ccasioned 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.

[_Alida_ page 35 (chapter IV):

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,
discouraging to the industry and best prospects of the people.]

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.

[_Interesting Events_: Piracies in the West Indies:

An engagement with the pirates ensued, in which the Americans were
victorious.]

[_Interesting Events_: Battle on Lake Champlain:

In September, 1814, an army of 14,000 men, under the command of Sir
George Prevost, Governor General of Canada, and a fleet on Lake
Champlain, under Commodore Downie, carrying 95 guns, and 1050 men,
approached Plattsburgh.

The American fleet, commanded by Commodore Macdonough, carried but
86 guns, and 826 men. While lying off Plattsburgh, on the 11th of
September, the British fleet bore down upon them in order of battle.

Ordering his vessels to be cleared for action, Commodore Macdonough
gallantly received the enemy. The engagement was exceedingly
obstinate.... After an engagement of two hours and