The pictorial field-book of the War of 1812; or, Illustrations, by pen and pencil, of the history, biography, scenery, relics and traditions of the last war for American independence

Front matter

from

the estate of

J. Stuart Fleming

Chapter I. Eaely Dats Op The Republic

The Close of the Revolution ; the States free, but not independent, 18 ; Why ? Articles of Confederation, 19 ; the Public Debt, 20 ; Attitude of the States, 21 ; British Opinion concerning them, 22 ; Public Dangers, 23 ; Dissolution of the Republic threatened, 24 ; Washington’s Forebodings ; his Proposition for a Convention to reorganize Government, 25 ; Meeting of the Convention, 26 ; Proceedings of the Convention to form a National Constitution, 27-32 ; Ratification of the Constitution ; its Opponents, 33 ; the Establishment of a Nation, 34.

Chapter II. Events In The Northwestern Territory

Foundations of Government in the Wilderness, 35 ; the Northwestern Territory ; Settlements there, 36-37 ; the Indians and their British Allies, 38 ; Councils with the Indians, 39 ; British Intrigues and Indian Hostilities, 40 ; Expedition against the Indians in the Ohio Country, 41 ; Battle on the Maumee, 42 ; Visit to the Place of Conflict, 43-44 ; Expeditions of Scott and Wilkinson, 45 ; Forts built in the Wilderness, 46 ; St. Clair’s Expedition, 47 ; his Battle with the Indians and Defeat, 48 ; how Washington received the News of St. Clair’s Defeat, 49 ; his Justice and Generosity ; Wayne’s Expedition, 50 ; Interference of British Officials, 51 ; the British and Indians in armed Alliance, 52; Wayne’s E.xpeditio7i down the Maumee, 53, 54 ; Defeat of the Indians and treaty of Greenville, 55, 56.

Chapter III. Establishment Of The National Government

The national Policy and Power indicated, 58 ; Relations with France and England, 59 ; revolutionary Movements in France, 60, 61 ; diplomatic Intercourse tvith Great Britain and Spain, 62 ; Discourtesy of the British Government ; mistaken Views concerning the American Government, 63 ; Acts in relation to the Public Debt, 64 ; Hamilton’s financial Scheme ; Currency, 65 ; Jefferson’s Disappointment and Suspicions, 66 ; Progress of the French Revolution, 67 ; the political and religious Views of Jefferson and Adams, 68 ; Democracy in England, 69 ; Adams's Scheme of Government ; Jefferson’s Disgust and ungenerous Suspicions, 70 ; Paine’s Rights of Man ; a Newspaper War, 71 ; the Federal and Republican Parties formed, 72 ; Sympathy with the French Revolutionists, 73 ; Lafayette, 74; Monarchy in France overthrown, 75; the National Convention; Execution of the King, 76; Minister from the French Republic, 77 ; Washington’s Proclamation of Neutrality, 78.

Chapter IV, Foreign Relations And Domestic Politics

“ Citizen Genet” and his Reception by his political Admirers, 79 ; his first Interview with Washington ; Enthusiasm of the Republicans, 80 ; the American and the French Revolution compared, 81 ; Genet defies the American Government, 82 ; he is recalled ; his Successor, 83 ; British “ Rules” and “ Orders in Council;” Armed Neutrality, 84; British Impressment of American Seamen, 85; Jay’s Treaty with Great Britain, 86 ; Opposition to the Treaty, 87 ; the Whisky Insurrection ; Democratic Societies, 88 ; Difficulties with Algiers, 89 ; an American Navy recommended, 90 ; Construction of a Navy ; Unfriendliness of the French Directory, 91 ; Struggle between the Republicans and Federalists for political Power ; Adams elected President, 92 ; open Rupture between France and the United States threatened, 93 ; Madness of Partisans, 94; Aggressions of the French Directory, 95; Preparations for War with France; Action in New York, 96 ; History of the Songs “Hail, Columbia!” and “Adams and Liberty,” 97.

