Category — War of 1812

If one is looking for a book that summarizes the Second War of Independence, as to the War of 1812 has often been referred, this is the book. There is something in this book for the aficionado as well as for the uninitiated. When Washington Burned is beautifully bound and richly illustrated volume which takes the reader through the war, start to finish.   Read the rest of this entry »

Stephen Budiansky’s Perilous Fight is a detailed exposition of just what the subtitle proclaims: America’s Intrepid War With Britain on the High Seas, 1812-1815. Intrepid, while a bold and colorful adjective, is exactly the right word. In using it, Budiansky is not only describing the early 19th century American fledgling navy, but also the scores of privateers under letters of marque that set out to plunder the British merchant marine. To understand what kind of men these were, you don’t have to go too far into Budiansky’s book.   Read the rest of this entry »

Winfield Scott was one of America’s greatest generals—a war hero many times over and a man whose struggle to professionalize the United States Army shaped much of the nation’s early history. His achievements were considerable and his tenure long: he served 14 presidents. But he had the misfortune to serve in two conflicts—the War of 1812 and the controversial Mexican-American War—bracketed by the far more significant American Revolution and Civil War. Since his death, Scott has faded into the background of American history.   Read the rest of this entry »

Daughan tells the story of American Navy Captain David Porter in a way that takes the reader from admiration to, if not disdain, disappointment in the foibles of a man obsessed with reputation. Porter’s story is sad in some ways. He had many virtues and talents, but these were ultimately cast in the shadow of overwhelming ego, ambition, and a convoluted sense of entitlement. But for all that, Porter was an American hero who left a legacy that included his adopted son David Farragut, Civil War admiral David Dixon Porter and commodore William D. Porter.   Read the rest of this entry »

Here are three interesting articles from the Niles Weekly Register, pertaining to the War of 1812. In the first, we see the exuberance brought about by the early victories of the US Navy in several single-ship actions. In the second we have a silly calculation purporting to show that prosecuting the war was good for the country economically speaking. And finally, we conclude with a brief article on the state of the nation's credit.   Read the rest of this entry »

The textbooks don't adequately depict what the term "impressment" meant. It was one of the principle causes of the war of 1812 (whose conclusion, ironically, still left unresolved). The article below gives some idea of what being pressed into the service of his majesty's navy might mean.   Read the rest of this entry »

In an interesting twist in history, Isaac Hull, captain of the USS Constitution captured HMS Guerriere in a decisive single ship action -- three days after his uncle, Revolutionary War Hero William Hull, surrendered Detroit -- almost without a fight.   Read the rest of this entry »

The following regulations were issued by Colonel Henry Proctor, concerning the new Canadian Territory of Michigan. Detroit was shamefully surrendered to the British on August 16, 1812.   Read the rest of this entry »

The only bright spot in the War of 1812 for the Americans was the American navy. The American heavy frigates and privateers enjoyed several stunning successes early in the war. This was especially humiliating to the British, who took such pride in their navy. Readers of Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series get a flavor of how desperate British captains were to "wipe the eye" of the Americans. This brief challenge, issued by an English captain was reprinted in the Niles Register, in the fall of 1812.   Read the rest of this entry »

The war considered by its supporters, as the nation's second war of independence, stirred patriotic fever among those of all ages. This article from the Niles Register was published to illustrate patriotic fervor.   Read the rest of this entry »