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In the formation of this constitution, Andrew Jackson took a conspicuous part; and the principles which he avowed on this occasion furnish the foundation on which were based the leading features of his political life.

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the spirit of the American people. Hostilities becoming unavoidable, Congress, on the 12th of June, 1812, declared war against the United Kingdoms, and authorized the president to accept the services of fifty thousand volunteers.

General Jackson, though watchful of events, and keenly alive to their bearing, had retired from public life, and was engaged in the calm pursuits of agriculture. The sound of war was welcome in his seclusion, for it summoned him to a deathless renown. It came to his quick ear like a long wished-for permit to avenge the wrongs of those, for whom he was ever ready to sacrifice, without stint, his repose, his fortune, and his blood. The war-cry of his country scarcely vibrated on the breeze, ere he echoed it back as music, with which every chord of his soul was in unison. On the 25th of June, thirteen days after the declaration of war, he left his ripe harvest drooping for the sickle, and offered to the general government, through the executive of Tennessee, his services, with those of twentyfive hundred brave men, who had flocked to his standard on the first certain sound of war.

On the 12th of July, the Secretary of War wrote to the Governor of Tennessee, "The tender of service by General Jackson and those under his command, is received by the president with peculiar satisfaction; and in accepting their services, the president cannot withhold an expression of his admiration of the zeal and ardour by which they are animated." In conveying to General Jackson this acceptance of his services, the governor tendered his thanks to him for the honour done his state by the prompt manner in which those services had been offered.

In November he received orders to descend the Mississippi, for the defence of the lower country, which was then thought to be in danger. Accordingly, on the 10th of December, those troops rendezvoused at

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Nashville, prepared to advance to the place of their destination; and although the weather was then excessively severe, and the ground covered with snow, no body of men could have displayed greater firmness. The general was with them everywhere, inspiring them with the ardour which animated his own bosom. The cheerful spirit with which they submitted to hardships and bore privations, at the very outset of their military career, as well as the order and subordination they so readily observed, were happy presages of what might be expected, when they should be directed to face an enemy.

On the 7th of January, 1813, in the heart of winter, these hardy sons of Tennessee embarked upon their voyage of more than a thousand miles. The earth was covered with snow; the rivers were full of running ice. Unappalled by the difficulties of the navigation, undismayed by the dangers with which they were surrounded, they overcame every obstacle, sailed down the Cumberland, the Ohio, and the Mississippi, and on the 15th of February, they landed at Natchez. Here Jackson was instructed to remain, until he should receive further orders.

Having chosen a healthy site for the encampment of his troops, about two miles from Washington, Jackson devoted himself to the most important duty of a commanding-general-the organization and discipline of his army. Having none but volunteer troops around him-young men educated in unrestrained freedom, accustomed to no other words of authority but their own commands to their obedient slaves, his task was difficult indeed. But by his example, his

persuasive eloquence appealing to their honour and patriotism; by his inflexible justice, and unwavering firmness, those young men were made cheerfully to submit to the privations of the camp, and the discipline of military life. They loved their general; they had faith in his capacity, his justice and his bravery. By the magic of love and faith, a band of raw recruits were soon converted into an enthusiastic, well-trained, and invincible army.

What must have been the mortification of this little patriotic band, when the order unexpectedly came for their discharge? The clouds of war in the south having blown over, the Secretary of War wrote to General Jackson, "On the receipt of this letter, you will consider the corps under your command as dismissed from the public service, and take measures to have delivered to Major-General Wilkinson, all articles of public property which may have been put into its possession."

A deeper wound could not have been inflicted on a patriotic spirit than this cruel and unexpected order of government. By great exertions and personal sacrifices Jackson had called together, organized, and disciplined a band of ardent youth, eager to devote themselves to the cause of their country. Suddenly, and without cause, they are ordered to be discharged, and sent home without arms, without tents, without provisions, or camp equipage of any kind. One hundred and fifty of them were on the sick report. Their homes were far distant, they had to march through a country without roads, without the means of shelter or subsistence, and filled with hostile Indians. To

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