Alida; or, Miscellaneous Sketches of Incidents During the Late American War.

by Frank V. Webster

  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 inNew-York; the face of things wore a dismal aspect, and the greater partof the community were in dismay; occasioned by the continuance ofhostilities with Great Britain. All appeared in a declining state,discouraging to the industry and best prospects of the inhabitants;--andalthough there had been some rumours of peace, it was not yet concluded.

  A severe battle had lately taken place at New-Orleans, in which theAmericans were victorious. Another was fought some little timeafterwards on Lake Champlain. The British fleet, with 1050 menapproached Plattsburgh, while the American fleet were lying off thatplace. The British fleet bore down upon them in order of battle,commanded by sir George Prevost, Governor General of Canada. CommodoreMacdonough, the American commander, ordered his vessels to be clearedfor action, and gallantly received the enemy. The engagement wasexceedingly obstinate. After a contest of two hours, the British shipsand several sloops of war fell into the hands of the Americans. Beforesunset the temporary batteries of the enemy were all silenced, and everyattempt to cross from Plattsburgh to the American works was repelled. Atnine o'clock the object was abandoned, and the British general hastilydrew off his forces. Large quantities of military stores were leftbehind, and fell into the hands of the Americans.

  The people of the United States were at this time divided into twopolitical parties; one party condemned the war as unwise andunnecessary; the other contending that the war was just, and necessary,for the maintenance of national honour. The opposition to the war wasthe greatest in the New England states, and during its continuance thisopposition was confirmed. Enlistments of troops were in some instancesdiscouraged, and dissentions arose between the general and stategovernments, respecting the command of the militia, called out by orderof the former, to defend the sea-board. Accordingly the legislature ofMassachusetts appointed delegates to meet and confer with the delegatesfrom the states of New England, or any of them, upon the subject oftheir public grievances and concerns. The delegates met at Hartford,Connecticut, in 1815, and sat nearly three weeks with closed doors. Thisconvention consisted of delegates from the state of Massachusetts,Connecticut, and Rhode Island; two members from New Hampshire, and onefrom Vermont. After their adjournment, the convention published anaddress, charging the nation with pursuing measures hostile to theinterest of New England, and recommended amendments to the FederalConstitution. The report of the Hartford Convention concluded with theresolution providing for the calling of another convention, should theUnited States refuse their consent to some arrangements,--whereby theNew England States, separately, or in concert, might be empowered toassume upon themselves the defence of their territory against the enemy.The committee appointed to communicate these resolutions to Congress,met at Washington the news of peace: and owing to this event, anotherConvention was not called. And may it never be the fate of America, tobe again involved in hostilities with her mother country, from whence isderived her revered religion;--each nation possessing towards the otherreciprocal fellow-feelings, becoming Christian brethren.

  How shall we to his memory raise A theme that's worthy to record; The tribute of a nation's praise In grateful accents sent abroad.

  Let eloquence his deeds proclaim. From sea-beat strand to mountain goal; Let hist'ry write his peaceful name. High on her truth-illumin'd scroll.

  Let poetry and art through earth, The page inspire, the canvass warm, In glowing words record his worth. In living marble mould his form.

  A fame so bright will never fade, A name so dear will deathless be; For on our country's shrine he laid The charter of her liberty.

  Praise be to God: his love bestowed The chief, the patriot, and the sage; Praise God! to him our father owed This fair and goodly heritage.

  The sacred gift time shall not mar. But wisdom guard what valour won, While beams serene her guiding star, And glory points to Madison.