mpany that preserved me. Had I been alone, I
should have been raving distracted. I had committed no crime; I was in
the service of my country, in a just and necessary war, declared by
the _people_ of the UNITED STATES, through their representatives in
_Congress_, and proclaimed to the world by our supreme executive
officer, _James Madison_. On this subject, I cannot help remarking the
ignorance of the people of England. In their newspapers, and in their
conversation, you will constantly find this idea held up, that the war
was the work of _Mr. Madison_ and _Bonaparte_. This shows their
ignorance of the affairs of our country. They are too ignorant to talk
with on the constitution of our government; and on the character and
conduct of our administration. It is no wonder that they are
astonished at our victories, by sea and by land, when they are so
totally ignorant of our country, of its endless resources, of its
invincible republican spirit, of its _strong_ government, founded on
the affections of the people; and of the vigor, and all commanding
intellect that pervades and directs the whole.

On the 28th of this month, December, 1815, the news arrived here that
a treaty of peace was signed the 24th instant, at Ghent. After a
momentary stupor, acclamations of joy burst forth from every mouth. It
flew like wild fire through the prison; and _peace! peace! peace!_
echoed throughout these dreary regions. To know that we were soon to
return home, produced a sensation of joy beyond the powers of
expression! Some screamed, hollowed, danced, sung, and capered, like
so many Frenchmen. Others stood in amaze, with their hands in their
pockets, as if doubtful of its truth. In by far the greater part,
however, it gave a glow of health and animation to the wan cheek of
the half sick, and, hitherto, cheerless prisoner. Some unforgiving
spirits hail the joyful event as bringing them nearer the period of
revenge, which they longed to exercise on some of their tyrannical
keepers. Many who had meditated escape, and had hoarded up every penny
for that event, now brought it forth to spend in celebration of their
regular deliverance. Even hard hearted Shortland appeared to bend from
the haughty severity of his jailor-like manner, and can now speak to
an American as if he were of the same species with himself. He has
even allowed us to hoist our national colors on these prisons; and
appears not to be offended at the sound of mirth and hilarity