 
 finding it well secured, made no attempt. After their defeat 
 at Sandusky, they made no further hostile movements of any 
 magnitude, until the subsequent events on lake Erie wholly 
 changed the complexion of affairs on this frontier. 
 
 Navy on Lake Erie, The original plan of operations in re- 
 lation to the western section of the Canadas was, to take the 
 countries bordering upon the upper lakes, which would have 
 superseded the necessity of a naval force upon those waters. 
 The small British naval power, being deprived of harbours, it 
 was expected would of necessity have fallen into the hands 
 of the Americans. The unexpected surrender of General 
 Hull and his army wholly frustrated this measure, and ren- 
 dered a superior force on lake Erie necessary for the defence 
 of the American territory bordering on the lake, as well as 
 for offensive operations in Canada. After the suiTender of 
 Detroit, government immediately turned their attention to this 
 object. Oliver H. Perry, a brave and accomplished young 
 officer, who had the command of a flotilla of gun-boats for 
 the defence of New- York, was designated to the command on 
 lake Erie. At this time, the United States possessed no naval 
 force on the lake ; the only vessels belonging to the govern- 
 ment werp captured at Detroit. The southern, or American 
 
 
1313. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 
 lake shore, is principally a sand beach, formed by the sedi- 
 ment of the lake driven upon the shore by the northerly 
 winds. There are but few harbours, and those encumbered 
 with bars at their entrance. At Presque Isle, within the 
 bounds of Pennsylvania, and ninety miles west of Bufihlo, 
 a peninsula extending a considerable distance into the lake 
 encircles a harbour, on the borders of which is built the vil- 
 lage of Erie. At this place Commodore Perry was directed 
 to repair, and superintend a naval establishment, the object 
 of which was to create a superior force on the lake. Tho 
 difficulties of building a navy in the wilderness can only !)0 
 conceived by those who have experienced them. There was 
 notliing at this spot out of which it could be built, but llie 
 timber of the forest. Ship-builders, sailors, naval stores, 
 guns, and ammunition, were to be transported by land over 
 bad roads a distance of four hundred miles, cither from Albaiiy 
 by the way of Buffalo, or from Philadelphia by the way of 
 Pittsburgh. Under all these embarrassments, by the first of 
 August, 1813, Commodore Perry had provided a flotilla, 
 consisting of the ships Lawrence and Niagara of twen- 
 ty guns each, and seven smaller vessels, to wit, one of 
 four guns, one of three, two of two, and three of one ; in 
 the whole fifty-four guns. While the ships were building, the 
 enemy frequently appeared off the harbour and threatened 
 their destruction, but the shallowness of the water on the bar, 
 their being but five feet, prevented their approach. The same 
 cause, which ensured the safety of the ships while building, 
 seemed to prevent their being of any service. The two 
 largest drew several feet more water than there was on the 
 bar. The inventive genius of Commodore Perry, however, 
 soon surmounted this difficulty ; he placed large scows on each 
 side of the two largest ships, filled them so as to sink to the 
 water edge, then attached them to the ships by strong pieces 
 of timber, and pumped out tiie water. The scows then 
 buoyed up the ships so as to pass the bar in safety. This 
 operation was performed on both the large ships, in the pres- 
 ence of a superior enemy. Havina; gotten his llcH't in roofli- 
 
 
 
 
?2S 
 
 inSTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap, ii 
 
 \[i\\i. 
 
 ncss, Commodore Perry proceeded to the head of the lake and 
 anchored in Put-in-Bay, opposite to, and distant thirty miks 
 from Maiden, where the British fleet lay under the guns of tho 
 fort. He lay at anchor here several days, watching the mo- 
 lions of the enemy, determined to give him battle the first fu- 
 vourablc opportunity. On the 10th of September at sunrise, the 
 British fleet, consisting of one ship of nineteen guns, one of 
 seventeen, one of thirteen, and one of ten, one of three, and 
 one of one, amounting to sixty-four, and exceeding the Ameri- 
 cans by ten guns, under the command of Commodore Barclay 
 appeared off Put-in-Bay, distant about ten miles. Commodore 
 Perry immediately got under weigh with a light breeze at 
 sout-hwest. At 10 o'clock, the wind hauled to the south-east 
 which brought the American squadron to the windward, and 
 gave them the weathergage. Commodo'e Perry, on board 
 the Lawrence, then hoisted his union jack, having for a motto 
 the dying words of Captain Lawrence, " Don't give vp the 
 s^y?," which was received with repeated cheers by the crew. 
 Mtval Battle, He then formed the line of battle, and bore 
 up for the enemy, who at the same time hauled his courses 
 and prepared for action. The lightness of the wind, occa- 
 sioned the hostile squadrons to approach each other but slow- 
 ly, and prolonged for two hours, the solemn interval of sus- 
 pense and anxiety which precedes a battle. The order and 
 regularity of naval discipline heightened the dreadful quiet of 
 the moment. No noise, no bustle, prevailed to distract the 
 mind, except at intervals, the shrill pipings of the boatswain's 
 whistle, or a murmuring whisper among the men, who stood 
 in groups around their guns, with lighted matches, narrowly 
 watching the movements of the foe, and sometimes stealing 
 a glance at the countenances of their commanders. In this 
 manner, the hostile fleets gradually neared each other in awful 
 silence. At fifteen minutes after eleven, a bugle was sound- 
 ed on board the enemy's head-most ship, Detroit, loud cheers 
 burst from all their crews, and a tremendous fire opened upon 
 the Lawrence, from the British long guns, which, from the 
 
 •«v, 
 
\l\3. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 2-21» 
 
 shortness of the Lawrence's, she was obliged to sustain for 
 forty minutes without being able to return a ihot. 
 
 Commodore Perry, without waiting for the other ships, kept 
 on his course in such gallant and determined style, that the 
 enemy supposed he meant immediately to board. At five 
 minutes before twelve, having gained a nearer position, the 
 Lawrence opened her fire, but the long guns of the British 
 still gave them greatly the advantage, and the Lawrence was 
 exceedingly cut up without being able to do but very little 
 damage in return. Their shot pierced her side in all direc- 
 tions, killing the men in the birth-deck and steerage, where 
 they had been carried to be dressed. One shot had nearly 
 produced a fatal explosion ; passing through the light room, 
 it knocked thesnufTof the candle into Ae magazine, fortunately 
 the gunner saw it, and had the presence of mind immediately 
 to extinguish it. It appeared to be the enemy's plan at all 
 events to destroy the commodore's ship ; their heaviest fire 
 was directed against the Lawrence, and blazed incessantly 
 from all their largest vessels. Commodore Perry, finding the 
 hazard of his situation, made all sail and directed the other 
 vessels to follow for the purpose of closing with the enemy. 
 The tremendous fire, however, to which he was exposed, soon 
 cut away every brace and bowline of the Lawrence, and she 
 became unmanageable. The other vessels were unable to 
 get up ; and in this disastrous situation she sustained the main 
 force of the enemy's fire for upwards of two hours, within 
 cannister distance, though a considerable part of the time not 
 more than two or three of her guns could be brought to bear 
 on her antagonist. The utmost order and regularity prevailed 
 during this scene of horror ; as fast as the men at the guns 
 were wounded, they were carried below, and others stepped 
 into their places ; the dead remained where they fell until 
 after the action ; at this juncture the enemy believed the 
 battle to be won. The Lawrence was reduced to a mere 
 wreck, her deck was streaming with blood, and covered with 
 the mangled limbs and bodies of the slain ; nearly the whole 
 
 '^: 
 
5230 
 
 HiaorORY OF THE LAT£ WAR. 
 
 QiAP. 11. 
 
 of her crew were either killed or wounded ; her guns were 
 dismounted, and the commodore and his officers helped to 
 work the last that was capable of service. At two, Captain 
 Elliott was enabled by the aid of a fresh breeze to bring his 
 ship into close action in gallant style : and the commodore im- 
 mediately determined to shift his flag on board that ship ; and 
 giving hig own in charge to Lieutenant YarncU, he hauled 
 down his union jack and taking it under his arm, ordered a 
 boat to put him on board the Niagara. Broadsides were lev- 
 elled at his boat, and a shower of musketry from three of tho 
 cnemy^s ships. He arrived safe and hoisted his union jack. 
 with the animating motto, on board the Niagara. Captain 
 Elliott by direction of the commodore, immediately put oif in a 
 boat to bring up the sehooners which had been kept back by 
 the lightness of the wind. At this moment the flag of the Law- 
 rence was hauled down ; she had sustained the principal force 
 of the enemy's Are for two hours, and was rendered incapa- 
 pable of defence. Any further show of resistance would 
 have been a useless sacriflcc of the relics of her brave and 
 mangled crew. The enemy were at the same time so crippled, 
 that they were unable to take possession of her, and circum- 
 stances soon enabled her crew again to hoist her flag. Com- 
 modore Perry now gave the signal to all the vessels for close 
 action. The small vessels, under the direction of Captain 
 Elliott, got out their sweeps, and made all sail. Finding the 
 Niagara but little injured, the commander determined upon 
 the bokl and desperate expedient of breaking the enemy's 
 line ; he accordingly bore up and passed the head of the two 
 «hips and brig, giving them a raking Are, from his starboard 
 guns, and also a raking Are upon a large schooner and sloop, 
 from his larboard quarter, at half pistol shot. Having gotten 
 the whole squadron into action, he luflcd up and laid his ship 
 alongside of the British commodore. The small vessels hav- 
 ing now got up within good grape and cannister distance on 
 the other quarter, enclosed their enemy between them and 
 the Niagara, and in this position kept up a most destructive 
 
it 13. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAK. 
 
 231 
 
 fire on both quarters of the British, until every sh'ip struck 
 her colours. 
 
 Victory, The engagement lasted about three hours, and 
 never was victory more decisive and complete. More pris- 
 oners were taken than there were men on board the American 
 squadron at the close of the action. The principal loss in 
 killed and wounded was on board the Lawrence, before the 
 other vessels were brought into action. Of her crew twenty- 
 iwo were killed, and sixty wounded. When her flag was 
 struck, but twenty men remained on deck fit for duty. The 
 loss on board of all the other vessels was only five killed, and 
 thirty-six wounded.* The British loss must have been much 
 more considerable. Commodore Barclay was dangerously 
 wounded. He had lost one arm in the battle of Trafalgar. 
 The other was now rendered useless, by the loss of a part of 
 his shoulder-blade ; he received also a severe wound in the 
 hip. 
 
 Commodore Perry, in his official despatch, speaks in the 
 highest terms of respect and commiseration for his wounded 
 antagonist, and asks leave to grant him an immediate parole. 
 Of Captain Elliott, his second in command, he says, " That he 
 is already so well known to the government, that it would be 
 almost superfluous to speak. In this action he evinced his 
 characteristic bravery and judgment, and since the close of 
 it has given me the most able and essential assistance." Not- 
 withstanding this high encomium of his commander, under 
 whose eye he acted during the whole engagement, this brave 
 officer has been accused of cowardice and disobedience of 
 orders, in not bringing his ship sooner into action. The bold 
 and desperate measure of pressing forward into action with 
 the Lawrence alone, and exposing her to the whole fire of the^ 
 enemy's fleet for two hours, before the other ships could be 
 got up, has been censured as rash, and not wan'anted by the 
 rules of naval war ; but there are seasons when the com- 
 mander must rely more on the daring promptness of his 
 
 Sr^' 
 
 * Commodore Ferry's letter to the Secretary of War. 
 
 •;*•■' .. 
 
 "•Vt' V ^U \/: 1 ■•..' ■■ ' 
 
 ■\ 
 
O 20 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 <-'«AJ'. II. 
 
 
 measures, than on nice calculations of comparotivc strength. 
 Neither Bonaparte nor Nelson ever stopped to measure accu- 
 rately the strength of the respective combatants. The result, 
 is the acknowledged and generally the best criterion of merit; 
 and it should not detract from the eclat of the successful 
 commander that his measures were bold and decisive. 
 
 Two days after the battle, two Indian chiefs who had been 
 selected for their skill as marksmen, and stationed in the tops 
 of the Detroit, for the purpose of picking off the American 
 officers, were found snugly stowed away in the hold of iho 
 Detroit. These savages, who had been accustomed to ships 
 of no greater magnitude than what they could sling on their 
 backs, when the action became wanil, were so panic-struck 
 at the terrors of the scene, and the strange perils that sur- 
 rounded them, that, looking at each other with amazement, 
 they vociferated their signiRcant quonh, and precipitately 
 descended to the hold. In their British uniforms hanging in 
 bags upon their famished bodies, they were brought before 
 Commodore Perry, fed, and discharged ; no further parole 
 being necessary, to prevent their afterwards engaging in the 
 contest. The slain of the crews of both squadrons were 
 committed to the lake immediately after the action. The nexi 
 day, the funeral obsequies of the American and British officers 
 who had fallen, were performed at an opening on the margin 
 of the bay, in an appropriate and affecting manner. The 
 crews of both fleets united in the ceremony. The stillness of 
 the weather — the procession of boats — the music — the slow 
 and regular motion of the oars, striking in exact time with the 
 notes of the solemn dirge — the mournful waving of the flags— 
 the sound of the minute-guns from all the ships — the wild and 
 solitary aspect of the place, gave to these funeral rites a most 
 impressive influence, and formed an affecting contrast with 
 the terrible conflict of the preceding day. Then the people 
 of the two squadrons were engaged in the deadly strife of 
 arms : now they were associated as brothers, to pay the last 
 tribute of respect to the slain of both nations. Two Amcri- 
 
 1 
 
 I.: 
 
 1, 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 233 
 
 can officers, Lieutenant Brooks, and Midshipman Laub, of 
 ilic Lawrence; and three British, Captain Finnis, and Lioii- 
 icnant Stoke of the Charlotte, and Lieutenant Garland of the 
 Detroit, lie interred by the side of each other, in this lonely 
 place, on the margin of the lake, a few paces from the beach. 
 
 This interesting battle was foufi;ht midway of the lake, be- 
 tween the two hostile armies, who lay on the opposite shores, 
 n-aiting in anxious expectation, its result. The allied British 
 and Indian forces to the amount of four thousand five hundred, 
 under Proctor and Tccumseh, were at Maiden ready, in case 
 of a successful issue, to renew their ravages on the American 
 borders. 
 
 General Harrisoii's Army. — General Harrison, with the 
 main body of the Americans, lay around Sandusky bay, and 
 at fort Meigs^J'preparcd in the event of success by the Ameri- 
 can squadron, to recover Detroit, and carry the war into 
 Canada. His army had lately received an important rein- 
 forcement of three thousand volunteers from Kentucky, with 
 Governor Shelby at their head. The valour and patriotism 
 of the citizens of that state, instead of being damped by the 
 loss of their comrades at the river Raisin, and fort Meigs, 
 glowed with increased ardour. Secure, in consequence of 
 her central situation, from invasion either by land or water, 
 Kentucky might have contented herself with bearing her pro- 
 portion of the public burthens, and answering occasional calls 
 of militia with little hazard to the lives of her citizens. But 
 instead of this cautious and prudent course, her sons in great 
 numbers, were found foremost in the ranks of volunteers in 
 distant expeditions. Colonel R. M. Johnson, who had been 
 a zealous advocate for the strongest war measures in Con- 
 gress, and to whom Mr. Randolph- had pledged himself the 
 preceding winter to follow to the tented field; immediately 
 on his reiurn from Congress opened a rendezvous at Lexing- 
 ton, raised a fine regiment of mounted volunteers, and accom- 
 panied Governor Shelby to the army of the north-west. With 
 these reinforcements the general found his army about six 
 
 30 
 
 ^i 
 
234 
 
 HISTORY OF Tin: LATL WAK. 
 
 Chai". II. 
 
 ihousainl slrotig, ntid anxious to n tripvr the losses of ih^ 
 past season. 
 
 C'ommo'lore IVrry, iKtvirig laiidrd liis pj'isoncrs rit San- 
 dusky, whence lliey were escorted under llio direclion oi 
 General Harrison to the depot of Chilicolhe, and made ccjuul 
 provision for the wounded of both s(|uadr()ns, prepared u, 
 lransj){)rl tlie army to Maiden. The Kentucky mounted vol- 
 unteers took the route by the western border of the lake to 
 Detroit, and passed the river Raisin at Frcnchiown, where, 
 in ihe January preceding, the army under General Winchcs- 
 Icr was captured and massacred. Here they halted for a day. 
 collected the unburicd remains of their relatives and fellow- 
 citizens, and consigned them to \hv earth. Having performed 
 *.his solemn duty, ihey proceeded on their route to meet Crii- 
 cral Harrison. 
 
 Proctor evacuates Maiden, On the capture of his fleet. 
 Proctor, learning the preparation that Harrison was makin;,^ 
 for the invasion of Canada, determined to abandon Maiden. 
 Detroit, and the western section of the Canadas, and to re- 
 tire by the river Thames, through the wilderness, to the Niag- 
 ara frontier. He put his heavy artillery and baggage aboard 
 boats, and sent them by Detroit to the mouth of the Thames, 
 thence up that river, towards the Moravian towns, and pre- 
 pared to destroy the works at Maiden and Detroit. The 
 sagacious Tecumseh saw in these measures the total ruin of 
 the Indian confederacy, which he had formed under the 
 auspices of the British government, for the destruction of the 
 American settlements in the west, and with it all his pros- 
 pects. 
 
 The British government had sent to Tecumseh and his In- 
 dians considerable presents in arms, ammunition, and blan- 
 kets, to encourage and reward their fidelity ; these had ar- 
 rived at Maiden some days before the battle on the lake ; bill 
 Proctor, apprehensive that if the Indians got possession of 
 their presents, they could leave him, had refused to deliver 
 them. Before their departure from Maiden, Tecumseh de- 
 
III.}. 
 
 lIIdTORY OF THK h.VTK WAU. 
 
 'i.Jo 
 
 muiulfd ihcse goods, and iiddrcsst'd I'rorlor in t!u: following 
 strong and severe terms: 
 
 Tecninsch^s Speech, " In the name nf ihr Indian chiefs and 
 Kftn'iors, to General Proctor, the representative of our Grrnt 
 Father the Kin^, 
 
 "Father! listen to your children. You have lhen» now 
 ail before you. The war before this, our British father gavf 
 the hatchet to his red children, when our old chiefs were alive. 
 They are now dead. In that war our father was thrown on 
 his hack by the Americans, and he afterwards took them by 
 the hand without our knowledge, and we arc afraid he will do 
 so again at this time. 
 
 " Listen ! when war was declared, our father stood up and 
 gave us the tomahawk, and told us he was now ready to strike 
 the Americans, and that he wanted our assistance, and thai 
 he would certainly get our lands back, which the Americans 
 had taken from us. 
 
 "Listen! you told us to bring our families to this place, 
 and we did so. You promised to take care of them, and that 
 they should want for nothing, while the men would go and 
 fight the enemy. You told your red children that you would 
 take good care of your garrison here, which made our hearts 
 gliul. ., 
 
 "Listen, father! our fleet has gone out; wc know they 
 have fought ; we have heard the great guns, but know nothing 
 of what has happened to our father with one arm.* Our 
 ships have gone one way, and we are very much astonished 
 to see our father tying up every thing, and preparing to run 
 away the other, without letting his red children know what 
 he means. You always told us to remain here, and take care 
 of our lands, which made our hearts glad. Our great father 
 the king is the head, and you represent him. You always 
 told us you never could draw your foot off British ground ; 
 but now, father, we sec you are drawing back without seeing 
 
 f^" 
 
 * Commodore Barclav. 
 
t i 
 
 V 
 
 23G 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Cii^r. 1 { 
 
 \: ■ f 
 
 the enemy. We must compare our father's conduct to a fat 
 animal, that carries his tail on his back, but when affrighted 
 drops it between its legs and runs off. 
 
 "Listen, father! the Americans have not yet defeated us 
 by land ; nor are we sure they have done so by water. We 
 wish to remain here and fight our enemy, should they make 
 their appearance, if they defeat us, v.e shall then retreat 
 with our father. 
 
 " Father! we see you preparing to march out of the garri- 
 son. You have got the arms and ammunition which the great 
 father sent to his red children. If you have any idea of going 
 away, give them to us, and you may go. Our lives are in the 
 hands of the Great Spirit; we are determined to defend cur 
 lauds, and if it is His will, we are determined to leave our 
 bones upon them." 
 
 Proctor was in a strongly fortified camp, with abundance of 
 munitions of war, and with nearly as many troops as his 
 antagonist could be expected to bring against him. His 
 chance of a successful defence at this point, was better ihan 
 at any other to which he might retreat: yet neither these joii- 
 siderations, nor the bold and severe remonstrances of Tecum- 
 seh and his associates, had any influence upon his fears; he 
 determined to prevent the threatened attack of the American 
 genei'al, by an early retreat beyond his reach. On the 24th 
 of September, he broke up his camp at Maiden, destroyed the 
 public buildings, and all the stores that he could not cany 
 with him, and commenced a precipitate retreat towards the 
 head of the Thames. Many of his Indians left him ; Tecum- 
 seh, and the greater part of the warriors followed with reluc- 
 tance. At Dalson's farm, on the Thames, sixty miles from 
 Detroit, he made a halt to wait the arrival of his boats witli 
 the artillery and baggage. *^ 
 
 Harrisori's pursuit, Harrison lost no time in carrying hi> 
 plans into effect. On the 27th of September, he embarked 
 his army at Portage, and landed at Maiden ; finding his ene- 
 .my had fled, he proceeded irametliately to Sandwich, detuchcit 
 
 # 
 
1S13. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 23: 
 
 General M'Arthur, with seven hundred men, to re-occupy 
 Detroit and the Michigan territory; and on the second of 
 October, being joined by Colonel Johnson's mounted volun- 
 teers, proceeded up the Thames in pursuit of Proctor. His 
 effective force now amounted to thirty-five hundred men. 
 Commodore Perry volunteered his services as aid to Gene- 
 ral Harrison, and contributed much to the success of the ex- 
 pedition, which his naval victory had rendered practicable. 
 On the evening of the second of October, the army reached 
 the river, twenty-five miles from Sandwich. Here they came 
 to a branch of the Thames, over which a bridge had been 
 erected, and left entire : they passed this on the morning of 
 the third, and hastened on rapidly to another branch, where 
 they found and captured a small party who had been sent 
 back to destroy the bridge; this they had time only partially 
 to accomplish : the bridge was soon repaired, and the army 
 encamped on the evening of the third at Drake's farm. The 
 artillery and heavy baggage were brought in boats, provided 
 by Commodore Perry, up ihe Thames as far as Dalson's. 
 Thus far the banks were low, and the country an open 
 prairie. Above this point the banks were high and woody, 
 affording abundant places for ambuscade. General Harrison 
 left the boats and most of the heavy baggage at Dalson's, un- 
 der a guard of one hundred and fifty infantry. On the 4th, 
 the army proceeded to Chatham, four miles in advance of 
 Dalson's : here they came to a third unfordable branch of the 
 Thames. Proctor had destroyed the bridge at the mouth of 
 this stream, and also the one at M'Gregor's mills, one mile 
 above. Large bodies of Indians appeared on the opposite 
 bank to dispute the passage, and commenced a sharp fire on 
 the American advance guard. The army was formed in order 
 of battle, two six pounders were drawn up, and a few well 
 directed discharges dispersed the savages. A bridge was 
 immediately constructed, and the aimy crossed and continued 
 their advance. Proctor learning the near approach of Harri- 
 son, had conveyed his boats up the river as far as practicable. 
 
 /* 
 
 % 
 
>38 
 
 JJISTOKY OF THE LATE WAli. 
 
 Vmav. iv 
 
 mi- 
 
 ll \ 
 
 and set fifc to ihcin. Iti addition to the baggage of the armv. 
 the boats British contained the large supplies of blankets, arms, 
 and ammunition for the Indians, which Tecumseh had claim- 
 ed to have delivered to them at Maiden. A part of these 
 vSU])plies were landed and stored in buildings on the river, aiui 
 a part remained on board the boats. A quantity of them was 
 found in a house which was in flames near the last bridge. 
 The fire was soon extinguished, and the arms saved. At the 
 first farm above the bridge was found one of the enemy's 
 boats on fire, deeply laden with Indian supphes ; and at 
 Bowie's farm, four miles further in advance, where the army 
 halted for the night, they found two other boats, and a large 
 distillery, filled with ordnance and other valuable stores, in 
 flames. Two twenty-four pounders, with their carriages, and 
 a large quantity of ammunition and shells, were taken at this 
 place. On the 5th, the army continued their march on the 
 left bank, and took two gun-boats, and several balteaux 
 laden with provisions and ammunition. By nine o'clock, 
 they arrived at Arnold's mills, where was the only fording- 
 place for several miles ; and this was now too deep for in- 
 fantry. Each dragoon took one of the infantry behind him. 
 and crossed over; by these means, and with the assistance 
 of some boats, the army were soon landed on the right bank, 
 and immediately commenced their line of march up the river. 
 Eight miles further they passed a farm where the rear of the 
 British army had encamped the preceding night. A recon- 
 noitering party returned, and reported that Proctor, with the 
 main body, was posted near the Moravian towns, four miles 
 in advance. The road this distance passes through a beach 
 forest, without any clearing, and for the first two miles near 
 the bank of the river ; about three hundred yards from tlic 
 river and parallel to it, an impenetrable swamp extends the 
 whole distance ; the intermediate space is hard ground, some- 
 what elevated, and covered with trees. The whole British 
 and Indian force were drawn up in a strong position across 
 this strip of hard land, their left resting on the river, sup- 
 
181). 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATK WAR. 
 
 2.19 
 
 ported by a strong battery placed iti the road, and their right 
 protected by the swamp, and covered by the whole Indian 
 force. General Harrison immediately formed his line of battle. 
 General Trotter's brigade of Kentucky volunteers formed the 
 front line, his right resting on the road, and his left on the 
 swamp. The whole of General Desha's division, consisting 
 of two brigades, were formed upon Trotter's left flank, the 
 crotchet formed by the front line, and General Desha's divi- 
 sion was occupied by the venerable governor of Kentucky, 
 who ?t the age of sixty-six, manifested all the ardour of 
 youth, aided by the experience of age. The second line 
 consisting of General King's brigade was formed one hun- 
 dred and fifty yards in the rear of the first, and Chile's brig- 
 ade as a corps de reserve in the rear of King's. The flanks 
 of the enemy were secured in such a manner as to render it 
 impossible to turn them. The only alternative was to charge 
 directly in front. This hazardous duty was assigned to Colo- 
 nel Johnson's mounted infantry. For this purpose they were 
 ■rawn up in close columns with their right, at the distance of 
 .ifty yards from the road, protected in some measure by the 
 trees from the artillery, and their left resting on the swamp; 
 and wore ordered to charge at full speed as soon as the ene- 
 my had delivered their fire. ' '^ ' • Ttr^r-? 
 Battle of the Moravian towns. Having made these arrange- 
 ments, General Harrison, with Commodore Perry, Captain 
 Butler, and General Cass, as his aids, took his station at the 
 head of the front line, and moved on to the attack. In a few 
 moments the mounted men received the fire of the British line, 
 and were ordered to charge. The horses in the front 
 column recoiled from the fire ; another was immediately given 
 by the enemy, and the American column, at length getting in 
 motion, broke through the British ranks with irresistible force. 
 In one ininute the cbntest in front was over 5 the British offi- 
 cers seeing no hopes of reducing their broken ranks to order, 
 and the mounted men wheeling^ upon ihent and pouring in a 
 
 ■CTf *H> v :!'«''" )* '>/^^'C' T" ''i!e'/T .t.'Tti^H *btp' '>0 * 
 
 v.^ 
 
, I 
 
 240 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 C«AP. 1 I 
 
 I I 
 
 destructive fire, they immediately surrendered.* Upon the 
 left the contest was more severe with the Indians. Colonel 
 Johnson, who commanded on that flank of his regiment, 
 received a most galling fire. At the head of his column he 
 led them into the hottest of the action, and was personally 
 opposed to Tecumseh ; at this point a mass of savages were 
 collected. Johnson, mounted on an elegant white charger, 
 was easily distinguished as an officer of rank; a shower of 
 balls were discharged at him, his horse was shot and fell, his 
 clothes, saddle, and person were pierced with a number of 
 balls. 
 
 Tecumseh slain, Tecumseh, seeing his antagonist falling, 
 rushed towards him with his uplifted tomahawk to give the 
 fatal blow ; when within a few yards, Johnson drew his pistol. 
 and laid his daring opponent dead at his feet. He was una- 
 ble to do more ; he had received three shots in the thigh, and 
 two in the arm; the loss of blood deprived him of the power 
 of standing, and he lay exhausted and helpless by the side 
 of his antagonist. At the moment Tecumseh fell, the Indians 
 around him gave way. Those still further on the left of the 
 American lines, advanced and fell in with the front line of 
 infantry near its junction with Desha's division, and for a 
 moment made an impression ; Governor Shelby, however, 
 brought up another regiment to its support, and a part of 
 Colonel Johnson's regiment having gained their rear, they 
 retreated with precipitation. Six Americans and twenty-two 
 Indians were slain within twenty yards of the spot where 
 Tecumseh lay. Most of the severe fighting was on this 
 ground. But seven Americans were killed, and twenty-two 
 wounded in the action. Of the British regulars, twelve were 
 killed, and twenty-two wounded; six hundred, including 
 twenty-five officers, were taken prisoners. Of the Indians. 
 twenty-two were found dead on the field, and many more 
 killed on the retreat. Six pieces of brass artillery, and two 
 
 * General Harrison's letter to the secretary of war. 
 
 '\^' 
 
1S13. 
 
 HIHTORY OF THE LATU W-AR. 
 
 iAl 
 
 twenty-four pounders were taken, and several sunk in the 
 river. Of the brass pieces, three were of those taken froni 
 the British in the revolutionary war, and surrendered by Gen- 
 eral Hull at Detroit. Proctor narrowly escaped lestving his 
 sword, baggage, and papers, in possession of the victbi's. 
 
 The fruits of this victory were the total dispersion of the 
 allied British and Indian forces, who had for more than a year 
 past ravaged the north-western frontier. The capture of 
 all their baggage, provisions, and arms, and a hj^ quantity 
 of military stores destined to supply the Indians, and the re- 
 storation of Detroit and the Michigan territory*- 'Among Proc- 
 tor's papers were found several letters from British aigeniB 
 among the Indians, clearly evincing that they had a^^d^erent 
 times since the peace of 1 783, and before the comirnencement 
 of the present war, instigated them to acts of hostility against 
 the United States. Proctor fled to the Niagara frontier, and 
 was afterwards tried by a court martial, and disgraced. The 
 brave Kentuckians had now in their power the very authors 
 and instigators of the massacres of their brethren at the river 
 Raisin; but, two noble to seek revenge on a fallen foe, they 
 treated them with the humanity and kindness due to prisoners 
 of war; and, on their return safely conducted them to camp 
 Ball at Chilicothe, to join their brethren in the navy. From 
 the second to the fifth of October, General Harrison, with an 
 army of three thousand five hundred men, penetrated the wil- 
 derness a distance of eighty miles ; overtook, fought, and van- 
 quished an enemy, his equal in numbers on their own ground, 
 and returned to Detroit by the 9th; an expedition for success 
 and despatch scarcely equalled in the annals of history. 
 
 Effects of the Victory. This victory completely broke up 
 and dispersed the Indian confederacy of the north-west. Most 
 of the warriors forsook their allies, and came in and threw 
 themselves on the mercy of the Americans. The wretched 
 remains of the hostile tribes were in a forlorn and destitute 
 condition. The winter approaching, and they and their fami- 
 lies alike destitute of clothing, and provisions, or the means 
 
 31 
 
 n 
 
 ''"h 
 
 I 
 
il42 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 LuAf. il 
 
 of obtaining them. In this situation the Americans extended 
 the hand of charity, and supplied them with necessaries durint 
 the winter. 
 
 The British policy of uniting the Indians in a war of ex- 
 termination against the frontier settlements of the United 
 States, was not only barbarous and inhuman in itself, but ab- 
 solutely abortive in its effects. The objects of the British 
 government were, to prevent the increase of the settlements 
 in the western country, to render the war so distressing to the 
 border inhabitants, as to induce a submission to their views, 
 and to increase and extend their power among the Indian 
 tribes. Precisely the reverse of all these effects were pro- 
 duced bj the events of this campaign. The Indian war laid 
 open to the riew of land speculators, the fine country occu- 
 pied by the Indians, and conducted an emigration to the 
 western states immediately after the close of the war, unequal- 
 led at any former period. The cruelties practised by the 
 savages in their incursions, rendered the war popular, and 
 nerved every arm in defence of the country ; and the final 
 dereliction of their cause by Proctor, gave a fatal blow to 
 British influence among the savages. The frontiers have en- 
 joyed greater security since the defeat of Proctor, than ai 
 any former period, and the influence of the American govern- 
 ment over the Indians within their limits, has, in a greai 
 measure, superseded the British. 
 
 I i 
 
 '.% 
 
 
L_. 
 
 CHAPTElt XII. 
 
 Montreal.— Back Passage from Montreal to the Upper Lakes. — Britibli 
 Naval Force on Lake Ontario. — American, under Commodore Chaun- 
 cey.— Military Force destined for a Descent on Montreal.— Expedi- 
 tions against York. — Death of General Pike. — Attack on Sackett's 
 Harbour. — Capture of Fort George. — British retire to Furlingfton 
 Heights. — Battle at Stoney Creek. — Capture of Generals Chandler 
 and Winder. — Battle at the Beaver Dams. — Capture of Colonel 
 Boerstler's Detachment. — Colonel Scott's Expedition to Burlington 
 Heights and York. — General Wilkinson appointed to the command of 
 the Northern Army. — Arrives at Sackett's Harbour. — Makes arrange- 
 ments for a Descent on Montreal. — War Department removed to 
 Sackett's Harbour. — ^Troops embark from Fort George for Grenadier 
 Island. — Sailing of the Flotilla from French Creek. — Descent on the 
 St Lawrence. — Pursuit of the British. — Battle at Williamsburgh.— 
 General Covington killed. — Flotilla arrives at the foot of the Long 
 Sault. — General Hampton refuses to join the Expedition. — Corres- 
 pondence between him and General Wilkinson. — Expedition aban- 
 doned. — Army go into Winter-Quarters at French Mills. — General 
 Hampton^s advances to Chatauguay. — Returns to Plattsburgh. — Ver- 
 mont MUitia called out by the War Department to guard Plattsburgh. 
 — Ordered to return by Governor Chittenden. — Causes of the failure 
 
 of the Expedition Defence of the Niagara Frontier intrusted to 
 
 General M'Clure and the New^York Militia.™Evacuation of Fort 
 George and burning of Newark. — Fort Niagara taken.— Massacre.— 
 Burning of the Niagara Frontier Militia retire to Batavia.— Gov- 
 ernor Prevost's Proclamation. . . . 
 
 Montreal, The conquest of the Canadas was avowedly 
 the main object of the mditary operations in the north. Que- 
 bec, strongly fortified by nature and art, and accessible by sea 
 for the largest ships of war, was considered unassailable ; but 
 Montreal, and the whole country to the north-west, was deem- 
 ed an easy acquisition. The latter city stands on the south 
 side of an island of the same name in the river St. Lawrence, 
 thirty miles long and ten broad, five hundred miles from the 
 
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 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
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 sea at the head of ship navigation ; and is the most populous 
 and commercial city of British America, containing twenty 
 thousand inhabitants. All the merchandise with which tlio 
 north-western country is supplied, is here deposited. The 
 western Indians, the inhabitants of Upper Canada, and the 
 inhabitants of the United States bordering on the lakes, are 
 supplied from this source ; their returns are also deposited 
 here, from whence they are shipped to various European mar- 
 kets. From this point the British north-west company, one 
 of the richest, and most profitable establishments in Europe, 
 carry on their immense traffic with the natives of the north- 
 west, and extend their enterprises to the borders of the Pa- 
 cific. They employ several thousand men, and afford a great 
 market for British manufectures. A large proportion of this 
 intercourse is carried on by means of the back passage from 
 Montreal to the upper lakes. 
 
 Back Passage to the Upper Lakes. Near the south-western 
 extremity of the island, the Ottaway, or Grand river, enters the 
 St. Lawrence from the north-west. The merchandise des- 
 tined for lake Huron and the regions beyond, is put up in 
 packages of about one hundred weight each, and together 
 with the necessary provisions, are put on board birch canoes, 
 ■which carry ten men each, with their provisions, and sixty 
 packages of merchandise. In the month of May annually, 
 large flotillas of this species of water craft leave Montreal, 
 enter the Ottaway^ and proceed on their voyage to the upper 
 lakes. Fifteen miles from the mouth of the Ottaway, the 
 navigation is interrupted by rapids, for the distance of ten 
 miles. At the foot of these, the canoes are unloaded, and 
 their contents transported on men's shoulders this distance, 
 and the canoes towed up the current with great labour. 
 After passing these rapids, the stream is tranquil and of easy 
 navigation for sixty miles, where the voyagers reachjthe portage 
 of Chaudiere. Here is a cascade of twenty feet, around which 
 he canoes with all their lading, are transported on men's 
 shoulders. Thence to the portage des Chenes, the passage is 
 
tAt. 11!. 
 
 1813. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAU. 
 
 24;> 
 
 short. There are two smaller portages in the distance of 
 eighteen miles to the grand Columet where the current is again 
 tranquil. There are four other portages on this river where 
 the voyagers have fo transport all their lading and canoes on 
 their shoulders, ijefore they arrive to the mouth of the Petit 
 Reviere, wnich falls into the Ottaway from the south-west, 
 four hundred miles from Montreal. Here the voyagers must 
 turn otf to the left and ascend this river, sixty-five miles, in- 
 terrupted by thirteen portages, to the high lands which divide 
 the waters of lake Huron, from those of the Ottaway. Across 
 these heights is a land carriage of six miles, where the voy- 
 agers have to transport their canoes, packages, and provisions, 
 to lake Nipissing ; this, without the aid of beasts of burden, 
 is a work of time and immense labour ; the men having to 
 travel the ground from twenty to thirty times to get all their 
 baggage across. This lake is thirty-six miles long and 
 fifteen broad, around which the voyagers must coast until 
 they reach the entrance of French river, which flows from 
 this lake to Huron, a distance of eighty miles. The navi- 
 gation is interrupted on this river by five portages. Hav- 
 ing reached lake Huron, the men, provisions, and mer- 
 chandise are transported in small vessels across the lake to 
 fort St. Josephs, at the foot of the straits of St. Marie, by 
 which the waters of lake Superior communicate with Hu- 
 ron. The navigation of these straits is interrupted by falls. 
 From fort St. Joseph's the merchandise which has been thus 
 transported is distributed in various directions to the Indians 
 of the north-west, their furs collected, and transported by the 
 same route to Montreal. 
 
 The merchandise destined for the more southern regions 
 is transported in boats up the St. Lawrence to Kingston, 
 whence it is shipped in lake vessels to Queenston at the foot 
 of the Niagara cataract, thence transported by land around 
 the falls and re-shipped on lake Erie. Montreal is the em- 
 porium of this commerce; and the nation possessing it of 
 course comipands all the country on the lakes abov«. The 
 
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1 
 
 i4ti 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 t'HAJ'. I'>, 
 
 #' 
 
 ..^*- 
 
 
 occupation of this cily, which would necessarily draw with 
 it the possession of Upper Canada, formed the principal 
 object of the campaign of 1813, on the Canada border. 
 
 SackeWs Harbour. As a previous step, the command 
 of lake Ontario was absolutely essential. For this pur- 
 pose, Sackett's Harbour, on the east end ot the lake iicai' 
 its outlet, was selected as a naval depot. This harbour 
 lies at the mouth of the Black river, nearly opposite lo, 
 and thirty miles distant from Kingston, the principal mili- 
 tary and naval station of the British on the lake. The har- 
 bour has a sufficient depth of water, is well sheltered, and 
 capable of defence, and is one hundred and seventy miles 
 from Albany, from whence supplies were to be drawn for tic 
 naval and military operations of the campaign. 
 
 Ontario Fleet, The British had a considerable military 
 force at Kingston, and a respectable navy under the command 
 of Sir James Yeo, late commander of the frigate Southampton, 
 an experienced, intelligent, and judicious officer. Commo- 
 dore Isaac Chauncey, an officer of experience and high repu- 
 tation, was selected bj the American government, for the 
 command on this station, and arrived at the harbour with a 
 large body of sailors and marines on the Gth of October, 1812. 
 At this time the United States had but one vessel, the brig 
 Oneida, on the lake. The British force consisted of six 
 vessels, mounting eighty guns. Chauncey immediately pur- 
 chased all the merchant ships which were obtainable, and 
 fitted them for the naval service. By the 8th of November, 
 he had obtained and equipped a sufficient force to appear on 
 the lake, and sailed with the Oneida and six schooners, in 
 quest of his antagonist. On the 10th he fell in with the Royal 
 George, the largest of the enemy's ships, chased her into 
 Kingston harbour, and captured two schooners. On the 1 2th 
 he took the transport sloop Elizabeth, chased the Earl Moira 
 into Kingston, and blockaded that harbour until the 7th of 
 December, when the ice obliged him to return to Sackett's 
 Harbour, and suspend further operations until spring. On 
 
 • f 
 
 ^Y 
 
iai3. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAU. 
 
 'i'l; 
 
 the 26th of November, the ship Madison wa» launched in 
 fifty-five days from the time of laying her keel; and the ship 
 General Pike was built, launched, and ccjuippcd in one hun- 
 dred days. 
 
 At the opening of the spring of 1813, the American fleet 
 had the complete ascendency on the lake. Chauncey was 
 able to confine every British ship to the harbour of Kingston. 
 A respectable military force of six thousand men, composing 
 the army of the north, had been organized under General 
 Dearborn for the conquest of Canada : the neighbouring mili- 
 tia might be called in, to any amount, to supply any defi- 
 ciency of numbers in the regular army; and to guard the 
 harbour in their absence. No reinforcements had or could 
 anive for the protect4on of Montreal until June. Under 
 these circumstances a descent upon that city early in the 
 season, must have been attended with undoubted success. 
 Unfortunately this favourable state of things escaped the no- 
 tice of the officer at the head of the war department, and the 
 energies of the nation were directed to a much less important 
 and less attainable object. 
 
 Capture of York, On the 23d of April, General Dearborn 
 embarked at Sackett's Harbour, with sixteen hundred men on 
 an expedition against York, at the head of the lake, leaving 
 the defence of the harbour, with all the stores, public property, 
 and a new ship on the stocks, to a handful of regulars, under 
 Colonel Backus, and the neighbouring militia not then ar- 
 rived. *It seemed to have escaped the observation of the 
 commanding general, that the enemy would probably in his 
 absence, strike at an important post thus left uncovered. On 
 the 27th, General Dearborn with the fleet, arrived before the 
 town of York and immediately commenced a disembarkation, 
 The commanding general intrusted the further prosecution of 
 the expedition to General Pike, and remained on board the 
 fleet. To oppose their landing a corps of British grenadiers, 
 the Glengary fencibles, and several bodies of Indians, appear- 
 ed at different points on the shore. At eight o'clock the troop* 
 
248 
 
 HISTORY OF THE IaAT£ WAR. 
 
 Cbap. 11 
 
 I^H 
 
 
 « 
 i 
 
 n 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 ■ 
 
 m 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 : 
 
 li* 
 
 commenced their landing, three miles westward of the town, 
 and a mile and a half distant from the British works. The 
 place first designated for their landing, was a cleared field 
 near the site of the old French fort Tarcnto; but the wiml 
 was high and prevented the first division from landing nt that 
 place, and also prevented the ships from covering their disem- 
 barkation. The rillcmen under Major Forsythe first landed 
 under a heavy fire from the enemy. Major General SliealTc 
 had collected his whole force, consisting of about seven or 
 eight hundred regulars and militia, with a hundred Indians, to 
 oppose their landing, and commanded in person. Major 
 Forsythe, although supported by tlic other troops as promptly 
 as possible, was obliged to sustain alone a sharp conflict with 
 the whole British force for nearly half an hour. As soon as 
 General Pike had eiTected his landing with about eight hun- 
 dred men, the British retreated to their works. The main 
 body of the Americans landed and formed at old fort Tarcnto, 
 and quickly advanced through a thick wood to an open 
 ground near the British works. The first battery was car- 
 ried by assault, and the columns moved on towards the main 
 works ; when the head of the column had an'ived within about 
 sixty rods, a tremendous explosion took place from a maga- 
 zine prepared for that purpose, and killed and wounded one 
 hundred men. General Pike was mortally wounded by a 
 stone which was thrown up by the explosion, and struck him 
 on the breast. He was immediately conveyed on board the 
 commodore's ship, and soon expired. After the confusion 
 which these events necessarily occasioned, the American 
 troops proceeded to the town, and agreed to a capitulation 
 vi'ith the commanding officers of the Canadian militia, by 
 which it was stipulated, that all the public property should be 
 delivered to the Americans, the militia surrendered prisoners 
 of war, and private property protected. Immediately after 
 the explosion, General SheafTe, with the regulars, retreated 
 out of the reach of the American arms. Two hundred and 
 fifty militia, and fifty marines and regulars were included in the 
 
.H13. 
 
 HISTORY OF THK LATE WAR. 
 
 249 
 
 capitulation. The American loss was fourteen killed in 
 battle, and fifty-two by the explosion ; twenty-three wounded 
 in battle, and one hundred and eighty by the explosion. One 
 large vessel on the stocks, and a quantity of naval stores were 
 Met fire to by the British, and consumed ; but more naval 
 stores were taken by the Americans than could be carried 
 away. The public buildings for military use, and the mili- 
 lary stores which could not be removed, were destroyed. 
 Vork was the seat, of government for Upper Canada, and the 
 principal depot for the Niagara frontier, and Detroit. Gen- 
 eral Shcaffe's baggage and papers were taken. In the gov- 
 ernment hall a human scalp was found, suspended over the 
 speaker's chair, with the mace and other emblems of power. 
 Tbis building was burned, contrary to the orders of the Ameri- 
 can general.* 
 
 Having accomplished the object of the expedition at York, 
 the fleet proceeded immediately to Niagara, landed the troops 
 at the fort, and returned to Sackett's Harbour. 
 
 Attack on Sackett''s Harbour. The defenceless situation of 
 this post, after the sailing of the fleet and troops for the head 
 of the lake,did not escape the British military and naval cotn- 
 monders at Kingston. On the 29th of May, the post was 
 attacked by the combined land and naval forces under Sir 
 George Prevost, and Sir James Yeo. General Brown, of 
 the New- York militia, had been requested by General Dear- 
 born, previously to his leaving the harbour, to take command 
 at this post. He arrived on the 28th; and on the same day 
 Lieutenant Chaunccy, in one of the look-out schooners, came 
 in from the lake, and gave notice of the approach of the 
 enemy from Kingston. Alarm guns were immediately fired 
 from tl^e posts, to give notice and bring in the militia. Expect- 
 iog a landing at the peninsula called Horse Island, Colonel 
 Mills, with the militia and Albany volunteers, formed the first 
 line to receive the enemy at the water-edge. They were 
 
 * Crencral Dearhorn's letter to the secretarv of %var. 
 
 31 
 
350 
 
 mSTORT OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 CHir. l* 
 
 18X3. 
 
 ' 
 
 ordered to litR under cover, and reserve their fire until the 
 enemy had approached so near, that every shot might take 
 effect. The regulars, under Colonel Backus, formed the 
 second line; the defence of fort Tompkins was intrusted to 
 the regular artillerists, and volunteers; and that of Nary 
 Point, and the barracks and stores, to Lieutenant Chauncey, 
 who was ordered in case of defeat, to destroy the public 
 stores, and retire to the south side of the bay. On the 27thy 
 and duri- g the nights of the 38th and 29th, considerable 
 bodies of militia arrived from the adjacent country ; there 
 "were ordered to the water-side, to unite with the first line 
 under Colonel Mills, whose command now amounted to five 
 hundred. At break of day on the 29th, the enemy's fleet 
 appeared in a line between Horse Island and Stony Point, 
 and in a few minutes thirty-three large boats filled with 
 fcfoops, put off under cover of a heavy fire from the gun-boats. 
 On their approach, the militia rose and fired without orders, 
 and too soon to produce any important effect, and immediately 
 lied. Colonel Mills was slain in attempting to rally tht-m* 
 General Brown succeeded in rallying about one hundred, 
 under ihe command of Captain M^Nutt, and fell upon the 
 •rear of the enemy's left flank. The British advanced through 
 a thick wood to the rear of the village; here they were mcf 
 by Colonel Backus, with the regulars, and such militia a« 
 'ciauld be brought up, and a severe conflict ensued. The contest 
 bstecT an hour and a half, when the British retreated to their 
 boats, and re-embarked without being molested. Lieutenant 
 Chauncey, being informed that the British had gained posses- 
 sion of the town, agreeable to his orders in such an event, set 
 fire to the store houses and barracks, by which all the naval 
 and military stores, and provisions collected for the servicf*. 
 were consumed. The American loss was twenty-one killed. 
 and one hundred and thirty-five wounded and missing. 
 Colonel Backus was mortally wounded, and died soon after 
 i1ic battle. The British left twenty-nine killed, and twenty- 
 ^hree wounddtl on the field, and thirty-five prisoners, besidw 
 
 the ki 
 
 they 
 
 descei 
 
 depos 
 
 gone 
 
 of Apr 
 
 servat 
 
IS13. 
 
 laSTORY OF TllE LATE WAR. 
 
 251 
 
 the killed and wounded in the boats before landing, a&d what 
 they took from the field on their reli-eat. Previous to this 
 descent, Commodore Chauncey had returned from York, and 
 deposited at the harbour the avails of that expedition, and 
 gone back to Niagara with reinforcements. From the 23d 
 of April to the 28th of May, this important depot, on the pre- 
 servation of which the military and naval operations of the 
 campaign must essentially d< ipcnd, was left uncovered. The 
 enemy from Kingston might at any time reach it in a single 
 day, with a superior force, and accomplish its destruction. 
 The loss of these stores was of the more consequence to the 
 Americans, as the distance from Albany was such, that they 
 could not be again seasonably replaced. This loss very 
 much aiiccted the future operations of the campaign, and can 
 only be ascribed to an ambition to gain eclat, by striking at 
 an unguarded point of the enemy's lines, at llie expense of 
 the real objects of the war. 
 
 While these events were taking platte at Sacketl's Har- 
 bour, operations of some importance were going on at 
 the head of the lake. The main army under General Dear- 
 born, lay at Niagara from the 8th to the 27th of May, 
 when Commodore Chauncey having returned from the 
 harbour with reinforcements, a descent was made upon fort 
 George. On the morning of the 27th, the light troops under 
 Colonel Scott, and Major Forsyth, supported by Colonel 
 Porter's light artillery, and General Lewis's division, crossed 
 the river, and attacked the fort; they were soon followed by 
 Generals Boyd's, Chandler's, and Winder's brigades. Com- 
 modore Chauncey had made the most judicious arrangement)! 
 with his small ships, to silence the enemy's batteries at the 
 point of landing. TIjc descent was warmly contested at the 
 water's edge by the British ; but thoy were soon oonipelled to 
 give way, and the landing was completed. 
 
 Capture of Fort George. The American batteries ioo» 
 •succeeded in rendering the fori untenable. The British troops, 
 retiring from the river bank, re-entered the fort, fired a few 
 ■shof, and fhon srf fire to the magazine and niovui off in ^ii* 
 

 HIOTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 12. 
 
 ferent directions. Of the British regular troopSj ninety were 
 killed, one hundred and sixty wounded, and one hundred 
 taken prisoners. The Americans lost seventeen killed,- and 
 sixty-five wounded. On the 28th, the garrison at Erie aban- 
 doned that fort, blew up the magazine, and retreated towards 
 the head of the lake, and the Americans took possession die 
 same day. The capture of fort George being accomplished, 
 General Dearborn removed his hcad^quarters to that post. 
 The British garrisons on the Niagara peninsula retired, con- 
 centrated their forces, and made a stand on Burlington heights, 
 near the head of the lake, forty miles West of fort George. 
 Generals Chandlefr and Winder, with large detachments, went 
 in pursuit of them ; and on the 5th of June the advance of 
 the Americans had a skirmish with their outposts, and retired 
 behind Stoney creek. Here they encamped for the night ; 
 the light infantry^ and part otthe rifle corps, formed the right 
 wing ; the artillery the centre ; the infantry, and the residue ot 
 the riflemen, the left ; and the cavalry the rear. In this posi- 
 tion, the troops, amounting to a thousand men, rested on thcii 
 arms. 
 
 Battle oj Zioney C¥eek, At two in the morning, the British 
 appeared in force, drove in the pickets, and attacked the 
 main body. The fire continued ivithout intermission for an 
 hour. The British broke through the centre and gained ihc 
 rear of the artillery. General Chandler supposing them to 
 be Americans, rode in among them, and while issuing his or- 
 ders was made prisoner, disarmed, and conveyed to the Brit- 
 ish rear. General Winder coming up to his support, was 
 made prisoner a few minutes afterwardsi After a conflict of 
 an hour in a dark night, tvhen it was impossible to distinguish 
 friends from foes, the Americans retreated behind Forty Mile 
 creek, ten miles in the rear of the battle ground, with the loss 
 of several pieces of artillery. Towards evening of the same 
 day, Sir Jatnes arrived with his fleet a mile from shore, abreast 
 of where the Americans were encamped. The troops again 
 lay on their arms during the night expecting another attack* 
 
 181'J. 
 
181:i. 
 
 1 JSTORY OF THE LATE WAK. 
 
 25J 
 
 The next morning they struck their tents, and prepared to re- 
 treat. The boats containing their baggage and camp equip- 
 age, lay becalmed on the beach. Sir James toMrcd in a large 
 schooner, and opened a galling fire Upon them, but the artil- 
 lery from the shore soon compelled him to retire, and the bag- 
 gage was re-landed. The Indians now appeared in large 
 bodies on the brow of the mountain, and commenced a firing 
 on the camp ; but were soon dispersed by a detachment un- 
 der Colonel Chrystie. A flag was sent in by the commanding 
 officers of the land and naval forces^ demanding a surrender 
 of the army, stating, that surrounded as they were by a fleet 
 in front, the land forces on their flanks, and the Indians in 
 their rear, it was impossible to effect a retreat. The reply 
 was, that the demand was too extravagant to merit an answer. 
 The next morning the baggage and camp equipage was again 
 put on board the boats, and the army commenced their retreat 
 to fort George. The boats were overtaken and attacked by 
 an armed schooner, end twelve of them destroyed. The 
 Canadian militia and Indians hung on, and harassed the 
 flanks and rear of the army until evening, when they arrived 
 at the fort, with the loss of the two commanding generals, 
 and the principal part of their artillery and baggage. The 
 British troops immediately occupied the ground they had 
 left. 
 
 On the 23d of June, another expedition, equally injudicious^ 
 and more disastrous in its result, was directed by the Ameri- 
 can general. 
 
 Battle of the Beaver Dams, Colonel Boerslter was de- 
 tached from fort George, with 670 men, to the Beaver Dams^ 
 on the heights ten miles westerly of Qucenston, to attack a 
 party of the British^ collected there for the purpose of pro- 
 curing provisions, and harassing sUch of the inhabitants as 
 they considered friendly to the United States. But this de- 
 tachment was unfortunately much inferior to the force they 
 were sent to attack, and no supporting detachment was or- 
 dered out to their assistance. At eight o'clock, in the morn- 
 
&54 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Cha*. 12. 
 
 1813. 
 
 . I ■mm:- 
 
 -■>*' 
 
 ing of the second day of their inarch, when within about two 
 miles of the place of their destination, they fell intD an am- 
 buscade ; but having succeeded in repulsing the enemy, and 
 gaining a cleared field, they sent to fort George, a distance 
 of fifteen miles, for reinforcements ; before any arrived they 
 were again attacked by a much superior force, and the whole 
 detachment captured. 
 
 Expedition to Burlington and York. On the 28th of July, 
 another expedition, under the command of Colonel Scott, 
 against the British post on Burlington heights, embarked on 
 board the fleet at fort George, and proceeded to the head of 
 Burlington bay. On the 31st, they landed on a point which 
 separates the bay from the lake, and reconnoitered the British 
 position ; Hnding it protected on three sides by a creek, and 
 defended in front by heavy batteries, on an eminence out of 
 the reach of guns from the ilhipping, they did not deem it 
 prudent to make an attack, and immediately re-embarked. 
 On their return they put into York, burnt the barracks and 
 public stores, and brought off one piece of ordnance, and a 
 large quantity of flour. 
 
 After the destruction of the American naval stores at Sack- 
 ctt^s Harbour, Sir James, by extraordinary exertions, and the 
 addition of two new ships, had his fleet in a situation in which 
 he ventured to appear on the lake. On the 7th of August, 
 he appeared before fort George, where Commodore Chauncey 
 lay at anchor with his fleet; the latter immediately went out, 
 and in a gale which happened on the night of the 8th, two of 
 his schooners upset, and all on board except sixteen perished. 
 On the 10th, he had a skirmish with Sir James, in which two 
 of his schooners were taken* After a running fight for some 
 hours, both parties seemed willing to avoid a decisive contest, 
 and separated. In this manner terminated the operations of 
 the American forces on lake Ontario, under the direction of 
 General Dearborn. None of the important objects of the 
 campaign had been effected ; severe and heavy losses had 
 been sustained, and the only favourable time for a descent on 
 
 ^.^ 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 25a 
 
 Montreal had gone by. The general had been most of the 
 time an invalid, and had never appeared to lead his troops in 
 any expedition. Plans of conquest formed at Washington, 
 without adequate information of the condition and strength of 
 the enemy, and intrusted to the execution of feeble and 
 worn out commanders, uniformly proved abortive. Adminis- 
 tration had become convinced that Montreal was not to be 
 taken under the auspices of General Dearborn ; and General 
 Wilkinson was called from the south to supersede him. On 
 the 6th of July, an order issued from the war department, 
 directing General Dearborn " to retire from the command of 
 bis military district, and the troops within the same ;" but his 
 rank, pay, and establishment were continued until the end of 
 the war. On his departure from fort George, he received 
 an address from the field officers of his army, expressing in 
 flattering terms their regret at his removal, their confidence 
 in his talents, and their apprehensions that the public interest 
 would essentially suffer by the loss of his services. 
 
 General Wilkinson appointed to the Command of the Norths 
 General Wilkinson arrived at Washington from the south, on 
 the first of August, and havmg spent several days with the 
 cabinet in arranging the plan of operations in the north, pro» 
 cecded on his journey, and arrived at Sackett's Harbour on 
 the 20lh. The force placed under his command, and des- 
 tined to act upon Canada, consisted of the right wing of four 
 thousand at Burlington, Vermont, under the command of Gcn» 
 eral Hampton; the centre at Sacketl's harbour, and the left 
 under General Boyd, at fort George, The whole regular 
 force, including the reinforcements that soon after arrived, 
 amounted to twelve thousand. In addition to the regular 
 army, the militia of the neighbouring counties might be called' 
 in at any time, in such numbers as might be necessary for the 
 defence of the posts, or to augment the regular army. The 
 British forces of every description, opposed to Wilkinson, 
 amounted to about eight thousand ; the left at Montreal and 
 
 ■} 
 
256 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 12. 
 
 W13. 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 ( 
 
 
 
 \ 
 
 
 
 
 
 » 
 
 'WHIi 
 
 i it 
 
 ■ 1 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 adjacent country eastward ; the centre at Kingston ; and the 
 right on the Niagara frontier. 
 
 Preparatiom for the Montreal Expedition, On the 26th of 
 August, General Wilkinson called a council of war, con* 
 sisting of all his general officers, and the commander of the 
 fleet, at which a descent on Montreal was advised. The 
 general then immediately proceeded to the Niagara, to make 
 arrangements to withdraw the regular troops from that quar- 
 ter. At a council of war, composed of all the general and 
 field officers at fort George, it was decided, that that post 
 should be abandoned, and the forces withdrawn ; thjs opinion, 
 however, was afterwards changed? and the defence of fort 
 George and the Niagara frontier intrusted to General M'Ciure, 
 and the New- York militia. 
 
 To superintend the operations, pnd ensure success to the 
 expedition, Geqeral Armstrong arrived on the 5th of Septem- 
 ber, and established the war department at Sackett's Harbour. 
 General Wilkinson returned with the main body from fori 
 George on the 4th of October, and established his head-quar- 
 tsrs at the harbour. The army from fort George rendez- 
 voused at Grenadier Island, at the outlet of the lake, where 
 they were joined by the troops from the harbour, prepared 
 for an attack on Kingston, or a descept on Montreal, as cir- 
 cumstances should indicate. At a counpil of war, composed 
 of Generals Wilkinson, Armstrong, Lewis, and Brown, the 
 descent of the St. Lawrence was agreed on. The command- 
 ing general afterwards deemed it inexpedient to proceed, 
 leaving so large la force at Kingston ip his rear, and strongly 
 remonstrated against the measure ; as large reinforcenients 
 had then arrived at Kingston, which would enable the enemy 
 to hang upon the rear of the American troops, and render the 
 expedition hazardous. The secretary of war determined on 
 the descent) and ordered the expedition to proceed. General 
 Hampton, with bis army, was ordered immediately to march 
 for the St. Lawrence, and form a junction with the main body. 
 The next place of rendezvous, before the final sailing of the 
 
m'3. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 JS? 
 
 flotilla was fixed at French creek, eighteen miles in advance 
 of Grenadier Island. General Brown was ordered to pro- 
 ceed to this place with the advance of the army, on the 29th 
 of October. On the 1st and 2d of November, he was attacked 
 by a squadron of the enemy's ships, which were repulsed by 
 Captain M'Phei'soa's artillery, and obliged to retire. 
 
 Flotilla enter the River, On the 3d, General Wilkinson, 
 \vith the rear of the army, arrived at the general rendezvous; 
 and on the 5th the whole llotilla, consisting of three hundred 
 boats, got under weigh, and covered the river for a distance of 
 nearly five miles. On the 6th, the fiolilia proceeded to a point 
 within three miles of Prescott, a strong place on the Canadian 
 bank, which commanded the passage of the river. Here the 
 powder, and fixed ammunition, and all the troops, except as 
 many as were necessary to navigate the boats, were debarked, 
 and proceeded by land to a bay two miles below Prescott. 
 The flotilla passed the fortress under cover of the night, with- 
 out material injury, although assailed by a constant fire from 
 the garrison, and arrived at the place of rendezvous; below 
 by ten o'clock the next morning. Here ihc troops and am- 
 munition were re-cnibarked. 
 
 To obstruct the American flotilla in its descent, the British had 
 sirongly fortified Prescott, and established batteries at every 
 commanding point on the river. A large detachment of troops 
 from Kingston followed the course of the flotilla on the bask, 
 and a squadron of small vessels and gun-boats harassed the 
 rear. On the 7th, Colonel M'Comb with an elite corps of 
 itvelve hundred men, landed on the Canadian shore to dis- 
 lodge the British frm their posts on the river. On the 8tbi 
 the cavalry which had come down by land on the American 
 shore as far as Hamilton, crossed the river; and General 
 Brown, with a large additional detachment, landed to reinforce 
 Colonel M'Comb, and take the command. On the 10th, at the 
 head of the Long Sault, another large body of troops weji'e 
 landed on the Canadian side, under the command of General 
 ^oyd, to protect the rear, while General Brown proce«jclcd 
 
 3^ 
 
 
'I 
 
 I 
 
 f 
 
 'ha 
 
 HI^XORY OF TTIF, LATP WAH. 
 
 <'u.\p. K' 
 
 Ibrward to drive the British from their positions in front. At 
 noon the latter general was engaged with a party of BrjiisJi 
 neap a block-houiie, erected on the Sault to imju'de the dt - 
 scent. The flotilla hauled in shore to await the issue of (un. 
 erd Brown's attack. At this time a galley and several gun- 
 boats iVom Prescott appeared, and commenced a cannonade 
 on the rear of the flotilla. The slender structure of liic bonis 
 rendered them incapable of resisting die long twenty-fours oi 
 the galley, which threatened their destruction. Two eighteen 
 pounders were immediately landed and formed a battery on 
 shore, which opened upon the galley and gun-boats, and 
 compelled them to retire. The commanding general now 
 received advice from General Brown, that he had succcrdnl 
 in dislodging the British from their posts on the river, and had 
 arrived at the foot of the Sault. 
 
 BaltU of Williamsbnrgh. On the 11 ih, while the flotill;i 
 were preparing to enter the rapids, the British appeared in 
 force near Williamsburgh, in the rear of General Boyd. An 
 attack was made by Swartwout's brigade on the British ad- 
 vanced guard, who were driven back to the main body. 
 Sivart^<\)ut was now joined by Covington, and the action be- 
 Oame general. The British had judiciously chosen their ground 
 among the deep ravines which intersected an extensive plain. 
 flitd discharged a heavy and galling fire on the advancing 
 columns of the Americans. At this time a detachment under 
 Colonel Cowles from the first brigade entered the field, and 
 being directed to attack the British left flank, bravely and 
 promptly executed the order. The brigade first engaged 
 had now expended their ammunition, and were ordered to 
 jtelire; this^so disconcerted the line as to render it necessary 
 that the whole should fall back. The infantry retired to their 
 boats in good oi-der, and re-embarked ; the cavalry, with five 
 pieces of artillery, proceeded^down the river on the Canadian 
 shore without further molestation. General Coviiigton re- 
 beivcd a mortal wound in the body while leading his men to 
 the charge, and fell oij the field. The American loss was 
 
V6Ui' 
 
 lUSroRY OF T«K LATE WAK. 
 
 '2o0 
 
 oiii.' iiundrcd and iwo killed, and one hundred and thirty-seven 
 wounded. Sixteen hundred Americans, and about an equal 
 iiuinbcr of British were engaged. The victory wax claimed 
 [)y both the combatants; the British, on the ground that they 
 liad compelled the Americans to retreat and re-embark with 
 the loss of a j)art of their artillery, (ieneral Wilkinson claimed 
 the result to be in favour of his troops, ds the British were 
 prevented from any further annoyance of the expedition. 
 On the 12th, the flotilla passed the Long Sault without injury, 
 iind joined General Brown, at Barnhart's, near Cornwall. Gen- 
 oral Wilkinson now considered the most difHcult part of the 
 expedition accomplished, and waited in momcMtary expecta- 
 tion of hearing of General Hampton's arrival on the St. Law- 
 rence, when with their united forces they should proceed to 
 ;iccomplish the great object of the campaign. On entering 
 Canada on the 6th of November, the commanding general, 
 ;iccording to custom , had issued a proclamation, addressed to 
 its inhabitants, informing them that the army of the United 
 Stales which he had the honour to command, invaded their 
 |irovinces to conquer, and not to destroy ; to subdue the forces 
 of his Britannic Majesty, not to war against his unotfending 
 subjects ; that those who quietly remained at home, should bf> 
 protected in their persons and property, but those found in 
 nrms must necessarily be treated as enemies. To menace, 
 the general remarked, was unjust; to seduce, dishonourable ; 
 but it was both just and humane to place these alternatives 
 before them ! 
 
 Correspondence between Wilkinson and Hampton, On the 
 simo day General Wilkinson wrote to General Hampton, in-> 
 forming him that lie wa.s then in the rivcr, should pass PreS- 
 i:oii that evening, ])rocced immediately to the Isle Perrot, 
 liridgc the narrow inner channel between that island and 
 Montreal with his scows, and obtain a foot-hold on the island 
 itt'cnty-Uve miles above the city, after which his arilUery arid 
 bayonets must secure a triumph or provide houpurable graved. 
 After giving him ibi^ information, he ondcVed him to fottn an 
 
 .H 
 
'J^ 
 
 lUSTORY OF 'I'ilE LA'l'K WAK. 
 
 Cmak I'j. 
 
 1U13. 
 
 irtimediatc junction with his whole force. On the ISihan 
 express arrived from General Hampton, slating that on re- 
 ceiving hisjcommunication of the 6th, he was deeply impress- 
 ed with the responsibility of deciding on the means of co- 
 operation ; that the idea of ejecting a junction at St. Regis, 
 was the most|pleasing, as being the most immediate, until he 
 came to the disclosure of the state of General WilkinsonV^ 
 provisions ; his communication further stated that his own 
 men had not more with them than they could carry on their 
 backs ; that the road was in many places blockaded, and 
 abatted, aod impassible for wheel carriages in the winter; 
 that the enemy had destroyed every thing in his advance 
 which could contribute to the support of the aimy ; that his 
 ^oops were raw, bickly, and dispirited, and had endured fa- 
 tigues equal to a winter\s campaign ; that in forming ihv 
 proposed junction under such circumstances, he should weak- 
 en rather than strengthen the main body. He had therefore 
 determined to fall back on his main depot £it Plattshur|;b, 
 keep o})en a communication with the St. Lawrence, and iit 
 fhis way contribute to the success of the main object. 
 
 Sxpedition abandoned. However sanguine the expeclJilion' 
 of the secretary at war and the commander in chief might 
 have been as to the success of this expedition, the conduci 
 of General Hampton 'entirely frusli-ated them. Unsupport- 
 e(3 by this division, General Wilkinson deemed it imprudeut 
 to proceed further ; on the receipt of this communication lu 
 called a council of his general and field officers, and in 
 pursuance^of their advice, abandoned the expedition. On 
 the 1 3th, the troops under General Brown embarked from ihe 
 Canadian shore, and the whole army went into cantonement^ 
 at French Mills, on Salmon river, on the right bank of the St. 
 J^aTCrence. 
 
 General Hmiptoii' ^ Division, The army under Generul 
 Hampton, and a large depot of provisions and military store.s 
 had been collected at Plattsburgh, for the express purpose 
 9i c9'>operaiing upon Montreal. On the 19th of September. 
 
 plain. 
 
1U13. 
 
 UttiTOKy OF TH£ LATti WAK. 
 
 201 
 
 the army was put in motion with a view to approach the 
 banks of ihe St. Lawrence. The route first attempted was 
 by way of Champlain to Coghnawaga on the St. Lawrence. 
 For this purpose the army embarked on board batteaux, pre- 
 ceded by a corps of light infantry, and flanked on the right 
 by the squadron on the lake, and advanced as far as Cham- 
 plain. Here they landed and marched to Odlelown, where 
 they learned that the drought was such, that no water could 
 be obtained on that route ; and the army, In consequence 
 thereof, was obliged to return to Chazy, and take the route by 
 Chateaugay. On the 25th of September, the army encamped 
 thirty miles in advance of Plattsburgh, and about the same 
 distance from the St. Lawrence, on the Chateaugay rivcp, 
 which communicates with the St. Lawrence near Montreal, 
 and remained on this ground until the 21st of October. 
 
