Songs and Poems from the War of 1812 Further Reading British and Canadian Songs British Poems American Songs More American Songs American Songs 3 The Battle of New Orleans, by Jimmy Driftwood American Poems More American Poems   Return to Songs and Poems Index

Miscellaneous Statements Official dispatch from Secretary of State John Monroe to President Madison the day before the Battle of Bladensburg: "The enemy are advanced six miles on the road to the Wood Yard, and our troops are retiring. Our troops were on the march to meet them, but in too small a body to engage. General Winder proposes to retire till he can collect them in a body. The enemy are in full march to Washington. Have the materials prepared to destroy the bridges. "P.S.–You had better remove the records"   Americans were far from unanimous in their assessment of the result of the War of 1812. While most papers boasted that the U.S. had won the war, some saw it far differently, as witnessed by the following stanza, which appeared in the Evening Post. "Your commerce is wantonly lost, Your treasures are wasted and gone; You've fought to no end, but with millions of cost, And for rivers of blood you've nothing to boast But credit and nation undone."   In London, not everyone was pleased with the Peace treaty either, as witnessed by the following, which appeared in the London Public Advertiser. "Advertisements Extraordinary. "Wanted.–The spirit which animated the conduct of Elizabeth, Oliver, and William. "Lost.–All idea of national dignity and honour. "Found.–That every insignificant state may insult THAT which used to call herself MISTRESS OF THE SEAS."