WWTFT's very own James Best has just released his latest novel, the third in his popular Steve Dancy series. It is available in both print and downloadable editions.   Read the rest of this entry »

In 1812 the United States was ill-prepared for war, let alone war with the most powerful nation on the planet, and President Madison knew it. But the country was sick and tired of being disrespected, thousands of its sailors impressed, and its trade restricted. The hawks in Congress, in spite of the Federalists' attempts to stop them, would not be denied. Henry Clay was one of those war hawks.   Read the rest of this entry »

British blogger Ana The Imp is nearly always erudite and she has proven to be so again in her most recent piece on the "Debt Crisis." We share her desperation and frustration.   Read the rest of this entry »

The essays in this book. although diverse in points of view, convey the conclusion that there are no simple explanations for the contradiction between the principles expressed in our founding documents and the existence of slavery. Ultimately, a civil war was required for the founding principles to prevail.   Read the rest of this entry »

The War of 1812 was declared on June 18th. A month later, the Niles Register printed this article to encourage those with sectionalist tendencies, in particular northern merchants with close business ties to Britain, to remember their patriotic duty to maintain the union at all costs. It is also a gentle reminder to the firebrands in the south to be patient with those used to friendly ties with Britain.   Read the rest of this entry »

An interesting diplomatic exchange between James Monroe and John Augustus Foster, just prior to the war of 1812.   Read the rest of this entry »

One of the "Essential Documents" featured in The Patriot's History Reader, is President Jackson's veto message. Jackson's words are perhaps more applicable to today than for his own time.   Read the rest of this entry »

The limit of executive power under the Constitution and the prerogatives of the states in a federal system were vexing in 1832 and have continued to be so. John C. Calhoun's arguments regarding nullification resonate today.   Read the rest of this entry »

Last week we had a look at a British account of the single ship action between the HMS Shannon and the USN Chesapeake. This week, we'll have a look at the American perspective on the loss of the USN Chesapeake.   Read the rest of this entry »

Interesting piece on the doings at the Continental Congress and a great picture of George Washington’s commission.

Dr Benjamin Church Jr: George Washington’s Commission as Commander-in-Chief.

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