ments. James Madison.1 1 James Madison was born in Orange County, Virginia, March 16, 1751. He was graduated at Princeton in 1772, and studied a year longer in theology. He went home and taught his younger brothers and sisters, for he was the eldest of twelve children, and meanwhile applied himself to the study of law and history. He was soon to have occasion to make large use of his attainHe was the youngest member of the Committee of Safety, in Orange County, in 1774; was a delegate to the State Convention, where he took part in making a constitution; was delegate to the Continental Congress in 1780. He was practically the author of the plan by which the government was distributed among the three great powers of legislature, judicial, and executive, and also the system by which the House of Representatives was based on population, the Senate on States. He died at Montpelier, Virginia, June 28, 1836. up of trade, was the stronghold of the Federalists. These complained loudly that if it were not for the Embargo and Non-Intercourse acts there would be no trouble. The Southern and Western people, who were principally Democratic-Republicans, retorted that they had evidence of negotiations between the New England Federalists and England; that the Federalists were planning for a separation of New England from the Union. This charge was indignantly denied, but it helped to increase political hostility. 107. Indian Hostilities. On the western frontier was another enemy, the ever-watchful Indian. The Indians were wont to fight in scattered parties, but now and then a great chief arose who had the skill to combine many tribes into one army. Such a chief was Philip in the early days, and Pontiac later. Now appeared another, Tecumseh, who was aided by his brother, the Prophet, a man of great influence among the Indians. William Henry Harrison, afterward President, and at this time governor of Indiana territory, had persuaded some of the tribes to give up their lands in return for presents. Tecumseh and the Prophet declared that these tribes had no right to give up what belonged to all. A sharp contest followed, which ended with the battle of Tippecanoe, when Harrison defeated Tecumseh. Nov. 7, 1811. 108. The Seizure of Vessels and Men. All this while, France and England continued at war. Napoleon was studying how he might get the better of England, and he withdrew his decrees prohibiting commerce with England so far as the United States was concerned. Congress at once repealed the Non-Intercourse Act so far as it related to France, England and the United States grew more irritated with each other. The English continued to seize vessels and men. More than nine hundred American vessels had been seized since 1803. Several thousand American seamen had been impressed into the British service. The people of the United States were exasperated at their losses, and at their inability to protect themselves. R 109. War declared against Great Britain. Madison wished to continue the general peace policy of Jefferson, but his party refused to follow his lead. New leaders sprang up, among whom were Henry Clay, of Kentucky, and John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina. They obeyed the demands of the country, and compelled Congress to raise an army and strengthen the navy. On the 18th of June, 1812, Congress formally declared war against England. It was by no means a unanimous movement. The New England Federalists bitterly opposed it. The chief support came from the South and West, which felt less keenly the effect upon their prosperity caused by the breaking up of commerce, and on the other hand were brought directly in contact with the enemy upon the border. QUESTIONS. Why should the United States have been affected by a war in Europe? What were the Barbary States? What effect did the piracy have on commerce? How did Americans first protect themselves? Narrate the exploit of Decatur. What was the end of the war? What was the career of Napoleon? How did France and England retaliate on each other? How did the United States feel the war? What was the affair of the Chesapeake? How did Jefferson seek to strengthen the United States? Explain the Embargo Bill, the Non-Intercourse Act. Who succeeded Jefferson? Narrate the war with the Indians. Describe the further complications with England and France. What new leaders came to the front? What was the attitude of the New England Federalists? SEARCH QUESTIONS. What was meant by "once an Englishman always an Englishman"? What was meant by the "carrying trade"? Why did New England oppose the War of 1812 ? SUGGESTIONS FOR LITERARY TREATMENT. COMPOSITION: An account of the battle of Tippecanoe. DEBATE: Resolved, That the Embargo Act was beneficial to the American people. 110. Causes of the War. The chief grounds on which the United States went to war with England were the interference with the neutral trade by the Orders in Council, the impressment of seamen, and the inciting the Indians on the border. This last cause of hostility led to immediate action in the northwest. The nearest part of Great Britain which the United States army could reach was Canada. 111. Movements on the Canada Border. - General Henry Dearborn was commander-in-chief, and General William Hull, governor of Michigan territory, was commander of the forces in the West. As soon as war was declared, General Hull moved a small army across the Detroit River, and demanded the surrender of Fort Malden. The British had moved first. They had surprised Fort Mackinaw, at the head of Lake Huron, and captured it. The Indians saw their opportunity to fight the people who were occupying their lands, and at once joined the British. Aug. 16, Hull, fearing he could not hold his position, recrossed the river and occupied Detroit, which was a fortified place. The British general, Isaac Brock, followed him, and demanded the surrender of Detroit. Hull had no confidence that he could stand out against the larger force which was brought against him, and surrendered. People were furious, and declared Hull to be another Benedict 1812. Arnold. He was tried by court-martial and sentenced to be shot; but the President pardoned him. A fresh attempt was made to invade Canada. The Americans crossed Niagara River, and planned to take Queenstown Heights The Americans were obliged to retreat, though they made a gallant stand under Lieutenant Colonel Winfield Scott. The expedition was a failure. 112. Naval Operations. While the Americans were thus defeated on the Canada border, they were winning victories on that battle ground where the greatest grievance had been. The little American navy of twenty ships of war and a few |