 From his head-quarters at this place on the 4th of October, 
 the general writes to the secretary ? t war, that the road be- 
 tween him and Plattsburgh was a perfect turnpike, that he had 
 and could have, an unlimited supply of good beef cattle, and 
 that the quartermaster general would arrive in the course of 
 three or four days, with a supply of flour and ammunition. 
 On the morning of the 21st of October, the army commenced 
 a movement down the Chateaugay. An extensive wood often 
 or twelve miles in front, blocked up with felled timber, and 
 covered by the Indians and British light troops, impeded the 
 progress of the army. General Izard was detached with the 
 light troops and one regiment of the line to turn these impedi- 
 ments in flank, and seize on the open country below, while 
 the army, preceded by a working party, advanced in a more 
 circuitous, but practicable route; the measure succeeded, 
 and the main body reached the advanced position on the 
 Chateaugay on the evening of the 22d. The 23d and 24th 
 were employed in getting up the artillery and stores. There 
 was now in front of the army seven miles of open country, 
 at the end of which commenced a wood of some miles in ex- 
 t(<nt, whlclk had been formed into an entire abattis, filled 
 
'I 
 
 ,1 
 
 '4 
 
 I 
 
 1 4 ^ 
 
 ■'■u 
 
 ?0i 
 
 Hlsr(»KY OF THE L.\TE WAR. 
 
 O.HAr. IC. 
 
 with a suuccs.sioi) of woudi'ii l)i'east\vot'ks, the rcariuost ot 
 which, was supplied with onhiaiico. The iiuliiiii.s sind h^ht 
 iroopb were placed in iVonl, and a heavy force in the rear. 
 On the evening of the 25th, Colonel I'urdy, with the lij^h 
 troops, was detached to gain the rear of this position, 
 while GenerdI Izard made a simultaneous attack in front, 
 ('olonel Purdy was misled by his guides, the attempt failed, 
 and the advanced corps retired with the loss of fifiy 
 killed, wounded, and missing, to a ])Osition three miles in 
 the rear. On the 28lh, General Hampton, under an impres- 
 sion that Sir George Prevost might be in the way of his fur- 
 ther advance, fell back to his former position at the Chatcaugay 
 four corners. On the 8th November, he despatched CoIoiipI 
 Atkinson to General Wilkinson, informing him that he should 
 not attempt the proposed junction, and immediately conducted 
 his army back to Plattsburgh, for winter-cpiarters. 
 
 Vermont Militia, To guard Plattsburgh while (Jencral 
 Hampton was perfonning these operations, the third brigade 
 of Vermont militia had been ordered by the secretary at war 
 to that point, and placed under the command of an officer of 
 the United States. This order was executed without the in- 
 tervention of the captain general of the Vermont mililin. 
 Governor Chittenden, viewing this as a violation of his con- 
 .stitutional rights over the militia, on the 10th of November 
 issued a proclamation declaring the proceeding illegal, and 
 ordering the militia immediately to return and hold themselves 
 in readiness for the defence of the state, subject to his orders, 
 (ieneral Davis, who was despatched to Plattsburgh with the 
 governor's orders, was arrested by the commandant, held for 
 some time as a prisoner, and prevented from executing his 
 commission. On the 15th of November, twenty-two of the 
 officers of the brigade published an address to the governor 
 in answer to his proclamation, declaring it to be illegal, and 
 manifesting (Eeir determination to disregard it. The brigade 
 remained on duty at Plattsburgh until the return of General 
 Hampton rendered their further services unnecessary. 
 
 lyiJ. 
 
1UIJ. 
 
 rilSTOFlY OF THK F,.VTK WAR. 
 
 2<;.! 
 
 On mnstcrinn (irncrni Wilkinson's nrmy nt the French 
 Mills, on the Islof Decrmbcr, its cirerlivcs amounted toriglif 
 thousand; General Hampton's to lour thousand. The British 
 forces at Montreal, Prescott, and Kingston, did not exceed 
 .six thousand. General Wilkinson slates, thai on the -Uh of 
 November, when he was within six days' march of the city, 
 the garrison at Montreal did not exceed six hundred men ; 
 but this doubtless was greatly underrating their force. 
 
 (ieneral Hampton, having placed his army in winter-(|uar- 
 Icrsand at Flatlsburgh, and furloughcd most of his eftective 
 olficers, retired to the south. At New-York he accidentally 
 met General Harrison at the same hotel, on his way from the 
 north to the seat of government. General Hampton, witli 
 his servants and suite, appeared in the style and character of 
 a nobleman. The hero of the west was in a plain republi- 
 can style, with a single servant, and not distinguished in 
 his appearance from the other guests. As soon as General 
 Harrison's arrival was known, the citizens assembled and 
 made an elegant entertainment on the succeeding day, at 
 which, he received the compliments and respects due to his 
 achievements. General Hampton and his suite remained in 
 the city, and at the same hotel, unnoticed and uninvited. 
 Public sentiment readily distinguished between the conquering 
 hero, and the general who by his inactivity and disobedience 
 of orders, had defeated an important expedition. The same 
 marked distinction between the two generals took place at 
 Philadelphia a^d Washington. 
 
 No event could have more disappointed the public expec- 
 tation, than the abandonment of the Montreal expedition. 
 The regular troops had been withdrawn from the sea-board, 
 and the Niagara frontier left uncovered, while the whole en- 
 ergies of the campaign were concentrated in this object. 
 To ensure success, General Wilkinson had been called from 
 an important command in the south to supersede General 
 Dearborn in the chief command. Generals Lewis, Hampton, 
 Boyd, Brown, Izard, Covington, and Swartwout, were aU 
 
2i>i 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. i? 
 
 f'ngaged to gather laurels in this field. Every exertion had 
 been made to place the navy on the lake in a situation to 
 command its navigation and further the operations of iho ar- 
 my ; large vessels had been built from the keel, equipped, and 
 j)ut into service in a few weeks ; and three hundred transport 
 boats had been prepared for the descent of the St, Lawrence, 
 and on the 6th of November the entrance of that river was 
 covered for the distance of five miles with this fonnidable 
 flotilla. The war department had been removed from the 
 seat of government to Sackell^s Harbour, that this important 
 expedition might be under the immediate direction of the ex- 
 ecutive. From the speeches in congress of the preceding 
 Wuiler, on the subject of the Canadian conquest, and from 
 the great preparations which had been making through the 
 season, all doubts I'especting the final result had been re- 
 moved ; and in proportion as the public expectation had been 
 raised by these preparations, in the same proportion was the 
 dirappointment when this formidable armament was seen to 
 proceed within two days' march of its object, and tlien aban- 
 don it without an effort. The principal agents endeavoured lo 
 throw the blamejon each other ; public opinion determined that 
 they must share it between them, and in this manner greatly 
 lightened its burthen. Several of them, however, lost the 
 public confidence, and were soon afterwards excused from 
 further service. 
 
 Causes of the failure of the Montreal Expedition, Among 
 others of less consequence the following may be assign* 
 ed as the principal causes of the failure. Early in the 
 season, under the administration of General Dearborn, thr: 
 public stores at Sackett's Harbour, the sinews of the ram- 
 paign, were injudiciously exposed and lost, and the only op- 
 portune season for the expedition wasted in useless and inef- 
 ficient operations on the Niagara frontier. From the 20th of 
 August, the period when General Wilkinson assumed the 
 command, seventy-six days were suffered to elapse before 
 the final sailing of the flotilla. This delay, as it enabled the 
 
lUlJ. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAU. 
 
 2(>5 
 
 riK'my to strengthen their posts on the river, and prepare for 
 ilrl'ence, and as it rendered the descent of the St. Lawrence at 
 j;o late a period difficult, very much hazarded the success of the 
 enterprise. Changing the commander in chief at a critical 
 period of the campaign, without acquiring any additional lal- 
 rnls, hud an unfavourable inlluence upon its result. The es- 
 tphlishmcnt of the war department ^ Sackett's Harbour, 
 a measure in itself unusual, and very qJestionai)le as to its le- 
 gality, vras attended with no beneficial consequences to the 
 txpcdition. The approj)riatc duties of that office are, to re- 
 ceive from the supremo executive his orders, which, in affairs 
 of importance, proceed from the united wisdom of the cabinet, 
 and transmit them for execution to the commanding generals. 
 His office gives the secretary no command in the anny. In 
 the present case, the im|)ortant and hazaitJous measure of 
 proceeding against Montreal, leaving the strongly fortified 
 posts of the enemy at Kingston and^Pr'scott in the rear, was 
 (aken in pursuance of his advice, without the aid of the Pres- 
 ident or the cabinet, and contrary to the opinion of the com- 
 mander in chief. No justifiable or even palliative excuse has 
 ever been rendered for General Hampton's refusing to join 
 ihc expedition on the St. Lawrence. In a country abr-jiding 
 with provisions and thenieans of transportation, there could 
 be MO difficulty in effecting a movement of sixty miles in the 
 roiusc of the autumn. His fears of meeting Sir George 
 IVevost in his march were probably groundless, and if the 
 enemy had come out in force to attack him from Montreal, it 
 would of course have left that city ungraded, and e;isurcd 
 ilie success of the ultimate o'fject. Pr^.n Uiis combination 
 ot injudicious and inefficient measures, the campaign of 1813 
 closed without ert'ecting ^hc capture of Montreal. 
 
 Deft tireless situation of Fort G cor ft c Previous to (ieneral 
 Wilkinson'slcavingfort George, General M^Clure had beenor- 
 flored in with the New-York militia for the defence of the Nia- 
 gara frontier. The British were then in considerable force in 
 ' he neighbourhuuil. General M'CIure strongly urged the expe- 
 
2BG 
 
 HISTORV OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chai'. 1,'. 
 
 h i 
 
 '^%- 
 
 dicncy of a joint atlark by the niiliila and regular forcrs, be- 
 fore the latter proceeded on the Montreal cxj)edilion. Suc- 
 cess was considered as certain. The frontier would then be 
 safe, and the fears of the neighbouring inhabitants quictnl. 
 In the opinion of General Wilkinson, the advanced stale oi 
 tiie season did not admit of the delay necessary for that ob- 
 ject. He left fortiji|Jrge on the 2d of Octol)er, with all tiu 
 United States troops, except eight hundred under the com- 
 mand of Colonel Scott, and with onlers for these to follow ns 
 soon as the safety of that frontier would admit. On the I'iiK 
 of October, the British 'roops near fort George commenced a 
 retrograde movement towards the head of the lake, and estab- 
 lished themselves at Burlington heights ; General M'Clurc 
 with the militia, commenced a pursuit: on the 2d day of his 
 march, he received an express from Colonel Scott, informing 
 him that he should immediately leave fort George for Sack- 
 ell's Harbour; this inlolligence obliged hint to relinquish tin- 
 j)ursuii, and return for the defence of the fort. General 
 M'Clure's force at Uiis time, consisted of one thousand militia 
 engaged until the 9ili of December, and two hundred and 
 fifty Indians. 'I'he g<;nc;ral used every exertion ro strike a 
 blow at the enemy before the term of service of his militia 
 should expire. On the lirsl of November, General Harrison 
 arrived at fort George, with M'Arthur's brigade from llu 
 west. Ininiediately on receiving intelligence of Proctor's 
 defeat, the secrotJiry at war onlered General Harrison, with 
 all his disposable force, to proceed to Sackett's Harbour, to 
 join in the grand expedition. On his arrival at fort Georg<', 
 General M'Clure used every exertion to accomplish an exjx- 
 dition against the British at Burlington, during th^ stay of llii- 
 brigade at the fort. But General Harrison's orders were 
 peremptory ; Chauncey was in the river waiting loi him, aim 
 the lateness of the season adnutled of no delay. 
 
 Evacuation. The troops from the west embarked on llu: 
 Ifilliof November, and again left the Niagara frontier to the 
 defencfi of the militia. Their teiws of service were now 
 
llilJ. 
 
 HISTORY OF TUE LATE WAR. 
 
 •2G7 
 
 nearly expiring, and the British were in the neighbourhood 
 waiting for that event to make an attack. Every inducement 
 was held out to the niihtia to prolong their term of service, 
 until others should arrive. Aj)peals to their patriotism and 
 humanity were made, from a view of the exposed situation 
 of the frontier ; and to their interest, fi-^^he offer of a bounty 
 and an increase of wages. But the^^^cals were made in 
 vain; scarcely a man renewed his li^gemcnts ; the new 
 drafts had not yet arrived; and on the 10th of December, 
 General M'CIure found himself at fort George with only 
 sixty effective men, in view of a much superior enemy, per- 
 fectly acquainted with his weakness. No alternative pre- 
 sented, but the immediate evacuation of the ffirt. 
 
 Burning of J^nzoark, On the 10th of December, the val- 
 uable stores were transported across the river to fort Niagara, 
 fort George blown up, and the adjacent village of Newark 
 burned. This last act was considered as an unnecessary 
 and wanton piece of cruelty. General M'Clure justified 
 himself under the following order from the war departinont, 
 (luring its establishment at Sackett's Jiarbour. 
 
 " War Depahtmewt, October 4, 1813. 
 
 " Understajiding that the defence of the post commmit- 
 ted to your charge may render it proper to destroy the town 
 of Newark, you are hereby directed to apprise the inhabit- 
 ants of this circumstance, and invite them to remove them- 
 selves and their effects to some place of greater safety. 
 
 "JOHN ARMSTRONG. 
 
 " Brigadier General M'Cluhe, ) 
 
 " or officer commanding at fort George." j,' 
 
 No event more disreputable to the American cause, or more 
 injurious in its consequences, could have happened. Five 
 hundred innocent and peaceful inhabitants were in a moment 
 rendered houseless, and compelled, in the midst of a Cana- 
 dian winter, to seek a shelter and subsistence from the charity 
 
;268 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE yVMl. 
 
 Chap, l- 
 
 of their friends. Wherever these unhappy suflerrrs wandered. 
 the eyedroptatearof pity over their misfortunes, and the coun- 
 tenance lightened with the fire of revenge against theaiitliors 
 of their calamity. Whatever friends or advocates the cause of 
 the United States might have had in Canada before this 
 event, it had non^Aerwards. The only ground of justifi- 
 cation ever assunfl^^Brts that it was a necessary measure ot 
 defence, to prevent me British army from finding a slielter 
 during the winter, on the borders of the river, whence they 
 might annoy the inhabitants on the right bank. But this 
 object could not be obtained as long as Queenston and the 
 .settlements above were suffered to remain. This measure 
 induced a most heavy and calamitous retaliation, and was 
 made use of by the British to justify all their wanton acts ol 
 cruelty, during the war, whether before or after the event. 
 Much altercation took place upon the question, who should 
 bear the odium of this transaction. The secretary of state, 
 unacquainted with the transactions of the war departnient. 
 during its absence from the seat of government, disavowed 
 the act to the British authorities, and declared it to be an 
 unauthorized measure of the commanding general. M'Cl'ire 
 considered himself as fully justified by Armstrong's letter, 
 while tlie latter claimed, that the letter was only a conditional 
 authority, and that the case in which it was to be exercised 
 had not occurred. It is evident from the letter, that the 
 iScheme of burning Newark originated with the war depart- 
 ment; and it cannot be denied, that an authority issuing from 
 that source to the commanding general on a particular sta- 
 tion, and by him executed, cannot be disavowed to the 
 enemy •, they have a right to consider it as the act of the 
 governmont, although, as in this case, it was unknown to the 
 President until after the event. The letter likewise proves 
 that it was discretionary with (jeneral M'Clure to do it, or not. 
 as his judgment should direct; the facts clearly show, tiiat no 
 good, but much evil and dishonour resulted to the United 
 States from the transaction ; and that it was an injudicious 
 
 t»I.*V 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 . 2G0 
 
 exercise of a discretionary authority, improperly given by 
 the war department, during its unfortunate excursion to Sack- 
 ett's Harbour. . ■ 
 
 Capture qf Fort Niagara. General M'Clurc on the 10th 
 of December, passed over to Niagara, gave the necessary 
 instructions for the defence of that post, aj^retired to Buffalo. 
 On the 18th he issued an address to tl^^ghbouring inhab- 
 itants, calling upon them to assemble for the defence of fort 
 Niagara, and stating that he had received infonnation that it 
 would be attacked the next day. The general remained at 
 Buffalo ; and the inhabitants seeing no example set them by 
 the author of the address, remained at home. The garrison 
 at Niagara consisted of 370 regulars, under the command of 
 Captain Leonard. At three o'clock in the morning of the 
 19th the British and Indians, after several days' preparation 
 in view of the Americans, crossed the river at the Five Miles 
 Meadows, to the amount of twelve hundred ; and a detach- 
 ment, under Colonel Murray, proceeded to attack the fort. 
 
 Notwithstanding appearances had for some days past 
 clearly indicated the object of attack, the commanding general 
 was at Buffalo, secure in his qiinrtcrs, thirty miles from the 
 scene of action, the immediate command of the fort being left 
 in charge of a man wholly incompetent, who at 'his critical 
 moment, had gone to hi? residence three miles in the rear, 
 the gates of the fort left open, and unguarded, and the garri- 
 son wholly unprepared; the result was as might be expected, 
 the garrison was completely surprised ; sixty-five killed, many 
 of them after they had siirrendcred, and the residue made 
 prisoners ; twenty-seven pieces of ordnance, and large quan- 
 tities of ammunition and military stores, taken. 
 
 Desolation of the Niagara Fronti- . At the same time 
 another detachment of the British proceeded to Lewis- 
 town, which was taken without opposition, and thj in- 
 habitants put to flight. The Indians now plundered, 
 burned, and massacred without restraint. The towns of 
 Niagara and Lcwistown, and the village of friendly Indians 
 
 w •*; 
 
•270 
 
 HISTORY OF THK LATE WAll. 
 
 ClUP. tc. 
 
 1tl3. 
 
 at 7'uscarora, were laid in ashrs. Governor Tompkins, 
 on being informed of the removal of the regular troops fiotu 
 the Niagara frontier, or> the 27ih of November, gave ordors 
 for the assembling of sufficient bodies of militia to supply the 
 places of those under General M'Clure. IJut owing to the 
 delays incident to such operations, they failed of arriving 
 until after the cap^p^ of Niagara, and the destruction of ilie 
 frontier below the falls. On the 2Gth of December, General 
 Hall, commanding the western division of militia, had assem- 
 bled at BulTalo and Black-Rock, two thousand of his division. 
 On the night of the 29th, at 1 2 o'clock, the enemy were dis- 
 covered approaching the American shore, near those places 
 in great force. The militia were ordered out to oppose their 
 landing, but the main body fled at the approach of the enemy, 
 without firing a gun. Colonel Blackesley's regiment, wiili 
 other detached corps, amounting in the whole to six hundred, 
 regularly formed in line, and commenced a destructive fire on 
 the enemy, as they approached the shore. They coniinucd 
 the contest until their associates had all fled, and further op- 
 position appeared useless. The flourishing villages of Black 
 Rock and Buftalo, end the neighbouring settlements woic 
 deserted, and fell a prey to the British and Indians. Gcncml 
 Hall retired with the remains of his dispersed miHtia, to 
 Eleven Mile creek, where he was able to collect only about 
 three hundred; with these he preserved a show of resistance, 
 to cover the flying inhabitants, and check the advances of 
 the enemy. All the flourishing villages and settlements on 
 the Niagara, between the lakes, and to a considerable di> 
 tance in the rear were laid in ashes; the Indians were let loose 
 upon the flying inhabitants, and hundreds of them were ovrr- 
 taken and massacred. The frontier r»resented one scene ol 
 universal desolation.* The miserable inhabitants who es- 
 caped the Indian tomahawk, fled to the interior, without shelter 
 or means of support, in the depth of winter, and subsisted on 
 
 * General Hair* letter to (JoverD«r Tompkini, Janvarjr 6, 1814. 
 
 M.. • 
 
1113. 
 
 nrsroRY of the late wau. 
 
 r,i 
 
 the charily of ihcir friends. More ihon two hundred houses, 
 with an immense value of properly, were pillaged and de- 
 stroyed, and the wretched irihabilanls and owners reduced to 
 poverty. General Hall retired to Balavia, fifty miles in the 
 rear of Niagara, where he was enabled lo collect eighteen 
 hundred militia for the protection of the pultlic stores, and the 
 ilcfciice of those settlements which had craped desolation. 
 
 PrevosCs Proclamation. At length even the humanity of 
 (iovcrnor Prevost began to relent, and on the !2lh of Jan- 
 uary 1814, he issued a proclamation, staling, "That it will 
 hardly be credited by those who shall hereafter read it in the 
 page of history, that in the enlightened era of the 19lh cen- 
 tury, and in the inclemency of a Canadian winter, the troops 
 of a nation, calling itself civilized and Christian, had wantonly, 
 and without a shadow of a pretext, forced four hundred 
 women and children lo (juit their dwellings, and to be the 
 mournful spectators of the conflagration of all that belonged 
 to them. Yet such was the fate of Newark, on the lOlh of 
 December, a day which the inhabitants of Upper Canada can 
 never forget, and the recollection of which cannot but nervo 
 their arms, when opposed to their vindictive foe. On the- 
 night of that day, the American troops, under Brigadier Gen- 
 eral M'Clure, being about to evacuate fort George, which they 
 could no longer retain, by an act of inhumanity disgraceful to 
 themselves, and to the nation to which they belong, set fire to 
 upwards of one hundred and fifty houses, composing the beau- 
 tiful village of Newark, and turning them to the ground, 
 leaving without covering or alicltcr, those innocent, unforlu- 
 naLc, and distressed inhabitants, whom that officer by hk 
 jjiociamation hud engaged to protect. His Excellency would 
 have ill-consulted tHelionour of his country, and the justice 
 (iuc to his Maje&iyS injured and insulted subjects, had he 
 j'ermittcd anaci of such needless cruelty to pass unpunished, 
 or had he failed to visit whenever the opportunity arrived, 
 upon the inhabiiants of the neighbouring American frontier, 
 ibe calamities thus inflicted on their own. The opportunity 
 
 mi^ 
 
Q72 
 
 inSiOKY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 12. 
 
 It f 
 
 ' i 
 
 has occurred, and a full measure of retaliation has lakcfi 
 place ; such as it is hoped will teach the enemy to respect in 
 future the laws of war, and recall him to a sense of what is 
 due to himself, as well as to us. In the further prosecution ot 
 the contest to which so extraordinary a character has been 
 given, his Excellency must be guided by the course of con- 
 duct which the en^y shall hereafter pursue. Lamenting the 
 necessity imposed upon him, of retaliating upon the subjects 
 of America the miseries inlhcted on the inhabitants of Now- 
 ark, it is not his intention to pursue further a system of warfare 
 so revolting to his own feelings, and so little congenial to the 
 British character, unless the future measures of the enemy 
 should compel him to resort to it. To those possessions of 
 the enemy along '' the whole line of frontier which have hith- 
 erto remained undisturbed, and which are now at the mercy 
 of the troops under his command, his Excellency has deter- 
 mined to extend the same forbearance, and the same freedom 
 from rapine and plunder which they have hitherto experi- 
 enced; and from this determination, the future conduct of the 
 American government shall alone induce him to depart." 
 
 The scene of conflagration here terminated ; neither party 
 seemed disposed to renew a course of warfare which tended 
 only to^the destruction of unoflfending individuals. The burn- 
 ing of Newark, it was readily foreseen, would induce such a 
 system of retaliation as has been described, and expose the 
 unprotected American frontier to destruction. It excited a 
 high degree of indignation against the commanding general. 
 He apprehended himself to have been shot at several times at 
 Buffalo, and retired to Batavia to avoid the resentment 0" ihv 
 frontier inhabitants. 
 
CHAPTER Xlll. 
 
 Prt'bidential Election.— Inaugural Addres6.~-IV1eeting of (he 13th Cob< 
 gress. — Message. — Treasury Report. — Report of Committee of Ways 
 and Means. — Direct Taxes and Internal Duties. — Mr. Webster's 
 Renolutions on the suppression uf the French Decree of 28th 
 of April, 1811 ; Report of the Secretary of State thereon. — Report of 
 the Committee of Foreign Relations. — Massachiisetts' Remonstrance 
 against the War. — British I licenses pruhil)ited. — Report of the Com- 
 mittee on British Outrages. — Retaliation. — Urilisli Claim of Natural 
 Allegiance. — Amcric;in Claim. — Proceedings with Prisoners. — Report 
 of the Secretary of State on Allegiance. — Second Session of the 13th 
 Congress. — Messnge. — Con6dential Comnnmication, recommending 
 an Embargo. — Report of Committee of Foreign Relations.— Embargo 
 laid. — Message, and Report thereon, recommending the Repeal of 
 the Embargo. — Treasury Report. — Expenditures for 1813. — Esti- 
 mates for 1814. — Bounty increased. — Stcaiii Frigate built. — Loan 
 Bill passed. — Close of the Session. ' . • . 
 
 Presidential Election, March 4/A, 1813. The iftrcling of 
 electors of President and Vice-President for the presidential 
 term commencing the 4th of March, 1813, was held in the 
 ■ievcral states agreeably to law, on the 1st Wednesday of 
 December, 1812. De Witt Clinton, of New- York, was the 
 candidate opposed to Mr. Madison ; and was selected by the 
 peace party, on the ground of his being opposed to the war. 
 Mr. Madison united the votes of Vermont, New-Hampshire, 
 Pennsylvania, and all the states south and west of Maryland. 
 On the 10th of February, the two houses of Congress met in 
 convention, and counted the votes ; when the result appeared 
 to be one hundred and twenty-eight for Mr. Madison, and 
 eighty-nine for Mr. Clinton. For Vice-President, one hun- 
 dred and thirty-one for Mr. Gerry, and eighty-.six for Mr. 
 Ingersoll. On the 4th of March, Mr. Madison was inducted 
 into office with the usual ceremonies, when he delivered a. 
 speech to the riti/rn*? assembled on the orrasinn. in justifirn- 
 
274 HISTORY OF THE t.ATE WAR. Chap. IS. 
 
 tion of the commciiccmcnt, and coDtinuancc of the war; con 
 trasting the humane manner in whirh it liad been carried on 
 by the United States, with the barbarities of tlie British and 
 their Indian aUics ; at the same time assuring his fellow-cilijjcnv,, 
 that the spirit and resources of the country were amply suftl- 
 cicnt to bring it to an honourable issue. 
 
 Meeting of Congress^ Afatf 24tli. 1813. In pursuance of a 
 law of the last session, the 13lh Oongress convened on iht 
 24th of May. In the choice of a speaker, the votes were 
 for Mr. Clay, eighty-nine -, for Mr. Pitkin, the peace candi- 
 efate, fifty-four. 
 
 Message, On the 25th, the President's message was comnimu- 
 nieated, slating that he had recently received a communication 
 from the emperor of Russia, offering his mediation, as the com- 
 BLon friend of the United States and Great Britain, for the pur- 
 pose of making peace between them. That this offer was imme- 
 diately accepted on the part of the United States, and ihrei; 
 envoys appointed, and commissioned with the recjuisitc 
 powers to conclude a treaty of peace with persons clothed 
 with like powers on the part of Great Britain j and that the 
 tw© envoys who were in the United States at the time of 
 their appointment, had proceeded to join their colleague 
 already at St. Petersburgh. That the envoys had ali'eady re- 
 ceived anotl^^r commission, authorizing them to conclude 
 vith the emperor of Russia a treaty of conmierce with a view 
 td strengthen the amicable relations, and improve the bcnefi- 
 fial intercourse between the two countries. That the senti- 
 ments of Great Britain towards the emperor were such as 
 would produce an acceptai>ce of the mediation, might fairly be 
 presumed. That no adequate motives could exist for her lo 
 prefer a continuance of the war to the terms on which the 
 United States were willing to close it. The message further 
 remarked, that the British cabinet must be sensible, that with 
 respect to the important question of impressment on which 
 the war so essentially turns, a search for, or seizure of 
 British persons or property ou board neutral vessels on the 
 
IDIX 
 
 HISTORY OP TJIE LATK WAK. 
 
 lil^ 
 
 con 
 
 high sens, is not a bclligcront right dcrivod from the law of 
 nations ; .md that no visit, search, or tisc of force for any pur- 
 pose, on t)oar(J of vessels of one independent power, can b« 
 sanctioned by the Jaws or authority of another. It is equally 
 obvious, that for the purpose of preserving to each slate its 
 sea-faring members, by excluding them from the vessels of 
 the other, a mode heretofore proposed, and now enacted by 
 the United States as a part of their municipal policy, cannot 
 for a moment hv. compared with the mode practised by Great 
 Riitain, without a conviction of its jm-fercnces, in as mucU 
 as the latter leaves the discrimination between the mariner.^ 
 of the two nations, to otViccrs exposed to urjavoidablc bias, 
 as well as from delect of evidence, to a wrong derision under 
 rircumstances j)recluding redress, and where a wrong de- 
 cision, besides the irreparable violation of the rights of per- 
 sons, might frustrate the plans and profits of entire voyages : 
 whereas the mode adopted by the United States guards, witU 
 studied fairness and delicacy, against errors in such cases, 
 and avoids the etfect of casual errors on the safety of naviga- 
 tion, and the success of mercantile enterprises. If the rea- 
 sonableness of expectations drawn from these considerations 
 could guarantee their fulfdment, a Just peace could not hf 
 distant; but it becomes the wisdom of the national Icgislatuk** 
 to keep in mind the true policy and indispensable obligation 
 of adapting its measures to the principle that the only course 
 to a safe and honourable peace, is the vigorous employ- 
 ment of the resources of war. 
 
 Treasury Estimates. The principal object of this session 
 was to mature and bring into operation a system of internal 
 duties, and direct taxes, for which there was not time the last. 
 Such an additional revenue was deemc^d to be necessary, as 
 would, with that already established, pay the ordinary ex- 
 penses of government, discharge the redeemable porticm of^,^ 
 the public debt, and pay the interest on the war loans, Mr. 
 Gallatin having been appointed one of the envoys on the 
 Russian mediation, the treasury department was committed to 
 
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 WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 
 
 (716) 872-4503 
 
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276 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chav. is 
 
 ■ ) 
 
 Mr. Jones, the secretary of the navy. On the second of 
 June, the acting secretary of the treasury presented to the 
 house of representatives a report on the state of the treasury ; 
 from which it appeared that the balance in the treasury, on 
 the 30th of September, 1812, was 2,362,652 69 
 
 Receipts at the treasury from that period to 
 
 the 31st of March 1813, were 15,412,416 25 
 
 fi*>» 1 > »•• 
 
 The issues from the treasury during the 
 same period were 
 
 Leaving a balance in the treasury on the 
 ist of April, 1813, of 
 
 The loan of sixteen millions, authorized by 
 the act of the 8th of February, had been 
 negotiated upon such terms, as that the 
 United States had received eighty-eight 
 dollars cash for one hundred dollars of 
 their stock, bearing six per cent, interest. 
 The resources for the residue of the year 
 1813, were the balance of the loan of six- 
 teen millions not yet received 
 
 The customs and sale of public lands esti- 
 mated at 
 
 Treasury notes authorized to be issued un- 
 der the act of the 25th of February, 1813 
 
 The expenses for the same period Were esti- 
 mated to be, for the civil list 
 Payment on account of the public debt •, , 
 War and navy departments »;* , 
 
 17,775,068 94 
 15,919,334 41 
 
 $1,855,734 5.'^ 
 
 14,913,262 
 
 -n < . 9,320 
 
 5,000,000 
 
 29,330,000 
 
 900,000 
 10,510,000 
 17,820,000 
 
 ,f >i';V'<^.i> .-H'" 
 
 i\ 
 
 29,230,000 
 
 Th^ foregoing; estimates were calculated to jeach the end 
 bf the year 1813; The secretary recommends an early and 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 277 
 
 adequate provision for the service of 1814. He remarks, 
 as reliance must be had upon loans for the future war ex- 
 penses, the laying of the internal taxes must be considered 
 with a view to that object as indispensable to facilitate thef 
 obtaining of the loan, and procuring it upon favourable terms. 
 It had been satisfactorily ascertained, that the terms ^ the 
 last loan would have been more favourable if the taxes had 
 been previously laid. ■ ^s -;- < 
 
 It is obvious that by affording a security for the regular 
 j)ayment of the interest, and eventual reimbursement of the 
 principal, more stable and less liable to be weakened, and 
 cut off by the effects of war, than a revenue depending, as 
 that of the United States now almost wholly does, on exter- 
 nal commerce, capitalists will advance with the greater readi* 
 ness^ and at a lower rate of interest, the funds necessary for 
 the prosecution of the war. Public confidence will be en- 
 sured, and the means afforded of preserving public credit 
 unimpaired. The resources of the country are ample, and ; 
 if the means now proposed, and those heretofore recom- 
 mended from this department, are adopted, it is believed they > 
 may fully and fairly be brought into action. . . a^; .«,.,.> »^rif.p 
 
 The committee of ways and means reported a direct tax 
 of three millions on fixed property; and the same system of 
 internal revenue which had been brought forward, and nearly . 
 matured the last session. It embraced duties on distilleries^ * 
 refined sugars, retailers' licenses, sales at auction^ carriages^ t 
 and negotiable paper, estimated to raise two millions, a duty%' 
 of twenty cents a bushel on salt, estimated to raise $400,000/' 
 and an additional tonnage duty on foreign vessels, estimated 
 at $900,000. As this system had been thoroughly canvassed ^ 
 the last session, and the necessity of an additional revenue, f^ 
 was becoming every day more and more apparent, it waf^l^ 
 adopted, and the necessary laws passed to give it effect, wit.li'i 
 very little debate or opposition* A further loan of $ 7.500,000, ? 
 
 was also authorized* 
 
 ')- V*' % 
 
 - ■ .,. .," v^. -J. -,=T ffr'fi, w'%J- .».,,^,J5^* ■frit'' 
 
Ff' 
 
 278 
 
 HISTORY or THE LATE WAR. 
 
 QUAP. 13, 
 
 1 
 
 • 
 
 i 
 
 1:*.'. 
 
 c 
 
 '^w' 
 
 M 
 
 m 
 
 i i 
 
 
 lii ;5 
 
 Bl ft 
 
 JWr. fTfl^s/er's Resolutions. On the 10th of June, Mr. Web- 
 ster offered for consideration several resolutions, calling on 
 the executive for information — < v« v. , 
 
 When, by whom, and in what manner, the first intelligence 
 was given to the American government of the French decree 
 of the 28th of April, 1811, purporting to be a definitive re- 
 peal of the Berlin and Milan decrees ? 
 
 Whether Mr. Russell, the late charge des affaires at tlic 
 court of France, ever admitted or denied the correctness of 
 the statement of the duke of Bassano, that this decree had 
 been communicated to Mr. Barlow's predecessor ? 
 
 Whether the French minister at Washington had ever in- 
 formed the American government of the existence of such a 
 decree ? 
 
 And whether any explanation had been given by the French 
 government ; why the decree had been concealed, together 
 with any other information relative to the subject, not im- 
 proper to be communicated. 
 
 These resolutions formed a principal topic of debate from 
 the 10th to the 21st of June, when the question was taken 
 upon them, and they passed, yeas 1 37, nays 36. 
 
 Report of the Secretary of State, On the 13th of July, 
 the secretary of state reported upon the subject of these in- 
 quiries. That the first intelligence which the American gov- 
 ernment received of the decree of the 28th of April, 1811, 
 was communicated in a letter from Mr. Barlow, bearing date 
 the 12th of May, and received the 13th of July, 1812. That 
 the first intimation of the existence of that decree was given 
 to Mr. Barlow by the duke of Bassano, in an informal con- 
 versation, sometime between the 1st and 10th of May, 1812, 
 and formally communicated to him on the 10th. Thai Mr. 
 Barlow transmitted a copy of the decree, and the duke of 
 Bassano's letter of the 12th of May, in which he also inform- 
 ed Mr. Russell, that the duke of Bassano stated to him, that 
 the decree had been duly communicated to Mr. Russell, then 
 charge des affaires at France, at its date. 
 
 ' IH^^H 
 
1613. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 a79 
 
 Mr. Russell replied to Mr. Barlow's letter, staling that the 
 first knowledge he had of the decree, was derived from his 
 letter of the 11 th of May. The secretary further stated, that no 
 communication of the decree was ever made to the American 
 government by the French minister, and no explanation given 
 why the decree was not published, and communicated to the 
 American government at its date. The minister of France had 
 been asked to explain the cause of a proceeding so extraor- 
 dinary, and exceptionable ; to which he replied, that his first 
 intelligence of that decree was received by the Wasp, in a 
 letter from the duke of Bassano, of the 10th of May, 1813 ; 
 in which the duke expressed his surprise, that a prior letter 
 of May 1811, in which he transmitted to him a copy of the 
 decree for the information of the American government, had 
 not been received. The light in which this transaction was 
 viewed by the President, had been noticed by him in his 
 message to Congress, and communicated to Mr. Barlow, in a 
 letter of the 14ih of July, with a view to the requisite infor- 
 mation from the French government. Before the reception 
 of that letter, the emperor and the duke of Bassano had 
 iejft Paris for the north. Mr. Barlow died before any expla- 
 nations had been given ; and his successor, recently appointed, 
 has been instructed to demand the necessary explanation. 
 
 After answering the questions proposed by the resolutions, 
 the secretary entered into an elaborate discussion, tending td 
 show that the repeal of the British orders in council was 
 owing to other causes than the repeal of the French decrees 
 and was not to be ascribed to that of the 28th of April, 1811. 
 That in professedly making that decree the basis of their repeal, 
 the British government had conceded that they ought to have 
 repealed them on the ground of the declaration of the French 
 government of the 5th of August, 1810, so as to take effect 
 on the Ist of the following November j and by failing so to 
 do, were justly chargeable with all the consequences of the 
 war. That the final repeal of the orders in council was to be 
 
 
 4t >- 
 
i 
 
 : [ 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 5 
 
 
 380 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 13, 
 
 j,: j , : 
 
 'it . ■ ii 
 
 '••I 
 
 ■V 
 
 i 
 
 i 1 
 
 r 1 ^ I 
 
 ■ ^' ' 1 
 
 ri -'.•■ 
 
 ascribed to th« pressure which the restrictive system of the 
 American govef ninent brought upon the British nation.* . 
 
 Accompanying the report, was the correspondence between 
 the American and French governments, confirming the state^ 
 /nents it contained. 
 
 The committee of foreign relations, to whom the subject 
 was referred, without adverting to the concealment of the de- 
 cree by the French government, from the 29th of April, 1811, 
 to the 10th of May, 1812, and the false declaration, that it 
 was comiannicated to Mr. Russell at its date, remark : That 
 ^e secretary's report, and the accompanying documents 
 furnish strong additional proof of the justice and necessity of 
 the war, and powerful motives for the steady and vigorous 
 prosecution of it, as the surest means of a safe and honoura- 
 ble peace* That it can now no longer be doubted, that it 
 was the pressure of the restrictive measures, combined with 
 the determination of Congress, to redress their wrongs by 
 arms, and oot the repeal of the French decrees, that broke down 
 ;the British orders in council, and destroyed .that dangerous 
 system of monopoly, by which America was, in fact, as to her 
 .conjmerce, re-colonized. Their report concludes with a re- 
 :^oliiitioni declaring that the conduct of the executive, in rr lation 
 ito the subjects referred to, nieets the approbation of the house. 
 
 Massachusetts Remotistrance, On the 19th of June, Mr. 
 'Pickering presented a remonstrance from the legislature 
 of M^sachusetts, condemning in strong and pointed lan- 
 iguage the war, as impolitic and unjust. They state that of 
 the two hundred and fifteen millions derived by the United 
 States, under the operation of the federal .constitution, Mas- 
 nsachusetts had paid more than forty millions, or about one 
 fifth part into the national treasury. That if this sum had 
 ;been preserved t3 her, she would have been fully compe- 
 tent to her own defence. That she possesses a sea-coast 
 more extensive and }x>pulous than any other state in the union ; 
 and an extensive land frontier^ now wholly abandoned by the 
 
 •■"Ffporf of Ihe secretnry of stafCs Julv 1013. 
 
 .1 
 
// 
 
 1 
 
 J»13. i/ ' 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 281 
 
 government, whose duty it was to protect her. That the pol- 
 icy adopted by the general governmeAt, had brought the good 
 people of that commonwealth to the verge of ruin ; had an- 
 nihilated that commerce so essential to her prosperity, increase 
 ed their burdens while it diminished their means of support ; 
 provided for the establishment of an immense standing army, 
 dangerous. |o their liberties and irreconcileable with the gen« 
 jus of their constitution ; destroyed theirjust and constitution- 
 al weight in the general government ; and, by involving them 
 in a disastrous war, had placed in the power of the enemy, 
 the control of the fisheries, a treasure of more value to the 
 country than all the territories for which they are contending, 
 and which furnish the only means of subsistence for thousands 
 of her citizens, and the great nursery of her seamen, and 
 the right to which cannot be be abandoned by New Eng- 
 land. 
 
 The remonsti'ance concludes, by earnestly requesting, that 
 measures may be immediately adopted to stay the sword 
 of the destroyer, and prevent the further efiusion of human 
 blood : that the invading armies may be forthwith recalled 
 within our own territories, and that every effort of our rulers , 
 may be directed to the attainment of a just and honourable 
 peace : that mutual confidence and commercial prosperity 
 may be again restored to our distracted and suflfering country ; ■ 
 and that by an upright and faithful administration of the gov- 
 ernment, in the true sfpirit of the constitution, its blessings 
 may be equally diffused to every part of the union. The re- 
 monstrance was read, ordered to lie on the table, and contin- 
 ued to the next session. 
 
 British Licenses, For the purpose of procuring a supply 
 of provisions for the British West Indies, and the combined 
 armies in Spain, the naval officers commanding the Amerir 
 can stations, had been directed by an order of council soon 
 after the commencement of the war, to grant licenses to mer- 
 chant vessels of the United States, laden with provisions, and 
 bound to those places. These licenses protected them from 
 
 36 
 

 !2«2 
 
 mSTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Cha>. it. 
 
 I 1 
 
 ' I, 
 
 '' i 
 
 ■'^ ii 
 
 British capture on their outward and return voyages. By 
 means of them, a brisk and lucrative trade was carried on ; 
 those places in a great measure relieved from the pressure of 
 the war ; supplies obtained for the British army and navy, and 
 British merchandise introduced into the United States. Ves- 
 sels sailing under these licenses, had been taken by Ameri- 
 can privateers, brought in and libelled ; the prize courts 
 cleared them, on the ground that such trade was not prohibit- 
 ed by law. 
 
 Such a commerce was evidently inadmissible. It tended 
 to frustrate some of the principal objects of the war. An 
 tact w;as passed this session, forbidding all persons from ob- 
 taining, using or selling such licenses, on penalty of forfeiting 
 twice the value of the vessel and cargo to be protected there- 
 by, and a fine of five thousand dollars. Any Vessel found 
 sailing under such license, was to be considered as sailing 
 under the British flag, and liable to be proceeded against as 
 lawful prize. 
 
 On application of the owners of privateers, the duties on 
 prize goods were reduced to one third less than what were 
 payable on goods imported in any other manner. 
 
 Report of the Committee on the manner in which the War 
 had been conducted. In the early part of the session, a com- 
 mittee was appointed upon that part of the President's mes- 
 sage which related to the spirit and manner in which the war 
 bad been waged by the enemy. On the 31st of July, Mr. 
 Macon, from that committee, reported, that they had collect- 
 ed, and arranged, all the testimony that was in their power to 
 obtain, under the following heads >— 
 
 1st. Bad treatment of American prisoners* 
 
 3d. Detention of American prisoners as British subjects, 
 on the plea of nativity in the dominions of Great Britain, or 
 of naturalization. 
 
 3d. Detention of mariners as prisoners of war, who were 
 in England when the war was declared^ 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 S83 
 
 4th. Compulsory service of impressed American segmen 
 on board of British ships of war. '' 
 
 5th. Violation of flags of truce. : ■ . ' 
 
 6th. Ransom of American prisoners from Indians in iho 
 British service. . - , , - 
 
 7th. Pillage, and destruction of private property, on the 
 Chesapeake bay, and in the neighbouring country. 
 
 8th. Massacre and burning of American prisoners, surren- 
 dered to officers of Great Britain, by Indians in the* British 
 service. Abandonment of the remains of Americans, killed 
 in battle, or murdered after the surrender to the British ; the 
 pillage and shooting of American citizens, and the burning of 
 their houses, after the surrender to the British, under the 
 guarantee of protection. , : . ? ; 
 
 9th. Outrages at Hampton. - • 
 
 The evidence under the first head, the committee remark, 
 demonstrates that the British government has adopted rigor-< 
 ous regulations, unfriendly to the comfort, and apparently un-> 
 necessary for the safe keeping of American prisoners. It 
 shows also, instances of a departure from the customary rules 
 of war, by the selection and confinement, in close prisons, of 
 particular persons, and the transportation of them for unde- 
 fined causes, from the ports of the British colonies io the 
 island of Great Britain. 
 
 The evidence under the second head, eitablishes the fact, 
 that however the fact of detaining America'', citizens or Bri- 
 tish subjects, may be regarded, as to the pri>;c iple it involves^) 
 that such detentions continue to occur, through the agency of 
 the naval and other commanders of that government ; and 
 that however unwilling to allow other nations to naturalize 
 her subjects, Great Britain is disposed to enforce the obliga- 
 tion entered into by subjects naturalized under her laws. 
 
 The evidence under the third head shows, that while all 
 other American citizens were permitted to depart within a 
 reasonable time after the declaration of war, all marinert 
 \vho were in the dominions of Great Britain at that perio(]^ 
 
FT 
 
 284 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chat, u 
 
 whether they resorted to her ports in time of peace for law- 
 ful purposes, or were forced into them, under pretence 6f IK 
 legal commerce, are considered as prisonors of war. 
 
 The testimony collected under the fourth head, proves it to 
 he the ordinary practice of the officers of the British armed 
 vessels, to force impressed Americana to serve against their 
 country, by threats, corporal punishment, and the fear of 
 immediate execution. 
 
 The evidence under the other heads, embraced the outrages 
 committed in the Chesapeake, and on the river Raisin, and 
 clearly established the facts that have been related, as to 
 those transactions. 
 
 The whole testimony, thus collected and arranged, remaJD- 
 on the records of Congress ; and the report concludes with a 
 resolution, requesting the Prewdent to have collected and 
 j^resented to Congress during the continuance of the war, evi- 
 dence of any departure by the enemy, from the ordinary 
 mode of conducting war among civilized nations. The next 
 meeting of Congress was fixed on the first Monday of De- 
 cember, and the session closed on the 2d of August. 
 
 Natural Allegiance. — Queension Prisoners, At the com- 
 mencement of the war, a question arose on the subject of 
 natural allegiance between the belligerents. Which had well 
 nigh proved fatal to the lives of all who were so unfortunate 
 as to be made prisoners on either side. 
 
 Among the Americans taken at the battle of Queenston. 
 were tWerity-three persons whom he British authorities claim- 
 ed to have been born within their domirtions ; they selected 
 these, put them in close confinement, and sent them to Eng- 
 lanktobe tried for high treason* On the part of Great 
 Britain, it was claimed, that these persons were British born 
 subjects, taken on British territory, in arms against their 
 Sovereign ; that every person born within the king's domin- 
 ions, whether original or colonial, owed a natural, unaliena- 
 ble allegiance to the crown, which no circumstances, times, 
 bv places, length of residence in foreign countries, or obliga-' 
 
fui5. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 28^ 
 
 (ions contracted there, could dissolve. That this principle 
 was recognised by all civilized nations, and was the univer- 
 sal law of Europe. That however princes might permit 
 their subjects to accept commissions, or engage in foreigrt 
 service, it was always with the exception that they should 
 not bear arms against their native sovereign^ and generally 
 with the condition, that in case their own country should be 
 engaged in war, they should return to its defence. That a 
 subject could not, by being naturalized in a foreign country, 
 dissolve his allegiance ; and that if, by contracting inconsistent 
 obligations, he had subjected himself to inconveniences and 
 hazards, he must abide (he consequences. 
 
 Expatriation. The American government strongly remon* 
 strated against the proceeding, and claimed that the persons 
 in question were naturalized American citizens, and entitled 
 to the same treatment as other prisoners of war< The ground 
 taken by them was, that every person at his birth owed only 
 a temporary allegiance to the country of his nativity, continu- 
 ing only during his residence therein. That granting to a 
 subject the liberty of emigrating- and settling in other coun- 
 tries, necessarily implied the liberty of changing his allegi- 
 ance. No person could be under two obligations inconsistent 
 with each other at the same time; one or the other must 
 necessarily be void. When therefore a nation freely per- 
 ttiitted its subjects to emigrate^ and settle in foreign coantrtes^ 
 and received and naturalized foreigners at home, it necessa- 
 rily implied a liberty to their emigrating subjects to change 
 their allegiance* American citizens tm board British ships, 
 and those resident in Canada holding l£inds under the crown, 
 were required to bear arms against the United States. 
 
 The difference between the two nations on this subject, 
 arose in a great measure from the different structure of the 
 governments. Great Britain and other monarchies were 
 originally founded on the feudal principle, that all persons 
 born within their territories were the vassals of the crown 5 
 and that the king had an interest, or species of property in 
 
 HI 
 <il 
 
2»U 
 
 HiiiTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Cjiat. I'i, 
 
 m 
 
 
 li . 
 
 the pergona, and a right to the services of his subjects. Upon 
 this principle the European governments claimed and often 
 exercised the right of prohibiting their subjects from leaving 
 the realm, and ordering the return of such as had gone out. 
 These doctrines were interwoven in their constitutions, and 
 formed a part of their municipal code. While they afl'ccted 
 none but the prince and his vassals or subjects, other nations 
 had no ground of complaint, but when they were attempted 
 to be enforced on the territory, or in the ships of another 
 power, it became a manifest invasion of the rights and inde- 
 pendence of that nation. The republics of the United States 
 were founded upon the principle of an equality of rights 
 among all the citizens, and a voluntary association for their 
 mutual protection. That a person was not confined to the 
 place of his birth, but was always at liberty to choose his 
 residence in any country : that protection could be afforded 
 only while the citizen remained within the jurisdiction thai 
 allegiance and protection were necessarily reciprocal, and 
 co-extensive: that when a person removed out of the limits 
 of his own gOTernmenI, and settled himself in another, pro- 
 tection necessarily ceased and with it the corresponding ob' 
 ligation of service, or allegiance. 
 
 Betaliation, The reraonitrances of the American govern- 
 ttient proving ineffectual, a system of retaliation was adopt- 
 ed. Twenty-three British prisoners were selected and placed 
 in close confinement, to abide the fate of the Queenston 
 prisoners. Forty-six American officers were then taken and 
 put in close confinement, to abide the fate of the twenty-three 
 British soldiers. Forty-six British officers were then selected 
 and confined for the purposes of retaliation. Sixteen prison- 
 ers firom American vessels were also selected, and put in close 
 confinement at Halifax, for the purpose of being sent to Eng- 
 land for trial, as being British born subjects. The same 
 number of British seamen were taken by the Americans, and 
 held as hostages. Forty-six other American officers werQ 
 
nii. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 207 
 
 *?-' 
 
 then taken, and closely confined, to abide the fate of the last 
 forty-six British. A cartel agreed on between General Win- 
 der and Colonel Bayncs, for the general exchange of prison- 
 ers in Canada, was disapproved by the President, because it 
 excepted from its provisions, the forty-six American officers 
 first taken; and no exchange of prisoners could be made. 
 
 Under the provision of the constitution which ordains, 
 <'that the President shall from time to time give to the 
 Congress information of the state of the union," the President 
 communicated these facts to Congress ; and under the same 
 provision, both houses had adopted the practice of requesting 
 of the President information of any facts relating to the sub- 
 jects of their deliberation. On this occasion the senate ex- 
 tended the inquiry as to what the law of nations was upon the 
 point of natural allegiance ; and passed a resolution request- 
 ing " the President to cause to be laid before them such 
 information as he may possess of the cases, with their circum- 
 stances, in which any civilized nation had punished its native 
 subjects taken in arms against her, and for which punishment 
 retaliation had been inflicted by the nation in whose service 
 they had been taken." 
 
 It was obvious that whatever information was to be had 
 upon this subject, must be gained from books of history, and 
 treatises upon the law of nations, contained in the library of 
 Congress, and equally in the power of the senate as of the 
 President, and the constitution had no where made it the duty 
 of the executive, to instruct the legislature in principles of 
 general law. The secretary of state, to whom the resolution 
 of the senate was referred, remarks, that by it information is 
 demanded of the conduct of Great Britain and other powers 
 in past times, without limitation in the retrospect, in circumr 
 stances bearing upon the question of retaliation ; and that 
 these inquiries necessarily involve an extensive research in 
 the history and jurisprudence of the nations of Europe, for 
 which task the other duties of his office had altogether dis- 
 qualified him. Another difficulty presented itself, not men- 
 
2B8 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 13. 
 
 tioned by the secretary; that such a research would have 
 brought into view cases which inpugned the principles 
 adopted by the American government. A few of the most 
 proninent^ were : '4r[!*/f i)«,fjfi. ,,,.„. > • ^ .;;' 
 
 Precedents^ The case of Doctor Story, in the reign of 
 Queen Elizabeth. He was a native of England, who had 
 long quitted his country, become a subject of Spain, and had 
 been :actually received in England as an ambassador of the 
 Spanish government. He was afterwards indicted for treason 
 in England, pleaded the fact of his being a Spanish subject in 
 his justification ; his plea was overruled, and he condemned 
 and executed. >; r\'-} i.Y'- 't"i' 
 
 The case of Colonel Townley, who was indicted, convicted, 
 and executed, for bearing arms against England, notwith- 
 standing his having been naturalized in France ; and no re- 
 monstrance or claim of retaliation on the part of the French 
 or Spanish goyernmcnts in either case. 
 
 History also presents the French decree of Trianon, which 
 provifdes, that no Frenchman can be naturalized abroad with- 
 out the emperor's consent^ and such as are naturalized with 
 consent can at no time bear arms against France. 
 
 American history brings to view a law of the state of Vir- 
 ginia, which allows a native citizen, by a formal deed, exC" 
 •cuted before witnesses, acknowledged in court, and recorded, 
 to quit claim, and renounce his birth-right, and thenceforth 
 be deemed as though he had never been a citizen of the state, 
 necessarily implying that without such process, expatriation 
 was not aidmissible. r- .• :;•, > >^r ir v ..,; ? *^t ; - 
 
 Also a judicial decision of the highest authority in the case 
 of Isaac Williams ; who, being a native citizen of the United 
 States, in the year 1792 received a lieutenant's commission, 
 and served on board the Jupiter, a French seventy-four gun 
 ship, and in the same year was naturalized in France, agreea- 
 bly to the forms of law in that country, took the oath of alle- 
 giance to the French republic, renouncing expressly, his alle- 
 giance to all other countries, particularly to America ; ha<:J 
 
)813. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 !289 
 
 ever since continued under the government, and for most of 
 the time, had resided in France. In the year 1 799, he was 
 indicted, and tried before the circuit court of the United 
 States, holden by Chief Justice Ellsworth, for having, in Feb- 
 ruary t797, accepted a commission under the French repub- 
 lic, and instruction^ to commit acts of hostility against Great 
 Britain, contrary to the laws of the United States, and the 
 treaty of peace between them and Great Britain. On these 
 facts, the chief justice decided that the prisoner was a citizen 
 of the United States at the time the acts complained of were 
 done, and that the facts stated afforded no ground of defence. 
 The judge remarks, that all the members of the civil commu- 
 nity are bound to each other by compact, which cannot be 
 dissolved by one of the parties by his own act. The com- 
 pact between the community and its members, is, that the 
 community should protect them, and that they should at all 
 times be obedient to the laws of the community, and faithful 
 in its defence. |f an emigrating citizen embarrasses himself 
 with contradictory obligations by naturalization, the fault 
 and folly are his own ; this implies no consent of the govern- 
 ment, that the citizen should expatriate himself. ' "* "' ^ 
 Report of the Secretary of State, Historical researches 
 presenting these views of the subject, the secretary, after 
 apologizing for not going into them, merely proceeds to re- 
 mark, that all the nations of Europe naturalize foreigners ; 
 all employ in their service the subjects of each other, and 
 frequently against their native countries, even when not 
 naturalized. They all allow their own subjects to emigrate ; 
 that although examples may be found of the punishment of 
 their native subjects, taken in arms against them ; these ex- 
 amples are few, and have either been marked by peculiar 
 ci rcumstances, taking them out of the contested principle, or 
 have proceeded from the passions or policy of the occasion. 
 Even in prosecutions and convictions^ having the latter origin, 
 the final act of punishment has been prevented, with fe^ dx- 
 ception§, by a sense of equity and humanity, or a idredd of 
 
 w 
 
■ n 
 
 i i 
 
 290 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chak. 13. 
 
 f ■ i 
 
 retaliation. It is confidently believed that no instance can 
 be found, in which the alleged purposes of the enemy 
 against the twenty-three persons in question, under the cir- 
 cumstances which belong to their case, even though many of 
 them may not have been regularly naturalized, are counte- 
 nanced by the proceedings of any European nation. That 
 if no instances occur of retaliation in the few cases requiring 
 it, or in any of them, by the government employing such per- 
 sons, it has been, it is presumed, because the punishment 
 which has been inflicted by the native country might be ac- 
 counted for on some principle other than its denial of the 
 right of emigration and naturalization* Had the government 
 employing the persons so punished by their native country 
 retaliated in such cases, it might have incurred the reproach, 
 either of countenancing acknowledged crimes, or of fol- 
 lowing the example in acts of cruelty, exciting horror, rather 
 than of fuimiing its pledge to innocent persons, in support of 
 rights fairly obtained, and sanctioned by the general opinion 
 «ind practice of the nations of Europe, ancient and modern.^ 
 
 The opinions and reasonings of the secretary appear to 
 have been satisfactory. A bill was introduced, authorizing 
 retaliation in cases where the President deemed it just and 
 necessary ; which failed of passing, only on the ground that 
 such powers were already fully contained in the general con- 
 stitutional powers of the executive to conduct the war. 
 
 Queenston Prisoners released. This unfortunate contro- 
 versy was progressing to an alarming extent, the end of 
 which none could foresee, when the American government 
 received intelligence from Mr. Beasley, their commissary of 
 prisoners in England, that there never had been any pro- 
 ceedings against the Queenston prisoners, and that they were 
 restored to the condition of ordinary prisoners of war. This 
 ended the controversy ; the hostages were immediately re- 
 
 ^ Report of the ecj^etary of state, April 1814. 
 
 • •"t*T- 
 
 jm' 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 291 
 
 leased on both sides ; and the general cartel for the exchange 
 of prisoners, ratified and executed. 
 
 Meeting of Congress, The second session of the 1 3th 
 Congress, pursuant to the constitution, commenced on the 6th 
 of December. 
 
 Message. On the 7th, the President's opening message 
 was received, in which he informed Congress, that it was a 
 just expectation, from the respect due to the distinguished 
 sovereign who had invited the belligerent parties to nego- 
 tiation under his mediation, from the readiness with which it 
 was accepted by the United States, and from a pledge to be 
 found in an act of their legislature of the liberality which 
 their plenipotentiaries would carry into the negotiations, that 
 no time would be lost by the British government, in em- 
 bracing the experiment for hastening a stop to the effusion of 
 blood. A prompt and cordial acceptance of the mediation 
 ^vas the less to be doubted, as it was of a nature, not to sub- 
 mit rights or pretensions on either side to the decision of an 
 umpire, but merely to afford an opportunity honourable and 
 desirable to both, for discussing, and if possible, adjusting 
 them for their mutual interests. The British cabinet, either 
 mistaking our desire of peace for a dread of their power, or 
 misled by other fallacious calculations, has disappointed these 
 reasonable anticipations. No communication from our en- 
 voys having reached us, the President remarks, no informa- 
 tion has been received from that source. But it is known 
 that the mediation was declined in the first instance, and 
 there is no evidence, notwithstanding the lapse of time, that 
 a change in the British councils has taken place, or is to be 
 expected. Under such circumstances, a nation, proud of its 
 rights and conscious of its strength, has no choice but an ex- 
 ertion of the latter, in support of the former. To this deter- ' 
 mination, the best encouragement is derived from the success 
 with which it has pleased the Almighty to bless the American 
 arms, both on the land and waters. An historical view is . 
 then presented of the military and naval transactions of ^ 
 
 ' ii 
 
I 
 
 J 1 
 
 It i 
 
 I: £ 
 
 292 >IISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. Gha*. \3. 
 
 1813, ffom Mrhieh the President draws the foregoing infer 
 cncc. -' • 
 
 The beneficial effects of the war to the United States is 
 thus described. If the war has increased the interruptions of 
 our commerce, it has at the same time cherished and multi- 
 plied our manufactures, so as to render us independent of all 
 other countries for the more essential branches, and is rapidly 
 giving them an extent which will create additional staples for 
 foreign markets. If much treasure has been expended, no 
 inconsiderable portion of it has been applied to objects dura- 
 ble in their nature; and necessary to their permanent safety. 
 If the war has exposed us to increased spoliations on the 
 ocean, and predatory incursions on the land, it has developed 
 the national means of retaliating the former, and of providing 
 protection against the latter •, demonstrating to all, that every 
 blow aimed at our maritime independeneej is an impulse ac- 
 celerating the growth of our maritime power. By diffusing 
 through the mass of the nation the elements of military disci- 
 pline and instruction, by augmenting and distributing \varlikc 
 preparations applicable to future use, by evincing the zeal and 
 valour with which they will be employed, and the cheerful- 
 ness with which every necessary burden will be borne, a 
 greater respect for our rights, and a longer duration of our 
 future peace are promised than could be expected without 
 these proofs of the national character and resources. The 
 war has proved ttioreover that our free governments, like 
 other. free governments, though slow in its early movements, 
 acquires in its progress a force proportioned to its freedom, 
 and that the union of these states, the guardian of the freedom 
 and safety of ail and each, is strengthened by every occasion 
 that puts it to the test. In fine the war in all its vicissitudes 
 is illustrating the capacity and destiny of the United States, 
 to be a great, flourishing, and powerful nation. 
 
 The beneficial effects of the war, so happily portrayed in 
 the message, in a great measure alleviated the public feelings 
 of regret and disappointment, at the loss of the stores at 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR 
 
 293 
 
 Sackett's Harbour, the disasters at Burlington and the Beavet 
 Dams, the abandonment of the Montreal expedition, and the 
 conHagration of the Niagara frontier. It did not, however, 
 preclude Congress from instituting a strict inquiry into the 
 causes of the ill success of the American arms, in the cam- 
 paign of 1813. - ^ 
 
 Embargo. On the 9th of December, the President sent 
 a confidential communication to Congress, stating that the 
 tendency of the commercial and navigation laws to favour the 
 enemy and prolong the war, is more and more developed by 
 experience. Supplies of the most essential kind, find their 
 way not only to British posts and garrisons at a distance, but 
 their armies in our neighbourhood, with which our own arc 
 contending, derive from our ports and outlets a subsistence 
 obtainable with diMculty, if at all, from other sources. Even 
 the fleets and troops infesting our coasts and waters are by 
 like supplies accommodated, and encouraged in their predato- 
 ry warfare. Abuses having a like tendency, take place in our 
 import trade. British fabrics and products, find their way 
 into our ports, under the name, and from the ports of other 
 countries, and often in British vessels, disguised as neutrals 
 by false colours and papers. To these abuses it may be add- 
 ed, that illegal importations are openly made with advantage 
 to the violaters of the law, by undervaluations, or other cii> 
 cumstances involved in a course of judicial proceedings 
 against them. It is found also, that the practice of ransom- 
 ing, is a cover for collusive captures, and a channel for intel- 
 ligence, advantageous to the enemy. 
 
 To remedy these evils, the President recommends an em* 
 bargo, and also a law prohibiting the importation of all articles 
 known to be derived either not at all, or in an immaterial de- 
 gree, from any other country than Great Britain, from what- 
 ever port or place, or in whatever vessels they may be 
 brought ; that all persons concerned in collusive captures, or 
 in ransoming their vessels or cargoes from the enemy, be 
 subject to adequate penalties ; and an enforcement of the 
 
 %mi 
 
i' 
 
 I 
 
 r 1 
 
 
 if "1 
 
 
 
 
 '' f ■ , I 
 
 
 ^ 1 
 
 
 \'[ -H 
 
 i 
 
 
 294 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap, rj. 
 
 non-importation laws with increased rigour. The message 
 was committed to the committee of foreign relations ; and on 
 the 10th, Mr. Grundy, from that committee, reported a bill 
 laying an embargo without limitation. On the Uth, Mr. 
 Oakley, while the house had this bill under consideration, of- 
 fered two resolutions, requesting the President to lay before 
 the house, the evidence in his possession, of the facts stated in 
 his message of the 9th. The house refused to consider these 
 resolutions, yeas 54, nays 74. Sundry amendments were of- 
 fered, tending to alter the principal features of the embargo 
 bill, and negatived. The act passed the house of represen- 
 tatives on the 11th of December, yeas 85, nays 57 ; and in 
 the senate, yeas 20, nays 14. The bill prohibited the depart- 
 ure of any vessel from the ports of jurisdiction of the United 
 States, except their public and private armed vessels, and 
 foreign vessels in ballast, or with such cargoes only as they 
 might have on board at the time of passing the act. It also 
 prohibited the putting on board any water craft, or transport- 
 ing by land carriage, any specie, goods, wares, or merchan- 
 dise whatever, with intent to transport the same without the 
 United States, on penalty of forfeiting the vessel or carriage, 
 and the lading ; and the President was authorized to employ 
 such portion of the land or naval forces as were necessary 
 to cairy into effect the provisions of the law. The effects of 
 this measure which entirely prevented any intercourse by 
 water, between even neighbouring ports of the same state, 
 were felt with peculiar severity by the towns on the eastern 
 sea-board; many of which depended on small coasting ves- 
 sels for fuel and other necessary supplies. 
 
 Under the second section of this act, the collector of New- 
 York seized a large quantity of specie belonging to the Mas- 
 sachusetts bank, which had been drawn from one of the banks 
 in New- York, and was about being remitted to Boston ; as 
 being ultimately destined for exportation. On a representa- 
 tion to the legislature of Massachusetts, they determined it to 
 
 .-^ .-jp-^ 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR 
 
 293 
 
 be a flagrant violation of private rights, and requested the 
 sovernor to make a representation to the President upon the 
 subject. On such representation, the President referred the 
 subject to the secretary of the treasury who ordered the 
 money to be returned to the agents of the bank. 
 
 Embargo raised. On the 31st of March, the President 
 sent a message to Congress, in which he states that taking 
 into view the mutual interest which the United States, and 
 foreign nations in amity with them have in a liberal commer* 
 cial intercourse, and the extensive changes favourable there- 
 to which have recently taken place, and the important advan- 
 tages which may result from adapting the state of our com- 
 mercial laws to the circumstances now existing ; he is induced 
 to recommend the repeal of the embargo and non-importation 
 laws. He recommends also, in aid of domestic manufac- 
 tures, a continuance of the double duties, for two years after 
 the termination of the war, and a prohibition of the exporta- 
 tion of specie for the same period. .?« ; 
 
 The subject was referred to the committee of foreign re- 
 lations, who on the 4th of April presented a report to the 
 the house, stating that, previous to the late changes in Europe, 
 the bearing of the restrictive measures was for the most part 
 confined to the enemy. That at present a prospect existed 
 of extended intercourse with friendly powers, highly impor- 
 tant to both parties, and which it may be presumed they will 
 find an equal interest and disposition to promote. All Ger« 
 many, Denmark, and Holland, heretofore under the double 
 restraint of internal regulation, and external blockades, and 
 depredations from a commerce with the United States, ap- 
 pear by late events to be liberated therefrom. That changes 
 equally favourable to the commerce of the United States ap- 
 pear to be taking place, in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and the 
 more extreme ports of the Mediterranean. These considera- 
 tions, together with those of an internal nature, equally forci- 
 ble, among which are the augmentation of the revenue, main- 
 tenance of the public credit, increasing the price, and pro- 
 
i' 
 
 i 
 
 I i 
 
 290 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 13, 
 
 moting the circulation of the produce of the country, had in« 
 duced them to report a bill for the repeal of the embargo 
 and non-importation laws. A large majority of the house 
 received this bill with the highest satisfaction, and passed it 
 on the 7th ; yeas 115, nays 37. ' 
 
 Treasury Report, On the 8th of January, the secretary 
 of the treasury presented his annual report ; stating that the 
 receipts at the treasury for the year ending the 30th of Sep- 
 tember, 1813, were from the customs, sales of lands, and 
 
 other small branches of revenue 
 From loans '^^ • • >' ^ 
 Balance in the treasury 
 
 '»!* 
 
 Making an aggregate of 
 
 That the disbursements from the treasury 
 during the same period have been, for 
 civil list and msicellaneous expenses • 
 
 Payment,on account of public debt 
 
 War expenses, viz. ►. ; 
 
 Military. ^^ »i 
 
 Naval ; : 
 
 $13,568,042 43 
 
 23,976,912 50 
 
 2,363,659 69 
 
 $39,907,607 62 
 
 $1,703,916 35 
 6,317,481 15 
 
 18,484,750 49 
 6,420,707 20 
 
 Amounting to 
 
 32,928,865 19 
 
 Leaving a balance in the treasury on the 
 
 ij? , .i\.f', :■ 
 
 30th of September, J813, of , ; 
 
 6,978,752 43 
 
 The estimates for the year 1814 were. 
 
 ■^' '%".-"' "'■,■■ ."" 
 
 Civil and miscellaneous = r; , 
 
 .B $1,700,000 
 
 Interest on the debt existing before the war 
 
 2,100,000 
 
 Interest on the war loans :j ^ ; ? 
 
 t . 2,950,000 
 
 Reimbursements on account of principal 
 
 7,150,000 
 
 War expenses, viz. , , .. , . . , ^.< ' 
 
 i- '' .^^' . 
 
 Military 
 
 24,550,000 
 
 Naval if .'* ^': ' ' 
 
 6,900,000 
 
 $45,350,000 
 
 Iv 
 
1813. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Sd7 
 
 The ways and means proposed were, 
 Customs and sales of public land, 
 Internal revenue and direct tax, > 
 Balance of former loans, 
 Cash in the treasury unappropriated. 
 
