cond War (quoting "Grimshaw's Hist.
U. States"):

"In a moment, the commerce of the American Republic, from being, in
point of extent, the second in the world, was reduced to a coasting
trade between the individual States." The opposition to the act in
several States was so great, that they declared against it, and
individuals throughout the whole, seized every opportunity of
infringement. In 1809 Congress repealed the embargo law, and
substituted a non-intercourse with France and England.]

It was now generally expected that the session in Congress, with the
decision of the president, would eventually terminate in actual
hostilities. The difficulties the chief executive had to encounter
were many and perplexing, being fully convinced, under existing
circumstances, that the Americans must engage in combat after all. He
therefore knew it to be necessary to rouse the feelings of the American
people, to realize, more clearly than they did, the true situation of
their country, that they might be prepared for the approaching crisis
that he believed unavoidable.

[_A&M_:

The troubles which gave rise to the disseveration of England from
America had already commenced, which broke out the ensuing spring
into actual hostilities.]

[_Lives of Signers_: Hancock of Massachusetts:

The difficulties which he had to encounter were many and
perplexing.]

[_Lives of Signers_: John Adams of Massachusetts:

Being fully convinced ... that "they must fight after all," he felt
it to be necessary to rouse the feelings of the delegates from other
colonies, to realize, more clearly and more correctly than they did,
the true situation of their country. This he saw was indispensable,
that they might be prepared for that distressing crisis of their
political affairs, which it was obvious was approaching; and which
he even then, with a few others, believed was unavoidable.]

This period was full of anxiety and danger. A war was deprecated by all
the leading patriots of the day; they were fully persuaded that it must
take place; they therefore unitedly determined to prepare for the storm
in the best manner they were able. All material business 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. A heavy gloom hung over
the inhabitants generally, while all their affairs appeared in a
declining state, disco