"It is altogether likely that the British would then have gone on to attack Mobile, had not news come of the treaty of peace between the United States and Great Britain.
"The news of Jackson's gallant defence of New Orleans caused intense joy all over the Union, while in England it was heard with astonishment and chagrin."
"They didn't know before how Americans could fight," said Walter with a look of exultation, "and they have never attacked us since."
"No," said his mother, "and God grant that we and our kinsmen across the sea may ever henceforward live in peace with each other."
"It seems a great pity that the news of peace had not come in time to prevent that dreadful battle of New Orleans and the after fighting of which you have just been telling us, Captain," remarked Evelyn.
"Yes," he replied; "and yet, perhaps, it may have been of use in preventing another struggle between the two nations; we have had difficulties since, but fortunately they have thus far been settled without a resort to arms."
"I suppose there was an exchange of prisoners?" Walter said inquiringly.
"Yes, though, in regard to some, the Dartmoor captives in especial, it was strangely slow."
"Dartmoor, papa?" Grace said with inquiring look and tone.
"Yes; Dartmoor is a desolate region in Devonshire; its prison, built originally for French prisoners of war, had thirty acres of ground enclosed by double walls, within which were seven distinct prisons.