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States the severest burthens, and such as, in the present stage of society, the people would neither be able nor disposed to bear. Though the people in general possessed real wealth, or the comforts and necessaries of life, they had but little of the signs of that wealth, or money; and, unless on very extraordinary occasions, a people with little bullion cannot endure a long and expensive war. The The campaign in Canada had been replete with disappointment. Its arrangement had been unskilful. The troops had not yet acquired the habits of military discipline, nor the generals attained the requisite experience. For these and other reasons, therefore, Mr. Madison had proposed that the emperor of Russia should mediate between Great Britain and America. But this proposal was decidedly objected to by the British government, though at the same time they professed, as they had always done, an anxious desire to put an end. to the war.

To this refusal of the mediation of the Emperor of Russia Mr. Madison alluded in the opening of the message which he sent to both houses of congress on the 12th of December 1813. In this message, which is marked with a spirit of considerable hostility towards Britain, he recapitulates all the advantages which the United States had really gained, or claimed, in order to show that, under the circumstances in which they were placed by the refusal of Great Britain, having no choice but an exertion of its strength in support of its rights,-they had the best encouragement to perseverance, from "the success with which it had pleased the Almighty to bless their arms, both on the land and on the water." He first alludes to the battle on lake Erie, which had terminated in the capture of the whole British squadron. On lake Ontario, the caution of the British had frustrated the attempts of the American commander to bring on a decisive action; but even on that lake they were superior. By the success on lake Erie, a passage into the territory of Canada had been opened, and the war carried thither with considerable success. After mentioning some other successes, and the prospect of future advantages, Mr. Madison adverts to our employment of the Indians, which he censures in very strong terms:

in other respects also he alleges that we were pursuing a course most destructive to humanity-alluding particularly to the British commander in Canada having selected from American prisoners of war, and sent to Great Britain for trial as criminals, a number of individuals who had emigrated from Britain long prior to the war. In consequence of this, he had put into confinement a like number of British prisoners of war, sending an official notification, that they would experience whatever violence might be committed on the American prisoners of war sent to Great Britain. This, however, had produced no effect: so far from it, that double the number of American officers had been put in confinement. "It is as fortunate (adds Mr. Madison) for the United States, that they have it in their power to meet their enemy in this deplorable contest, as it is honourable to them that they do not join in it but under the most imperious obligations, and with the humane purpose of effectuating a return to the established usages of war."

The president next adverts to the conduct of France towards the United States; but here his language becomes much more cool and guarded; and the subject indeed is passed over with a very short and slight notice.

The next topic adverted to relates to a revision of the militia laws," for the purpose of securing more effectually the services of all detachments called into the employment and placed under the government of the United States.

After some observations on the adoption of measures, by which the American privateers might have the use of the ports of friendly powers, Mr. Madison passes on to the consideration of the finances of the United States. The receipts for the last year had exceeded 37 millions and a half of dollars, of which nearly 24 were the produce of loans; on the 30th of September 1813 nearly seven millions of dollars remained in the treasury, after meeting all the demands for the public service: seven millions and a half had been obtained as a loan on very favourable conditions: further sums were necessary, but there were good grounds to suppose that they would be easily obtained.

After mentioning generally the expenses

which had been incurred during the last campaign, he again adverts to their successes: York, Forts George, Erie, and Malden, had been reduced; and the attacks of the British in almost every part had been repulsed. He concludes by contrasting the advantages which the war had brought, with the evils which it had necessarily inflicted: if it had interrupted their commerce, it had also encouraged and extended their manufactures: if much treasure had been expended, no inconsiderable portion of it had been applied to objects durable in their value:-if the war had exposed them to spoliations on the ocean, and to incursions on the land, it had also demonstrated, "that every blow aimed at their maritime independence was an impulse accelerating the growth of their maritime power;" and by the effects of the war on the military resources and discipline of the nation, “a greater respect for their rights, and a longer duration of their future peace, are promised, than could be expected without these proofs of the national character and re

sources.

