The following pages contain a collection of Stories of the War of 1812,
with Great Britain; and of the Recent War, with the Republic of Mexico.
Rightly considered, the first of these national wars was a supplement
to the glorious War of Independence. Up to the time when our government
boldly threw down the gauntlet of defiance to the most powerful nation
of Europe, in defence of Free Trade and Sailor’s Rights, the British
nation regarded us as revolted subjects, successful for the moment, but
destined always to be governed by British influence and ultimately to
be reconquered.
The events of the second war with Great Britain finished what the first
had begun, and set the seal on our Independence. From the period of its
conclusion, our flag was respected by Britain and all other nations.
Our naval prowess was recognized as a fixed fact.
The recent war with Mexico has taught the world another lesson. It has
shown that with a standing army of very few men, and a good militia
system, the republic is capable of raising large and efficient armies,
and conquering a military republic, of immense population, wealth,
and resources, possessing a powerful standing army; accustomed, in
consequence of the distracted state of the country, to frequent action
and constant discipline.
The wars which teach these lessons are worthy the attention of the
youth of our country; and we have endeavored to render these stories of
the wars sufficiently attractive to win that degree of attention and
interest which will insure a future study of American history.
[Illustration: DETROIT.]