own
little son, Cynthia's little son, the life and love of both hearts. His
cup of joy and thankfulness ran over. For he had never imagined there
could be such perfect bliss. He thought over the time when the little
girl had come, and he had not wanted her. Now she had brought him life's
choicest blessing.

Meanwhile events ran on which were to thrill all hearts and make
stirring history. For war had been declared.

Handsome, pleasure-loving Edward Saltonstall volunteered in the army.
Perilous times there were on the northern frontier, dreadful losses, few
gains, until suddenly the Lake battles changed the aspect and won the
splendid victories that thrilled every heart.

But Salem's almost meteoric prosperity came to a sudden halt, for there
was war on the high seas as well. The whole mercantile marine was
refitted and turned out to win what it might in other channels.
Privateering was held right enough in those days.

There was the electrifying capture of the _Guerriere_ and her being
towed into Boston with Captain Dacres as a prisoner, and another to be
quite as famous, that of the _United States_ and the _Macedonia_, where
the American loss seemed incredibly small. Other splendid victories as
well. But it was not until February, 1815, after nearly four years of
struggle and war, that peace was again declared with the Colonies as
victorious. America had won her right to the liberty of the seas, as
well as that of the land.

But the supremacy of trade no longer could be claimed for Salem. Other
ports were built up, other markets opened. Cities saw the advantage of
foreign trade. American products were shipped hither and thither. No one
city had the monopoly.

But romances flourished all the same and were to be handed down to other
generations. There was the old Forester house, with its legends, its
lovely gardens, and fine pictures. And the beautiful house of Elias
Hasket Derby, in which he had lived but such a short time. No one felt
rich enough then to undertake such a costly establishment, and finally
the estate came into possession of the city, and the big area was named
Derby Square, and a commodious market built and a Town Hall. When that
was opened President Monroe made a visit to Salem, and was
enthusiastically received there, citizens thronging to see him. The next
day Judge Story entertained him, and Mr. Stephen White, of Washington
Square, gave a ball in his honor. The Leveretts were among the guests,