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In the statements and anticipations of some parts of his message Mr. Madison was justified by what had actually happened, or by what was likely to happen. But certainly so far as he dwelt upon the military character of the United States, neither what had occurred, nor what in all probability would speedily occur, bore him out: almost every American general and army had fled with precipitation before an inferior force, composed almost entirely of Canadian troops. Wilkinson and Hampton, the last who had fought, had derived no more honour than their predecessors: sir George Prevost, on the contrary, exhibited his usual activity and courage; and after the defeat of the American generals, he pursued them so closely that they were forced to take up their winter quarters in their own territory. The appearance of a small regular force menacing the front of general Wilkinson, was sufficient to drive him in great alarm up the Salmon river on arriving at French Mills, about six miles up the stream, he dismantled his boats, and arranged his artillery near a block-house. In the mean while, some British gun-boats advanced into lake Champlain,

and burnt the depôt at Plattsburg; while on the other hand a conjoint attack on Burlington heights, planned by the American general Harrison and commodore Chauncey, was frustrated by the severity of the weather. On the 30th of December, a corps of British amounting to 1000 men attacked an Americap force of double that number, advantageously posted near the Black Rock: the Americans were entirely beaten; and the consequence of this victory was, that possession was gained of all the enemy's posts on the Niagara frontier

From several causes, it was not to be expected that the war between Britain and America would be carried on in the most humane and honourable mode, especially by the Americans: they had not yet forgotten the war of the revolution; and our employment of the Indians, though they set us the example, exasperated them still more: the consequences were such as might naturally be dreaded. In their different invasions of Canada the greatest inhumanities were exercised: especially at Sandwich, at the settlements on the Thames, at York, and at FortGeorge. Finding that remonstrances against this mode of conducting the war produced no effect, sir George Prevost at length issued a proclamation announcing a severe retaliation on the Americans; while at the same time he earnestly deprecated this mode of warfare. We shall afterwards have occasion to canvass the humanity as well as the policy in retaliating on, and thus imitating, an enemy when they depart from the paths of justice.

As soon as Europe was restored to peace by the dethronement, of Buonaparte, the British government resolved to prosecute the war against the United States with a great accession of means and vigour; and thus it was confidently expected that Mr. Madison would be compelled to accept of such terms as we should be disposed to dictate. Two distinct modes of prosecuting the war seem to have been determined on by the British government; an invasion of the coasts of the United States; and, after the protection of Canada had been secured, the conquest of so much of the adjoining territory of the United States as might, in the event of a future war,

effectually guard that province from all danger. It was reasonably expected also, that when the intelligence of the downfall of Buonaparte reached America, either Mr. Madison would feel the necessity of making peace, or, if he did not, his unpopularity would become so great, that he would be obliged to quit the government of the states in favour of a president more favourable to Britain and to pacific measures.

The intelligence of the downfall of Buonaparte certainly did create a wonderful sensation in America; but a sensation of a singular kind, and not easily explained. It might have been anticipated that the republican party, the friends to liberty, the enemies of despotism, would have rejoiced at the destruction of the military despotism and oppression of Buonaparte; but, on the contrary, they mourned over his downfall, as if, with him, all hope and prospect of the liberty and independence of Europe had also fallen. At first, the successes of the allies in France were not credited; but when they were established beyond all doubt, those newspapers which spoke the sentiments and wishes of the republican party, in the most explicit manner, lamented the intelligence. This, however, may perhaps be accounted for: their hatred of Britain, and the violence of their party spirit against such of their own countrymen as were federalists and adverse to war, led them to embrace the cause of one from whom they expected the ruin of Britain.

Mr. Madison, however, was convinced that, now that Britain was at full liberty to employ all her force against the United States, the war would assure a different character from what it previously had done; and consequently, that it would be absolutely necessary, either to meet the more extended and vigorous warfare by measures of corresponding vigour and extension, or to bring about a peace with Great Britain. The latter was resolved upon; at the same time that, in case of the failure of the negociations, measures were taken which he hoped would secure the United States from the attacks which would be now made against them. Mr. Madison also found himself under the necessity of repealing the embargo which had been laid on the 13th of December 1813; for by the re

verses and downfall of Buonaparte the federalist party, which, as has been already observed, consisted principally of merchants, now raised their voices most powerfully and effectually against a measure which involved them in great pecuniary embarrassments and difficulties. Thus another instance was ex hibited which proved that Britain, though more essentially commercial than any other nation, can bear up under the interruption of commerce for a much longer time, and with less suffering, than any of her rivals. Such are the effects of great capital and enterprise united.

