rican citizens, Great Britain
gave unpardonable offense to the little United States.

When the war broke out, more than 5,000 Americans had been at one time
or another impressed; and 2,000 or 3,000 were actually serving on board
British men-of-war till the hostilities began. Then, having been
originally seized without reason, they were made prisoners of war.

[Illustration: COLONEL MILLER AT THE BATTLE OF CHIPPEWA

At the Battle of Chippewa on July 5, 1814. Colonel Miller with three
hundred men captured a height, the key to the British position. It was a
desperate and courageous exploit]

Considering the eventual result of the war, it is striking that the
United States government placed little dependence on its navy, but
expected to carry on a brilliant land campaign. Canada was to be
conquered, and then, as Henry Clay put it, they could "negotiate a peace
at Quebec or Halifax."

This was not a new thought. In the Revolutionary War Canada was invaded
by Montgomery and Arnold and all but annexed to the new United States.
How could Canada resist? Its population in 1812 was about 50,000; that
of the United States was nearly 8,000,000. During the nine years from
1803 to 1812 the United States had tried every means short of war; and
the vigorous young "war hawks," headed by Henry Clay of Kentucky and
John C. Calhoun of South Carolina, were tired of accepting what they
felt to be a standing offence to their nation.

[Illustration: JAMES MADISON

President of the United States, 1809-1817

From the portrait by Gilbert Stuart]

THE LAND WAR

In accordance with the plan of invasion, several "armies" of 2,000 or
3,000 men were pushed to the Canadian frontier; but in the very first
fight the tables were turned, and Detroit was captured by the British.
It took more than a year and 20,000 men to push back the British into
Canada. Five different American commanders were ignominiously headed or
defeated in attempting to invade Canada across the Niagara River or the
St. Lawrence River. Except for Harrison's little victory at the Battle
of the Thames, and for the drawn Battle of Lundy's Lane, the Canadian
campaigns were all humiliating defeats.

[Illustration: THE DEATH OF GENERAL ROSS AT BALTIMORE

On September 12, 1814, General Ross in command of the British force
advancing on Baltimore, was shot as he rode at the head of his troops by
two American troopers concealed in a hollow. Baltimore was defended
bravely, and the