The “Old Dominion”--Birth and Early History of
Gaines--Receives his first commission as an ensign--Claim
of the Spanish Government--Projects of Aaron Burr--His
arrest and trial--Temporary retirement of Gaines from the
army--Obtains a regiment--Abortive Expedition against
Montreal--Made a Brigadier-general--Siege of Fort
Erie--The Assault--Gallant defence of Gaines--Brevetted
a Major-general--War with the Seminoles--The “Black Hawk
War”--Outbreak in Florida--The War with Mexico--Patriotic
conduct of General Gaines--Personal appearance and traits
of character.