Beschreibung:

MONROE, James. Letter signed ("Ja s . Monroe) as Secretary of State and acting Secretary of War, to Brigadier General Thomas Miller "Department of War," Washington, D.C., 14 February 1815. 1 1/3 pages, 4to (7¾ x 9 13/16 in.), page 2 and bottom fold of page 1 evenly browned . FORWARDING A COPY OF THE TREATY OF GHENT TO THE FRONT: "HOSTILITIES MAY IMMEDIATELY CEASE BETWEEN OUR TROOPS AND THOSE OF GREAT BRITAIN" An historically significant letter by which Monroe sends official word to General Miller on the northern front that the War of 1812 has ended. The United States declared war on Great Britain in 1812; counting on British preoccupation with Napoleon in Europe, America's commanders were confident they could defeat the small English armies in North America and perhaps even seize Canada. Unfortunately, the United States was woefully unprepared for war. The War Department was poorly organized and understaffed, leading to logistical problems which hampered the troops at the front, the army was too small, its top officers were old and incompetent, and the militia was untrained. Likewise, the navy had suffered from budget cuts during the Republican administrations of Jefferson and Madison and was not suited for challenging the greatest fleet on earth. "From 1805 on, while Madison talked loudly and unyieldingly of neutral rights, the chasm deepened between the obvious military peril of the European war and the pitiful state of the country's armed forces. He often spoke loudly while carrying no stick at all" (Ketcham, James Madison , p. 532). The early campaigns of the war went badly for the United States. Operations to take Canada bogged down in defeat along the Niagara River and Lake Champlain and General William Hull surrendered the important fort at Detroit without offering a fight. Military fortunes were slowly redeemed, however, in 1813 and 1814 (despite the burning of Washington by British forces) due to better organization, training and an emerging younger generation of leaders. One of the promising young commanders was James Miller (1776-1851), who took part in several successful campaigns along the northern frontier. His actions at the Battle of Lundy's Lane on July 25, 1814 made him famous. Ordered by Winfield Scott to capture a British battery which was harassing American troops on the battlefield, Miller gave the much heralded if simple response "I'll try, sir!" (McHenry, ed., Webster's American Military Biographies , pp. 283-284). His success assured an American victory in the battle and earned for Miller the rank of Brigadier General. Negotiations for a settlement began in January of 1814. Terms were finally reached in Ghent, Belgium and an official treaty of peace was signed on December 24, 1814. The treaty did not address neutral rights or impressment (both non-issues since the Napoleonic Wars had ended) but simply brought an end to the conflict. Here, Monroe forwards a copy of the treaty to Miller: "It is with great satisfaction, that I have to inform you, that a treaty of peace was concluded between the United States and Great Britain at Ghent on the 24th of December last. A copy of this treaty was received today by Mr. Carroll, has been examined by the President, and will (I have no doubt) be ratified. I give you this information, that hostilities may immediately cease between our troops and those of Great Britain. It will be proper for you to notify this to the British Commander in your vicinity." It is likely that Andrew Jackson commanding near New Orleans, received a similar letter which carried the news that his final and greatest battle was fought after the war had officially ended (see lot 54). The War of 1812 could hardly be offered as an example of a military highpoint of the United States. However, the war did initiate an important era of change in the United States which encouraged western expansion, economic growth and industrialization.