Chapter V. War On The Ocean. — Political Struggles

Washington appointed to the Command of the Army ; Hamilton acting General-in-chief, 98 ; Envoys extraordinary sent to France, 99; Bonaparte in Power; American War-vessels afloat, 100; British Outrages ; Obsequiousness of the American Government, 102 ; naval Engagements, 103 ; American Cruisers in the West Indies, 104 ; Truxtun’s Victory ; Honors to the Victor, 105 ; Peace ; Divisions in the Federal Party, 106 ; Intrigues against Adams ; Alien and Sedition Laws ; Nullification Doctrines put forth, 107 ; State Supremacy asserted ; Jefferson elected President, 108 ; Mortification of the Federalists ; Death of W ashington, 109; a public Funeral, 110; W ashington’s Person and Character, 111.

IV

Contents

CHAPTEE VI.

DIFFICULTIES WITH THE BARBARY POWERS. — ENGLAND AND FRANCE AT AVAR.

Bonaparte’s Career and Influence, 112 ; Obsequiousness of Englishmen, 113 ; Beginning of Jefi'erson’s Administration ; the National Capital, 114 ; Jefferson’s Policy; political Proscription, 115 ; the Navy reduced, 116 ; Captain Bainbridge, the Dey of Algiers, and the Sultan, 117 ; Insolence and Exactions of the Barbary Rulers, 118 ; American Navy in the Mediterranean Sea and its Operations, 119-120 ; Bombardment of Tripoli, 121 ; Destruction of t\ie, Philadeljihia, 122 ; Destruction of the Intrepid; Honors to Commodore Preble, 123 ; Commodore Barron’s Squadron in the Mediterranean, 124 ; Eaton’s Expedition in Northern Africa ; Respect of the Barbary Powers for the American Flag, 125 ; Bonaparte and his Relations with England, 126 ; a French Invasion of England threatened, 127 ; a Struggle for political Supremacy; Bonaparte proclaimed Emperor, 128 ; Napoleon’s Berlin Decree, 129.

Chapter VII. Events West Of The Alleghanies. — Search And Impressment

Organization of new States, 130 ; Americans disturbed by the Retrocession of Louisiana to France, 131 ; the secret Designs of the latter, 132 ; Jefferson’s Letter and Bonaparte’s Necessity; Purchase of Louisiana, 133; Events connected ivith the Purchase of Louisiana, 134; the Duel of Hamilton and Burr; the Acts of Burr’s political Associates, 135 ; his ambitious Schemes ; Blennerhassett and Wilkinson, 136 ; Burr’s Operations, Trial for Treason, and Exile, 137 ; American commercial Thrift and British Jealousy, 138; British Perfidy defended by British Writers, 139; Unjfleasant foreign Relations, 140; Memorial of Merchants concerning British Depredations, 141 ; Impressment of American Seamen and Right of Search, 142; diplomatic Correspondence on the Subject, 143; cruel Treatment of American Seamen, 144 ; farther diplomatic Action, 145, 146 ; national Independence and Honor in Peril, 147 ; Minister extraordinary sent to England, 148.

Chapter VIII. Search And Impressment. — Embargo. — Party Spirit

Negotiations concerning the Impressment of American Seamen, 149 ; a Treaty agreed to, but not ratified; War on the Administration, 150, 151 ; The Continental System of ISiapoleon, 1 52 ; Aggressions on American Commerce and Neutrality by France and England, 153 ; Napoleon’s Milan Decree and its Effects, 154 ; the Navy and the Gun-boat Policy, 155 ; British Cruisers in American Waters, 156 ; the Affair of the Chesapeake, 157 ; the Outrage resented, 158 ; Action of the American Government, 159 ; Action of the British Government, 160; fruitless Mission of a British Envoy, 161 ; political Complexion of the Tenth Congress ; an Embargo established, 1 62 ; its Effects ; Party Spirit violently aroused, 1 63 ; the Embargo vehemently denounced, 164 ; the British exact Tribute from neutral Nations, 165 ; Dangers of national Vanity, 166.