 15,6000,000 
 3,500,000 
 4,730,000 
 1,180,000 
 
 M '* 115,000,000 
 
 Remaining to be provided for by new loans |29,350,000 
 for the service of the year 1814. . - 
 
 To obtain this sum, a law was passed authorizing a loan of 
 twenty-five millions, reimbursable in twelve years ; and the 
 issue of five millions of treasury notes, bearing an interest of 
 five and two fifths per cent., and payable in one y«ar. 
 
 Recruiting service. In the progress of the war, the difficul- 
 ty of raising recruits, and the filling the ranks of the army 
 increased. The regular force calculated upon and authorized 
 to be raised for the service of the year 1813, was sixty-one 
 thousand. The whole number actually in service in Febru- 
 ary 1813, amounted to only 18,970 ; in June, to 27,^09 ; in 
 December, to 34,325 and in January 1 8 1 4, to 33,822. To pro* 
 vide for filling the ranks for the service of they ear 1814, a law 
 was passed early in the session, offering a bounty of one hun- 
 dred and twenty-four dollars to each soldier who should enlist 
 for five years, or during the continuance of the war } and 
 eight dollars for each man, was given to the recruiting o£$cer, 
 who should procure the enlistment. - 
 
 Steam fVigate, The powers of steam had recently, by the 
 the ingenuity of Robert Fulton been successfully applied to 
 the purposes of navigation. It had been found by experi- 
 ment that even large vessels might be propelled by this power* 
 Mr. Fulton formed the plan of constructing a steam fi*igate, 
 adapted to harbour defence. The ship was to be the size of 
 the largest class of frigates, and to be armed with heavy long 
 guns, the sides to be made impenetrable to cannon balls. It 
 was calculated, that this battery, being propelledby steiqn, 
 could approach any of the largest British ships ontbe Atberi- 
 
 38 
 
; i 
 
 I ■ 
 
 298 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATt: WAR.*! 
 
 Chap. l;j. 
 
 can coast in a calm, and choose her own distance and position. 
 The machinery being under deck, would be safe from the en- 
 emy's guns, and the frigate could protect herself from bourd- 
 ers, by inundating the deck with boiling water, while her 
 crew remained under cover. This ship, it was calculated, 
 would either sink or capture the British seventy fours, or ex- 
 pel them from the harbours of the United States. The plan 
 was first submitted to thcprincif>al naval ofliccrs, who express- 
 ed their opinion that such a ship might be rendered more 
 formidable to an enemy, than any kind of engine hitherto in- 
 vented, and would be equal to the destruction of one or more 
 seventy-fours, or of compelling them to depart from the har- 
 bours of the United .Slates ; it was therefore their opinion 
 that the best interests of the country rc(juired that the plan 
 be carried into immediate execution. The scheme met the 
 approbation of Congress, and five hundred thousand dollars 
 were appropriated to. carry it into etlcct. The building ol' 
 the ship commenced at New-York, under the direction of Mr. 
 Fulton, early in the season of 1814; the ship was launched 
 about the first of November ; the lateness of the period be- 
 fore she could be got in readiness, prevented a trial of l)cr 
 powers that season, and the peace intervening before tho 
 next, no opportunity has occurred for the experiment ; and 
 she remains as a formidable instrument of defence against 
 any future invasion. .^ «^-^ ..i,j^, iinmm si If -i i; *, 
 
 The sanguine; friends of this system of defence were 
 ready to lament the termination of the war before a fair 
 experiment could be made. If it should answer their expec- 
 tations it would be the cheapest and best mode of harbour 
 defence ; and in a great measure supersede the necessity ol 
 ships of the line for that purpose. 
 
 Debates on the Loan BUI, In the debate on the loan bill. 
 the sj)cakers took a wide range, and brought into view every 
 8ubjec!l connected with the causes, commencement, progress, 
 and manner of conducting the war.' The opposition con- 
 tended that, with few exceptions, the progress of \h,c war 
 
181J. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 2'J^ 
 
 had manifested an utter inability in its managers, and had 
 been one continued scene of disaster and defeat : that the 
 ill success of the recruiting service had driven the govern- 
 ment to the necessity of offering the most enormous bounties : 
 that these failing, a system of conscription must ultimately 
 be adopted, fatal to the liberties of the citizens. 
 
 The majority contended that the war was just in its origin, 
 judiciously conducted, and had been attended with no incon- 
 siderable degree of success : that it had ever been managed 
 upon the most humane and liberal principles, and that the 
 only road to a safe and honourable peace was a vigorous 
 prosecution of the war until the object was obtained. After 
 a discussion of several weeks, in which the arguments on 
 both sides were often repeated, and with little effect, the loan 
 bill, and the other war measures passed both houses of Con- 
 gress, by majorities of nearly two-thirds. Congress, having 
 passed a law providing that the next session should com- 
 mence on the last Monday in October, adjourned on the 
 16th of April. < • 
 
 , t 
 

 '■^^^^1* 
 
 ^^^^1 
 
 ' 
 
 'i^^^H 
 
 
 
 
 .; ''I 
 
 . J 
 
 m 
 
• •; 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. . ' 
 
 state of Europe at the coniuicDcein<>nt of the year 1814.->Iti Effectt ou 
 tbe Amerioan War. — British Plan of the Campaign of 1814. — Ameri- 
 ican Sjitem of T>efencc. — Arrival of (he Bordeaux and Mediterra- 
 nean Squadron and Troops in the Cbcsapeakc. — Landing at Benedict. 
 —March to Washington. — Battle of Bladensburgh.— .Capture and 
 Burning of Washington. — Hctreatof the British Forces. — Capitula- 
 tion and plunder of Alexandria.— Causes of the Disaiters in the Dis- 
 trict of Colunbia. 
 
 State of Europe. The changes which took place in Europe, 
 soon ofter the commencement of the American war, had an 
 important aspect upon the affairs of the United States. When 
 the war commenced, Bonaparte was on his way to the north, 
 with an army of half a million, to invade the dominions of the 
 emperor of Russia ; at the same time he was engaged in a 
 war with England and Spain, in the Spanish peninsula. The 
 }»reater part of the rest of Europe was subject to his control. 
 The professed object of his war with Russia, was to compel 
 (bat power to adopt the continental system, and to exclude 
 English productions, and commerce from her ports. In the 
 issue of that contest, England had a deep interest ; indeed it 
 ^as a war upon her, through Russia. In the war in Spain, 
 England was the principal, with the other powers of Europe, 
 who were the allies and dependents of Bonaparte, England 
 was necessarily at war. Under such circumstances, the 
 American war, on the part of Great Britain, was of a defen- 
 sive character. During the two first campaigns, England 
 detached no greater force from her continental wars, than 
 what she deemed necessary to maintain her possessions in 
 America. At the close of the year 1813, the arms and cli- 
 mate of Russia, had destroyed the French army. Only 
 twenty thousand soldiers, the miserable remnant of the most 
 numerous and best appointed army ever assembled in Europe^. 
 
 fr 
 
 a 
 
 ' %- jf 
 
\ l: 
 
 .J0"2 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. m. 
 
 
 V n' : 
 
 lived 10 reach France; and those half frozen, faniisheti, 
 broken down, and defeated troops, were fit only to people 
 the hospitals of their country. The European nations which 
 had been held in vassalage by the French emperor, took 
 courage from his misfortunes, and resumed their indepen- 
 dence. During the following winter, Bonaparte persuaded 
 the French nation to make one more mighty struggle for 
 universal dominion ; and induced them to adopt a most rigid 
 conscription, by which he was enabled to call into service 
 three hundred thousand more of her citizens for the conquest 
 of the north. . ?!< i. 
 
 In the campaign of 1813, he found Russia, Austria, Eng- 
 land, Prussia, Sweden, Spain, and the greater part of Ger- 
 many, united against him ; his army, consisting principally of 
 newly levied conscripts, were unable to contend with the 
 united forces of these powers. In a series of defeats they 
 were driven from the north into their own country ; the capi- 
 tal of France taken by the allied powers ; and Bonaparte 
 obliged to stipulate for his life, and a small remnant of do- 
 minion in the island of Elba. The Bourbons were restored 
 to the thrones of France and Spain, under such restrictions 
 as were calculated to ameliorate the condition of their sub- 
 jects. At the commencement of the year 1814, Louis the 
 18th was placed on the French throne. Bonaparte had 
 retired, under the protection of an English frigate to his em- 
 pire of Elba, and tranquillity was restored to Europe. 
 
 Its Effects on the War. This state of things gave an entirely 
 new character to the American Avar. The whole continent of 
 Europe was opened to British productions ; and in time of 
 peace there was no pretence, or claim of right, on the part of 
 England, to lay restrictions on American commerce with 
 other powers. She had on her hands more seamen than she 
 had occasion to employ, and had no inducement to seek them 
 on board American ships. There was now no subjects of 
 contention between the belligerent parties, but abstract 
 questions of right, which were not at this period, and might 
 
 
 ^ : ■' 
 
1814. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 303 
 
 not ever again be, of any practical importance. Had they 
 been sincerely desirous of peace, there could have been little 
 difficulty in adjusting the terms. During the two campaigns 
 ihat had passed, neither had gained any territory from the 
 other, or any advantages which would justify their requiring 
 any important sacrifices from their antagonist. Human slaugh- 
 ter and suffering on each side were nearly balanced. Six 
 thousand had been slain in battle on land and water, about 
 the same number incarcerated in prisons, and a number 
 ccjual to both been mangled with wounds. Four hundred 
 dwelling houses had been burned, and their miserable tenants 
 thrown houseless upon the world. The balance of prisoners 
 taken, and devastations committed on land, was in favour of 
 the British: the destruction and capture of property on the 
 ocean, was much in favour of the Americans. The conquest 
 of Canada 4iad become hopeless; and equally vain was any 
 expectation, on the part of Great Britain, of acquiring any 
 territory from the United States, or compelhng them to ac- 
 knowledge her maritime ilaims. America wished for peace, 
 but Great Britain had very dilierent objects in view. She 
 had long considered the American settlements in the west, as 
 calculated ultiniately to destroy her influence with the Indians; 
 to cut off her profitable fur trade, and to hazard her Cana- 
 dian possessions; and now rejoiced at an opportunity of ar- 
 resting their progress. She affected to consider her contest, 
 with Bonaparte, as a struggle for the liberties of mankind, 
 and the declaration of war on the part of America, as a 
 league with him for her destruction. She had on hand nu- 
 merous and well appointed fleets and armies, the officers of 
 which dreaded a peace establishment, and were anxious to 
 distinguish themselves on the theatre of the American war, 
 and retrieve the honour their country had lost in the naval 
 contest of 1812. 
 
 British Plan of the Campaign of 1814. With these views 
 Great Britain delayed all arrangements for negotiation, and 
 prepared to open the campaiu;n of 1814 upon an extended 
 
 '!{,■ 
 
 w 
 
r 
 
 
 504 
 
 HISTORY OF TH£ LATE WAR. 
 
 Chip. 14. 
 
 *v«tfr 
 
 '-flf 
 
 :* £ 
 
 scale. Her arrangements were, to send the flower of Lord 
 Wellington's array against the United States ; to invade the 
 country from Montreal by the way of Plattsburgh and lake 
 Champlain, and penetrate as far as Albany ; to increase her 
 naval force at Kingston, so as to command lake Ontario; to 
 send a powerful reinforcement to the Niagara frontier; to 
 augment her fleets on the Ameiican coast, so as to command 
 the navigation, and destroy every thing American that should 
 be found afloat; and with their navy, aided by a powerful 
 land force, attack the most important and assailable points on 
 the sea-board. These objects being accomplished, she could 
 then require of the Americans as the price of peace, an 
 abandonment of their maritime claims, and a sacrifice of a 
 large portion of their western territory to her Indian allies. 
 The British naval force was intrusted to Sir George Coch- 
 rane, vice admiral of the red, assisted by admirals Cock- 
 burn and Covington. Major General Ross commanded the 
 land forces destined to co-operate with the navy on the coast. 
 
 American Views. In the month of June, authentic intelli- 
 gence was received by the American government of the com- 
 plete success of the allies, and the consequent general paci- 
 fication in Europe. About the same time intelligence arrived 
 that large reinforcements from the British fleets and armies 
 which had been engaged in the European contest were pro- 
 ceeding to America. This intelligence entirely changed the 
 objects of the American government in relation to the war. 
 All views of the Canadian conquest were laid aside. In- 
 structions were immediately despatched to their envoys in 
 Europe, who had been there patiently waiting for more than 
 a year for the appointment of envoys on the part of the 
 British government, to waive all questions of free trade, sai- 
 lors' rights, impressment, and blockades, and to make peace, 
 preserving the territory of the United States unimpaired* 
 
 Measures of Defence, A cabinet council was specially 
 called, to devise measures for the defence of the capital. 
 The district of Columbia, with parts of the adjacent states 
 
M14. >" 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 '305 
 
 was constituted a distinct military district, and its defence 
 intrusted to General Winder, aided by the wisdom of the 
 President, and heads of departments ; fifteen thousand of the 
 neighbouring militia were ordered irt for the protection of the 
 city of Washington, and a large flotilla of gun-boats, assigned 
 to the Chesapeake, under the command of Commodore Barney, 
 for the protection of the harbours and towns on the bay. A 
 proclamation was issued, convening Congress on the 20th of 
 September. Every effort was made to put the country in a 
 state of defence, to meet the approaching crisis. The large 
 maritime towns, feeling their exposed situation, used their 
 utmost exertions to place themselves in an attitude of defence. 
 At Baltimore, the inhabitants of every party, age, and class, 
 capable of labour, divided themselves into four classes, each 
 of which wrought at the fortifications every fourth day. The 
 citizens of the neighbouring country came in, in considerable 
 numbers, and aided their brethren In constructing works of 
 defence. In Philadelphia, New- York, Boston, Newport, and 
 in all the other considerable towns on the coast, the citizens 
 universally turned out. All able to bear arms, though ex- 
 empt from military duty, enrolled, organized, and equipped* 
 themselves for service. Mr. Clinton, the mayor of New- York, 
 tkough opposed to the war, in the name of the city authorities, 
 addressed his fellow-citizens in the following persuasive lan- 
 guage: .-'^''i'nul ■P'\ »;•<; ,\,v ",\ •',• '.-^iV '^\ \v'V»:.v»X» 
 
 " Fellow-citizens, the city is in danger ; we are threatened 
 with invasion : it is the duty of all good citizens to prepare 
 for the crisis : we must arm ourselves to aid the regular forces 
 of the government in a vigorous defence. The questions are 
 not now whether the war was just or unjust, in its commence- 
 ment; whether the declaration of it was politic or expedient; 
 whether its causes have long ago ceased or not ; whetheT;our 
 government might or might not have brought it to a speedy 
 termination ; or whether they have done their, duty 'towards 
 us since they involved us in this war. These are solemn 
 questions which will one day be agitated, and which must be 
 
 3i 
 

 i 
 
 30« 
 
 History of Tifi: late war. 
 
 CllAF. 14* 
 
 answered hereafter. The present inquiry is, Will we defend 
 our coantry, our city, our property, and our families ? Will 
 we go forth to meet and repel the enemy ? We recommend 
 to the whole militia of the city, to keep themselves in com- 
 plete readiness for service, ready to march at a moroent^s 
 warning; and to all our citizens, a cheerful proffer of their 
 services to aid by voluntary labour, in the completion of the 
 \vorks of defence necessary for the safety of the city." 
 , This animating address called forth the energies of the citi> 
 ;^ns. A loan of a million of dollars was subscribed for the 
 immediate wants of the city; and people of every de- 
 scription contributed their labour. On the 4tb of September, 
 ^ respectable number of ladies, among whom were several 
 matrons of distinction, crossed over to Brooklyn, and forming 
 a procession at the ferry, proceeded to fort Greene, accom- 
 panied by the music of the Tammany society, their numbers 
 increasing on'their march, to about three hundred, and per- 
 fcirmed a tour of labour on the fortifications. 
 
 On the 4th of July, a requisition from the President was 
 made on the states most exposed for a corps of ninety-three 
 thomand five hundred militia, with a request to the executives 
 tp hold in readiness for immediate service, their respective de- 
 tachments and to fix on the places of rendezvous with a view 
 to the most exposed points. - i ■ 
 
 Arrival of the British Reinforcements at Bermuda* On the 
 39th of May, the flower of lord Wellington's army, which had 
 previously been employed in the seige of Bayonne, embarked 
 at Bordeaux, under the command of Generallloss, with seve- 
 ral ships of the line, frigates, and transports, for the American 
 service. At the same time, another large detachment from 
 the troops in the south of Spain, for the same object, sailed 
 from the Mediterranean. These squadrons arrived at Bermu- 
 da, the place of general rendezvous, the last of July. Here 
 they found Admiral Cochrane waiting their arrival, to direct 
 flieir future iji^Tal operations. ' «' >" *^if 
 
 .rJ\ 
 
 •■•■■Tr 
 
 ' '7'^ ' 
 
 .*rfr-T*-. *i 
 
 n-^v 
 
1814. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 30T 
 
 British enter the Chesapeake. On the 3d of August, the whole 
 of the Bordeaux, and about half the Mediterranean armamenf^ 
 with an additional squadron then at Bermuda, composing a 
 lleet of sixty sail, under Admiral Cochrane, with a land force 
 of six thousand, commanded by Major General Ross, sailed 
 from Bermuda for the Chesapeake, and entered the bay on 
 the 1 0th of August. The other division of the Mediterranean 
 armament, proceeded to join Sir George Prevost in Canada. 
 The fleet proceeded up the bay to the mouth of the Potomac, 
 when a squadron under Commodore Gordon entered that 
 river, and advanced towards Alexandria. The principal part 
 of the fleet, with the land forces, continued their course to the 
 mouth of the Patuxent, and entered the river on the 18th. 
 
 Commodore Barney's flotilla of gun-boats, had previously 
 entered that river and retired as far up as the depth of the 
 water would admit. The British fleet proceeded up the river, 
 and on the 19th commenced landing on the left bank of the 
 Patuxent, at Benedict, forty miles from Washington. On the 
 20th, the troops commenced their march up the river ; on 
 the 21st, reached Nottingham; and on the 22d, Upper Marlbo- 
 rough. Commodore Barney's flotilla had reached Pig Pointy 
 two miles above Marlborough, where, finding it inapossible to 
 save his gun-boats, or prevent their faUing into the hands of 
 the enemy, he blew them up, and proceeded to join General 
 Winder. •'>*.< •m> t 
 
 British land at Benedict. The object of the armament under 
 Admiral Cochrarle was the destruction of the American navi- 
 gation, and the plunder and devastation of all the assailable 
 l^oints on the coast.* This flotilla of gun-boats was the most 
 considerable object in the Chesapeake, and their retreat into 
 the Patuxent, first led the British to that point. After they 
 were destroyed, the admiral and general, learning at Marlbor 
 rough the defenceless state of Washington, determined 09 
 
 -•^ 
 
 * Admiral Coohrane's letter, Au^^ust I8tli, 1914^ 
 
 ■** tt^u. 
 
r 
 
 n 
 
 308 
 
 JllSTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 CuAr. 14. 
 
 i I 
 
 \l I 
 
 
 i I 
 
 their extraordinary and hazardous visit to that city.* These 
 unfortunate gun-boats, on which the country once relied for 
 defence, invited the enemy to the neighbourhood of the capi- 
 tal, and occasioned its destruction. , > »,, • .• 
 . Assembling of the American Forces, On the 19th, Colo- 
 nel Monroe, with Captain Thornton's troop of horse, recon- 
 noitred the enemy at Benedict. On the 20lh, the George- 
 own, and Washington city militia commenced their march to- 
 wards Benedict, and encamped about four miles from the 
 eastern branch bridge on the road to Upper Marlborough. 
 On the 21st, the marines from the navy yard, under Colonel 
 Miller, joined the militia and marched to the wood yard, 
 twelve miles from the city. Here they were joined by the regu- 
 lars of the 36th and 38th regiments, and encamped for the night. 
 Colonels Monroe and Beall joined the army at the wood-yard 
 that night, having returned from reconnoitering the enemy, 
 and reported that there were twenty-seven square rigged ves- 
 sels at Benedict, and that the enemy's force might be es- 
 timated at six thousand. Captain Herbert joined with hi? 
 •^ troops, and Colonel Laval with two companies of cavalry. 
 Early on the morning of the 22d, a light detachment, con- 
 sisting of the 36th and 38th regiments, under Colonel Scott. 
 Colonel Laval's cavalry, and three companies under Major 
 Peter, from the brigade of General Smith, were ordered out 
 as an advance guArd, to meet and harass the enemy on their 
 march. This detachment proceeded on the road towards 
 Nottingham, while the main body took a position on an ele- 
 vated piece of ground about a mile in advance of the wood- 
 yard. General Winder with his staff, accompanied by the 
 secretary of state, proceeded to reconnoitre. The dragoons 
 preceding the detachment, met the advance of the enemy, 
 and retired back to the detachment, which then fell back to the 
 main body. Finding the enemy had taken the route by 
 Upper Marlborough, General Winder LW back to the bat- 
 
 ♦ Narrative of the csunptiign of 1814<, by a British officer. 
 
lUl't 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR 
 
 309 
 
 talion old fields, eight miles from Marlborough, and the same 
 distance from Washington. Late in the evening of the 
 22d, the President, the secretaries of war and navy, and the 
 attorney general, joined General Winder at the battalion 
 old fields, and remained on the ground until the evening 
 of the 23d, when, from an apprehension of a night attack, 
 it was concluded to abandon that position, and retire to the 
 eastern branch bridge. General Winder's army was mus- 
 tered and reviewed by the President on the morning of the 
 23d. It then consisted of four hundred horse, under the com- 
 mand of Colonel Tilghman, four hundred regular troops, un- 
 der Colonel Scott ; six hundred marines and flotilla men, un- 
 der Commodore Barney, and Captain Miller, with five pieces 
 of heavy ordnance, and eighteen hundred militia ; forming an 
 aggregate of three thousand two hundred men, with seventeen 
 pieces of artillery. The general staff consisted of the 
 President of the United States, as captain general, the secre- 
 taries of state, war, and navy; the attorney general, and 
 Brigadier General Winder. At Bladensburgh, General Stans- 
 bury had arrived from Baltimore on the 22d with his brigade 
 of drafted militia. The 5th regiment, consisting of the elite 
 of the Baltimore city brigade, under Colonel Sterrett, a bat- 
 talion of riflemen, under Major Pinckney ; and Myers's and 
 Magruder's companies of artillery, with six field-pieces, ar- 
 rived on the 23d. 
 
 On the 1 8th, General Van Ness, of the Virginia militia, 
 ordered General Young to call out the whole of his brigade, 
 including the Alexandria militia, and to be subject to the or- 
 ders of General Winder. Two troops of cavalry attached to 
 this brigade, were ordered to rendezvous at Bladensburgh, to 
 accompany the secretary of state, and be subject to his order. 
 On the 22d, General Young, by order of the commanding 
 general, marched his brigade, consisting of four hundred and 
 fifty men, with three brass field pieces, and took a position 
 on a height near the head of Piscataway creek, three miles in 
 the rear of fort Washington. This disposition was intended 
 
310 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR, 
 
 Chap. U. 
 
 ' 
 
 , 
 
 : 
 
 
 ■ J 
 
 
 ' 1 
 
 
 ■.■ i 
 
 
 ! 
 
 
 to aid in the defence of the fort, and the city of Alexandria, 
 or to join General Winder, as circumstances might require. 
 This brigade remained in this position until the morning of 
 the 24th, when orders were given General Young to march to 
 the eastern branch bridge to support General Winder, which 
 were soon afterwards countermanded, and the general or- 
 dered to cross the Potomac, by which means the service of 
 this corps was lost. Colonel Minor, with a regiment of Vir- 
 ginia mihtia, composed of six hundred infantry, and one hun- 
 dred cavalry, arrived at Washington on the evening of the 
 33d, unequipped, and reported himself to the President, 
 who referred him to the secretary at war for orders. The 
 secretary informed him that arms and ammunition could not 
 be obtained fVom the arsenal that evening, but referred him 
 to Colonel Carbury for supplies the next morning. Colonel 
 Carbury was not to be found, having gone out to his country- 
 seat the preceding evening ; and it was not until afternoon of 
 the next day, and not until after the battle, that access coukl 
 be had to the arsenal for arms for this regiment. 
 
 Position of the Armies on the 23d. The invading army at 
 Upper Marlborough, on the 23d, did not exceed four thou- 
 sand five hundred effective men, without cavalry, baggage, 
 wagons, or means of transportation, and with but three 
 pieces of light artillery, drawn by men. The British re- 
 mained at Upper Marlborough until the afternoon of the 23d, 
 when they commenced their march towards Washington by 
 the way of Bladensburgh. Colonel Scott, and Major Peter, 
 with light detachments, were sent out to meet and harass the 
 enemy, and General Stansbury was ordered to proceed with 
 the troops under his command, on the route direct to Upper 
 Marlborough. Colonel Scott, with his detactment, met the 
 British about six miles in advance of the main body, and after 
 some skirmishing, retreated. The American army at the 
 battalion old fieldis, were placed in a favourable attitude of 
 defence; they remained in their position until evening, 
 when, apprehending the approach of the enemy, they were 
 
1»14. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 JU 
 
 t)rdercd to march to Washington. The British encamped 
 that evening three miles in front of the position which the 
 Americans had left. The retreat of the American troops 
 towards the city was precipitate and disorderly, believing the 
 «nemy to be in close pursuit. The secretary of state, passing 
 through Bladensburgh at twelve o^clock at night, advised 
 General Stansbury immediately to fall upon the British rear, 
 as he understood they were in full march to Washington. 
 The general having been ordered by the commander in chief, 
 to take post at Bladensburgh, and a part of his brigade 
 having but just then arrived, was not in a situation to comply 
 with the wishes of the secretary ; and the British remaining 
 quiedy in their encampment during the night, such a move- 
 ment would have been fruitless. 
 I Position of the Americans on the 24<A. The retreating 
 army halted and bivoua :kcd for the night at the eastern 
 branch bridge. Here General Winder, on the morning of the 
 34th, established his head-quarters with the main body, con* 
 sisting of three thousand five hundred men. General Stans- 
 bury four miles in front at Bladensburgh, with twenty-fivcf 
 hundred ; Colonel Minor with seven hundred in the city of 
 Washington ; endeavouring to get across to the arsenal, and 
 General Young's brigade of five hundred, twelve miles be- 
 low, on the left bank of the Potomac ; making an aggregate of 
 seven thousand two hundred men. Various reports were 
 brought to head-quarters of the movements and intentions of 
 the British. The President and heads of department assem- 
 bled at General Winder's head-quarters in the morning of 
 the 24th. The secretary of state, upon hearing a report that 
 the British were marching upon the city by the way of Bla- 
 densburgh, proceeded to join General Stansbury, to aid him 
 in forming a line of battle. That General, on the approach 
 of the enemy, retired from his position in advance of Bladens- 
 burgh, and occupied the ground west of the village, on the 
 right bank of the eastern branch. Here it was at last resolved 
 
 ilii' 
 
 TTf, 
 
 ;1 
 
312 
 
 HiSTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 CuAP. 14. 
 
 I' i 
 
 ..I 
 
 I :|- 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 [ 1 
 
 t « 
 
 r 
 
 
 
 
 
 I^L 
 
 t 
 
 i 
 
 J ■.. 
 
 to meet the enemy, and fight the battle that .was to decide the 
 fate of the capital. 
 
 Order of Battle, The front line was formed by General 
 Stansbury and his officers, with the aid of the secretary of 
 state. It consisted of Stansbury^s brigade of infantry, Ster- 
 rett's regiment, including the command of Major Pinckncy, 
 and the Baltimore artillery. At the village is a bridge cross- 
 ing the eastern branch, from which a turnpike road leads 
 directly to the city. About four hundred yards from this 
 bridge, and a small distance to the left of the road, six 
 pieces of six pounders, of the Baltimore artillery, occupied a 
 temporary breastwork of earth, well calculated to command 
 the bridge. Part of the company of riflemen under Major 
 Pinckney, and one other company, took position on the right 
 of the arfillery, partially protected by a fence and brush. 
 On the left of the artillery, leading to a barn in the rear, two 
 companies from the regiment under Colonel Shultz, and the 
 other part of the Baltimore riflemen were posted. Colonel 
 Progan took post in the rear of Major Pinekney, his right 
 resting on the road ; Colonel Shultz continuing his line on 
 the left with a small vacancy in the centre of the two regi- 
 ments. Colonel Sterrett formed the extreme left flank of the 
 infantry. At this moment, Colonels Beall and Hood entered 
 Bladensburgh with two regiments of Maryland militia from 
 Annapolis. They immediately crossed the bridge, and took 
 position on a commanding height on the right of the turnpike, 
 three hundred yards from the road, to secure the right flank. 
 At eleven o'clock, intelligence reached General Winder's 
 head-quarters from the reconnoitering parties, that the British 
 were in full march for Bladensburgh. The whole main body, 
 except a few men left at the eastern branch bridge to destroy 
 it, were immediately put in motion. The march was rapid ; 
 the cavalry and mounted men as they arrived, took post on 
 the left flank. The troops from the city were formed as they 
 arrived. Captain Birch, with three pieces of artillery, was 
 stationed on the extreme left of the infantry of the first line, 
 
mil. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATi: V^ Al. 
 
 313 
 
 and a rifle company near this battery to support . Utttw)^ # 
 o'clock, the secretary at war, the President, i id the oi .^ 
 heads of departments, arrived, and examined aiul appPH i 
 •he disposition of the troops. They were proceeding at full 
 speed towards the point where the enemy were advancing, 
 when they were stopped by Colonel Simmons, informed of 
 their danger, and immediately returned to the city. This for- 
 tunate circumstance prevented the cajrture of the American 
 President and suite. At this moment the enemy entered B^a- 
 (lensburgh. The officers were rapidly forming the second 
 line. Commodore Barney's flotilla men and marines came 
 lip at quick time, and formed on the right of the main road, 
 in a line with the Annapolis militia. The heavy artillery were 
 planted in the road, and three twelve pounders to the right, 
 commanded by Captain Miller. Lieutejiant Colonel Kramar, 
 with a battalion of Maryland militia, was posted in a wood in 
 advance of the marines, and of Colonels Beall and Hood's 
 command. The regiment under Colonel Magruder was 
 posted on the left of Commodore Barney, to support his batte- 
 ries. The regiment under Colonel Brent, and Major Wa- 
 ring's battalion, with some small detachn)ent8, formed the left 
 flank of the second line, and were posted in the rear of Major 
 Peter's battery. Lieutenant Colonel Scott, with the regulars, 
 was posted in advance of Colonel Magruder, in a line with 
 Major Peter's battery, but in such a manner as not to mask 
 it ; other smaJl detachments were stationed at various points. 
 Battle of Bladensbvrgk. At half past twelve, before the 
 second line was completely formed, the batde commenced. 
 The Baltimore artillery fired upon, and dispersed the British 
 light troops advancing along the streets of the village. They 
 immediately took shelter behind the buildings and trees, and 
 presented only single objects for the artillery. The British 
 now commenced thrawLng rockets, and began to concentrate 
 their light troops at the bridge, which the American general 
 had not taken the precaution to destroy. The riflemen and 
 artillery now poured in a d»??tructivc tire upon this body, an<i 
 
 10 
 
314 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAK. 
 
 CiMr. M. 
 
 i •!. 
 
 cut them down in great numbers as ihey advanced. The 
 British at length gained the bridge, rapidly passed it, I'ormefl, 
 and passed steadily on, Hanking to die left, and compelled ihc 
 riflemen and artillery to give way. Major Finckney wus 
 severely wounded. l\e exerted himself to rally his men, 
 and succeeded in forming them at a small distance in the rear 
 of his first position, and united with the fifth Baltimore rogi- 
 mcnt. General Stansbury continued about four hundrcrt 
 yards in the rear of the battery ; and left this division f(i 
 contend with the whole force of the enemy, until it was com- 
 pelled to retire. The British then occupied the ground thoy 
 had left, and continued to advance. Colonel Sterrelt, with 
 the 5th Baltimore regiment, and Captain Birch with his artil- 
 lery, were ordered to advance to support the first line. Tho 
 British soon took advantage of the orchard which had just 
 been occupied by the retreating troops, and kept up a galling 
 fire on the American line. Captain Birch now opened ;i 
 cj'oss fire with some cflect. Colonel Sterrett made a prompt 
 movement in advance, but was ordered to halt. At this time 
 the enemy's rockets assumed a more horizontal direction, 
 and passing near die heads of Colonel Shultz and Pi-agan's 
 regiments, caused the right wing to give way ; which was 
 immediately followed by a general flight of the two regi- 
 ments. 
 
 Birch's artillery and the 5th regiment remained, and con- 
 tinued thoir fire with eiFect. The British light troops were, 
 for a short time driven back, but immediately rallied and 
 gained the right flank of the fifth. This regiment, with the 
 artillery, were then ordered to fall back and form a small dis- 
 tance in the rear. But instead of retreating in order, thn 
 fifth followed the example of the other two regiments and 
 fled in confusion. The whole of the first line was now com- 
 pletely routed. Various attempts were made to rally, but 
 without success. No movements were made by die cavalry 
 to cover the retreat, though the open and scattered manner 
 |b Mjiiiich the pursuit was conducted afiforded a fine opportu- 
 
}llli. 
 
 HISTOHY OF THK LATE WAK. 
 
 'ua 
 
 nity {(Nf a charge by ll«e cavalry. This line retreated upon a 
 roatl, which in a short distance forked into three branches, 
 one leading to Montgomery court-house, on the Potomac, fif- 
 tQcn miles above Washington, one to Georgetown, and the 
 other to the capital. (Jcnend Winder endeavoured to direct 
 tlie retreating forces to the city, but without success ; when 
 they came to liic three branches, the greater number took the 
 roaJ to Montgomery court-house, as the place of tin; great- 
 est safety* 
 
 Colonel Kramar, stationed on the right of the road and iu 
 advance of Commodore Harney, was next driven from his 
 post and retreated upon the troops of Colonels Boall and 
 ilood, posted on an eminence on the right. After this move- 
 ment, the British columns in the road were exposed to an an- 
 imated fire from Major Peter's artillery, which continued un- 
 til they came in contact with Commodore Harney. Here they 
 sustained the heaviest loss. When they came in full viev, 
 and in solid column upon the main road, he opened upon them 
 an eighteccn pounder, which completely cleared the road. 
 They made several attempts to rally and advance, but were 
 as often repelled. This induced ihcm to flank oil' to the right 
 of the American lines to an open field. Here Captain Miller 
 opened upon them with three twelve pounders, with great ef- 
 fect. The British continued flanking to the right and press- 
 ed upon Colonels Bcall and Hood's command. These 
 troops after firing three or four rounds at such distance as to 
 produce no effect, broke and fled. This exposed the artillery 
 of Barney and Miller, to the whole British force, who soon 
 gained their rear. Both these officers were severely wounded. 
 
 Cemmodore Barmy taken. Commodore Barney ordered a 
 retreat, but the British being in his rear, he was made prison- 
 er. As he lay wounded by the side of the fence, he beckon- 
 ed to a British soldier, and directed him to call an officer. 
 General Ross immediately rode up, and, on being informed 
 of his character and situation, ordered his wounds to be dress- 
 er] and paroled him. The second line was not entirely con- 
 
 % 
 
1 1 
 
 :nG 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LAT£ WAIl. 
 
 Chap, l-i^ 
 
 
 
 ncctcd, but posted in advantageous positions in connexion 
 with, and supporting each other. The command of Genernl 
 Smith, including the Georgetown ami city militia, and the 
 regulars under Colonel Scott, and some other corps, slIH re- 
 mained unbroken. 
 
 Retreat of the American troops. The British light troops. 
 in the mean time advancing on the left of the road, had garncJ 
 a line parallel with Smith's command, and were endeavoiijjng 
 to turn his flank. Colonel Brent was placed in a situation cal- 
 culated to prevent this movement. The British continued their 
 march and came within long shot of Magruder's command, 
 who opened a partial fire upon them. At this moment the 
 whole of the troops were ordered to fall back : after retreat- 
 ing about one hundred rods, they were halted and formed bv 
 (heir officers, tvhen they were again ordered to retreat and 
 and form on the heights west of the turnpike gate, and half ;x 
 mile in front of the capitol. Here Colonel Minor, with his 
 regiment of Virginia militia, having spent the day in the city. 
 endeavouring to get access to the arsenal for supplies for his 
 troops, came up and joined General Smith. While in the acf 
 of forming upon these heights, General Winder arrived and 
 ordered the troops to retire to the capitol in expectation 
 of there uniting with the first line ; but these troops, except- 
 ing one company of Colonel Laval's cavalry, were not tobe 
 found on capitol hill. 
 
 City evacuated. A conference was immediately held be- 
 tween General Winder and the secretaries of state and war? 
 that it would be impossible in the existing state of things to 
 make eflectual resistance against the invasion of the city, or 
 defend the capitol ; the whole force was then ordered to quit 
 the city and retreat through Georgetown to a place of safety. 
 On receiving this order, the troops then remaining manifest- 
 ed the deepest regret. They consisted principally of the 
 Georgetown and city militia^ who had not had an opportunity 
 of signalizmg themselves in defence of their fire-sides ; to 
 leave them without a struggle, an unresisting prey to the rnt 
 
 nc- 
 
)S14. 
 
 HISTORY OF THT. LATE WAR 
 
 31' 
 
 my, was more than they could endure. That order which 
 they had heretofope observed, was entirely destroyed ; some 
 went home, some went in pursuit of refreshments, and those 
 that remained in a body gave themselves up to those feelings 
 which fatigue, exhaustion, and disappointment produced. An 
 attempt was made to rally the troops at Tenleytown but with 
 little success. The few that were there collected, marched 
 five miles up the Potomac ; and early in the morning of the 
 25th, orders were given for the assembling the troops at 
 Montgomery court-house, and on the 26th, General Winder, 
 with the troops there assembled, took up their line of march 
 for Baltimore. 
 
 The President and heads of departments, after their nar- 
 row escape at Bladensburgh, concluded to leave the remain- 
 ing events of the day to the direction of General Winder, and 
 leturned to the city. Judgitig that the American officers, on 
 their return from the field of battle, would need refreshments, 
 the President had ordered an elegant entertainment prepared 
 for them at his house. As soon as it was determined that the 
 city was not to be defended, the cabinet retired to Mont- 
 gomery court-hou50. 
 
 Washington occupied by the British. In the mean time, the 
 British advanced from Bladensburgh without further opposi- 
 tion; and at eight o'clock in the evening General Ross en- 
 tered the city at the head of eight hundred men ; having ar- 
 rived on capitol hill, he offered terms of capitulation, which 
 were, that the city might be ransomed for a sum of money 
 nearly equal to the value of the public and private property 
 it contained ; and that on receiving it, the troops should retire 
 to their ships unmolested. 
 
 fVashington hurmd. There being neither civil nor mili- 
 tary authorities in the city, to whom the propositions could 
 be made, the work of conflagration commenced. The capi- 
 tol, the President's house, the offices of the treasury, war, and 
 navy departments, and their furniture, with several private 
 buildings, were destroyed. The party sent to burn the 
 
al8 
 
 lUSTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. M. 
 
 President's house, entered it and found in readiness the enter- 
 tainment which had been ordered for the American officers. 
 In the dining hall the table was spread for forty guests, the 
 sideboard furnished with the richest liquors, and in the 
 kitchen the dishes all prepared. These uninvited guests de- 
 voured the feast with little ceremony, ungratefully set fire to 
 the building where they had been so liberally fed, and return- 
 ed to their comrades. One house from which General Ross 
 apprehended himself to have been shot at, was burned, and 
 all the people found in it slain. The most important public 
 papers had been previously removed. The navy-yard willi 
 its contents, and apparatus, one frigate of the largest class 
 on the stocks, and nearly ready to launch, and several 
 smaller vessels were destroyed by Commodore Tingey, under 
 the direction of the secretary of the navy, after the capture ol 
 the city. 
 
 Estimated Loss. The loss of the United States, as esti- 
 mated by a committee of the senate, was, in the dapitol and 
 other public buildings 460,000 
 
 At the navy yard, in moveable property 417,745 
 
 In buildings and fixtures 91,425 
 
 $969,170 
 
 To this estimate is to be added the loss of the public library, 
 
 furniture, and other articles not included in the foregoing : 
 
 making the whole public loss somewhat to exceed a million 
 
 of dollars. 
 
 British retreat and re-embark. The British having ac- 
 complished the object of their visit, left the city on the 25tli 
 and passed through Bladensburgh at midnight, on the route 
 to Benedict. They left their dead unburied ; such of their 
 wounded as could ride, were placed on horseback ; others 
 in carts and wagons, and upwards of ninety left behind. 
 The wounded British prisoners were intrusted to the humanity 
 of Commodore Barney, who provided every thing for their 
 comfort^ and such as recovered were exchanged, and re- 
 
 l> ^- 
 
1014. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 310 
 
 turned to the British. Two hundred pieces of artillery at 
 the arsenal and navy yard fell into their hands, which they 
 were unable to remove ; these they spiked, knocked off the 
 trunions, and left. Their retreat, though unmolested, 
 was precipitate, and conducted under evident apprehensions 
 of an attack. They reached Benedict on the 29th, and em- 
 barked on the 30th. 
 
 British Loss. The British loss, from the time of their land- 
 ing until their embarkation, was estimated at one hundred 
 and eighty killed, and three hundred wounded. General 
 Ross states their loss to be only fifty-six killed, and one 
 hundred and fifty-five wounded. 
 
 American Loss, The American loss was twenty killed, 
 and forty wounded. Indeed, it seems, with some exceptions, 
 to have been the principal object of those engaged in the 
 defence of the capitol, to " keep out of harm's way." 
 
 The capture of the city of Washington, containing at that 
 time about ten thousand inhabitants, was of no greater conse- 
 quence in the ultimate issue of the contest, than that of any 
 other town of the same magnitude ; but, as it was the seat of 
 " the general government, great eclat on the part of the British, 
 and much chagrin and disappointment on the part of the 
 Americans was attached to that event. The destruction of 
 the arsenal, navy yard, military and naval stores, and all 
 public property connected with the operations of the war, 
 was the legitimate and expected consequence of the victory ; 
 but the conflagration of the capitol, public offices, Presi- 
 dent's house, private dwellings, the library, and national 
 archives, unauthorized by the laws of civilized war, stamped 
 its authors with lasting infamy. Having given such a character 
 to the war. General Ross appeared with a very ill grace, 
 soliciting the clemency of the very people whom he had 
 abused in behalf of the hundred wounded prisoners whom his 
 precipitate retreat from Washington obliged him to leave at 
 their mercy. The humanity of the Americans, however, for- 
 bade their visiting on these unfortunate prisoners the crimes 
 

 II: i 
 
 I I 
 
 320 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap, lu 
 
 of their general. Such instances of wanton barbarity united 
 every heart, and strengthened every arm in defence of the 
 country ; and this was happily the last opportunity which 
 this plundering army enjoyed of pillaging and burning an 
 American city. 
 
 Capture of Alexandria, The defence of the cities of Alex- 
 andria, Washington, and Georgetown, against an attack by 
 water, depended principally on fort Washington, erected on 
 Mason's island, six miles below Alexandria. On the llth of 
 May, a deputation from these cities waited on the secretary at 
 Avar, and unitedly represented to him the necessity of further 
 w*orks at this post; in consequence of which, Colonel 
 Wadsworth of the engineers, by order of the secretary, 
 visited the works with the committee, and reported that the 
 battery at fort Washington was in such a state, and so effectu- 
 ally commanded the channel, that it was not to be apprehend- 
 ^2d the enemy would attempt to pass it, while its present de- 
 fences remained entire. Its elevated situation prevented a 
 -cannonade from the ships. In case of a design against the 
 District of Columbia, the engineer remarked, an assault by 
 land was most probable ; to guard against which, he recum- 
 mcnded some inconsiderable works in the rear ; no additional 
 fort in the neighbourhood was deemed necessary.* The 
 works on the 24th of August were garrisoned by eighty men. 
 tmder the command of Captain Dyson, who had received or- 
 ders from General Winder to station patroles on every road 
 leading to the garrison, and in the event of being approached 
 in the rear, to blow up the fort, and retreat across the river. 
 On the 27th, the squadron under Commodore Gordon, con- 
 sisting of two frigates, four rocket ships and bomb vessels, 
 and one schooner, which had entered the Potomac on the 1 7th, 
 and made their way thus for up the river, appeared approach- 
 ing the fort ; Captain Dyson immediately blew it up and 
 crossed with the garrison to the Virginia shore. While Ad- 
 miral Cockburn, under whose orders Commodore Gordon 
 
 Colouel Wad'SM'orth's report (o the sccrrtary ot war. 
 
 
 1 
 
 JM^^ 
 
 
1814. 
 
 HiarORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 321 
 
 acted, was at Washington with General Ross, the civil author- 
 ities of Alexandria sent a deputation to inquire of him, what 
 treatment was to be expected in the event of that city's fall- 
 ing into his hands ; the admiral assured them, that private 
 property should be respected, and that what provisions might 
 be wanted, would be fairly paid for. This, in some measure 
 quieted the fears of the citizens. On the 28th, after the 
 squadron had passed Mason's island, the deputation proceed- 
 ed to visit Commodore Gordon, to inquire his intentions in 
 relation to the city. He declined answering them then, but 
 said he would inform them when he arrived opposite the town ; 
 assuring them, however, that the persons, houses, and furni- 
 ture, of the citizens, should be unmolested if he met with nO 
 opposition. On the 29th, the British squadron drew up in 
 line of battle before the town ; and a communication sent 
 from the commandant of the squadron, to the city authori- 
 ties, in answer to their application for favourable terms ; pro- 
 posing that the town, with the exception of the public works, 
 should not be destroyed, nor the inhabitants molested, or their 
 dwellings entered, unless hostilities were commenced on the 
 part of the Americans, if the following articles were complied 
 with : 
 
 Capitulation. 1st. All naval and ordnance stores, public 
 and private, to be immediately delivered up. • 'i' 
 
 2d. Possession to be immediately given of all the shipping, 
 and their furniture sent on board by the owners, without de<^ 
 lay.'-- : -" =• 
 
 3d. The vessels that had been sunk to be raised and de- 
 livered up, in the state they were in on the 19th of August. 
 
 4th. Merchandise of every description to be immediately 
 delivered up, including such as had been removed from the 
 city since the 19th of August. . ; > • - ..*^ 
 
 6. Refreshments of every kind to be supplied for the ship^ 
 ■ind paid for in bills on the British government. 
 
 ' I 
 
 -t^fi*'. 
 
 ■f 
 
 41 
 
.322 
 
 HIg?rORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap, 14, 
 
 U ! 
 
 I; I 
 
 
 6th. Officers to be appointed to see the foregoing articles 
 Ailfilled, and any deviation on the part of the citizens to ren- 
 der the treaty void.* 
 
 The inhabitants were allowed one hour to consider and an- 
 swer these propositions. It was stated to the British officer 
 bearing the flag, that the corporation possessed no power to 
 compel the return of merchandise which had been carried into 
 the country, or to obhge the citizens to assist in raising the 
 sunken vessels ; and these points were given up. To an in- 
 quiry, as to what was included in the term merchandise in the 
 capitulation, it was answered, that it would embrace all such 
 as were intended for exportation, such as cotton, tobacco, 
 flour, and balegoodsr 
 
 City phmdered. To these harsh and disgraceful terms, 
 the unprotected state of Alexandria obliged the citizens to 
 submit. The capitulation was signed, £.nd a scene of indis- 
 criminate plunder ensued. Three ships, three brigs, and 
 several bay and river craft were taken and loaded with plun- 
 der, and several vessels burned. Sixteen thousand barrels 
 of flour, one thousand hogsheads of tobacco, and one hun- 
 dred and fifty bales of cotton and several thousand dol- 
 lars in value of wines and sugars rewarded these marauders. 
 White they were loading the vessels, Captains Porter and 
 Creighton^ of the navy, rode up to a British midshipman, who 
 was^ superrntending the loading of a boat, seized him by the 
 collar, and were about to take him ofl*. An alarm signal was 
 in^mediately given on shore to all employed on the wharves, 
 who immediately embarked, and preparation was made for an 
 assaah. The inhabitants, apprehending the immediate de- 
 struction' of the town, sent a deputation to the commanding 
 officer, ^slati•ng that the act was unauthorized by them, and not 
 done by any inhabitant of the place ; and assuring him thai 
 guards should be placed a| the intersection of each street 
 leading to the water, to prevent similar occurrences in future. 
 On this representation the commodore consented to overlook 
 
 <?apitu1ation of A^exarndmh 
 
1814. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 323 
 
 k, and tranquillity was restored. The British squadron, 
 having completed its ohgect at Alexandria, commenced its 
 return. 
 
 Measures to obstruct the return of the Squadron. A series 
 of powerful exertions were made by Commodores Rodgers, 
 Porter, and Perry, with the men under their command, aided 
 by the Virginia militia, to interrupt their passage down the; 
 river. Porter and Perry proceeded to take the most com- 
 manding stations, and erect batteries on the river bank, while 
 Rodgers prepared a flotilla of fire ships and boats to attack 
 them in rear. 
 
 Porter took a station at the white house on the west bank. 
 On the evening of the first of September, he arrived on the 
 ground with the secretary of state, and Generals Hungerford 
 and Young, and immediately proceeded to clear the ground, 
 and prepare for mounting the cannon, then momently ex- 
 pected from Washington. The militia were ordered to lake 
 post in the woods on the high banks of the river, to annoy 
 the enemy with their musketry as they passed. At the first 
 moment of Commodore Porter's arrival, an eighteen gun brig 
 was seen approaching the pass. General Hungerford imme- 
 diately took post with his militia in the wood ; and two small 
 pieces arriving at the same time, were planted on the edge of 
 the bank, and opened a brisk fire. As the brig came abreast 
 of the battery, being favoured with a fine breeze, she fired 
 one broadside, and passed on. The militia followed somo 
 distance along the bank, firing at the men on deck. On the 
 same evenings two eighteen pounders arrived, and augmented 
 the battery. The next morning a bomb ship and two barges, 
 one carrying a long thirty-two pounder, and the other a mor- 
 tar, commenced an attack on the battery. The bomb ship 
 anchored out of the reach of the guns, and commenced throw- 
 ing shells. The two barges at the same time fianking the 
 battery on the right. The firing continued all day without 
 intermission, and with little injury to the Americans. In the 
 afternoon, Commodore Porter removed one of his cighteeii 
 
 I, 
 
 
 1 
 
324 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 
 
 M. 
 
 pounders to a more commanding position, where he could 
 reach the enemy's ship. On the 3d, the British were rein- 
 forced by another bomb ship and a sloop fitted up as a rocket 
 vessel. On the whole of this day, and the succeeding night, 
 the ships, kept up a constant fire of shot, shells, and rockets. 
 In the course of the day, the prizes laden with the plunder of 
 Alexandria arrived, and anchored out of the reach of the guns. 
 Five additional field pieces arrived from Washington, and a fur- 
 nace for heating shot was erected. A constant fire was kept 
 up from the ships during the fourth and fifth. One attempt 
 was made to land which was prevented by the pickets. The 
 rocket ship lying close in shore, was much cut up by a twelve 
 pounder, which had been removed to a position on the bank, 
 so as to reach her. On the 5th, several thirty-two pounders, 
 two mortars, and a supply of ammunition arrived from Wash- 
 ington : carpenters had arrived and were employed in mount- 
 ing the guns, and every preparation was made to prevent the 
 passage. On the same evening the two frigates arrived, and 
 anchored above the battery. The whole British force now 
 consisted of ten vessels, mounting one hundred and seventy- 
 three guns. The battery had thirteen mounted guns ; the 
 two mortars and all the thirty-two pounders were destitute 
 of carriages. At twelve o'clock, on the 6th, the two frigates 
 got under weigh, with the tide and a fair wind, and stood down 
 for the battery, the other vessels following in succession. On 
 observing the vessels to be getting under weigh. Commodore 
 Porter despatched an officer to general Hungerford, request- 
 ing biro to resume his position in the woods, to annoy the 
 enemy with his musketry ; but from the distance of his camp 
 and the rapid approach of the British, he was unable to 
 march before the firing commenced, and after that period, 
 the shot, shells, and rockets, which showered over the hills 
 fr«m the ships and fell among his troops, prevented their 
 approach. The whole of the British force now anchored 
 abreast of the battery, and by shifting their ballast brought 
 iheir guns to bear. Commodore Porter kept up a well 
 
til 14. 
 
 HiarORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 22j 
 
 directed fire of hot shot on their approach, and for an hour 
 after their anchoring, when finding himself completely over- 
 powered, he retired behind a hill on his left. The ships im- 
 mediately weighed anchor, and passed on, pouring their 
 broadsides oh the battery, and into the neighbouring woods, 
 as they passed. A company of Virginia riflemen on the 
 right, and of militia on the left, annoyed the enemy's decks 
 with considerable effect."* After the smaller ships had passed, 
 the frigates proceeded down the river and anchored abreast 
 of the Indian head. Commodore Porter launched a torpedo 
 after the ships, which exploded at nine o'clock without effect. 
 Commodore Perry had taken post at the Indian head, and 
 erected a battery of one eighteen pounder, and several sixes; 
 with these he kept up a well directed fire on the ships as 
 they passed, and sustained their fire for an hour, when finding 
 all his efforts unavailing, he retired out of the reach of the 
 British fire, and the squadron passed on to the bay without 
 further opposition. 
 
 While these transactions were taking place in front, Com- 
 modore Rodgers was operating with his fire ships on their 
 rear. On the 3d, he proceeded from Washington down the 
 river, with three fire ships, the object of which was to destroy 
 the two frigates and a bomb ship, which lay three miles be- 
 low Alexandria. He conducted the fire ships within range 
 of musket shot, and fired them ; but the wind failing, the ob- 
 ject was defeated. A second attempt was made on the 4th, 
 when the Commodore proceeded down the river with another 
 fire ship, and came within a mile of the enemy's sternmost 
 vessels just at the time they had succeeded in silencing 
 Commodore Porter's battery ; here the ship was fired and 
 
 drifted down towards tK^ squadron, but without any success- 
 ful isgue^ ; : , ' * u'> 1 
 
 The invasion of the district of Columbia, the capture of 
 the cities of Washington and Alexandria, and the destruction 
 
 * Commodore Porter's letter to the secretary of the navy. 
 
226 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chai*. M. 
 
 of the public and private property, with so little injury to the 
 invaders, and in so short a period, filled the people of the 
 United States with surprise and regret. The events of the last 
 twelve days of the month ©f August could scarcely be credited. 
 The site of the city of Washington had been selected for the 
 capital of the United States, as a place of perfect security. Here 
 the united wisdom and military skill of the nation were sup- 
 posed to be centered. On the 24th of August, the President 
 as commander in chief of the military of the United States, 
 had at his command, a regular army of forty thousand men, 
 and eight hundred thousand militia ; any or all of whom he 
 had power to order to the defence of the capital. Within the 
 compass of fifty miles, the distance which General Ross's army 
 marched from their place of landing to reach the city, was a 
 population of two hundred thousand, itself furnishing a force 
 of at least twenty thousand men, capable of bearing arms, 
 whose property, femilies, and fire-sides were exposed : to 
 which may be added, upwards of a thousand regular troops, 
 stationed at different points in the district ; an arsenal, sup- 
 plied with, munitions of war, sufficient to arm any force that 
 might be called in ; an immense public and private property 
 to be defended, and the national honour and character to be 
 protected from insult in the capitol. Posterity will hardly 
 credit the story, that in such a state of things, a British force 
 of four thousand five hundred men landed at Benedict, and 
 after a deliberate march of fifty miles, occupying five days' 
 time, put to flight the President, the heads of departments, 
 the commanding general of the district, and all opposing 
 force, and on the evening of the 24th entered the city, de- 
 stroyed the capitol, and plundered and destroyed all the pub- 
 lic, and as much private property as ibey chose ; commenced 
 their return on the 35th, and reached their ships on 
 the 29th, and re-embarked, without opposition: that two 
 frigates and half a dozen small craft should ascend the 
 Potomac two hundred miles; pass a fort without oppo- 
 sition, erected on a commanding position, expressly for the 
 
1814. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 32: 
 
 purpose of protecting the district and capitol ; compel the 
 principal city to accept a most humiliating capitulation, and 
 submit to be rifled by a contemptible squadron. The events 
 of this period will be the less credited, when contrasted with 
 the invasion and capture of General Burgoyne in 1777, when 
 a British general with double the force, venturing only about 
 tlie same distance from his ships into a country very sparsely 
 inhabited, was surrounded and captured with his whole army. 
 
 Report of Committee of Investigation. Early in the ses- 
 sion of Congress immediately succeeding these events, a com- 
 mittee of the house of representatives was appointed to in' 
 quire into, and report the causes that led to them. The com- 
 mittee investigated and reported all the facts connected with 
 the subject, with great accuracy and minuteness ; and re- 
 marked that in their opinion, the means authorized for (he 
 security for the 10th military district by the President of the 
 United States, in a cabinet council of the 1st of July, were 
 ample and sufficient, as to the extent of the force, and sea* 
 sonable as to the time when the measures were authorized* 
 Having exculpated the President, they leave it to Congress 
 and the nation to draw their own conclusions from the facts 
 detailed by the committee.* 
 
 These facts very much divide and equalize the blame 
 among the different actors. Public sentiment, however^ at 
 Washington, laid much the greater share of it upon the secrc' 
 tary at war; and obliged him to resign. On the 29th of 
 August, the President informed him, that a high degree of ex- 
 citement had been raised among the militia of the District of 
 Columbia *, one officer of that corps had given notice, that 
 he would no longer obey any order coming through General 
 Armstrong as secretary at war ; and that he must so far yield 
 to this impulse, as to permit some other person to perform the 
 duties of that office, in relation to the defence of the district. 
 
 Beport of the Gommittee of investigation. 
 
326 
 
 lliarrORY OF 'tut LAT£ WAK. 
 
 CUAV. 14. 
 
 To this proposition the secretary replied, that the exolc- 
 mcnt was without foundation, proceeding from vile and prof- 
 ligate motives ; that he should never consent to surrender a 
 part of his legitimate authority for the sake of preserving the 
 residue; and that if the President's decision was taken in 
 conformity to the suggestions he had made, he wished him to 
 accept his resignation. This was offered and accepted, and 
 the duties of the office of secretary at war, temporarily in- 
 trusted to the secretary of state. . • 
 
 Cames of the Ckpture of Washington. After the lapse of 
 ten years, the causes which produced these unfortunate results 
 may be mofe distinctly observed by a comparison of the 
 principal facts and portrayed with less injury to individual 
 reputation. They may be classed under three heads ; a fail- 
 ure of seasonably obtaining the requisite number of militia ; 
 want of system in the plan of defence ; and want of courage. 
 
 Late arrival and insufficient numbers of the Militia, Oftlie 
 fifteen thousand militia destined for the defence of Washington, 
 five thousand were to be drawn from Pennsylvania. The 
 orders for this purpose issued from the war office on the 17lh 
 of July, but did not reach General Winder until the 8th of 
 August, nor the governor of Pennsylvania until the 23d ; there 
 was of course a total failure of that corps. Despatches on 
 which the safety of the capital might essentially depend, ought 
 not to be trusted to the uncertainty and irregularity of mails. 
 The militia regulations of Pennsylvania were at this period 
 in such a situation, that the orders could not have probably 
 been complied with, had they been seasonably received ; but 
 this fact ought to have been known, and the deficiency sup> 
 plied from some other source. Nearly one half of the other 
 requisitions failed of being complied with, so that instead of 
 fifteen thousand, the commanding general had at no time, 
 more than about six thousand militia at his command : the 
 late arrival of these rendered their services of little value. 
 To have made them efiectual, they should have been on the 
 ground at least several days for the purpose of being mustered, 
 
 ill! 
 
1814. 
 
 ICISTORY OF Tlir, LATF, WAR. 
 
 399 
 
 armed, disciplined, and taught what was expected from them. 
 Some of the Maryland corps had been on the ground two 
 days, some arrived on the evening before, and some only 
 half an hour previous to the battle. The other militia were 
 equally late. It is evident that different bodies of men, thus 
 hastily called from their occupations, and unacquainted with 
 each other, were illy qualified to meet a veteran foe in the 
 open field. Most of the Virginia militia were not in season 
 to take any part in the action. The unaccountable neglect 
 at the arsenal, which prevented Colonel Minor's corps from 
 obtaining supplies, greatly contributed to the misfortunes of 
 the day. An addition of six hundred infantry and one hun- 
 dred cavalry at Bladeiisburgh at twelve o'clock on the 24th, 
 would probably have produced a very different result. But 
 Colonel Cranberry was at his country-seat, and General 
 Armstrong did not see fit to attend to the delivery of the sup- 
 plies himself, and the troops were detained from the field. 
 Why the corps under General Young, stationed a few miles 
 below the city, was not ordered up for its defence, is a ques- 
 tion which has never been answered. In a case of so much 
 urgency, it was expected that the energies of the nation would 
 have been put forth, to call a sufficient armament seasonably 
 into the field. If militia were not to be procured in ono 
 place, they might have been in another, and the district de- 
 fended. 
 
 Want of a System of Defence, Another very operative 
 cause of the misfortunes of the day was the want of a sys- 
 tematic plan of defence. In making arrangements for meet. 
 ing the enemy, some eligible position should have been taken 
 between Benedict and Washington ; the forces there concen- 
 trated, formed, and prepared for action. Some rallying point 
 should also have been fixed on, and clearly understood by all 
 the troops, to which they were to be conducted in case of de- 
 feat. Where the point should have been, for the ultimate 
 meeting of the enemy, and the decision of the fate of the capitol, 
 was perhaps of less consequence, than that one should havf 
 
 i'2 ■ 
 
330 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 CuAp. 14. 
 
 n t 
 
 M .. 
 
 been somewhere fixed. Had the militia been seasonably 
 assembled, perhaps the most ehgible place would have been 
 in the forests through which the enemy had to pass I'rom 
 Benedict to Marlborough ; where their road might have been 
 abatted, and the militia and riflemen have been eminently use- 
 ful. It was here the British expected the first rencontre with the 
 Americans, and proceeded with the utmost caution ; but the 
 lateness of the arrival of the militia prevented such an 
 arrangement. The first position taken, with a view to meet 
 the enemy, was at the battalion old fields; but this was aban- 
 doned without attack on the evening of the 23d, and the main 
 body precipitately hurried to the eastern branch bridge. It. 
 appears not to have been determined to make a stand at Bla- 
 densburgh until the enemy were in full march, and within 
 a few miles of that point. The arrangements were then very 
 hastily made, and the main body which had been harassed 
 by a precipitate retreat the evening before, were now hurried 
 back to the scene of action, and had not time to form before 
 the battle commenced; and the first line, not being effectually 
 supported by the reserve, was thrown into confusion, and fled, 
 their officers knew not where, not having fixed any rallying 
 point for their re-assembling. Probably the very circum- 
 stance which was much relied on for the defence of the city, 
 that the commanding general would be assisted by the mili- 
 tary talents of the cabinet, was a principal cause of the de- 
 feat. It distracted his measures, lessened his responsi- 
 bility, and subjected him to continual embarrassment. 
 
 Want of courage in the troops engaged, has been assigned 
 as another cause of the unfortunate events of the 25th. Where 
 so great an object was at stake, and the balance of numbers 
 and preparation evidently on the side of the Americans, the 
 public had a right to expect that the contest would not have 
 been given up, without a much more severe struggle. It is 
 not however intended, that there was any extraordinary de- 
 ficiency of bravery in these troops, more than in others, called 
 together under like circumstances. Assembled in the moment 
 
1G14. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 331 
 
 of action, unacquainted with each other, uninstructed in the 
 duties of the field, and disheartened by a precipitate retreat^ 
 the result may be accounted for without imputing to this corps 
 any innate want of courage. The committee of investigation 
 explicitly declare that General Winder conducted with firm- 
 ness and bravery during the engagement, and that he and the 
 other officers used every exertion to rally the troops, and 
 prevent the flight. 
 
 The safety of the cities on the Potomac above fort Wash- 
 ington depended entirely upon that garrison. When it was 
 known that a naval force had entered the river for the avowed 
 purpose of attacking the district of Columbia, it was to have 
 been expected that the fort would have been put in a com- 
 plete state of defence, the garrison increased, and orders 
 given to defend it to the last : instead of this it was but illy 
 supplied, garrisoned only by a captain's command, and or- 
 ders given to abandon it on the approach of danger. This 
 at once exposed the cities bordering on the river above to the 
 ravages of the enemy. Captain Dyson, the commandant, was 
 indeed arrested, tried by a court martial, convicted, and cash- 
 iered. Still a great share of the blame of abandoning that 
 position attaches itself to higher authority. 
 
 I 
 
J I 
 
CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Admiral Cochrane's Letter, threatening' to lay waste the Coast— The 
 Sccret-ry's Reply.— The President's Proclamation.— Baltimore threa- 
 tened. — Plan of Defence. — Landing of the British on the Patapsco.— 
 Geuieral Ross siain. — Battle of the 12th September. — British re- 
 connoitre the American Lines axiA retreat.— Re-embark.— Attack on 
 Fort M'Henry. — Brave Defence. — British repulsed. — Proceed down 
 the Bay. — Leave the Chesapeake. — Burning the Shipping at Petti- 
 paug.— Attack on Stonington. — Gallant Defence.— Capture of East- 
 port. — Castine, and the Eastern Coast. — Destruction of the Frigate 
 Adams. — Plunder of the Towns on the Coast of Massachusetts. 
 
 Admiral Cochrane's Threats, On Admiral Cochrane's ar- 
 rival in the Chesapeake, he was joined by Admiral Cock- 
 burn's squadron of three ships of the line, several frigates, 
 and smaller ships of war, which had been pursuing the same 
 ^system of plunder and rapine, for several months on the 
 counties bordering on the bay, which they had practised the 
 preceding season. The whole fleet now consisted of sixty 
 sail. 
 
 That the government and country might be at no loss what 
 species of warfare was intended to be carried on by this ar- 
 mament, the admiral addressed a note to the secretary of 
 state, dated the 18th of August, declaring that he had been 
 called upon by the governor general of the Canadas, to aid 
 him in carrying into eftect measures of retahation against the 
 inhabitants of the United States, for the wanton destruction 
 committed by their army in Upper Canada ; and that in com- 
 pliance therewith he should issue orders to the naval force 
 under his command, to destroy and lay wASTfc such towns 
 
 AND DISTRICTS ON THE COAST AS MIGHT BK FOUND ASSAILA- 
 BLE. 
 
 He proceeds to remark, with an affected air of humanity, 
 that he had hoped this contest would have terminated without 
 being obliged to resort to severities, which are contrary to 
 
334 
 
 HISTORY OF THE I. ATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. u. 
 
 \ 
 
 I I 
 
 M 
 
 the usage of civilized warfare ; that it was with extreme re- 
 luctance he had been compelled to adopt this system of de- 
 vastation, and hoped the executive of the United States would 
 authorize the staying of such proceedings, by making repara- 
 tion to the suffering inhabitants of Upper Canada.* 
 
 These threats were not communicated to the American 
 government until after the events at Washington and Alexan- 
 dria had shown the manner in which they were intended to be 
 executed. . . 
 
 Secretary''s Replij. — On the 9th of September, the secre- 
 tary of state replied, that at the commencement of the war. 
 the United States had resolved to Cv -uluct it in a manner 
 most consonant to the principles of humanity, and to those 
 friendly relations which it was desirable to preserve between 
 the two nations on the return of peace. They perceived, 
 however, with the deepest regret, that a spirit alike humane 
 and just, was neither cherished nor acted upon by the British 
 government. Without dwelling upon the deplorable cruel- 
 ties committed by the savages, in the British ranks and British 
 pay, on American prisoners at the river Raisin, which had 
 never been disavowed nor atoned, the secretary referred 
 him to the wanton desolation committed at Havre-de-Grace 
 and Georgetown, stating, that .lese villages were burned 
 and ravaged by the naval forces of Great Britain, to the ruin 
 X)f their unarmed inhabitants, who saw with astonishment 
 that they derived no protection from the laws of war; that 
 <luring the same season, scenes of invasion and pillage car- 
 ried on under the same authority, were witnessed all along the 
 shores of the Chesapeake to an extent, inflicting the most se- 
 rious private distress, and under circumstances that justified 
 the su^.picion that revenge and cupidity led to their perpetra- 
 tion ; the late destruction of the houses of government at 
 Washington, is another act which necessarily comes into 
 view. In the wars of modern Europe, no example of the 
 
 '•^' Admiral Cochrane's letter to the secretary of state. August 18th, 1814. 
 
1U14. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 335 
 
 kind, among nations the most hostile to each other, can be 
 traced. In the course of ten years, most of the capitals of 
 the principal powers of the continent of Europe have been 
 conquered and occupied by the victorious armies of each 
 other, and no instance of such wanton and unjustifiable de- 
 struction has been seen ; resort must be had to distant and 
 barbarous ages to find a parallel. 
 
 Although these acts of desolation incited, if they did not im- 
 pose on the government the necessity of retaliation yet in no 
 instance had been authorized. The burning of the village 
 of Newark, posterior to the outrages in 1813, was not done 
 on that principle. That village adjoined fort George, and its 
 destruction was justified by the officer who ordered it, on the 
 ground that it became necessary in the military operations in 
 that quarter. The act, however, was disavowed by the gov- 
 ernment. The burning at Long Point on lake Erie was un- 
 authorized, and the conduct of the officer subjected to the in- 
 vestigation of a military tribunal. For the burning at St. 
 Davids, committed by a few stragglers, the officer who com- 
 manded in that quarter was dismissed without a trial for not 
 preventing it. It as little comports with any orders which 
 have been issued to the military and naval commanders of the 
 United States, as it does with the established and known hu- 
 manity of the American nation, to pursue a system which the 
 British government appears to have adopted. This govern- 
 ment owes it to itself, and to the principles which it has ever 
 held sacred, to disavow, as justly chargeable to it, any such 
 acts of wanton, cruel, and unjustifiable warfare. Whatever 
 unauthorized irregularities may have been t;ommitted by any 
 of its troops, it would have been ever rea<|j^, acting on the 
 principles of sacred and eternal obligation, to disavow ; and 
 as far as might be practicable, to repair. But^the plan of 
 desolating warfare, now so explicitly made known, and at- 
 tempted to be executed on a plea so utterly groundless, ap- 
 pears a spirit of deep rooted hostility, which, without the evi- 
 dence of such facts, would not have been believed to exist, 
 
336 
 
 mSTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. u. 
 
