EFFECT ON THE AMERICANS
On the face of it there was not much cause for congratulation in a war in which the United States trebled its national debt and lost 30,000 men and 1,500 merchant ships, without gaining any territory and without securing any promise at the end of the war that the disturbance of neutral trade and the impressment of American seamen would not begin again.
COMMODORE DAVID PORTER
The Commander of the "Essex"
From the painting by Chappel
Another group of troubles arose from the fact that the New England States were against the war from the beginning, refused to allow their militia to join in the forces intended to invade Canada, and in 1814 sent delegates to a convention at Hartford. That convention sat in secret, and nobody knows exactly what was said; but the resolutions passed by it and sent out to the country demanded changes in the Constitution which would have made it hard to carry on a federal government. Fortunately before they could be presented to Congress the news of peace was received.
THE "ESSEX" BEING CUT TO PIECES
The "Essex" was under the command of David Porter, and drove British shipping from the Pacific Ocean. The vessel was finally destroyed by the "Phoebe" and the "Cherub." From a painting by Carlton T. Chapman
From "Naval Actions of the War of 1812," by James Barnes.
Copyright, 1886, by Harper & Brothers
These uncomfortable facts may be cheerfully admitted in view of a strong list of reasons for national congratulation. One was the notable victory of Andrew Jackson at New Orleans, January 8, 1815, after peace had been made, though neither of the armies knew it. Critics have pointed out that Jackson was slow in divining where the British would strike; that he threw up no sufficient intrenchments; that if the British had placed cannon on the west side of the river, they could have fired into his rear and compelled him to retreat. All that does not diminish the glory of Jackson's victory. He showed the energy and determination which brought together a force of 3,500 men, mostly raw militia. This little command lying behind the lines at Chalmette received the attack of 6,000 men. Over 2,000 of the British attacking column were sacrificed, and Jackson remained master of the field, with a loss of seventy-one.
This brilliant success proved that Jackson was a good soldier, which in due time helped to make him President of the United States. It proved also that American militia behind breastworks could repel the attacks of twice their number of experienced soldiers who had recently helped to overthrow Napoleon.
CAPTAIN JAMES LAWRENCE
From the painting by Gilbert Stuart
The greatest result of the War of 1812 was to make the Americans realize at once their weakness and their strength. Just at the end of the war Robert Fulton put on the waters of the Hudson a steamship of war, forerunner of the majestic steam fleets of today. Our forefathers suffered for want of roads by which they could convey their armies and their supplies to the frontiers. Therefore they set out to remedy that condition, and four years after the peace they had the Cumberland Road completed from the upper Potomac to the Ohio River. Six years later the Erie Canal was opened to Lake Erie. The people had suffered for want of a national bank during the war: in 1816 Congress created one. Their trade had been disturbed for over twenty years: in 1816 they passed a tariff, designed to establish American manufactures. War, and especially such a disappointing war as that of 1812, has many bad effects upon a nation; but it does strengthen the feeling of a common danger and a common duty.
WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE
Commodore in the United States Navy.
From the portrait by J.W. Jarvis
The War of 1812 also for the first time gave the United States an unquestioned place in the sisterhood of modern nations. Though the population in 1815 was only about eight and a half millions, the success of the navy inspired a wholesome respect for Yankee ships and Yankee sailors. In place of the captured ships a new merchant marine was quickly provided, which developed into the famous clipper ships, the triumph of American skill and the glory of the seas. From this time dates the friendship of several European nations, particularly of Russia, whose Czar Alexander was a friend and correspondent of Thomas Jefferson.
THE "CHESAPEAKE" LEAVING THE HARBOR
Captain Lawrence, commanding the "Chesapeake," was mortally wounded, and his vessel was captured by the "Shannon" off Boston Roads. It was in this engagement that he uttered his famous words, "Don't give up the ship." From a painting by Carlton T. Chapman
From "Naval Actions of the War of 1812," by James Barnes.
Copyright, 1896, by Harper & Brothers
Our former enemy, Great Britain, was converted into a respectful friend who saw the advantages of friendship. The proof is that eight years later George Canning asked the United States to join in a declaration with Great Britain in favor of the Latin-American States; and the idea developed into our independent Monroe Doctrine. The American people were entitled to forget their weakness and defeats; for the net result of the War of 1812 was to inspire the greatest naval and colonial power in the world with a respect for American character and an acceptance of the United States as a great National power.
THE "CONSTITUTION" TAKING THE "CYANE"
The "Cyane" was one of the crack sloops of war in the English service. The "Constitution" after a running fight captured both this ship and the "Levant." From a painting by Carlton T. Chapman
From "Naval Actions of the War of 1812," by James Barnes.
Copyright, 1896, by Harper & Brothers