1814. icans, by reason of their remoteness from home, were under the necessity of deciding upon the spot, and on their own responsibility, all the questions which arose. Notwithstanding this great disadvantage, however, the credit of the United States was not diminish Ghent; and we owe it to Mr. Clay and his able coadjutors, that the negotiations finally reached the result which was attained. After long delays and protracted discussions, concessions having been made on both sides, and the subject of impressment having been dropped, the treaty was concluded on the 1.814. carefully all the evidence which exists respecting their plans, purposes, and views, as well as their acts, will be able to judge for himself of the rank which this convention ought to hold in the estimation of every citizen of our glorious Union.* The British government having ap-ed by the conduct of their envoys at pointed Lord Gambier, Henry Goulburn and William Adams, commissioners to negotiate a peace with the United States, they proceeded to Ghent, early in August, and entered at once into the subject in hand, with Messrs. Adams, Clay, Bayard, Gallatin, and Russell. (See pp. 225, 260.) The proceedings were, as is commonly the case, and especially in circumstances like those under which these commissioners met, tedious enough. More than once, the negotiations seemed upon the very verge of being broken off. The demands put forward by the British commissioners were undoubtedly unreasonable and exorbitant, whilst the resist ance offered to them by the Americans not unnaturally appeared to the others somewhat presumptuous and vexatious. At every difference which arose between them, the British commissioners were able to consult their government without delay, and to act upon instructions adapted almost to the daily changes in the aspect of affairs; but the Amer 24th of December, and imme- In the uncertainty which existed respecting the final result of the negotiations at Ghent, Congress (p. 261,) did not dare to relax its active exertions in providing for the prosecution of the war. Mr. Dallas, secretary of the treasury, presented with the new year, 1815, a sad picture of the financial distress of the Union, and proposed new taxes to supply the increasing deficit of ways and means, which made the payment of so much as the interest of the loans * For Mr. Ingersoll's sharp and condemnatory ac- impossible. A new flood of treasury count of the "Hartford Convention," the measures taken by the government in sending Colonel Jessup to that city, to watch and report upon its movements, the odium which was cast upon the convention by John Quincy Adams, etc., see "History of the Second War," vol. ii., pp. 216-48. See also Holmes's "Annals," vol. ii., pp. 467–69. notes was to be emitted on the country, already inundated with that depreciated paper. Yet, the national legislature did not shrink from the measures which seemed to be requisite. Acts were passed for filling the ranks of the army; authorizing the president to accept the services of volunteers, not exceeding forty thousand men; creating a navy board of three post-captains; authorizing the purchase of twenty vessels from eight to sixteen guns; prohibiting intercourse with the enemy, under the penalty of fine and imprisonment; and the like. Happily, however, our country was spared the necessity of continuing the contest with England, and the war measures were not called into active operation. 1815. Late on Saturday evening, February 11th, the British sloop of war Favorite, under a flag of truce, arrived at New York, and was the bearer of the treaty of peace. The whole city was soon in a state of joyous excitement, and the following Lord's Day gave fitting opportunity to thousands of pious hearts to offer their devout thanksgivings to the Prince of Peace for the happy return of that inestimable blessing. Every where the gladsome words of congratulation were offered one to another; illuminations lightened up the dark hours of the night; expresses rode with unabated speed in every direction; PEACE! PEACE! was the exulting cry; and the streaming banners floated on the breeze, the cannon roared, and the mirthful song was poured forth, to testify the universal joy which filled the hearts of all men, to know that the war was now at an end. On the 20th of February, the president communicated copies of the treaty to Congress, with a message, in which he congratulated the members, and VOL. III.-37 289 their constituents, upon the event, terminating as it did "a campaign signalized by the most brilliant successes." The peace, as he said, was "peculiarly welcome" just then. He recommended the bestowal of "testimonials of approbation and applause" upon "the gallant men, whose achievements, in every department of the military service, on the land and on the water, had so essentially contributed to the honor of the American name, and to the restoration of peace." A gradual return to a peace establishment was deemed by the president most advisable, and it was suggested, that the wisdom of Congress should "provide for the maintenance of an adequate regular force; for the gradual advancement of the naval establishment; for improving all the means of harbor defence; for adding discipline to the distinguished bravery of the militia; and for cultivating the military art, in its essential branches, under the liberal patronage of government." Commerce and navigation were also recommended to the care of Congress; and the manufactures which had sprung into existence, and had become so greatly matured, during the war, as a source of national independence and wealth, were placed under their prompt and constant guardianship. Having spoken in high terms of the measures which had been adopted for securing the public credit, the president exhorted them to use their best exertions to consolidate not only the peace with Great Britain, but also the harmony of the country; "and while we accord in grateful acknowledg ments," he said, in conclusion, "for the 1815. Book Sixth. FROM THE RETURN OF PEACE IN 1815, TO THE END OF JOHN QUINCY ADAMS'S ADMINISTRATION. 1815-1829. |