 \i i 
 
 r T 
 
 I 
 
 
 or to have been carried to such an extremity. For the repa- 
 ration of injuries of whatever nature not sanctioned by the 
 laws of civilized nations, which the military or naval force of 
 either power may have committed against each other, this 
 government will always be ready to enter into reciprocal ar- 
 rangements, and it is presumed the British government will 
 neither expect, nor propose any other.* 
 
 To this letter Admiral Cochrane, on the 1 9th of September, 
 answered, that he had no authority to enter upon a discussion 
 of the points therein contained : that there did not appear to 
 be any hope that he should be authorized to recall the gen- 
 eral order he had issued : that he should forward a copy of 
 the letter to his government, and until he received instructions 
 to the contrary, the measures he had adopted would be per- 
 sisted in, unless remuneration be made to the inhabitants of 
 the Canadas for the outrages committed on them by the troops 
 of the United States.* 
 
 These threats were carried into execution by a series of 
 disgraceful plunder and pillage on those accessible points in 
 the Chesapeake which had escaped the ravages of the last 
 season ; and awakened in the citizens on the sea-board, appre- 
 hensions of the most alarming kind. They were now called 
 upon to defend their property, their families, and fire-sides, 
 from immediate destruction. 
 
 On the 1st of September, the President returned to Wash- 
 ington ; and from the ruins of the capitol, issued a proclania- 
 tion giving publicity to Admiral Cochrane's let^er ; stating 
 that the conduct of the British left no prospect of safety to 
 any thing within the reach of his predatory and incendiary 
 operations, but in a manful and united determination to chas. 
 lise and expel the invader ; urging all the citizens of the 
 United States to unite their hearts and hands in giving effect to 
 the ample means possessed for that purpose ; enjoining all 
 
 ii 
 
 W-. 
 
 * Secretary of state to Admiral Cochrane, September 9th, 1814. 
 
 * Admiral Cochrane to the secretary of state, Sept. 19th, 1814. 
 
18J4. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 337 
 
 ollicers civil and military to oxcrt themselves in executing the 
 duties with which they were respectively charged ; and rc- 
 (|iiiring the officers commanding the military districts to be 
 vigilant and alert in providing for their defence ; and a Jthor- 
 izing them to call to the defence of threatened and exposed 
 places, portions of the militia most convenient thereto, wheth- 
 er they were parts of the detached quotas or not. The pro- 
 clamation concludes with observing that on an occasion that 
 appeals so forcibly to the proud feelings and palrioLic devo- 
 tion of the American people, none will forget what they owe 
 to themselves, to their country, and to the high destinies which 
 await it, what to the glory of their fathers in establishing that 
 independence which is now to be maintained by their sons, 
 with the augmented strength and resources with which hea- 
 ven has blessed them.* The governors of Pennsylvania, 
 Virginia, and New- Jersey, issued addresses to their respective 
 citizens breathing the same spirit ; 'ordering their militia to 
 hold themselves in immediate readiness, directing detachments 
 to march to the most exposed points, and calling on volun- 
 teers to defend their country. These patriotic addresses 
 were answered by voluntary oflfers of service in many in- 
 stances, more than were required. 
 
 Attempt on Baltimore, After the successes at Washington 
 and Alexandria, the next and most inviting object for British 
 cupidity was the city of Baltimore. General Ross, elated with 
 iiis recent success, boasted that he would make that city hi» 
 winter -quarters, and that with the force under his command he 
 could march where he pleased in Maryland. On the 10th of 
 September, the British forces appeared ascending the bay, in a 
 direction towards Baltimore. On the 1 Ith, fifty sail consisting 
 of several ships of the rme,frigates,and transports,withsix thou- 
 sand men, entered the mouth of the Patapsco ; and early in the 
 
 * President's procTamation, Sept. 1st. 1814. 
 43 
 
 ■:*1 ^Chtl! 
 
1 
 
 338 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAB. 
 
 GuAy. 15. 
 
 It. 
 
 morning of the 12th, commenced landing at North Point, foui- 
 teen miles below the city. • • 
 
 Defence of the City, The defence was intrusted to Majov 
 General Smith, of the Maryland militia, assisted by General 
 Winder and all theUnited States troops which had been recent- 
 ly engaged at Washington, and supported by all the militia of 
 Baltimore and the neighbouring country, the whole composing 
 a force of fifteen thousand. Every citizen of Baltimore capable 
 of bearing arms appeared in the ranks, ready to sacrifice his life 
 in defence of the city. The point selected by General Smith, 
 where the ultimate defence was to be made, was upon the 
 lieights three miles in advance of the city towards the mouth of 
 the Patapsco. Here the citizens with great labour had, under 
 the direction of their general, erected strong fortifiications. The 
 general, with tlie main body, took post at this point with a heavy 
 park of artillery. General Strieker, with the city volunteers 
 and militia, to the number of three thousand five hundred, was. 
 posted four miles in advance at the head of long log lane, his 
 right on the head of a branch of Bear creek, his left on a 
 marsh, and the artillery posted at the head of the lane. Th^ 
 rifle corps were stationed in the low thick pines, in advance. 
 General Strieker was ordered, in case of an attack by u 
 superior force, to fall back on the main body. In this 
 position the Americans waited the approach of the enemy. 
 The whole population of the city came out to witness, 
 the event on which their safety depended, and, on the neigh- 
 bouring heights, animated their brethren in arms. The Brit- 
 ish, having completed tlie debarkation by seven o'clock in the 
 morning, took up their line of march for the city. The 41 si 
 regiment in advance, followed by eight pieces of artillery, 
 next the second brigade, then the sailors, and last the third 
 brigade. The march of the main body was preceded by 
 blank patroles, and reconnoitering parties. 
 
 Battle at Lon^ Log Lane, In this order they approached 
 the American lines. General Ross, with a small reconnoi- 
 tering party, liialf a ii^ile in advance of the maui body, was 
 
 \ 
 
1814. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 339 
 
 shot through the breast by a rifleman, fell into the arms of his 
 aid-de-camp, and died in a few minutes. By this event, the 
 command devolved on Colonel Brook, of the 44th ; who, 
 after the troops had recovered from the shock occasioned by 
 the loss of '.neir leader, led them on in order of battle. Tiie 
 advance o/ General Strieker, consisting of cavalry and rifle- 
 men, under Major Heath, were first met by the enemy, and 
 after some skirmishing, fell back on the line. The main body 
 of the British were but a short distance in rear of their ad- 
 vance ; and as they came up, the action immediately became 
 general. The attack commenced by a discharge of rockets 
 from the British, and was soon succeeded by grape, canister, 
 and small arms from both sides. General Strieker maintained 
 his position against a great superiority of numbers for an hour 
 and an half, when the regiment on his left giving way, he was 
 obliged to retire to a position in the rear where he had sta- ^ 
 tioned one regiment as a reserve. Here the troops were 
 formed, with the reserve, and without further molestation 
 from the British, fell back to Worthington mills on the left, 
 and half a mile in advance of the main body. On the night 
 of the 12th, the British bivouacked in advance of the 
 battle ground; and on the morning of the 13th, commenced 
 their march towards the city. At ten o'clock, they appeared 
 in front of the American lines, distant two miles on the Phila- 
 delphia road. Here they halted, pushing their advance 
 within a mile of the works ; where they had a full view of 
 the position and defence of the Americans. They remained 
 on this ground, reconnoitering the works, and waiting the 
 result of the attack on fort M'Henry until one o'clock in the 
 morning of the fourteenth, when they commenced a retreat 
 to their shipping, began their embarkation the succeeding 
 evening, and completed it the next day. . 
 
 Attack on r,.. M Henry, The entrance from the Patapsco 
 into Baltimore basin, or harbour, is by a narrow strait, the 
 passage of which is defended by fort M'Henry, two miles be- 
 low the city. The command of this post was intrusted to 
 
 hM- 
 
 rM 
 
 I h 
 
 ■■ I 
 
p 
 
 340 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chai'. .1.,. 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 Major Armistead, of the United Slates artillery. The garri- 
 son, before the aj)pcaranee of the enemy in the Fatapsco, 
 amounted to one hundred men ; on their approach, it was 
 increased td a thousand. Two batteries to the right of the 
 fort were erected on the river to prevent the enemy's landing 
 during the night, in reif of the town ; the one called the citv 
 battery, was manned by Lieutenant Webster, with a detach- 
 ment of the flotilla ; the other, denominated fort Covington, by 
 a company of sailors, under Lieutenant Newcomb. The 
 British designed a simultaneous attack by land and water, 
 and while the transports were landing the troops at north 
 point, the ships of war proceeded towards fort M'Henry. On 
 the 12th, sixteen ships, including five bomb vessels, drew up 
 in line of battle, within two and a halfmiles of the fort; and 
 on the 13th at sunrise, the attack commenced from the bomb 
 ships at two miles distance. The regular artillerists under 
 Captain Evans, and the volunteers under Captain Nicholson, 
 manned the batteries in the star fort. Captains Banbury's, 
 Addison's, Rodman's, Penny's , and Pennington's commands. 
 were stationed in the lower works ; and the infantry under 
 Colonel Stewart, and Major Lane, were in the outer ditch 
 to meet the enemy at his landing, should he attempt one. 
 The guns from the fort were unable to reach the British 
 ships, and left the garrison exposed to a constant shower of 
 shot and shells, without being able to do the enemy any 
 injury. At ten o'clock, three of the bomb ships took a nearer 
 position, on which a brisk fire opened upon them, and com- 
 pelled them to resume their former station. At one o'clock 
 in the morning of the 14th, the British threw a considerable 
 force above the main works, on the right near fort Covington, 
 and commenced throwing rockets. Twelve hundred picked 
 men were detached with scaling ladders, to attempt the taking 
 of the fort by storm. As they were approaching the shore, 
 a fire opened upon them from fort Covington, and a six gun 
 battery. The fire w£?s directed by the blaze of their rockets, 
 ^nd the flashes of their guns. This fire continued about two 
 
1«M. 
 
 IllbTORY OF THE LATE WAli. 
 
 341 
 
 Jiours ; the landing was prevented, one of the barges sunk, 
 and the others compelled to return. The bombardment con- 
 tinued with Jk'ery little intermission, from siinrisc on the 13th 
 to seven o'clock on the 14th, when the squadron got under 
 weigh, and stood down the riv^r. Four hundred shells fell 
 within the fort; four men were killed, and twftnty-four 
 wounded. The officers and men of the garrison did their 
 duty; and by their brave and judicious conduct, the British 
 were repulsed, and the city saved from pillage. .ac. . 
 
 In the battle of the 12th, the American loss was twenty- 
 four killed, one hundred aud thirty-nine wounded, and fifty 
 taken prisoners. The British acknowledge a loss in the 
 same battle of thirty-five killed, and two hundred and fifty- 
 one wounded. Their whole loss in killed, wounded, and 
 missing in the battle, and at the attack on the fort, was esti- 
 mated by the American general at six hundred. The defeat 
 of the British in their attempt on Baltimore, was highly hon- 
 ourable to General Smith, who planned, and conducted the 
 operations, and to the officers and men engaged in the de- 
 fence. It banished the desponding apprehensions of the 
 other exposed cities, and taught them that freemen in arms in 
 defence of their country, are invincible. Robert G. Harper 
 accompanied General Strieker as a volunteer, and.was found 
 in the advance in the batde of the 12th. James L. Donald- 
 son, one of the city representatives, was among the slain. Al- 
 most the whole loss fell on the city brigade, which being com- 
 posed of the elite of the city, took their stand in the front line 
 at the post of danger, and fought with distinguished bravery 
 in defence of their altars and fire-sides. The inhabitants 
 mourned the loss of many of their valuable fellow-citizens, 
 and erected a splendid monument to their memory in the 
 centre of the city. After the battle, the British land and na- 
 val commanders, in a council of war, wisely determined that 
 though the city might be taken by their forces, yet it would 
 probably cost them more than the object was worth; and 
 concluded to abandon it. They proceeded down the bay, 
 
 j4 
 
 <-i 
 
.342 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap, i 
 
 ^> 
 
 and after landing and pillaging at several points where re- 
 sistance was not to be expected, the whole armament left the 
 waters of the Chesapeake ; Admiral Cochrane, with a part oi 
 the squadron, sailed for Halifax ; and Admiral Malcomb, wiiti 
 the remainder, and the land forces, for Jamaica. 
 
 Pettipaug Point, The blockade of the harbour of New- 
 London and the frigates United States and Macedonian,conlin* 
 ued during the year 1814. On the 7th ot April, a detachment 
 from the blockading squadron of six barges with upwards of 
 two hundred men, in execution of the plan of destroying all 
 American shipping, proceeded to the mouth of Connecticut 
 river and ascended it seven miles to Pettipaug point, where 
 they arrived at 4 o'clock on the morning of the 8th, and burn- 
 ed twenty-two vessels which had been moored there as a place 
 of safety. The village consisting of about thirty houses and 
 a number of stores, was exposed to conflagration by the burn- 
 ing of the shipping. Several houses took fire, but were ex- 
 tinguished by the exertions of the inhabitants who remained in 
 the village, and were suffered to put out the fires. The pro- 
 perty destroyed was estimated at ^150,000. The inhabit- 
 ants had no notice of the approach, of the enemy, until tho 
 vessels were on fire. At ten o'clock the British left the village 
 and proceeded two miles down the river, where they lay until 
 evening, and then returned to their ships. The militia col- 
 lected in considerable numbers from the neighbouring towns, 
 but were unable to prevent the return of the enemy. 
 
 Attack on Stonington. On the 9th of August, a detachment 
 from the squadron off New-London, consisting of the flag ship 
 Ramilies 74, Pactolus 38, a bomb-ship, and the Despatch brig 
 of 23 guns, appeared off Stonington point. At five o'clock a 
 note was addressed to the magistrates of the village by the 
 commodore, informing them that one hour from the receipt of 
 the note was allowed them for the removal of the unoffending 
 inhabitants and their effects. The officer who brought the 
 note was inquired of whether a flag would be received from 
 the magistrates ; his reply was, that no arrangement could be 
 
1814. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 3'i:i 
 
 made. On being asked whether Commodore Hardy had de« 
 tcrmined to destroy the town, he replied, that such were his 
 orders from Admiral Cochrane ; and that it would be done 
 roost effectually. On receiving this communication, the vil- 
 lage was thrown into the utmost consternation. The mo»t 
 valuable articles were hastily removed or concealed. The 
 .sick and aged were removed, the women, children, and inhab- 
 itants incapable of bearing arms, fled to the neighbouring farm- 
 houses. A few militia stationed at the point, under the com- 
 mand of Lieutenant Hough, were placed in the best positions 
 to give notice of any attempt lo land. A number of volun- 
 teers hastened to the battery on the point, which consisted of 
 two eighlcens, and one four pounder mounted on field carria- 
 ges, protected by a slight breastwork. An express was im- 
 mediately despatched to General Cushing at New-London, 
 the United States commanding general of the district, with a 
 request for immediate assistance. The general considered 
 this as a feint intended to mask a real attack on fort Griswold, 
 which commanded the harbour of New-London ; that the 
 object of the enemy was to draw the regular troops and mili- 
 tia from that post, and in the mean time land a considerable 
 force at the head of Mystic, four miles in the rear of the fort,, 
 and take it by storm. Having accomplished this object they 
 could destroy or lay under contribution the town of New-Lon- 
 don, and proceed up the river and capture the frigates.* This 
 opinion of the general's was confirmed in consequence of the 
 squadrons having lately been reinforced ; and a number of 
 ships taking stations near Mystic. Having the^e views of the 
 designs of the enemy. General Cushing made correspondent 
 arrangements with Major General Williams, commander of the 
 division of militia in that district *, and orders were immedi- 
 ately given for the assembling of one regiment at the point of 
 attack at Stonington ; one at the head of Mystic river to pre- 
 vent a landing for the purpose of attacking fort Griswold ; 
 
 General Cushiog's letter to the secretary at war. 
 
:m4 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LA'lE WAR. 
 
 Chak I.,. 
 
 I' 
 
 one company of artillery and one rpfMment of infantry at Nor- 
 wich port, a few miles in the rear of the frigates ; and one 
 company of artillery and regiment of infantry for the protec- 
 tion of fort Trumbull and the city of New-London. These 
 dispositions were promptly and zealously carried into effect. 
 The village of Stonington point consists of about one hun- 
 dred dwelling-honses, anda Humberof stores, compactly built 
 on a narrow peninsula extending half a mile, and forming a 
 convenient harbour. The attack commenced on this vilbf^o 
 at 8 o'clock in the evening by a discharge of shells from tho 
 bomb-ship, and rockets and carcases from several barges, ami 
 launches which had taken their stations at different points. 
 The fire continued without intermission until midnight, and 
 was occasionally answered from the battery as the light of 
 the rockets presented a view of the object. During this pe- 
 riod, the non-combatant inhabitants of the village, Having taken 
 shelter in the neighbouring houses and barns, were waitint^ 
 the event in trembling anxiety ; expecting every moment to 
 witness the conflagration of their dwellings. At twelve o'clock 
 the firing ceased ; no building was consumed, or person in- 
 jured, in the course of the night the militia and volunteers 
 assembled in considerable numbers. At day-light on tho 
 10th, the approach of the British was announced by a dis- 
 charge of rockets from several barges and a launch, which 
 had taken their stations on the east side of the village, and 
 out of the reach of the battery. A number of volunteers with 
 musketry and one four pounder hastened across the point to 
 meet the enemy supposing they would attempt a landing from 
 I he barges. Colonel Randall of the 13th regiment, who was 
 at this time approaching the battery with a detachment of 
 militia, ordered his men to assist the volunteers in drawing 
 over one of the eighteen pounders to the extreme end of the 
 point, the fire from which soon compelled the barges to seek 
 their safety by flight : during this time the brig was working 
 up towards the point,and at sun-rise dropped anchor within half 
 a mile of the battery. This was now manned only by about 
 
1.014. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 34^ 
 
 twenty men ; and their ammunition being expended, they 
 spiked the guns and retired. The brig now continued delib- 
 erately to pour into the village her thirty-two pound and 
 grape shot, and the bomb ship to throw her shells for an hour 
 without a shot being returned. 
 
 Repulse. At eight o'clock a supply of ammunition having 
 arrived, the eighteen pounder was drilled, and such an ani- 
 mated and well directed fire opened on the brig, that at three 
 o'clock, having received several shot below her water mark, 
 and much damage in her spars and rigging, she slipped her 
 cables and hauled off, out of the reach of the battery. In 
 this contest two Americans only were slightly wounded. The 
 flag which was nailed to the staft' on the battery was pierced 
 with seven shot ; the breast work was considerably damaged, 
 and six or eight dwelling houses much injured. Considerable 
 bodies of militia arrived in the course of the day : and Briga- 
 dier General Isham took the command. The inhabitants had 
 recovered from the consternation of the first moments ; things, 
 assumed a more regular and orderly aspect. Every one ca- 
 pable of bearing arms was at the post of danger, and the 
 others employed in removing their eifecis. .. .< ^^^ 
 
 The Ramilies and Pactolus now hauled up and took stations 
 within two miles of the village ; and threatened it with instant 
 destruction. The magistrates sent a deputation on board the 
 Ramilies with a note addressed to Commodore Hardy, inform- 
 ing him, that the town was now cleared of unoffending in- 
 liabitants in consequence of his note of yesterday, and wish- 
 ing to know his determination respecting the fate of the 
 village. The deputation consisting of Colonel Williams 
 and Mr. Lord, were detained on board an hour, their own 
 boat sent back ; and at the expiration of the time, they were 
 conveyed in a flag from the ship with a note to the magistrates, 
 stating, that the deputation having given assurances that 
 no torpedoes had been fitted out from that port, and having 
 engaged that none should be in future, or receive any aid from 
 the town ; tha^ further hostilities should cease, and the villa^^j 
 
346 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap, l: 
 
 be spared, in .case they would send on boai-d his ship, by 
 eight o'clock in the morning of the 1 1th, Mrs. Stewart, a lady 
 then resident ai New- London, wife of the late Brilsh consul 
 at that place and her family. But in case of failure, he should 
 proceed to destroy the village efl'rctually ; for which he state«l 
 that he possessed ample means. The magistrates and citi- 
 zens of the borough were in a singular state of embarrasfi- 
 ment on receiving this demand; being required to procure 
 and send on board the commotlore's ship, a lady over whom 
 they had no control. Mrs. Stewart was under the protection 
 of the government of the United States ; had ever been 
 treated with respect at New-London, where she had long re- 
 sided ; her personal safety was never in the least at hazard ; 
 and her husband's application to have his family sent oti 
 board the squadron had been received by the commanding 
 general and transmitted to the executive, and no doubt would 
 be granted ; but the borough of Stonington had no concern 
 or authority on the subject, and possessed no powers to com- 
 ply with the required condition. At eight o'clock in the morn- 
 ing of the 1 1 th, the magistrates, under the direction of the 
 commanding ge^icral, sent a flag on board the Ramilies with 
 the foregoing representation. The commodore replied, that 
 he «bould wait until twelve o'clock, and if the lady was nm 
 then sent on board, hostilities would re-commence. At this 
 period, three regiments of militia had arrived, and the town 
 vfA^well secured against a landing. At three o'clock, the 
 bomb-ship having taken a station out of the reach of the guns 
 of the battery, commenced throwing shells into the village 
 and continued until evening. At sun-rise on the 1 2lh, the 
 bomb-ship renewed her o|)erations, while the Ramilies and 
 Pactolus were warping in ; at eight o'clock these ships open- 
 ed their ^re. This heavy bombardment, continued until 
 noon, when the ships ceased firing. At four in the afternoon 
 they hauled ofl'to their former anchorage, and the contest 
 ended. The Vice Consul was obliged to resort to other, 
 tfodmorc appropriate measures to obtain his wife and family, 
 
lul-l. 
 
 m TORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 34T 
 
 than that of desolating an unoffending village. The ships 
 taking a station out of the reach of cannon shot from the bat- 
 tery, the citizens were obliged to witness the scene without 
 the power of resistance. The troops withdrew from the point 
 excepting a guard of fifty men, who were kept to patrole the 
 streets and extinguish fires. The cannon from the battery 
 were ordered up to the north col of the point, to be in readiness 
 in case of an attempt at lan(!in>^'; this hazardous service was 
 performed by volunteers of the Norwich artillery, who in- 
 stantly offered themselves, under the command of Lieutenant 
 Lathrop. This party, though exposed the whole time to the 
 enemy's fire, accomplished the enterprise without loss. Dur- 
 ing the whole scene no lives were lost, and but two or three 
 wounded. The houses were several times set on fire by the 
 rockets and ^lells, but were soon extinguished by the patrole. 
 Many of the buildings were much damaged, and few remain 
 without some marks of the bombardment. The judicious 
 arrangements of general Cushing, and the spirit and alacrity 
 with which the militia turned out to defend Stonington, and 
 guard the other exposed points, prevented those ulterior 
 operations of the British, which were apprehended by that 
 general, and which no doubt, were designed as the ultimate 
 object of the expedition. The citizens of Connecticut, when 
 called upon to defend their dwellings from conflagration, 
 manifested a zeal and bravery worthy of freemen in defence 
 of their ^o\\. The reception which the British met with al 
 Stonington, deterred ihcm from any further attempts on tliR 
 coast of Connecticut. •> 
 
 The constitution vests Congress with the power of pro- 
 viding for organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia, 
 for calling them forth to repel invasions, and governing them 
 when in service, reserving the appointment of officers, and 
 the authority of training the militia to the states respectively. 
 In pursuance of these provisions, general regulations haW 
 from lime to time been made by Congress, lor organiaing and 
 diciplining the militia, and authorizing the l*resident tp call 
 
348 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAK. 
 
 Chap. 1&. 
 
 for their services in the cases provided by the constitution. 
 The manner in which these powers had been uniformly exe- 
 cuted, had been for the President, through the war depart- 
 ment, torequh-e of the commander in chief of each state sucii 
 detachments of the mihtia, as, in the opinion of the President. 
 the occasion required. These requisitions had usually beo?t 
 promptly complied with, and the militia thus called into llic 
 service of the United States, subject in their general opera- 
 tions to the orders of the President, as commander in chief, 
 given through the agency of officers of his appointment; the 
 officers of the line having the immediate command of the 
 troops, being appointed under the state authorities. No pro- 
 vision had been made for cases of non-compliance with these 
 requisitions. They were of necessity addressed to person'; 
 not deriving their appointments or powers from the genrral 
 government, or amenable to it in the discharge of their offi- 
 cial duties. This singular principle of relying on the co- 
 operation of the state authorities, to carry into etlcct the 
 measures of the general government, being almost the only 
 relic of the old confederation, was in several instances at- 
 tended with the most serious consequences. When a requi- 
 sition was made on Governor Snyder for five thousand Penn- 
 sylvania militia, for the defence of the capitol ; the militia 
 laws of that slate were in such a situation, that not a soldier 
 could be obtained for the service ; and of the fifteen thousand 
 mihtia required of the commanders in chief of the neighbour- 
 ing states, for the defence of the city of Washington, the 
 commanding general of the district states, scarcely as many 
 hundred could be obtained. A division of the militia of Ver- 
 mont were ordered into service by a United States officer, 
 without an application to the state authorities, to protect 
 Plattsburgh, while General Hampton advanced to the St. 
 Lawrence ; Governor Chittenden considered this as an in- 
 fringement of his constitutional rights, and, as commander in 
 chief of the militia of that state, countermanded the order. 
 When requisitions were made upon Governor Strong, for de- 
 
JGM. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE VVAK. 
 
 349 
 
 nstitution. 
 rmly cxo" 
 r depart- 
 state sucli 
 'resident, 
 ally beetf 
 J into iho 
 ral opern. 
 
 in chif'f, 
 ncnt; the 
 id of the 
 
 No pro- 
 with ihcsc 
 
 person V 
 le general 
 
 their offi- 
 
 1 the co- 
 ert'ect thr 
 
 the only 
 itances af- 
 n a refjiii- 
 md I'enn- 
 he militifi 
 t a soldier 
 
 thousand 
 eighbmir- 
 gton, ihf; 
 ' as many 
 a of Vcr- 
 s officer, 
 ) protect 
 > the St. 
 IS an in- 
 lander in 
 le order. 
 ;, for de- 
 
 tachments of the militia of Massachusetts, to defend the ex- 
 tensive sea-board of that state, and to place them under the 
 direction of the commanding general of the district, he refused 
 a compliance. There being no regular troops in the ricinity, 
 and no provision for calling out the militia but through the 
 agency of the state authorities, upon their refusal, the defence 
 of that portion of the union devolved on the state government. 
 Their resources were altogether inadequate to such an object; 
 and their sea-board, especially the eastern section, left with- 
 out defence, and possession taken by the British of such por- 
 tions of it as suited their convenience with little resistance. 
 
 Eastport taken. On the lllh of July a squadron under 
 Commodore Hardy in the Ramilies, with four other ships of 
 war, and three transjiorts, with twelve hundred troops, took 
 possession of Eastport; the garrison consisting of fifty men 
 under Major Putnam, with six pieces of artillery, surrendered 
 without resistance. This town is on Moose Island, on the 
 western side of Passamaquoddy bay, containing one thousand 
 inhabitants, is the most eastern village in the United States, 
 and opposite the province of New-Brunswick. The Island 
 is five miles long, and one broad. The principal ship chan- 
 nel, half a mile wide, is on the eastern shore of the island, be- 
 tween that and Indian Island in the British territory. The 
 British claimed Moose Island as belonging to the province of 
 New-Brunswick, and proceeded to complete the fortifications, 
 mount sixty pieces of cannon, establish an arsenal, and adopt 
 other measures indicative of a permanent possession. The 
 inhabitants were required to take the oath of allegiance to his 
 Britanic majesty or quit the Island. Most of them preferred 
 the former. Several vessels, and goods to the amount of 
 three hundred thousand dollars, accumulated there for the 
 purpose of being smuggled into the United States, were taken 
 by the British, and most of them made prize of, notwithstand- 
 i4ig their owners were ready to change their allegiance to 
 save their property. This position, thus strengthened, aflbrd- 
 cd a safe and convenient rendezvous for British shipping. 
 
 I ' 
 
360 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. \i. 
 
 I I 
 
 
 i- 
 
 1 
 
 
 f 
 
 
 ; 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 * ^ 
 
 i 
 f 
 
 'i 
 
 i< 
 
 if 
 
 Commodore Hardy, having accomplished this object, in a 
 short period returned to his station off New-London. 
 
 Casline^ i^c. taken. On the first of September, an expedi- 
 lion, under Sir John Sherbrooke, governor of Nova Scotia, and 
 Admiral Griffith, with forty sail, and several thousand troops, 
 entered the Penobscot, took possession of, and established 
 their head-quarters at Castine. The small garrison with 
 which the town was defended, discharged their guns on the 
 approach of the British, blew up the fort, and retired. They 
 next sent a detachment of six hundred men to Belfast, which 
 also submitted without resistance, and the following day pro- 
 ceeded thirty-five miles up the river to Hampden, to which 
 place the American frigate Adams, had letired on their ajj- 
 proach. Captain Morris, prepared for dcfen :e by landing 
 his guns, and erecting batteries at a commanding point below 
 his ship. The militia assembled in considerable numbers, 
 but fled on the approach of the enemy. Captain Morris be- 
 ing deserted by the militia, after a few ineffectual fires, spiked 
 his guns, burned his stores and prize goods, blew up his 
 ship, and escaped with his crew across the wilderness lo 
 Portsmouth. The vessels captured in the Penobscot, and 
 at the neighbouring ports, amounted to one hundred and 
 twenty. The British commanders, having taken possession 
 of the principal towns on the coast, published their procln- 
 mation at Castine, declaring the conquest of all the country 
 eastward of the Penobscot to Passamaquoddy bay by his 
 Britanic majesty's arms, requiring the inhabitants of the dis- 
 trict to give up their arms, and quietly submit to his majesty's 
 government, promising on these conditions protection in their 
 ordinary pursuits, assuring them that the municipal laws then 
 in force should continue and be executed by the magistrates 
 as heretofore, until the farther order of the British government. 
 The territory thus occupied, comprehends forty-two flourish- 
 ing towns, belonging to ^e state of Massachusetts, and 
 nearly one half of the dist^ictftf Mainr. 
 
18 '.4. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR 
 
 351 
 
 Plunder on the Coast of Afassachusctls. While these 
 iransactions were going forward in the province of Maine, 
 Sir George Collier in the Leander, with several other ships 
 of war, was cruising along the coast ol Massachusetts proper, 
 carrying into effect Admiral Cochrane^s threats, and under 
 his orders, burning and destroying all the small vessels within 
 his reach, plundering the inhabitants, and laying the towns 
 under contribution. At Sandwich, two thousand dollars were 
 demanded as a ransom for the fishing vessels in that jiorl : 
 twelve hundred for the salt works at Eastham, and four thou- 
 sand for those at Brewster. The inhabitarits along the coasf. 
 of Cape Cod, possessing a barren territory, live princijially 
 by fishing, and arc dependent ujion that source to furnish the 
 means of support ; their supplies are obtained only by water 
 carriage from other ports, where they exchange their fish. 
 On the 21st of September, Sir George addressed n note to the 
 inhabitants of Portsmouth and its vicinity, informing them 
 that he prohibited all fishing on the banks : that every ves- 
 sel curing fish, or having salt on boaid for that purpose, 
 would be destroyed : that small vessels only with fresh fish, 
 would be permitted to enter the harbours on that coast; and 
 that he should destroy all vessels exceeding thirty tons, or 
 that should be curing their fish in the offing. These pro- 
 ceedings entirely depriving the inhabitants of the means of 
 support, reduced the country to the utmost distress. "' 
 
 On the 29th of August, Admiral Hotham, off Nantucket, 
 sent in a flag to the inhabitants of that island, stating that it 
 had been represented to him tiiat they were much distressed 
 for want of provi? onsand necessaries of life, and that he was 
 induced to propose to them, that if they would lay down theiv 
 arms, and stipulate not to fight against his Britanic majesty's 
 subjects during the war, he would permit a certain limited 
 number of vessels to ply unmolested between the island, and 
 the ports of the United Slates, and those of the British do- 
 minions, for the purpose of j)rocuring supplies for the inhabit- 
 ants ; but that they would not be permitted to fish for cofl or 
 
352 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 1j 
 
 >. 
 
 ^vhale, in or near his majesty's dominions. These humili- 
 ating terms were acceded to by the inhabitants. Indeed the 
 unprotected Islands and towns on the sea-board throughout 
 the whole coast, were compelled to submit to such conditions 
 as the British naval commanders saw fit to impose, which 
 were more or less severe, as their caprice or avarice dictated. 
 The foregoing examples furnish a correct specimen of the 
 privations, insults, and depredations to which they wero 
 subjected. 
 
 The country was kept in a state of constant alarm; the 
 militia being repeatedly called out to such points as appeared 
 to be threatened : and when called to the defence of a par- 
 ticular place in sufficient numbers to protect it, a distant 
 town could be threatened, plundered, or laid under con- 
 tribution before any relief could arrive. The British, having 
 no other important object for the employment of their ma- 
 rine during the year 1814, continued this harassing and pre- 
 datory mode of warfare along the whole American coast. 
 These events, so humiliating to the country, and distressing 
 to the immediate sufferers, convinced every American of the 
 necessity of a naval force adequate to the protection of the 
 ports and waters of the United Stales, and united all parties 
 in measures adapted to that object. More property was de- 
 stroyed, and injury sustained on the coast, for the want of 
 such means of defence, in a single year, than would havf 
 been sufficient to defray the whole expense. 
 
 ..'•< 
 
 J. 
 
 J- 
 
 . " '/ 
 
 
CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Naval Operations in 1814. — Cniiseof the Peacock.— Adams. — Wasp.— • 
 Privateer General Armstrong.— Capture of the President.— Cruise 
 of the Hornet; of the Constitution. — Number and Value of Captures 
 from the British in 1814. — Number and Value of Ships taken during^ 
 the War.— General Result of the Naval War. 
 
 Naval Operations. The operations of the American navy 
 in the year 1814, were considerably dimini.shed by the loss 
 of the Chesapeake and Essex frigates, and the continued 
 blockade of the United Slates and Macedonian in the port of 
 New-Lond6n. The same caution was observed also this 
 season by the British commanders, in avoiding a rencontre 
 with the American frigates on equal terms. Notwithstanding 
 these disadvantages, the American naval character was fully 
 supported by the skill and bravery of the commanders, and 
 their crews. In every instance they sought a battle, when it 
 could be had on any thing like equal grounds, and their uni- 
 form success bore honourable testimony to their skill and 
 valour. American seamanshij) was often as fully put to the 
 test in evading a contest, where the superiority of their ene- 
 my made it an imperious duty, as in meeting him when a com- 
 parison of their relative force justified a rencontre. But the 
 Americans fought only for honour. No success within the 
 <;ompass of human means could make any sensible impression 
 on the thousand ships of the British navy. On the contrary, 
 every loss on the part of the Americans made a serious di- 
 minution of their maritime force, -f ' 
 
 Peacock, On the 10th of April, the sloop of war Peacock 
 .sailed from St. Marys on a cruise in the gulf of Mexico ; and 
 on the 29th, fell in with and captured the British brig Eper* 
 vier, after an action of forty-five minutes. The ves-sels were 
 
.354 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 
 
 H t 
 
 of equal force, each mounting eighteen guns. The Kpcrvin- 
 had eight men killed and fifteen wouruied ; she had on hoanl 
 $120,000 dollars in specie to reward the valour of her captoi>. 
 None were killed on board the Peacock and but two wound- 
 ed. She and her prize arrived safe at Savannah on the 4ih 
 of May. After a short stay in port, the Peacock procoedicl 
 to a second cruise. This was directed to the Irish channel. 
 and on the coast of Scotland, to intercept, and break up the 
 intercourse between Great Britain and Ireland. On thi> 
 ground she captured and destroyed fourteen vessels with their 
 cargoes, estimated at seven hundred thousand dollars. After 
 a cruise of five months, she made the harbour of New- York on 
 the 20th of October. The effects of this cruise, aided by the 
 enterprise of the American privateers in the Irish channel, 
 were such, that the insurance on the coasting trade was raised 
 *rom one to thirteen per cent. The ship owners and under- 
 writers of Glasgow,on the 7th of September, presented a me- 
 morial to the prince regent, in which they stated, that the 
 number of American ships of war with which their channels 
 were infested, the audacity with which they approached tln' 
 British coasts, and the success with which their enterprise ha> 
 been attended, have proved injurious to their conmiercc. 
 humbling to their pride,'and discreditable to the directors ot 
 the naval power of the British nation ; that the system ol 
 burning and destroying every article which there was fear vi 
 losing, diminished the chances of recapture, and rendered 
 the necessity of prevention more urgent : they therefore pray 
 the prince regent, that such measures may be adopted as shall 
 effectually protect the trade on the coasts of the kingdom; 
 from the numerous insulting and destructive depredations of 
 their enemy. Similar representations from Liverpool, ami 
 several other maritime towns, bore honouyable testimonv to 
 the enterprise and bravery of the American marine. >• ' 
 
 Adams. The corvette Adams, Captain Morris, sailed from 
 Lynnhaven bay on the 1 8lh of January, on a cruise to the 
 coast of Africa, where she made several prizes. On the 25th 
 
1014. 
 
 HISTORY 01' THE LATE WAR. 
 
 .i5a 
 
 of March, she caplurcd, aflcr a long chase, a valuable India 
 ship; but just as the crew were tailing povssession of her, a 
 (oiivoy of twenty-five sail, accompanied by two ships of war 
 r<)ipeared in sight. The ships gave chase to the Adams and 
 (ibligcd her to abandon the prize, and seek her own safety by 
 a precipitate flight. After a cruise of seven months, the Adams 
 arrived on the coast of the United States, and made the port 
 nfCasline. On the approach of the British before that place, 
 ^ho retired up the Penobscot to Hampden, where she was af- 
 icrwards destroyed with her prize goods, and stores to pre* 
 vent her falling into the hands of the enemy. 
 
 IVasp. On the 10th of April, the sloop of war Wasp, Cap- 
 tain Blakeley, sailed from Portsmorth, New-Hampshire, on a 
 cruise to the English chanitel. Cn the 28th of June, she fell 
 in with the British sloop of war Reindeer ; an action com' 
 menced at twenty minutes after three, at close quarters ; the 
 Reindeer twice attempted to board, but was repulsed. At 
 forty minutes past three, orders were given to board the 
 Reindeer, which were promptly executed, and all resistance 
 ceased. The British loss was twenty-three killed, including 
 their commander. Captain Manners, and forty-two wounded ; 
 the American, five killed and twenty-one wounded. The 
 Reindeer mounted eighteen guns, the Wasp twenty-two. Af- 
 ter taking out the prisoners, their baggage, and such stores as 
 would be received on board the Wasp, the Reindeer was 
 blown up. Captain Blakely then put into L'Orient, for the 
 purpose of repairing his ship, and obtaining supplies. Be- 
 tween the first of May, and the 6lh of July, he took and de- 
 stroyed eight sail. On the Ist of September, he fell in with 
 ilic British brig Avon ; an action comnicnGed at half past nine 
 in the evening, and at twelve minutes past ten the Avon sur- 
 rendered. Before Captain Blakely had taken possession, 
 another sail appeared close on board, when orderd^ were given 
 for immediate action. At this moment two more sail appeared 
 standing for the Wasp, one on the lee quarter, and one astern« 
 Orders were then given to make sail from the enemy, arid <be 
 
 .1 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 w' 
 
356 
 
 HISTORY OF THK LAl'L WAK. 
 
 i^UAf to 
 
 I 
 
 > m 
 
 \ ■ '- 
 
 v,i, 
 
 
 J^ 
 
 Wasp effected hci* escape. Alter leaving L'Oricnl, Captain 
 Blakcly made six prizes ; five of which he sunk, and sent on» 
 into port. From that lime the Wasp has never been heard 
 of ; she doubtless foundered at sea, and her brave crew per- 
 ished. 
 
 Privateer General Armstrong, On the 2Gth of September, 
 the American privateer brig General Armstrong, Captain 
 Rcid, came to anchor in the port of Fayal, one of the Azores^ 
 a Portuguese Island in the Atlantic. On thesamedaj the Flan- 
 tagenet seventy-four, and the Rota and Carnation,British shi| 
 of war, suddenly appeared in the roads. At dark, Capt. Ilcid 
 warped his ship in under the guns of the fort for protection ; 
 at eight o^clock he observed four boats from the ships filled 
 with arn>ed men approaching him ; after warning them to keep 
 off, he fired into the boats, killed seven men, and compelled 
 them to return. At midnight twelve large boats armed with 
 swivels, carronades, and muskets, attacked the brig, and after 
 a severe action of forty minutes, the contest ended in a total 
 defeat of the party, a partial destruction of the boats, and a 
 severe loss of men. Among the killed were the first lieuten- 
 ant of the IMantagcnet, the commandant of the party, and two 
 lieutenants and one midshipman of the Rota. It'was estimat- 
 ed by the spectators on shore, that the boats contained four 
 bundred men, and that more than half of them were killed or 
 wounded. Several boats were destroyed, two remained 
 along side of the Armstrong, loaded with their dead and dy- 
 ing, only seventeen from these two boats reached the shore. 
 The British acknowledged a loss of one hundred and twenty 
 killed. The sloops Thais and Calipso, were loaded with the 
 wounded and sent to England. Immediately after the first 
 attack, Mr. Dobney the American consul applied to the gov- 
 ernor of Fayal, to enforce the priviliges of a neutral port in 
 favour of the American ship. The governor expressed his in- 
 dignation at what had passed, but was unable with his means 
 to resist such a force. His remonstrances to the British com- 
 ma^n^^r were answered by an insulting refusal. On ^he 
 
 «^ 
 
1814. 
 
 HISTOKY OF TRE LATE WAU. 
 
 J57 
 
 morning of the 27lh, one of the ships look a station near th«* 
 shore, and commenced a heavy cannonade on ihc brig. Cap- 
 tain Reid, finding further resistance unavailing, partially de- 
 stroyed the brig, and went on shore with his crew ; the 
 British then set her on fire. In this attack not only the priv« 
 ileges of neutrality, but the safety of the town was wholly 
 disregarded. Several of the inhabitants were dangerously 
 wounded, and r\ number of houses destroyed. 
 
 Early in the Mimmcr, the frigates United States and Ma- 
 cedonian were lightened, removed several miles farther up 
 the Thames, and dismantled. Captain Biddl?, in the Hornet, 
 was left in the river with orders to escape to New-York if any 
 possible chance oH'cred. About the middle of November. 
 he eluded the vigilance of the blockading squadron, and an- 
 chored safe in New-York harbour. Commodore Decatur and 
 his crew were transferred to the President Frigate then pre- 
 paring for a cruise to the East Indian seas. The squadron 
 destined for this expedition consisted of the President, the 
 Hornet, the Peacock, the Tom-Bowline, and a private armed 
 merchant brig. The ships were prepared for sea by the 
 middle of December, but were so closely watched by a much 
 larger squadron in the offing, that no opportunity presented 
 of sailing, until the 13th of January, when all the ships except 
 the President, succeeded in getting to sea with orders to ren- 
 dezvous at the island of Tristran d'Acunha, on the coast of 
 South America, and there wait the arrival of the President. 
 
 Capture of the President Frigate. On the next day Com- 
 modore Decatur attempted to go out ; in passing the bar, ow- 
 ing to some mistake of the pilot, his ship grounded, and con- 
 tinued beating in that situation for two hours. She sustained 
 ■so much injury that the commodore would have put back for 
 repairs, but a strong westerly wind prevented. At ten o'clock 
 in the evening, she cleared the bar, and proceeded a distance 
 of fifty miles along the south shore of Long Island, and then 
 bore away for the Brazils. At five o'clock in the morning of 
 the 15th, three ships were discovered ahead j the commodore 
 
 
ioli 
 
 IllSTOKY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chai'. In, 
 
 immediately hauled his nind, and passocTlo the north of iheni. 
 At day hght four ships were discovered in cliase, one on each 
 quarter, and two astern -, the leading ship appeared to be a 
 razee. At noon the wind became hght and balHing ; the i-azcc 
 fell astern, but the next ship in pursuit had gained considera- 
 bly on the President. Commodore Decatur then lightened 
 tlic ship of every thing not necessary for immediate defence, 
 kept his canvass constantly wet, and crowded every sail lo 
 escape. At three in the afternoon, the Endymion fifty grin 
 ship being favoured by a good breeze came within shot, and 
 commenced firing her bow guns. At five she obtained a po- 
 sition at half point blank shot on the President's starboard 
 (juarter. In this situation the Endymion was cutting up ilir 
 President's sails and rigging without exposing herself to anv 
 injury. The commodore then shifted his course to the souih 
 for the purpose of bringing the Endymion abeam. The ships 
 continued a southerly course, and closely engaged for two 
 hours and an half, when the Endymion became dismantled, 
 and dropped out of the action. The President ihtn resumcfl 
 her former course with a view of clearing the scpiadron. A\ 
 eleven o'clock at night, two fresh shijjs, (he Pomona and 
 Tencdos, came up, and opened their fire ; the Pomona on 
 the larboard bow within musket shot, and the Tcnedos taking 
 a raking position two cables length astern. The razee and 
 a brig which had joined the squadron, had also arrived within 
 L;un-shot. In this situation the commodore ioluctantly siir 
 rendered his ship. The loss on board the President was 
 twenty-five killed, and fifty-five wounded. She was carried 
 into Bermuda, where the commodore and most of the ofikers 
 were paroled. 
 
 Cruise of the Hornet. Tiic remainder of the American 
 Sf|uadron proceeded towards their place of rendezvous. On 
 the 16th, the Hornet parted from the other ships ; and on the 
 23d, near her anchoring ground, she fell in with the British 
 sloop of war Penguin. An action commenced at forty min- 
 utes past one in the afternoon, at musket distance ; at two, the 
 
)(i\\. 
 
 HISTORY OF TIIK LAT*: WAK. 
 
 .151) 
 
 JVnguin bore up apparently with tho intcnlion of boardin^;, 
 unci rail her bowsprit between the main and mizcn rigging of 
 the Hornet, on the starboard (juarter, affording a fair oppor- 
 (unity to board, but no aitcmpt was made. An incesi^ant 
 arid destructive fire was kept up from the Hornet, until the 
 commanding officer of the Penguin called out that he had 
 surrendered, when Captain Biddle directed his men to cease 
 firing. While he was on the tafferil inquiring if they had 
 surrendered, he received a ball in the neck ; the ships then 
 separated, and while the Hornet was wearing to give a fresh 
 broadside, they again called out from the Penguin that they 
 had surrendered, and Captain Biddle took possession of her 
 in just twenty-two minuters from the commencement of the 
 action. The Penguin mounted nineteen guns, and had a com- 
 plement of one hundred and thirty-two men. Her loss was 
 fourteen killed, including their commander, Captain Dickinson; 
 and twenty-eight wounded. The loss on board the Hornet 
 was one killed, and eleven wounded. Captain Biddle finding 
 it impossible, from the crippled slate of his prize, to send her 
 into the United States, ordered her to be scuttled and ^unk, 
 :ind proceeded to his anchorage, at the island of Tristran 
 d'Acunha. After M'Donald, the first lieutenant of the Pen- 
 guin, had repeatedly called out that he had surrcnderca, and 
 the Hornet had ceased to fire, two men on beard the Penguin 
 look aim and fired at Capiain Biddle, and the man at the 
 helm; two marines on board the Hornet observing this, 
 levelled their pieces and shot both the assassins dead. 
 
 The squadron, after waiting on the coast of Brazil, the 
 period designated by their instructions: and not hearing from 
 ibe President, sailed for the Indian ocean. In Lat. 38^ S., 
 and Lon. 33 east: on the 27th of April, a British ship of the 
 line appeared in sight,a»id gave chase. The American ships im- 
 mediately separated, and the chase continued in pursuit of the 
 Hornet. At nine o'clock P.M. the chase continuing to gain upon 
 him, Captain Biddle lightened ship; by day-light on the 29th, 
 the enemy was within gun shot on his lee quarter, and at seven. 
 
■ M\0 
 
 lUSTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. }G. 
 
 I 
 
 wt 
 
 ','W^ 
 '^^F 
 
 "'^mi 
 
 hoisted the English Jack, and a roar admiral's flag, and com- 
 menced firing. At eleven, Captain Biddle threw overboard all 
 his armament, and every thing that could be spared I'rom the 
 ship ; the British continuing within fair range, and constantly 
 firing. Fortunately the fire deadened their wind, and at sun- 
 set, they were four miles astern ; at day-light the next morn- 
 ing, twelve miles ; and at eleven o'clock, entirely out of 
 .sight. The Hornet, now deprived of her armament, and 
 short of provisions, shaped her course for St. Salvador, where 
 she heard the news of peace, and returned to New- York. 
 
 Cruise of the Constitution. The Constitution, Captain 
 Stewart, left Boston harbour on the 1 7th of December, on a 
 cruise to the western islands, and the coast of Portugal. On 
 the 20th of February, sixty leagues eastward of Madeira, 
 she fell in with the Cyanne and Levant, British ships. At six 
 in the afternoon *:he action commenced by broadsides from ail 
 the ships at three hundred yards distance. After an action ol" 
 forty-five minutes, the Cyanne surrendered and was taken 
 posFession of by Captain Stewart ; the Levant at this timn 
 endeavouring to escape. Having secured his prize, Captain 
 Stewart immediately went in pursuit of the other ship, then 
 in sight to the leeward : at nine o'clock came up with her, 
 and exchanged broadsides. The Levant then crowded all 
 sail, the Constitution in chase firing her bow guns; at ten the 
 liCvant surrendered. The two British ships mounted fifty-five 
 guns, and were manned with throe hundred and ihirty-^jx 
 men. Their loss was thirty-five killed, and forty-two wound- 
 ed. The Constitution had three killed, and twelve wounded. 
 The British ships were just out from Gibraltar, bound to 
 Madeira with supernumeraries, rigging, and equipments, for 
 a British ship building at the western islands. February 21st, 
 the three ships stood to the westward, and on the 23J made 
 Porto Santo, one of the Madeiras, and continued under short 
 cruising sail until the 8th of March ; when they anchored in 
 port Praya, in the Island of St. .lago. At noon, on the 12th, 
 fhe British ships Lcandcr. Acosta. and Newcastle, which had 
 
Utll. 
 
 HISTORY OF THK LATE WAR. 
 
 3<;i 
 
 hccn in search of the Conslitution (hiring her whole cruise, 
 appeared oil' the harbour. Captain Stewart, apprehending 
 I hat a neutral port would allbrd him no protection, immedi- 
 ately slipped his cables, and put to sea withliis prizes. The 
 British made all sail in pursuit. At one, Captain Stewart 
 observing the Cyanne to fall astern, gave a signal for her to 
 fack, and separate. Without regarding the Cyanne, tiie chase 
 was continued after the Constitution and Levant. At three, the 
 Levant, also falling astern, was ordered to tack and return 
 to port. The British ships then gav^e up the chase of the 
 Constitution, and pursued the I..cvant into Porto Pravn, and 
 took her, under the guns of a Portuguese fort. The (Jyannc 
 arrived at New-York on the 15th of April, and the Consti- 
 tution on the 1st of May. 
 
 General Result of the Naval War. The number of Britisli 
 vessels of every description, captured and s(!nt into port, or 
 destroyed during the year 1814, including several taken 
 after the conclusion, but before notice of the peacr?, amounted 
 10 nine hundred and four. The whole number taken during tht: 
 war, exclusive of those which had been re-capturcd, was six- 
 teen hundred and thirty-four, carrying thrre thousand one 
 hundred and thirteen guns, and twelve thousand two hundred 
 and fifteen men.* The loss of these ships to the British na- 
 tion, estimating each vessel, cargo, and equipments, at the 
 time of sailing, at an average of forty thousand dollars, 
 amounted to sixty-five uiillions, throe hundred and sixty thou- 
 sand dollars. One hundred and seventy of these captureh 
 were made by the publ:.! armed ships of the United States; 
 the residue by privateers. Ninety-eight of these prizes were 
 ships of war belonging to the British navy ; the residue were 
 ihe property of British subjects. 
 
 The British captured at sea and on the lakes during the 
 war, twenty national armed ships, and Iwenty-two gun-boat,s. 
 They also took or destroyed two hundred and twenty-eight 
 
 Nilcs's Weekly Re?ister. 
 4(1 
 
^62 
 
 JJISTORY OF THE I.ATE WAR. 
 
 Chak l«j. 
 
 Aincricaii privateers. The whole number of merchant ves 
 scis captured or Uestroyeil, amounted to thirteen hundred and 
 ninety-eight. Seventy of these were in the British jiorts u' 
 the declaration of war, and there dctairied and made prizes: 
 a great portion of the others were desiroycid in the American 
 ports, dismantled and without cargoes. Kij^hteen thousand 
 four hundred and thirteen American seamen were made 
 prisoners during the war, and two thousand five hundred and 
 forty-eight detained as prisoners of war, being American sea- 
 men in British ports at the declaration of war, or impressed 
 seamen, who refused to serve, and gave themselves up as 
 prisoners.* Although the number of captures on either side 
 was nearly equal, yet as those taken from the British were 
 sea vessels, with full cargoes, and a great portion of ih( 
 Americans were mere hulls laid up in port; the balance iu 
 value was greatly in favour of the latter. Indeed, had it not 
 have been for the unsuccessful attempt to conquer the Cana- 
 das, the citizens of America might have congratulated them- 
 selves that the war had in some measure reimbursed to them. 
 from the spoils of the commerce of their enemies, the losses 
 they had sustained from Brttish aggressions. 
 
 This result of the naval war, so unexpected to Gieai 
 Britain, considering the vast difference between the maritime 
 strength of the two nations, was highly honourable to the 
 enterprise, skill, and valour of the American marine. At the 
 commencement of the contest. Great Britain affected to de- 
 spise the American stripes, and bopsted that she would in a 
 few months drive them from the ocean. Her chagrin and 
 disappointment was only equalled by her former pride and 
 boasting, when she saw several of her finest frigates yield to 
 American valour, and upwards of sixteen hundred of her 
 ships strike their flags to a despised enemy. 
 
 * British Admiralty's Report to the House of Commons, February 1"! . 
 1815. 
 
CHAPTER XV J I. 
 
 » . 
 
 <.icucral Wilkinson retires from the Prcncli Mills. — AlFair ol' La Cole 
 Mill. — State of the TIritish and American Navy on Lake Ontario. — 
 A((ack on Oswego. — Burning of liong Point.— General Brown takes 
 tlie Command on the Niagara Frontier. — Fort Erie surrender;— 
 Battle of Chippewa. — Death of General Swift. — Burning of St. Da- 
 vids. — Battle of Niagara. — Capture of General Riall. — Exchange of 
 General Drummond's Aid,for the Corpf e of General Brown's.-— Gener- 
 al Gaines takes the Command. — Assault on Fort Erie. — Explosion.— 
 Sortie on the British Work^. — The Seige raised. — General Izard ar- 
 rives with reinforcements and takes the Command. Retires froBi 
 Port Erie. — Genera' Resultof the Campaign on the Niagara. 
 
 ►ruarv l"!. 
 
 J^orthcrn Armxj rcmoxr from Fraich Mills. After the 
 abafidoament of the Montreal expedition, (icneral Wilkin- 
 son remained with hi.s army at theii cantonments at the 
 French Mills until the L3th of February. At this point they 
 were exposed to a joint attack from the British on the St. 
 f^awrencc, and at Montre'^1, without works of defence. 
 There was hero no other object than their own encamp- 
 ment to defend; they were sixty mile.s from their nearest 
 depot of provisions, and the important popts of Sackett's Har- 
 bour and Pittsburgh were in an unprotected state. The 
 latter was threatened with an attack from the enemy in the 
 neighbourhood, and sent a pressing request to General Wil- 
 kinson for succours. No reason was ever assigned why, under 
 these circumstances, this army was encamped three months at 
 the French Mills, other than to cover the disgrace of an imme- 
 diate retreat, and to amuse the country ""-h the pro«5ptct of 
 another expedition against Montre.ik \\\ the spring, which was 
 never intended to be executed. Towards the last of Jan- 
 uary, the commanding general began to remove his artillery 
 and heavy baggage to Platlsburgh, and on the 13th of Febru- 
 ary, broke up his encampment, destroyed his boat?, and bar- 
 
 I 
 
.iti'l 
 
 JlJrtTOiiY nl' 'J]IK LA'JK ^V.\i{. 
 
 <'hai'. 1 :. 
 
 racks, and with \\\c main body, jirorcrdod to Uiat placo. 
 (Jcncral IJrown with one division took tlic' route to Sackctt*-* 
 liarbour. The British, on learning tliese movements, cnnic 
 out in force from Montreal, and pursued the first division a^ 
 far as Chateaugay four cornei's. The snow on both routes wu-, 
 of tin-ce feet depth ; the niarcli was slow and fatiguing, but 
 finally aeeom|)lished by l)olh divisions without loss. A pni- 
 of the troops were cantoned at Plattsburgh, and one division 
 of them crossed the lake to Burlington. 
 
 .fhsault on La Cole Mil, General Wilkinson, dcsirou- 
 of distinguishing himself by some important manoeuvre, before 
 Jjc left the army of the north, on the ;30th of March, entered 
 Canada a second lime, with the main body, and advanced a> 
 far as Odietown, a few miles within the enemy's territory. 
 Here he was met by the British in considerable force, had a 
 sharp skirmish, and drove them Iwck as far as La Coltt 
 mill. This was a large stone building, three stories high, 
 within and l^cbind which, the British took a position of per- 
 fect security. The American artillery, consisting of a twelve- 
 and an eighteen poiuuler was ordered up to dislodge them. 
 Owing to the badness of the roads, the carriage of the latlc r 
 failed, and oidy the lighter j)iccc could be brought up. This 
 was stationed in front, and within musket distance of the 
 mill, and commenced a catu)onadc upon the building, which 
 was continued an hour and a half without intermission, and 
 without cftecl. Finding that no inijjrcssion could he uvdi!' 
 on the mill, and that the heavv ordnance could not bo 
 brought up, the troops returned the same evening to Oldc- 
 town, and the next day to IMaltsburgh. The American ar 
 tillerists stood with great bravery and firmness before thi- 
 fortress, directing their fire with the utmost precision against 
 its impenetrable walls, observing every Uiil to hit its object, 
 and rebound without edect. They were exposed, during the 
 whole time, to the deHberate aim oi the garrison ; almost all 
 (hose immediately engaged in the management of the piece, 
 were ejihtjr killed ov weundcd. Captain M'Phqrson who com- 
 
1U14. 
 
 I US TOR y OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 JG;i 
 
 mandeJ, and Lieutonaiit Laiiohno were both ilangcrou.sly 
 wounded ; the latter shot through the breast, and the former re- 
 <oived a wound just under the chin, which he bound up with his 
 handkerchief', and continued at his piece until a second shot 
 brought him to the ground. The whole American loss wa.«> 
 « ight killed, and sixty-six wounded. The British made two 
 iiitenipts to take the piece, but were repulsed with firmness. 
 'Tlieir whole loss in these sorties, and in the skirmish at Odle- 
 )()\vn, was ten killed, and forty-six wounded. The stone 
 mill exjieditiun, if it had any other object than that of putting 
 to the test American valour, and obtaining a laurel for the 
 I ommanding general, was designed to seize and fortify 
 House's point, a position on the Sorrel river, which com- 
 manded the entrance into lake Cham])lain, and might prevent 
 (he British "flotilla which lay below at the Isle aax Noix from 
 entering the lake. This movement was declared to be not 
 III pursuance of the views of the war department, and th<" 
 i;cneral soon afterwards retired from the service. His con- 
 duct, during his command in the north, was subjected to the 
 examination of a court martial ; before whom he proved that 
 during a great part of the time while the most im])ortant meas- 
 ures were in operation, he acted under the immediate orders 
 of the war department, then with the army, and of course not 
 personally responsible ; that on General Hampton's failing to 
 join him, who had never been called to account for disobedi- 
 ence of orders, it was inexpedient to make the attempt on 
 IMonlreal ; that his encampm it, and stay at the French mills, 
 was agreeable to the views of the war department, and had 
 Ijeen approved : and that his other measures were not of that 
 decisively unmilJiary character as to deserve the censure of 
 I be court : he was therefore acquitted. 
 
 Ship Building on Lake Ontario. Great exertions were 
 made both by the British and American governments, to ob- 
 tain the naval ascendancy on lake Ontario. A contest in 
 >hip building on these waters commenced in 1813, and was 
 fonlinued during the year 1814, which, if the war liad lasted, 
 
oO«> 
 
 lllSTOKk OF THE LA IE WAK. 
 
 Chap u: 
 
 
 of (he 
 
 
 Superior, 
 
 
 06 guns 
 
 Pike, 
 
 
 28 
 
 Madison, 
 
 
 ^5 
 
 Jefferson, 
 
 
 23 
 
 Jones, 
 
 
 23 
 
 Sylph, 
 
 
 22 
 
 Oneida, 
 
 
 IS 
 
 Lady of th 
 
 c Lake, 
 
 o 
 
 intjsl have progressed fo an unliiniled extent. Two largt. 
 brigs of war, of five hundred Ions each, \ver«' l)uilt, etpiippcd, 
 and pLt into service by the last of April, l»y (he Anieri« ans. 
 The ship Superior, fitted to carry sixty-six guns, was launched 
 on the 1st of May, in eighty days from laying her keel. K(|ual 
 exertions were made on the part of the British. On the 1st 
 of June, 
 
 The American Lake navy consisted Tlic British force on the lake mn- 
 
 sistcd of the 
 Prince Regent, G2 gmi'. 
 
 Princess Charlotte, 44 
 Wolf, 2r5 
 
 Royal George, 21 
 
 Melville, 22 
 
 Earl Moira, 18 
 
 Brig Prince Regent, 12 
 Sir Sidney Smith, 12 
 
 2G7 guns. 222 gun.-. 
 
 In addition t<» these, both parties Iiad a considerable num- 
 ber of gunboats and other small craft. The British had on 
 the stocks a ship calculated for a liundred guns, and llic 
 Americans one for a hundred and twenty. 
 
 A considerable quantity of naval stores destined for tin" 
 fleet, and essentially necessary to complete the armament oi 
 the Superior, was deposited at Oswego falls, twelve miles up 
 the river from the old French fort at its mouth. Colonel 
 Mitchell, with three hundred men, was ordered to the fort t^ 
 cover these stores. He arrived on the 30th of April, and 
 found it in a defenceless situation, with only five guns and but 
 two of those mounted. 
 
 Attack on Oswego. Before he had time to prepare for de- 
 fence, a British force, destined to destroy the stores, consisting 
 of four large ships, three brigs, and a number of gun boat;;, 
 appeared off the harbour, and at one o'clock on the 5th of 
 May, fifteen boats filled with troops attempted to land. Co- 
 
p 
 
 :;il. 
 
 nisTOHY or rut: late wak. 
 
 36: 
 
 Joncl Mitchell, plantotl a Nailery near the shore, with which hr 
 prevented the landing, and took one of the boats. At day 
 break the next morning, the ships ancliored abreast of the 
 fort, and commenced a cannonade which Listed three hours, 
 while the troops eft'ected their landing. The British landed 
 fifteen hundred men, and were gaining the rear of the fort, 
 when Colonel Mitchell, having withstood their attack for half 
 an hour, being over[)owered by numbers, retreated in good 
 order to the falls. The enemy then took possession of the 
 fort, demolished it, destroyed what stores they found therein, 
 burned the barracks, and returned to Kingston. The Amer- 
 ican loss was six killed, and sixty-three wounded and missing. 
 The British acknowledge a loss of nineteen killed, and seven- 
 ty-five wounded. The destruction of the naval stores at the 
 falls, the main object of the expedition, was prevented. Cap- 
 tain Woolsey was immediately afterwards despatched with a 
 number of batteauxto transport these stores to Sackett's Har- 
 bour. The British, having at this tinie the command of thfr 
 lake, and blockading the harbour, rendered this an underta- 
 king of extreme difficulty and hazard. On the 28th of May, 
 Captain Woolsey put the stores consisting of thirty-four heavy 
 shipcarmon, ten cables, and many light articles, on board his 
 boats, and took them down the rapids. Having despatched a 
 lookout boat, and being informed that there was no enemy on 
 the coast, he proceeded to the mouth of the river. Here he 
 distributed a guard of one hundred and fifty riflemen among 
 the boats, and directed a company of one hundred and thirty 
 Oneida Indians, to keep along the shore near the flotilla. Thus 
 arranged, he proceeded to Sandy Creek, and reached it at. 
 noon of the 29th, with the loss of one boat. Here he pushed 
 his boats two miles uj) the river, and on the morning of th(^ 
 .lOlh at six o'clock, the British were discovered ap- 
 proaching the mouth of the creek. Captain Woolsey imme 
 diatcly disposed of the riflemen and Indians in ambush half a 
 mile below the boats untier Major Appling. At ten the British 
 landed and marched up the creek, at the same time pushing 
 
;JG8 
 
 inSTOKY OF TIIK LA'J'K WAH. 
 
 < II \i< 
 
 along with them srvcn armed boats ; wlicn tlioy hail anivnl 
 at the place of ainbusrath', and in view of VVoolscy's tiolilla. 
 considering their prize as certain, they gave three cheers, and 
 weio rushing on : at tliis instant Major A|)))ling with hi,> nicji 
 rose upon them, and after a smart skirmish of ten nnnutcs, 
 captured every boat and man of tjje parly. The fruits of this 
 victory were seven armed boats captured, fourteen Ih'ilisii 
 killed, and one hundred and sixty-one prisoners, without the 
 loss of a man on the part of the Americans.* From this poiiu 
 the stores were transported by land, a distance of sixteen 
 miles, to the harbour, and arrived on the 10th of June. 'J'lic 
 difficulties and embarrassments attending the obtaining ol 
 sufficient supplies in season, detained the fleet in the harbour 
 until the 1 St of August. 
 
 Long Point. At the village of Dover on Long Point, on 
 the Canada shore of lake Erie, was a valuable set of flour 
 mills, and a large collection of wheat and Hour, from which 
 the troops on the Niagara frontier received considerable suj)- 
 }»lies. On the 15th of May, Colonel Campbell, of the 19lli 
 infantry, with a detachment of five hundred men, crossed ovei 
 from the village of Eric on the south sliore of the lake, dr- 
 stroyed the flour, burned the mills, and the stores and 
 dwelling-houses of the town. On General Brown's arrival at 
 Bufl'ulo, he ordered Colonel Campbell to be arrested, and 
 tried by a court martial, for destroying private property of the 
 enemy, contrary to the princij)les upon which the American 
 government conducted the war. Colonel Campbell acknowl- 
 edged that the expedition was undertaken on his own respon- 
 sibility, without the knowledge or (Jirection of the govern- 
 ment. The court martial justified the destruction of the flour 
 and the mills, as a measure necessary to prevent supplies for 
 the army, and condemned the destruction of the dwelling- 
 houses and other property of the citizens, in their decision. 
 
 •^ Captain Woolsey's report 
 
 1 * 
 
1H14. 
 
 HiSTORV OK THE LATE WAII. 
 
 369 
 
 however, they remark thai the citizens of Dover assisted in 
 the burning of Butlalo, which paUiutcd, though it did not ex- 
 cuse, the measure. 
 
 .Viagnra Fronikr. After the desolation of the Niagara 
 Ironticr in 1013, there appeared to be nothing for the parties 
 to contend for in that (juarter. No object could be obtained 
 by a victory on either side, l)ut the temporary occupation of a 
 vacant territory ; yet both parties seemed to have selected 
 this as the principal theatre on which to display their military 
 prowess in the year 1814. Lieutenant General Drummond, 
 governor of Upper Canada, concentrated the forces of that 
 province at fort George, and retained the possession of Niag- 
 :u-a. The American Generals Smyth, Hampton, Dearborn, 
 and Wilkinson, under whose auspices the campaigns of 1812 
 and 13, on the Canada border, were conducted, had retired 
 from ihat field ; and General Brown was appointed ma- 
 jor general, and, with the assistance of Brigadiers Scott 
 and Ripley, designated to the command of the Niagara 
 Ironticr. He left Sackctl's Harbour in May, with a 
 large portion of the American troops, in consequence 
 of which the important depots at that place and its vicin- 
 ity were exposed to attacks from Kingston. On his ar- 
 rival at ButTalo, calculating upon the co-operation of the On- 
 tario fleet, he determined on an attempt to expel the BritisH- 
 from the Niagara peninsula. With this view he crossed the 
 river on the 3d of .luly, published a declaration addressed to 
 the inhabitants of Upper Canada, stating that all whom he 
 found engaged in the service of the enemy, would be treated 
 as foes; those that remained at home peaceably, following their 
 private occupations, would be treated as friends : public pro- 
 perty of every description would be seized and held at the 
 disposal of the commanding general ; that private property 
 would be held sacred, and any plunderer who should be found 
 violating his orders in this respect should suffer death. 
 
 Fort Erie taken. On the same day he invested fort Eric\ 
 and summoned it to surrender, allowing the commandant two 
 
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 hours to answer the summons. At five in the afternoon the 
 fort surrendered, and the prisoners, amounting to one hundred 
 and thirty-seven, were removed to Buffalo. 
 
