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 334 War with Great Britain. [1812 that indemnity and redress for old wrongs were still withheld ; and that the coasts and the harbours of the United States were again witnessing scenes not less derogatory to the national rights than vexatious to trade. Accordingly the President asked that the United States should be put " into an armour and an attitude demanded by the crisis. 1 ' The appeal did not fall on deaf ears; and the House and Senate proceeded with due diligence to prepare for war. The ranks of the regular army were ordered to be filled; the number of regiments was increased ; money was voted for the army and navy; provision was made for accepting the service of 50,000 volunteers ; and in April, 1812, an embargo was laid on all foreign, shipping for thirty days. On June 1 the President sent a message to Congress advocating war on the grounds that Great Britain had urged the Indians to attack the whites, had ruined American trade by the Orders in Council, had practically blockaded American ports, and had impressed American seamen to serve in her own ships. The House and the Senate passed the necessary Act by majorities of about two to one ; and on June 19, 1812, Madison, by proclamation, declared that a state of war existed between Great Britain and the United States.