Chapter IX. War Between The United States And Great Britain Threatened

Provisions for strengthening the American Navy, 167 ; Gun-boats ; Opposition to a Navy, 1 68 ; British opposition to the Orders in Council, 169 ; Napoleon’s Blow at American Commerce ; Modification of the Orders in Council, 170 ; Actions concerning the Embargo, 171 ; Disunionists in New England, 172, 173 ; Embargo or War the proclaimed Alternative, 174 ; Cotton supposed to be the King of Commerce, 175 ; Just Arrangements for settling the Difficulties with Great Britain, 176 ; the British Government repudiates the Acts of its Agent, 177 ; an offensive British Minister sent to America, 278 ; the French Decrees and British Orders in Council, 179 ; England and France refuse to be just, 180 ; Outrage by a British Craiser, 181 ; Method of signaling, 182, 183 ; Action between the President and Little Pelt, 184; Testimony concerning the Affair, 185 ; Commodore Rodgers assailed and vindicated, 186.

Chapter X. Hostilities Of The Indians In The Northwest

The Indiana Territory and Governor Harrison, 187 ; British Emissaries among the Indians, 188 ; Tecumtha and his Brother the I’rophet, 189 ; Indian Confederation proposed ; Harrison denounces the Prophet, 190; the Mission of Joseph Barron, 191 ; Tecumtha before Harrison at Vincennes, 192; roving Plunderers ; Tecumtha alarmed, 193 ; Preparations for fighting the Indians, 194 ; Harrison marches up the Wabash with Troops ; Deputation of friendly Indians, 195 ; Visit of the Author to the Region of threatened Hostilities, 196-200; Harrison approaches the Prophet’s Town; the Indians alanned, 201 ; Harrison’s Encampment near the Tippecanoe, 202 ; the Prophet’s Teaching, 203 ; Battle of Tippecanoe, 204, 205 ; The Prophet disgraced, 206 ; Actors in the Battle of Tippecanoe, 207 ; Author’s Visit to the Battle-ground, 208, 209.

Chapter XI. A War Spirit Aroused. — Declaration Op War Against Great Britain

The Twelfth Congress and its Composition, 210 ; the President’s feeble War-trumpet, 211 ; Charges against Great Britain, 212; Action of the Committee on Foreign Relations, 213; Alarm on Account of the Slaves, 214; Randolph and Calhoun in Congress, 215; Policy of the Federalists, 216; Patriotism of some of their Leaders, 217 ; Debate concerning the Navy, 218 ; the President compelled to adopt War Measures, 219 ; a British Emissary in New England, 220 ; his Revelations and Rewards, 221 ; Action of tlie British Ministry on the Subject, 222 ; a new Embargo Act, 223 ; delusive Hopes of Justice, 224 ; a preliminary War Measure, 225 ; Report on the Causes of and Reasons for War, 226 ; Action of Congress on the Subject, 227 ; Declaration of War, 228 ; Protest of the Minority in Congress against the Measure, 229 ; Organization of a Peace Party, 230 ; Measures for carrying on the War, 231 ; public Acts in opposition to the War, 232.

CONTENTS.

V

Chapter XII. Beginning Of The War Op 1812

The British Regency — Political Affairs in Europe, 233; the Troops and Fortifications on the Northern Frontier, 234 ; Sea-coast Defenses of the United States, 23.1-238 ; Fulton’s Torpedoes and their Uses, 238-240 ; Fulton’s Anticipations, 241 ; Effects of a Fear of Torpedoes, 242 ; the Action of State Governments concerning the War, 243 ; public Feeling in Canada, 244 ; Signs of Pacification, 245 ; conditional Revocation of the Orders in Council, 246 ; haughty Assumptions of the British Government on the Subject of Search and Imprisonment, 247 ; War inevitable and justifiable, 248 ; Choice of military Leaders, 249, 250.

CHAPTER XIII. hull’s campaign against Canada.

