1814 – Mr Madison’s Bad Year
August 3rd – Washington DC
“Sir we have dispatches”. President James Madison looked up as his private secretary entered the room waving dispatches.
“Good news I hope” he replied and then winched as he saw the look on Cole’s face.
“I am afraid not Mr President, the British have managed to stop Major General Brown’s troops at a place called Lundy’s Lane. Our troops fought well, but were driven back, they are holding to Fort Erie but General Brown has asked for reinforcements”.
Madison sighed, all his generals seemed to do nothing but ask for reinforcements. To the South, Lee was beating the natives, but still asking for troops and supplies every week. To the West Governor Clark was asking for more forces to stop the British from claiming the Mississippi and now to the north his favourite general was asking for more troops. It was all very well, but he had no extra troops, nor any money to raise more. The British had all but wrecked the economy with their damned blockage and now the northern states where threatening drastic action if the war wasn’t settled soon.
Even the peace was going to be costly, the British diplomats in Ghent, where the negotiations to end the war were being held, where being particularly difficult over the freed slaves. From the reports he had it didn’t look as if the war would end any time soon. He could not even rely on the French to distract the British now that Napoleon had surrendered. One thing to have support from the Emperor of France, it was quite another to be supported by the King of Elba.
“Let’s call the Cabinet and see what Dallas can offer…. beyond another lecture about the importance of a national bank that is.”
September 1st – London
“Wilberforce is at it again I see”.
The Earl of Liverpool looked up from his desk and at his Chancellor who was waiving his copy of the Times as he came into the room. “More about the American slaves, I assume, Nicholas?” he replied as Vansittart sat opposite him.
“Yes, says we should hold out on the American treaty until they agree to allow the freed slaves to remain free. Seems he is building another coalition in the House. This could be bad for us if we are seen to agree with slavery, particularly given your opposition last time.”
Liverpool sat back in his chair and rang for his personal secretary. “Coffee for two please Ian” he said as his man arrived “and can you get me the latest reports from the Admiralty?”
“Let’s see how we can make this turn to our advantage then ……” Liverpool said as his mind started to work on the issue.
October 12th – Washington DC
President Madison looked out of his study window at the scarred capital. He could see the White House, his house damn it, the fires out, but still showing all the damage from the fire the British had set. Letting his gaze roam he looked at the Treasury building, the Capitol and the Navy yard. All burnt. That so much of the city was untouched had more to do with the discipline of the British rather than any American resistance.
His mind ranged over the last two months, the surrender of Alexandria to British forces without a shot fired, the loss of St Louis and the territory of Mississippi and the loss of the Lakes and Baltimore. Not to mention the terrible day when he had been forced to flee Washington, only for the British to eat the meal at his very dining table before firing the White House.
From the window of the Octagon House the only good news he saw was the Brick Capitol building beginning to be constructed. He had fought for the capital to remain in Washington and had won, but the victory cost. The damned Federalist’s where pushing for a settlement, particularly since the disaster at Baltimore and the loss of Brown at Fort Erie. The Brits where walking all over the north and west winning battles, but more importantly winning support from his own people.
The only victories where in the south and Jackson know it. He was the shining light and darling of the American people, at least those in the southern states. His victories over the Spanish, British and natives made him the greatest of American generals since Washington. Madison frowned again. Ah, if only his Excellency was with us now, he could unite the states as no other since. Neither Adams, nor Jefferson could have done better, he was sure, no matter what their letters said.