CHAPTER IX.

ADMINISTRATIONS OF MADISON, 1809-1817. THE WAR OF 1812.

James Madison--The Embargo and the Non-Intercourse Acts--Revival of the Latter Against England--The _Little Belt_ and the _President_--Population of the United States in 1810--Battle of Tippecanoe--Declaration of War Against England--Comparative Strength of the Two Nations on the Ocean--Unpopularity of the War in New England--Preparations Made by the Government--Cowardly Surrender of Detroit--Presidential Election of 1812--Admission of Louisiana and Indiana--New National Bank Chartered--Second Attempt to Invade Canada--Battle of Queenstown Heights--Inefficiency of the American Forces in 1812--Brilliant Work of the Navy--The _Constitution_ and the _Guerriere_--The _Wasp_ and the _Frolic_--The _United States_ and the _Macedonian_--The _Constitution_ and the _Java_--Reorganization and Strengthening of the Army--Operations in the West--Gallant Defense of Fort Stephenson--American Invasion of Ohio and Victory of the Thames--Indian Massacre at Fort Mimms--Capture of York (Toronto)--Defeat of the Enemy at Sackett's Harbor--Failure of the American Invasion of Canada--The _Hornet_ and _Peacock_--Capture of the _Chesapeake_--"Don't Give Up the Ship"--Captain Decatur Blockaded at New London--Capture of the _Argus_ by the Enemy--Cruise of the _Essex_--The Glorious Victory of Commodore Perry on Lake Erie--Success of the American Arms in Canada--Battle of the Chippewa--Of Lundy's Lane--Decisive Defeat of the Enemy's Attack on Plattsburg--Punishment of the Creek Indians for the Massacre at Fort Mimms--Vigorous Action by the National Government--Burning of Washington by the British--The Hartford Convention 181