[Illustration: HENRY CLAY.]
The indignation against the Peace Party, who, in the face of all the evidence, would protest against war, was scarcely less than the indignation against Great Britain. The governor of Massachusetts (Caleb Strong), of New Hampshire (William Plumer) and of Connecticut (Roger Griswold), refused to allow the militia of their respective States to march to the northern frontier on the requisition of the president of the United States. They justified their course with the plea that such a requisition was unconstitutional, and that the war was unnecessary.
Terrence had frequent interviews with the president. His audacity and his intense zeal won the admiration of President Madison and his cabinet, as well as many congressmen. One day, while waiting in the anteroom, he noticed a man whose features were evidently Hibernian.
"Do yez want to see the prisident?" asked Terrence.
"To be sure; but I've waited long," he answered, with just the least brogue in his speech.
[Illustration: JOHN C. CALHOUN.]
"Are ye fer war or peace?" asked Terrence, leading the stranger into a far corner. The stranger looked the young Hibernian in the face for a moment and answered:
"I am not an American; but if President Madison knew what I have to say, he'd give me an attentive ear."
Terrence was shrewd enough to read the face of the stranger, and he knew he had something of great importance to communicate.
"Do yez want to see the prisident, really?" asked young Malone.