In the midst, however, of all their defeats by land, and of the dismay into which the war party in America were thrown by the downfall of Buonaparte, they were still successful by sea; and their success in this element not only inspired them with the hope that they should one day become the mistress of the ocean, but also threw a gloom over Britain, even while she was hailed by the rest of Europe as having been mainly instrumental in restoring to the continent the blessings of independence and peace.

On the morning of the 28th of June, in latitude 48. longitude 11., the Reindeer sloop. of war, commanded by captain Manners, perceived an enemy to the leeward, and instantly gave chase: about three o'clock the ships were close together, when the action com-menced, and was kept up with the most determined spirit for twenty-five minutes: at the end of this time the captain of the Reindeer, the purser, and 27 men were killed; and 40 wounded, amongst whom were all her officers then on board: before this, she had made several unsuccessful attempts to board. In this state she was under the ne-cessity of striking to the enemy, which proved to be the Wasp American sloop of war, commanded by captain Blakely. The disproportion between the two ships in size, weight of metal, and complement of men, was very considerable. The Wasp was of the burden of nearly 800 tons, mounting 20 32-pounder carronades, besides two long 12pounders, and having on board 175 men; while the Reindeer was little more than 380 tons, mounting only 16 twenty-four pounder carronades, besides two long twelve-poun..

ders, with two long sixes, and had only 98 men and twenty boys. Captain Manners fought his vessel against this very superior enemy in the most gallant manner: he lost his life in attempting to board, after receiving fourteen wounds. The Wasp was very much cut up in her hull and rigging; and her loss in killed and wounded is supposed to have been fully equal to that of the Reindeer. On the day after the action it became necessary to destroy the prize. Thus, in a sea war of two years, the Americans could boast that, though they were opposed to the once dreaded navy of Great Britain, the proportion of victories had been beyond all comparison in their favour, having captured three frigates, two twenty-gun ships, four eighteens, one twelve and one ten-gun vessel.

It would seem, too, that where we were victorious over the Americans by sea, we were generally indebted for our success to a greater superiority than even they had when they were successful. This was certainly the case with respect to the capture of the Essex; she had been long cruizing in company with a corvette off the eastern coast of South America; and captain Hillyear of his majesty's ship Phoebe was directed to sail in quest of them; for nearly five months he was unsuccessful; but at last, on the 28th of March, he saw the Essex quit the port of Valparaiso, and immediately (accompanied by the Cherub) he made sail after her. The Essex at first attempted to gain the weather gage; but in this attempt she did not succeed, carrying away her maintopmast: on this she endeavoured to regain the port she had just quitted; but in this also she was unsuccessful, being obliged to anchor near the shore. In this situation it was not safe for captain Hillyear to pass a-head of her: he therefore resolved to anchor as near her as possible: but before he gained a position proper for that purpose, the cable of the Essex was cut, and a serious conflict ensued; the guns of the Phoebe became gradually more destructive, and her crew, if possible, more animated: the contest began at 35 minutes past five, and lasted till 20 minutes after six, when the Essex struck her colours. In the official account of the action captain Hillyear, with the spirit of a brave man, bestowed a liberal de

gree of praise on the bravery of the enemy: the conduct of the captain of the Essex, however (captain Porter), in one respect deserved no praise; for it appears by captain Hillyear's account, that he connived at the escape of some of his men after the ship had surrendered.

The only other naval action at sea, this year, took place off the coast of Ireland, between the Wasp (already mentioned) and the Avon. The British here were inferior, and would certainly have been taken possession of, having been forced, after a short but desperate conflict, to strike her colours, had not some of his majesty's ships fortunately come up at the instant, and obliged the Wasp to seek her safety in flight.

