The opening of IX. ADMINISTRATIONS OF MADISON, 1809-1817. THE WAR OF 1812
James Madison--The Embargo and the Non-Intercourse Acts--Revival of the Latter Against England--The Little Belt and the President--Population of the United States in 1810--Battle of Tippecanoe--Declaration of War Against England--Comparative Strength of the Two Nations on the Ocean--Unpopularity of the War in New England--Preparations Made by the Government--Cowardly Surrender of Detroit--Presidential Election of 1812--Admission of Louisiana and Indiana--New National Bank Chartered--Second Attempt to Invade Canada--Battle of Queenstown Heights--Inefficiency of the American Forces in 1812--Brilliant Work of the Navy--The Constitution and the Guerriere--The Wasp and the Frolic--The United States and the Macedonian--The Constitution and the Java--Reorganization and Strengthening of the Army--Operations in the West--Gallant Defense of Fort Stephenson--American Invasion of Ohio and Victory of the Thames--Indian Massacre at Fort Mimms--Capture of York (Toronto)--Defeat of the Enemy at Sackett's Harbor--Failure of the American Invasion of Canada--The Hornet and Peacock--Capture of the Chesapeake--"Don't Give Up the Ship"--Captain Decatur Blockaded at New London--Capture of the Argus by the Enemy--Cruise of the Essex--The Glorious Victory of Commodore Perry on Lake Erie--Success of the American Arms in Canada--Battle of the Chippewa--Of Lundy's Lane--Decisive Defeat of the Enemy's Attack on Plattsburg--Punishment of the Creek Indians for the Massacre at Fort Mimms--Vigorous Action by the National Government--Burning of Washington …