The recent war with Mexico has taught the world another lesson. It has shown that with a standing army of very few men, and a good militia system, the republic is capable of raising large and efficient armies, and conquering a military republic, of immense population, wealth, and resources, possessing a powerful standing army; accustomed, in consequence of the distracted state of the country, to frequent action and constant discipline.
The wars which teach these lessons are worthy the attention of the youth of our country; and we have endeavored to render these stories of the wars sufficiently attractive to win that degree of attention and interest which will insure a future study of American history.
DETROIT.
THE WAR OF 1812.
SURRENDER OF DETROIT.
In June, 1812, the United States declared war against Great Britain. The chief cause of the war was the impressment of American seamen by the British. General Hull, with twenty-five hundred men, took post at Detroit, in Michigan. Soon afterward, the British general, Brock, with thirteen hundred men, appeared before Detroit, erected batteries, and summoned Hull to surrender. He refused, and the British opened their fire upon the works. On the 26th, they crossed the river and moved forward to the attack. The American troops were prepared to receive them, and eager for the conflict. But as the British approached, Hull ordered his men to retire into the fort, and hoisted a white flag. In a short time, terms of surrender were agreed upon, and the whole American army, with all its ammunition and stores were given up to the British. This surrender excited the indignation of the people. Hull was accused of cowardice, tried by a court martial, and sentenced to be shot. The President, however, in consideration of his age and services, remitted the punishment, but ordered his name to be stricken from the rolls of the army.