The "War-hawks" retaliated by calling the peace men "Tories" and likening them to the Loyalists of the Revolution. "The war-hawks of that vicinity," said the New York Evening Post of October 28, 1812, "came to his house and began abusing him with the usual slang of Federalist, old Tory, &c." (p. 2-4).
Nowhere was the depth of popular feeling more clearly shown than in the toasts that were offered at the various dinners which were so freely partaken of on the Fourth of July and on other occasions. Such dinners would now seem somewhat provincial, but they were exceedingly common late in the eighteenth and early in the nineteenth centuries, and no doubt they were of service in fostering the spirit of nationality.[33]
The following toasts were given in 1812. At Philadelphia: "May the tories of N. England repent—or be damned."[34] At Norwich, Vermont: "The TORIES!—Too mean to live, too wicked to die—unworthy of heaven, and too bad for hell;—may the Angel of darkness convey them beyond the bounds of either."[35]
In 1813 were given the toasts which follow. At Boston: "May the traitorous designs of junto federalists and their wicked declaration, that 'Britain is the bulwark of our religion,' become more and more obnoxious by appointing 'Fee, Fow, Fum' Orators to promulgate their detestable principles."[36] At Sutton, Massachusetts: "Caleb Strong: The addresser of Gage,[37] the defender of impressment, the justifier of Indian massacres, the advocate of England, and the enemy of America.—May he retire, repent, and yet be saved."[38] At Philadelphia: "Governor Strong: Eternal infamy and execration to the foul hypocrite who could be base enough to pronounce the most savage, unprincipled and blood thirsty nation on the face of the earth the 'bulwark of our religion.' Over the hills and far away."[39] At Camp Meigs: "The tories and apologists for the wrongs done us by the British government where they ought to be, kissing their monarch's toe. Rogue's March."[40] At New York: "Tories—old, new—native and exotic—marshal's passports—time—three seconds—destination—'the fast anchored isle.'"[41]
In 1814 were given the following toasts. At Belfast, Maine: "The War-Hawks and Vultures at Washington:—Having usurped the place of the towering Eagle, may they be expelled from the capitol, with their wings clipped and a label about their necks, to the wilds of Kentucky, the native haunts of birds of prey."[42] At Scituate, Massachusetts: "The President of the United States—Respect for the office, but contempt for the incumbent—an immediate resignation his first duty—the Island of Elba his last retreat."[43] At Hudson, New York: "Massachusetts—British influence but poor bait for Codfish—may she let down her net the right side of the Ship."[44] At Winchendon, Massachusetts: "James I. of America.—In the imitation of his prototype may he soon be compelled by the voice of the people to abdicate in favour of a rightful heir.—3 cheers."[45] At New York: "Timothy Pickering.—'A greater liar Parthia never bred.'"[46]
It is clear that every one was in an irritated frame of mind, the merest trifle being sufficient to arouse bitter feelings, and even to cause men to come to actual blows. Duel after duel was fought by those in the upper classes of society—whether military, naval, or civil; and even among respectable people hand to hand fights seem occasionally to have taken place.[47] To add to the general irritation, several especially unpopular laws were enacted. An act laying direct and other taxes was approved by President Madison on July 30, and went into effect on December 25, 1813.[48] In a Worcester paper of December 22, 1813, appeared the following:
"The New Army—The tax-gathering campaign is about opening, and will undoubtedly be both brilliant and successful, as the army of assessors and collectors is very numerous and ably supported by the strong arm of the government.—This patriotic band of harpies will unquestionably acquit themselves with great skill and adroitness in diving to the bottom of the farmers' pockets and filching away the hard-earnings of many a tedious day."[49]
Long before this, however, there had been clashes between United States custom house officers and others. A communication dated Portland, Massachusetts,[50] May 28, 1813, beginning with the statement that "A most daring infringement of the laws took place here upon the evening of the 25th," went on to describe the seizure of goods by custom house officers, who were set upon by smugglers, the latter making off with the goods.[51] In September, 1813, what is described as "a battle" took place at Granville, New York, on the borders of Vermont, between United States custom house officers and officials of New York.
Meanwhile, however, we get our first glimpse of Uncle Sam. An article half a column in length, headed "For the Troy Post," was printed in that paper of September 7, 1813, and began as follows:
"'Loss upon loss, and no ill luck stiring [sic] but what lights upon UNCLE SAM'S shoulders,' exclaim the Government editors, in every part of the Country. The Albany Argus of last Tuesday laments the disasters and disappointments of our Border War, in most pathetic strains &c. &c."