Canada to be invaded — Object of the Invasion, 251 ; Organization of an Army in Ohio — an active Frontiersman, 253 ; Author’s Journey through Ohio, 264 ; General Hull takes Command of Ohio Volunteers, 255 ; regular and volunteer Troops in the Wilderness, 256 ; Hull’s March to Detroit, 257 ; his Baggage and Papers captured, 258 ; how the British in Canada were informed of the Declaration of War, 259 ; Detroit in 1812, 260 ; Hull invades Canada, 261, 262 ; Reconnoissance toward Malden, 263 ; first Battle of the War, 264, 265 ; Distrust of General Hull, 266 ; first Blood shed in the War, 267 ; early Scenes at Mackinaw, 268, 269 ; Events at Mackinaw in 1812, 270 ; Employment of the Indians by the British, 271.

Chapter XIV. Campaign On The Detroit Frontier

Alarming Facts and Rumors, 272 ; Preparations in Canada for resisting Invasion, 273 , Alarm caused by the Invasion, 274 ; Symptoms of Disloyalty — General Brock’s Influence, 275; Defeat of Americans under Van Horne at Brownstown, 276 ; mutinous Spirit evinced in Hull’s Army, 277 ; Expedition to succor a Supply-train, 278 ; the March toward the River Raisin, 279 ; Battle of Maguaga, 280, 281 ; Disappointment and Disaffection of the American Troops, 282 ; Brock goes to Malden with Troops, 283 ; Preparations for attacking Detroit, 284 ; Hull deceived — an Effort to reach a Supply-train, 285 ; Hull summoned to surrender, and refuses, 286 ; the British proceed to attack Detroit, 287 ; Scenes within the Fort, 288 ; Hull surrenders the’Fort, Garrison, and Territory, 289 ; Feeling of the Troops — Result of the Surrender, 290 ; Incidents of the Surrender, 291 ; British Occupation of Detroit and Michigan, 292 ; Account of the Surrender, and public Indignation, 293 ; Hull tried by a Court-martial, 294 ; a Consideration of Hull’s public Character, 295 ; the Government more to blame than FIull, 296.

Chapter XV. Military Events In The Then Far Northwest

The Author’s Journey from Chicago to Detroit, 297; a Ride from Windsor to Amherstburg, 298 ; Historical Localities at Amherstburg or Malden, 299; Windsor and “Windsor Castle, ”300; Pontiac’s Siege of Detroit, 301 ; Chicago, its Name, Settlement, and Position, 302 ; Trading-house and Fort at Chicago, 303; an Indian Raid, 304 ; Troubles at Chicago, 305 ; Treachery of the Indians — a Warning, 306 ; Munitions of War and Liquor destroyed, 307 ; Massacre at Chicago, 308 ; Incident of the Conflict with the Savages — Bravery of Women, 309 ; Cruelties of the Indians — their British Allies, 310 ; Survivors of the Massacre, 311 ; Mrs. Kenzie and the Growth of Chicago, 312 ; Designs against Fort Wayne, 313 ; Attack on Fort Wayne, 314 ; Ravages of the Indians — Little Turtle, 315 ; Treachery of Indians at Fort Wayne, 316 ; Fort Harrison besieged, 317 ; brave Deeds at Fort Harrison, 318 ; Attack on Fort Madison, 319.

Chapter XVI. War With The British And Indians In The Northwest

The Nation aroused — Enthusiasm of the People, 320 ; Harrison and the Kentuckians, 321 ; Harrison at the Head of Kentucky Volunteers, 322 ; Departure for the Wilderness, 323 ; Volunteers flock to Harrison’s Standard, 324; Fort Wayne relieved — -Destruction of Indian Villages, 325; Harrison’s Popularity — he commands the Northwestern Army, 326 ; Winchester met by British and Indians in the Wilderness, 327 ; Re-enforcements gathering, 328 ; Hamson’s proposed autumn Campaign, 329 ; reported Movement through the Wilderness, 330 ; Erection of Forts, 331 ; the Indians alarmed and humbled, 332 ; the Author’s Visit to the Theatre of War, 333; Preparations for further Warfare, 334 ; Expedition against the Indians in the Illinois Country, 335 ; Expedition to the Wabash Region, 336 ; Sufferings of the Kentucky Soldiers, 337.