Besides these successes of the Americans, so far as their national vessels were concerned, they had many rich captures by their priva teers; and these captures were made not merely on their own coasts, or on the Atlantic tic ocean, but on the very shores of England and Ireland; so that at length it was not safe for a vessel to sail without convoy from one part of the English or Irish channel to another. Strong representations were made to the admiralty on this subject; but as they were not attended to as they ought to have been, addresses to the prince regent were presented from London, Liverpool, and other sea ports. It was indeed a most mortifying reflection, that while our navy amounted to nearly 1000 ships of different sizes, and while we were at peace with all Europe, we could not protect our commerce on our own coasts. The only defence (if defence it could be called) that the admiralty could make was, that we had captured a greater number of ships from the Americans than the Americans had from But the proportion of the captures we had made was very far below the proportional superiority which our navy bore to theirs and indeed, all things considered, not too much would have been expected from the admiralty, if, with the means in their power, the nation had anticipated the capture of every American armed vessel that put to

us.

sea.

The lakes, it is well known, constitute the most important boundary between Canada and the United States; and the possession of

these lakes is absolutely necessary to the secure and permanent possession of the province. It was therefore the duty and the interest of the British government, as soon as the war broke out, to have secured the superiority of these lakes in so decided a manner as to have effectually protected Canada: this, however, during the two years which the war had already lasted, they had neglected to do. In fact, though on some of the lakes the British were occasionally successful, yet this success was never of long continuance, and it was so chequered with defeat as to give confidence to the Americans and to dispirit the Canadians. For the former, when they commenced the war, could hardly have looked forward to such victories as they had obtained over the British; and being naturally a sanguine and ardent people, the achievement of victory over such a nation as Britain could not fail to gratify and invigorate their feelings, and to reconcile to the war those who at its commencement were averse to it.

In some respects, indeed, the Americans possessed advantages which we did not enjoy for carrying on operations on the lakes; they were nearer to the supplies necessary for the equipment and repair of their squadrons.But, on the other hand, it seems to have been abundantly shown in the house of commons, that their superiority arising from these advantages was greatly increased by the ignorance or inattention of our ministry. Indeed it was disputed in parliament, to what department of government the equipment of the flotilla on the lakes properly belonged. Common sense would have said that it belonged to the admiralty; but the admiralty denied this, because forsooth the lakes were inland seas of fresh water; and they threw the duty of equipping the flotilla on the secretary of state for the colonial department. It may be remarked by the by, that there seems some deficiency in the executive part of our government in this respect: the prime minister, though not recognised by the constitution, ought certainly to have such a directing and controlling power as, in cases of doubt, to assign to each department its proper duties, and to see that those duties are performed as they ought to be.

With respect to the other branches of the

war on the frontiers of Canada, the inhabitants of that province complained that they were left almost entirely to defend them. selves; for during the two years of hostilities, the operations of which have been already detailed, they had procured little assistance from Great Britain. A sufficient reason, however, was assigned for this, viz., that the troops of Britain were so fully employed against Buonaparte that she could not send strong reinforcements to Canada. This should, however, have induced the ministry to exert themselves more in the equipment of a proper flotilla on the lakes, in order that Canada might have been adequately protected by our superiority on them, till such time as we could send out more troops. As it was, had it not been for the incapacity of the American generals, and the badness of their troops, on the one hand; and on the other hand, the activity of sir George Prevost, and the valour of the troops under his command, Canada must have fallen into the possession of the enemy. The Americans, indeed, as we have seen, fought so ill on land, that no alarm seems to have been excited that they would ever be a match for even the Canadian provincial troops. It seems to have been most strangely and culpably overlooked, that their bad fighting on land arose from causes and circumstances which must in the nature of things gradually die away, and be replaced by such as would render them asgood soldiers as they had proved themselves to be sailors. This we might have anticipated from what had occurred to ourselves. Till the war against Buonaparte, even Britons were disposed to acknowledge that their countrymen, though the best sailors in the world, were very indifferent soldiers; as if either in their case, or in that of the Americans, the men who had courage sufficient to fight well by sea would not soon be taught to fight well on land.

The British ministry were therefore blamed for protracting the war with America; they were blamed for not annihilating their navy at once. This seemed a well-grounded charge, considering the immense superiority of our navy, and that we had no other employment for it. They were also blamed for not having sent out more troops to Canada :-this L

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