 Battle of Chippewa. On the morning of the fourth. Gen- 
 eral Scott advanced with his brigade and corps of artillery, 
 and took a position on the Chippewa plain, half a mile in 
 front of the village, his right resting on the river, and his front 
 protected by a ravine. The British were encamped in force 
 at the village. In the evening General Brown joined him 
 with the reserve under General Ripley, and the artillery com- 
 manded by Major Hindman. General Porter arrived the 
 next morning, with the NewrYork and Pennsylvania volun- 
 teers, and a number of Indians of the six nations. Early in 
 the morning of the 5th, the British commenced a firing on the 
 pickets. Captain Trott, who commanded one of them, hastily 
 retreated, leaving one of his men wounded on the ground. 
 General Brown instantly ordered him to retire from the army. 
 and directed Captain Biddle to assume the command of the 
 picket, lend it back to the ground, and bring oil' the wounded 
 man ; which he accomj)lishcd without loss. At four in the 
 afternoon, General Porter advanced, taking the woods in order 
 to conceal his approach, and in the hope of bringing their 
 pickets and scouting parties between his line of march and 
 the American camp. In half an hour his advance met the 
 light parties of the British in the woods on the left. These were 
 driven in, and Porter, advancing near Chippewa, met the whole 
 British force approaching in order of battle. General Scott, 
 with his brigadeandTowser's artillery,met them on the plain, in 
 front of the American encampment, and was directly engaged 
 in close action with the main body. General Porter's com- 
 mand gave way, and fled in every direction, )t>y which Scott's 
 left flank was entirely uncovered. Captain Harris, with his 
 dragoons, was ordered to stop the fugitives, at the ravine, and 
 form them in front of the camp. The reserve were now or- 
 dered up, and General Ripley passed to the woods in left of 
 the line to gain the rear of the enemy ; but before this v. as ef- 
 
 ■A' 
 

 IS 14. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 371 
 
 fected, General Scott had compelled the British to retire. 
 Their whole line now fell back, and were eagerly pursued 
 by the Americans. As soon as they reached the sloping 
 ground descending towards the village, their lines broke, and 
 fhey regained their works in disorder. The American troops 
 pursued until within reach of the guns from the works ; when 
 they desisted and returned to their camp. The British 
 left two hundred dead on the ground, ninety-four wounded, 
 beside those in the early part of the action, who were remov- 
 ed back to the camp, and fourteen prisoners. The American 
 loss was sixty killed, and two hundred and sixty-eight wound- 
 ed and missing.* . ^i ? :* ; .; f^.V.y» ,F -; .v^) 
 After the battle of Chippewa, the British retired to fort 
 George; and General Brown took post at Queenston, where 
 he remained some time, expecting reinforcements and aid from 
 Sackett's Harbour, and calculating that with them he should be 
 able to dislodge the British, and obtain possession of the Pe- 
 ninsula. •■■' ■ •• '■ • '■'-'-'' ' :■;■■■''' ;' •'■ •'--'- 
 
 General Swift siain. On the 12th of July, Brigadier Gen- 
 eralJohn Swift, of the New- York militia, with a detachment 
 of one hundred and twenty volunteers, reconnoitered the 
 British position and works at fort George, with a view of 
 preparing for an investment of the fort. He surprised and 
 took a picket guard of six men. After they were made pris- 
 oners, one of them shot the general through the body. The 
 alarm occasioned by the discharge of this gun, immediately 
 brought to the spot a British patroling party of sixty. Gen- 
 eral Swift immediately formed his men, advanced at their 
 head, and commenced a successful engagement on the patrole, 
 when he fell exhausted by the loss of blood ; the other 
 officers, animated by this last example of their general, con- 
 tinued the action, and drove the enemy into the fort. They 
 then returned to camp, bearing their expiring commander in 
 
 ill 
 
 4:1 
 
 * G«Der^ Brown's report to the secretary of wafr. 
 
 » - ;,i ^u~' f^ y cT *> ' 
 
372 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Uhap. 11 
 
 «;t 
 
 i' I 
 
 B.i 
 
 1^: i 
 
 iheir arms. He died the same evening, and was interred llu 
 next day with military honours. ••' .,ni •' .- . 
 
 On the 13th of July, General Brown wrote a pressing letter 
 to Commodore Chauncey, informing him of his situation, aiul 
 urging an immediate co-operation. He heard nothing from 
 the fleet until the 1st of September, when he received an an- 
 swer from the commodore, dated the 10th of August, stating 
 that the fleet had not been in a situation to co-operate with 
 him, that it could have aflbrded him no essential aid in any 
 event ; that his fleet was destined to attack the British, and 
 not to act a subordinate part to the land forces. This pro- 
 duced a sharp reply from General Brown; the correspondence 
 ended ; and the general and commodore pursued their differ- 
 ent objects without any co-operation. ; ^ . ,, j,^ . 
 Burning of St, Davids, On the 18th, Lieutenant Colonel 
 Stone, was detached with a corps of volunteers to dislodge a 
 party of British troops, who were near the village of St. Da- 
 vids, four miles west of Queenston, watching and attacking 
 the American reconnoitering parties. The British were rout- 
 ed and driven in ; and soon after the action, the village was 
 set fire to, and burned by some Americans, without the 
 orders or knowledge of the commanding officer. On the next 
 morning, Colonel Stone received an order from General 
 'Brown, stating that the accountability for burning the houses 
 sitt St. Davids, must; rest with the senior officer : that it was 
 directly contrary to the orders of government, and of the 
 Commanding general. The order concludes in these words, 
 " Lieutenant Colonel Stone will retire from the army." 
 Whether Colonel Stone was guilty of negligence in not pre- 
 venting the conflagration, does not appear. But his friends 
 considered this proceeding, as a manifest usurpation of au- 
 thority not warranted by any law ; they claimed that an officer, 
 holding a commission under the President, holds it at the 
 pleasure of the supreme executive, and no intermediate supe- 
 rior officer, has a right to deprive him of his command, with- 
 out the intervention of a court martial, where he may be tried 
 
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 iGl4. B 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAK. 
 
 37.1 
 
 by his peers, and have an opportunity of establishing his in- 
 nocence. No person fit to bear a commission, would consent 
 to hold one subject to the disgraceful condition of a dismissal 
 at the will of an officer a grade or two above him. This con- 
 duct of General Brown's passed without censure, and was al- 
 luded to with approbation, in a letter from the secretary of 
 state to Admiral Cochrane. '^ ; :-i'»»li?v 7«»>s!'7'!! —?• > .< 
 
 On the 20th, General Brown advanced with his army to- 
 wards fort George, drove in the outposts, and encamped near 
 the fort, in the expectation that the^Brilish would come out 
 and give him battle. On the 22d, he returned to his former 
 position at Queenston ; here he received a letter from Gene- 
 ral Gaines, informing him that the heavy guns, and the rifle 
 regiment, which he had ordered from Sackett's harbour, togeth- 
 er with the whole fleet, were blockaded in that port, and no 
 assistance was to be expected from them. On the 24th, he 
 fell back to Chippewa, and on the 25lh, received intellifjence 
 thai the enemy, having received large reinforcements from 
 Kingston, were^advancing upon him. The first brigade under 
 General Scott, Towser's artillery, all the dragoons and mount- 
 ed men, were immediately put in motion on the Queenston 
 road. fr. ':r it->/.' i^Ai^j -.J 'Ki* i>^^ vjbm o^^h '/fyiwjct-?j^fK 
 
 BaitU of Niagara, On his arrival at the Niagara cataract, 
 General Scott learned that the British were in force directly 
 in his front, separated only by a narrow piece of wood. 
 Having despatched this intelligence to General Brown, he 
 advanced upon the enemy, and the action commenced at six 
 o'clock in the afternoon. Although General Ripley with the 
 second brigade, Major Hendman with the corps of artillery, 
 and General Porter with the volunteers, pressed forward with 
 ardour ; it was an hour before they could be brought up to 
 his support, during this time his brigade alone sustained the 
 conflict. General Scott had pressed through the wood, and 
 engaged the British on the Queenston road, with the 9th, 1 1th, 
 and 12th regiments, the 25th having been thrown on the right. 
 The fresh troops under General Ripley, having arrived, now 
 
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 374 
 
 lilSTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. ll. 
 
 advanced to relieve General Scott, whose exhausted brigade 
 formed a reserve in the rear. The British artillery had taken 
 post on a commanding eminence, at the head of Lundy's lane, 
 supported by a line of infantry, out of the reach of the Amer- 
 ican batteries. This was the key of the whole position ; from 
 hence they poured a most deadly fire on the American ranks. 
 It became necessary either to leave the ground, or to carry 
 this post and seize the height. The latter desperate task was 
 assigned to Colonel Miller. On receiving the order from 
 General Brown, he calmly surveyed the position, and answered, 
 " I WILL TRY, SIR," which cxprcssion was afterwards the 
 motto of his regiment. The first regiment, under the com- 
 mand of Colonel Nicholas, were ordered to menace the Brit- 
 ish infantry, and support Colonel Miller in the attack. This 
 corps, after a discharge or two, gave way and left him without 
 support. Without regarding this occurrence, Colonel Miller 
 advanced coolly and steadily to his object, amid a tremendous 
 fire, and at the point of the bayonet, carried the artillery and 
 the height. The guns were immediately turned upon the en- 
 emy ; General Ripley now brought up the 23d regiment, to 
 the support of Colonel Miller; the first regiment was rallied 
 and brought into line, and the British were driven from the 
 hill. At this time Major Jessup, with the 25th regiment, was 
 4;ngaged in a most obstinate conflict, with all the British that 
 remained on the field. He had succeeded in turning the 
 British left flank. Captain Ketchum, with a detachment of 
 this regiment, succeeded in gaining the rear of the British 
 lines, at the point where Generals Drummond and Riall, with 
 their suites, had taken their stations, and made them all prison- 
 ers. The British officers, mistaking this detachment for a 
 company of their own men, were ordering them to press on 
 to the combat, when Captain Ketchum stepped forward and 
 coolly observed, that he had the honour to command at that 
 time, and immediately conducted the ofiicers and their suites, 
 into the rear of the American lines ; General Drummond, in the 
 confusion of the scene, made his escape. The British rallied 
 
 I ^ it 
 
18:;i4. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 o I o 
 
 under the hill, and made a desperate attempt to regain their 
 artillery, and drive the Americans from their position, but 
 without success ; a second and third attempt was made with 
 the like result. General Scott was engaged in repelling these 
 attacks, and though with his shoulder fractured, and a severe 
 wound in the side, continued at the head of his column, en- 
 deavouring to turn the enemy's right flank. The volunteers 
 under General Porter, during the last charge of the British, 
 precipitated themselves upon their lines, broke them, and 
 took a large number of prisoners. General Brown, during 
 the whole action, was at the most exposed points, directing 
 and animating his troops. He received a severe wound on 
 the thigh, and in the side, and would have given the^command 
 to General Scott, but on inquiring, found that he was severe- 
 ly wounded. He continued at the head of his troops until the 
 last effort of the British was repulsed, when loss of blood 
 obliged him to retire; he then consigned the command to Gen- 
 eral Ripley. At twelve o'clock, both parties retired from the 
 field to their respective encampments, fatigued and satiated 
 with slaughter. The battle continued with but little inter- 
 mission, from six in the afternoon, until twelve at night. Af- 
 ter' Colonel Miller had taken the battery, and driven the Brit- 
 ish from the heights, and General Riall and suite had been ta- 
 ken, there was a short cessation, and the enemy appeared to 
 be about yielding the ground, when reinforcements arrived to 
 their aid, and the battle was renewed with redoubled fury for 
 another space of two hours ; much of this time the combat-- 
 ants were within a few yards of each other, and several times ^ 
 officers were found commanding enemy platoons. Captain 
 Spencer, aid to General Brown, was despatched with orders 
 to one of the regiments ; when about to deliver them, he sud- 
 denly found himself in contact with a British corps ; with 
 great coolness, and a firm air, he inquired what regiment is 
 this ? On being answered, the Royal Scotts, he immediately re- 
 plied. Royal Scotts, remain as you are ! the commandant of the 
 corps, supposing the orders came from his commanding gen- 
 
 i 'S 
 
0i> 
 
 376 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chak 17, 
 
 oral, immediately halted his regiment, and Captain Spencer 
 rode off. Colonel Miller's achievement, in storming the bat- 
 tery, was of the most brilliant and hazardous nature ; it was 
 decisive of the events of the battle : and entided him, and 
 his corps to the highest applause ; most of the officers en- 
 gaged in that enterprise were killed or wounded. The battle 
 was fought to the west of, and within half a mile of the Niag- 
 ara cataract. The thunder of the cannon, the roaring of the 
 falls, the incessant discharge of musketry, the groans of the 
 dying and wounded during the six hours in which the parties 
 were engaged in close combat, heightened by the circum- 
 stance of its being in the night, afforded such a scene, as is 
 rarely to l^e met with in the history of human slaughter. The 
 evening was calm, and the moon shone with lustre, when not 
 enveloped in clouds of smoke from the firing of the contend- 
 ing armies. Considering the numbers engaged, few contests 
 have ever been more sanguinary. 
 
 General Drummond, soon after the batde of the 5th, had 
 been concentrating his forces, and receiving reinforcements 
 from Kingston, for a general attack on tlie American troops, 
 and in the battle of the 25th, they were all engaged to the 
 umount of five thousand ; many of them, troops selected from 
 the flower of the army of Lord Wellington. General Brown 
 had failed in receiving his expected reinforcements from Sack- 
 ett^s Harbour ; many of his Indians had left him, and most of 
 his troops were soldiers of less than one year's experience. 
 But the general had done every thing which his limited means 
 could accomplish to ensure success. With the aid of General 
 Porter, he had assembled a considerable force of militia and 
 volunteers ; his whole army may be estimated at about four 
 thousand. With the aid of his officers, he had instructed, and 
 infused into them a spirit of bravery and discipline, which ena- 
 bled them to meet, and successfully combat British veterans. 
 This was unquestionably the most severe and bloody battle 
 that was fought during the war. One-fifth of the combatants 
 on each side, were put hors de combat. On the American 
 
 
w 
 
 lit 1 4. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 377 
 
 n Spencer 
 ; the bat- 
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 5th, had 
 xements 
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 General 
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 batants 
 lerican 
 
 side, the commanding general, and the second in command, 
 were severely wounded. On the British, their commander 
 in chief was wounded, and for a few minutes a prisoner, and 
 the second in command severely wounded and captured. 
 General Brown states his loss to be. 
 
 Killed, 171 
 
 Wounded, - . - .. . . 572 
 ■ Missing, - 117 
 
 860 
 
 General Drummond acknowledges a loss of, 
 Killed, - - - - 
 
 Wounded, 
 
 Missing and Prisoners, 
 
 "% ^. 
 
 870 
 
 On the morning of the 26th, Generals Ripley and Porter 
 reconnoitered the batde ground, and found there pities of 
 the British on the same errand. Neither Americans nor Brit- 
 ish appeared disposed to renew the bloody scenes of the pre- 
 ceding night. In their official reports, both claimed the vie. 
 lory. But considering the number and nature of American 
 troops compared with the British, the honours of the day un- 
 questionably belong to the former ; the latter were the first 
 to leave the field. From the reinforcements which they had 
 recently received from Kingston, their army after the battle 
 was evidently superior to the American ; and the :i< ■or under 
 the command of General Ripley, oh the 26th, feil back to 
 fort Erie. General Brown retired to Buffalo, and General 
 Scott to Batavia, to recover from their wounds. Captain 
 Ambrose Spencer, son of the chief justice of New-York, and 
 aid to General Brown, was mortally wounded in the action, 
 and taken prisoner ; Captain Loring, aid to General Drura^ 
 mond, was also made prisoner, but not wounded. Soon after 
 the battle, General Brown received a proposition from Gen- 
 eral Drummond, for a mutual exchange of their aids. For ob- 
 
 43 
 
 •^: 
 
 ^4 
 
 
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 it 
 
378 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 17. 
 
 11 ^ 
 
 =■; {. 
 
 n : i 
 
 vious reasons, it is not according to the usages of war, tu 
 offer or accept a wounded man in exchange for one who is 
 well, but from motives of attrction for his aid, and from respect 
 to the feelings of his parents, General Brown was in this in- 
 stance induced to listen to the proposition, and sent a fl«ig to 
 ascertain whether Captain Spencer was living- The Hag 
 was not permiited to seethe prisoner, or communicate with 
 his surgeon. On the return of the flag. General Brown sent 
 the brother of Captain Spencer, with a note to General Drum- 
 mond, introducing the brother, and requesting that he migh 
 be permitted to see and attend upon him, and assuring the 
 I general that Captain Loring, shoukl be exchanged for Cap- 
 tain Spencer if living, or for his corpse if dead. The brother 
 returned the next day with the corfsk, bearing a note from 
 General Drummond, claiming the discharge of Captain Lor- 
 ing ; which General Brown, faithful to his engagements com- 
 plied with. 
 
 British expedition to Black Rock^ repulsed. At two o'clock 
 in the morning of the 3d of August, a detachment of twelve 
 hundred BritishjUnder the command of Colonel Tucker, cross- 
 ed the Niagara at Squaw Island, a little below Black Rock, with 
 a view of capturing General Brown, then confined at Buffalo 
 with his wounds, recapturing General Riall, and destroying 
 . the stores. Major Morgan, who was stationed at the Rock 
 with a battalion of riflemen, took a position behind Conjocta 
 ereek, destroyed the bridge, and commenced an attack on the 
 British as soon as they arrived within rifle distance. After a 
 conflict of two hours, the British were driven back, and com- 
 pelled to recross the river, with the loss of six men taken, and 
 sev^eral killed and wounded. On the 4th, General Gaines 
 arrived from Sackett's Harbour, and took command of the 
 army during the confinement of General Brown. 
 
 Fort Erie invested. As the Americans retired to fort Eric, 
 the British advanced and invested the fort, taking a position 
 two miles distant in front, and separated from it by a wood. 
 "Fort Eric is situated on the margin of the lake, at its outlet 
 
Iiil4. 
 
 iiiSTOliy OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 379 
 
 into the Niagara river ; hcitifj; nearly a horizontal plain, fil- 
 loen feet above the level of ihe water, it possesses no natural 
 advantages. It was protected in front by a temporary par* 
 apet, breastworks, entrenchments, and abattcs, with two bat- 
 teries mounting six field pieces. This small unfinished fort, 
 with a twenty-four, eighteen, and twelve pounder, formed the 
 north-cast 5 aud the Douglass battery with an eighteen, and 
 six pounder^ near the edge of the lake, the south-east anglR 
 of the right of General Gaines's position on the 13th of August. 
 His left was defended by a redoubt battery thrown up on a 
 small ridge with six field pieces* His rear was open to the 
 lake, bordered by a rocky shore of easy asccht. Captain 
 Towaon's artillery was stationed at the battery on the left. 
 The fort was defended by Captain WiUiams, with Majot 
 Trimble's command of the 19th infantry ; the batteries in front 
 by Captains Biddle and Fanning. The whole of the artillery 
 was under the command of Major Hindman. Part of the 
 veteran first brigade, late under the command of General 
 Scott, were posted on the right, under the command of Colo- 
 nel Aspcnwall. The second brigade, under General Ripley, 
 defended the left. General Porter's brigade of New- York, 
 and Pennsylvania volunteers, with the riflemen, occupied the 
 centre. On the 12th, General Gaines detached Major Mor- 
 gan with his corps, to cut off a working party of theBritishi, 
 engaged in clearing the woods, and opening an avenue to the 
 fort ; Major Morgan was killed at the head of his detachment, 
 and the party returned without eftccting the object. The 
 enemy succeeded in establishing their works within four hun- 
 dred yards of the fort* On the evening of the 12th, they 
 lx)arded and captured two schooners ; and on the morning oi 
 the l^th, commenced, and continued during the whole of that 
 and the next day, a brisk cannonade, Avhich was returned 
 from the American batteries, but without any considerable 
 effect on either side. The British having received consider- 
 able reinforcements, were prcf>aring Ibr an assault* At sun- 
 set on the 14th, one of their sheik lotlged in a smaU maga- 
 
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 zitic which blew up, but williout any Injurious eflects. h 
 occasioned a njomcnlai'v cessation of firing, anil was immcdi- 
 nlely j'ollowcd by a loud shoal Ironi the Briliah troops, which 
 was instantly answered by the Americans ; and Captain Wil- 
 liams, amid the smoke of the explosion, renewed the contest 
 by an animated discharge of the heavy artillery. 
 
 Assault, (jeneral Gaines, expecting an assault in Uie course 
 of the night, kept his men constantly at their posts. The 
 night was dark, and the early part of it rainy ; at two o'clock 
 in the morning, the British columns enveloped in darkness, 
 were distinctly heard approaching the American lines. The 
 infantry under Major Wood, and Captain Towson's artillery 
 opened a brisk fire upon them. The sheet of fire from thi.s 
 corps, enabled General Gaines to discover this column of the 
 British, fifteen hundred strong, approaching the American left. 
 The infaiitry were protected by a line of loose .brush repre- 
 
 - sontingan abattis bordering on the river. The British in al- 
 fempling to |)ass round this, plunged into the water breast 
 high. The connnanding general was about to order a de- 
 tachment of rillcmen to support Major Wood, but was assured 
 by him that he could maintain his position without a rein- 
 forcement. The British columns were twice repulsed, and 
 soon afterwards fled in confusion. On the right, the lines 
 were lighted by a brilliant discharge of musketry and cannon, 
 which announced the approach of the centre and left coIumnA 
 of the enemy. The latter met the veteran 9th regiment, and 
 Burton's and Harding's companies of volunteers, aided by a 
 six pounder, and were repulsed. The centre column under 
 Colonel Drummond, approached at the same time the most 
 
 Iglssailable points of the fort, and with scaling ladders ascend- 
 ed the parapet, but were driven back with great carnage. 
 The assault was twice repeated, and as often checked ; this 
 column concealed by the darkness of the night, and the clouds 
 of smoke which rolled from the cannon and musketry, then 
 passed round the ditcii, repeated their charge, reascendcd 
 fhcir ladders, and with their pikes, bayonets, and spears, fell 
 
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 iai4. 
 
 Uliil'OUY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 J81 
 
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 the lines 
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 iscendcd 
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 npon the artillerists. Most of the ofl'iccrs, and many of the 
 men, received deadly wounds. Lieutenant M'Donough be- 
 ing severely wounded, and in the power of the enemy, sur- 
 rendered and demanded quarter ; Colonel Drummond, refus- 
 ing it, drew u pistol and shot him dead. In u moment after- 
 wards, as he was repeating the order to give no quarters. 
 Colonel Drummond was shot through the heart. The bas- 
 tion v.as now in the possession of the British. The balllf 
 raged with increased fury on the right ; reinforcements were 
 ordered and promptly furnished from Major Wood's corps on 
 the left. Captain Fanning kept u]) a spirited and destructive 
 lire from his artillery on the enemy a:* they were approaching 
 the fort. Majors Hindman and Trimble, failing to drive the 
 British from the bastion, with the remaining artillerists, and 
 infantry, and Captain Birdsall's detachment of riflemen, rush- 
 ed in through the gate-way, to the assistance of the right 
 wing, and made a resolute charge. A detachment, under 
 JMajor Hall, was introduced over the interior of the bastion, 
 for the purpose of charging the British who still held posses- 
 sion, but the narrowness of the passage, admitting only two 
 or three abresst, prevented its accomplishment, and they 
 were obliged to retire. At this moment, every operation was 
 arrested by the explosion of the principal magazine, contain- 
 ing a large quantity of cartridges and powder, in the end of a 
 stone building adjoining the contested bastion. Whether thi» 
 was the effect of accident or design, was not known. The 
 explosion was tremendous, and its eflfects decisi\ c. The 
 British in possession of the bastion were destroyed in a mo- 
 ment. As soon as the tumult accasioned by that event had 
 subsided, Captain Biddle posted a field piece, so as to enfilade 
 the exterior plain, and the salient glacis. Fanning's battery 
 at the same time opened on the British who were now return> 
 ing. In a few minutes they were all driven from the works^ 
 leaving two hundred and twenty-two killed, one hundred 
 and seventy-four wounded on the 'field, and one hundred 
 eighty-six prisoners. To these losses are to be added, those 
 
 r 
 
382 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. \1> 
 
 h i 
 
 ■h 
 
 
 •fi 
 
 i :■ 
 
 killed on the left flank by Major Wood's infantry, and Tow- 
 son's artillery, and floated down the Niagara, estimated in the 
 official reports, at two hundred. The American loss during 
 thebombardmentof the 13th and 1 4th, was nine killed, and 
 thirty-six wounded, and in the assault of the night of the 14th, 
 seventeen killed, fifty-six wounded, and eleven missing.* 
 
 On, the 2d of September, General Brown had so far re- 
 covered of his wounds as to be able to resume the command ; 
 and General Gaines was removed to Philadelphia to take 
 charge of the defence of the Delaware, as commanding gen- 
 eral of the 4th military district. General Drummond's main 
 body was encamped in a cleared field, surrounded with woods, 
 two miles in front of fort Erie. This position was taken in 
 order that that part of his force which was not on duty might be 
 out of the reach of the guns of the fort, and of the artillery at 
 Black Rock. His infantry was formed into three brigades of 
 twelve hundred men each ; his works were advanced within 
 four hundred yards of the right of the American lines. One 
 of the brigades, with a detachment of artillery, was stationed 
 at this advance, and relieved by one of the other brigades 
 each day, and the two at the encampment were held in con 
 slant readiness to support the advance, in case of an attack. 
 The British had completed two batteries at this position, and 
 nearly finished a third, which threatened the fort with de- 
 struction. 
 
 Sortie. Early on the morning of the 17th, General Porter, 
 with a large detachment, was ordered to penetrate through 
 the woods by a circuitous rout, and get between the British 
 main body and their batteries ; while General Miller was 
 directed to take a position in the ravine, between the American 
 lines and the batteries, and attack them in front. The ad- 
 vance of General Porter's command, consisted of two hun- 
 dred riflemen, under Colonel Gibson. The right column, of 
 
 * General Gaines's report. ., • > . i 
 
It? 14. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 333 
 
 lour hundred infantry, commanded by Colonel Wood ; the 
 left, under General Davis, of five hundred militia, designed to 
 act as a reserve; and to hold in check any reinforcements 
 from the British main body. Ceneral Porter's corps car- 
 ried the block-house in the rear of the third battery, by 
 storm, the magazine w^as blown up, and the garrison made 
 prisoners. The leaders of the three divisions under General 
 Porter, all fell nearly at the same time ; Colonel Gibson, at 
 the head of the riflemen, at the second battery, and General 
 Davis, and Colonel Wood, in an assault upon the first. 
 While these transactions were taking place in the rear of the 
 enemy's works, General Miller in front, penetrated between 
 the first and second batteries, and aided by the operations of 
 General Porter in the rear, succeeded in carrying them. 
 Within thirty minutes from the commencement of the action, 
 two batteries, two block-houses, and the whole line of en- 
 trenchments were in possession of the Americans; and imme- 
 diately afterwards, the other battery was abandoned by the 
 British. General Ripley was now ordered up with the 
 reserve, and at the close of the action, was dangerously woun- 
 ded in the neck. Strong reinforcements from the British 
 main body arrived while the Americans were engaged in de- 
 stroying the works, and took part in the action. The object 
 of the sortie being fully accomplished, the American troops 
 were ordei^ed to return to the fort. During the action. General 
 Porter, in passing from the right to the left column of his 
 detachment, accompanicdj with only two or three officers, 
 suddenly found himself within a few yards of a body of sixty 
 British soldiers, who had just emerged from a ravine, and 
 were hesitating which way^to go. The general immediately 
 n'lvancecl, andj ordered them to surrender ; approaching the 
 first man on the left, he took his musket, and pushed him 
 towards the American lines : in this way he proceeded nearly 
 through the whole company, most of the men voluntarily 
 throwing down their arms, and retiring towards the fort : 
 
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 M4t 
 
 HISTORY OF THE liATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 1". 
 
 when on a sudden, a soldier, whose musket the general was 
 about to seize, presented the bayonet to his breast, and de- 
 manded his surrender. General Porter seized the musket, 
 and was about wrenching it from him, when he was seized by 
 a British officer, and three or four men who stood in the ranks, 
 and thrown on the ground. He succeeded in gaining his feel, 
 when he found himself surrounded by fifteen or twenty men, 
 withjtheir guns presented at him, demanding his suirender; 
 by this time, several American officers, wiih a number of men 
 were advancing to the scene of action. General Porter, now 
 assuming an air of composure, and decision, told them they 
 were now surrounded and prisoners, and if they fired a gun 
 they should all be put to the sword. By this time a company 
 of Cayuga riflemen had arrived, and after a momentary scene 
 of confusion and carnage, the whole British party were killed, 
 or made prisoners. The American loss was seventy-nine 
 killed, and four hundred and thirty-two wounded and missing. 
 The killed and wounded of the British, were estimated by the 
 American general at five hundred. Three hundred and 
 eighty-five prisoners were taken ; their advance works de- 
 stroyed, and the garrison relieved from any further apprehen- 
 sions of bombardment or assault. On the night of the 21st, 
 General Drummond, after an investment of fifty-six days, 
 raised the scige of fort Erie, broke up his encampment, and 
 retired to his entrenchments behind the Chippewa. 
 
 General Izard takes the Command, The Niagara frontier 
 -was treated, throughout this campaign, as the most important 
 ■point. General Izard, who commanded the army at Pitts- 
 burgh, had been ordered with the main body, early in August 
 to reinforce General Brown ; he proceeded to Sackett's Har- 
 bour, and not deeming it safe to venture his troops by water, 
 continued his route by land, with the nriainbody, to his place 
 of destination. After a fatiguing march of more than four 
 hundred miles, over bad roads, he arrived at Buffalo on the 1 st 
 of October : being the senior major general, the command 
 devolved on him, and General Brown took the command at 
 
 s 
 
iai4. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 385 
 
 the harbour. This change of the commanding generals was 
 unfavourable to further operations on the frontier. General 
 Brown had obtained an adequate knowledge of the country, 
 and the perfect confidence of his troops ; General Izard was 
 a stranger to both. 
 
 Retires to Buffalo, After the departure of General Brown, 
 General Izard, on examining the position of fort Erie, and 
 comparing, as well as he was able, the relative strength of the 
 the two armies^ decided that it was inexpedient to attempt 
 further ofiensive operations on the Peninsula, removed the 
 troops from fort Erie to Buffalo, and demolished the works. 
 General Scott, on recovering his wounds, was appointed to 
 the command of the 10th military district, embracing the dis- 
 trict of Columbia, and the adjacent country. 
 
 The campaign of eighteen hundred and fourteen,on the Niaga- 
 ra frontier, fully demonstrated that American citizens furnished 
 ihe choicest materials for an army; that when well disciplined, 
 instructed in the art of war, and led by brave and enterpris- 
 ing generals, they were fully able to meet on equal ground 
 the best English troops. The same events fully proved the 
 valour, enterprise, and military skill of General Brown, and 
 the officers associated with him in the war, and retrieved the 
 tarnished reputation of the American anns, on the Canada 
 border, the two preceding campaigns. They also furnished 
 abundant materials to amuse and flatter the citizens with the 
 relation of deeds of heroic valour. They weakened the 
 numerical strength of the British army about three thousand, 
 and the Americans nearly the same ; and left both parties in 
 possession of the same ground, which they occupied at the 
 commencement of the campaign. 
 
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CHAPTER XV 111. 
 
 Colonel Crogan's Expedition to Lake Huron. — Unsuccesslul attempt 
 on Michillimackinac— Destroys the British Post at Nautawesago 
 River. — Returns to Detroit.— Capture of two American Schooners on 
 Laka Huron. — Arrival of Reinforcements at Quebec-^General 
 Izard's army leaves Plattsburgh for Niagara. — Gen«ral Prevost ad- 
 vances in force from iVfontreal towards Plattsburgh.— Enters Platts- 
 burgh, and encamps on the left of the Saranac. — Waits the approach 
 of his fleet. — Naval battle on the 11th of September, on the Bay of 
 Plattsburgh. — M'Donough's Victory. — Simultaneous Attack on the 
 American lines. — British attempt to cross the Saranac ; are repul- 
 sed. — Retreat of the British Army from Plattsburgh. — Amount of the 
 British and American Land and Naval Forces. — Losses in each Army 
 and Navy. 
 
 Expedition to LakelHuron. Fou the security of Detroit, 
 and the Michigan territory, General M'Arthur, commandant 
 of the 8th military district, directed the establishment of a 
 military post, called fort Gratiot, at the head of the straits 
 of St. Clair, to secure the communication between Detroit 
 and lake Huron. A squadron of five small vessels, under 
 Commodore St. Clair, left Detroit about the first of July with 
 a detachment of five hundred troops, under Lieutenant 
 Colonel Crogan, the gallant defender of fort Stevenson, pass- 
 ed the straits, and entered lake Huron on the 11th, taking 
 witli them the principal part of the garrison of foi-t Gratiot. 
 They first proceeded to the British post of St. Joseph^s, at 
 the entrance of lake Superior; finding this post evacuated, 
 they sot fire to it, and proceeded to fort Michillimackinac, 
 which they found strongly garrisoned. The British, Cana- 
 d'ans, and Indians came out in numbers greatly superior to 
 the Americans, attacked, and drove them back to their ships 
 
 .j,j:! 
 
388 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. i&. 
 
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 with the loss of Major Holmes, the second in command, an(i 
 twelve privates killed, and fifty-one wounded. 
 
 While the navigation of lake Erie was in the possession oV 
 the Americans, the channel of communication between Mon- 
 treal and lake Superior, Michillimackinac and the British 
 posts, to the north-west, was by the way of lake Simcoe and 
 the Nautawesago river, to lake Huron. From the British 
 dep6t at York, to the mouth of this river, the distance did noi 
 exceed one hundred and eighty miles ; much of the way was 
 water passage forcanoes and small boats ; the British had here 
 established a post, where considerable supphes for the north- 
 west were deposited; these were to be transported in small ves- 
 sels across lake Huron, to their places of destination. After 
 Colonel Crogan's unsuccessful attempt on Michillimackinac, 
 he proceeded to this place, and arrived at the mouth of the 
 liver on the 3d of August. Here he found a British schooner 
 drawn a few hundred yards up the river, and protected by a 
 batter}' covered by a block-house. On the 14th, he landed 
 his artillery and drew it up near the block-house, and com- 
 menced a fire, which in a few minutes blew up the British 
 works, and set fire to the schooner. On the 1 5th, he left 
 the river and returned to Detroit, leaving two small vessels 
 under the command of Lieutenant Turner, on lake Huron, to 
 intercept the communication with the north-western posts, 
 with orders to remain there as long as the navigation was 
 open, and strictly blockade the Nautawesago. Lieutenant. 
 Worsly, who commanded the British schooner that had been 
 burned, with twenty-two men, coasted round the lake in ca- 
 noes, and reached Michillimackinac. While Lieutenant 
 Turner commanded the navigation of lake Huron, the British 
 posts to the west were suffering for the want of supplies, and 
 must have soon surrendered. Lieutenant Worsly applied to 
 the commandant at Michillimackinac, for the aid of one hun- 
 dred men, assuring him that with them he would bring in the 
 AfBerican schooners. The men were furnished, both schoon- 
 
 ■^-, 
 
 
 »i. 1^ -^i 
 
 * 
 
\\iU. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 389 
 
 ers captured, and carried into M ichillimackinac. An uninter^ 
 ruptcd communication was again opened from the depots at 
 York and Montreal, to the western posts, and the important 
 objects of Colonel Crogan's expedition defeated. 
 
 Arrival of reinforcements at Montreal. About the 1st of 
 August, the powerful reinforcements which had been ordered 
 from the armies in Spain, to Governor Prevost's aid, arrived 
 at Quebec, and were immediately pushed up to Montreal. 
 Large detachments passed on to Kingston, and the Niagara 
 frontiers. These demonstrations induced the order for Gen- 
 eral Izard to proceed tojoin General Brown, with the main body. 
 While the army were making this movement the only opportuni- 
 ties for theiractive service were lost. Their brethren at Platts- 
 burgh and Niagara were gathering laurels at the expense of 
 much blood, while they were performing this circuitous march. 
 Plattsburgh was the principal military and naval depot for 
 the army of the north, and the flotilla on lake Champlain ; 
 and at this period, contained a large quantity of military and 
 naval stores. The defence of this post, after the departure 
 of General Izard, devolved on General Macomb, with fifteen 
 hundred regulars, and the neighbouring militia to be occasion- 
 ally called on, as circumstances might render necessary. The 
 force under General Prevost, at Montreal, within five days' 
 march of Plattsburgh, at the time General Izard left that post 
 for the Niagara frontier, was fifteen thousand men, most of 
 them veterans of the armies of Spain. This state pf things 
 did not escape the observation of the British general. Im- 
 mediately after the departure of Izard, Prevost came out with 
 his whole force from Montreal, and took the road to Platts- 
 burgh. On the 1st of September, he established his head- 
 quarters at Champlain, within the United States, and fifteen 
 miles distant from the American lines. Here he issued a 
 proclamation in the usual style of invading generals, promising 
 peace and protection to the unoffending inhabitants who re- 
 mained at home, directing the civil magistrates to continue in 
 the discharge of their duties ; and declaring that those only 
 
 
I' I I 
 
 3JJ0 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 V 
 ! I 
 
 II. 
 
 hi 
 
 Chap. il. 
 
 
 L. 
 
 who uerc found in arms should be treatrd as enemies. Ilj., 
 instructions directed him to penetrate the United Slates by 
 the way of Plattsburgh ; with the assistance of the fleet, which 
 it was calculated by this time would have gained the command 
 of the lake; proceed to Ticonderoga, and from thence to Al- 
 bany, or as far on the rout as was compatible with the safety 
 of his army. 
 
 British Force advance to Plaltsbiirgk. \n pursuance of these 
 instructions, he advanced with slow and cautious marches 
 towards Plattsburgh. General Macomb made every exertion 
 to impede his progress, and prepare for the threatened attack. 
 The militia of Washington, Warren, Clinton, and Essex coun- 
 ties, were ordered out en masse. The militia and volunteers 
 from the counties in Vermont, bordering on the lake, came in 
 in great numbers. The bridges on the route which the Bri- 
 tish must take, were broken up, the road abatted, and every 
 possible impediment thrown in the way of their passage. On 
 the 6th of September, the British advance was met at.Batc- 
 mantown, six miles from Plattsburgh by a corps of seven 
 hundred militia under General Mooers. After some slight 
 skirmishing, the militia discovered the New- York state dra- 
 goons, a very handsome corps in red uniforms, reconnoitering 
 on the heights in their rear; supposing them to be British 
 troops who were endeavouring to cut them off, they broke 
 and fled in every direction ; and on the same day the Britisii 
 advanced into Plattsburgh ; the right column led by Major 
 General Powers, supported by General Robinson, and the 
 left by General Brisbane. The whole under command of 
 Sir George Prevost. The American troops retired to the 
 south side of the Saranac, took up the bridges, and made 
 breastworks of them on the south bank, and guarded the ford- 
 ways. 
 
 The village of Plattsburgh is pleasantly situated on the 
 western shore of lake Champlain, on the margin of a bay, 
 formed^ by the projection of Cumberland point into the lake. 
 At the end of this point, is a high bluff, called Cumberland 
 
 
liiU. 
 
 lllSTOUi or THE LATE WAK. 
 
 lit 1 
 
 !icad. The Saranac river comes in from the west, passes 
 through the village, and empties into the bay. Several 
 bridges were erected over this river, near the village ; and 
 three miles from its mouth, the river was fordable. Scouting 
 und reconnoitering parties were constantly kept out on the 
 British flanks to harass their march, and watch their motions. 
 The American troops were posted in their works on the high 
 grounds, on the south bank of the Saranac. General Macomb 
 (•ni ployed his men constantly in strengthening these works ; 
 III order to excite emulation among them, he parcelled out 
 ilid'erent parts of the works to different corps, assuring them 
 that the defence of that particular portion of the works on 
 which each corps laboured, should be intrusted to them. 
 
 Jsl'aval Battle on Luke Champlain. The American fleet, 
 under Commodore M'Donough, lay at anchor in the bay, 
 on the right flank of the American lines, and two miles distant. 
 Great exertions had been made by both parties to produce a 
 superior naval force on this lake ; the Americans at Otter 
 Creek, and the British at the Isle aux Noix. On comparing 
 their relative strength on the 11 th of September, the Ame- 
 rican fteet consisted of the Saratoga, flag ship, mounting 20 
 guns; Eagle, 20 guns; Ticonderoga, 17 guns; Preble, 7 
 guns ; six galleys, of two guns each, 12 guns ; four of one, 4 
 guns ; making in the whole, 86 guns : and eight hundred and 
 twenty men. The British fleet consisted of the frigate Con- 
 Uance, flag ship, mounting 39 guns; Linnet, 16 guns; 
 Cherub, 1 1 guns ; Finch, 1 1 guns ; five galleys, of two guns 
 each, 10 guns ; eight, of one, 8 guns, making in the whole 
 i?5 guns : and one thousand and twenty men. 
 
 The British land forces employed themselves from the 7th 
 lo the 1 1th, in bringing up their heavy artillery ; and strength- 
 ening their works on the north bank of the Saranac. Their 
 fortified encampment, was on a ridge a little to the west of the 
 town, their right near the river, and their left resting on the 
 lake, one mile in the rear of the village. Having determined 
 on a simultaneous attack by land and water, they lay in this 
 
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 i,-:^: 1 
 
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 392 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chai>. li). 
 
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 position on the morning of the eleventh, waiting the approacii 
 of their fleet. At eight o^cIock, the wished for ships appear- 
 ed under easy sail, moving round Cumberland head ; and 
 were hailed with joyous acclamations. At nine they anchor- 
 ed within three hundred yards of the American squadron in 
 lin6 of battle ; the Confiance opposed to the Saratoga, the 
 Linnet to the Eagle ; thirteen British galleys to the Ticon- 
 deroga, Preble, and a division of the American galleys. The 
 Cherub assisting the Confiance and Linnet, and the Finch aiding 
 the galleys. In this position, the weather being perfectly clear 
 and calm, and the bay smooth, the whole force on both sides 
 became at once engaged. At an hour and a half, after the 
 commencement of the action, the starboard guns of the Sara- 
 toga were nearly all dismantled. The commandant ordered 
 a stern anchor to be dropped, and the bower cable cut, by 
 means of which, the ship rounded to, and presented a fresh 
 broad side to her enemy. The Confiance attempted the same 
 operation and failed. This was attended with such powerful 
 effects, that she was obliged to surrender in a few minutes. 
 The whole broadside of the Saratoga, was then brought to 
 bear on the Linnet, and in fifteen minutes she followed the 
 example of her flag ship. One of the British sloops struck 
 to the Eagle ; three galleys were sunk, and the rest made off ; 
 no ship in the fleet being in a condition to follow them, they 
 escaped down the lake. There was no mast standing in either 
 squadron, at the close of the action, to which a sail could be 
 attached. The Saratoga received fifty-five round shot in her 
 hull, and the Confiance one hundred and five. The action 
 lasted without any cessation, on a smooth sea, at close quar- 
 ters, two hours and twenty minutes. In the American squad- 
 ron fifty-two were killed, and fifty-eight wounded. In the 
 British, eighty-four were killed, and one hundred and ten 
 wounded. Among the slain was the British commandant, 
 Commodore Downie.* This engagement was in full view of 
 
 ' Commodore M<Denou|^h*8 letter to the secretary at war. 
 
 
 ^M'-'mW' 
 

 1814. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE VVAIU 
 
 39a' 
 
 both armies, Jind of niiinerous s|)cctalors collected on the 
 heights, bordering on the b;iy, to witness the scene. It was 
 viewed by the inhabitants with trembling anxiety, as success 
 on the part of the Brilisli, wouhl have opened to them an easy 
 passage into the heart of the country, and exposed a nume- 
 rous population on the borders of the lake, to British ravages. 
 When the flag of thcConfiance was struck, the shores resound- 
 ed with the acclamations of the American troops, and citi- 
 zens. The British when they saw their fleet completely con- 
 quered, were dispirited, and confounded. 
 
 At the moment of the commencement of the naval action) 
 the British, from their works on shore, opened a heavy fire of 
 shot, shells, and rockets, upon the American lines. This was 
 continued with little interruption until sun-set, and returned 
 with spirit and eflect. At six o'clock, the firing on the part 
 ctf the British ceased, every battery having been silenced by 
 the American artillery. At the commencement of the bom- 
 bardment, and while the ships were engaged, three desperate 
 efforts were made by the British to pass the Saranac, for the 
 purpose of carrying the American lines by assault. With this 
 view, scaling ladders, fascines, and every implement necessary 
 for the purpose, were prepared. One attempt was made to 
 cross, at the village bridge, one at the upper bridge, and one 
 at the ford way, three miles above the works. At each pointy 
 they were met at the bank by the American troops and re- 
 pulsed. At the bridges, the American regulars immediately 
 drove them back. The ford was guarded by the volunteers 
 and militia. Here a considerable body of British effected a 
 passage, and the militia retired into the neighbouring woods, 
 where their operations would be more eftectual. A whole 
 company of the 76th regiment was here destroyed, three 
 lieutenants, and twenty-seven men taken, and the captain and 
 the rest of the company killed. The residue of the British 
 were obliged to recross the river with precipitation and con- 
 siderable loss. 
 
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 HISTORy OF THE LATE WAK. 
 
 C HAI>. It, 
 
 British retire from Plnltslmr^h. At dusk the British with- 
 drew their cannon from the batteries ; at nine, sent off all the 
 artillery and baggage for which they could procure transports ; 
 and at two the following morning, the whole army precipi- 
 tately retreated, leavingthcir sick and wounded behind. Great 
 quantities of provisions, tents, entrenching tools, and ammuni« 
 tion, were also left. Much was found concealed in the ponds and 
 creeks, and buried in the ground. Their retreat was so sud- 
 den, rapid, and unexpected, that they arrived at Chazy, a dis- 
 tance of eight miles, before their departure was known to the 
 American general. The light troops and militia were im- 
 mediately ordered out in pursuit, but were unable to make 
 many prisoners. Upwards of three hundred deserters came 
 in within two or three days after the action, who conlirmcd 
 the account of Prevost's precipitate flight, and assisted in dis- 
 covering the property they had concealed and left behind. 
 The American loss on land, during the day, was thirty-seven 
 killed, and eighty-two wounded and missing. General Ma- 
 comb's official report estimates the British loss in land and 
 naval forces, since their leaving Montreal, in killed, wounded, 
 prisoners, deserters, and missing, at twenty-five hundred.* 
 
 The British army engaged in this expedition, consisted ot 
 the .-;:.: ■ ■, -' 
 
 1st Brigade under Major General Robinson, 
 2d under General Powers, 
 3cl under General Brisbane, 
 
 A light brigade, consisting of a 
 Swiss regiment, . - . . . 
 Canadian Chasseurs, .... 
 
 Valtiguers, 
 
 Frontier light infantry, .... 
 
 * General Macooib'ii letter to secretary at wtr. 
 
 *.■>••• 
 
 3,700 
 
 - 
 
 3,600 
 
 - 
 
 3,100 
 
 1,200 
 
 
 900 
 
 
 550 
 
 
 150 
 
 
 
 2,800 
 
1»14 
 
 HJbTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 ^95 
 
 4 iroops of light dragoons, 
 
 i com|)anies of royal light artillery, 
 
 J corps of rocketeers, 
 
 ant! a corps of tappers and miners. 
 
 300 
 400 
 
 75 
 
 14,000 
 
 Major-Gcneral Baynos,i»djutant-genfral; Sir Sidney Beck- 
 
 "with, quartcr-mastcr-gencral ; the whole division under the 
 
 immediate command of Major-Genera I l)e Rottenburgh, and 
 
 Sir George Prevost, commander in chief. 
 
 The precipitate retreat of so numerous, and well appointed 
 an army from before a force of fifteen hundred regulars, and 
 ihrcc thousand militia suddenly called together, was ^un- 
 accountable and wholly unexpected. General Prevost en- 
 deavours to justify himself to his government, by imputing it 
 to the loss of the fleet. But no active co-operation was or 
 could be expected from their respective fleets by either army. 
 The real ground was, that the valour of the American troops 
 in defence of their soil had convinced the British general that 
 an attempt to penetrate the country, and carry his original 
 plans into effect, would be attended with defeat and disgrace. 
 The events of the 1 1th of September, put an end tojfurther 
 ofiensive operations on the part of the British, on the Cham- 
 plain frontier. Their main army returned to Montreal, and 
 their outposts gave very little further disturbance during' the 
 residue of the campaign. These events relieved the surround' 
 ing country from the most alarming apprehensions. When 
 they saw an army like that of General Prevost's invading 
 their country, and General Izard, with the flower of the 
 northern army, on whom their hopes rested, leaving 
 Plattsburgh for the Niagara frontier, almost at the same mo- 
 ment, they considered their destiny as scaled. But instead of 
 desponding, they turned out at the call of their government, 
 nobly. and successfully defended their territory, and drove 
 the enemy from their borders. Their joy at so sudden and 
 unexpected a termination of their apprehension?, was u^i- 
 
 4 
 
I) 
 
 396 
 
 HISTORY OF TH£! LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. l. 
 
 El 
 
 
 Bounded. M'Donough, Macomb, and the brave officers and 
 soldiers by whose skill and valour their deliverance was 
 achieved, were honoured and their deeds celebrated with ihn 
 highest applause. The principal officers were rewarded with 
 promotions. Macomb was immediately brevetted by the 
 President with the grade of major-general, and M'Donoupfh 
 promoted to a more important command in the navy. On 
 the Hlh, General Macomb, having ascertained thatthe British 
 troops bad entirely left the American territory and were with- 
 drawing to Montreal, discharged the New-York and Vermont 
 militia and volunteers with high encomiums lor their gallant 
 and active services. Prevost retired to Quebec, was dis- 
 missed from his command, and disgraced by the government. 
 General Result of the War on the Canada Border. Active 
 operations on the Canada border, terminated in the autumn 
 of 1814. The war undertaken for the conquest of the Cana- 
 das, ended in leaving both parties nearly in the same situation 
 as it found them at its commencement. It left the Americans 
 in possession of Maiden and the adjacent territory, and the 
 British of Niagara. Human suffering by the conflagrations of 
 the villages of Newark, Dover, and St. Davids, was more 
 than Balanced by the destruction of the American towns on 
 the Niagara frontier. The sum of human slaughter in the 
 various baltles was nearly equal ; the balance of prisoners 
 vras considerably in favour of the British. Estimating one- 
 third of the war expenditures to have been applied to this 
 object, it cost the United States upwards of thirty millions of 
 dollars. This sum, according to an estimate of the secretary 
 of the navy, assisted by experienced ship-builders and naval 
 officers, of the cost of building, equipping and manning a 
 seventy-four, would have been sufficient to have built, equip- 
 ped, manned, and kept in service one year sixty ships of the 
 line of that size. Had one-fourth of this sum been applied to 
 that object, and a considerable portion of the other to pro- 
 curing smaller fast sailing vessels of war, to operate upon 
 British commerce^, it would have been sufficient to have 
 
 k I 
 
n\A. 
 
 lUSTORY OF TlfK LATE WAR. 
 
 iilT 
 
 effectually guarded the coast, swept their commerce from thr 
 ocean, and taught them to respect American maritime rights. 
 The events of the Canada war have developed some impor- 
 tant principles in the structure of the American government. 
 It was early perceived, that the militia, the physical force of 
 the union, were not bound by the constitution, nor were they 
 to be depended on as volunteers, to go beyond the limits of 
 the United States, for the purposes of conquest. It was soon 
 found that voluntary enlistment was wholly inadequate to 
 raise an army sufficient for the purposes of foreign war ; and 
 it was finally demonstrated, that, although the power of de- 
 claring war, vested in congress by the constitution, might imply 
 a power of raising armies by conscription, or compulsory 
 proceedings, yet such a measure was so repugnant to the 
 feelings of a free people, that resort could be had to it, only 
 for the purposes of defence. Singular as the fact may appear, 
 the Americans, with a naval force, not equal to a twentieth 
 part of the British, were able to capture the most vessels, 
 and do their antagonists the most harm on the ocean ; while 
 on land they were unable to conquer a single British province, 
 not the twentieth part their equal. The American politician 
 believing in a superior agency, reads in this result, the lan- 
 guage of a superintending Providence, commanding the United 
 States to maintam their rights with energy, and abstain from 
 views of conquest. ^v. . 
 
 1 1 
 
 I, ' 
 
 mi 
 
 l!:c 
 
 . \" 
 
 ■y-v-- 
 
 111!;; f.:mM 
 
 (ill ;:■ 1 '' ■:.. 11 
 
 I I' 
 
 11,;. 
 
 M. 
 
\ li' 
 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 New-Orleans. — Proceedings at Pensacola. — Arrival of a British Naval 
 Force at that place. — Nichoirs Address to the Louisianians. — Negoti- 
 ations with the Pirates of Barrataria. — Commodore Patterson's Expe- 
 dition against them. — Unsuccessful Expedition against Mobile. — 
 General Jackson enters Pensacola with a Military Force ; expels the 
 British. — Armament Sails from the West Indies against New-Orleans. 
 — NichoU's Embassy to the Choctaws. — General Jackson's Arrival ; 
 proclaims Martial Law. — Measures of Defence. — Fort St. Philips 
 garrisoned. — Arrival of the British Armament at Ship Island. — Cap- 
 ture of the American Flotilla on Lake Bergne. — Landing of the Brit- 
 ish at Bayou Bienvenu. — Battle of the 23d of December. — Of the 1st 
 of January. — Decisive Victory of the 8th. — Bombardment of Fort St. 
 Phillips.— Retreat of the British.— Capture of Fort Boyer. 
 
 The defence of the 7th military district, comprehending tiie 
 ■states of Tennessee, and Louisiana, and the Mississippi terri- 
 tory, was intrusted to General Jackson. After subduing the 
 Greeks, and granting them peace on such terms as he thought 
 proper, under the direction of the President, he proceeded to 
 establish strong garrisons at the various military posts in the 
 Mississippi territory, the object of which was to watch and 
 check any hostile movements of the Indians. 
 
 Conduct of the Spanish Authorities at Pensacola. From the 
 commencement of Indian hostilities in the south, the Spanish 
 authorities in Florida, had given the hostile tribes all the aid 
 and encouragement in their power, and had suftered the Brit- 
 ish to supply them, through the posts and territories of the 
 Floridas, with the means of carrying on their warfare. Af- 
 ter the defeat of the Creeks, M'Queen, and Francis, the two 
 principal instigators of the massacre at fort Mimms, and^the 
 subsequent war, took refuge at Pensacola, under the protec- 
 tion of the Spanish governor. A considerable quantity of 
 
 I' ) 
 
UiM. 
 
 HISTORY OF THK LATE WAK. 
 
 ayy 
 
 yrms for the use of the hostile Indians, which were collecting 
 in the Floridas, and on the borders of the United States, were 
 suftlsred to be landed, and conveyed up the Apalachicola 
 river, to enable them to renew their hostilities. Against this 
 conduct of the Spanish government. General Jackson urged 
 the most strong and pointed remonstrances ; but received 
 nothing but evasive and unsatisfactory answers : while a con- 
 tinuance of the same course of proceedings, gave abundant 
 evidence of the weakness and partiality of the Spanish au- 
 thorities. • '♦ -frin'j 1 .. '[i. «• 
 
 Arrival of a British Armament, On the 25tb of August, 
 the Hermes, Orpheus, and Carvian, three British ships of war, 
 arrived at Pensacola, and landed a large quantity of military 
 stores and provisions, and three hundred troops, which were 
 conducted to the Spanish fort. This armament conducted by 
 Edward Nicholl, who bore a Colonel's commission in the 
 British service, and was expressly authorized to engage the 
 Florida Indians in acts of hostility against the United States, 
 was destined to unite with them for these objects. 
 
 NichoWs Address. On the 29th, Nicholl published an ad- 
 dress to the native inhabitants of Louisiana, stating that he 
 was at the head of a large British and Indian force, and calling 
 upon them to assist in liberating their paternal sail, from a 
 faithless and corrupt government, declaring that the American 
 usurpation must, and would be abolished ; and that in such 
 a happy event, they would have no fear of taxes imposed to 
 support an unnatural and unjust war, and declaring that the 
 brave men under his command, burned with an ardent desire 
 to unite with the patriotic Louisianians, to liberate the south- 
 ern frontier from the American yoke, and drive the Americans 
 within the limits prescribed them by the British sovereign. 
 This proclamation had the effect of seducing a few deluded, 
 and desperate Louisanians to Nicholl- s standard. This arma- 
 ment was supplied with provisions at Pensacola, principally 
 from New-Orleans. The merchants of that city, who had 
 had the provisions from the upper country for a considerabl*^ 
 
 i 
 
i 
 
 i J 
 
 400 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAli 
 
 Chap Lif 
 
 time on hand, eagerly sought this market. A brisk trade, very 
 hicrative to the New-Orleans merchant, was carried on be* 
 iween that city and Pensacola ; by means of which the Brit- 
 ish became possessed of accurate information respecting its 
 strength, resources, means of defence, and most assailable 
 points. They also were enabled to obtain abundant supplies 
 from the city itself, for the army and navy destined for its de- 
 struction. General Jackson, who, when an important object 
 was to be obtained, never doubted -his constitutional powers, 
 immediately arrested this intercourse ; and prohibited all 
 commerce between the two places. 
 
 Pirates of Barrataria. Nicholas next effort was to form 
 u treaty between the British government, and a gang of 
 pirates estabUshed at Barrataria, and several other small 
 islands near the mouth of the Mississippi. On these islands, 
 or rather sand-banks, about forty miles to the westward of the^ 
 Balize, and near the Louisiana shore, a desperate band of 
 pirates had seated themselves, and under the Carthagenian 
 Hag, but without authority or countenance from any govern- 
 ment, were committing depredations on all vessels that came 
 within their reach. They had been suffered to continue here 
 for about two years, and had accumulated a force of fifteen or 
 twenty small vessels, and eight hundred men, deserters and 
 fugitives of every description, and of all nations and colours. 
 Their leader was a renegado Frenchman, by the name of La- 
 fitte ; they had fortified themselves with twenty pieces of can- 
 non, and were enriching themselves with an indiscriminate 
 plunder of British, Spanish, French, and American vessels. 
 To this horde of pirates, the British commandant from Pensa- 
 cola, addressed himself, proposing to take them into service, 
 promising to their chief the rank and pay of captain, and to 
 his followers, lands in the conquered colonies in proportion to 
 their rank and meritorious services. ■ 
 
 With this address. Commodore Piercy, commandant of the 
 British squadron at Pensacola, despatched captain Locker 
 in the Sophia to Barrataria, demanding of Lafitte the restitu- 
 
IB 14. 
 
 UISTOHV OF THE LATE WAK. 
 
 401 
 
 tioii of British vessels and property in his possession, and 
 threatening destruction to his establishment, in case of re- 
 fusal ; at the same time proposing to him to unite with them 
 ill the war against the United States, and promising to him 
 and his followers security to their establishment, the blessings 
 of the British constitution, and lands to their satisfaction at 
 the conclusion of the war : In return for these advantages, 
 their armed vessels and crews were to be taken into the Brit- 
 ish service, and for which they were to be remunerated. 
 They were also required to cease all hostilities against the 
 Spaniards, and restore all Spanish property in their pos- 
 session. The pirates rejected these terms, and the British 
 failed of obtaining the aid of these aUies. While these nego^- 
 tiations were going on between the Barratarians andihe Brit- 
 ish, the American government took a different, and more 
 cftectual course with the pirates. On the 1 1th of September, 
 Commodore Patterson, commandant of the American squad- 
 ron at New-Orleans, sailed out of the Mississippi at the south- 
 west passage, and on the 16th, appeared before Barrataria 
 with six gunboats, a launch, a tender and the schooner 
 Caroline. At nine o'clock, A. M. the pirates were seen 
 forming their vessels, ten in number, in line of battle neai" the 
 entrance of their harbour. Commodore Patterson having 
 learned that there was a considerable number of deserters 
 umong the pirates from the American army and navy, who 
 \yere desirous of returning to their duty, if they could be asr 
 sured of a pardon, hoisted a large white flag at the mainmast,, 
 bearing the words, PARDON TO DESERTERS, in capitals. 
 At half past eleven, the commodore entered the harbour after 
 grounding several times, and drew up near the pirates, when 
 lie perceived that they had abandoned their vessels, set 'fire 
 to two of their best schooners, and were flying in every direc- 
 tion, lie immediately took possession of their navy, consist- 
 ing of six schooners, one felucca, one brig, and two other 
 armed schooners under the Carthagenian flag ; comprising 
 all the cruisers and prizes of the pirates then in port. .At the 
 
 .51 
 
 ill 
 
 1 'f! 
 
1 i 
 
 I ■ 
 
 fi > 
 
 4iH 
 
 UlSTOnY OF THE LATE WAR, 
 
 CifAr. 1». 
 
 same time, Colonel Koss, with a detachment of seventy men 
 gf the 44th regiment, who accompanied Commodore Patter- 
 son, landed, and took possession of and destroyed their estab- 
 lishment on shore, consisting of about forty houses of differ- 
 ent sizes, badly constructed, and thatched with Palmetto 
 leaves. On the 20th, Commodore Patterson captured another 
 vessel coming into the harbour, bearing the Carthagenian 
 flag, and belonging to the pirates. On the 23d, the^ whole 
 squ^tdron now consisting of seventeen sail, got under weigh, 
 entered the south-west passage on the 24th, and on the 1st of 
 October arrived at New-Orleans without the los» of a man. 
 This expedition entirely annihilated this piratical establish- 
 ment. The gang dispersed themselves in var ious directions 
 many who had deserted from the American army and navy 
 returned to New-Orleans, received the President's pardon, 
 atid distinguished themselves in the defence of that city. 
 
 Expedition against fort Boyer, The next object of the 
 British land and naval forces at Pensacola, was fort Boyer, 
 on Mobile point, at the entrance of the bay. This fort was 
 erected by the Americans after they had taken possession 
 of the town and territory of Mobile, in the year 1812, to pro- 
 tect the navigation of the bay and river. It is situated on a 
 bluff point, Ivhich commands the main entrance, opposite 
 Dauphine Island, at the mouth of the bay; and was garrison- 
 ed by one hundred and flfty^-eight men, under the command 
 of MaJOT Lawrence. At noon, on the 1 5th of September, the 
 British squadron from Pensacola, under Commodore Piercy. 
 appeared* before the fort, and commenced an attack : the 
 actron continued without intermission until seven, when one 
 of the ships, and two brigs were driven off. The commodore's 
 ship Hermes, mounting twenty-two thirty-two pounders, an- 
 chored nearest the battery. Her cable was cut by a shot 
 from the fort, and being otherwise much damaged, she drifted 
 otv share, was set fire to and abandoned by hei new, and 
 blew up. The forces under Captain Woodbine, consisting of 
 9n« kundred warincg, and two hundred Creek Indians, land- 
 
 -V 
 
 
xni. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAK. 
 
 403 
 
 
 cd and erected a battery in the rear of the fort. This was 
 silenced, and the troops dispersed by a few grape-shot. The 
 whole armament the next day left the ground and returned to 
 Pensacola^ 
 
 This establishment of the British in the Floridas, so con- 
 venient for them to supply the Indians, and encourage their 
 hostilities, and so injurious to the United States, General 
 Jackson determined on his own responsibility to break up. 
 The Spanish authorities claimed that national law regards 
 neutral territory as inviolable, admits no hostile acts between 
 the belligerents, nor permits either to pursue or attack the 
 other thereon. The same principles allow the neutral to 
 open his ports and harbours equally to both belligerents. 
 While therefore Spain did not refuse the same accommodation 
 to the Americans, she could not be accused of a breach, of 
 neutrality in permitting the British to rendezvous at Peosaca- 
 ia, however injurious it might be to the interests of the United 
 States. To this it was answered that as sho had not caused 
 her rights a» a neutral to be respected by the British in the 
 case of the Essex at Valparaiso, but had suffered them to be 
 grossly violated, to the injury of the Americans ; she could not 
 now complain if they availed themselves of the same pri- 
 vilege of attacking their enemy while on her territory. What 
 course it might be expedient to pursue in relation to this sub- 
 ject wds a cjuestior, exclusively for the American government 
 to determine'. ^ 
 
 Pensacota taken by General Jackson. Without waiting how- 
 ever for this determination. General Jackson, on the 6th of 
 November, appeared before the town of Pensacola with the 
 regulars q^the 3d, 39th, and 44th regiments of infantry, part 
 of General Coffee's brigade, the Mississippi dragoons, part of 
 the west Tenessee regiment, and the Choctaws under Major 
 Blue. On his approach, he sent Major Pierce with a flag, to 
 communicate the object jo( his visit to the governor. As the 
 flag approached fort St. George, then occupied by British 
 9nd Spanish troops, it was fired up^n and compelled 1*4 rt^ 
 
 m 
 
 I 
 
 ;iti 
 
K I 
 
 404 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. J 9. 
 
 turn. The Americans encamped on ihc west of the town, 
 and in order to induce a belief that the attack would com- 
 mence on that quarter, the mounted men were paraded md 
 sent out on the morning of the 7th. While the attention of the 
 British was directed to them, the main body passed in rear 
 of the fort to the cast side of the town, where they appeared 
 in full view, at'a mile's distance. In this position there was a 
 strong fort in possession of the British ready to assail them on 
 the right, seven armed ships on the left, and strong block- 
 houses and batteries in front. General Jackson led on his 
 men|^with firmness, and entered the town, when a battery 
 opened upon his centre column composed of the regulars, 
 with ball and grape, while at the same time they were assailed 
 by a shower of musketry from the houses and gardens. Cap- 
 tain Leval with his company, immediately stormed and took 
 the battery, while the enemy's musketry were silenced by a 
 steady and well directed fire of the regulars. The governor 
 now came out, and met Colonels Williamson and Smith, who 
 led the dismounted volunteers, with a flag, and surrendered the 
 town and fort unconditionally. The fort was taken posses- 
 sion of at twelve o'clock at night ; and protection granted to 
 the persons and property of the citizens of the town. On the 
 morning of the 8th, General Jackson was prejraring to storm 
 the Barancas, a fortress six miles from the town, which com- 
 manded the entrance of the harbour, and in the hands of the 
 Americans could have enabled them to prevent the escape of 
 the British ships, when a tremendous explosion gave notice 
 that the fortress with its appendages was blown up. To save 
 the shipping, the British had compelled the Spaniards to con- 
 sent to the destruction of this post, the most impoflant in the 
 Floridas. A detachment of two hundred men were sent to 
 examine the ruins, who reported that every thing combustible 
 was burned, the cannon spiked and dismounted and the Bri- 
 tish gone to their ships. At the approach of General Jack- 
 son, the hostile Indians fled across the bay. The American 
 gejioral, having assured the Spaniards that any injury done to 
 
t>'HAP. 18. 
 
 1814. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 405 
 
 le town, 
 W com- 
 tJed ind 
 'on of iho 
 d in rear 
 appeared 
 re was a 
 them on 
 g block- 
 d on hi.s 
 battery 
 regulars, 
 ' assailed 
 ns. Cap- 
 and took 
 ced by a 
 governor 
 lilh, who 
 dered the 
 n posses - 
 '•anted to 
 On the 
 to storm 
 ich coni- 
 rls of the 
 scape of 
 c notice 
 To save 
 > to cou- 
 nt in the 
 sent to 
 bustible 
 the Bri- 
 1 Jack- 
 nerican 
 done to 
 
 private property should be compensated by the American 
 government, withdrew his troops from the Spanish territory, 
 and returned to Tensaw on tlie 13lh of November, leaving u 
 strong impression of the bravery and firmness of the American 
 troops. 
 
 The success of this enterprise, and its beneficial effects to 
 the United States, precluded all inquiry into the real charac- 
 ter of the transaction. It was in effect making war upon Spain, 
 by an American general, without the authority of Congress, 
 or the executive. Under other circumstances, it might have 
 involved the country in war with that nation, or the govern- 
 ment must have disavowed the transaction, dismissed the gen- 
 eral, and made restitution. But Spain was at this time in no 
 condition to resist either British or American aggressions. 
 
 New-Orleans, Towards the close of the year 1814, the 
 attention of the British and Americans, was drawn from all 
 minor opperations of the war, to the attack and defence ot 
 New-Orleans. This city is situated on the east bank of the 
 Mississippi, one hundred miles from its mouth. Forty miles 
 up the river, is Detour Plaguemine, where there is a consider- 
 able bend in the river, so that the same wind which brings a 
 ship into this bend, will not serve to carry it further up. Fort 
 St. Phillips, is erected on a point of land formed by this 
 bend, and commands the passage. A ship of war entering 
 it must lie to, within reach of the guns of this fort, until a 
 change of wind enables her to proceed up the river ; by rea- 
 son of marshes, the fort is inaccessible by land. This posi- 
 tion is the principal defence of the city from an attack by sea. 
 Forty miles above this, is the Detour I'Anglois, or English 
 town, situate in a similar form, but not fortified. From this 
 to the city is a high embankment, or dyke, on the margin of the 
 river, to prevent its overflowing the adjacent country : the 
 surface of this embankment, forms a convenient road. One 
 hundred miles above the city, is an outlet from the river on its 
 east bank, which is denominated the river Iberville, and com- 
 municates with lake Pontchartrain, through lake Maurepa??. 
 
 'W| 
 
 li<^ 
 
40U 
 
 lilSTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 (JUAP. 11*. 
 
 [i I 
 
 tJ 
 
 Lake Pontcharlrain, by a narrow pass, communicates with 
 lake Borgne, and this with the gulf of IVIcxico. The land en- 
 circled by these waters, forms the Island of Orleans, and is 
 low, level, and swampy, intersected with numerous bayous or 
 creeks, and much of it lower than the surface of the river. 
 The outlet from lake Pontchartrain to lake Borgne, is about 
 four miles in length. For the defence of this passage, a small 
 fortress had been erected, called Petit Coquille. General 
 Wilkinson, while he commanded at New-Orleans, having been 
 directed to present a plan for the defence of the city; and con- 
 sidering that the probable course which an enemy designing 
 an attack, would take, must be through this passage, and up 
 the Bayou St. John, which would bring them directly before 
 the city, advised that the fortification at the Petit Coquille, be 
 enlarged and provided with sixty pieces of heavy ordnance, 
 and an adequate garrison. His plan was never adopted ; but 
 the enemy having obtained possession of it, and believkng il 
 to have been executed, were deterred from making their at- 
 tack at that point. At the entrance of lake Borgne into the 
 gulf of Mexico, are a number of small islands, the principal ol 
 which is Ship or Pine Island, where there is a harbour. Al 
 this place, and at every entrance into the lake from the gulf, 
 f he water is shoal, and will not admit of ses. vessels. 
 
