exertions under every difficulty, and I have the support of the troops in assuring you, sir, that to the military talents, activity, and intelligence of Major Todd, who acted as my adjutant-general, much of the fortunate progress and issue of the expedition is attributable; and I cheerfully embrace this occasion to acknowledge the important services which he has at all times rendered me whilst in command of the district. His various merits

justly entitle him to the notice of the government.
"I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
"Your obedient servant,

"DUNCAN MCARTHUR,

"Brig. Gen. U. S. Army Com.

"To the Hon. JAMES MONROE, Sec. of War."

After returning from this successful expedition, the war languished in the north-west. The Indian tribes had mostly sued for peace; but it was still necessary to garrison the exposed posts along our frontier. This was done by a few companies of militia. At Detroit, a few companies of regular troops and a regiment of Ohio militia, guarded that place. At fort Malden, a regiment of Kentucky militia and a battalion of regular troops were stationed.

During the winter 1814-15, McArthur, now commander of the eighth military district, was straining every nerve to prepare a large force, to be in readiness to take the field as early in the season as the state of the roads would permit the moving of armies. The government had, by fatal experience, discovered the impropriety of sending small detachments (such as General Hull had commanded), to do the work which could only be effected by large armies. War is a trade which requires experience to learn it, as any other trade. "The greatest masters in the art of war may err: he that wars walks in a mist, through which the keenest eyes cannot always discern the right path." The plan in preparation

by the war department, was that General McArthur should cross from Detroit into Canada, with an army of seven thousand men from Ohio and Kentucky, and sweep Upper Canada to York on lake Ontario; and there unite with the northern army, and proceed down the lake Ontario and the river St. Lawrence, and at one determined sweep break up all the enemy's strong holds to Quebec. While the generals of our armies were maturing ways and means, to carry these grand and splendid military projects into execution, the news of a treaty of peace, happily for our country, reached our ears. The bustle, toils, and vexations, incident to preparing armies for the "tented field," were abandoned. The clangor of the horsemen's trumpet, the rolling of the drum, nor the shrill whistle of the fife, was scarcely heard in our land. The militia and volunteers were discharged, and returned to their homes; and peace again blessed our land. Congress being in session, when the treaty of peace was brought from Europe, a law was passed directing the president of the United States to disband the army.

Our country stood in need of repose, especially the north-western frontier. The inhabitants on the shores of lake Erie, on the river Raisin, upon the river Detroit, and up lake St. Clair, and up the river Thames in Upper Canada, had suffered more than the pen can describe. This district of country was alternately occupied by the American and British armies. The suffering soldiers paid little respect to the right of property: provision, clothing, and shoes, were taken wherever they were found; and in many instances, the dwellings of the inhabitants were torn down by the soldiers and used for fuel; whilst the miserable inhabitants were left without subsistence, clothing, or even a roof, under which to shelter from the storm. General McArthur represented the sufferings of the citizens of this district of country to

the government of the United States. He stated that the sufferings and privations of these wretched inhabitants, were brought about by causes over which they had no control; that humanity required of the government to extend to them relief. His representations had the desired effect: the president directed that half rations should be distributed to these suffering inhabitants. Had it not been for this relief, many of these unfortunate people must have perished of famine during the severe winter of 1814-15. In giving a relation of the sufferings of the inhabitants of Detroit, Sandwich, and Malden, the author is not drawing upon his imagination for fanciful pictures of distress, nor trusting to hearsay: he was upon the spot, a witness to their sufferings; he commanded a regiment of Ohio troops, that was stationed in Detroit, when the grateful news of peace was sounded in our ears.

The inhabitants of the city of Detroit, and the citizens of the town of Sandwich in Upper Canada, before the war took place, although under different governments, were as social, and as friendly in their daily intercourse with each other, as are the citizens of Cincinnati in Ohio, and Covington of Kentucky. The war had for a time estranged them from each other; but as soon as peace was proclaimed, all antipathy created by the war was dissipated, as if by magic. The inhabitants were seen running in groups across the river Detroit on the ice, and in tears of joy embracing each other in the most affectionate manner.

The sound of war, to warm spirits, has something captivating in its thrilling various freaks of fortune; but let its frightful front come stalking to our homes, and then to witness the horrible sight of dwellings in flames, wives, and children, and feeble old age, fleeing to the woods and swamps, for concealment and protection from the destroying hand of their fellow man. Such scenes

are the constant companions of war. May our country never engage in any other than defensive war; and let all the people say, amen.

CHAPTER XI.

In the course of the summer 1815, the regular army was disbanded, and General McArthur bade adieu to the "tented field," and returned to his family and home, to attend to the domestic affairs of private life.

Previous to the war, he had deeply engaged in land speculations, as well as in locating land warrants, and in surveying. During the time he was employed in the army his speculations stood still; others had taken the field, he now found himself in the rear of other land speculators; he was now determined, by renewed vigor, to make up, by unceasing industry in that business, for the time he had lost in the war.

. Although immersed in business, he could not refrain from taking a part in the politics of the day. In the fall of the year 1815, he was again elected a member of the general assembly; and was upon all occasions the leader of the party with whom he acted.

He had now been acting on the public stage for a number of years, in various responsible situations, and his talents and business habits were found upon all occasions equal to any draft which was made upon him. What confidence the then administrators of government had in his capacity and integrity, the following letter will explain.

"Department of War, 14th Feb. 1816. "SIR-Information has been received, that the principal chief of the Wyandotts of lake Erie, has lately died; and that the whole nation is disposed to sell their present possessions, and remove into other regions.

"It is an object of considerable importance to obtain the cession of their lands, if, as it has been represented, they will connect the settlements of Ohio with those of the Michigan territory. It is, at the same time, desirable to avoid all appearance of solicitude to make this, or any other purchase from the Indians in that quarter; as such an impression could not fail to be injurious to the interests of the United States.

"Before any attempt to negotiate for the cession of their lands, is made, it is proper that their disposition to sell, should be distinctly ascertained. If they are willing to sell, it is extremely desirable that the proposition for that purpose should come from them.

"As it has been represented to this department, that the person who has been chosen in the room of the late chief, is personally attached to you, I have been induced to believe, that this service can be more effectually rendered by you than any person. I will thank you, therefore, immediately after the receipt of this letter, to adopt the necessary measures to accomplish the views of the government. Information of the situation and extent of their possessions, the manner in which the cession would connect the settlements of Ohio with those of Michigan, will be of great importance in deciding the question of ultimate negotiation upon this subject.

"If the limits of their possessions should be found to be indistinct, and require the intervention of other tribes in its adjustment, the presence of those tribes at the contemplated treaty, will be necessary. It is also desirable to ascertain where they intend to settle, as that fact may have some influence, not only upon the price, but the mode in which it shall be paid. Should the information which you shall obtain and communicate to this department, lead to a treaty for the cession of those lands, you will be appointed one of the commissioners.

"For any expenses which you may incur in executing