iated, and acknowledged
the blessing which heaven had bestowed on him, in giving him such a
companion.

CHAPTER XVIII.

And many an aching heart at rising morn,
A sad memento of the day that's past,
From long protracted slumbers, slowly drawn;
From wearied spirits--with a gloom o'ercast.

All business of importance, at this time, was in a manner suspended in
New-York; the face of things wore a dismal aspect, and the greater part
of the community were in dismay; occasioned by the continuance of
hostilities with Great Britain. All appeared in a declining state,
discouraging to the industry and best prospects of the inhabitants;--and
although there had been some rumours of peace, it was not yet concluded.

A severe battle had lately taken place at New-Orleans, in which the
Americans were victorious. Another was fought some little time
afterwards on Lake Champlain. The British fleet, with 1050 men
approached Plattsburgh, while the American fleet were lying off that
place. The British fleet bore down upon them in order of battle,
commanded by sir George Prevost, Governor General of Canada. Commodore
Macdonough, the American commander, ordered his vessels to be cleared
for action, and gallantly received the enemy. The engagement was
exceedingly obstinate. After a contest of two hours, the British ships
and several sloops of war fell into the hands of the Americans. Before
sunset the temporary batteries of the enemy were all silenced, and every
attempt to cross from Plattsburgh to the American works was repelled. At
nine o'clock the object was abandoned, and the British general hastily
drew off his forces. Large quantities of military stores were left
behind, and fell into the hands of the Americans.

The people of the United States were at this time divided into two
political parties; one party condemned the war as unwise and
unnecessary; the other contending that the war was just, and necessary,
for the maintenance of national honour. The opposition to the war was
the greatest in the New England states, and during its continuance this
opposition was confirmed. Enlistments of troops were in some instances
discouraged, and dissentions arose between the general and state
governments, respecting the command of the militia, called out by order
of the former, to defend the sea-board. Accordingly the legislature of
Massachusetts appointed delegates to meet and confer with the delegates
from the states of