 The city of New-Orleans is the natural, and only conven- 
 ient place of deposite on the Mississippi, which furnishes an 
 outlet for one half the territory of the United States, contain- 
 ing one quarter of its population. The productions of the 
 country above, are transported in rafts, boats, and various 
 river craft, to this city, whence they are shipped in sea ves- 
 sels to distant markets. Its situation rendered it the most im- 
 portant point of attack which the United States presented. 
 At this period, vast quantities of sugar, cotton, tobacco, and 
 other productions were accumulated here, which the war had 
 prevented from being exported, and now promised a rich har- 
 vest of plunder. These circumstances rendered this city an 
 important object to the British government, either as a per- 
 
1iii4. 
 
 HISTORY OV THE LATB WAW. 
 
 manenl conquest, or a subject of negotiation. Thu 
 cumstances rendered its defence, at all hazards, an lu, .)erious 
 duty on the part of the United States. 
 
 Preparation for the Attack. After the British fleet left thr 
 Chesapeake, they repaired to Jamaica for the purpose of re- 
 <'ruiting, obtaining supplies, and concentrating their forces. 
 At this place, and at Bermuda, the whole British force, which 
 could be spared from the Atlantic coast, from Halifax to 
 Georgia, rendezvoused in the month of November for the 
 New-Orleans expedition : large reinforcements were also 
 ordered from England, under General Packenham, furnished 
 not only with the means of war, but also with printing-presses, 
 custom-house and civil officers ; and every thing incident to 
 a permanent establishment. On the 20th of November, this 
 formidable armament, consisting of upwards of sixty sail, 
 1 eft the West Indies for the gulf of Mexico; and on the 18th 
 of December rendezvoused in the neighbourhood of Ship 
 Island, at the entrance of lake Borgne. ' '^ 
 
 Embassy to the Choctaws, Colonel Nicholl had represent- 
 ed to the British commander, that he could obtain powerful 
 aid from the lower Choctaws on the Apalachicola. For this 
 purpose he was despatched at the head of an embassy to 
 engage their assistance. They arrived on the 4th at the prin- 
 cipal Indian village, consisting of about forty huts, composed 
 of reeds and branches of trees, erected in the heart of a wood 
 a small distance from the shore. The men sat in the doors of 
 the huts in a state of indolence, their elbows resting on theif 
 kn«es, and their chins on their hands, in perfect silence, each 
 one appearing absorbed in his own contemplations. The 
 women were engaged in carrying water, splitting wood, light- 
 ing fires, and cooking provisions, while numerous children 
 were playing and quarrelling round the huts. On the approach 
 of the embassy, the chief, an elderly and infirm man, and the 
 principal warrior, a man of about forty, of a fierce and savage 
 countenance, rose up and came out to meet them. They 
 
 «■• 
 
 r 
 
 "t 
 
 i 
 
408 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 CUAV. \ft. 
 
 were dressed in builalo hides, uilh a loose scarf of cotton 
 »hrown over one shoulder, and wrapped round their loins : 
 the chief had two broad pieces of gold suspended from his 
 ears, and bracelets of the same metal round his wrist.v; the 
 warrior's cars were ornamented with silver rings, and a whole 
 Spanish dollar suspended from his nose. Colonel Nicholl 
 was well acquainted with these men, and introduced the other 
 members of the embassy : the Indians extended the hand of 
 friendship to them, and conducted them lo the largest hut m 
 the town. By this time the other warriors were roused from 
 their lethargy and crowded about them, so that in a few 
 minutes they were surrounded with upwards of a hundred 
 savages, holding in their hands their uplifted tomahawks, and 
 fheir scalping knives suspended from a belt fastened round 
 their middle. Having made known their business, the em- 
 bassy were informed that nothing could be done until after 
 the feast. English and Indians were then all seated on thr- 
 grass, and the provisions consisting of buffalo flesh, just warm- 
 ed and swimming in blood, with cakes of Indian corn, were 
 brought in the hands of Indian women, and laid on the 
 tnrf ; the warriors drawing their scalping knives from their 
 belts, cut off slices, and holding the flesh in one han d and th': 
 cake in the other, devoured their repast. Out of respect to 
 their guests, the Indian women had prepared a minced dish, 
 which was laid upon dried buffalo hides ; of this also the 
 Indians ate heartily, dipping in their hands, and in this 
 manner conveying the food to their mouths. When the rem- 
 nants were removed, and the women were making their scanty 
 meal of the crumbs, a supply of rum which the English fur- 
 nished was produced ; after liberal potations, the taciturnity 
 which the Indians had hitherto observed, gave way ; and all 
 speaking together, each endeavoured to drown the voices of 
 his companions by elevating his own, until it ended in a con- 
 tinued shout. Springing from the ground where they had 
 hitherto continued sitting cross legged, their activity and me- 
 
 \h f 
 
 1: ( ; 
 
1114. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAK. 
 
 409 
 
 nacing gestures threatened blood-shed. The result of the 
 conference h as that no assistance could be aflbrdcd theEng- 
 lish. General Jackson's name was a terror to the Indians of 
 the south : and these poor Choctaws learning that if they 
 joined the Fnglish, they would have to meet him again before 
 New-OrKans, refused their aid. ( lonel Niclu;!! was 
 obliged to return to the fleet with only two Indians whom he 
 persuaded t - accompany him. .» » 
 
 Defence of Kexo-Orltans. General Jackson, with the reg- 
 ular troops from the Mobile and Mississippi territory, arrived 
 at New-Orleans on the 2d of December, and put in operation 
 the most rigorous measures of defence. The militia of Lou- 
 isiana and Mississippi were ordered out en maase^ and large 
 detachments from Tennessee and Kentucky. From a pre- 
 vious correspondence with Governor Claiborne, General 
 Jackson had been informed that the city corps had for the 
 most part, refused obedience to the orders which he had given 
 to turn out on the requisition of General Flournoy ; that they 
 had been encouraged in their disobedience by the legislature 
 of the State, who were then in session in the cityj 
 that, although there were many faithful citizens in New- 
 Orleans, there were many others, whose attachment to the 
 United States could not be confided in ; and should the city be 
 attacked, they must principally depend upon the regular 
 troops, and the militia of the western states for defence. 
 Many of the citizens, the governor observes, are devoted to 
 the interests of Spain ; and whose hostility to the English is 
 no less observable than their dislike to the American gov- 
 ernment. Native Americans, native Louisianians, French- 
 men, Spaniards, and English compose the population ; among 
 them there exists much jealousy, and as great a difference in 
 political sentiment as in their language and habits. 
 
 In addition to this communication, on the 8th of September, 
 the governor writes, " There is great reason to fear a much 
 greater disaffection that 1 had anticipated. The garrison 
 
 52 . , , 
 
 •>,.. !> 
 
110 
 
 inSTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap 10- 
 
 here is alarmingly weak, and from the great mixture of per- 
 sons and character in this cify, wo have much to apprehend, 
 from within as well as without. In arresting the intercourse 
 between New-Orleans and Pensacola, you have done right. 
 That place is in fact an enemy's post ; and had our commer- 
 cial intercourse continued, the supplies furnished the enemy 
 would have so much exhausted our own stock of provisions, 
 as to have occasioned the most serious inconvenience to our- 
 selves. I was on the point of taking on myself the prohibition 
 of the trade to Pensacola, and should have issued a pro- 
 clamation for that purpose, the very day I heard of your inter- 
 position. Enemies to the country may blame you for the 
 very prompt and energetic measures you have taken ; but in 
 the person of every patriot you will find a supporter. I am 
 aware of the lax police of the city, <ind indeed throughout thf 
 state, with respect to the visits of strangers. 1 think with you 
 that our country is filled with spies and traitors." 
 
 Martial Law proclaimed. On his arrival in the city. General 
 Jackson found these sentiments of the governor fully justified: 
 and on consultation with him, in conjunction with Judge Hall, 
 and many influential persons of the city, on the 16th of De- 
 cember, issued an order, declaring the city and environs of 
 New-Orleans to be under strict martial law. Every individ- 
 ual entering the city was required to report himself to th'; 
 adjutant-general, and no person by land or water was suffer- 
 ed to leave the city without a passport. The street lamps 
 were ordered to be extinguished at nine o'clock ; after which 
 any persons found in the streets, or from their homes without, 
 permission in writing, and not having the countersign, were 
 ordered to be apprehended as spies.* This measure at once 
 converted the whole city into a camp, and subjected the per- 
 sons and property of the citizens to the will of the command- 
 
 ,, '' General Jacksoa's order of the 16lh of December, 1814, 
 
1814. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 411 
 
 ing general. Writs of habeas corpus, and all other civil 
 process by means of which the lives and properties of the 
 people are protected, were for the time suspended. Such was 
 the alarm and confusion of the moment, that few inquiries 
 were made whence the commanding general of a military 
 station derived such powers, to be exercised over the inhab- 
 itants of the adjacent country, in nowise connected with his 
 camp. Although the brilliant success which afterwards at- 
 tended the operations of General Jackson seemed to justify 
 the measure ; yet the people saw in it a precedent, which 
 though it might have saved New-Orleans, might at some 
 future period extinguish their liberties. A most rigid police 
 was now instituted. Spies and traitors, with which the gover- 
 nor complained the city abounded, and who had been indus- 
 triously employed in seducing the French and Spanish inhab- 
 itants from their allegiance, now fled ; and the remaining cit- 
 izens cordially co-operated with the general in the means of 
 defence. Fort St. Philips which guarded the passage of the 
 river at the Detour la Plaqucmine, was strengthened and 
 placed under the command of Major Overton, an able and 
 skilful engineer. A siite was selected tor works of defence, 
 four miles below the city, where its destinies were ultimately 
 to be determined. The right rested on the river, and the left 
 was flanked by an impenetrable cypress swamp, which ex- 
 tended eastward to lake Pontchartrain, and westward to within 
 a mile of the river. Between the swamp and the river was a 
 large ditch or artificial bayou which had been made for agri- 
 cultural objects, but which now served an important military 
 purpose. On the northern bank of this ditch, the entrench- 
 ments were thrown up, and large quantities of cotton bales so 
 arranged, as that the troops could be ettectually protected 
 from the enemy's fire. Each flank was secured by an ad- 
 vance bastion ; and the latter protected by batteries in the 
 rear. These works were well mounted with artillery. Op- 
 posite this position, on the west bank of the river, on a rising 
 ground. General Morgan, v/ith the city and drafted militia, was 
 
 4^ 
 
 J 
 
412 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 CiiAP. V,r 
 
 Stationed ; and Commodore Patterson, with the crews of the 
 Caroline and Louisiana, and the guns of the latter, formed an- 
 other, near General Morgan's ; botii which entirely enfiladed 
 the approach of an enemy against the principal works. A 
 detachment was stationed above the town to guard the pass 
 of the Bayou St. John, if an attempt should be made from that 
 quarter. These arrangements, promptly and judiciously 
 made, gave entire confidence to the citizens, and inspired 
 them with zeal to second the general's exertions. Reinforce- 
 ments were daily arriving, and as they arrived, were immedi- 
 ately conducted to their respective stations. 
 
 Landing of the British. In the meantime, the British were 
 actively employed in making preparations for the attack ; be- 
 lieving the pass from lake Borgne to lake Pontchartrain, to 
 be defended according to General Wilkinson's plan by the 
 fortress of Petit Coquille, they determined to land from lake 
 Borgne, by the bayou Bienvenue. For this purpose they 
 concentrated their forces on Ship island, eighty miles distant 
 from the contemplated place of landing. The depth of water 
 in lake Borgne, was such <hat this distance could be traversed 
 only by boats and small craft, and must necessarily be passed 
 several times in order to bring up the whole armament. The 
 first object of the British general, was to clear the lake of the 
 American gun-boats ; and for this purpose, forty British 
 launches were sent in pursuit of them, and, after a desperate 
 resistance, captured and destroyed the whole American flotilla, 
 stationed On lake Borgne and Pontchartrain, for the defence 
 of New-Orleans, consisting of five gun-boats, and a small 
 sloop and schooner. By this success, they obtained the un- 
 disturbed possession of the lake ; and on the 22d of Decem- 
 ber, proceeded from their rendezvous on Ship island, with all 
 their boats and small craft capable of navigating the lake, to 
 the bayou Bienvenue ; and having surprised and captured the 
 videttes at the mouth of bayou, the first division accom- 
 plished their landing unobserved. Major General Villiere, 
 nf the New-Orleans militia, liviri^ on the bayou, to whom the 
 
 I , 
 
5314. 
 
 HISTORY or TilE LATE WAR. 
 
 4 1. 1 
 
 important service of making the first attack, and giving notice 
 of the enemy's approach was intrusted, found them on his 
 plantation, nine miles below ihe city, without any previous 
 knowledge of their approach. 
 
 Skirmishes of the 23rf. Notice was immediately given to Gen- 
 eral Jackson, who came out and attacked them on the evening 
 of the 23d. In this affair, the British sustained a loss, in killed, 
 wounded, and missing, of five hundred. The British entrench- 
 ed themselves at the Bienvenue plantation, four miles from 
 the American camp, making the plantation house in the rear 
 of their works, their head-quarters. General Jackson estab- . 
 lished his head-quarters, at M'Carty's plantation, on the bank 
 of the river, and in full view of the British encampment. Two 
 armed schooners, the Caroline and Louisiana, constituting all 
 the American naval force on the river, dropped down from the 
 city, anchored opposite the British encampment, and opened 
 a brisk fire upon their lines with considerable effect. On the 
 27th, the Caroline, Captain Henley, got becalmed within reach 
 of the British batteries, and was set fire to, and destroyed by 
 their hot shot : the other succeeded in getting out of their 
 reach. On the 28th, the British advanced within half a mile 
 of the American lines, and opened a fire of shells and rockets ; 
 but were driven bark by the artillery with considerable loss. 
 On the night of the 31 st of December, the enemy again ad- 
 vanced within six hundred yards of General Jackson^s posi- 
 tion, and erected three batteries, mounting fifteen guns, and 
 at eight o'clock in the morning, opened a heavy fire. In the 
 course of the day, under cover of these batteries, three unsuc- 
 cessful attempts were made to storm the American works. 
 By four in the afternoon, all their batteries were silenced, and 
 in the following night, they returned to their former position. 
 On the 4th of January, General Adair arrived, with four thou- 
 sand Kentucky militia, principally without arms. The 
 muskets, and munitions of war destined for the supply of this 
 corps, were provided at Pittsburgh, and did not leav« that 
 place until the 25th of December ; passed Louisville the 6th 
 
414 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 19< 
 
 U i 
 
 of January, and arrived at New-Orleans, several days alter 
 ihc battle of the 8th. On the 6th, the last reinforcement of 
 three thousand men arrived from England, under Major Gen- 
 eral Lambert. Before the final assault on the American lines, 
 the British general deemed it necessary to dislodge General 
 Morgan and Commodore Patterson, from their positions on 
 the right bank. These posts so effectually enfiladed the ap- 
 proach to General Jackson's works, that the army advancing 
 to the assault, must be exposed to the most imminent hazard. 
 To accomplish this object, boats were to be transported across 
 the island from lake Borgne to the Mississippi ; for this pur- 
 pose the British had been laboriously employed in deepening 
 and widening the canal or bayou Bienvenue, on which they 
 first disembarked. On the 7th, they succeeded in opening 
 the embankment on the river, and completing a communica- 
 tion from the lake to the Mississippi. In pushing the boats 
 through, it was found at some places, that the canal was not 
 of sufficient width, and at others the banks fell in and choked 
 the passage which necessarily occasioned great delay, and 
 increase of labour. At length, however, they succeeded in 
 hauling through a sufficient number to transport five hundred 
 troops to the right bank. At dawn of day on the 8th, was 
 the period fixed for the final assault on the American lines. 
 Colonel ThcH^nton, was detached with five hundred men, to 
 cross the river, and attack the batteries on that side, at the 
 same time that the main assault was to be made, of which he 
 was to be informed by a signal rocket. The American general 
 had detached Colonel Davis, with three hundred Kentucky 
 militia, badly armed, to reinforce General Morgan. These 
 were immediately ordered to the water edge, to oppose the 
 enemy's landing. Unable in their situation to contend with a 
 superior force of regular troops well armed, they soon broke 
 and fled, and the Louisiana militia at General Morgan's bat- 
 tery followed their example. Commodore Patterson's marine 
 battery, being now unprotected, his crews were obliged to 
 ^yield to an overwhelming force, and the British succeeded in 
 
 t; I 
 
1814. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 4U 
 
 silencing both ; but the opposition Colonel Thornton met 
 with prevented this operation from being completed, until 
 the contest was nearly ended on the opposite side of the river. 
 Victory of the Qth. At day-light on the morning of the 8th, 
 the main body of the British, under their commander in chief, 
 General Packcnham, were seen advancing from their encamps 
 ment to storm the American lines. On the preceding eve- 
 ning, they had erected a battery within eight hundred 
 yards, which now opened a brisk fire to protect their advance. 
 The British came on in two columns, the left along the levee 
 on the bank of the river, directed against the American right, 
 while their right advanced to the swamp, with a view to turn 
 GeneralJaickson's left. The country being a perfect level, 
 and the view unobstructed, their march Was observed from it& 
 commencement. They were suffered to approach in silence 
 and unmolested, until within three hundred yards of the lines. 
 This period of suspense and expectation was employed by 
 General Jackson and his officers, in stationing every man at 
 his post, and arranging every thing for the decisive event. 
 When the British columns had advanced within three hundred 
 yards of the lines, the whole artillery at once opened upon 
 them a most deadly fire. Forty pieces of cannon deeply 
 charged with grape, canister, and musket balls, mowed them 
 down by hundreds, at the same time the batteries on the west 
 bank opened their fire, while the riflemen in perfect security 
 behind their works, as the British advanced took deliberate 
 aim, and nearly every shot took effect. Through this destruc- 
 tive fire, the British left column, under the immediate orders 
 of the commander in chief, rushed on with their fascines, and 
 scaling ladders to the advance bastion on the American right, 
 and succeeded in mounting the parapet ; here, after a close 
 conflict with the bayonet, they succeeded in obtaining posses- 
 sion of the bastion ; when the battery planted in the rear for 
 its protection, opened its fire, and drove the British from the 
 -ground. On the American left, the British attempted to pass 
 the swamp, and gain the rear, but the works had been extend- 
 
 
416* 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap, lo. 
 
 \i i 
 
 ed as far into the swamp as the ground would permit. Some 
 who attempted it, sunk in the miFe and disappeared ; those 
 behind seeing the fate of their companions, seasonably re- 
 treated and gained the hard ground. The assault continued 
 an hour and a quarter : daring the whole time the British were 
 exposed to the deliberate, and destructive fire of the Ameri- 
 can artillery and musketry, which lay in perfect security be- 
 hind their breastworks of cotton bales, which no balls could 
 penetrate. At eight o^clock, the British columns drew off in 
 confusion, and retreated behind their works. Flushed with 
 success, the militia were eager to pursue the British troops to 
 their entrenchments, and drive them inniiediately from the 
 island. A less prudent and accomplished general might 
 have been induced to yield to the indiscreet ardour of his 
 troops ; but General Jackson, understood too well the nature 
 both of his own, and his enemy^s force, to'^hazard f jch an at- 
 tempt. Defeat must inevitably have attended an assault 
 made by raw militia, upon an entrenched camp of British reg- 
 ulars. The defence of New-Orleans was the object ; nothing 
 was to be hazarded which would jeopardize the city. The 
 British were suffered to retire behind their works without mo- 
 lestation. The result was such as might be expected from 
 the different positions of the two armies. General Packen- 
 feam, niear thexrest of the glacis, received a ball in his knee. 
 Still continuing to lead on his men, another shot pierced his 
 body, and he was cari'ied off" the field. Nearly at the same 
 time, Major General Gibbs, the second in command, within a 
 few yards of the lines, received a mortal wound, and was re- 
 moved. The third in command. Major General Keane, at the 
 head of his troops near the glacis, was severely wounded. 
 The three commanding generals, on marshalling their troops 
 at five o^clock in the morning, promised them a plentiful din- 
 ner in New-Orleans, and gave them booty and beauty as the 
 parole and countersign of the day. Before eight o'clock, the 
 three generals were carried off" the field, two in the agonies of 
 death, and the third entirely disabled ; leaving upwards of 
 
 I; i 
 
tQU, 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR, 
 
 4n 
 
 two thousand of their men, deacl^ dying, and wounded, on the 
 field of battle. Colonel Raynor, who commanded the forlorn 
 hope which stormed the American bastion on the right, as he 
 was leading his men np, had the calf of his leg carried away 
 by a cannon shot. Disabled as he was, he was the first to mount 
 the parapet, and receive the American bayonet. Seven hun- 
 dred were killed on the field, fourteen hundred wounded, and 
 five hundred made prisoners, making a total on that day of 
 twenty-six hundred. But six Americans were killed, and 
 seven wounded. Of General Morgan's detachment on the 
 we&t bank, and in a sortie on the British lines, forty-niqe were 
 killed, and one hundred and seventy-eight wounded. 
 
 After the battle. General Lambert who had arrived firo© 
 England but two days before, and was now the only surviv- 
 ing general, requested a truce for the purpose of burying his 
 dead. This was granted until four o'clock in the alJternoonof 
 the ninth. Lines were drawn one hundred rods distant from the 
 American camp, within which the British were not permitted to 
 approach. In the ditch, and in front of the works, within the 
 prescribed lines, four hundred and eighty-two British dead 
 were })icked up by the American troops, and delivered to 
 their companions over the lines for burial. The afternoon of 
 the 8th, and the whole of the 9th, was spent by the British 
 army in burying their dead. The American centinels guard- 
 ing the lines dunng this interval, frequently repeated in the 
 hearing of the British, while tumbling their companion* by 
 hundreds into the pits, " Six killed, seven wounded," Genr 
 eral Lambert employed the first moments of the truce, in re- 
 calling Colonel Thornton's corps from the west bank. On 
 the 9th, General Lambert and Admiral Cochrane, >vith the 
 surviving officers of the army, held a council of war, and de* 
 termiived to abandon the expedition. To withdraw the troops 
 fi-om their position, and re-embark in the face of a victorious 
 enemy, presented an object of nearly as much difficulty and 
 hazard, as the first landing and attack. To accomplish thiSg 
 every appearance of a renewal of the assault was kept aor 
 
 53 
 
 r'l 
 
 1 1 
 
41& 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAK. 
 
 Chap. n*. 
 
 The British remained firm in their position, nnd presented a 
 menacing front until the 18th. 
 
 Bombardment of St. Philips, In order to induce a belief 
 that a united attack by land and water, was still intended, the 
 lighter ships ascended the river to the Detour la Plaquemine^ 
 and commenced a bombardment of fort St. Philips on the 
 9th, and continued it until the 17th. The ships, taking stations 
 out of the reach of the guns, commenced throwing shells into 
 the fort, and continued it with little intermission during the 
 •whole time. Major Overton, and the garrison under his com- 
 mand, sustained the attack with firmness and with little loss : 
 "but two were killed and seven wounded. On the 17lh, the 
 ships withdrew and joined the squadron off Ship island. This 
 attack on fort St. Philips answered the purpose of keeping 
 up the alarm at New-Orleans, and inducing a belief that an- 
 other attempt was intended. During the whole of this time, 
 the general and admiral were with the utmost secrecy and 
 silence, withdrawing and re-embarking their heavy artillery, 
 baggage, and stores. 
 
 Retreat of the British, On the night of the 1 8th, they broke 
 up their encampment, and commenced their retreat to the 
 place of their first landing. To accomphsh this with safety,, 
 it was necessary that the army should move in one body. 
 With this view, immediately after the battle of the 8th, large 
 working parties had been employed in constructing a road 
 through a quagmire, for a considerable distance along the 
 margin of the bayou ; by binding together large quantities of 
 reeds, and laying them across the mire ; in the course of nine 
 days, these parties had constructed something resembhng a 
 road from their encampment, to the place of debarkation* 
 Along this insecure tract, the British army silently stole their 
 march in the night of the t8th of January .^ By the treading 
 of the first corps, the bundles of reeds gave way, and their 
 blowers had to wade up to their knees in mire. Several per- 
 ished in the sloughs^ the darkness of the night preventing their 
 companions from affording relief. At the mouth of the bayou 
 
mxi. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 41^ 
 
 were a few huts which atVordcil shelter for fishermen, in the 
 season of catching fish fortlie New-Orleans market ; here the 
 troops halted and bivouacked previous to their embarkation. 
 Their provisions being exhausted, a few crumbs of biscuit, 
 and a small allowance of rum was their only support. Here 
 they were eighty miles from their ships, the whole of which 
 distance they had to traverse in small open boats ; and hav- 
 ing biit few of these, the embarkation occupied ten days. On 
 the 27 Lh, the whole land and naval forces which remained of 
 this disastrous expedition, to their great joy, found themselves 
 on board their ships. Their ranks thinned, their chiefs and 
 many of their companions slam, their bodies emaciated with 
 hunger, fatigue,and sickness ; they gladly quitted this inauspi- 
 cious country. The surviving commanding general observes, 
 " that the services of both army and navy, since their landing 
 on this coast, have been arduous beyond any thing he ever 
 before witnessed, and difficulties have been got over with au 
 assiduity and perseverance beyond example by all ranks.'' 
 A British officer of distinction, an actor in the scene, thus de- 
 scribes his tour from the encampment to the embarkation. 
 ^' For some time,our route lay along the high road beside the 
 brink of the river, and was agreeable enough ; but as soon as 
 we began to enter upon the path through the marsh, all com- 
 fort was at an end. Being constructed of materials so slight, and 
 resting upon a foundation so infirm, the treading of the first 
 corps unavoidably beat it to pieces : those which followed 
 were therefore compelled to flounder on in the best way they 
 could ; and by the time the rear of the column gained the mo- 
 rass, all trace of a way had entirely disappeared. But not 
 only were the reeds torn asunder and sunk by the pressure of 
 those who had gone before, but the bog itself which at first 
 might have furnished a few spots of firm footing, was trodden 
 into the consistency of mud. The consequence was, that 
 every step sunk us to the knees, and frequently higher. Near 
 the ditches, indeed, many spots occurred which we had the 
 utmost difficulty of crossing at all ; and as the night was dark, 
 
 '. I ;'« 
 
 
420 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 CHAf. 19 4 
 
 there being no moon, nor any light, cxccjU what the stars sup- 
 plied, it was difficult to select our steps, or even to follow 
 those who called to us that thoy were sale on the other side. 
 At one of these places, I myself beheld an unfortunate wretch 
 gradually sink, until he totally disappeared. 1 saw him 
 flounder in, heard him cry for lielp, and ran forward with in- 
 tention of saving him ; but before I had taken a second step, 
 I myself sunk at once as high as the breast. I could feel no 
 solid bottom under me, and continued slowly to go deeper and 
 deeper, till the mud reached my arms. Instead of endeav- 
 ouring to help the poor soldier, of whom nothing now could 
 be seen except the head and hands, 1 was forced to beg as- 
 sistance for myself, when a leathern canteen strap being 
 thrown me, I laid hold of it, and was dragged out just as my 
 fellow-sufferer becamfe invisible. Over roads such as these? 
 did we continue oUr march during the whole of the night, and 
 in the morning arrived at a place called Fishermen's huts, 
 consisting of a clump of mud-built cottages, standing by the 
 edge of the water, on a part of the morass rather more firm 
 than the rest. Here we were ordered to halt ; wearied with 
 exertions, and oppressed with want of sleep, 1 threw myself 
 on the ground without so much as taking off my muddy gar- 
 ments^ and in an instant al) cares and troubles were forgotten. 
 Nor did 1 awake from that deep slumber for many hours; 
 nrheh I arose, cold and stiff, and addressed myself to the last 
 morsel of salt pork my wallet contained. Without tents or 
 huts of any description, our bed was the morass, and our only 
 covering the clothes which had not quitted our backs for more 
 than a month ; our fires were composed solely of reeds, which 
 like straw, soon blaze up and expire again, without com- 
 municating any degree of warmth. But above all, our pro- 
 Visionis were expended, and from what quarter an immediate 
 supply was to be obtained, we could not discbver; Our sole 
 dependence was upon the boats. Of these a flotilla lay ready 
 to refceiv^ us, jn which were already embarked the black 
 corps; and the 44th ; but they had brought^ with them only foo(^ 
 
 1 i|. 
 
 lit J- 
 
1814. 
 
 HISTORY OF THi: LA IK WAll. 
 
 42> 
 
 for their own use, it was therefore necessary that they should 
 I'cach the fleet and return again before we could be supplieil. 
 But as the nearest shipping was eighty miles distant, and the 
 weather might become boisterous, or the winds obstinate, we 
 might starve before any supply couhJ arrive. As soon as the 
 boats returned, regiment after regiment embarked, and set 
 sail for the licet ; hut the distance being considerable, and the 
 wind foul, many days elapsed before the whole could be got 
 off; by the end of the month, we were all once more on board 
 our former ships.'"* , • - 
 
 Capture of Fort Boycr. This armament, being now all on 
 ship-board, proceeded to a more easy and obtainable con- 
 quest. The brave Colonel Lawrence, who so nobly defend- 
 ed fort Boyer at Mobile point, on the 15th of September, was 
 now besieged at the same place by this whole force. On the 
 €th of February, nearly one hundred sail appeared off the 
 island of Dauphine, and commenced a cannonade on the fort \ 
 this continued until the 1 1 th, when a landing having been ef- 
 fected, and batteries erected in the rear of the fort, Colonel 
 Lawrence was summoned to surrender, and reluctantly 
 obliged to yield to an overwhelming power. The garrison con-* 
 sisted of three hundred and seventy-five, including officers*, the 
 bpposing force, by land and water, to nearly ten thousand. This 
 was the last and only successful achievement of the New-Or- 
 leans armament, which had excited the highest expectation of 
 its friends, and the apprehensions of its enemies. 
 
 I 
 
 
 ,;» 
 
 'Si- 
 
CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Treatment of American Seamen in Briti»h service at the Commence 
 mentoflhe War.— Colonel Bcasley's (Jorrcsponileace wi»li the Brit- 
 ish Government on the subject. — Thost; wlio refuse to serve, treated 
 as prisoners of War, and confined in Dartmoor Prison. — Description 
 of that place. — Number of American Prisoners confinod there. — 
 Esoape of Lieutenant U. O.— Attack upon, and Slaughter of 
 the Prisoners on the 6th of April, 1815. — Report of joint Com- 
 missioners appointed to examine the subject. — Meeting of tlic Legisla- 
 ture of Mas^tachusetts, October 1814. — View of the situation of that 
 State.— Governor's Message and Documents.— Report of Committee 
 recommending a Convention of Delegates from the New-£ngiand 
 States. — Protest of the Minority against the Re|)ort. — Proceedings 
 of those States on the subject. — Meeting of the Delegates at Hart- 
 fofd. — Theif Powers examined. — Their Journal, Proceedings, and 
 Report.— Proceedingis of Massachusetts and Connecticut on the Re- 
 port of the Convention. — Amendments to the Constitution rccom* 
 kiiended. — ^Transmitted to the other States, and rejected. 
 
 At the commencement of the war, all British subjects found 
 in the United States, were permitted to return to their native 
 counti'y, and every facility granted for their accommodation. 
 Those who chose to remain, were laid under no other embar- 
 rassment in the pursuit of their ordinary concerns, than being 
 obliged to retire from thirty to fifty miles from the sea-board, 
 to prevent an intercourse with the enemy. 
 
 Treatment of Americans in England^ at the Declaration of 
 War, In Great Britain, similar facilities were granted to such 
 Americans as were there for the purposes of business, travel- 
 ling, or amusement. But there was another class of Ameri- 
 can citizens, who were destined to receive a very different 
 treatment. Seventy American vessels found in British ports 
 when the news of the declaration of war reached England, 
 were seized and condemned, and their crews detained as pri- 
 soners of war. 
 
 jj. , 
 
 
Itll'l. 
 
 JIISTOHY OF Tim LATK WAK. 
 
 42S 
 
 Of impressed Scameti. Between two and three thousand 
 impressed American seamen, found on board British ships, at 
 sea and in port, at the commencement of the war, claimed 
 the right of being exempt from serving against their native 
 country. Every method was adopted which mgenuity could 
 devise, by promises, threats, and in many instances by actual 
 violence, to compel them to serve. Such Americans as were 
 in port, and could find opportunity, communicated their griev- 
 ances to Colonel IJeasiey, the American agent for prisoners 
 of war in England, and sought his advice and assistance. His 
 advice, whenever he could have an opportunity to communi- 
 cate with then), was, that under no circumstances they should 
 bear arms against their country; to demand their discharge 
 and their privileges as American citizens ; and, in case of re- 
 fusal, to surrender themselves prisoners of war. His assist- 
 ance was given them in a very able and elo(juent appeal to 
 the board of admiralty in their behalf. In reply ihey requir- 
 ed of him the names of the persons in whose behalf he inter- 
 fered and the vessels, on board of which they were detained. 
 He named John Ballord on board the Zenolia, who offered 
 himself as a prisoner, was refused to be received as such, and 
 put in irons. John Davis on board the Thistle, who gave 
 himself up as a prisoner, and refused further services, for 
 which he was flogged. Ephraim Court on board the La Hogue, 
 gave himself up as a prisoner, and refused further service, in 
 consequence of which he was kept seven days in irons. John 
 Hosmanj and Russel Brainard, of the same ship, for the same 
 conduct, were put in irons and threatened with further pun- 
 ishment. Thomas W, Marshal^ Peter Lazette, Edward W, 
 Banks, and Levi Zounger, on board the Royal William, gave 
 themselves up as prisoners, and were in consequence thereof 
 put into close confinement for eight days. But the great 
 mass of American impressed seamen, Mr. Beasley could have 
 no access to, and no opportunity was given them to state 
 their cases. On his requesting of the admiralty, the liberty 
 of addressing an open letter to them on the subject, he was 
 
424 
 
 HISTORY OI-' THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. w. 
 
 peremptorily refused. The admiralty determined that such 
 as could not be induced to continue their service, should be 
 treated as prisoners oi war. The result of these proceedings 
 was, that on each application a strict examination was had 
 of the case of the applicant, under every disadvantage on his 
 part, and before judges under the strongest bias to decide 
 against him. Even under these circumstances, more than two 
 thousand applicants proved themselves to be American citi- 
 zens, and instead of being paid for their past services, and 
 honourably discharged, were without a shilling immured in 
 prison ships, and in the Dartmoor prison during the war. 
 . It attempting to compel American seamen to fight against 
 their native country, the British government set at defiance 
 all those nice principles on the subject of natural allegiance, 
 which they so strenuously advocated, wheq it suited their 
 views, 
 
 Mr. Beasley was indeed offered, that if he would give his 
 receipt for them as prisoners of war, to be accounted for in a 
 future exchange, with condition not to serve until exchanged, 
 they should be delivered to him to be transported to America 
 at the expense of his government. To this proposition, neither 
 he nor the government could accede ; and these unfortunate 
 men, in whose behalf alone the war was now carrying on,to the 
 amount of more than two thousand, were doomed to underga 
 a confinement, less eligible than that from which they had 
 been transferred. 
 
 Remonstrance of American Agent for Prisoners, to a pro- 
 ceeding so cruel to the unfortunate subjects, and such an out- 
 page upon the principles and usages of national law, Mr, 
 Beasley presented an able and eloquent remonstrance ; stating 
 that *' taking into view the manner in which these unfortu- 
 nate persons came into the power of the British government, 
 that their own rights and inclinations, the rights of their coun- 
 try, the law of nations, and every principle of justice was vio- 
 lated, by the very act by which these men were brought with- 
 in its power, and that the injury accumulates so long as any 
 
 ^. •*•':■•• 
 
 ,4 
 
1814. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 425 
 
 of them so remain. They are on every ground entitled to, and 
 the British government are bound to grant tlieir immediate and 
 complete release. It acquired them only as the spoils of un- 
 lawful violence ; how then can it retain them as the fruits of 
 lawful war ? Its right to control them, can only arise from 
 the lawfulness of their detention, but that which was unlawfully 
 taken cannot be rightfully held ; and to acknowledge the pre- 
 tension to such control, as their lordships' purpose implies, 
 would be to legitimate the act by which they came into their 
 power. The British government, Mr. Beasley observes, dis. 
 claims all right and all intention to take them ; this disavowal 
 is an acknowledgment of its obligation to restore them to th^, 
 same condition, and to the same freedom from which they 
 were taken. On what ground is it that they are to be treated 
 as prisoners of war ? Not many years since, all Europe re- 
 sounded with the complaints of Great Britain against Frafnce, 
 for detainmg as prisoners of war, certain British subjects, who, 
 liaving entered France in time of peace, were found there at 
 ihe breaking out of the war. But if this was regarded in Eng- 
 land as an outrage, what will be thought of this detention as 
 prisoners of war of American seamen, who, having been un- 
 lawfully taken on the high seas, and forcibly carried into the 
 British service in time of peace, are found therein at the break- 
 ing out of a war, doing her service, and fighting her battles 'f 
 The conduct of France was in this instance attempted to be 
 justified by certain acts of England, which were alleged to 
 be equally contrary to the law of nations. But what justifica. 
 lion or excuse can be setup for the conduct of Great Britain 
 toward American seamen ? What infraction upon the law 
 (if nations, what violence or injustice toward British subjects, 
 or what outrage is this cruel act to retaliate / It cannot be the 
 free and spontaneous permission given by the United States 
 at the commencement of the war, for every British subject of 
 every class and description found within their territories, or 
 within their power, to return to his country, that this impri- 
 sonment of American seamen is to requite. Surely this can- 
 
 54 
 
!• 
 
 ' I 
 
 *l 
 
 s: \-J. 
 
 426 
 
 HISTORY OF THE l.ATE WAK. 
 
 Chap. ti(^. 
 
 not be the indemnification which (ireat Britain offers ihcsf 
 unfortunate men for the wrongs she has inflicted on them ; or 
 the reward she oflers for tlic service she has received at 
 their hands." , . 
 
 To the unquahfied prohibition of all intercourse between 
 the American agent, and the impressed seamen, Mr. Bcas^ley 
 answers, that " he must submit. The relation in which they 
 stood to him seemed to authorize a communication. Their 
 object was to obtain information and counsel, as to the proper 
 mode of conducting; under circumstances so difficult and novel, 
 and on an occasion the most solemn and important.'' His 
 object was, after having waited five months in vain for an an- 
 swer to his application on their behalf, and having failed in 
 all his attempts to obtain their release, to recommend to them 
 to give themselves up as prisoners of war.* 
 
 Il was scarcely to have been expected, after the prince re- 
 gent's proclamation requiring all British born si bjects in for- 
 eign nations to return to their country, and after the princi- 
 ples on the subject of natural allegiance which the British 
 government adopted in relation to the prisoners at Queenston. 
 that such measures would have been adopted to force Ameri- 
 can impressed seamen to fight the battles of Britain againsi 
 their native country. This reasoning of Mr. Beasley, was 
 never attempted to be answered. But it had no effect upon 
 a government determined to pursue a course of policy which 
 it condemned. The communication lay seventy-three days 
 before the admiralty board to whom it was addreSvSed, and 
 was then handed over to the transport officer ; who replied, 
 that " the lords of the admiralty did not think proper to an- 
 swer the letter, because it related to subjects which the powers 
 of the American agent did not authorize him to discuss, and 
 though it would have been easy to have completely answered 
 the misconceptions and misstatements it contained, it would 
 
 * Mr. lUeasJey's letter to the admiralty. 
 
1814. 
 
 inSTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 427 
 
 He useless to proceed with a correspondence which would con- 
 fiuce to no practical result;" acquainting him at the same 
 umc, that no person confined in prison as an American sea- 
 njan, could be released, unless in each individual case he 
 should produce satisfactory proofs, that such person was a 
 natural born American citizen, in which case he would be im- 
 mediately released from prison upon the usual terms of ex- 
 change, if he had been a volunteer in their service, or if an 
 impressed seamen, freely and without exchange. The pro- 
 tections and certificates of citizenship, with which American 
 seamen had been generally furnished, had been repeatly de- 
 clared by the admiralty to furnish no evidence in their favour, 
 and these unfortunate men, confined in prison without the 
 privilege of communicating with their friends, or with the 
 American agent, were unable generally to procure any other. 
 Mr. Beasley exerted himself to procure the requisite testimo- 
 ny in all the cases, which came to his knowledge ; and out of 
 one hundred and eighty-four, presented by him to the British 
 Imiralty, from the 9lh of March, to the 18th of September, 
 14, hii obtained only one discharge. The British were in 
 f;ossession of several thousand American seamen on board 
 their ships of war, and were determined to retain them. Some 
 of these persons were found on board their ships in most of 
 the battles fought and captures made. Many times, however, 
 in actual engagement, their servides were no benefit to their 
 oppressors. ' 
 
 Impressed Seamen treated as Prisoners of War^ and conjtri' 
 ed in Dartmoor, Those who could not be induced to bear 
 arms against their country, were conveyed to Dartmoor pri- 
 son, and there confined until the end of the war. The Amer- 
 ican government could not exchange them, without in some 
 measure recognising the right of the British government to 
 treat them as prisoners. Most of them, therefore, were con- 
 fined in Dartmoor, hopeless of exchange. • 
 Description of Dartmoor Prison. This dep6t is situate in 
 the county of Devon, fifteen miles north-east of the naval sff» 
 
1 ! 
 
 i ■ 
 
 ll^l, 
 
 M 
 
 4iia 
 
 HISTORV OF THE LATE VVAK. 
 
 CiiAv. :u 
 
 lion at Plymoutli, twcniy-six north-west of Kxdcr, the capital 
 of the county, anil two hunilrctl miles south-west of London. 
 It is elevated seventeen hundred feet above the level of the 
 sea, in a region of country, uneven, barren, and dreary. If 
 consists of seven prisons, each calculated to contain from 
 eleven to fifteen hundred men. The prisoners are under the 
 care of an agent, apj)oirited by, and subject to the control of. 
 the transport board. Two thousand militia, and two compa- 
 nies of royal artillery are stationed here to guard the prison- 
 ers. 'J'his is the general depot for all that are taken and 
 brought into Kngland, until they are exchanged. The pri- 
 sons are all strongly built of stone, and surrounded by two 
 circular walls, the outer one measuring a mile in circumfer- 
 ence, and enclosing an area of fifty acres. Upon the inner 
 wall are military walks for ccntlnels. Within it are iron pal- 
 lisadoes ten feet high, and twenty teet distant from each other ; 
 adjoining the outer wall, are guard-houses on the north, east, 
 and south sides. There are three separate yards which com- 
 municate with each other, through a ))assage one hundred and 
 twenty feet long, and twenty broad, guarded on each side by 
 iron bars, over whic:h, and fronting the prison No. 4, is a walk 
 for the centinels. Opposite this j)assage,is the market square ; 
 JL pcrsott pivssing into either yard, has to ) ass through two 
 iron gates ; so that all communication between the yards, may 
 be stopped at pleasure by shutting the gates. The first yard 
 contains the prisons, Nos. I, 2, and 3. The second con- 
 tains. No. 4, and is allotted to blacks, and separated from the 
 other yards by two stone walls, fourteen feet high. The third 
 yard contains Nos. 5, 6, and 7. AVilhin the first yard, and 
 just north of No. 1, stands the condemned prison, a place of 
 punishment for various oftbnces committed by the prisoners ; 
 this is capabie of ccmtaining oidy about sixty prisoners, who 
 are allowed a blanket and straw, instead of their ordinary 
 bedding, and are kept on short allowance ; a small aperture 
 near the roof admits the only light. Fronting the first yard, 
 is a wall separating it from the hospital : from the third yard 
 
 I* 1 
 
 i 
 
 
IU14. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAK. 
 
 42i> 
 
 is another wall. separating it from the barracks. The market 
 place, fronting thu passage leading from one yard to the other 
 is nearly scjiiarc, and capable of containing live thousand 
 j)ersons. The market is open every day except Sundays, at 
 eleven, and closed at two ; where the country people come to 
 trade with the prisoners. At the upper part of the markel. 
 square, are two storehouses, one for the prisoners, and onr 
 lor the king's stores. The other buildings attached to the es- 
 tablishment, are the houses for the agent, physician, clerks, 
 and turnkeys. To enter either of the prison yards from with- 
 out, a person must pass through five gates. Fronting the outer 
 gate, is a reservoir of water which supplies the establishment, 
 brought the distance of live miles. The hospital department. 
 is under the suj)erintendence of a physician and two assist- 
 ants. The American prisoners of war, comprehending im- 
 pressed seamen, the balance of all prisoners taken, or 
 brought into America after the exchanges were made, being 
 transported to England, and all maritime prisoners carrie<l 
 into (ireat Britain, were confmed, and strictly guarded in this 
 depot.* On the Gth of April, 1815, they had accumulated 
 to five thousand six hundred. \ , 
 
 The prisoners were every night at a given signal, soon af- 
 ter sunset, obliged to retire to their rooms, and were there 
 locked up until morning. At the same time the gates were 
 all closed ; and numerous sentinels on the walls, and at thr 
 gates and avenues. 
 
 Escape of Lieutenant K. G. An escape seemed impossi- 
 ble ; one, however, was attempted by Mr. R. G. lieutenant of 
 the privateer Rattlesnake, which was finally attended with 
 success. He procured a sullicient quantity of old rope yarn, 
 with which he constructed a rope eighty feet in length, and ob- 
 tained a uniform and a great coat resembling those which the 
 
 
 
 * Relation by an American officer, who had been prisoner in Dart- 
 moor, published in Essex Register, June 1815. — Salem, *Wa9s. 
 
 sM 
 
\lr 
 
 430 
 
 HISTORY or THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. -A). 
 
 ■ 
 
 i ! 
 
 
 1 • 
 
 ■ ■ ■ I 
 
 
 i \ 
 
 
 j 
 
 
 sentinels wore while on duty ; having made these preparn- 
 fions, he obtained the countersign for six guineas, from one 
 of the guards ; and a short lime previous to the relief at mid- 
 night, silently lowered himself down by his rope from th(* 
 window of his room in the upper loft, eighty feet from the 
 ground ; armed with a dagger, and accoutred as a sentinel, 
 with his umbrella under his great coat, in the manner the 
 guards usually carried their guns while on duty. He conceal- 
 ed himself under the walls of the prison until the relief came 
 round, and when the gates opened to relieve the guard, he 
 boldly marched up and was challenged by two sentinels at 
 the first gate, and the countersign demanded ; this he readily 
 gave, and was directed to pass on by the sentinel who chal- 
 lenged him ; but the other who was the one that had received 
 the bribe, said no, it was one of the American prisoners, and 
 immediately seized him. The lieutenant, finding his case des- 
 perate, and indignant at the villain who had received his mo- 
 ney only to betray him, sprung upon him with his dagger, and 
 would have taken exemplary vengeance, at the expense ot 
 his own life, but he was immediately overpowered by the 
 guards, taken back and confined in the black hole or con- 
 demned prison, without light, furnished only with a little 
 straw, and fed on bread and water for ten days. He was then 
 taken out, brought before the superintendent, and required 
 to give up the name of the person, from whom he received 
 the countersign. Had the sentinel been faithful to the lieu- 
 tenant, no consideration would have induced him to give 
 him up; but as the soldier had been guilty of a doible 
 treachery, he was under no honorary obligation to con'^eal 
 his name. He informed the superintendent of the name and 
 conduct of the villain, who received three hundred lashes tor 
 his villany. Mr. G. being now restored to the condition of 
 ordinary prisoners, and having preserved his accouliements, 
 determined to make another attempt, notwithstanding the 
 guards were doubled in consequence of the first. He again 
 obtained the countersign for three guineas, let himself down 
 
 :* ( 
 
,i)H. 
 
 HISTORY OF 11 IE LATE W AK. 
 
 'ii I 
 
 111 the same manner as before, mixed wilh the guards at tin- 
 time of relief, and succeeded in j)assing all the barriers, after 
 being stopped and examined seventeen times. No time wa^ 
 to be lost, the night was fast spending, when he gave Dart- 
 moor prison a last look, and made his way across the lield.s. 
 towards the coast, without money or friends, and apprehen- 
 sive of being arrested by every person he should meet. Hav- 
 ing reached the coast, weary and hungry, he found a boat 
 eighteen feet long, lurnished with one oar; without provisioi , 
 water, com[)ass, or any guide, he put himself to sea in this 
 little bark for the coast of France, a distance of one hundred 
 miles. Having obtained a good offing, he converted his um- 
 brella and a part of his clothes into a sail, and with his oar in 
 the stern, steered for the continent. About half-passage over, 
 the sea running high, and the wind fresh, he discovered a brit; 
 of war near him, he immediately hauled in his sail, and made 
 from the brig. Fortunately he was too small an object to be 
 discovered, and passed her unnoticed. After a perilous voy- 
 age of thirty-six hours, he landed in safety on the coast of 
 Wance, and soon afterwards found a passage to the United 
 States. ;,,,.# . , r i .. . • - •;-' ..liV-^ ■'■' 
 
 Immediately after the ratification of the treaty of peace by 
 the prince regent, the third article of which provides " that 
 all prisoners of war taken on either side, shall be restored as 
 soon as practicable," Colonel Beasley applied to the British 
 government for the discharge of the prisoners confined at 
 Dartmoor, proposing as a condition, that they should be con- 
 sidered still as prisoners of war, and not at liberty to serve un- 
 til regularly exchanged in the event of the treaty's not being 
 ratified by the American government. This proposition was 
 refused, and the prisoners still held in custody. Intelligence 
 of the ratification of the treaty by the President, arrived in 
 England on the 20th of March ; arrangements, however, 
 were not completed for the discharge of the prisoners and 
 their transportation to America, until the last of April ; the 
 governments not agreeing which should bear the expense of 
 
\.H 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 20. 
 
 m 
 
 
 transportation. The intervening time to persons who Iv.id 
 been so long confined, was a period of much anxiety, and 
 disquietude. A great and increasing misunderstanding exist- 
 ed between the prisoners and Captain Shortland the supcrin- 
 fcindent. ' 
 
 Disturbances at Dartmoor. On the 6th of April, some ot 
 the prisoners, as a matter of amusement, had perforated the 
 walls of one of the buildings, and made a hole sufficient to ad- 
 mit a person to pass through. Captain Shortland observing 
 this, and seeing also, what he apprehended to be some unu- 
 sual movements among the prisoners, supposed they were at- 
 tempting to make an escape. He ordered the alarm bell to 
 be rung, a signal for calling together the military. The pri- 
 soners, very lew of whom had any knowledge of the perfora- 
 tion, and none had any idea of making an escape, rushed out 
 into the adjoining yards, to inquire into the cause of the alarm. 
 A scene of confusion and disorder now ensued. The military 
 assembled at the sound of the alarm bell ; and by order ol 
 the superintendent, fired on the prisoners. They attempted 
 to regain their prisons, but the confusion and crowd was so 
 great, that a considerable time elapsed, during which the guard , 
 continued firing into the passages where the crowd was the 
 greatest ; and after the greater part of the prisoners had re- 
 gained the buildings, several of the last were shot down. 
 Slaughter of the Prisonc7's. Seven were killed outright, 
 thirty-three wounded, some of whom died soon after of their 
 wounds. This transaction was viewed by the prisoners as a 
 wanton act of cruelty and murder on the part of the superin- 
 tendent. As they were then in hourly expectation of being 
 honourably discharged with the means of returning to their 
 native country, there could be no possible inducement for an 
 escape ; and had the prison doors been opened under these 
 circumstances, no one would have gone out. They supposed, 
 therefore, that the alarm and confusion was created by the 
 superintendent, as an excuse and rover for his previous cruel- 
 tios and extortion. 
 
 
1814. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 433 
 
 owd was so 
 
 By an arrangement between Messrs. Clay and GallatiD, 
 then in England on their return from Ghent, and Lord Cas- 
 tlereagh,a joint commission of two jiersons, one nominated by 
 «ach party, was agreed upon to examine into the subject and 
 report the facts. The commission, consisting of Charles King 
 and Francis S. Larpent, reported a statement of facts from 
 the testimony of the prisoners, the sperintendent, and guards, 
 which divided the blame equally between them.* Captain 
 Shortland, in consequence of his conduct in this transaction, was 
 discharged, and a person more acceptable to the prisoners ap- 
 pointed in his room; and tranquillity resLpred for the few days 
 which the prisoners remained in confinement after this event. 
 
 Proceedings of Massachusetts, A considerable majority 
 of the people of New-England had been opposed to the war 
 from the beginning. Of the twenty-nine members from the 
 New-England states in the house of representatives when 
 war was declared, nine only voted in favour of tlic measure, 
 and twenty against it. The votes in the senate were two in 
 favour and eight against the war. 
 
 The system adopted for the prosecution of the war was as 
 much at variance with the public sentiment in New-England, as 
 the measure itself. Withdrawing the regular force from the 
 sea-boaj'd, for the conquest of Canada, and leaving the coasts 
 to be protected by occasional calls of the militia, was univer- 
 sally condemned by the advocates of peace. They consider- 
 ed the attempt to conquer Canada as unjust in itself, extremely 
 hazardous and expensive, and productive of no solid advan- 
 tage to the United States. If we must have war, say they, let it 
 be a war of protection and defence on land, and an active, 
 offensive war against British commerce on the ocean. The 
 calamities to which the inhabitants of the sea-board had been 
 subjected, and the disasters on the Canadian frontier, they 
 claimed, fully justified their views of the subject. The dis- 
 
 'm 
 
 V J; 
 
 '" Report of the Commissioners. 
 5.5 
 
 Ml 
 
434 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 20 
 
 
 tresses of the war were felt with peculiar severity by the in- 
 habitants of the coast of Massacluisetts, and the neighbour- 
 ing islands. Much of their soil is unproductive, and their 
 principal dependence is on their fisheries in the summer, for 
 supplies the succeeding winter, which must be water-borne 
 from the markets where they arc obtained. The British 
 squadrons on the coast entirely obstructed their sea-fisheries. 
 and in a great measure prevented their obtaining their neces- 
 sary winter supplies. More than a hundred flourishing towns 
 on a sea-board, including its various indents of six hundred 
 miles in extent, were exposed to that war of devastation 
 which Admiral Cochrane had threatened, and was carrying 
 into execution with unremitting severity. Many of these 
 towns were obliged to save themselves from entire destruc- 
 tion by heavy ransoms. 
 
 The unfortunate controversy between the general govern- 
 ment and the New-England state governments, in relation to 
 the constitutional powers of each over the militia, ended in the 
 determination of the general government not to pay or sup- 
 port any militia, who were not called out by, and subjected 
 to the orders of the commanding general of the district, or by 
 him received into service ; and in the detern ination of the state 
 governments iwt to subject their militia to such orders. This 
 threw the whole burden of defending an extensive coast and 
 frontier upon the state governments ; while they were obliged 
 to contribute their proportion of direct and indirect taxes to 
 the general expenses of a war which they condemned. All 
 that part of the province of Maine lying eastward of Penob- 
 scot river, comprehending a large and valuable tract of terri- 
 tory and numerous inhabitants, was occupied by the British, 
 apparently with the intention of making a permanent estab- 
 lishment.^ ' . f .' 
 
 To the legislature of Massachusetts, convened in January 
 i814, the petitions of thirty-five towns were presented, stating 
 in strong terms the grievances they suffer, d by the war, the 
 embargo^ and other mea&ures of the general government. 
 
S814. 
 
 HISTORY or THE LATE WAR. 
 
 435 
 
 The committee to whom these memorials were referred, after 
 reciprocating most of the sentiments they contained, recom> 
 mended certain resolutions, declaring the embargo laws un- 
 constitutional and void. The report conclude* witli ob- 
 serving that, as the well grounded complaints of the people 
 constitute a continued claim on the government until their 
 grievances are redressed, they recommend that the several 
 memorials be delivered to the governor, with a request that 
 he or his successor would cause them to be laid before the 
 next legislature. This report was accepted by both houses. 
 Special Meeling of the Massachusetts Legislature^ October 
 1814. A new election of all the branches of the government 
 took place in the April following, and the governor called a 
 special meeting of the legislature the succeeding October. 
 In his address at the opening of the session, he stated, " that 
 the war in which the country was involved, had assumed an 
 aspect so threatening and destructive, and at the same time 
 the troops of the United States having been withdrawn to aid 
 in the operations against Canada, he had found it necessary 
 to order out large detachments of militia for the defence of 
 the sea-board ; that the limited sources of revenue, which 
 the state had retained in its own power, bore no proportion 
 to the expenses incurred in its defence ; that the situation of 
 the state was peculiarly distressing. By the terms of the 
 constitution, they had been led to rely on the government of 
 the union for defence. They had resigned to that govern- 
 ment the revenues of the state, with the expectation that this 
 object would not be neglected ; but that government has de- 
 clared war against the most powerful maritime nation, whose 
 fleets can approach every section of our sea-board, to an 
 extent of five or six hundred miles, without providing the 
 means of defence. Though we may be convinced that the 
 war, in its commencement, was unnecessary and unjust, and has 
 been prosecuted without any useful or practical object against 
 the inhabitants of Canada, while our sea-coast has been left 
 almost defenceless ; though in a war thus commenced, we 
 may have declined to afford our voluntary aid to offensive 
 
43ii 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 CoAr. SO. 
 
 operations, there ran be no doubt of our right and our duty to 
 drfcnd our dwellings and possessions against any hostile at- 
 tack by which they arc menaced.*" 
 
 In a subsequent message, the governor informed the legis^ 
 lature, that " he had communicated to the war-otfice the mea- 
 sures taken for the defence of the state ; and requesting in- 
 formation whether the expenses of the militia called out in 
 its defence would be ultimUely borne by the United Slates : 
 that he had received the secretary's answer, explaming the 
 views and principles of the executive in regard to the defence 
 of the eastern frontier. 
 
 Letter of the Secretary of State to Governor Strong re- 
 fnting to the Militia. " It was anticipated," the secretary 
 remarks, " soon after the comfncticement of the war, 
 that while it lasted, every part of the union^ especially the 
 sea-board, would be exposed to some degree of danger, 
 greater or less^ according to the spirit with which the war 
 might be waged; it was the duty of the government to make 
 the best provision against the danger which might be practi- 
 cable, and to continue it as long as the cause existed. The 
 arrangement of the United States into military districts, with h 
 certaio portion of the regular force of artillery and infantry 
 under an officer of the regular army, of experience and high 
 rank^ in each military district, with power to call for the mili- 
 tia as circumstances might require, was adopted with a view 
 to afford the best protection to every part that circumstances 
 wouli admit* It was presumed that the establishment of a 
 small force of this kind, constituting the first elements of an 
 army in each district, to be aided by the militia in case of 
 emergency, would be adequate to its defence. Such a force of 
 infantry and artillery might repel small predatory parties, and 
 form a rallying point for the militia, at the more exposed and 
 important stations, in case of more formidable invasions. A 
 regular officer of experience, stationed in the district, acting 
 
 * Governor Stroi^'s speech to the Massachusetts legislature, October 
 1814. 
 
1814. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 437 
 
 under the authority and pursuing the will of the government, 
 might dii^rst plans for its defence, select proper points for 
 works, and superintend the erection of them, call for supplies 
 of ordnance and munitions of war, call for militia, and dis- 
 pose ol llic whole force. These duties, it was believed, could 
 not be performed with equal advantage by the officers of the 
 militia, who, bcingcalledinto service for short periods, could not 
 have it in their power, however well qualified they might be in 
 other respects, to digest plans and preserve that chain of con- 
 nexion and system in the whole business which seemed to 
 be indispensable. On great consideration, this arrangement 
 was deemed the most eligible that could be adopted ; indeed 
 none occurred that could be put in competition with it. In 
 this mode the national government acts by its proper organs, 
 over whom it has control, and for whose engagements it i.<* 
 reponsible. 
 
 " The measures which may be adopted by a state govern- 
 ment for its defence, must be considered its own measures, 
 not those of the United States. The expenses attending 
 them arc chargeable to the state and not to the United States. 
 A different construction would lead to the most pernicious 
 consequences. If a state could call out its militia, and sub- 
 ject the United Stales to the expense of supporting them, at 
 its pleasure ; the national authority would cease as to 
 that important object, and the nation be charged with ex- 
 penses, in the measures producing which the national govern- 
 ment had no agency, and over which it could have no con- 
 trol. By taking the defence of the state into its own hands, 
 and out of those of the general government, a policy is intro- 
 duced, on the tendency of which all comment is unnecessary. 
 If a close union of the states, s nd a harmonious co-operation 
 between them and the general government, are at any time 
 necessary for the preservation of their independence, and 
 their inestimable liberties, which were achieved by the blood 
 and valour of their ancestors, that time has now arrived. 
 From this view of the subject, it follows, that if the force 
 
 t 
 
 .11,1 
 
 >\ii«^^' 
 
438 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 20- 
 
 f 
 
 ■which has been put into service by the executive of Massa- 
 chusetts has been required by General Dearborn, the com- 
 manding officer of the district, or has been received by him, 
 and put under his command, the expetises will be defrayed by 
 the United States, But if this force has been called into 
 service by authority of the state, independently of General 
 Dearborn, and not placed under him as commander of the 
 district, the state of Massachusetts is charj^eable with the ex- 
 pense, and not the United Stales. The general government 
 has no other alternative but to adhere to a system of defence 
 adopted on great consideration wiih the best view to the 
 general welfare, or to abandon it, and with it a principle held 
 sacred, thereby shrinking frofifi its ''ut} in a moment of great 
 peril, weakening the guards deemed necessary for the public 
 safety, and opening the door to other consequences no less 
 dangerous."* 
 
 Report of the Committee of Massachusetts Legislature, In 
 the house of representatives the governor's message and ac- 
 companymg documents were referred to a select committee, 
 who reported, that " the unhappy and ruinous war declared 
 against Great Bri'.ain, has assumed an aspect of great and im- 
 mediate danger to the commonwealth. The persevering in- 
 vasion of Canada, has at length produced, as a natural con- 
 sequence, the invasion of our Atlantic frontier and river 
 towns. A portion of the territory of this state is already in 
 the actual occupation of the enemy, and the sea-coast in all 
 such ports ^s may be deemed assailable is openly menaced 
 with desolation. To defend our soil and repel the invader, 
 no force or means, bearing any propor'.ion to the emergency, 
 have been provided by the national government. It was just- 
 ly to have been expected that before hostilities were pro- 
 voked by a formidable enemy, or that at least at some period 
 subsequent to their commencement, means of defence and 
 
 * Letter of secretary of state to Governor Strong. 
 
Chap. 20. 
 
 J814. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE J-.ATE WAR. 
 
 439 
 
 ? of Massa- 
 I, the corn- 
 ed by hini, 
 e frayed by 
 called into 
 of General 
 ider of the 
 ^ith the ex- 
 ;overnment 
 of defence 
 ievv to the 
 nciple held 
 ut of great 
 the public 
 es no less 
 
 alure. In 
 ge and ac- 
 -ommittee, 
 r declared 
 at and im- 
 vering in- 
 tural con- 
 and river 
 already in 
 )ast in all 
 
 menaced 
 2 invader, 
 aergency, 
 
 was just- 
 I'ere pro- 
 ne period 
 ence and 
 
 protection would have been afforded to a sea-coast, so ex- 
 tended and so exposed to the ravngrs of an enemy as that of 
 Massachusetts, But events forbid a reliance on such expecta- 
 tions. The principal part of the regular force, raised, or at any 
 time quartered in lhisstate,ha8 been withdrawn to the waronthc 
 Canada border. The fortifications, until lately strengthened 
 by the exertions of our own citizens, were essentially defective, 
 and the navy in a situation calculated to invite rather than 
 repel aggression, and to require protection instead of afford- 
 ing it. Indeed, when the circumstances under which the war 
 was declared and has been prosecuted are reviewed, in con- 
 nexion with the utter neglect of the ordinary preparation for 
 such a state, the inference is fairly warranted that the American 
 cabinet intended no other means of defence for this state, but 
 such as a brave and free people would feel themselves impel- 
 led to make by their own sense of danger and love of country. 
 That it rcUed upon the passions and suiferings incident to a 
 state of war, to overcome the repugnance so universally felt 
 by our citizens to the unjust and ruinious contest, and to 
 leave them at liberty to drain our population and our trea- 
 sures, for the prosecution of their favourite enterprise. But 
 when the commonwealth was found to be in danger of inva- 
 sion, the people have not paused to consider the motives and 
 objects of their national rulers in leaving them defenceless 5 
 but, at the summons of their governor, they have repaired to 
 the standard of their country, with a zeal and alacrity which 
 demonstrate, that the principles which unite men of every 
 class and description in the determination to conquer or die 
 in its defence, are not enfeebled by party distinctions. But 
 one spirit animates the whole mass of our citizens with the in- 
 vincible resolution of defending their native land against the in- 
 vasions of an enemy, who has not discr inated betweeu those 
 who anxiously sought peace, and those who wantonly pro- 
 voked the war. It is, however, a fact not to be disguised, 
 that while the people of this state, with the blessing of heaven, 
 have confidence in the sufficiency of their resources, for de- 
 

 440 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chip. 20. 
 
 P 
 
 
 fending their own soil, if applied exclusively to this object, 
 yet they cannot be supposed equal to this, and also compe- 
 tent to respond to the heavy and increasing demands of the 
 national government. The state of the national treasury, as 
 exhibited by the proper officer, requires an augmentation of 
 existing taxes ; and if, in addition to these, the people of Mas- 
 sachusetts, deprived of their commerce and harassed by a 
 formidable enemy, are compelled to provide for the idispen- 
 sable duty of self-defence, it must soon become impossible for 
 them to sustain this burden. There remains for them, there- 
 fore, no alternative, but submission to the enemy, or the con- 
 trol of their own resources to repel aggressions. It is impossi- 
 ble to hesitate in making the election. This people are not 
 ready for conquest or submission. But being ready and de- 
 termined to defend themselves, and having no other adequate 
 means of defence, they have the greatest need of those re- 
 sources derivable from themselves, which the national govr 
 crnment has hitherto thought proper to employ elsewhere. 
 This disastrous condition of public affairs has been forced 
 upon Massachusetts, not merely against her consent, but in 
 opposition to her most 'earnest protestations. From the mo- 
 ment that the administration, yielding to its own passions, and 
 calculations of party power, commenced its system of com- 
 mercial hostility to Great Britain, and of conformity to the 
 views of the late tyrant of France, its tendency to involve the 
 nation in the most needless and cruel embarrassments was 
 distinctly foreseen, and declared by former legislatures. It 
 was never doubted but that a war with Great Britain would 
 be accompanied with an extinction of commerce, by the 
 banishment of our sailors, the desolation of our coast, the 
 blockade and invasion of our sea-ports, the failure of national 
 credit, the necessity of oppressive taxes, and the consumma- 
 tion of national ruin by an alliance with the late despot of 
 Europe, from which greatest of all calamities we have been 
 preserved only by his fall. Of all these evils were our 
 rulers forewarned by Massachusetts, whose vital interests 
 
1814. 
 
 HJSTOKJT OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 441 
 
 were thus put in jeopardy, and they were implored by every 
 consideration of policy and humanity, to stay their hands 
 from the cruel and wanton sacrifice of the interests of those 
 who asked from them nothing but the privilege of pursuing 
 their own industrious callings. But government, deaf to this 
 voice, and listening to men distinguished in their native state 
 only by their disloyalty to its interests, have affected to con- 
 sider the patriotic citizens of this j^-reat state, as tainted with 
 disaffection to the union, and predilection for Great Britain, 
 and have lavished the public treasury in vain attempts to 
 fix by evidence this odious imputation. Thus dishononredj 
 and deprived of all influence in the national councils, this 
 state has been dragged into an unnatural and distressing war^ 
 and its safety and liberties endangered." 
 
 The committee declare their conviction that " the constitu- 
 tion of the United States, under the administration of the 
 persons in power, has failed to secure to the commonwealtii 
 of Massachusetts, and to the eastern section ol the union, 
 those equal rights and benefits, which were the great objects 
 of its formation. These grievances justify and require vigo- 
 rous, persevering, and peaceable exertions, to unite those who 
 realize the sufferings, and foresee the dangers of the country, 
 in some system of measures to obtain relief, for which the 
 ordinary mode of procuring amendments to the constitution 
 affords no reasonable expectation in season to prevent the 
 completion of its ruin. The people, however, possess the 
 means of certain redress, aad when their safety, which is the 
 supreme law, is in question, these means should be promptly 
 applied. The framers of the constitution made provision to 
 amend defects which were known to be incidental to every 
 liuman institution, and the provision itself was not less liable 
 to be found defective, than other parts of the instrument. 
 When this deficiency becomes appareikt, no reason can pre- 
 clude the right of the whole people, who were parties to it, 
 to adopt another, and it is presumed, that a spirit of equity 
 and justice, enlightened by experience, would enable them 
 
 n 
 
 \ 
 
442 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAK. 
 
 Chap. 20. 
 
 P 
 
 ■ ^ 
 
 
 to reconcile conflicting interests, and obviate the principal 
 cause of these dissentions, which unfit government for a stat<' 
 of peace and of war, and so to amend the constitution as to 
 give vigour and duration to the union of the states. But as 
 a proposition for such a convention from a single state would 
 probably be unsuccessful, and our danger admits not of de- 
 lay, the committee recommend that in the first instance (i 
 conference be invited between those states, the aflinity of 
 whose interests is the closest, and whose habits of intercourse 
 from their local situation or other causes are the most fre- 
 quent, to the end that by a comparison of their sentiments 
 and views, some mode of defence buited to the circumstances 
 and exigencies of those slates, and measures for accelerating 
 the return of prosperity, may be devised ; and also to enable 
 the delegates from those states, should they deem it expedi- 
 ent, to lay the foundation for a radical reform in the national 
 compact by inviting to a future convention, a deputation from 
 all the states in the union." The report concludes with re- 
 commending the raising of an army of ten thousand men for 
 the defence of the state ; and the appointment of tAvelvc 
 persons, as delegates from the legislature, to meet and confer 
 with delegates from the states of New-England, or any of 
 them, upon the subjects of their public grievances, and con- 
 cerns, and upon the best means of preserving our resources, 
 and defence against the enemy ; and to devise and suggest. 
 for the adoption by those respective states, such measures as 
 they may deem expedient, and also to take measures, if they 
 shall think proper for procuring a convention of delegates 
 from all the United States, in order to revise the constitution 
 thereof; and more effectually to secure the support and at- 
 tachment of all the people, by placing all upon the basis of a 
 fair representation.* i .i 
 
 * Report of Committee of the House of Representatives of Massa 
 
 chTuettft, October 1814 
 
 
 ,.' -f^- 
 
 .1 ■ 
 
 h., 
 
lOi'i. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAH. 
 
