whose sentiments and feelings they expressed, determined to act in accordance with the views of the president.

Laws were enacted providing for the increase of the regular army to 35,000 men; for the augmentation of the naval establishment; empowering the president to accept of the services of volunteers, to make a detachment from the militia, and to borrow eleven millions of dollars. It was the expectation of many that Great Britain, witnessing these serious preparations, would recede from the stand she had taken.

Events, however occurred, while congress were in session, which considerably diminished this expectation. For several years, the Indian tribes residing near the remote lakes and the sources of the Missisippi, had displayed symptoms of hostility, murdering a number of whites, and robbing others of their property. In the fall of 1811, General Harrison, with a small force, was sent into their territories, instructed to negociate if possible, but to fight if necessary. On the 6th of November, he arrived at Tippecanoe, their principal town, where he was met by Indian messengers, with whom an agreement was made, that hostilities should not take place before the next morning, and that then an amicable conference should be held.

Just before daybreak, the savages, in violation of their engagement, made a sudden and furious attack upon the troops in their encampment. Nothing but the precaution of sleeping in order of battle, on their arms, saved them from total de

feat. A dreadful slaughter was made; but the savages were finally repulsed, dispersed, and their town laid waste. A strong belief was entertained, founded upon credible testimony, that they had been incited to hostility by British agents stationed among them.

In February, 1812, John Henry, who had once resided in Canada, communicated to the president the fact, that in 1809 he had been employed by the governor of that province upon a secret mission to Boston, the metroplis of the New England states; and that he was instructed to confer with the disaffected, upon the subject of a separation of those states from the Union, and their forming a political connexion with Great Britain. He exhibited documents in support of his disclosures, which he was led to make, by the neglect of his employer to reward him for his services. It did not appear that he had succeeded in corrupting the fidelity of any individual; but the attempt in a time of peace, and in the midst of the most amicable professions, not only preserved in full force, but increased the previous irritation.

Congress continued to be employed until the 20th of May, in making preparations for war, still cherishing the hope that a change of policy in Europe would render unnecessary an appeal to arms. On that day, the Hornet arrived from London, bringing information that no prospect existed of a favourable change. On the first of June, the president sent a message to congress, recounting the wrongs received from Great Britain, and submitting the question whether the

United States should continue to endure them or resort to war?

The message was considered with closed doors. On the 18th, an act was passed declaring war against Great Britain; and the next day a proclamation was issued announcing it to the world. Against this declaration the representatives belonging to the federal party presented a solemn protest, which was written with great ability, but showed that incessant opposition to the measures of the government had created in themselves such unfriendly feelings, as nothing but its manifest corruption could justify.

CHAPTER XXVI.

CAMPAIGN OF 1812.

THE people of the United States remembered with pride the patriotism and bravery exhibited by their army in the revolutionary war. A long period of peace and prosperity had increased their confidence in their own strength; and the belief was generally entertained, that victory over the same foe would now be so much the more certainly and easily gained, as the nation was more rich and populous. They did not reflect, that peace had impaired the military energies of the republic, while their enemy, by

constant exercise in arms, had acquired not only additional strength, but greater skill to use and apply it.

From the veteran officers, who had acquired fame in the former conflict, a selection was made to fill the principal posts in the new army. Henry Dearborn, of Massachusetts, was appointed majorgeneral and commander-in-chief. He was at the battle of Breed's Hill. In the expedition against Quebec, he served as a captain under Arnold. He distinguished himself on these and other occasions; and at the close of the war bore the commission of colonel. He held, for a long time, the office of secretary of war, and discharged its duties with exemplary industry and skill. Thomas Pinkney, of South Carolina, was also appointed major-general. Among the brigadiers, were Wilkinson, Hull, Hampton, and Bloomfield.

At the time of the declaration of war, General Hull was also governor of the Michigan territory, of which Detroit is the capital. On the 12th of July, with two thousand regulars and volunteers, he crossed the river dividing the United States from Canada. On the same day, he addressed a proclamation to the Canadians, tendering them the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and assuring them, in a lofty tone, "that his force was sufficient to break down all opposition," and yet was but the vanguard of one much greater. It appeared to be his purpose to attack Malden, and thence to proceed to Montreal.

Had the attack been instantly made, success

would have been highly probable. A month was wasted in ruinous delay. Distrust and contempt expelled confidence and attachment from the breasts of the Canadians. The ardour of the

troops began to cool. Malden was reinforced; and at this critical moment, information was received that Mackinaw, an American post above Detroit, had surrendered to a large body of British and Indians, who were rushing down the river in numbers sufficient to overwhelm the American forces. Panic struck, General Hull hastened back to Detroit.

General Brock, the commander at Malden, pursued him, with a force superior in number, but composed of militia and Indians. On the 14th of August, he erected batteries opposite Detroit. The next day, he began a cannonade upon the American fortifications which was returned with precision and effect. On the 16th, the enemy crossed the river, taking post about three miles above the city. Meeting with no resistance, and hearing that some of the American troops were absent, General Brock resolved to march directly forward and assault the fort.

The troops, cool and undaunted, awaited in good order the approach of the enemy, anticipating an easy victory. To the astonishment of all, General Hull forbade the artillery to fire, and hung out a white flag in token of a wish to capitulate. A correspondence between the two generals was immediately opened, which ended in the surrender of the army and of the territory of Michigan.