 443 
 
 A coiiimiltce ol" llic sciialp upon the suino subject made a 
 report to that body upon tho same principles. The rcsolu- 
 lioiis recommended by the committee of the house of repre- 
 sentatives passed both houses, and delegates were appointed 
 to meet at Hartford on the 16th day of the following Decem- 
 ber, to confer with such as may be chosen by any or all of 
 ihe other New-England states upon the subjects referred to 
 in the resolutions. 
 
 Protest of Minority. These proceedings of the legislature 
 were opposed in every stage of them by a respectable mi- 
 nority of both houses. In the senate a protest was drawn 
 np and signed by thirteen members, and placed on their jour- 
 nals, stating, that " these propositions are at this time extra- 
 ordinary, alarming, and pernicious. The protestants believe 
 the constitution of the United States to be the most perfect 
 system of republican government which human wisdom 
 could invent, established upon the broad principles of sove^ 
 reignty in the states, liberty in the people, and energy in the 
 federal head, and effected by the zeal, concessions, and can- 
 dour of those enlightened patriots, who had carried America 
 through a war of unparalleled suffering to independence and 
 peace. They had hoped that neither the ambition of party, 
 nor the test of experiment, would have so soon led to the con- 
 v^lusion, ^^ that it had failed to secure to any section of the 
 unioHy those equal rights and benefits which were the great ob- 
 jects of its formation.'^'* Much less was it to be supposed, 
 that under the pretext of reconciling conflicting interests, in a 
 lime of war and invasion, and when our constitutional agents 
 were attempting to negotiate a peace, we should promulgate 
 the sentiments to our friends and our enemies, that the gov- 
 rrnment was unfit for peace or war; that a radical reform, 
 or another constitution, was essential to the salvation of the 
 people. ■'■^--' «* '• ' . • . 
 
 There are other objects, they further remark, more alarm- 
 ing in their nature, and more pernicious in their tendency. It 
 was wisely provided by the constitution, that no state should 
 
 ^ 
 
 ■U 
 
 rt. 
 
'fl 
 
 4^4 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 20. 
 
 
 enter into any compact or agreement with another without the 
 consent of congress. It was probably foreseen that disap- 
 pointed and ambitious men would attempt to form associations 
 prejudicial to the general welfare, and dangerous to the union 
 of the states. That these men would excite local jealousies, 
 and attempt geographical distinctions ; and that despairing of 
 'gaining the whole, they would attempt a severance that they 
 might govern a part. It was therefore prudent and proper 
 that these compacts should be under the control of the states 
 and people represented in congress. It is therefore with 
 great solicitude and concern that we are led to inquire, what 
 public grievances can warrant the assembling of delegates 
 of the slates of New-England, or what affinity of interest can 
 authorize them to devise means of preserving their own re- 
 sources to themselves ? The respective states of New-Eng- 
 land can now preserve all their resources, except such as are 
 under the constitutix)nal control of the United States. Will 
 (hey combine to take these ? Such a combination would be 
 a resistance of federal authority. A civil war would become 
 inevitable. The enemy would profit by our dissentions ; 
 our union would be dissolved, our country conquered, and 
 our liberty extinguished. Our country is now engaged in a 
 just, and of late a successful war. Our resources abundant,, 
 our government adequate, and our citizens brave, enterprising, 
 and intelligent ; union alone can secure us the blessings of 
 :u),4ionourable peace. While our commissioners are nego- 
 tiating with the most earnest solicitude for their country's 
 welfare ; while our army and navy are defending the soil, and 
 maintaining the honour and glory of the country, and our 
 brave yeomanry are rushing to our shores to meet and repel 
 the invader, and the spirit of party is becoming absorbed in 
 the spirit of patriotism ; why should Massachusetts, great, 
 powerful, and respectable as she is, form a combination, 
 which will defeat the hopes of the friends of peace, and en- 
 courage a powerful and vindictive enemy ? With these views 
 ;^d fqejings, the remonstrants cannot but deeply regret that 
 
 ^it. 
 
Chap. 20, 
 
 vithout the 
 hat disap- 
 isociations 
 
 the union 
 jealousies, 
 ^pairing of 
 
 that they 
 id proper 
 
 the states 
 jfore with 
 uire, what 
 delegates 
 terest can 
 ir own re- 
 !^ew-Eng- 
 ich as are 
 es. Will 
 would be 
 d become 
 isentions ; 
 Ted, and 
 aged in a 
 ibundant,, 
 Jrprising, 
 ssings of 
 ire nego- 
 ;ountry's 
 soil, and 
 and our 
 nd repel 
 orbed in 
 s, great, 
 ^ination, 
 and en- 
 je views 
 [ret that 
 
 1814. 
 
 HISTORY OF TH£ LAT£ WAK. 
 
 44a 
 
 a proposition, so unpromising of good, destitute of important 
 ostensible objects, but full of distrust, jealousy, and mischief, 
 and calculated to alarm, discourage, and divide the people, 
 should ever have been adopted by the senate of Massachu- 
 setts. Suspicions have been indulged that Massachusetts 
 would take the lead of the New-England states in a combi- 
 nation to dissolve the union; that as a preliminary step, a 
 course similar to that contemplated by these resolutions 
 would be adopted, and that a period of war would be select- 
 ed for the purpose. By the adoption of these resolutions, 
 these suspicions will grow into a settled belief. The raising 
 an army of ten thousand men, at the expense and under the 
 command of the state, will have little tendency to diminisk 
 this alarm. However honourable and patriotic the motives 
 may be for raising such an army, and refusing to place them 
 under the orders and pay of the general government, we have 
 strong apprehensions that the people of this commonwealth 
 will have too much reason to believe that the honour to com- 
 mand will not compensate for the burthen of support ; that 
 a separate army comports too well with a separate sove- 
 reignty, and that these men may at some future period be 
 employed to settle domestic quarrels, or enforce local inter- 
 ests. . -.-'f JU'., 
 
 From the resolutions and preamble, and circumstances 
 attending the debate, we have strong reasons to apprehend, 
 that propositions for a separate peace may grow out of a 
 meeting of delegates from the New-England states. Should 
 such propositions be made by the British government to the 
 convention, and the terms, as they probably would be, very 
 flattering to this section of the union, the temptation to mo- 
 mentary gain, might induce a compact with the enemy, in- 
 troduce an army of foreign mercenaries, produce a civil war, 
 and end in a subjugation of both sections to the power of 
 Great Britain. Ambition has destroyed every other republic 
 on earth. The United States stand alone, like a solitary 
 rock in the midst of the ocean, surrounded and assailed by 
 
 
■J 
 
 440 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAK. 
 
 Chap. W, 
 
 
 I 
 
 Storms and tempests ; in vain may we look for aid, except 
 from union, energy, and heaven.* - v. .t^.. • ' 
 
 •■ A protest, containing similar sentiments, was drawn up, and 
 signed by seventy-six members, and presented to the house 
 of representatives, with a request that it might be placed on 
 the journals of that body ; from some expressions which were 
 deemed disrespectful to the legislature, it was refused a place 
 on the journals, and published only in the periodical paper- 
 of the day. ^^« \. ' .■■*■{ v ?» h. j^- >:». •* I 
 
 Proceedings of the other J^, E. Stales. These proceedings 
 of the Massachusetts legislature were transmitted to the foui 
 other New-England states, requesting their concurrence in 
 the measure. The sentiments of the bodies to whom they 
 were addressed, were not in full accordance with those of 
 Massachusetts. No one doubted the right, secured to the 
 people by the constitution, peaceably to assemble and apply 
 to the government for the redress of their grievances. Few 
 of the citizens of this section of the union doubted the fact, 
 that the war, in the course it had taken, bore with peculiar 
 weight upon Massachusetts and the other New-England 
 states. But the measure of calling a convention at the time 
 and for the purposes expressed in those resolutions was 
 highly inexpedient. One principal feature presented by 
 them, was a proposition for a meeting of delegates from the 
 New-England states, to confer upon the best means of pre- 
 serving and controlling their resources. It was obvious that. 
 ;i refusal on the part of the states, to permit the collection ol 
 the public revenue, must be met by the general government 
 with a force adequate to ensure a collection ; and that the 
 result must be an abandonment of the measura on the part 
 of the states, a dissolution of the union, or a civil war. 
 
 The other important object contemplated by the resolu- 
 tions, was a radical change in the national constitution, or the 
 
 ' * Protest of the minority of the senate of Massachusetts, October 
 1814. 
 
 ,*,■-!' - •1.^ 
 
Chap. 20. 
 id, exccpr 
 
 vn up, and 
 
 the house 
 
 placed on 
 
 I'hich were 
 
 cd a place 
 
 cal papers 
 
 'oceedinga 
 Id the four 
 jrrenre in 
 horn they 
 1 those of 
 red to the 
 ind apply 
 es. Few 
 1 the fact. 
 
 peculiar 
 -England 
 t the time 
 ions was 
 in ted by 
 from tho 
 IS of pro- 
 ious that 
 ection oi 
 ernmenl 
 that the 
 the part 
 
 • 
 
 resolu- 
 ^, or the 
 
 October 
 
 .SU. 
 
 11I6T0RY OF THE LATE WAK. 
 
 •H" 
 
 ibrmation of a new one, to be elfectcd by a convention of all 
 fhc states. The present form of government had been in 
 operation twenty-five years, twelve of which it had been ad- 
 ministered by one of the great political parties into which 
 the United States were divided, and thirteen by the other ; 
 and both in turn had declared it to be the perfection of hu- 
 man wisdom. No such radical change appeared either de- 
 sirable or practicable. If any amendments were deemed 
 necessary, the constitution itself provided a mode by which 
 they could be obtained, very different from the one proposed 
 by the resolutions. But if alterations were wanted in one 
 way or the other, the time appeared peculiarly inauspicious. 
 With an enemy at their doors, ready to profit by their dissen- 
 tions, and the spirit of party in a state of high fermentation, 
 the people of the United States were illy qualified calmly to 
 deliberate upon, and adopt radical changes in their frame of 
 government. Intelligence had just then been received from 
 their negotiators for peace, that the British claimed, as a pre- 
 liminary, a cession of a large portion of the state of Ohio, 
 and of the western territories to the Indians as a permanent 
 barrier, between the American settlements and the Canadas, 
 and that they advanced other claims which could be addressed 
 only to a conquered nation. The necessity of united exer- 
 tions was universally felt, and it was a subject of deep regret 
 that any measures should be put in operation, presenting an 
 aspect of a divided people, and thereby giving encourage- 
 ment to the extravagant claims of the enemy. 
 
 Vermont. The legislature of Vermont declined taking any 
 measures upon the subject. *«./r 'f tv .moih 
 
 Ma-Hampshire, The executive council of New-Hamp- 
 shire refused to call a meeting of the legislature upon the oc- 
 casion, and of course no delegates were appointed from that 
 state. ' ■ o^!*..' jM -M*! Uifi i>iidr!.'*U«' .:' 
 
 Connecticut. In Connecticiit the resolutions and accom- 
 panying documents were referred to a joint committee of both 
 branches of the legislature, who made a report reciprocating 
 
 
 m 
 
A48 
 
 histohy op the late war; 
 
 ChAF so. 
 
 M\ 
 
 ■ I 
 
 
 'i 
 
 
 - i 
 
 ■ i 
 
 9 
 
 
 many of the sentiments contained in the resolutions ; but the 
 cautious and prudent policy of that state led them to meet 
 their brethren of Massachusetts upon constitutional grounds 
 only. The committee observe that the documents transmit- 
 ted from Massachusetts, present an eligible mode of com- 
 bining the wisdom of New-England, in devising, on full con- 
 sultation, a proper course to be adopted consistent with our 
 obligations to the United States, and recommend that seven 
 persons be appointed delegates from this state, to meet the 
 delegates from Massachusetts, and of any other of the New- 
 England States, at Hartford, on the 15th of the following 
 December, and to confer with them on the subjects proposed 
 by the resolutions of the legislature of that commonwealth, 
 and upon any other subjects that may come before them, for 
 the purpose of devising and recommending measures for the 
 safety and welfare of these states ; provided that such mea- 
 sures only shall be devised and recommended, as may con- 
 sist with their obligations as members of the union.* 
 
 Rkode-Ishnd, The legislature of Rhode-Island had pre- 
 viously passed resolutions, authorizing and requesting their 
 captain general, in case of the invasion of the neighbouring 
 states, to march immediately to their assistance, such part of 
 the military force as he should think expedient; and to assure 
 the executives of the neighbouring states of the readiness of 
 the state of Rhode-Island to render them all the aid in their 
 power in case of invasion, or imminent danger thereof, 
 and to solicit their co-operation, and speedy aid and assist- 
 ance to the state of Rhode-Island under similar circumstances. 
 Communications, in pursuance of these resolutions, had been 
 made by Governor Jones to the executives of Massachusetts 
 and Connecticut, and cordially reciprocated. The same 
 controversy subsisted between the government of the state of 
 Khode-lsland and the general government, in relation to the 
 
 * Report of the committee of the lefialatnre of Connecticut on the 
 Massachusetts reiDltttions. 
 
Chap so. 
 
 irUi4. 
 
 lliSTORY Ol" THE LATE WAR. 
 
 449 
 
 but the 
 to meet 
 1 grounds 
 transmit- 
 of corn- 
 full con- 
 I with our 
 hat seven 
 meet the 
 he New- 
 following 
 proposed 
 3nwealth, 
 them, for 
 es for the 
 iich mea- 
 fnay con- 
 had pre- 
 ting their 
 hbouring 
 h part of 
 to assure 
 diness of 
 in their 
 thereof, 
 d assist- 
 kstanccs. 
 lad been 
 chusetts 
 le same 
 state of 
 m to the 
 
 militia, as in i^Iassachiisetls and Conticclicut, and with the 
 sarae result. Rhode-Island had been kit to provide for her 
 pwn defence. The safe and convenient harbour of New- 
 port, and the rich towns accessible by water, presented very 
 tempting objects to the cupidity of the enemy. From the 
 smallncss of its size, that state was the least able to raise a 
 force sufficient to repel an invader. They were from these 
 circumstances the more ready to listen to any measure that 
 promised them aid from other states. A joint letter from the 
 president of the senate, and speaker of the house of rcpre- 
 Dcntatives of Massachusetts, covering their resolutions op the 
 subject of the convention, was addressed to the governor of 
 Rhode-Island, with a request to lay the same before the legis- 
 lature, inviting them to appoint delegates to the proposed 
 convention, stating their objects to be to deliberate on the 
 dangers to which the eastern section of the union is exposed 
 by the course of the war, and which there is too much reason 
 to believe will thicken round them in ils progress ; and to 
 devise, if practicable, measures of safety and defence, which 
 may be consistent with the preservation of their resources 
 from total ruin, and adapted to their local situation, mutual 
 relations, and habits, and not repugnant to their obligations 
 as members of the union. The letter further remarks, that 
 when convened for this object, which admits not of delay, it 
 seems also expedient to submit to their consideration, the in- 
 quiry whether the interests of these states do not demand 
 that persevering endeavours be used by each to procure such 
 amendments to be effected in the national constitution as may 
 secure to them equal advantages, and whether if in their judg- 
 ment they should be deemed impracticable under the existing 
 provisions for amending that instrument, an experiment may 
 be made without disadvantage to the nation for obtaining a 
 ,<2onvention from all the states in the nnion, or such of iheui 
 
 .57 
 
 
 at on the 
 
 * 
 
 i 
 
m 
 
 tt 
 
 i- 
 
 ii 
 
 
 
 w 
 
 45d 
 
 HllW'ORY OF THK LATE WAR. Chap. 20 
 
 '43 may approve of the measure with a view to obtain such 
 amendments.*' 
 
 The committee of thti legislature, to whom the subject was 
 referred, state in forcible terms the exposed situation of our 
 country, complain that the means of defence have been with. 
 held from them, and appropriated to distant and unpropitious 
 services, and that the whole United Slates military force, 
 stores, and property in that stale, did but serve to increase 
 their danger by offering a temptation to the enemy. Placed 
 in this situation, the legislature at their last session had re- 
 quested the governor to communicate with the executives of 
 the neighbouring states upon the subject of common defence, 
 offering and requesting mutual assistance in case of danger. 
 *♦ These states," the committee remark, " had reciprocated 
 their proffers of mutual assistance, and invited us to appoint 
 delegates to meet those appointed by them, to conferupon 
 our defenceless and' calamitous situation, and to devise and 
 recommend prudent measures for our relief* They there- 
 fore recommend a resolution to appoint four delegates to 
 meet in the proposed convention, to confer upon the common 
 dangers to which these stales are exposed, upon the best 
 measures for co-operating for our mutual defence against the 
 enemy, and upon the measures which it may be in the power 
 of these stales, consistently with their obligations to the United 
 Slat«Sy to adopt, to restore and secure to the people thereof^ 
 their rights and privileges under the constitution of the United 
 States." The report was accepted and the resolution adopt- 
 ed. Ayes thirty-nine, noes twenty-three.t 
 
 Meeting of the New-England Convention at Hartford. The 
 delegates from Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, and Connecti- 
 cut, met at Hartford on the 15th day of December, 1814. 
 
 * Letter fjix>iB the president of the senate and speaker of the house of 
 representatives of Massachusetts to Governor Jones» '. ' 
 
 f Report of the committee of the leg^islaturc of Rhode^lsland on tho 
 ]^s9achu8etts resolution^:. 
 
>tain such 
 
 bjcct was 
 on ot" our 
 >ccn with- 
 propitious 
 ary forcr, 
 increase 
 Placed 
 n had re- 
 cutives ot 
 I defence, 
 f danger, 
 iprocated 
 o appoint 
 nfcrupon 
 evisc and 
 By tliere- 
 egatcs to 
 common 
 the best 
 ;ainst (he 
 10 power 
 e United 
 f thereof, 
 e United 
 m adopl- 
 
 d. The 
 onnecti- • 
 r, 1814. 
 
 bouse of 
 id on tho 
 
 1814. 
 
 lUSTOBY OF TilE LATE WAR. 
 
 451 
 
 T\7o gcntlcniLn from the cuuntieii of Grafton and Cheshire ii^ 
 the state of Ncw-IIampshirOf and one from the county of 
 Windham in tho slate of Vermont, appointrd by county con- 
 ventions, appeared and and were received as members* The 
 meeting of this body was viewed with much aniiety both by 
 its frietids and its enemies. The former looked up to it as a 
 power which was to relieve them from the pressures and em- 
 barrassments under which they laboured in consequence of 
 the war, and to save them from the calamities with which 
 they were threatened ; the other denounced it as seditious and 
 treasonable, as calculated to favour the designs of the enemy, 
 to embarrass the pending negotiations, protract the war, and 
 increase its calamities. The members of the convention, on 
 examining their powers, found they were neither able to gra- 
 tify the wishes of their friends, nor could they afford any 
 reasonable ground for the apprehensions of their enemies. 
 They were merely an advisory body, and restricted even iu 
 that, to give no advice inconsistent with the duties of their 
 constituents to the general government. Had they been dis- 
 posed to recommend a negotiation for a separate peace, or a 
 neutrality on the part of the New-England States ; or for those 
 states to withhold their resources, and refuse to pay their pro* 
 portion of the public revenue ; or to form a compact between 
 these states for mutual defence, without the consent of 
 Congress; or a division of the union; they had no such 
 powers. Neither their friends nor their enemies had any 
 reasonable grounds for such apprehensions. Were they 
 disposed to censure the administration for the commence- 
 ment, continuance, or manner of conducting the war, 
 abundance of matter of this kind was to be found in the vari- 
 ous volumes of newspapers from the commencement of the 
 war to the period of their session, and in such varieties that it 
 would be difficult to add a new paragraph. What then were 
 the convention to do ? For a respectable delegation, compo- 
 sing an elite corps of an important section of the union, to 
 meet at an interesting crisis, on affairs of state, and do nothing, 
 would be highly undignified, and disappoint the expectations 
 
 r 
 
 ill 
 
452 
 
 jnSTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Ch\p. iiV 
 
 7« 
 
 i- 
 
 \ i 
 
 '.\ 
 
 of all. Called together for no very definite object, their I'lr,-- 
 inquiry tvas, what would be the [)ropcr subjects for their con- 
 sideration ? 
 
 ^ Proceedings. Thednty of solving this question, fhey assigned 
 to a committee of five of their number on the first day of their 
 Session, \vho, on the second, reported that it was proper for 
 V them td deliberate on — 
 
 1st. The po\<^ers claimed by the executive of the 
 United States, to determine conclusively in respect to call- 
 ing out the militia of the states into the service of the United 
 States, and the dividing the United Siates into military dis- 
 tricts, with an officer of t! e army in each thereof, with 
 discretionary authority from the executive of the United 
 States, to call for the militia to be under the command of surlr 
 officer. 
 
 2'd. 'tht re/rii^al of fhc executive of the United Slates tcr 
 supply or pay the militia of certain states called out for thciv 
 defence, on the grounds of their not having been called one 
 under the authority of the United States, or not having been 
 T)y the executive of the state put under the command of the 
 commander of the military district, and the failure of the gov- 
 ernment of the United States to sujtply and pay the militia of 
 fhe slates, by them admitted to have been in the United State.-3 
 service. 
 
 iJd. The report of the secretary at war to congress, on fill- 
 ing the ranks of the army, together with a bill or act upon 
 that subject. '. 
 
 4th. A bill before congfC36 providing for the classing an<i 
 drafting the militia. 
 
 ,5th. The expenditure of the revenue of the nation in offeir- 
 sive operations on the neighbouring provinces of the enemy. 
 
 6th. 'I*he failure of the govertiriicnt of the United States to 
 j)fovide for the common defence, alld the consequent obliga- 
 tions, necessity, and burden, devolved on the separate states 
 to defend themselves, together with the mode, ways, and 
 ftjeaps, in their power for accomplishing the object; 
 
 ' -iSIH 
 
iH\P. -n't 
 
 their fir,-^' 
 licir con- 
 
 asjiigncd 
 
 >' of (lioir 
 
 oper for 
 
 of (he 
 to call- 
 United 
 tary dis- 
 of, witli 
 i Uniterl 
 d of surlr 
 
 States inr 
 for thci* 
 ailed oMi 
 ing been 
 id of the 
 thf gov- 
 militia of 
 ed Slate.-] 
 
 >, on fill- 
 act upon 
 
 sing and 
 
 in offeir* 
 enemy. 
 
 •tatcs to 
 
 obligjt- 
 
 e states 
 
 ys, and 
 
 luj-j. 
 
 JHSTORY OK Tin: U\TK WAR. 
 
 4i*S 
 
 The convention continued their daily deliberation upon 
 these subjects with closed doors, from the 15lh of December 
 to the 5th of the following January :* the sentiments of par- 
 ticular members on the various subjects of their deliberation 
 have not been preserved or jjublished ; and are to be learned 
 only from their report and recommendations published at the 
 close of the session, and the journal of their daily proceedings 
 lodged in the otlice of the secretary of the state of Massachu- 
 setts, and since published. On the great leading point pro- 
 ))Osed by the Massachusetts resolutions, '' withholding the 
 public revenue, and tippropriatin^ it to their ntun dcftnce,^^ the 
 ronvention decided that it could not be done without the con- 
 sent of congress ; they therefore recommended that an earnest 
 'apj)lication should be made for that purpose. No doubt such 
 an application might be made without violating any principle 
 of the oonstitntion •, but the wisdom of the measure and the 
 probability of its success, presented very diiierent questions. 
 Jt would ill become the congress of the United States, special- 
 ly inlrjstcd with the defence of the country, and vested vrih 
 all its resources for that purpose, to say to a j)articular sec- 
 lion, lake your own resources and defend you 'selves ; this 
 Would be an invitation to the enemy to bend all its efibrf .o 
 subdue the section thus abandoned, atid to the section itself to 
 make its submission upon the best terms m its power. Thi.s 
 recommendation however, was adopted by two of the states, 
 and an embassy sent to congress to make the proposition, 
 with instructions also to apply to have the expenses already 
 incurred by them in calling (*ut the militia when not under 
 the orders of the general government adjusted and allowed. 
 The news of j)eace arriving at Washington at the sain*: 
 time with the embassy, superseded tlwi application on the first. 
 licad; and on the second, it has ever beeri unsuccessful. Thr 
 •irteasure, however, answered the purpose for which it was 
 
 *■ 
 
 i' *.Tonrna! of the Harl ford Convention. ,'ur.> 'j}' 
 
 '-1 
 
404 
 
 Hiai'OBY OF THE LATE WAft. 
 
 CuAv. &*. 
 
 '■ 1 t 
 
 *ll 
 
 
 originally designed, that of allaying the existing fermeni b y 
 exciting future expectations. 
 
 It appeared to the convention, obviously inexpedient to 
 take any measures for culling a general convention of all the 
 states for the purpose of radically altering or changing the 
 form of government ; that the public expectation, however, 
 might not be entirely disappointed on th^^ head, the conven- 
 tion recommended certain specific amendments of minor con- 
 sideration to be obtained in the mode pointed out by the con- 
 stitution. 
 
 1st. That representatives and direct taxes be apportioned 
 according to the respective numbers of free persons not in- 
 cluding slaves or Indians. 
 
 2d. No ncw^siatc be admitted without the consent of two- 
 thirds of both houses. 
 
 3d. Congress shall not have po#er to lay an embargo for 
 a longer term than sixty days. 
 
 4th. Congress shall not have power without the concurrence 
 of two-thirds of both houses to interdict the commercial inter- 
 course between the United States, and any foreign power or 
 its dependencies. 
 
 5th. Congress shall not have power to declare war, or au- 
 thorize acts of hostility against any foreign nation, without the 
 concurrence of two-thirds of both houses, except such acts of 
 hostility be in defence of the territories of the United States 
 when actually invaded. 
 
 Cth. No person who shall hereafter be naturalized, shall 
 be eligible as a member of the senate, or house of represen- 
 tatives, or capable of holding any oifice under the United 
 States. 
 
 7th. The same person shall not be eligible to the office of 
 President of the United States a second time ; nor shall the 
 President be elected from the same state two terms in suc- 
 cession. 
 
 The operation of these amendments would have been to 
 place in the hands oi tb" senators of seven of the minor 
 
<)ukv. ay*. 
 fermeiu by 
 
 Kpcdient to 
 1 of all the 
 nging the 
 however, 
 le convcn- 
 minor con- 
 y the con- 
 
 ^portioned 
 ns not in- 
 
 nt of two- 
 
 ibargo for 
 
 ncurrence 
 ^cial inter- 
 power or 
 
 ar, or au_ 
 ithout the 
 ::h acts of 
 ed Slates 
 
 5ed, shall 
 represeu- 
 B United 
 
 office of 
 shall the 
 i in sue- 
 
 been to 
 minor 
 
 1811. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 4o^ 
 
 states, whose population does not exceed a sixth part of the 
 union, a controlling power over most of the important acts of 
 the goyernment. Before these amendments could be re- 
 ceived as a part of the constitution^ they must be adopted by 
 the legislatures of three-fourths of aN the states. It could 
 rot be seriously expected that these states should surrender 
 the right of self-government to so small a portion of their 
 population. The propositions however, served the purpose 
 of occupying the public attention for the time. Two of the 
 states adopted and transmitted them to all the others for con- 
 sideration, where they were uniformly rejected, accompanied 
 in some instances with severe animadversions on the body 
 from which they emanated. The report of the convention, 
 containing the result of their deliberations was immediately 
 published, and transmitted to the executives of the states ap- 
 pointing them. It contained strictures of peculiar severity 
 on many of the measures of the general govenmient, by them 
 deemed impolitic and unconstitutional. It recommends that 
 the evib to which the New-England slates are subject by 
 these measures, should be longer borne rather than to seek 
 relief by any vio4ent or unconstitutional means. 
 
 It recommends to the kgislatures of the states represented 
 in the convention, to adopt all such measures as may bo 
 necessary to protect their citizens from the operation and 
 effect of all acts which have been or may be passed by 
 congress, which shall contain provisions subjecting their mili- 
 tia or other citizens to forceable drafts, conscriptions, or im- 
 pressments, not authorized oy the constitution of the United 
 States. That a legislative body may transcend i^s authority, 
 and pass acts not authorized by the instrument by which it h 
 created, the acts of every legislature of limited powers, 
 evince. Some acts of congress have been declared uncon- 
 stitutional by the supreme judicial authority of the nation. It 
 is, however, assuming a higli and unwarrantable prerogative 
 for & state legislature of subordinate authority, to declare the 
 "jets of the supreme legislative power, void, and absolve <hr 
 

 '-B''** 
 
 456 
 
 jtnarroRY op the late war.. 
 
 Chap, 2W| 
 
 citfzeos from their obligations of obedience* For the state 
 legislatures to take measures to protect their citizens against 
 such acts of congress as they deem unconstitutional, is sub- 
 versive of the principles upon which the union is founded. 
 A power i(> one legislature to enact, and in another to declare 
 void the same acts, cannot co-exist. One stale only follow- 
 ed this recommendation of the convention, and happily theiv 
 act upon the subject was never attempted to be executed. 
 
 The report further recommends, that the legislatures pass 
 laws authorizing the commanders in chief of the militia, to 
 make detachments of the same, or from volunteer corps, and 
 cause them to be well armed, equipped, disciplined, and held 
 in readiness for service, and upon request of the governors of 
 cither of the other states, to employ the whole, or such de- 
 tachment or corps, as well as the regular force of such stale 
 or such part thereof as may be spared consistently with theii 
 own safety, lo assist the state making such request to repej 
 any invasion thereof by the public enemy.. 
 
 The convention iurther resolved, that if the appli- 
 cation of these slates to the general government should be 
 unsuccessful, and peace should not be concluded, and the 
 defence of these states should be neglected as it had been 
 since the commencement of the war; it would be expedient 
 for the legislatures to appoint delegates to meet at Boston on 
 the third Thursday of the following June, with such powers 
 and instructions as the exigencies of a crisis so momentous 
 might require, and that the first named delegates in each 
 state, or either two of them might call a meeting of this con- 
 vention to be holden at Boston at any time before new dele- 
 gates were chosen, if in their judgment, the situation of tlic 
 counlry should urgently require it. Having in this manner 
 executed their commission, the convention closed their ses- 
 sion on the 5th of January, 1815.'* 
 
 Rppovt of the ccmvention. Januarv 181"). 
 
1U14. 
 
 HIOTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 457 
 
 What a second convention might have done, had the war 
 with all its embarrassments and calamities continued, is a 
 fruitless inquiry. It was a subject of congratulation to all, 
 that the treaty of peace, concluded before and ratified soon 
 after the rising of the convention, put an end to all question 
 on the subject. It operated, however, as a political ostracism 
 upon the unfortunate members ; while those under whose ap- 
 pointment they acted, and whose expectations were scarcely 
 realized, escaped the odium. 
 
 .3 
 
 i8 
 
CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 Third Session of the 13Ui Congrrss. — MessR^c. — Proposition to remote 
 the Seat of Government ; negatived. — Mr. Dallas appointed to the 
 Treasury Department. — Mis Expose. — His Profrasitions for the Im- 
 provement of tJie Finances — His Scheme for a National Bank. — The 
 Bill for the establishment of a Bank passed both Houses. — Disap- 
 proved by the President. — Returned and negatived. — State of the 
 Circulating Medium, and of Public and Private Credit. — Duties of thf^ 
 Secretary at War assigned to Mr. Monroe. — His Expos6 of the State 
 of the Army, and the Recruiting Service. — His Plan for raising an 
 Army for the year 1815. — Mr. Giles's Bill adopted. — Report of the 
 Secretary of the Navy. 
 
 Meeting of Congress. The period fixed by a law ol the 
 last session for the next mecling of the 13th congress, was 
 the last Monday in Oriober, 1814. But the general pacifi- 
 cation in Europe, and the destination of the British land and 
 naval forces which had been engtigcd in the European con- 
 test to the Anicricaii war, rendered an earlier meeting neces- 
 sary. Soon after the intelligence of these events arrived, 
 the President issued a proclamation convening congress on 
 the 19th of September. 
 
 Message. Mis message of the 20th informed them that no 
 intelligence had as yet been received from the envoys at 
 Ghent : thai from the princij)les and manner in which the 
 war is now avowedly carried on, they had every reason to 
 infer that a spirit of hostility more violent than ever is in- 
 dulged against the rights and prosperity of die counl^y. This 
 increased violence, the President observes, is best explained 
 by the two important circutnstanccs, that the great contest 
 in Europe, for an equilibrium guarantyinf; to all the states 
 their rights agauist the ambition of any, has been closed with- 
 out any «hcck on the overbearing powev of Great Britain on 
 
1814. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 459 
 
 tu remcnc 
 ted to the 
 for the Im- 
 ank.— Tho 
 !8. — Disap- 
 ate of the 
 uties of thn 
 ' the State 
 raising an 
 >ort of the 
 
 w of the 
 •CSS, was 
 •a I pacifi- 
 land and 
 can con- 
 ig neccs- 
 arrived, 
 gress on 
 
 1 that no 
 ivoys at 
 hich the 
 cason to 
 Jr is in- 
 y. This 
 tplaincd 
 con tost, 
 e states 
 2d with- 
 ifain on 
 
 the ocean ; and that it has left on her hands disposable arma- 
 ments, with which, forgetting the difficulties of a remote war 
 against,a free people, and yielding to the intoxication of suc- 
 cess, with a great victim before her eyes, she cherishes hopes 
 of still further aggrandizement. But whatever may havr 
 inspired the enemy with these more violent purposes, the 
 pubhc councils of this nation, more able to maintain than to 
 acquire its independence, can never deliberate but upon the 
 means most effectual for defeating the extravagant views of 
 the enemy. The various successes of the American arms in 
 he campaign of 1014 are brought into view as motives for 
 increased and more vigorous exertions. From the view of 
 the national affairs which the present crisis [)vesenls, congress 
 will be urged, the I'rcsidcnt remarks, without delay, to 
 lake up the subject of pecuniary supplies, and the military 
 force, on a scale commensurate with the extent and cfiaracte)' 
 which the war has now assumed. The situation of the coun- 
 try calls for its greatest efforts. The enemy, powerful in men 
 and money, on the land and water, is aiming, with an undivided 
 force, a deadly blow at the growing prosperity of the coun- 
 try. He has openly avowed his purpose of trampling on the 
 usages of civilized war, and given earnests of it in the plun- 
 der and wanton destruction of private property. From such 
 an adversary, hostility, in its greatest force and in its worst 
 forms, is to be expected. The American people must face it 
 with the same undaunted spirit, which in the revolutionary 
 struggle defeated his unrighteous projects. The message 
 concludes with a strong appeal to the patriotism of the Ameri- 
 can people, end a reliance on tlie support of an omnipotent 
 and kind Providence.* 
 
 Immediately after the destruction of the (apilol, the Presi- 
 dent directed another building to be provided and fitted uj) 
 for the accommodation of congress. Though every cxertioji 
 was made for that purpose, yet the short time in which it was 
 
 * Message of the 20th of Sept. 1814. 
 
460 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAll. 
 
 Chap Qi 
 
 necessarily done, prevented such arrangements being made 
 as were desirable. The city of Philadelphia, and borough 
 of Lancaster, tich offered to provide sufficient accommoda- 
 tions, should congress deem it proper to remove. Soon after 
 the meeting of congress, a resolution was introduced and 
 passed by the casting vote of the speaker, declaring it ex- 
 pedient to remove the seat of government from the city of 
 Washington. But on the final question on the passage of u 
 bill to that effect, it was negatived : ayes 74 ; nays 83. 
 
 Finance. The attention of congress was first directed to 
 the finanical concerns of the nation. 
 
 Circulating Medium. At this period nine-tenths of the 
 circulating medium in the United States was bank paper, 
 issued by institutions incorporated for banking purposes un- 
 der the authority of the several stales. These institutions 
 to the amount of nearly a hundred, had grown up with the 
 increase of commerce in the United States since the revolu- 
 tion. Their issues of paper were always supposed to be 
 bottomed upon a specie capital, paid in, and deposited in the 
 vaults of the bank, where the bill-holder might always resort, 
 and convert his bdl into specie; and this was the case with ^ 
 the exception of a few banks, the management of whose con- 
 cerns had fallen into the hands of swindlers, until the com- 
 mencement of the year 1814. The specie by which the banks 
 were supplied, was obtained principally from the exportation 
 of American productions. This source was almost entirely 
 cut off by the war. Indeed very little specie found its way 
 into the United States except what was obtained by an illicit 
 commerce with the enemy. The specie in the country at the 
 commencement of the war was withdrawn from the banks bv 
 the bill-holders, and either exported or hoarded in private 
 coffers. In this situation these institutions were reduced to 
 the alternative of sur.pending specie payments, or of collect- 
 ing in their debts from their customers, and suspending their 
 ordinary operations of discounting. The banks south and 
 west of New-England generally adopted the former, and the 
 
Chap Si 
 
 ing made 
 borough 
 ommoda- 
 >oon after 
 need and 
 ng it cx- 
 le city oi 
 age of a 
 83. 
 reeled to 
 
 IS of the 
 ^ paper, 
 )oses uii- 
 stitutions 
 with the 
 3 revolu- 
 ?d to be 
 ed in the 
 's resort, 
 ase with 
 ose con- 
 lie com- 
 le banks 
 •ortation 
 entirely 
 its way 
 •n illicil; 
 y at the 
 inks by 
 private 
 uced to 
 colJect- 
 >g their 
 ith and 
 md the 
 
 im4. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 461 
 
 New-England banks the latter alternative. The consequence 
 was, the bills of the specie banks disappeared ; the other 
 banks continued and enlarged their business, made more 
 liberal discounts, and supplied nearly the whole circulating 
 medium, which now became a depreciated paper. This struck 
 at once at the foundation of public and private credit. The 
 wary capitalist j)referrcd having his funds lie unproductive to 
 the hazard of exchanging them for any paper. A general 
 distrust and want of confidence in each other prevailed 
 among all classes. The public credit of the government 
 suflered equally with that of individuals; its depression was 
 such as to threaten a sispcnsion of important military opera- 
 tions. 
 
 Loan of twenty-Jive millions. In executing the authority 
 given by the act of March 1814, to borrow twenty-five mil- 
 lions of dollars, a loan of ten millions, part of that sum, was 
 opened on the 2d of May. No money could be obtained on 
 this loan short of a discount of twelve per cent., and with a 
 further stipulation, that if a greater discount should be made 
 upon the residue of the loan, the subscribers to the ten mil- 
 lions should be placed upon the same ground. Of this sum, 
 only six millions reached the treasury by the first of July, and 
 the subscribers to the amount of two millions finally failed ol 
 paying. On the 22d of August, another loan was opened 
 for six millions, but the whole amount oflered at any rate was 
 less than three, and this at a discount of twenty per cent. 
 Notwithstanding this reduced rate, the secretary of the treasu- 
 ry states, that considering the market price of United States 
 stock, hardly exceeded eighty per cent., and as there was no 
 prospect of obtaining money upon better terms, and money 
 at some rate was indispensable to the public service, it was 
 deemed adviseablc to accept the sum offered at this rate. 
 Another three millions of this stock was created, and sent to 
 market in Europe. At the same time there were in circulation 
 eight millions of treasury notes, one half of which was reim- 
 bursible during the year 1814, and being receivable on all 
 
 I 
 
■iii'2 
 
 lilSTORY OP THE LATE WAK. 
 
 Chai*. ':j. 
 
 taxes, and debts due the Uiiitod States, would inicrct-pt and iii 
 eOect diminish the revenue to that amount. In this situation 
 Mr. Campbell left the treasury in October 1814. 
 
 This department suffered much by frequent changes of its 
 principal officer, during a period when uniformity and effi- 
 ciency of operations were most essential. In Apnl 1813, 
 Mr. Gallatin was taken from the head of the tr easury depart- 
 ment, and sent on the peace embassy. This officer was a 
 financier of distinguished talents ; had the benefit of twelve 
 years experience at the head of the treasury ; and had di- 
 gested a plan, and commenced the operation of a system of 
 fmance adapted to a state of war ; when he was unexpectedly 
 removed from the discharge of the official duties of the de- 
 partment, still retaining the office, ap))ointed a commissioner 
 under the Russian mediation, and immediately dcs|)atched to 
 Petersburgh for the purpose of meeting British nej;otiators, 
 whom that government never saw fit to appoint. This mea- 
 .sure was adopted during the recess of the senate, and when 
 submitted to them for approbation, the officer was on his way 
 to Europe in the execution of his commission. The senate 
 strongly remonstrated against, but finally confirmeil the ap- 
 pointment. The business of the department for the remainder 
 of that year, was confided to Mr. Jones, the secretary of the 
 navy. Early in 1814, Mr. Campbell was appointed, and 
 took charge of the department until the October following, 
 when Mr. Dallas was appointed his successor. 
 
 Mr. Dallas'^ s Expose. On the 17th of October, Mr. Dallas, 
 in answer to inquiries from the committee of ways and means, 
 gave an expose of the stale of the treasury at the commence- 
 ment of his official duties. Contemplating the present state 
 of the finances, he observes, a deficiency of the revenue, and 
 a depreciation of public credit exist from causes which cannot 
 be ascribed to the want of resources, or want of integrity 
 in the nation. The most operative causes have been the in- 
 adequacy of the system of taxation to form the basis of pub- 
 lic credit, and the abuse of the means best adapted to antici- 
 
CjlAl'. 'Zl. 
 
 1814. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 463 
 
 ;t;plaiid 111 
 s situalion 
 
 nj^es of its 
 an'J efli- 
 Vii\ 1813, 
 y depan- 
 er was a 
 of twelvr- 
 J had di- 
 systcm ol 
 Kpectedly 
 •f the de- 
 inissioncr 
 atche(J to 
 ^otiators, 
 'his mra- 
 iid when 
 1 his way 
 10 senate 
 1 the ap- ^ 
 miainder 
 7 of thf 
 iecJ, and 
 >Jlowing, 
 
 Dallas, 
 1 means, 
 imence- 
 nt slate 
 ue, and 
 
 cannot 
 itcgrity 
 
 the in- 
 3f pub- 
 
 antici' 
 
 I 
 
 |)atc, collect, and distribute the public revenue. The wealth 
 of the nation has remained almost wholly untouched by the 
 hand of government. The national faith, and not the national 
 wealth, has hitherto been the principal instrument of finance. 
 It wcs to be expected, however, that a period must arrive in 
 the course of a protracted war, when confidence in the accu- 
 mulating public engagements could only be secured by an 
 active demonstration of the capacity and disposition to pcr- 
 forco them. A prompt and resolute application of the re- 
 sources of the country will eti'rctually relieve from every pe- 
 cuniary embarrassment, and vindicate the fiscal honour of the 
 government. 
 
 The public exigencies require a supply of treasure for the 
 prosecution of the war, far beyond any amount which it is 
 cither politic or practicable to obtain by an immediate and 
 constant imposition of taxes. Resort must therefore be had 
 to credit. Public wredit is at this juncture so depressed, thai 
 no hope of adecjuatc succour, on moderate terms, can bo 
 placed upon it. Hence it becomes the first and last object 
 in every practical scheme of finance to reanimate the con- 
 fidence of the citizens, and to impress on the mind of every 
 person, who renders services, furnishes supplies, or advances 
 money on public account, a perfect conviction of the punctu- 
 ality as well as the security of government. We have now 
 not merely the care of preserving a credit which has never 
 been impaired, but the more difiicult task of rescuing from 
 reproach, a credit over which doubt and apprehension have 
 cast an inauspicious shade. No exertion will be found com- 
 petent to attain this object which does not quiet in every mind 
 all fear of future loss and disappointment in consequence of 
 trusting to the pledges of public faith. 
 
 The circulating medium of the country, the secretary adds, 
 is another copious source of mischief and embarrassment. 
 The recent exporlations of specie has considerably dimin- 
 ished the fund of gold and silver coin; and another portiott 
 
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 ^^,^0. 
 
 
 IMAGE EVALUATION 
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 23 WEST MAIN STREET 
 
 WEBSTER, N.Y. 14S80 
 
 (716) 872-4503 
 
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r-tf/ 
 
 
 |i i '. 
 
 464 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Caxr.ai. 
 
 of it has been withdrawn by the timid, and wary from the use 
 of the community, into the coffers of individuals. The multi- 
 phcation of banks has so increased the quantity of paper cur- 
 rency, that it is difficult to calculate its amount or ascertain 
 its value, with reference to the capital on which it has been 
 issued. It may therefore be affirmed that there exists at this 
 time no adequate circulating medium common to the citizens 
 of the|United States. The moneyed transactions of private 
 life are at a stand, and the fiscal operations of government 
 labour with extreme inconvenience. It is impossible that 
 such a state of things can long be endured, and with legisla- 
 tive aid, it is not necessary. Under favourable circum- 
 stances, and to a limited extent, an emission of treasury notes 
 would probably affisrd relief, but they are an expensive and 
 precarious substitute for coin or bank notes, charged as they 
 are with a growing interest, productive of no countervailing 
 profit, and exposed to every breath of popular prejudice and 
 alarm. 
 
 The establishment of a national institution operating upon 
 credit, combined with capital, and regulated by prudence and 
 good faith, is, after all, the only efficient remedy for the dis- 
 ordered state of the circulating medium. It will be a safe 
 depository for the public treasure, and a constant auxiliary 
 to public credit. But whether the issues of a paper cur- 
 rency proceed from the national treasury or a national bank, 
 the acceptance of the paper in a course of payments must be 
 for ever optional with the citizens. The extremity of that 
 day cannot be anticipated, when any enlightened statesman 
 shall again venture upon the desperate expedient of a tender 
 law. Having thus generally delineated the fiscal concerns 
 of the nation, the secretary next proceeds to ofier the follow- 
 ing specific propositions, which in his opinion would place 
 public credit upon a permanent basis, and furnish an eligible 
 circulating medium. 
 
 ^ 1 
 
 '■' u 
 
 ^- 
 
1814. HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 465 
 
 )st. That during the war, and until the claims contem- 
 plated in these propositions are extinguished there should be 
 annually raised by taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, a fund, 
 For the support of government of . . . . ^1,500,000 
 For the principal and interest of the public 
 
 debt due defore the war 3,500,000 
 
 Interest on the war debt estimated at seventy- 
 two millions 4,320,000 
 
 For the payment of treasury notes . , . . 7,400,000 
 For the payment of any liquidated ba- 
 lances where there are no specific appropria- 
 tions 280,000 
 
 For the current expenses of the war in part . 2,000,000 
 
 For a sinking fund - . 500,000 
 
 For a contingent fund to meet sudden and " 
 occasional demands on the treasury .... 1 ,500,000 
 
 ^^' ^21,000,000 
 
 ' 2d. That this sum be raised by the customs 
 
 estimated at ^4,000,000 
 
 Existing internal duties 2,700,000 
 
 Direct tax 2,500,000 
 
 Sales of public lands . ....... 800,000 
 
 By an addition of one hundred per cent, upon 
 the direct tax, sales at auction, rates of posta-^e, 
 
 and duties on carriages 3,700,000 
 
 By an addition of fifty percent, on retailing 
 
 licenses 300,000 
 
 By the proceeds of new duties, viz. by a tax 
 on domestic distilled spirits of twenty-five cents 
 per. gallon in addition to the duty on stills . . 6,000,000 
 On other manufactures not hitherto taxed . 1,000,000 
 
 $21,000,000 
 
 3d. That a national bank be established at Philadelphia^ 
 
 with power to establish branches at pleasure, and with a caj::i- 
 
 ital of fifty millions of dollars ; thirty to be subscribed bpridi- 
 
 59 
 
 iJi' i| 
 
 
 ,; ■ if;l 
 
 'II 
 
 I 
 
466 
 
 HISTORY OF TflE LATE WAK. 
 
 Chap. 21, 
 
 ^iW 
 
 viduals, and twenty by the United States. The specie capi- 
 tal to be six millions paid by individuals, the residue to be 
 paid in treasury notes and United States stock : that the 
 United States should have power to take up treasury notes 
 paid in by inc' viduals, and substitute six per cent, stock. 
 That no part of the public stock should be sold by the bank 
 during the war, nor more than half of it afterwards without 
 the consent of congress. And that the bank should be 
 obliged to loan to the United States thirty millions at an inter- 
 est of six per cent. 
 
 4th. That twenty-eight millions be borrowed for the war 
 expenditures of 1815, and afterwards such sums annualfy as 
 Jshould be necessary to meet the war appropriations.* 
 
 This financial expose of the secretary of the treasury was 
 received with great anxiety. It presented to the view of con- 
 gress and the people, the real situation of the national trea- 
 sury, the state of public credit, and the circulating medium. 
 No effectual provision was made at the commencement of the ^ 
 war for meeting its expenses, other than acts of congress au-*'' 
 thoiizing the borrowing of money, and issuing treasury notes ; 
 and no receipts at the treasury were had on account of the 
 war taxes until more than a year after they were imposed. 
 During this lime the war debt had accumulated to an 
 amount which threatened the destruction of public credit. 
 Mr. Dallas's measures went in a great degree to correct the 
 evil. The system of taxes and internal duties which he re- 
 commended were, with some unimportant variations, adopted. 
 
 National Bank. On the subject of his project for a na- 
 tional bank, there was a great diversity of sentiment. Whe- 
 ther it was within the constitutional powers of congress to cre- 
 ate such an institution, was a question which had long divided 
 public opinion, h was not given by any express clause in the 
 constitution, and by a subsequent amendment it was provided, 
 •' that the powers not delegated to the United States by the con- 
 
 * Air DalUs's expose, October 1814. 
 
^HAP. 21. 
 
 I814. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 46' 
 
 e capi- 
 to be 
 
 hat the 
 y notes 
 stock, 
 le bank 
 without 
 
 uld be 
 n inter- 
 he war 
 ually as 
 
 iry was 
 of con- 
 al trea- 
 ledium. 
 t of the t 
 
 •ess au-'n- 
 ' notes ; 
 
 of the 
 iposed. 
 
 to an 
 credit, 
 ect the 
 he re- 
 lopted. 
 
 a na- 
 
 Whe- 
 to cre- 
 ivided 
 in the 
 ('ided, 
 icon- 
 
 % 
 
 A 
 
 t 
 
 stitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the 
 states, respectively, or to the people." One clause in the con- 
 stitution gave congress the power to make all laws necessary and 
 proper for carrying into effect the powers delegated to them. 
 This general indefinite power, the extent of which is always 
 to be judged of in the first instance by the body who is to ex- 
 ercise it, has ever been construed to extend to any measure 
 which it is found convenient to adopt. With »his disposition 
 to a liberal construction of their own powers, the first con- 
 gress under the constitution established a national bank as 
 a measure necessary and proper to carry into effect the 
 financial powers expressly delegated by the constitution. 
 The measure, however, was severely reprobated by a re- 
 spectable portion of the legislature as unconstitutional ; and 
 when the charter expired it was refused to be renewed. In 
 the extended financial operations incident to a state of v/ar, 
 and in the absence of a specie circulating medium, the want 
 of such an institution was greatly felt, and constitutional scru- 
 ples disappeared. But to the project of the secretary, there 
 were peculiar objections. This bank was to consist of a spe- 
 cie capital of six millions only; the other forty forty- four 
 were to consist of debt against the United States, which the 
 bank could not alienate, or in any manner convert into acr 
 live capital, and of course could afford no aid in banking op- 
 erations. With these limited means, the bank was required 
 to loan, atthe call of government, thirty millions, or five times 
 its active capital, and to furnish a circulating medium for the 
 nation : its discounts of course must be liberal : it must throw 
 out an immense quantity of bills into circulation ; to restrain 
 which there wais no limitation. The consequence must be a 
 want of means to redeem its bills in specie ; and another in- 
 evitable consequence, a depreciation of the currency. It 
 might afford a convenient mode of disposing of forty-four 
 millions of the public debt, but the sacrifice was deemed too 
 great. It was nothing more than a paper money scheme in 
 the hands of individuals who might pervert it to the most per- 
 
 -'i\i 
 
 i ! 
 
468 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap, si^ 
 
 nicious purposes. The committee of ways and means, how- 
 ever, reported a bill to the house, establishing a bank upon 
 the secretary's principles. After undergoing a discussion of 
 several weeks, the features of the bill were entirely changed. 
 It was altered from a paper to a specie bank. It was holden 
 to redeem its bills with specie ; and for this purpose, the 
 treasury notes, and one-half the United Slates stock paid in 
 by subscriber)!, might be sold in market at the pleasure of the 
 bank ; and the institution was to be under no obligation to 
 loan money to the government. The capital was to consist 
 of thirty millions, one-sixth part specie, and the other United 
 States stock and treasury notes. A bill incorporating a bank 
 upon these principles finally passed both houses, and was 
 presented to the President for approbation. The executive, 
 preferring the system of the secretary, disapproved the bill, 
 and returned it with his objections, stating that waiving the 
 constitutional question which he considered as being at rest 
 by the various acts of the legislative, executive, and judicial 
 branches of the government, the bank in his opinion was 
 calculated to afford no efficient aid to the government. The 
 amount of public stock, which would be absorbed by the 
 bank, and which they would be obliged to retain, would have 
 no sensible effect to raise the public credit ; while by throw- 
 ing into market such parts of it as they were authorized to 
 sell, they might contribute to its further depression. Not be- 
 ing obliged to loan money to government, no reasonable ex- 
 pectation of benefit was to be expected from that source, and 
 being obliged to redeem their bills by specie payments, they 
 would be so confined in their operations as not to afford a cir- 
 culating medium. That the six millions of specie paid in by 
 the subscribers would probably soon be drawn out for expor- 
 tation which would further increase the embarrassments 
 arising from the want of a specie circulating medium. That 
 a bank, with the exclusive privileges conferred on this, ought 
 to purchase their charter either directly by an adequate 
 1»onu8, or indirectly by being obliged to make loans to gov- 
 
1814. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 4t>l> 
 
 crnment to a certain amount when required ; neither of which 
 was provided for in the act. The bill, being returned to the 
 senate with the President's objections, failed of being support- 
 ed by a majority of two-thirds, and was negatived. 
 
 Treasury Estimates. On the 27th of January, the secre- 
 tary presented another report, stating that the charges on the 
 treasury for the year 1814,consisting of unsatisfied appropri- 
 ations of the preceding year, tne sums necessary to meet the 
 engagement of the public debt, and the appropriations for the 
 year 1814, amounted to $67,694,590.70. That the ways 
 and means provided to meet these demands were, 
 
 Cash in the treasury on the 1st of January, > 
 
 1814, 
 
 Amount of cash received for revenue, of ev- 
 ery description, in 1814, 
 
 Proceeds of loans and treasury notes in 1813, 
 and received in 1814, 
 
 Authority to borrow and issue treasury notes 
 for the service of the year 1814, 36,000,000 
 
 ^5,196,482 
 
 '■V ','. • i' ■', 
 
 11,311,353 
 4,662,665 
 
 $57,170,500 
 On this statement the secretary remarks, the calls on the 
 treasury are positive and urgent ; the ways and means de- 
 pending principally on the loans as yet unobtained, are pre- 
 carious, and not to be relied on. 
 
 The estimates for the year 1815, he states to be, 
 
 For the civil, diplomatic, and miscellaneous 
 expenses, $1,979,289 
 
 Military department, 30,342,238 
 
 Naval department, 8,217,862 
 
 Public debt necessary to be provided for in 
 
 1815, 15,493,145 
 
 I 
 
 $ 56,032,034 
 
 The ways and means for 1815 are the existing sources of 
 
 supply embracing cash in the treasury, direct tax, customs, 
 
 internal duties, and all incidental receipts, and amount to 
 
 
'170 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 2i> 
 
 15,125,909, leaving a deficit of more than forty millions, to 
 be provided for by additional internal taxes, loans, and issues 
 of treasury notes. This deficit of forty millions for the ser- 
 vice of the year 1815, together with the unobtained loans for 
 1814, both amounting to seventy-six millions, presented a 
 most unpromising aspect. After making his statement in 
 detail, the secretary concludes the communication by remark- 
 ing, that when he perceives (hat more than forty millions are 
 to be raised for the service of the year 1815, by an appeal to 
 public credit through the medium of loans and treasury notes, 
 he feels the utmost solicitude for the event. The unprom- 
 ising state of public credit, and the obstructed state of the 
 circulating medium, are sufficiently known. A liberal impo- 
 sition of taxes during tlie present session, ought to raise the 
 public credit, were it not for countervailing causes ; but it can 
 have no effect in furnishing a national circulating medium. 
 It remains therefore with the wisdom of Congress to decide 
 whether any other means can be applied to restore public 
 credit, re-establish a national circulating medium, and facili- 
 tate the anticipations of the public revenue. The opinion of 
 this department has been heretofore frankly expressed, and it 
 remains unchanged. 
 
 Military Exposi, — A view of the military establishment in 
 prospect for the year 1815, was as unpromising as that of the 
 treasury. The duties of the department of war had in the 
 month of September been assigned to the secretary of state ; 
 and on the 17th of October, Mr. Monroe as acting secretary 
 at war, in answer to a letter from the chairman of the military 
 comnittee, gave a detailed exposition of the state of the mili- 
 tary department, of the force necessary for the service of the 
 year 1815, and of the means of obtaining it. He states that an 
 effective force of one hundred thousand men will be necssa. 
 ry for the service of the year 1815. He recommends that the 
 present military establishment of 62,448 men, be preserved and 
 filled up, and an additional permanent force of forty thousand, 
 be raised for the defence of the sea-board and frontiers. In 
 
 r 
 r 
 
 \ - ; 
 
Chap. 21. 
 
 lions, tu 
 nd issues 
 the sci- 
 ioans for 
 iented a 
 iment ia 
 remark- 
 ions are 
 ppeal to 
 ry notes, 
 unprom- 
 e of the 
 d impo- 
 raise the 
 ut it can 
 medium. 
 3 decide 
 e pubHc 
 id facili- 
 pinion of 
 d, and it 
 
 ment in 
 it of the 
 i in the 
 f state ; 
 fcretary 
 mihtary 
 he mih- 
 1 of the 
 that an 
 lecssa. 
 hat the 
 i^edand 
 usand, 
 s. In 
 
 1U14. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 471 
 
 proposing these measures, the secretary adds, " it is now ap- 
 parent that the object of the British government, by striking 
 at the principal sources of prosperity, is to diminish the im- 
 portance, if not destroy the political existence of the United 
 States. Forced now to contend for our liberties and inde- 
 pendence, we are called upon to display all the patriotism 
 which distinguished Americans in the first great struggle. 
 The United States must relinquish no right, or perish in the 
 attempt. There was no middle ground to rest on. The 
 stronger the pressure, and the greater the danger, the more 
 iirm and vigorous will be the resistance, and the more suc- 
 cessful the result. It is the avowed purpose of the enemy to 
 lay waste and destroy our cities and villages, and desolate the 
 country, of which numerous examples had already been af- 
 forded. It is evidently his intention to press the war along 
 ihe whole extent of the sea-board, and from Canada to invade 
 the adjoining states; while at the same time, attempts are 
 made on the city of New- York and other important points, iu 
 the vain project of dismemberment or subjugation. A part 
 of his scheme evidently appears to be to continue the inva- 
 sion of this part of the union, while a separate force attacks 
 the state of Louisiana in the hope of taking possession of 
 New-Orleans, and the mouth of the Mississippi, the great out- 
 let and key to the commerce of all that portion of the United 
 States west of the Alleghany mountains. The advantage 
 which a great naval superiority gives the enemy by enabling 
 him to move his troops with celerity, fror/j one quarter to 
 another, from Maine to Mississippi, along a coc* t of two thou- 
 sand miles, is very great. A small force moved in this man- 
 ner, for the purposes avowed by the British comnoander, 
 crea(es an alarm in every part. If the militia are to be relied 
 on as the principal defence of the coast against these preda- 
 tory and desolating incursions, by interfering with their or- 
 dinary pursuits of industry, it will be attended with serious in- 
 terruption and loss to them, and injury to the public. It is 
 an object therefore of the highest importance to provide a 
 
 til 
 
 '■ • 
 
A72 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap, iii/ 
 
 ^ 
 
 regular force with the means of transporting it from oncijuar- 
 ter to another, thereby following the movements of the ene- 
 my with the greatest possible rapidity in repelling his attacks, 
 wherever they may be made. Three times the force in mi- 
 litia has been employed, the secretary stated, at our princi- 
 pal cities on the coast and on the frontier, and in marching to 
 and returning from thence, that would have been necessary in 
 regular troops, and the expense has been more than propor 
 tionably augmented. But to bring the war to an honourable 
 termination, we must not be contented with merely defending 
 ourselves. Different feelings must be touched, and different 
 apprehensions excited in the British government. By push- 
 ing the war into Canada, the friendship of the Indian tribes is 
 secured, and their services commanded, which would be oth. 
 crwise turned against us. The coast is relieved from the 
 desolation threatened, and we have in our hands a safe pledge 
 of an honourable peace. From this view of the subject, it 
 will be necessary to bring into the field a regular army of one 
 hundred thousand effective men for the next campaign. Sucii 
 a force, aided in extraordinary emergencies by volunteers, 
 nnd militia, will remove all inquietude, as to the final result 
 of the contest, and secure to the United States a safe and 
 honourable peace." 
 
 But the great question remains, how is this force to be ob- 
 tained ? For the recruiting service of the last year a bounty 
 has been offered of one hundred and twenty-four dollars, and 
 one hundred and sixty acres of land to each recruit, ninety- 
 six dollars a year wages, and clothing during the time of 
 service. Recruiting rendezvous had been opened at sixty 
 different places in the United States, and to ensure the ac- 
 tivity of recruiting officers, they were allowed four dollars for 
 tach man obtained. Two millions of dollars had been paid 
 out in bounties and premiums in the recruiting service, from 
 January to September, 1814, and during that time, and with 
 these exertions, only thirteen thousand eight hundred and 
 ninety-eight men had been obtained ; and not more than one 
 
 kiiM: : I 
 
lOl-J. 
 
 HISTORY OF Tin: LA'l't: WAU. 
 
 47.} 
 
 half of that niimbrr had narhcdlhc army in season for active 
 service in the campai' M of IBM. The army, wliich on pa- 
 ]ier stood at 62,448 men, did not at the dose of the campaign 
 exceed half that immher of clVcrtives. The recruiting ser- 
 vice for the efisning year was still more unpromising. The 
 campaign of 1014 had been severe, fatiguing, and hazardous; 
 that of 1815 wore a still more threatening aspect. The sol- 
 dier had now to expect to meet the veteran troops of CJreat 
 Britain, inured to twenty years' service in the open field. 
 Nearly all those who could be supposed willing, either from 
 motives of patriotism or interest, to pledge their lives to gov- 
 ernment had already been enlisted ; and it would be per- 
 fectly vain and illusory to attempt the raising of seventy 
 thousand men, the number wanted accoriling to the secre- 
 tary's estimate, by voluntary enlistment. 
 
 Plan of the Secretary at War for filing the Ranks of the 
 Army, With these views, the secretary, who was not a man 
 to propose an object without adequate means lo accomplish 
 it, was induced to abandon the system of voluntary enlist- 
 ment, and propose one of compulsory service. His report 
 embraced four plans; but the first and the one which he 
 strongly recommended, was by far the most simple, energetic, 
 and effectual. He proposed that the free male population of 
 the United States, between the ages of eighteen and forty- 
 five, and which according to the census of eighteen hundred 
 and ten, amounted to between nine and ten hundred thousand,- 
 should be formed into classes of one h^di'cd men each, by 
 local precincts, with a view to the equal distribution of prop- 
 erty among the several classes ; and that each class furnish 
 i.heir proportion of men required within thirty days after the 
 classification, and replace them in case of casualty : all the 
 taxable property within the precinct of each class to be taxed 
 lo pay an extra bounty to the recruits. 'l*he men want* 
 ed were to be designated by draft, if volunteers did not offei'. 
 Estimating the whole number of citizens of the requisite age 
 fit a million, and the number wanted at seventy thousand, 
 
 60 
 
474 
 
 fllSTORy OF THE LATK WAK. 
 
 Chap, 111* 
 
 wonki give seven men to each class. The recruits to he. 
 <Iclivcretl over to the recruiting officer of the district, and 
 marched to such place of general rendezvous as should be 
 desigrjaled by the secretary at war. Particular persons in 
 each county to be appointed by the President to carry this 
 system into execution. 
 
 The secretary, aware that this was bringing the war homo 
 to the feelings of congress and their constituents, and that 
 there probably might be strong objections to the plan, assigns 
 his reasons for the measure. That it will be effectual, can- 
 not, he observes, be doubted ; the men contemplated will 
 soon be raised, and there can be no well grounded constitu- 
 tional objections. Congress have a right to declare war and 
 to raise regular armies without restriction. It is intended 
 that this plan should operate on all alike; none are exempt- 
 ed but the chief magistrate of the United States, and the gov- 
 ernors of the several states. It would be absurd to suppose 
 that congress could not carry this power into effect, otherwise 
 than by accepting the voluntary services of individuals. It 
 might happen thnt an army could not be raised in that mode : 
 the power then would have been granted in vain. Th»? 
 safety of the state might depend upon such an army, and bo 
 jeopardized by delay. Long continued invasions, conducted 
 by regular and well diciplined troops, can best be repelled 
 by troops of the same character. Courage is in a great de- 
 gree mechanical. A small body, well trained, accustomed to 
 action, and gallantlikled on, often breaks down three or four 
 times the number of more respectable and brave, but raiv 
 and undiciplined troops. The sense of danger is diminished 
 by frequent exposure without harm; and confidence inspired 
 by a knowledge that reliance may be placed on others : this 
 knowledge is obtained in no other way but by actual service 
 together. The power granted to congress to raise armies, 
 was made with a knowledge of all these circumstances. The 
 fraiQ^^s 9f the ^^n^titution, and the stjat^s wh^ ratified it, kncv^ 
 
Uhap. «L 
 
 \iii-i. 
 
 HISTOKY OF THE LATE WAIL 
 
 '17 o 
 
 s to b<r 
 •ict, and 
 )uld be 
 'sons in 
 rry this 
 
 r homo 
 nd that 
 assigns 
 al, can- 
 ed will 
 onslitu- 
 var and 
 itended 
 Jxempt- 
 he gov- 
 iupposo 
 herwisc 
 als. It 
 t mode : 
 . Tin] 
 and ho 
 iducted 
 epellcd 
 eat de- 
 nied to 
 or four 
 111 raiv 
 nished 
 I spired 
 i: thi.s 
 ervicc 
 rmies, 
 The 
 kneVr 
 
 the advantage which an enemy might have by regular forces, 
 and intended to place their country on an equal footing. 
 
 The idea that Congress cannot raise an army in any other 
 mode than by accepting the voluntary services of individuals, 
 the secretary observes, is repugnant to the uniform construc- 
 tion of all grants of power, and to the first principles and 
 leading objects of the constitution. An unqualified grant of 
 power gives the necessary means of carrying it into effect. 
 This is a universal law of construction that admits of no ex- 
 ception. The conservation of the state is a duty paramount 
 to all others. The commonwealth has a right to the ser- 
 vices of all its citizens ; or rather the citizens composing the 
 commonwealth have a right to the services of each other to 
 repel any danger which may be threatened. In what man- 
 ner this service is to be apportioned among the citizens is the 
 object of legislation. All that is to be dreaded in such cases 
 is the abuse of power, and the constitution has provided am- 
 ple security against that evil. In support of the position that 
 congress have a right to compel the military services of indi- 
 viduals, the militia laws are a conclusive proof and a striking 
 example. That whole system is founded on compulsion ; 
 the militia man is enrolled at the age of eighteen, disciplined, 
 called into active service, and subject to martial law, without 
 his consent. The militia service calls from home, for long 
 terms, whole districts of country ; none can elude the call ; few 
 can avoid the service ; and those who do are compelled to pay 
 great sums for substitutes. The plan p|oposed fixes upon no 
 one personally, and opens to all a chanceof declining the ser- 
 vice. Itis the principal object of this planto engage in defence 
 of the state, the unmarried andyouthful,who can best be spared, 
 and tosecure to them an adequate compensation, from the vol- 
 untary contributions of the more wealthy of every class. Great 
 confidence is entertained that such contribution will be made 
 in time to avoid a draft. The secretary finally adduced in 
 support of his plan, the example of the revolutionary war. 
 
 ¥' 111 
 
a,-: 
 
 476 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 21. 
 
 It then filled the ranks of the regular army, and led to a suc- 
 cessful termination of the contest. Should the United States 
 make this exertion, the war would probably soon end. It is 
 in their power to expel the British from the American conti- 
 nent. Against the united and vigorous eflbrts of America, the 
 resistance of the enemy must be feeble. Success in defeating 
 the schemes of the enemy, and obtaining an honourable peace, 
 %vill place the United States on higher ground in the opinion 
 of the world, than they have ever held at any former period. 
 In future European wars, their commerce will be allowed to 
 takeitslawful range uhaiolested : respected abroad, and happy 
 at home, the United States will have accomplished the great 
 objects for which they have so long contended : as a nation 
 they will have little to dread, as a people little to desire.* 
 
 To fill the ranks of the existing army, the secretary calcu- 
 lated, would require four to each class, and about the same 
 number to raise the proposed additional corps of forty thousand. 
 It was only to constitute every twelfth free male citizen of 
 the United States, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, 
 a soldier during the war, and all the brilliant objects enumc- 
 Itated in the secretary's report would probably be realized. 
 Three other plans were proposed as substitutes for this, but 
 all of them being less efficient, and equally objectionable ; the 
 secretary relied on this for the furiher prosecution of the 
 war. 
 
 Two objects were proposed by the raising of this army : 
 one, the defence of^he territory ; the other, the conquest of 
 Canada. But his arguments were now addressed to a body 
 who had given up the plan of the Canadian conquest, and 
 whose undivi:i!cu attention was directed to an efficient system 
 ©f defence. 
 
 The secretaries of the treasury and war, both recently ap- 
 pointed to those offices, in their reports to congress, laid open 
 with great faithfulness and ability the embarrassments under 
 
 ♦Report of the anting' secretary at war, October 1814. - 
 
Chap. 2i. 
 
 U14. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 47 7 
 
 to a suc- 
 ;d States 
 d. It is 
 an conti- 
 rica, the 
 efcatinff 
 e peace, 
 opinion 
 period, 
 owed to 
 d happy 
 he great 
 a nation 
 ire.* 
 
 y calcu- 
 le same 
 ousand. 
 tizen of 
 ky-five, 
 enumc- 
 3alized. 
 his, but 
 )le ; the 
 of the 
 
 army : 
 uest of 
 L body 
 5t, and 
 system 
 
 ly ap- 
 I open 
 under 
 
 which the financial and military affairs of the nation labour- 
 ed, and proposed remedies, bold, energetic, and effectual, but 
 such as at the commencement o^ the war were little antici- 
 pated. It was not expected that in a contest for the rights 
 of some thousands of American seamen, who had been gross- 
 ly injured, these seamen would in consequence thereof be im- 
 mured in Dartmoor prison, and one hundred thousand free 
 citizens of the United States be compelled to fill the ranks of 
 the army. But war once declared, there was no resting 
 point ; the blood and treasure of the nation were pledged for 
 its support ; and that legislature who are not prepared, if the 
 occasion calls, to compel every citizen, capable of bearing 
 arms, to take their stand in the ranks of the army, and to take 
 so much of the treasure of the nation as is necessary to ac- 
 complish the objects of the contest, even to its last cent, must 
 not declare war. Such, however, was not the temper of con- 
 gress, nor could they bo brought to itby the reasonings of the 
 secretaries. 
 
 The plan of the secretary at war was not even honoured with 
 a discussion in either house of congress. No bill was ever in- 
 troduced embracing its principles. The measure was deem- 
 ed too strong, and too nearly allied to European conscrip- 
 tions and impressments for republican America. 
 
 As a substitute, Mr. Giles, of the miUtary committee, in- 
 troduced a bill into the senate, authorizing the President to 
 call upon the executives of each state, for their proporr 
 lion of eighty thousand miiitia, to serve for the term of two 
 years, within the limits of the United States, and confined 
 also to the state in which they were raised, or an adjoining 
 state. This corps was to be raised by draft, on failure of 
 volunteers offering themselves ; and for this purpose, all per- 
 sons subject to military duty were to be classed, with refer- 
 ence also to property, in such manner, that one from each 
 class could supply the requisite number. Their services, 
 being confined within the limits of the United States, were to 
 be merely of a defensive character. This bill, with little var 
 
 i; 
 
■V 8 
 
 478 
 
 HiarOBY OP THE LATB WAR. 
 
 Chai". ii\. 
 
 riation, passed both houses ; and being a substitute for the reg- 
 ular force contemplated by the secretary at war, manifested 
 an unequivocal determination to abandon the project of con- 
 quering the Canadas. 
 
 Enlistment of Minors. Another bill was also' introduced 
 from the same committee in aid of the recruiting service, in- 
 creasing the land bounty to 320 acres, and providing that 
 persons under the age of twenty-one years may be enlisted 
 without the consent of their parents, guardians, or masters. 
 The last provision was opposed as impolitic, tending to se- 
 duce and corrupt the morals of the American youth ; to take 
 them from the wise and wholesome restraint of their parents 
 and guardians, and expose them to the seduction and licen- 
 tiousness of the camp, before they had arrived to years of 
 discretion : that it was clothing them with the power of bind- 
 ing themselves by their contracts in a most important point, 
 when by the laws of all the states they were deemed incapa- 
 ble of making contracts : that it was unconstitutional, as it 
 impaired and defeated the existing obligations of a lawful 
 contract between the minor apprentice and his master. These 
 objections however, were overruled, and the bill with this 
 provision passed, on the ground that persons of this age 
 ever constituted an important part of the military national 
 force: that such persons usually made the best soldiers, 
 would more easily learn, and readily submit to the discipline 
 of the camp, and that a nation at war, was entitled to the 
 services of all its c^izens capable of bearing arms for its de- 
 fence. 
 
 Report of the Secretary of the J^avy, The secretary of 
 the navy, in his report of the 15th of November, in a mild, 
 qualified, and cautious manner, recommended the impressment 
 of American seamen for the supply of the navy. His propo- 
 sition was that some regular system be established, by which 
 the voluntary enlistments for the navy may derive occasional 
 reinforcement from the service of those seamen, who, pursu- 
 ing their own private occupations, are exempt from public 
 
1814. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 479 
 
 service of any kind ; and that, for this purpose, descriptive 
 registers be kept in each district, of all the seamen belong' 
 ing to the United States; and that provision be made by law 
 for classing them, and calling into public service, in succession, 
 for reasonable stated periods, such portions or classes as tho 
 public service might require. He also recommended the es- 
 tablishment of a board of navy inspectors, to have the gene- 
 ral superintendence and direction of the affairs of the navy, 
 and authority over all the officers and agents employed in 
 that department: that naval stations be designated within 
 the United States by convenient boundaries, and an officer 
 of rank and confidence should reside in each, who should, 
 \mder the instructions of the navy board, superintend and 
 control the officers of the navy within his district. 
 
 In the senate, Mr. Tait, from the committee of naval affairs, 
 reported a resolution for the appointment of admirals. In 
 congress, the project of the secretary for registering and 
 cle-ising the seamen, and calling or impressing them into 
 public service, was rejected, more on account of the popular 
 odium attached to the idea of impressment or compulsory 
 service, than any intrinsic objection to the plan. Experience 
 has demonstrated that a navy is the cheapest, and only ade- 
 quate mode of defence. Should the United States ever be 
 engaged in another war, it must be of a maritime character. 
 Government has done much for its sea-faring citizens : the 
 present war is carried on, and nearly a hundred million of 
 dollars has been expended, in vindication of their rights^ 
 Their brethren on land have marched to the Canadian bor- 
 der, endured every hardship, and laid down their lives by 
 thousands in support of their cause. The government then 
 have an unquestionable right to their services when required 
 lo man its navy. The most desirable mode is voluntary en- 
 listment ; but in times of great danger this source may fail, 
 and resort must be had to compulsion. Here two plans only 
 present themselves; one the English mode of sending out 
 press ^angs, seizing sailors wherever they can be found, and 
 
 
480 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR, 
 
 Chaf. ':l. 
 
 i 
 
 i 1 
 
 dragging them on board the ships of war; the other, the one 
 pointed out by the secretary; of the two, no American can 
 doubt which is the most eligible. The proposition of the naval 
 committee for the appointment of admirals, was also rejected : 
 congress however, in pursuance of the secretary's plan, es- 
 tablished a board of commissioners for the naval service, to 
 consist of three officers of rank, not under that of post cap- 
 tain. This board was attached to the office of the secretary, 
 and under his superintendence, to discharge many of the im- 
 portant duties assigned to it, relative to the procurement of 
 naval stores, and materials for the construction and arma- 
 ment of ships of war, relative to their employment, and to 
 all matters connected with the naval establishment of the 
 United States. '^^ ^ ^ 
 
 At an early period of the session, communications were 
 received, and laid before congress from the American envoys 
 at Ghent, which precluded all reasonable expectations of 
 peace. They contained what was then declared to be the 
 British ultimatum, and which was such as none but a con- 
 quered country would accept. No alternative therefore 
 appeared, but to prosecute the war in future by the compul- 
 sory service of the citizens, either in some of the nrethods 
 pointed out by the secretary at war, or in some other manner 
 to be devised by the wisdom of congress. 
 
 Peace, While difficulties of the most serious nature in the 
 military and fiscal concerns of the nation seemed to be ac- 
 cumulating upon the administration; and congress and the 
 people were looking forward with great anxiety to the events 
 of the coming year ; the long wished for but unexpected news 
 of peace arrived on the 1 3th of February, and relieved the 
 administration and the country from all embarrassment. ' ' 
 
 •At no period since the darkest time of the revolutionary 
 war had the affairs of the United States ever assumed so un- 
 promising an aspect. Congress, convened over the smoking 
 ruins of the capitol, had before tliem an actual deficit of 
 tJHfty-nine millions, and an estimate for the service of the 
 
1814. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 481 
 
 coming year, of upwards of thirty millions to be supplied only 
 by loans, without credit to borrow a dollar on any terms short 
 of such as indicated a bankruptcy; no system of taxation 
 adequate to the payment of the interest of the moneys re- 
 quired: no circulating medium in which the public had any 
 confidence, for the transaction of private business, or the 
 collection of the revenue : the union invaded at each ex- 
 tremity: eighty thousand men necessary for the objects of 
 the war, and none to be obtained but by a conscription or 
 compulsory draft of the same character, and embracing as 
 great a proportion of citizens, as had ever been adopted in 
 France. These circumstances prepai*ed the people and the 
 government cordially to embrace the terms of peace. 
 
 
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 ■ ' i 
 
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CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 I 
 
 Russian Mediation proposed to Mr. Adams.— Communicated to the Ame- 
 rican Government.— Ancepted.~-Appointmentof Envoys. — ^Their In- 
 structions. — Mediation rejected by the Prince Regent. — British 
 Proposition for a Direct Negotiation.— Accepted by the United 
 States. — Appointment of Additional Envoys. — Their Instructions. — 
 Meeting of the British and American Envoys at Ghent— British 
 Propositions, and Ultimatum. — American Propositions.— British En- 
 voys communicate with their Government, and receive different In' 
 structions.— Their Ultimatum waived. — ^The Negotiations proceed, 
 and terminate in a Treaty of Peace.— Treaty ratified by both Gov- 
 ernments. — Proceedings at New-Orleans immediately after the 
 Peace. — Rejoicings throughout the United States. — President's Mes- 
 sage, conununicating the subject to Congress. — Peace Establishment. 
 — Effects of the War on the National Character. 
 
 Russia7i Mediation proposed. At the period when the in- 
 telligence of the war reached the emperor of Russia, his em- 
 pire was invaded by a French army which was then ap- 
 proaching his capital, and threatened the subjugation of the 
 nation. The whole Russian population was in arms for the 
 defence of their territory. England was in close alliance with 
 Russia, and was the only European power, not under the 
 control of France. Russia depended on her for important 
 aids at this crisis. It was therefore with the deepest solici- 
 tude that the emperor viewed this war, which would necessa- 
 rily cause a powerful diversion of the English force from 
 their common enemy. Russia was at this time on friendly 
 terms with the United States, and a considerable commerce 
 existed between the two countries, profitable to both. Pow- 
 erful motives of interest induced the Russian government, to 
 desire a speedy termination of the American war, which they 
 termed an episode to the European. On the 20th of Sep- 
 tember, 1813, Count. Romanzoif the Russian chancellor and 
 
IUi4. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 48:^ 
 
 secretary of state, addressed a note to Mr. Adams, the Anicri- 
 «jan minister, requesting an interview with him the next eve- 
 ning, at which, by the emperor's command, he stated, that 
 having made peace and established the relations of amity 
 and commerce with Great Britain, the emperor was much 
 disappointed to find, that the vihole benefit, which he ex- 
 pected his subjects to derive from that event was likely to be 
 defeated by this new war. That it had occurred to the em- 
 peror that an amicable arrangement between the parties 
 might be better accomplished, and the differences more easily 
 accommodated by an indirect, than by a direct negotiation. 
 That his majesty had directed him to inquire if the American 
 ambassador was aware of any difficulty on the part of the 
 United States, if he should offer his mediation for the puppose 
 of effecting a pacification. 
 
 Mr Adams replied, that it was impossible for him to speak 
 on the subject otherwise, than from the general knowledge 
 he had of the sentiments of his government. That so far 
 from knowing what their ideas were as to the continuance of 
 the war, he had not at that moment received any official in- 
 formation of its declaration. But that he well knew it was 
 with reluctance that they engaged in the war, and he was very 
 sure that whatever determination they might form upon the 
 proposal of the emperor's mediation, they would consider his 
 proposal as a new evidence of the emperor's friendship for 
 the United States ; and he knew of no obstacle or difficulty 
 which would occasion them to decline it. The American 
 minister proceeded to remark, that he knew the war must 
 affect unfavourably the interests of Russia, be highly injuri- 
 ous both to the United States and England, and no good 
 likely to result from it to any one. 
 
 The Count replied, that he had considered it altogether in 
 the same light, and so had the emperor, who had himself con- 
 ceived the idea of authorizing this mediation. He thought 
 that an indirect negotiation conducted at Petersburgh, aided 
 by the conciliatory wishes of a friend to both parties might 
 
484 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap 22- 
 
 m 
 
 1 
 
 smooth down difficulties, which in a direct discussion between 
 the principals, might be found insuperable. To a mutual 
 friend, each party might exhibit all its claims and complaints^ 
 without danger of exciting irritation, or raising impediments. 
 The part of Russia would be to hear both sides, and use her 
 best endeavours to conciliate them.* "' 
 
 On the 8th of March, 1813, Mr. DaschkofF, the Russian 
 minister to the United States, by order of the emperor, commu- 
 nicated his offer of mediation to the American government; ob- 
 serving that his imperial majesty foresees with great regret 
 the shackles which this new episode opposes to the commer- 
 cial prosperity of nations. The love of humanity, and what 
 the emperor owes to his subjects, whose commerce* has al- 
 I'eady sufficiently suffered, command him to do every thing 
 in his power to remove the evils which this war is preparing 
 for those nations who will not take part in it. His majesty is 
 convinced that America has done all she could to prevent 
 this rupture. In a direct discussion, every thing would tend 
 to excite the prejudices and asperities of the parties ; to pre- 
 vent this, his majesty, gratified at being able to give a proof 
 of his friendship alike to the king of Great Britian and the 
 United States oflers them his mediation; and should be 
 highly gratified if a like disposition on the part of the United 
 States should have the effect of stopping the progress of this 
 new war, and of extinguishing it in its origin. 
 
 Accepted by the United States, This offer of mediation 
 was readily accepted on the part of the United States; and 
 on the nth of March, the secretary of state answered the 
 note of Mr. Daschkoff by observing, that the President was 
 highly gratified with these strong proofs of that humane and 
 enlightened policy which had characterized the reign of the 
 emperor of Russia ; and saw in the overture, and in the cir- 
 cumstances attending it, the friendly interest which his impe- 
 rial majesty takes in the welfare of the United States. A war 
 
 * Mr. Adams to the sccretarv of state. 
 
1814. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 -iiio 
 
 between Great Britain and the United States, must materially 
 aflfect the commerce of Russia ; and it was worthy of the 
 high character of a prince, distinguished by his attachment to 
 the interests of his subjects, to interpose his good offices for 
 the restoration of peace. The United States, conscious that 
 they were not the aggressors in the contest, but on the con- 
 trary, had borne wrongs for a series of years before they 
 appealed to arms in defence of their rights, are ready to lay 
 them down as soon as Great Britain ceases to violate them. 
 Many inconveniences attending a direct communication be- 
 teen the parties, may be avoided by the mediation of a third 
 power, possessing the entire confidence of both belligerents. 
 To the claim of Russia to that distinguished consideration, the 
 President, in behalf of the United States, expresses his full 
 acknowledgment; and in the personal qualities and high 
 character of the emperor, the President finds a sacred pledge 
 for the justice and impartiality which may be expected irom 
 his decision. Under these impressions, the President will- 
 ingly accepts the mediation of the emperor to promote peace 
 between the United States and Great Britain ; and such 
 arrangements will be made without delay, as will afford his 
 imperial majesty the opportunity he has invited to interpose 
 his good offices for the accomplishment of so desirable an 
 event.* ^ - '^ 
 
 Commissioners appointed. In conformity with these views, 
 and without waiting to know whether Great Britain would 
 accept tho proposed mediation, the President, in the recess of 
 the senate, immediately appointed Albert Gallatin, and James 
 A. Bayard, in conjunction with Mr. Adams, the American 
 minister at Petersburgh, jointly and severally, to negotiate a 
 peace with Great Britain, under the mediation of Russia : 
 the two former to proceed directly from the United States 
 
 * Correspondence between Mr. Daschkoff and the secretary of state 
 of May 8th and 17th, 1813. 
 
•itiii 
 
 HISTORY OF T1I£ LATE WAK. 
 
 C'liAr. 
 
 10 join their colleague in Russia on the buttiucsb of their iiii> 
 sion* ^ '< -ii'< ■ ' > 
 
 At the meeting of congress in the following Moy, the nonii 
 nation of the envoys was laid before the senate for their np- 
 prohation. To the appointment of Adams, and Bnyani, 
 there were no personal objections. But the senate, iniprossrU 
 with a sense of the singularity of the measure of appointing 
 and sending envoys to Russia, to negotiate a peace with 
 Great Britain, without any assurance or intimation that that 
 power would accede to the negotiation, hesitated to confinn 
 the nominations. To them it appeared that thiH measure, 
 manifesting an over-aniiety for peace, was calculated to de- 
 feat the object. Relying however on the wisdom of the 
 executive, and unwilling to take any measure which should 
 have the appearance of opposition to peace, the nominations 
 of Adams and Bayard were confirmed. Mr. Callatin being 
 secretary of the treasury, and the duties of that office being 
 at this time of the most urgent nature, his appointment was 
 strenuously op))Osed. A resolution passed the senate, de- 
 claring it incompatible with the public interest to unite the 
 offices of secretary of the treasury and envoy to a foreign 
 court in the same person: and another inquiring of the 
 President whether the office of secretary of the treasury was 
 vacated by the appointment of Mr. Gallatin, and his accept- 
 ance of the office of envoy ; and if not, under what authority 
 and by whom the duties of that office were to be discharged, 
 in his absence. In reply, the President stated, that the office 
 was not vacated, and that the duties would be discharged, 
 during the absence of Mr. Gallatin, by the secretary of the 
 navy. The senate then appointed a committee to confer 
 with the President upon the subject. On their waiting on 
 him, he observed, that he regretted that the appointment of 
 the envoys was made under circumstances which deprived 
 him of the aid and advice of the senate : he regretted also 
 that they had not taken the same view of the subject that he 
 had done. As « jto-ordinate branch of the government, ho 
 
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 tU14. 
 
 IIIBTOKY OV THK LATK WAK. 
 
 487 
 
 rould hold no confi^rcncc with u committee of the senate, on 
 ihf) Mubject of the appointment. That in rehition to treaties, 
 and appointments to ofiice, the Prenident and senate were 
 independent of, and co-ordinate with, each other. If they 
 agree, th(.> appointments are made; if they disagree, they 
 fuii. If the senate wish for any information provioua to ihcir 
 linnl decision, the practice has been, ever keeping in view the 
 <*onstitulional relation between the President and senate, to 
 request the executive to furnish it, or to refer the subject to a 
 committee of their body, who might communicate on the subject 
 with the head of the proper department. The appointment of a 
 committee of the senate to confer immediately with the eiecu* 
 tive himself, seems to lose sight of the co-ordinate relation 
 between the executive and senate, which the constitution has 
 established. The FreHidenl added, he was entirely per- 
 suaded of tile purity of the intentions of the senate in the 
 course they had taken, and with which, according to his 
 view of the subject, he could not accord ; that they would be 
 cheerfully furnished with all the suitable information on the 
 subject in possession of the executive, in any mode consistent 
 with the principles of the constitution and the settled practice 
 under it. On the question to advise and consent to the ap- 
 pointment of Mr. Gallatin, in the senate the yeas were 17 
 and the nays 18.* Mr. Gallatin was, however, long before 
 this, under the appointment of the President in the recess of 
 the senate, on his way to Russia, and his appointment was 
 afterwards confirmed. " 
 
 Their Instructions. On the 15lh of April, the envoys were 
 iunti.shed with their full powers, and with their instructions 
 in detail from the department of state. In these it is stated^ 
 that ** the impressment of of seamen, and illegal blockades, a.s 
 more particularly exemplified in the orders in council are the 
 principal causes of the war; had not Great Britain ob- 
 stinately persisted in the violatUm of these important rights. 
 
 ^ Jonrnals of th* R«nat«, Jn 
 
 'J / '^t". 
 
4d8 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 CUAP. '2tl. 
 
 W\ 
 
 war would not have been declared. It will cease as soon 
 ns their rights are respected. The proposition made by 
 Mr. Russell to the British government immediately after the 
 war, and the answer given soon after to Admiral WarrenM 
 letter, show the grounds on which the United States are will' 
 ing to adjust the controversy relative to impressment. This 
 is further evinced by the report of the committee of foreign 
 relations, and the act of congress in consequence thereof. 
 To accomodate this important difference, the United States arc 
 willing to exclude British seamen altogether from the Ameri' 
 can service. It is fairly to be presumed that if this law is 
 carried into effect, it will exclude all British seamen from 
 American vessels. As a further ground, the President is 
 willing to stipulate, that all native British subjects who shall 
 hercailer be naturalized, shall be with this condition, that the y 
 be not employed in the American sea service. 
 
 In requiring that the stipulation to exclude British seamen 
 from American vessels, with the regulations for carrying it in^ 
 to eflfect, be reciprocal ; it is desirable that a provision bo 
 be made, by which the United States might dispense with the 
 obligation it imposes on American citizens. The liberal spi- 
 rit of the laws and government of the United Stales, ii» u»- 
 i'riendly to restrictions on their citizens, such at least as are 
 imposed on British subjects to prevent their becoming mem- 
 bers of other societies. To secure the citizens of the (United 
 States against impressment is the object ; a clear and distinct 
 provision must be made against this practice ; the precise form 
 is not insisted on, provided the import be explicit. All that is 
 required is, that in consideration of the act to be performed on 
 the part of the United States, the British government shall 
 stipulate in some adequate manner to terminate or forbear 
 the practice. It has been suggested as an expedient mode 
 of adjusting the controversy, that British Cruisers shall have 
 right to search American vessels for their seamen j but that, 
 their commanders shall be subject to penalties in case they 
 make mistakes and t^ke American citizens. By such ^n '«r 
 
 ll i 
 
ini4. 
 
 HISTORY OF Tire LATE WAR. 
 
 40') 
 
 rangcment, the British government would acfjuirc the right of 
 search for seamen, and with it, that of impressing from Amer- 
 ican vessels the subjects of all other powers. By admitting 
 the right, the principle is given up, and the door opened 
 to every kind of abuse. The same objection is applicable 
 to every other arrangement, wlii< Ij withholds the respect duo 
 to the American Hag, by not allowing it to protect all who 
 sail under it. 
 
 As a necessary incident (o any mode of adjustment it is ex- 
 pected that all American seamen who have been imj)rcssed 
 will be discharged, and those who have hern naturalized un- 
 der British laws by compulsive service be permitted to with- 
 draw. The great object with regard to impressment is, that 
 the American flag shall proter.t its crew : providing for this in 
 a satisfactory manner, the envoys are cmjiowered effectually 
 to secure Great Britain against the employment of her sea- 
 men in the service of the United States, and to adopt any 
 measures consistently with the spirit of the constitution, which 
 shall be likely to accomplish th'3 object. To the exclusion of 
 British seamen from the American service no repugnance is 
 felt. It is a growing sentiment in the United States, that they 
 ought to depend on their own population for the supply of 
 their ships of war, and merchant service ; and experience 
 has shown that it is an abundant resource. 
 
 A strong desire has heretofore been expressed by the 
 British government, to obtain from the United States an ar- 
 rangement to prevent the detention of British seamen from 
 their vessels in American ports. It cannot be doubted 
 that a stipulation to that effect would be highly satisfac- 
 tory as well as useful to Great Britain. This alone, it is 
 presumed, will furnish a strong inducement to enter into 
 a satisfactory arrangement on the subject of impress- 
 ment. The claim is not inadmissible, especially as the 
 United States have a reciprocal interest in the restoration of 
 cleserters from American vessels in British ports. An article 
 such as has been heretofore authorized by the United 
 States may be adopted, making it the duty of eaciA party to 
 
 62 
 
490 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 2:.'- 
 
 
 cloliver them up. On the right of the United States to be ex- 
 empted from the degrading practice of impressment, it is need- 
 less to add, the practice is utterly repugnant to the law of na- 
 tions, supported by no treaty, nor acquiesced in by any 
 nation. A submission to it by the United States would be 
 the abandonment in favour of Great Britain of all claim to 
 neutral rights, and of all other rights on the ocean. The 
 practice is not founded on any belligerent right: the greatest 
 extent to which the belligerent claim has been carried over 
 the vessels of neutral nations, has been to board and take from 
 them persons employed in the land and sea service of an en- 
 emy, goods contraband of war, and enemy's property. In 
 all the discussions of questions on neutral rights, nothing of 
 the British claim of impressment is found, no acknowledg- 
 ment of it in any treaty, or submission to it by any power. 
 This claim has for the first time been set up against the United 
 States only. The claim is in fact trace^ to another source, 
 the allegiance due by British subjects to their sovereign, and 
 his right by virtue thereof to their service. 
 
 " Allegiance," the instructions proceed to remark, " is a 
 political relation between the sovereign and his people, which 
 binds the latter in return for the protection they receive. 
 These reciprocal duties have the same limit ; they are con- 
 fined to the dominions of the sovereign, beyond which he has 
 no rights, can afford no protection, and can of course claim 
 no allegiance. A citizen or subject of one power entering 
 the dominions of another, owes allegiance to the latter in re- 
 turn for the protection he receives. Whether ihe sovereign has 
 a right to claim the service of such of his subjects as have left 
 his own dominions, is a question respecting which a dificrencc 
 of opinion may exist. Certain it is that no sovereign has a 
 right to pursue his subjects into the territory of another, be the 
 object what it may. Such an entry, without the consent of 
 the other power, would be a violation of its territory. That 
 the vessels of a nation are considered as a partof the territo- 
 ry, with the exception of the bellifjerent right only, is a prin- 
 
;iiAP. 2 
 
 «^) 
 
 ini4. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 491 
 
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 ciple too well established to be brought into discussion. 
 Each has the exclusive jurisdiction over its own vessels. Its 
 laws govern in them, and olFenccs against their laws 
 are punishable by its tribunals only. The Hag of a nation 
 protects every thing sailing under it in time of peace ; and in 
 time of war likewise with the exception of the belligerent 
 right growing out of a state of war. An entry on board of 
 the vessels of one power by the cruisers of another, in any 
 other case, and the exercise of any other authority over them, 
 is a violation of right, and an act of hostility. 
 
 The British government, aware of the correctness of this 
 doctrine, now say, they do not contend that British cruisers 
 have a right to pursue and search American vessels for their 
 seamen. But having a right to search them for other objects, 
 and being lawfully on board, and finding British seamen 
 there, they have a right to impress, and bring them away un- 
 der the claim of allegiance. When we sec a systematic pur- 
 suit of American vessels by British cruisers, and the impress- 
 ment of seamen from them, not at a port of the enemy where 
 a regular blockade has been instituted, but on the ocean, on 
 the American coast and harbours, it is difficult to believe that 
 impressment is not the real motive, and the other only a pre- 
 text. The British government founds its right of impress- 
 ment on that of allegiance, which is a permanent right equally 
 applicable to peace and war; the right of impressment 
 therefore, from vessels of other powers, must likewise be 
 equally permanent; but it would not do to take this broad 
 ground, lest the injustice and extravagance of the pretension 
 should excite the astonishment and indignation of other 
 powers, to whom it would be equally applicable. To claim 
 it as a belligerent right would be equally extravagant and 
 absurd, no trace of it being found in the belligerent code. 
 The British government arc therefore reduced to a very em- 
 barrassing dilemma : to acknowledge that they could-not sup- 
 port the claim on either principle would be to give it up, and 
 yet it could rely on neither. It therefore 6n(^eavdured <o 
 
 :i r 
 
! - "i I* 
 
 492 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 22- 
 
 I U 
 
 ™ 
 
 w 
 
 M 
 
 in 
 
 draw some aid from both ; and from two indefensible propo- 
 sitions to make out one that was tenable. A state of war ex- 
 ists which brings the parties together. Great Britain is a 
 belligerent, and the United States are a neutral power. Bri- 
 tish officers have how a right to board and search American 
 vessels, for persons in their enemy's service, goods contra- 
 band of war, and enemy's property. Allegiance, which is 
 an attribute of sovereignty, now comes to her aid, and com- 
 municates all the necessary power; the complete right and 
 sovereignty of the vessel, is now transferred to Great Britain- 
 On this foundation the British government has raised the 
 monstrous superstructure. 
 
 In further justification of the practice, the British ministry 
 remark, that they exercise no right which they are not willing 
 to accede to the United States. This semblance of equality 
 disappears on a moment's examination. It is impossible for 
 the Uniicd States to take advantage of it. Impressment is 
 not an American practice, but utterly repugnant to her con- 
 stitution and laws; in offering to reciprocate it, nothing wa* 
 offered, as Great Britain well knew ; a reciprocation of the 
 practice would be n > equivalent to the United States. The 
 exercise of a right in common at sea by two nations, each 
 over the vessels of the other ; the one powerful, and the 
 other comparatively weak, would be to place the latter com- 
 pletely at the mercy of the former. Great Britain, with her 
 vast navy, would .;ioon be the only power which made im- 
 pressments. She has thirty ships of war to one of the United 
 States, and would profit by the arrangement in that propor- 
 tion. Besides impressment is a practice incident to war 
 only, in which view, the inequality is not less glaring; she 
 being at least thirty years at war to one of the United States. 
 
 Had Great Britain found the employment of her seamen in 
 the American service injurious to her, and been disposed to 
 respect the most sacred rights of the American nation, her 
 regular and only legitimate course would have been in the 
 first instance to have r^mon§trate<J to the American govern- 
 
 ; ../ • 
 
1814. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 493 
 
 her 
 
 ment, and proposed a feaiedy. Had reasonable redi^iBss been 
 refused, the British government would have had some plea 
 for taking the remedy into their own hands. Such complaint 
 was never made, except in defence of the practice of impress- 
 ment, and in the mean time the usage had progressed; and 
 with all its abuses, had resistance been longer delayed, might 
 have become a law. The origin and progress of this usurpa- 
 tion afford strong illustrations of the British policy. The 
 practice and the claim began together soon after the revolu- 
 tionary war, and was applicable to deserters only : it next 
 extended to all British seamen ; then to all British subjects, 
 as in the case of the emigrants from Ireland, who not being 
 sea-faring men, would not have been subject to impressment 
 in British ports; and finally it was extended to Swedes, 
 Danes j and others known not to be British subjects, and by 
 their protections appearing to be citizens of the United 
 States. 
 
 The mediation offered by Russia, presents to Great Britain, 
 as well as to the United States, a fair opportunity of accom- 
 modating this controversy with honour. The interposition 
 of so distinguished a power, friendly to both parties, cannot 
 on any just ground be declined by either, especially by Great 
 Britain, between whom and Russia there exists a very inter- 
 esting relation. Should Great Britain decline an accommo- 
 dation upon the terms offered, her motive cannot be mistaken.' 
 The cause of the United States woukl in that case become 
 the common cause of nations. They would all find in the 
 conduct of Great Britain, an unequivocal determination to' 
 destroy the rights of other flags, and to usurp the absolute' 
 dominion of the ocean. 
 
 The adjustment of the controversy relating to impressment 
 only, though very important, would leave much unfinished. 
 Almost every neutral right has been violated, and its viola- 
 tion persisted in, until war was declared. A strong hope is 
 entertained that the British commissioners will have full 
 powers to adjust all these grounds of controversy in a satis- 
 
 I i; 
 
494 
 
 HISTORY 0F THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 2.2. 
 
 factory manner. The violation of neutral rights by illegal 
 blockades, carried to an enormous extent by the orders in 
 council, was a principal cause of the war; these orders and 
 blockades being now repealed, all that is expected, is, that 
 the British government should unite in a more precise defini- 
 tion of blockade. 
 
 An interference with the American commerce between en- 
 emy's colonies, and the parent country, was among the viola- 
 tions of neutral rights committed by Great Britain in the pre- 
 sent war with France. It took place in 1805, did extensive 
 injury, and produced universal excitement. The capture 
 by Great Britain of almost all the islands of her enemies, 
 has very much diminished the importance of this subject ^ but 
 as these may be restored by a treaty of peace, it merits partic- 
 ular attention. Unless a trade with them can be authorized to 
 a proper extent, and without a relinquishment of the princi- 
 ple claimed by the United States, it will be best that the 
 treaty should be silent upon the subject. The practice of 
 Great Britain to interdict the passage of neutral vessels with 
 their cargoes from one port to another of an enemy, is illegal 
 and injurious, to the commerce of neutral powers; still more 
 unjustifiable is the attempt to interdict their passage from a 
 port of one independoiit nation to that of another, on the pre- 
 tence that they are both enemies." The envoys were in- 
 structed to obtain, if possible, security against the violation of 
 these rights. They were authorized to conclude a peace, in 
 case a satisfactory stipulation against impressment could be 
 obtained, one which should secure, under the American flag, 
 protection for the crew. If this encroachment is not pro- 
 vided against, the instructions observe, " the United States 
 have appealed to arms in vain. If your efforts to accomplish 
 it should fail, all further negotiation must cease, and you will 
 return home without delay."* 
 
 ♦Instructions to the American Envoys, April 15, 1813. 
 
IP. 2.^ 
 
 [llegal 
 
 ^Ts in 
 
 \s and 
 
 that 
 
 lefini- 
 
 iiJU. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 'VJ.') 
 
 With these instructions the envoys sailed from the United 
 States on the 16th of May, for Pctersburgh, to negotiate 
 a peace with Great Britain, without knowing when, or wheth- 
 er ever, they should meet British commissioners on the sub- 
 ject. 
 
 Mediation rejected hy Great Britain, The British cabinet 
 took a very different course in relation to the mediation. They 
 ■were well aware that their claims were of a nature not to be 
 submitted to the arbitration or mediation of any third power. 
 They were usurpations of neutral rights, to be maintained only 
 by the overbearing power of her navy. They could have no 
 expectation that these claims would be recognised by any sove- 
 reign as a part of the code of nations, to which his own sub- 
 jects might in turn, be obliged to submit. Russia, in compar- 
 ison with Great Britain, had always been much the weaker 
 maritime power, seldom engaged in naval war, always an ad- 
 vocate for neutral rights, and opposed to British belligerent 
 claims. The British cabinet had not forgotten that in the war 
 of the American revolution, when Great Britain was engaged 
 in a maritime war with France and Spain, Russia set on foot, 
 and placed herself at the head of an armed neutrality, em- 
 bracing Sweden and Denmark, in support of the same princi- 
 ples, impressment excepted, for which the United States were 
 now contending. However intimate and frienaly the rela- 
 tions between Great Britain and Russia might now be, it was 
 little to be expected that the British cabinet would submit 
 what they claimed to be their maritime rights to a power 
 which had always opposed them. 
 
 On the first of September, 18X3, the British ministry, 
 after having held the proposition of Russia for a media- 
 tion under consideration for nearly a year, reciprocated 
 the friendly professions of his imperial majesty, express- 
 ed their desire of peace, and duly appreciated the pure 
 and friendly motives from which it proceeded : bilt re- 
 marked that their contest with America related to certain 
 principles and rights of the British nation, which were not of 
 
 I -n 
 
49G 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap, s; 
 
 a nature to be submitted to any foreign power ; and though 
 the Prince Regent, on this account, found himself in a situa- 
 tion not to accept the offered mediation, yet he was very de- 
 sirous of giving effect, in a different mode, to the benevolent 
 wishes which his imperial majesty had expressed of seeing the 
 war terminated to the mutual satisfaction of both govern- 
 ments. That with this view having learned that the Ameri- 
 can envoys for negotiating a peace under the mediation of his 
 imperial majesty had arrived in Russia, notwithstanding he 
 finds himself under the necessity of not accepting the nego- 
 tiation of any friendly power, in the question which forms 
 the principal subject of dispute between the two states, yet he 
 is ready to nominate plenipotentiaries, to treat directly with 
 the American envoys, and his Royal Highness sincerely wish- 
 es, that these conferences might result in re-establishing be- 
 tween the two nations, the blessings and reciprocal advan- 
 tages of peace. If, through the good oflices of his imperial 
 majesty, this proposition should be accepted, the Prince Re- 
 gent is desirous that the conferences should be held at Lon- 
 don ; but if this presents insuperable objections, Gottenburgh 
 may be substituted. 
 
 The duties which the American government expected of 
 his imperial majesty, in consequence of his mediation, were, 
 to endeavour, by friendly conferences with both parties, to 
 bring them to such concessions as should lead to peace ; that 
 ,hc should impartially h«ar the claims advanced on both sides, 
 and determine on their justice, and endeavour to bring the 
 party, whose claims in his opinion were not well founded, to 
 relinquish them ; or, in case that could not be effected, to 
 point out some middle course on which the parties might meet, 
 and by all fair and honourable methods, to bring about a re- 
 conciliation : but as a mediator, he was not expected to guar^ 
 ranty or enforce his decisions. The parties would still be 
 at liberty to reject them, and the only consequence v. )»ild be, 
 the party refusing to abide by the opinions of the mediator, 
 would afterwards pursue the war. under the imputation of 
 
IHAP. 22. 
 
 18H. 
 
 HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 497 
 
 though 
 a silua- 
 |cry dc- 
 [cvolcnt 
 ing the 
 ovcrn- 
 Ameri- 
 of his 
 ing he 
 ncgo- 
 forms 
 yet he 
 y with 
 r wish- 
 ng bc- 
 ndvan- 
 iperial 
 :e Rc- 
 Lon- 
 I burgh 
 
 >* 
 
 being the aggressor. But even this was too much to be haz- 
 ardcd by the British cabinet. 
 
 Proposition for a direct J/egotiation, On the 4th of No- 
 vember, Lord Castlereagh communicated to the American 
 secretary of state a proposition from the British government 
 for a direct negotiation at Gottenburgh. 
 
 Accepted. This proposition reached Washington on the 
 Ist of Jinuary, 1814, and was promptly accepted. 
 Messrs. Clay and Russell were added to the commis- 
 sioners, and on the 28th of January received their instruc- 
 tions from the department of slate, referring them to those 
 of the 15th of the preceding April to the commissioners under 
 the proposed Russian mediation, as the basij^ of their negotia- 
 tions. On the subject of impressment, the secretary remarks, 
 I have nothing to add ; the sentiments of the President re- 
 main unchanged; this degrading practice must cease; the 
 American flag must protect its crew, or the United States 
 cannot consider themselves as an independent nation. In 
 accepting the overture of the British government, to treat inde- 
 pendently of the Russian mediation, the Unite^ States have 
 acted on principles which have governed them in every trans- 
 action relating to peace since the war. Had the British gov- 
 ernment accepted of the mediation, the United States would 
 have treated, for themselves, independently of any other 
 power. Tn agreeing to treat directly with Great Britain, no 
 concession is contemplated in an^ point in controversy. The 
 same desire is cherished to preserve a good understand- 
 ing with Russia and the other Baltic»powers as if the nego- 
 liation had taken place under the proposed mediation.* 
 
 With these instructions, Messrs. Clay and Russell i^ailcd 
 from the United States on the 25th February to join their col- 
 leagues. The American commissioners assembled at Gotten- 
 burgh in April 1814 ; and after waiting there a considerable 
 time it) expectation of meeting the British commissioners, they 
 
 I 
 
 '^lostructioDS of the 28th January, ^14 
 63 
 
An 
 
 HIBTOBY OP THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chaf. i-i. 
 
 received a proposition from the British government to transfer 
 the negotiations to Ghent. This was accepted, and the Amer- 
 ican commissioners thereupon immediatelyrepaired to that city. 
 
 Delays of the British, As Great Britain was the proposer 
 of this direct negotiation it was justly expected of her, that i^ 
 should not on her account suffer any delay. But having kept 
 the American government in suspense a year, on the subject 
 of the Russian mediation ; it was nine months after the pro- 
 position for a direct negotiation was made before the arrival 
 of her commissioners at the place by her designated for the 
 meeting. No satisfactory apology was given for this con" 
 dnct ; it is to be accounted for only by a reference to the po- 
 litical state of Europe. When the proposition was first made, 
 Bonaparte, though his affairs were in the wane, was yet a 
 formidable enemy to England, and all her exertions were 
 still important in Europe. At the time the British commis- 
 sioners were appointed, Bonaparte was subdued, peace had 
 been established in Europe, and the choicest of the British 
 forces liad been selected and sent to America. This was 
 deemed by her a favourable time to negotiate y not only to 
 maintain and enforce all her maritime claims, but also to 
 bring forward others of a new and inadmissible character. 
 Her commissioners were instructed to give up none of her 
 maritime claims, to accede to no argreement to compensate for 
 pastlnjuries ; but to bring forward claims for cessions of territo- 
 ry,, end other sacrifices to which none but a conquered coun- 
 try eould submit. At length, on the Gth of August, 1814, 
 the British commissioners, Admiral Lord Gambier, Henry 
 Golburn, and William Adams, arrived at Ghent. 
 
 The political changes in Europe had pr<oduced an entirely 
 different view on the subject of the negotiations in the Ameri- 
 can cabinet. All expectation of conquest on the Canadian 
 i^ntier was at an end. The ability of their enemy to ravage 
 and- desolate the frontier and sea-board, was now alarmingly 
 ijicrea9ed, and with their ability, their disposition to do it had 
 hf-em abundalttly manifested. At the same timn the difficnl- 
 
ir. an. 
 
 Iai4. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 4»9 
 
 ties and embarrassments attending the raising and supporting 
 a military force sufficient to meet those events were also in- 
 ci*eascd. The state of the finances and the public credit had 
 assumed a most unpromising aspect. If peace could be 
 m.ide upon the principle of restoring things to the state they 
 were in before the war, there was no possible inducement to 
 continue it. The subject of impressment had new ceased to 
 be of any practical importance. Great Britain, having more 
 seatnen than she wanted on hand, had no inducement to in- 
 crease their numbers from American vessels, ft was not ex- 
 pected that she would now yield a point, for which she hazard- 
 ed a war under the most unfavourable circumstances. 
 
 MezD Instruction to the American Envoys, In this view, 
 the American cabinet, on the 25th of June, revised their »o* 
 structions of the 15th of April, 1813, and 28th of January, 
 1814, and transmitted to their envoys others of a different 
 character, and adapted to the crisis. They were instructed 
 that in case no stipulation could be obtained, neither relin- 
 quishing the claim, or discontinuing the practice of impress- 
 ment, they might concur in an article stipulating that this 
 subject, together with the subject of trade and nav^igation gen- 
 erally, might be referred to a separate negotiation, to be under- 
 taken without delay, and that in the mean time all rights 
 should remain as they theft were. The instructions remark 
 that the United States having resisted by war the practice of 
 impressment and continued the war until the practice had 
 ceased by a peace in Europe, their object had been essen- 
 tially obtained for the present, and it was hoped that the con- 
 templated arrangement would take effect before a new war 
 in Europe would furnish occasion for a renewal of the prac- 
 tice. Two days afterwards, in consequence of letters re- 
 ceived from Messrs. Gallatin and Bayard, intimating that all 
 expectation of obtaining any stipulation on the subject of im« 
 pressment would be hopeless, the commissioners weie inform- 
 ed that on mature consideration it had been decided, that un- 
 der all the circumstances incident to a prosecution of tite^vaf} 
 
 f; 
 
 I 
 
500 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAK. 
 
 Chap. 2!!> 
 
 they might omit any stipulation on the subject of impress- 
 ment, if indispensably necessary to attain a peace. This ex- 
 pedient was not to be resorted to until every effort to termi- 
 nate the controversy in a more satisfactory maimer had 
 failed.* 
 
 On the llth of August, the commissioners were further in- 
 structed that government would go no further, because it will 
 make no sacrifice of the righ or honour of the nation. If 
 Great Britain s not willing to terminate the war on these 
 terms, it is because she has other objects in view, than those 
 for which she has hitherto professed to contend. That there 
 are such, thcrt is much reason t> apprehend. These, what- 
 ever ihey may be, must and will be resisted by the United 
 States. The conflict may be severe, but it will be borne 
 with firmncss.t 
 
 The American commissioners, furnished with instn^ctions 
 so liberal, authorizing them to waive every point for which 
 the war was commenced, it was hoped, would be able to 
 bring the negotiation to a speedy conclusion. But the diffi- 
 culties and delays experienced in the outset, were multiplied 
 in its progress. . , 
 
 First Conference. On the 8th of August, the envoys of the 
 two governments held their first confere»toe, the object of 
 which was merely to bring into view the subjects that werci 
 lik^y jto present themselves for discussion in the course of 
 the negotiation. On the part of the British, they stated, 
 
 1. The subject of impressment, and connected with itj 
 that of natural allegiance. 
 
 S. A pacification with the Indian allies of Great Britain, 
 and an establishment of a permahent Indian boundary. 
 ' 3. A revision of tbie boundary line between the British aad 
 Amel^ican iierritories. ( 
 
 / 4. The subject of the fisheries on this British North Ameri- 
 fcan coast* , 
 
 ^Ii^tructionsof the 25th and 27th of June. 
 t In^traictions of the 1 ith of Aul^ust, 
 
18 U. 
 
 HISTORY or THE LATE WA« 
 
 501 
 
 The American commissioners s'oted, ihaf oi. lie iTiL nnil 
 third subjects proposed by the British, they wn tn^^uct««u 
 to negotiate : on the second and fourth, the An. rican go ^ 
 crnment, not knowing that there was any controversy upoiif 
 these subjects, had given them no instructions. As further 
 subjects of discussion, they proposed a definition of blockade 
 and other neutral and belligerent rights; and claim? of 
 indemnity to individuals for illegal captures and seizures. 
 Immediately after this interview, the British envoys despatch- 
 ,a courier to London, and no further proceedings were had 
 Until his return. 
 
 Second Conference. — British sine qua nan. On the 19lh 
 of August, the British commissioners proposed another con- 
 ference; at which they stated as a preliminary, without 
 which all further discussion would be useless : that the In- 
 dians must be included in the pacification, and a permanent 
 boundary established for them, beyond which the United 
 States should never purchase, settle, or occupy any territory^ 
 The region which should be included between the Indian 
 boundary iine, and the British possessions, to femain for ever 
 uninhabited, except by Indians, and as a permanent barrier^ 
 between the British and American territories. The boundary 
 proposed, subject however to some modifications, was the 
 same as that of Wayne^s treaty at Granville, in the yeai' 
 1795, and would now include within the Indian lines, a terri- 
 tory as extensive las one quarter of the United States, and 
 one hundred thousand white inhabitants. 
 
 Other Claims. This being agreed to, they would next 
 proceed to discuss their other claims, the most prominent of 
 which were, that the military occupation of the lakes from 
 Ontario to Superior, both inclusive, should be held exclu- 
 sively by the British, with a stipulation, that on the American 
 lake shore, no military post should be erected within a speci- 
 fied distance. 
 
 A direct communication by land between Halifax and Que- 
 bec, to be secured to the British by a cession of that part of 
 
HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR, 
 
 Chap. 2^'. 
 
 li 
 
 i 
 
 the state of Massachusetts which intervenes ; this they ob- 
 served was now in their possession, and must be confirmed (o 
 ihcm as the price of peace. 
 
 Moose and other islands in Passamaquoddy bay, which the 
 United States have held since the peace of 178.*), and which 
 the British have taken this season, to be ceded to them as 
 being within the new boundary. 
 
 The right of fishing on the Briti.sh North American coast, 
 and curing fish on the uninhabited islands and shores hitherto 
 enjoyed by the Americans, to be given up. 
 
 British Ciaims transmitted to America. In this stage of 
 thd negotiation, the American commissioners ordered the John 
 Adams to the United States, with their despatches, remarking, 
 that the demands of Great Britain would receive from them 
 a unanimous and decided negative; that there appeared not 
 the least hope of peace, and that the negotiation would proba- 
 bly soon close. 'V 
 
 These documents were received at Washington on the 
 lOlh of October, and immediately communicated to congress, 
 together with the instructions given the commissioners. The 
 disclosure produced but one sensation in the United States. 
 All concurred in the opinion, that the American cabinet, in 
 its instructions to the negotiators, had gone as far as the in- 
 interest or honour of the United States would permit for the 
 attainment of peace. They saw in them Authority given 
 the commissioners to pass over in silence every object for 
 which the United States had engaged in war ; the important 
 subjects of impressment, illegal blockades, and compensation 
 for illegal seizures were all waived, and peace sought without 
 even a recognition on the part of Great Britain of any of the 
 American claims. No citi^n of the United States wished 
 the government tb make further concessions. When therefore 
 they saw that it was demanded by the British commissioners 
 as a preliminary to any further proceedings, a permanent, 
 irrevocable cession of more that one quarter of the territory 
 of the United States, to a few Indian tribes, whom th^ 
 
Chap. W. 
 
 ihoy ob- 
 firmed lo 
 
 'hich the 
 
 id which 
 
 them as 
 
 n coast, 
 hitherto 
 
 stage of 
 the John 
 narking, 
 m them 
 ared not 
 [I proba- 
 
 on the 
 ongress, 
 s. The 
 
 States, 
 ^inet, in 
 
 the in- 
 
 for the 
 '' given 
 icct for 
 portant 
 nsation 
 ivithout 
 
 of the 
 wished 
 Jrefore 
 >i oners 
 anent, 
 'ritory 
 m the 
 
 1»14, 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATK WAK. 
 
 M 
 
 British had •'Associated with them in the war lor the purpose of 
 doRolatmg the American frontier : when they saw the British 
 seriously claim a cession of a considerable portion of Massa- 
 chusetts, for the accommodation of a<i intercourse between 
 their posffPit«ions, and the exclusive miHtary occupation of the 
 lakes with a prohibition of the Americans from establishing 
 military posts on their own shores ; but one sentiment pre* 
 vailed as i the propriety of rejecting the terms, and prose- 
 cuting lh€ war with increased vigour. The administration 
 had indeed to bear tKc most severe strictures of that portion 
 of the American nation who were oppoeed to the war foir 
 bringing the country into so unliappy a situation. These 
 censures however were retorted with equal severity upon the 
 opposition, who, it was said, by their open and avowed dis- 
 affection to til' government, the obstructions which they had 
 thrown in the way of carrying on the war, the aids they had 
 given the British, and the symptoms of revolt which they had 
 manifested, had encouraged the enemy to to continue the 
 war, and induced these extravagant demands. But for this 
 oppositron, they claimed, peace would long since have been 
 obtained upon honourable terms. From these recriminations 
 of the past, both parties united in the necessity of powerfuj 
 exertions in futjure. Tho commissioners were now daily ex. 
 pected home, and congress were preparing the arrangements 
 accessary to meet the crisis. 
 
 Reply of the American Commissioners to the British Claims^ 
 The negotiations however still continued. On the 24th of 
 August, the American commissioners addressed a note to the 
 British, stating that the claims advanced by them, were such 
 as none but a conquered nation could accept, degrading: 
 humiliating, and deeply injurious to America, and of no solid 
 advantage to Great Britain. That the United States were 
 not in a situation to submit to such degradation ■, and even if 
 a peace could be now obtained upon these terms, it would be 
 of very short duration. They further represented, that a 
 peace with the Indian tribes would necessarily result from ^ 
 
 \r-. 
 
504 
 
 HTOTORY OF THE I^TE WAR. 
 
 Chap %2. 
 
 peace Ivith Great Britain. America had no interest or incli- 
 nation to continue the war with the Indians. They would of 
 course be restored to the same privileges as they enjoyed 
 before the war ; these enabled them to epjoy their own cus- 
 toms, regulate their concerns, and improve their lands m their 
 own way, until they were willing and desirous of exchanging 
 them with the United States for considerations to them of 
 more value. The American commissioners further distinctly 
 stated to the British, that the causes of the war having disap- 
 peared by the miaritime pacification of Europe, the United 
 States did not wish to continue it in defence of abstract prmci- 
 ples, which for the present hacjl ceased to have any pi'actical 
 effect, and that they were inatructed to agree to its termina- 
 tion, both parties restoring whatever territory they had takdh, 
 ^nd both retaining all their rights in relation to their respect- 
 ive seameii.. This proposition by the American commission- 
 ers, to pass over in silence those subjects and leave them as 
 tbey were at the commencement of the war, was transmitted 
 by the British commissioners to their governpient, and in the 
 mi^antime the correspondence between the compiissioners 
 continued : the British claiming that it w:as perfcietly obvi- 
 ,ous, that the conquest of Canada and its permanent .annexa- 
 tion to the United States was the declared object of the 
 Americ9,p jgovemment ; that if in consequence of a diflferent 
 course of events' on the continent of £urope, the Unked 
 ■States had obtained a decided superiority in that quarter, 
 .they would have availed themselves of theijr situation, to ob- 
 tain on the side of Canada important cessions of territory or 
 dhe entire abandonment of that country by Great Britain. 
 
 On the other hand the American commissioners contended 
 that no such views were entertained by the United States. 
 Xhey had always been ready and desirous of peace, upon 
 an adjustment of their maritime claims, each nation retaining 
 its territory as it existed before the war. That no views of 
 aggrandizement or desire of adding to their territory was 
 justly imputable to them. 
 
 ! J; 
 
Chap 22. 
 
 or incli- 
 vould of 
 enjoyecj 
 wn cus- 
 j m their 
 hanging 
 hem of 
 istinctly 
 g disap- 
 United 
 t princi- 
 )i^ctical 
 lerminisi- 
 d takdft, 
 respect- 
 mission- 
 them as 
 ismitled 
 id in the 
 ssioners 
 ly obvi- 
 jtnnexa- 
 of the 
 lifTerent 
 Ur>ked 
 quarter, 
 , to ob- 
 itory or 
 tain, 
 (tended 
 States. 
 , upon 
 taining 
 iews of 
 •y was 
 
 18^4. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 50d 
 
 British Commissioner j receive additional Instructions, The 
 British ministry, perceiving that the American government 
 had consented to waive all discussion of their maritime claim^t 
 and that no cession of territory could be obtained, gave addi- 
 tional instructions to their commissioners, authorizing them to 
 waive the subject of a permanent Indian boundary, and their 
 claims respecting the military occupation of the lakes. In 
 In pursuance of these instructions, on the 8th of October, th$ 
 British addressed a note to the American envoys, proposing 
 on the subject of an Indian pacification, that each party 
 should stipulate, that immediately after the conclusion of 
 peace, hostilities should cease between them and the Indian 
 nations with whom they might be at war, and the Indians re- 
 stored to all the possessions., rights, and privileges which they 
 enjoyed before the war, provided the Indian nations should 
 on their part cease from hostilities. To this arrangement the 
 American commissioners had no objections ; though a stipula- 
 tion of this nature was not expressly within their iastrncticMis^ 
 they agreed to it provisionally* 
 
 Their Ultimatum waived. This point being adjusted, and 
 the American maritime claims waived, the negotiation pro- 
 ceeded with some prospect of a favourable issue. The British 
 commissioners claimed that they should proceed upon the 
 basis of each party's retaining the possessions they had ac- 
 quired at the commencement of the negotiation, subject to 
 such modifications as mutual convenience might suggests 
 l^his principle would give to the British a considerable por- 
 tion of the province of Maine, fort Niagara and a part of the 
 Niagara frontier, and to the Americans, Amhcrstburgh, and 
 the adjacent territory. The American envoys claimed, that 
 these possessions occasionally obtained by either party from 
 the other in the course of the war, should be mutually re- 
 stored, and each party placed on the footing they stood at 
 its commencement. 
 
 Peace concluded. After a variety of negotiations on these 
 topics from the 8th of October to the 24th of December, a 
 definitive treaty of peace was agreed upon, in which all maii- 
 
 64 
 
 I Ml 
 
 ^1] 
 
'; i 
 
 606 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. 22. 
 
 time claims were passed over in silence, and the relations of 
 peace and amity between the two nations, and between them 
 and the Indians within their limits, they agreeing to it, were 
 restored. Claims for past injuries were waived, and each 
 party placed upon the ground they were before the war ; 
 provision was made for the survey and demarkation of the 
 boundary line between the United States and the British pos- 
 sessions, and for the adjustment of all difficulties upon that 
 subject, on terms of reciprocity. The subject of fisheries 
 upon the British North American coast, as se :ured to the 
 United States by the treaty of 1783, was waived, and the 
 privilege of fishing and curing fish on these coasts not being 
 provided for in this treaty, was considered as given up. The 
 treaty was ratified by the Prince Regent on the 27th of De- 
 cember, arrived in the United States on the 11th, and was 
 ratified by the President and senate on the 17th of February. 
 Orders were immediately despatched in every direction for 
 the cessation of hostilities. 
 
 Orders transmitted to General Jackson miscarry. The 
 postmaster general, despatched a special messenger to Gen- 
 eral Jackson at New-Orleans with the treaty, giving orders for 
 the postmasters, and mail carriers on the route, to furnish re- 
 lays, and forward by every means in their power, the intelli- 
 gence. By some accident on the route, the messenger in his 
 haste exchanged his despatches for some old military orders, 
 and when he came to deliver his papers to General Jackson, 
 instead of the official information of the ratification of the 
 treaty, the papers produced, were the old military orders. 
 During the interval between the first unofficial intelligence of 
 peace, and the official information of the ratification of the 
 treaty, the soldiers of the army and the citizens of New-Or- 
 leans grew impatient of military restraint. The militia were 
 clamorous for their discharge, and a spirit of insubordination 
 prevailed. 
 
 Martial Law at Mew-Orleans continued. The General 
 deemed it necessary as long as there was any enemy in the 
 neighbourhood; and he without official information of the 
 
HAP. 2i. 
 
 1814. 
 
 mSTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 507 
 
 ratification of the treaty, to preserve military order, and not 
 relax in his system of defence. 
 
 Lauvallier arrested. The French consul had given certifi- 
 cates of French citizenship to numbers of persons in the mi- 
 litia, the object of which was to exempt ihem from military 
 services. General Jackson, considering these persons dan- 
 gerous to the safety of the city, ordered them to remove into 
 the interior, as far as Baton Rouge. Lauvallier, a French* 
 man, and member of the Louisiana Legislature, had publish- 
 ed several pieces in the New-Orleans papers, condemning 
 the measures of General Jackson for the defence of the city, 
 as illegal, and advising the citizens that they were not bound 
 to obey them. He was also suspected of holding intercourse 
 with the enemy. General Jackson, by virtue of the powers 
 which he claimed in consequence of his proclamation of mar- 
 tial law, ordered this Frenchman to be arrested, and tried by 
 a court martial. 
 
 Habeas Corpus disobeyed. On the 6th of March, Ltu- 
 vallier applied to Dominic Hall, judge of the United States 
 district court, for a writ of habeas corpus, to transfer hiqi 
 from a military to a civil tribunal ; this was granted, and 
 delivered to the marshal to be served upon the General, who 
 considering the suspension of the civil authority as a necessa- 
 ry consequence of the proclamation of martial law, refused 
 obedience to the writ, dismissed the marshal, retained the 
 prisoner, and subjected him to trial. He also arrested and 
 imprisoned Judge Hall for issuing the writ. The district at- 
 torney then applied to judge Lewis for a habeas corpus in 
 favour of judge Hall. He also was arrested under martial 
 law, and an order was issued for the arrest of judge Lewis. 
 
 Martial Lara discontinued. On the 16th of March, oflScial 
 intelligence of the peace having arrived, martial law ceased, 
 and the civil authorities were discharged from arrest. 
 
 General Jackson arrested for contempt, tried before the Dis* 
 trict Court, and convicted. On the 27th, General JacksoA 
 was arrested and brought before the United States district 
 court, holden by judge Hall, to answer to an alleged contempt 
 
 ( 
 
bO% 
 
 MfSTORY Ot' TIIK liATE tVAK. 
 
 ThAp.' Q'i; 
 
 :]JI 
 
 of that court in disobeying the writ of habeas corpus in the 
 case of Louvallirr, anti imjmsoniMg the judge who granted 
 the process. 
 
 The general alleged, in his defence, the necessary ex- 
 istence of martial law within the city and precincts of New- 
 Orleans at the time of issuing the writ of habeas corpus ; no 
 great was the danger, that the judge himself had been induced 
 expressly to sanction martial law, abandon his. civil funciionsy 
 leave the city, and retire to a }»iace of safety in the interior.^ 
 The suspension of civil process was the necessary conse- 
 quence of the sta e rf the city, and of the proclamation of 
 martial lair. The genera, also claimed the right of trial by jury, 
 as secured tp him by the constitution of the United States : 
 but he was now upon trial before a judge, for a contempt of 
 his authority, and the imprisonment of his person. His claim 
 and plea were over-ruled, and the general fined a thousand 
 dollars for the contempt, lie was accom|)anied to the court 
 by a numerous crowd of citizens, who considered him as their 
 deliverer. The appearance of the scene was more like u 
 military parade than a court of justice. On the sentence 
 being pronounced, he was borne from the court-house by the 
 citizens, placed in a coach, and drawn by them to his lodgings^ 
 where a subscription was immediately opened, restricted to a 
 dollar a man, to give all an opportunity to subscribe, to pay 
 his fine and eosts, which were immediately discharged. 
 
 Rejoitings in the United States, All parties in the United 
 States sincerely rejoiced at the news of peace. The expres- 
 sions of joy were the more lively as the event was altogether 
 unexpected* Though intelligence had been received after 
 the British ultimatum of the 1 9th of August, that the ncgotia* 
 tions were continued, yet it was of such a character as to forbid 
 any well-grounded expectations of a favourable result. The 
 American commissioners, on the 25th of October, which was 
 the last intelligence received from them previous to the arri- 
 val of the treaty, wrote that although the negotiations had not 
 terminated as abruptly as at the date of their last despatches 
 Was expected, yet they find no reason to retract the oj)inion 
 
 •sf- 
 
HAH. ti^*j 
 
 1ai4. 
 
 History of the late wah-. 
 
 io^ 
 
 in the 
 jranlcd 
 
 ry cx- 
 Ncw- 
 
 is : so 
 
 Therein expressed, that no hopes of peace, as likely to result 
 from it, could be entertained. Without stopping critically to 
 imjuirc whether the troftty secured to them the objects for 
 which the war was commenced, the people of the United 
 .States of all parties, republicans and federalists, the friends 
 of the administration and the opposition, the war and the peace 
 party, imitedin celebrating the event. Party names and dis- 
 tinctions were for a moment forgotten ; illuminations, festi- 
 vals, and rejoicings in various forms, were had in almost every 
 city, town, and village in the United Stales. 
 
 President's Message to Congress on the Peace. In commu- 
 nicating this event to Congress, the President congratulates 
 them and their constituents upon an event which is highly hon- 
 ourable to the nation, and which terminates with peculiar fe- 
 licity a campaign signalized by the most brilliant successes^ 
 "The late war," he remarks, " although reluctantly de- 
 clared by congress, had become necessary to assert the rights 
 and inilependcncc of the nation. It had been waged with 
 success, the natural result of the legislative councils, of the pat- 
 riotism of the people, of \hv. public spirit of the militia, and of 
 the valour of the military arid naval force of the country. 
 Peace, at all times a blessing, is peculiarly welcome at a pe- 
 riod when the causes of the war had ceased to operate, whcu 
 the government had demonstrated the efficiency of its pow- 
 ers of defence, and when the nation can review its conduct 
 without regret or reproach." 
 
 The President recommends to the care and beneficence of 
 congress the gallant men whose achievements in every depart- 
 ment have contributed to the honour of the American name< 
 In recommending a reduction of the public expenditures to the 
 demands of a peace establishment, he observes, " that impor- 
 tant considerations forbid a sudden and geiieial revocation of 
 the measures produced by the war. Experience has taught 
 us that neither the pacific dispos: lions of the American people, 
 nor the pacific character of our political institutions, altogeth- 
 er exempt them from the strife which appears to be incident 
 to this period of the world. The same faithful monitor in- 
 structs us that a certain degree of preparation for war is in- 
 
 '^ 
 
510 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR.. 
 
 Chap. 22. 
 
 dispensable to prevent disaster in the outset ; and also . af- 
 fords the best security for the continuance of peace. He 
 concludes with fervently wishing, that the peace which has 
 now been declared, may be the foundation of the most friend- 
 ly intercourse between the United States and Great Britain, 
 and productive of harmony and happiness to our beloved 
 country. . ' 
 
 Peace Establishment. The period for which the 13th Con* 
 gress was elected expired on the 3d of March 1815, and left 
 but fourteen days from the ratification of the treaty to con- 
 tinue the session. This time was busily employed in adapting 
 their arrangements to a state of peace; little more however 
 could be done than to provide for the reduction of the army, 
 and suspend ship building on the lakes. The military peace 
 establishment, after much controversy between the houses, 
 the senate putting it at fifteen, and the house of representa- 
 tives at six, was finally fixed at ten thousand. >f :• r- 
 
 ifiThe public debt at the close of the war con- 
 sisted ©f the debt of the revolution . . . $39,000,000 
 
 Jhe present war debt 85,000,000 
 
 •u,l 
 
 $123,000,000 
 
 The navy consisted of five seventy-fours, not completed ; 
 six forty-four gun frigates 5 nine from thirty-six to twenty-four j 
 twenty-two from twenty to sixteen, and fifty eight smaller ves- 
 sels : the whole carrying two thousand guns.* 
 
 Beneficial results of the War. Although the United States 
 concluded a treaty without an express recognition of their 
 maritime rights ; yet the war, taken in connexion with all its 
 
 <^..« — ■ I ., _.,^ .,— MM ■■! — ■■ ■■■■— ,■■-! I. .-I . II » -■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ « .l...,l ■ Mll|—I»««lll ^ 
 
 ♦Report of secretary of navy, December 1815. '. ■ 
 
 On the first of January, 1825, the navy consisted of eleven ships of the 
 line of seventy-four guns, twelve frigates from thirty-two to forty-four 
 guns, the steam frigate Fulton of thirty-six guns, and a considerable 
 number of ships of war of the smaller class. The national debt at the 
 same period, amounted to $86,000,000. The receipts at the treasury du- 
 ring the preceding yoar were $19,630,893.96, being something more 
 than one-fifth of the whole debt. ; * 
 
Chap. 22. 
 
 1U14. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 
 
 511 
 
 also . af- 
 ice. He 
 hich has 
 St friend- 
 Britain, 
 beloved 
 
 3th Con* 
 , and left 
 
 to con- 
 adapting 
 however 
 le army, 
 ry peace 
 
 houses, 
 )resenta- 
 
 ,000,000 
 ,000,000 
 
 000,000 
 ipleted ; 
 ty-four J 
 Her ves- 
 
 i States 
 Df their 
 1 all its 
 
 [>8 of the 
 »rty-four 
 iderable 
 tat the 
 sury du- 
 igmore 
 
 circumstances and consequences, has secured them from fu- 
 ture violation. It has fully established the character of the 
 United Slates, for enterprise, skiK, and bravery. After a thirty 
 years peace, a war of two years drew forth an army able (o 
 contend on equal terms with European veterans ; and pro- 
 duced ships of war which never shunned a combat, or failed 
 of success, when an enemy was to be met on equal ground. 
 The enterprise and success of American privateers against 
 British commerce, rendered the war an unpopular and unprof- 
 itable business to the British nation. These cruizers, taking 
 stations in the track of their commerce, on their coasts, and 
 at theiCiHtrance of their harbours, brought the warhonqre to the 
 British merchant ; and in the loss of his ships, and in the in- 
 creased rate of insurance, made its effects severely felt. The 
 war has pointed out to the American nation, by a series of 
 facts too plain to be misapprehended, the proper means both 
 of annoyance and defence. The ravages to which the coast 
 was subject, in the years 1813 and 14, clearly demonstrated 
 the ^necessity of a naval force sufficient for its protection, and 
 as clearly pointed to the species of force best adapted to that 
 object. Experience, a convincing, though many times an ex- 
 pensive teacher, annihilated the gun-boat system, and induced 
 the building of ships of the line and frigates of the larger 
 class to such an extent as will effectually protect the coast, 
 from any fleet which a European nation will venture to spare 
 from her own shores to invade the American. It likewise in- 
 duced the building a steam ship of war of a large size, and air 
 though the intervention of peace prevented its efficacy from 
 being tested by experiment, yet there is little doubt of its be- 
 ing a powerful engine of harbour defence. The enlargement, 
 and completion of the fortifications of the principal ports, 
 and supplying them and the arsenals with the munitions of war, 
 constitute another important result. These effects of the war 
 more completely secure American rights from future violation, 
 than the strongest treaty stipulations without them. European 
 nations now see that America has both the spirit and the 
 means of defence, and her government the ability to call 
 them into action. The United Stales have now nothing to 
 
512 
 
 HISTORY OF IllE LATE WAR. 
 
 Chap. e2v 
 
 ■^^-vVl » 
 
 Ui'itc ;; 
 
 |f! I,. 
 
 h i 
 
 fear from invasion ; possessed within themselves of every ma- 
 terial requisite for a navy to any desirable extent, and a supe- 
 rior body of seamen, they are abundantly able to defend 
 their rights on the ocean. Though they may probably h«Ver 
 find it necessary to create a navy of equal magnitude with the 
 British, whic^ can ooly be useful for the purposes of conquest, 
 thqy will always have it in their power to call into operation 
 one sufficient for all the purposes of defence. Possessed of 
 fifty ships of war, by a gradual accumulation of the imperish- 
 able materials, a navy can at any time be produced, which 
 will cause their rights to be respected. British maritime 
 rights, which in modern language have been construed to 
 mean the right of controlling the navigation of the world, must 
 now be confined within their legitimate bounds. America is 
 in a situation never again to submit to have her trade de« 
 3troyed, or her coasts ravaged with impunity. 
 
 The severe chastisement which the Indians of the west, and 
 ^outh, who were induced to join the British standard, have 
 suffered, has rendered the frontier secure from future ravages. 
 The effects of the war will extend much beyond the tribes 
 who have suffered ; there is now very little danger of any 
 Indian nation ever so remote, who has heard of the naYnes 
 and deeds of Jackson and Harrison, being seduced into hos- 
 tilities against the United States, either by their own religious 
 fanatics or foreign influence. Peace with them may be con-* 
 sidered as more firmly established, and the frontiers more se- 
 cure than at any former period. These are some of the ben-- 
 eficial results of the war ; in them every American has a deep 
 interest. They have happily served to wear off the asperi- 
 ties, and reconcile the conflicting interests and opinions, which 
 attended its commencement and progress. Party spirit is 
 fa^st subsiding, and though at times it is attempted to be resus- 
 citated, yet it must soon resolve itself into a united effort, t© 
 promote the happiness of a great and growing nation, ^ 
 
 ''■■W ^ ■ - . . . 
 
 ■li4!E END, '_'-'- V f' 'i ■' ■ 
 
 
 
>HAi>. efv 
 
 'cry ma- 
 a supe- 
 defend 
 y rt«Ver 
 with the 
 )nquest, 
 aeration 
 Dssed of 
 iperish- 
 , which 
 laritime 
 'ued to 
 d, must 
 erica is 
 de dc^ 
 
 !st, and 
 I, have 
 ivages. 
 tribes 
 of any 
 na"mes 
 
 hos- 
 ligious 
 ; con- 
 are se- 
 eben- 
 
 1 deep 
 speri- 
 which 
 irit is 
 'esus- 
 3rt, t© 
 
 *. 
 , \ ■